Chairman Husband, Too Boorish - 185

Chapter 185 : For me, waiting for her to walk towards me was the hardest part.

"Do you know Liang Xi Cheng?"

"…"

Yan Liang's hands, which had been resting awkwardly on her knees, suddenly clenched into a knot. Her eyes were lowered, a hint of unease deep within them.

Actually, a year ago, not many people in City A knew about her marriage to Liang Xi Cheng. At that time, they were practically living in secrecy, so in her documents, under the "Marital Status" section, she wrote "Unmarried."

There were no other issues; she simply didn't want her past, which she desperately wanted to hide, to be exposed.

And after graduating from SGA in England, she didn't intend to have any further involvement with that man.

However, she knew that a portion of Liang's company was involved in architectural design, so she tried her best to avoid meeting him.

But she hadn't expected that on her first day of job interviews, the company's general manager would still bring up her most sensitive question.

Yan Liang hesitated for a moment, then finally said, "... Yes, I know him."

To say she didn't know him would be too far-fetched. The other person knew she had once been his secretary and had worked for him; how could she not recognize him?

Yan Liang was still unsure why this general manager had suddenly brought up Liang Xi Cheng instead of asking her about design matters. She weighed the situation anxiously in her mind when the man opposite her spoke again.

"Miss Bai, you worked at EC for a while, and it was through EC that you had the opportunity to participate in the design competition. After that, you rose rapidly to the top, winning the highest award and getting the chance to go to SGA. As far as I know, you delayed your entry to SGA by a few days. You and I both know the rules of SGA; it's not a place for just anyone. To have to delay your entry even after securing a spot means you must have used a lot of connections. Chairman Liang Xi Cheng of the Liang Group must have played a significant role in this. So, I think Liang Xi Cheng is a benefactor to you, Miss Bai, isn't he?"

"…"

Yan Liang bit her lip, completely clueless about what this man was up to. From the moment she sat down, his conversation had revolved entirely around Liang Xi Cheng. What did this mean?

But she couldn't avoid the question. After weighing it in her mind, she nodded, "... Yes, Liang ... Mr. Liang of Liang's Group, who was also the president of EC back then, Liang Xi Cheng, he did help me a lot. In other words, without him, I wouldn't be where I am today ..."

The man smiled slightly, his features very defined. He raised an eyebrow and leaned casually against his executive chair. "Ms. Bai, please don't be agitated. I have no ill intentions and don't intend to pry into the privacy of company employees. I just want to ask you, since Liang's Group nurtured you, why didn't you go to Liang's Group after you came back?"

"…"

Yan Liang's eyes flickered. She hadn't expected him to ask this question, and she didn't know how to answer for a moment.

After a moment of silence, the manager chuckled. "It's alright. If Miss Bai doesn't want to answer, I believe there must be a reason. Don't be too nervous. I have no interest in your private affairs." He paused, then added, "You can start work tomorrow. Besides, I happen to have a project that might require your assistance. I believe this architectural design prodigy who returned from SGA, the designer your mentor, the renowned King, has entrusted with the task of creating the next 'Cement Queen,' will not disappoint me, right?"

Yan Liang, "…"

So this means … she passed?

He didn't seem to ask me anything about the design; he just asked Liang Xi Cheng and approved it …

The man opposite her had already stood up. Yan Liang quickly pulled herself out of her thoughts and hurriedly stood up as well. After thinking for a moment, she asked, “… Um, Manager, could you tell me in advance what the project is about? I'd like to be mentally prepared.”

“Miss Bai, my surname is Zhuo, and my given name is Hui.”

Yan Liang was taken aback. “Manager Zhuo.”

“Hmm.” Zhuo Hui leaned lazily against the large desk, arms crossed, looking at Yan Liang with a leisurely air. “I'll personally explain the project to you when you come to work tomorrow. Now you can go back.”

As he spoke, he raised his wrist to check the time. “It's about time. I'm going to have lunch.”

“…”

It's only a little past 10 o'clock now, isn't it?

Lunch … so early?

