54. Chapter 54: Wen Xiaorou, I Want You! [4]

In Shangjing, Chu Ge held a position second only to Jing Nuo and above everyone else. Aside from matters concerning the core interests of Shangjing, which he would discuss with Jing Nuo, he made all other decisions and arrangements entirely on his own without consulting him. Therefore, regarding his intention to take Wen Xiaorou under his wing, Jing Nuo felt it was somewhat redundant, especially since he had already granted him sufficient authority when Chu Ge first joined Shangjing.

As Chu Ge observed Jing Nuo's reaction, a conspiratorial smile played on his lips, as if he had seen through some of Jing Nuo's secrets and deliberately brought the matter up for discussion. While this might not impact Shangjing's corporate interests, it would certainly affect Jing Nuo's personal state of mind.

And he! The reason he informed Jing Nuo that he wanted Wen Xiaorou was by no means a routine work inquiry, but rather a declaration of territorial sovereignty—asserting ownership over Wen Xiaorou.

With that, he took a step closer to Jing Nuo, wagged his right index finger, and said, "I've claimed this person, so you are not allowed to harbor any other thoughts, understood?"

Realizing his own self-indulgent assumption, Jing Nuo felt a trace of annoyance. With a half-smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, he replied, "Director Chu certainly has unique tastes, but you are worrying over nothing."

At this, Chu Ge curled the corners of his lips into an amused smile and said, "I certainly hope I'm just worrying over nothing."

Chu Ge was a remarkably observant person. When he had accidentally collided with Wen Xiaorou earlier, he had inadvertently caught the fleeting exchange of glances between her and Jing Nuo. Wen Xiaorou's panic, combined with Jing Nuo's inscrutable gaze, convinced him that Jing Nuo treated Wen Xiaorou differently from other women.

Moreover, rumors had already circulated around the company that Jing Nuo had taken a special interest in Wen Xiaorou on her very first day of work. This led Chu Ge to suspect whether Jing Nuo might harbor romantic feelings for her.

At lunchtime, Chu Ge and Jing Nuo—neither of whom ever cared to dine at the company cafeteria—coincidentally converged there today, causing a minor commotion across the dining hall. The employees had seen their male gods flash their charisma, but never had they witnessed them actually dining in. Today was truly an eye-opener for the staff of Shangjing, allowing them a rare glimpse of the two heartthrobs enjoying their meal.

The company cafeteria operated on a buffet model, offering hundreds of dishes freely available for selection—one of the many reasons Shangjing was so alluring. Jing Nuo and Chu Ge strolled through different sections with plates in hand, yet their plates remained completely empty, their eyes constantly scanning the room as if searching for something.

Meanwhile, Wen Xiaorou stood holding her plate, a look of profound depression clouding her face. Despite the dazzling array of delicacies before her, her stomach had wandered all the way back to the Jing family's suburban villa, and she found herself desperately longing for Aunt Liang's cooking.

Peering through the crowd, Chu Ge finally spotted his target and strode over with brisk, joyful steps. Slipping up behind Wen Xiaorou, he leaned down and whispered close to her ear, "If the food here isn't to your liking, I can take you somewhere delicious."

Startled by the sudden gust of warm air against her ear, Wen Xiaorou gave a jump, quickly spun around, took a large step back, and rubbed her ear. When she recognized Chu Ge, her face froze into an awkward, plastered smile.

Seeing that Wen Xiaorou had no intention of accepting his invitation, Chu Ge narrowed his eyes slightly and said with mock displeasure, "Some people are quite forgetful."

Wen Xiaorou was completely baffled by his words, unable to make head or tail of what he meant. Was this man accusing her of having a poor memory? Could it be that he was displeased with her lack of hierarchical etiquette for failing to greet him properly?

Looking at this man who kept making such eccentric gestures toward her, she desperately wanted to wave enthusiastically and say, "Hello, you walking radiator of affection," but realizing how terribly impolite that would be, she obediently bowed ninety degrees and greeted him, "Good afternoon, Director Chu."