Chapter 48: Company Getaway

Ever since injuring his leg a few days ago, Song Jingyao had been staying at Shen Xiuzhu’s house.

The problem was that the male lead’s irresistible charm seemed to be overflowing twenty-four hours a day, leaving Song Jingyao at a complete loss more than once.

He had tried several times to suggest moving back home, but each attempt was effortlessly brushed aside by Shen Xiuzhu’s frighteningly good persuasion skills.

Before he knew it, the topic had changed, he’d been sweet-talked into staying, and somehow Shen Xiuzhu had even managed to take advantage of him a little.

The company was preparing its annual outing.

It was both a vacation for employees who had worked hard all year and a team-building event meant to strengthen relationships and improve workplace morale.

This year’s destination was a luxury resort owned by the Shen family.

The resort offered every imaginable activity.

People could spend an entire month there without getting bored, making it one of the most popular vacation spots around.

The trip usually took place around the same time every year.

This year, however, it had been postponed by several days.

Officially, it was because the company’s current project needed to be wrapped up properly.

In reality…

No one knew that the schedule had changed because President Shen had made a single casual remark.

When Song Jingyao learned about the company trip, he’d asked a few curious questions.

Hearing that the destination was a resort he’d never visited before, he’d casually wondered aloud what there was to do there.

Seeing his interest—and considering that his sprained ankle hadn’t completely healed yet—Shen Xiuzhu had quietly ordered the trip to be delayed until Song Jingyao could go.

Although Song Jingyao had only worked at the company for a short time and was technically still a newcomer, his cheerful personality made him incredibly easy to get along with.

He had already become friends with almost everyone around him.

At first, many employees had assumed the “air-dropped young master” would be spoiled and difficult to deal with, so they’d kept their distance.

But after getting to know him…

They discovered he was surprisingly pleasant company.

Without realizing it, everyone had grown close to him.

It was one of the essential survival skills of children born into wealthy families.

As long as they wanted to…

They could get along with anyone.

Precisely because he was so popular, before the departure date had even arrived, countless people were already asking him to hang out together during the trip.

Perhaps rich young masters simply looked like experts at having fun.

Following him around seemed like the safest way to enjoy the vacation.

Some people even invited him to sit beside them on the bus.

Song Jingyao laughed.

What is this? An elementary school spring excursion?

Still…

Their excitement proved infectious.

Soon, he found himself eagerly counting down the days until the trip.

On the morning of departure, several buses were parked outside the company building.

Employees boarded according to department, while smaller departments shared vehicles.

The President’s Secretariat wasn’t very large.

One minibus was enough.

Whether it was the overwhelming force of the plot or just coincidence…

The heroine, Wen Lu, ended up having to join their bus because there weren’t enough seats elsewhere.

As Song Jingyao approached the assigned minibus, he happened to run into her.

The moment Wen Lu saw him, her eyes practically lit up.

“Yao-ba… Ah, I mean, Brother Yao! You’re on this bus too?”

Song Jingyao fell silent.

…Did I hear that right?

What exactly did the heroine just call me?

Her eyes, however, were so clear and sincere that he couldn’t even question her.

He simply nodded awkwardly.

Wen Lu immediately beamed.

“Let’s sit together!”

Song Jingyao wasn’t surprised.

She didn’t know anyone else from the Secretariat very well.

Inviting the only familiar face made perfect sense.

Thinking about his current role…

How could someone secretly in love with the heroine refuse her invitation?

So he nodded.

After boarding, Wen Lu glanced around enthusiastically, about to ask where “Little Yao” wanted to sit.

Instead…

She made eye contact with President Shen.

She visibly shivered.

For some reason…

President Shen’s gaze suddenly felt terrifying.

Shen Xiuzhu’s expression was cool.

But the instant he looked toward Song Jingyao, the corners of his lips curved into the faintest smile.

Patting the seat beside him, he said,

“Sit here.”

Song Jingyao blinked.

Instinctively, he looked back at Wen Lu.

“I already promised I’d sit with Wen Lu.”

The smile in Shen Xiuzhu’s eyes faded immediately.

Turning toward Wen Lu, he calmly declared,

“He’s my assistant.”

“It’s more convenient for us to discuss work together.”

“You don’t mind, do you?”

Did Wen Lu mind?

Of course she did.

But…

Could she actually say no?

Absolutely not.

With the way President Shen was looking at her, she had the distinct feeling that refusing would allow her to experience what “instant death” meant.

She waved both hands frantically.

“Not at all!”

“I don’t mind!”

Without another word, she fled to sit beside another female assistant.

Seeing there were no empty seats left, Song Jingyao had no choice but to sit beside Shen Xiuzhu.

Normally, company presidents didn’t spend the entire trip with their employees.

They usually appeared briefly during speeches or prize drawings before leaving for their own schedules.

Yet this time…

President Shen not only came—

He even rode the bus with everyone.

The assistants were stunned.

Only the person organizing the trip knew a little about why.