Yan Liang naturally didn't say much. She always felt that this man named Zhuo Hui was a bit strange. He was a company manager, but he exuded a certain lazy air about him. Judging from his clothes, they weren't cheap either. With the title of company manager on his head, he seemed more like a spoiled young master.

Yan Liang said goodbye to Zhuo Hui and left the office. The man she thought was a spoiled young master smiled, quickly took out his phone, and dialed a number.

“… Don't forget what we agreed on before. And what you asked me to ask, I asked. The answer is—she hasn't forgotten the good things you did for her, but she's very reluctant to mention you.”

“…”

“I've arranged everything for you. Brother, this is all I can do for you.”

“…”

***

City A.

A man in a black suit stood before the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, on the 20th floor. Looking down, the bustling traffic below seemed miniature; the whole world appeared to be beneath his feet.

Too many successful people like to have their offices at such a height, because it makes them feel forever superior.

But what good is the whole world if you actually have it all?

The man gave a deep, resonant "Mmm," his voice deep and warm. "... I'll remember this favor. Don't worry about our next project; I promised you a 30/70 split, and I won't mistreat you."

The person on the other end of the phone said something, and the man's lips slowly curved into a smile. He tightened his grip on the phone, his deep voice revealing little emotion, yet carrying a profound sense of restraint. "This amount of money is nothing. For me, waiting for her to come to me is the hardest part ..."

"... Her personality isn't one to take the initiative to come to me. This is the only way I can get close to her and have a chance."

"..."

After hanging up the phone, the man placed it on the table beside him. He stretched out his hands, fingers spread, and braced them against the glass window. His deep eyes darted about, revealing a heart that had been dormant for over a year—truly over a year—unmoved by any turmoil. Yet, at this moment, his heart was surging.

Yan Liang ... Yan Liang ...

***

The next day.

Lati Architectural Design Company held a high reputation in the industry. However, what Yan Liang didn't know was that Zhuo Hui, who had interviewed her the day before, was actually the heir to Lati, despite holding the title of manager. He rarely appeared at the company in person, but this morning, he arrived impeccably dressed, followed by a woman dressed in all white.

She was capable and refreshing, her black hair tied in a ponytail, and large black-rimmed glasses perched on her nose, obscuring some of the light in her eyes, but without making her appear dull.

This woman possessed a unique aura that was impossible to ignore.

Zhuo Hui glanced around. All the design department staff were looking at the two people in front of him, waiting for him to speak. Zhuo Hui pointed to Yan Liang beside him and introduced, "This is Ms. Bai Yan Liang, a graduate of the SGA School of Architecture in the UK. Starting today, she will be joining our company as the Design Director."

"…"

Yan Liang already knew that she had applied for the Design Director position. After all, she was a graduate of SGA, and she had spent over a year studying there; she had no intention of starting from scratch.

—Sometimes, people need to give themselves more confidence. Confidence can contribute three-tenths to success.

Yan Liang was somewhat lost in thought. For a moment, she actually remembered those words—those words Liang Xi Cheng had once said to her.

"... Director Bai? Director Bai?"

"..."

Zhuo Hui stepped aside, looked at the woman who was lost in thought, and coughed lightly. "Director Bai, hmm?"

"..."

Yan Liang quickly snapped back to reality, realizing she had been daydreaming. Her face flushed slightly, she instinctively adjusted her glasses and nodded hastily. "I'm sorry, I ..."

"Let me introduce you," Zhuo Hui didn't seem to care, stepping aside to let Yan Liang step forward. "These will all be your subordinates from now on, and I hope you can work together smoothly."

Yan Liang nodded, stepped forward, her long, white legs accentuated by black high heels. Her hands were casually behind her back, all her thoughts seemingly collected. Her fair face carried the air of a leader, and she smiled slightly at everyone. "Hello everyone, my name is Bai Yan Liang. I will be working with you all from now on, and I hope we can work together smoothly."

Zhuo Hui stood to the side, one hand supporting his chin, raising an eyebrow with amusement—

Hmm, Liang Xi Cheng's woman is indeed somewhat different; she still exudes a certain sharpness that only that man possesses.

