Chapter 28
A cold voice came from across the aisle. Snapping back to attention, I turned to meet Evan’s gaze, my face flushing crimson. His directness was like a sharp sword piercing me, throwing me into a boiling cauldron, frying me until I was utterly humiliated.
“Sorry, it won’t happen again,” I mumbled, lowering my head.
“I hope so,” he said coldly, withdrawing his gaze.
I was mortified. Zach was also embarrassed; he didn’t understand the CEO’s displeasure. My slight distraction wasn’t a significant issue; I’d recently experienced a major life upheaval; it was understandable that I was a little absentminded.
The flight attendant came to clear the breakfast and brought coffee. Evan rested for only about ten minutes before starting a video conference. For the next five hours of the flight, he was either in meetings, on calls, or reviewing documents. Zach had to report urgent matters constantly, followed by more calls and video conferences… The workload was as demanding as being in the office.
Seeing Zach had a moment, I quietly called him over, asking for details about the business trip. I needed to quickly grasp everything to keep up with his pace.
Zach sent me the itinerary for the next few days. The destination was Singapore; the main purpose was to inspect the branch office and meet with government officials and key business partners.
“This is the first stop; we’ll be inspecting branches worldwide over the next six months,” Zach whispered.
“Mm,” I nodded, understanding. He’d recently taken over as CEO; he needed to assert his authority. Even as the heir, his management skills would be questioned; he needed to demonstrate his capabilities, establish his dominance, and consolidate power; a new emperor, a new court; there would always be dissenters.
“Why Singapore as the first stop?” I asked quietly, out of curiosity. I’d researched Jones Group–a classic family
business, with capital accumulated over generations, originally a money lending house, evolving into a private bank, entering real estate in the 90s, then branching into new energy, entertainment, and the internet, with six listed companies. The Singapore branch was a new energy company, not the largest or most prominent. His choice of Singapore as the first stop puzzled me.
Zach hesitated.“Uh, nothing special. It’s closer.”
… What kind of joke was that? A man who owns a Gulfstream G650 could fly anywhere except the moon!
Zach outlined our responsibilities for the next few days, muttering, “In the US branch, I could handle everything myself. Back at headquarters, I’m constantly swamped.”
“And the boss is so picky; even Mr. Chen, the butler, had to act as a secretary. Now, with you here, Mr. Chen and I can breathe again.”
I smiled, a dimple appearing. Zach, close enough to see me clearly, was captivated by my beauty; he finally understood the phrase “beauty in all its forms“– ethereal in my natural state, enchanting and alluring with makeup.
“Zach, ask Mia for the sunflower seeds.” Evan’s indifferent voice cut through the air; he was holding a file, his eyes behind his glasses expressionless. Mia was the dedicated flight attendant.
Zach got up, puzzled.“….Sunflower seeds? You want some?” He’d never seen him eat them.
Evan put down the file, his eyelashes lowered. “You two were chatting intensely; some sunflower seeds will be more fitting.”
… The boss was subtle with his insults.
At 2 PM, the plane landed at Changi Airport. Stepping off the plane, the wave of heat instantly transported me from
< Chapter 28
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spring to summer. Then, I remembered my suitcase full of sweaters and down jackets… Going from near the Arctic Circle to the equator…
A car was waiting. Zach sat in the front; I sat in the back with Evan. We arrived at the Raffles Hotel. After checking in, Zach and I accompanied Evan to his suite.
“Any evening plans?” He sat on the sofa, his gaze on me.
I answered calmly.“Only one: Mr. Huang from Zhirong Technology invited you to a yacht party, a welcome reception.”
He nodded.“I’ll nap; wake me at 5.”
“Okay.” Zach and I left his suite, returning to our rooms. I hadn’t unpacked; I quickly left the hotel, taking a taxi to the nearest mall to buy clothes–business attire, casual wear, and a gown, to suit all occasions.
Returning to the hotel around 4:30 PM, I showered and changed into a business suit. At 4:50 PM, I quietly entered his suite, hanging up his suit, selecting and ironing the one he’d wear that evening.
At 5:00 AM, the alarm buzzed; I went to his bedroom to wake him. Entering, my eyes fell on the bed; my heel wobbled. He was lying in a silver silk robe, his chest open, revealing his collarbone and chest muscles, his long legs flawless; utterly alluring. Knowing I shouldn’t stare, I still looked for five or six seconds. The more I looked, the more… apprehensive I became. Had Zach assigned me the personal care tasks? This… this…
I was uncertain, unable to call Zach at this moment… The time was 5:05 AM! Taking a deep breath, I told myself, just don’t think of him as a man.
“Sir, it’s time to wake up.” I approached the bed, smiling professionally and speaking gently.
He frowned, then relaxed; he didn’t wake, falling back into a deep sleep.
… He even had morning grumpiness! I never imagined my career might end before it even began because I couldn’t wake the boss. It was 5:12 AM! I steeled myself, bending down and shouting in his ear, “Wake up!”
< Chapter 28
Menu
spring to summer. Then, I remembered my suitcase full of sweaters and down jackets… Going from near the Arctic Circle to the equator…
A car was waiting. Zach sat in the front; I sat in the back with Evan. We arrived at the Raffles Hotel. After checking in, Zach and I accompanied Evan to his suite.
“Any evening plans?” He sat on the sofa, his gaze on me.
I answered calmly.“Only one: Mr. Huang from Zhirong Technology invited you to a yacht party, a welcome reception.”
He nodded. “I’ll nap; wake me at 5.”
“Okay.” Zach and I left his suite, returning to our rooms. I hadn’t unpacked; I quickly left the hotel, taking a taxi to the nearest mall to buy clothes–business attire, casual wear, and a gown, to suit all occasions.
Returning to the hotel around 4:30 PM, I showered and changed into a business suit. At 4:50 PM, I quietly entered his suite, hanging up his suit, selecting and ironing the one he’d wear that evening.
At 5:00 AM, the alarm buzzed; I went to his bedroom to wake him. Entering, my eyes fell on the bed; my heel wobbled. He was lying in a silver silk robe, his chest open, revealing his collarbone and chest muscles, his long legs flawless; utterly alluring. Knowing I shouldn’t stare, I still looked for five or six seconds. The more I looked, the more… apprehensive I became. Had Zach assigned me the personal care tasks? This… this…
I was uncertain, unable to call Zach at this moment… The time was 5:05 AM! Taking a deep breath, I told myself, just don’t think of him as a man.
“Sir, it’s time to wake up.” I approached the bed, smiling professionally and speaking gently.
He frowned, then relaxed; he didn’t wake, falling back into a deep sleep.
… He even had morning grumpiness! I never imagined my career might end before it even began because I couldn’t wake the boss. It was 5:12 AM! I steeled myself, bending down and shouting in his ear, “Wake up!”
< Chapter 29
