Chapter 7: A Passing Game [7]

“Good afternoon, miss! How may I assist you?” As Wen Xiaorou stepped through the grand entrance of Shangjing Talent Center, a receptionist promptly approached, ready to offer help.

“I’m here to see Jing Nuo,” Wen Xiaorou whispered softly, giving the name with a gentle tone.

“The president? Do you have an appointment?” The staff sized Wen Xiaorou up carefully. It was clear she came from a wealthy family, and the designer takeout bag she held—of a brand the receptionist had never seen—only added to her high-class impression.

“I’m not sure,” Wen Xiaorou pondered the phone call from the previous day—did that count as an appointment?

“I’m not sure? How should I understand that?” Perhaps because Wen Xiaorou’s attire was so elegant, the receptionist remained exceptionally polite and gentle, refraining from turning her away abruptly.

“I’m delivering his lunch,” Wen Xiaorou said, lifting the bag to show the staff.

“Are you the president’s girlfriend?” The receptionist’s eyes widened further. No wonder the president rarely looked at them properly. And now seeing this stunning woman before her, so exquisitely beautiful that words failed her, she thought how unfair it was—how could someone be so perfectly radiant, with flawless skin and such lustrous hair? It seemed almost unjust.

“Something like that,” Wen Xiaorou paused before answering. Apparently, no one knew the big boss was married; Jing Nuo belonged to the hidden-marriage group. Wen Xiaorou felt uneasy—was this not a denial of her existence? No wonder there were so many rumors.

“Shall I call the president to notify him?” The receptionist gestured as if making a call, seeking Wen Xiaorou’s permission.

“I know his office,” Wen Xiaorou replied.

“The president is coming down,” the receptionist announced, spotting Jing Nuo stepping out of the elevator behind Wen Xiaorou, assuming he had come to greet this beauty.

Turning at the receptionist’s words, Wen Xiaorou saw Jing Nuo near the elevator. She couldn’t help but call out, “Jing Nuo!”

He heard her and glanced toward her direction, but the next instant, his eyes swiftly averted—as if accidentally locking eyes with a stranger, then quickly withdrawing his gaze. Seeing this subtle gesture, Wen Xiaorou’s chest tightened painfully; Jing Nuo was pretending not to know her. Her enthusiasm was instantly extinguished by his coldness.

“Jing Nuo, Aunt Liang made this lunch,” Wen Xiaorou suppressed her hurt feelings and hurried over, trying to please him.

Jing Nuo gave her a disdainful glance, then bypassed her and continued forward, seemingly intent on leaving, completely ignoring her presence. Wen Xiaorou was mortified—she hadn’t expected that her thoughtful gesture would be met with such indifference. Didn’t the Jing family owe her at least a modicum of respect?

Meanwhile, the staff in the lobby were utterly bewildered. Did this young lady actually know the big boss? She certainly kept calling his name. Could it be that this heiress fancied the big boss, but he didn’t return the affection?

“The big boss sure has high standards. This girl is a hundred times prettier than those fresh-faced models. Could there be something wrong with his taste?” The onlookers loved to comment on the unfolding drama.

“Maybe the big boss doesn’t like this kind of pure, fresh type. Maybe he prefers someone wilder.”

“That’s possible.”

“Should we change our own approach then?” whispered one nearby, unnoticed by the others.