It seems that agreeing to Liang Xi Cheng's offer to take her in wasn't a bad deal for him at all. He'd witnessed her talent; she was exceptionally talented and of good character. Most importantly, with her in his company, Liang's Group would be a cash cow for them …

The self-introductions were almost finished. Actually, the women still held some reservations about Yan Liang. Although those in the architectural design field knew SGA was a prestigious institution, Yan Liang looked to be only in her early twenties or late thirties, and they'd never even heard of her before. Now, she'd suddenly appeared as the design director, and the women looked at her with a hint of disapproval.

However, Yan Liang didn't care; she was used to such looks.

Zhuo Hui, seeing her calm demeanor, raised an eyebrow, admiring this composed woman even more. He snapped his fingers, one hand in his trouser pocket, and pointed to his office with the other. "Director Bai, come in with me. I have something to discuss with you."

Entering Yan Liang's office, Zhuo Hui sat on the sofa, inviting Yan Liang to sit opposite him. He glanced at the woman before speaking, "Director Bai, as I mentioned yesterday, there's a project I need to assign you today. However, after some thought, I've decided to meet with our partner tonight. The project isn't particularly complicated, but the contract isn't handled by Lati; it's with the other company. We've arranged to have dinner at a hotel tonight. Will you come with me? After we get the contract, I'll explain the project to you. What do you think?"

Zhuo Hui's tone was consultative.

Yan Liang admitted she didn't particularly like social engagements, but she knew they were unavoidable. Besides, it was her first day at work, so she couldn't be picky. She smiled politely, "Manager Zhuo, you're too kind. It's my duty. What time tonight?"

"After work."

Zhuo Hui stood up, glanced at his watch, and said, "Director Bai, you can familiarize yourself with the company environment first. If you have any questions, you can come directly to me. My office is right next to yours. Okay, I'll be going now." Before leaving, he glanced one last time at Yan Liang's suit, frowned slightly, and slowly stroked his thin, sexy lips with his index finger. After a moment, he said, "The clothes suit you very well, but you should take off your glasses."

"…"

*

*

*

(T/N: I think I missed 1 chapter, the real chapter 186. I'll put it right here, because I'm too lazy to correct all the chapters.)

Chapter 186 : Miss Bai, long time no see …

On her first day at work, Yan Liang spent most of her time familiarizing herself with various business operations, projects, and the company's workings.

After graduating from university, she started working at EC. She had actually become accustomed to office life. In the past year or so, she had experienced three things: falling in love, getting married, and then going to SGA in the UK for further studies. She had been away from the workforce for over a year. Returning home felt familiar, but for some reason, there was a bittersweet feeling in her heart.

Some people, no matter how they come and go, always end up back where they started.

Some things, no matter how they change, seem to return to the beginning.

But the feeling is completely different.

Around her, it wasn't just that things had changed; everything was different now …

At 5 PM, as soon as it was time to leave work, most of the design department staff had gone. Yan Liang gathered her things. There was a full-length mirror in her office; she wondered if the previous design director had left it there because he liked looking in the mirror. Yan Liang thought about her upcoming contract meeting with Zhuo Hui, which would definitely involve meeting him, so she walked to the mirror, checked her appearance, and looked at herself. Her gaze fell on the mirror, where her bespectacled eyes seemed unfocused.

—"The clothes suit you well, but you should take off your glasses and that nice novel."

These were Zhuo Hui's words. Were glasses really so unsuitable for her?

Yan Liang shook her head. What did it matter if they suited her or not? She didn't need to deliberately make herself look outstanding; she would prove herself through her work skills.

A confident smile played on Yan Liang's lips as she casually took out her makeup kit, quickly touched up her makeup, and put it back. Just then, she heard a knock at the door, followed by Zhuo Hui's voice, "Director Bai, you can leave now."

Yan Liang responded and left the office, heading to the parking lot with Zhuo Hui.