One assistant, however, wasn’t surprised in the slightest.

Her expression remained perfectly professional.

Inside…

She was screaming.

I knew it!

If the young master is coming, how could President Shen possibly not come too?!

Ever since the mango cake incident…

And accidentally overhearing a few suspiciously intimate conversations…

The assistant had become a die-hard shipper.

She adored this couple.

Working nearby meant she received fresh relationship “food” every single day.

Different flavors.

Unlimited servings.

Absolutely wonderful.

A heavenly pairing!

Lock them together!

Someone weld them shut already!

Unfortunately…

She had no one to share her excitement with.

She could only enjoy the romance alone.

It was both painful…

And incredibly satisfying.

Every so often, she secretly peeked over.

Fortunately, she was subtle enough.

Otherwise people might have mistaken her for secretly crushing on President Shen himself.

Song Jingyao happily munched on a bag of potato chips.

Crunch.

Crunch.

Like a tiny squirrel storing food for winter.

Shen Xiuzhu sat very close beside him.

Rather than eating himself, he mostly watched Song Jingyao with obvious indulgence.

Occasionally, he’d pick up one or two chips.

It was clear…

Watching the person beside him was much more enjoyable than eating.

Halfway through the journey, Song Jingyao had eaten his fill.

Sleepiness soon overtook him.

His head gradually drooped to one side.

Just like nodding off during class in school, his head kept dipping lower and lower until—

Thunk.

It lightly bumped against the bus window.

Seeing this, Shen Xiuzhu immediately reached over.

His hand shielded the side of Song Jingyao’s head.

Then, gently pulling him closer, he let Song Jingyao rest against his shoulder.

He also thoughtfully lowered the air-conditioning above them and drew the curtain to block the bright sunlight outside.

Sure enough…

The slight frown on Song Jingyao’s sleeping face gradually disappeared.

His eyebrows relaxed into soft crescents.

He slept even more peacefully.

The assistant watched everything silently.

Her excitement reached another level.

If this isn’t love…

Then what is?

The domineering CEO and his adorable young master have taken another huge step forward!

I’ll gladly feast on this relationship content first!

The journey went smoothly.

Soon, the group arrived at the resort.

Everything had already been arranged.

Rooms were assigned.

Luggage was delivered to the hotel.

Then everyone changed into swimsuits and headed toward the private beach.

When it was time to get off the bus…

Song Jingyao still hadn’t fully woken up.

He looked as though he’d happily fuse himself to the seat forever.

Even after Shen Xiuzhu woke him, he merely opened his eyes halfway before becoming motionless again.

Shen Xiuzhu seemed completely accustomed to this.

Only after everyone else had left the bus did he gently pull Song Jingyao to his feet.

Holding his hand…

Like leading a sleepy child…

He guided him off the bus.

The assistant deliberately slowed her pace.

Pretending to glance back casually, she witnessed the entire scene.

The young master hadn’t even opened his eyes.

He obediently allowed President Shen to lead him along.

The corners of his eyes were still moist from sleep.

He yawned lazily.

He looked as though he might fall asleep standing up.

The unconscious trust and dependence he placed in Shen Xiuzhu…

It was unbearably adorable.

The assistant’s eyes sparkled.

Unexpectedly, after only one glance, President Shen gestured for her to come over.

Her heart skipped a beat.

…Did he catch me spying?

Fortunately, years of professional training kept her face perfectly calm.

Luckily…

President Shen wasn’t scolding her.

Seeing she happened to be nearby, he simply instructed,

“I’m sharing a room with him.”

“No need to arrange another one.”

The assistant froze briefly.

Then she calmly nodded.

“Understood.”

She turned and walked away with impeccable composure.

Inside…

She was screaming loud enough to summon the dead.

AHHHHHHHHH!!

I KNEW IT!!

Meanwhile…

Song Jingyao remained completely half-asleep.

He hadn’t heard a single word anyone had said.

He was nothing more than a salted fish being dragged from place to place against its will.

Everyone changed into beachwear and gathered on the private stretch of shoreline reserved exclusively for company employees.

After all…

The resort belonged to the big boss.

One sentence from him was enough.

Money really did make life convenient.

People played beach volleyball.

Went swimming.

Tried scuba diving.

Relaxed on lounge chairs with fruit juice.

Built sandcastles.

Everyone did whatever they wanted.

Besides the games, the company had also prepared a beach barbecue.

The grills and ingredients were fully stocked.

The male employees were especially enthusiastic.

Particularly the single ones.

Each wanted to show off in front of the female coworkers.

A beach was paradise for many men.

Not only could they swim freely…

They could also admire plenty of attractive figures in swimsuits.

Likewise, many women with great figures weren’t shy about showing off their slim waists and long legs.

If they looked that good…

Why hide it?

Corporate team-building events often doubled as unofficial matchmaking opportunities.

By the end of a few days…

Several new couples might emerge.

Some male employees hoped to impress beautiful coworkers.

