Yue Ling's white Ashton Martin DB11 slows to a stop in De L'amour's parking lot. The driverside door calmly pushes open and she steps out into view.
She places her work bag over her shoulder and held the bad of congee in one hand.
"Good morning, CEO Han."
Sophia stood up from her chair and greets her boss upon arrival with a polite bow. She parted her lips and wanted to ask if she (Yue Ling) got home safely last night, but remembering something, she stops herself.
"Assistant Liu arrived an hour ago. He's in his office."
Yue Ling kept a composed demeanor, but she was surprised to hear that Liu Shan came in early for work. Usually, he would arrive at least 15 minutes before her or a little after her. However, not thinking much of his decision, she walks in the direction of the elevators.
As she enters the metal rectangle box and ascends to the highest floor, her eyes closed like she was trying to free her mind.
*Ding
The elevator bell chimes in arrival and she slowly opens her eyes again. As she steps out of the elevator, a very familiar voice calls out to her.
"Boss?"
Walking past her office and heading to his own, Liu Shan held two hangers with their latest designs on it. When he saw her exit the elevator, he was surprised to see her at work. He thought that would be staying home or coming in later.
This was also the reason why he had come in for work early as he was preparing for today's schedule.
"Why are you here?"
Yue Ling doesn't answer him but heads straight for her office. Without looking at him, she gestures with one hand for him to follow.
Confused by this, Liu Shan goes inside his office to drop off the designs in his hand then makes his way to her office.
"Boss, about today's schedule, I can take care of—"
He spoke as he enters the room, but before he could finish his words, he abruptly stops himself. His eyelids turned heavy and he shakes his head with a sigh.
"Why did you come in for work? You could have just stayed home."
Yue Ling did not go to her desk. She sat on the far right of one of the two white couches with her elbow propped on the armrest and right palm covering her eyes.
She had been so embarrassed by her encounter with Lu Tian that she forgot all about her handover. She even thought she was fine since she was able to drive to work.
However, the second she stepped inside the elevator that was when she felt everything around her began to spin in circles.
Hearing the slight worry in her assistant's voice, she points with her left hand to the bag of congee Lu Tian had packed for her.
"It's fine. Heat the congee inside that bag for me."
Liu Shan stood by the couch she sat on and glance down at the bag then back to her. He couldn't help but sigh inside as he knows that she was having a hangover.
Brushing this thought aside, he reaches forward and picks up the bag.
"I'll be right back then."
As he leaves the room, Yue Ling lowers her hand. The bright light from the room combine with the sun rays entering from the outside intensified her headache even more.
She groans a little and quickly places her palm over her eyes again. She massages her temple with soft strokes and curses inside at the feeling she was receiving.
The reason why she only drinks occasionally was that she didn't like the feeling one gets the next day. Not only that, but she also knew her limits, so how much did she drink last night?
After a few minutes, Liu Shan returns to her office carrying a tray with a bowl of congee and a cup of ginger tea. He quietly places it down on the coffee table and takes a seat on the couch across from her.
"Here you go. I also warmed up the ginger tea that was packed inside."
Yue Ling lowers her hand and inhales a deep breath. The aroma of the congee and ginger tea enters her nostrils making her feel relaxed. Even the pounding sensation in her head was faintly subdued.
"Thanks."
She sits up to reach for the bowl and a spoon. As she takes the first bite, her entire being softens even more.
The congee was heated up to the perfect temperature and the taste was as comparable as any food from a five-star restaurant.
Liu Shan watches her eat and he lightly shakes his head at her. He leans back on the couch and crosses his arms over his chest.
"You should thank your soon-to-be-husband. He's the one who prepared the congee and tea."
Having only taken her second bite, Yue Ling slightly furrows her brows at his words. She thought back to her treatment towards Lu Tian and wanted to slap herself for being so mean to him.
She had left in such a hurry because of her embarrassment that she left him alone to eat breakfast.
Taking another bite of the congee, she decides that she will treat him to lunch and make it up to him.
As he could already guess what had happened, Liu Shan felt pity for Lu Tian. In the past, it was either Shin or him who had to take care of Yue Ling and he has to admit, she was a handful to handle.
Even he can't help but wonder how the aloof man looked like. He (Lu Tian) is known as a coldblooded man, but having to face this side of Yue Ling, what was his reaction?
Yue Ling finished the congee and set the bowl down. She then picks up the warm ginger tea and takes a sip.
"What's my schedule for today?"
Knowing why she was asking, Liu Shan reach for the empty bowl and place it on the tray.
"You have a meeting with Cloth Co., but it isn't until 10."
He picks up the tray and stood up from the couch as his words continue.
"Get some rest. I'll take care of things until then."
Yue Ling would have declined his offer, but knowing her body better than anyone, she will only be a nuisance to everyone's work. She nods her head once and takes another sip of the ginger tea.
"Thirty-minutes is enough."
Hearing her words, a sigh sounds from Liu Shan. He wanted to tell her to just rest and not worry about anything else, but as someone who has worked alongside her for many years, he knows that anything he says will not change her mind.
"Alright, call me if you need anything."
He had told her to rest because it was only 8 am. The others weren't coming in for work until 9 am as she had let them come in late.
Looking at her one last time, he walks towards the door to leave.
"Wait."
Yue Ling stops him the moment he reached the door. She lowers her hand holding the cup and turn her head to look at him.
A wave of hesitation wash over her, but she swallows a gulp and asks.
"How much did I drink last night?"
Liu Shan was taken back by her sudden question. He turns around to look at her then puts on his serious thinking face like he was trying hard to remember.
"Hmm… I don't think you drank that much…"
He stares at her for a long second before revealing a wide grin.
"However, it was enough to make you want to count the stars."
His words fell and he didn't hesitate to leave the room. However, he pauses outside the door and pokes his head back inside.
"If you want to know, ask Lu Tian. He was in the front row to see that other side of you."
"…"