Standing in the elevator, Yan Liang looked at the gleaming walls and noticed Zhuo Hui standing in front of her, head down, typing rapidly on his phone. She pursed her lips, her eyes flickering with surprise. This man actually knew how to use that thumbs-up gesture game?

Yan Liang coughed lightly and called out to him.

Zhuo Hui grunted "Hmm" without looking up. "What is it?"

"I wanted to ask who we were talking to about the contract today? I just wanted to know their background. Manager Zhuo, could you tell me first? Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll be caught off guard. After all, you brought me out. People might see me with the title of Lati Design Director, but if I can't say anything, they might ..."

"It's alright."

Zhuo Hui seemed to trust her completely. He typed the last word on his phone screen—"Arriving in 30 minutes"—and sent it. He put his phone away, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Director Bai, don't worry too much. I trust your performance. If such a simple problem stumped the director I personally selected, wouldn't that be an insult to my judgment?"

"…"

Zhuo Hui drove himself to the agreed-upon location. Yan Liang noticed it was a hotel. She quickly assessed the situation; it wasn't the kind of place where people went to drink and socialize. This hotel was of a high standard, so the people they were talking to about the contract must be of decent character. Someone was already waiting at the door. Seeing Zhuo Hui get out of the car, they came out to greet him. Yan Liang followed behind Zhuo Hui, and all she heard was the man respectfully nodding to him, "Manager Zhuo, I've been waiting for you here. Chairman Liang is in the private room upstairs ..."

Yan Liang's heart skipped a beat.

Zhuo Hui almost instinctively reached out a shushing gesture, but after a moment, realizing he was nervous, he immediately lowered his hand and coughed lightly, "... Okay, I understand. Just tell me the number, we can go up ourselves."

The assistant, probably unaware of what he had said wrong, was startled by Zhuo Hui's earlier action and stammered, "... 3, 388."

"388?" Zhuo Hui frowned. "The third floor?"

The assistant nodded.

Zhuo Hui turned to look at the woman beside him and noticed her expression was off. He thought for a moment, then immediately said, "Director Bai, let's go upstairs."

Yan Liang bit her lip, watching Zhuo Hui walk towards the hotel's main entrance. She hesitated for a moment, then steeled herself and followed.

Could it be … she misheard?

It couldn't be him, Mr. Liang … Mr. Liang … Actually, this is C City, not A City. Although both are design projects, Liang's Group handles many more. Besides, C City and A City are quite far apart. How could he possibly be here?

Yan Liang tapped her temples, realizing she was worrying unnecessarily. He wasn't the only one in the world with the surname Liang. What was there to be afraid of?

Yes, it definitely couldn't be him, it couldn't be him!

She followed Zhuo Hui, constantly telling herself it couldn't be Liang Xi Cheng. But when they actually reached the door of VIP room 388, her heart started racing uncontrollably again.

Zhuo Hui reached out to knock, but Yan Liang couldn't hold back any longer and grabbed his wrist, somewhat inappropriately.

“Director Bai?” Zhuo Hui looked at her with some surprise, feigning ignorance. “What is it?”

“…”

“Director Bai?”

“Manager Zhuo, I … I wanted to ask, is the person inside … is their surname Liang?”

Zhuo Hui nodded expressionlessly. “Yes, their surname is Liang.”

“…”

“What’s wrong? Oh, did you think it was the famous Liang Xi Cheng from City A?”

Yan Liang’s heart skipped a beat. She didn’t know how to answer. Any answer seemed wrong. She didn’t want to admit her relationship with Liang Xi Cheng, but why was she so nervous if she didn’t?

"Director Bai, the way you're acting makes me think that Liang Xi Cheng from City A is your ex-lover. Could it be that you really are Liang Xi Cheng's ex-lover?"

"... Of course not!"

"Oh?" Zhuo Hui smiled, his initial intention to knock changing to pushing open the door to the private room. At the same time, he casually said, "No, then don't worry, he's just a business partner. Come in—"

Yan Liang was pulled by Zhuo Hui. The moment he pushed open the door to the private room, he released her wrist and instead pushed her by the back, shoving her inside. He then stepped in and closed the door.