Meanwhile…

Some of those women already had entirely different targets in mind.

The vacation brought together employees from every department.

People who rarely met now found themselves spending time together.

Everyone wore casual clothes instead of office attire.

The usual sense of distance disappeared.

It even made certain possibilities feel… attainable.

President Shen—

Usually cold, noble, and impossibly distant—

Was suddenly right there.

Seeing him up close…

He was somehow even more handsome.

Perfect from every angle.

Does someone this good-looking actually exist?

He’s basically a two-dimensional game character!

Several female employees who enjoyed romance games instantly fell.

It felt exactly like one of the gorgeous men they’d spent real money collecting had suddenly appeared in real life.

They huddled together, whispering excitedly while trying desperately not to attract President Shen’s attention.

If he discovered they were secretly fantasizing about him…

Would they still have jobs tomorrow?

Of course…

Not everyone lacked the courage to approach him.

A tall, beautiful woman in a bikini walked over.

Her long wavy hair cascaded down her back.

Her fair skin and elegant figure carried a naturally seductive charm.

Smiling sweetly, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“President Shen…”

“I’m not very good at barbecuing.”

“Would you mind teaching me?”

Shen Xiuzhu, who had just picked up a plate of ingredients, looked up at the woman blocking his path.

Not far away…

Song Jingyao witnessed everything with folded arms and an expression that screamed this should be entertaining.

As expected of the male lead.

Wherever he goes, women flock to him.

He’d heard the woman came from a wealthy family herself.

She wasn’t working here for the salary at all.

She’d joined specifically because of Shen Xiuzhu.

After all…

The closer you were to the moon, the easier it was to bask in its light.

Instead of answering immediately…

Shen Xiuzhu instinctively turned to look at Song Jingyao first.

Seeing the completely unconcerned expression on Song Jingyao’s face…

His own mood instantly darkened.

Fortunately…

At least Song Jingyao didn’t seem interested in the woman.

Otherwise…

Shen Xiuzhu felt he might actually cough up blood from frustration.

Already in a bad mood, he looked coldly at the woman.

“Do you have a phone?”

She blinked.

“…Yes?”

“If you have one, why not search online?”

“There are countless tutorial videos.”

“Are they not enough to teach you?”

His voice carried unmistakable irritation.

He was only one sentence away from telling her to get lost.

Never before had she been rejected so bluntly.

Her face burned with embarrassment.

Fortunately, one of the assistants hurried over.

“I know how to barbecue.”

“I’ll teach you.”

She gracefully rescued the awkward situation and led the woman away.

Watching the entire exchange, Song Jingyao couldn’t help sighing inwardly.

So cold toward beautiful women…

Is the male lead made of reinforced steel?

Where did all that emotional intelligence he uses when teasing me disappear to?

Seriously…

Some men are hopeless at talking to girls.

Yet somehow they’re experts at flirting with their bros.

Just as he was happily roasting the male lead in his head…

A cool voice interrupted him.

“Come here.”

Song Jingyao looked left.

Then right.

Finally…

He reluctantly accepted that Shen Xiuzhu was indeed talking to him.

He really didn’t want to go.

But after meeting that familiar warning look…

He decided life would probably be easier if he obeyed.

Shuffling over unwillingly, he muttered,

“What now?”

“Sit here.”

Shen Xiuzhu pointed to the chair beside him.

Expecting another lecture, Song Jingyao waited.

Nothing happened.

Instead…

Shen Xiuzhu calmly began barbecuing.

A wealthy CEO knows how to grill?

Of course not.

But this is the male lead.

If he can master foreign languages overnight, learning barbecue probably takes all of five minutes.

Otherwise…

How could he live up to his protagonist status?

Before long, Shen Xiuzhu grilled chicken wings, chives, meat and vegetables, sprinkling everything with cumin as fragrant juices sizzled over the fire.

The aroma was irresistible.

He handed the skewers over.

“Eat.”

Despite briefly wondering whether Shen Xiuzhu might be trying to poison him…

Song Jingyao accepted without hesitation.

The food was scorching hot.

He blew on it repeatedly before taking another bite.

And then—

It was genuinely delicious.

His mouth glistened with oil as he gave Shen Xiuzhu an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

“So good!”

For the first time in a while, a faint smile appeared on Shen Xiuzhu’s usually expressionless face.

Then…

He calmly took every single skewer back.

Including the one Song Jingyao had already bitten.

Song Jingyao stared.

“…?”

“I grilled them.”

“So naturally…”

“They’re mine.”

Song Jingyao puffed out both cheeks in protest.

He looked exactly like an angry little steamed bun.

Petty!

Shen Xiuzhu leisurely took another bite.

Precisely…

From the spot where Song Jingyao had bitten moments earlier.

He freely admitted it.

He was petty.

And very, very good at holding grudges.

Weren’t you enjoying that little show just now?

Then consider this your punishment.

Sit there…

And watch me eat.

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