Inside, there were four or five men. Upon seeing the two standing at the door, some immediately stood up and showered Zhuo Hui with friendly greetings. He was just a lowly general manager at Lati, yet these men treated him with such deference. Yan Liang had already suspected his identity was not simple; his mannerisms were not those of a manager …

But at this moment, she had no time to think about Zhuo Hui. The man sitting on the sofa in the center of the room made her completely freeze, her thoughts freezing for a moment.

All the surrounding sounds slowly faded, all the figures and scenes slowly dissipated, and all she could see was that man—

He wore a pink shirt and simple black trousers, his jacket off, and he leaned back lazily on the sofa, his long legs casually crossed, a wine glass in one hand. The warm orange light shone on his head, his black hair unkempt, casually covering his full forehead, and his deep eyes, compared to a year ago, remained unchanged …

No, they had changed.

If Liang Xi Cheng a year ago was a deep, reserved, and composed man, then now he seemed even more profound. This aura emanated from him effortlessly, making those around him pale in comparison.

"Chairman Liang, I apologize for being late."

Zhuo Hui stepped forward naturally to greet him, his tall figure blocking Yan Liang's path. He extended his hand, and the man on the opposite sofa put down his cup, stood up, and shook hands with Zhuo Hui. Yan Liang heard his voice—deep, resonant, so pleasant to hear, and so nostalgic.

"We just arrived too, please sit down."

"Let me introduce you."

Zhuo Hui grinned, pulling the dazed Yan Liang forward.

Liang Xi Cheng's gaze shifted, his eyes lingering somewhat absently on the woman's face opposite him.

"Come on, Director Bai, you should recognize me, right? This is Chairman Liang Xi Cheng, the CEO of the Liang family in City A." Zhuo Hui introduced her with great enthusiasm, feigning expertise. "Chairman Liang, this is Ms. Bai Yan Liang, my company's newly hired design director. A top graduate from SGA, she's destined to be a prodigy in the architectural design world. I've seen her previous work; it's very good. Of course, I also know she's a talented individual who came from under your tutelage, Chairman Liang. Now that I've claimed her for myself, Chairman Liang, you shouldn't be jealous, right?"

"…"

Yan Liang's eye twitched. What kind of introduction was this?

Why did she have a feeling that Zhuo Hui was plotting against her?

"Ms. Bai, it's been a long time."

Liang Xi Cheng actually extended his hand, a rare, faint smile appearing on his handsome face. Yanliang subconsciously met his gaze. His eyes were so calm, as if something was hidden deep within them, or perhaps, nothing at all.

This calm made her heart skip a beat—Miss Bai?

She never imagined that one day he would call her Miss Bai … So, should she also call him "Chairman Liang”?

"Chairman Liang, long time no see.”

Yan Liang suppressed the surging, fierce emotions and palpitations in her heart. If a year ago she hadn't quite known how to control her true emotions, then after experiencing so much, she had naturally changed.

Some emotions, she too, could control.

The man and woman's hands clasped in the air.

These large hands, which had held her small hand countless times, seemed different after a year. Yet, the warmth of his palm, the feeling it gave her, remained unchanged.

In fact, it was even stronger?

Yan Liang only touched his hand briefly, then instinctively withdrew it, as if trying to escape.

Liang Xi Cheng's long, slender fingers twitched slightly, his gaze momentarily lost in thought.

Just holding her soft hand had stirred a fierce desire within him. For over a year, thirteen months, he hadn't gone a day without thinking of her, waiting for her return, planning everything …

He truly had laid a trap, waiting for her to fall into it. He wanted to pamper her, love her, and make up for all the hurt he had caused her.

This time, he didn't want to helplessly let go again.

A hint of determination flashed deep within the man's sharp eyes, before he nonchalantly turned and sat back down in his original seat.

Seeing this, others immediately came over to greet Yan Liang. Yan Liang, delighted to have his attention diverted, turned around and greeted each of the strangers, maintaining a faint, polite smile throughout.

Chapter 184        |        TOC        |        Chapter 186