Yue Ling entered her office and place her handbag on one of the white couches. She removes her coat as she walks over to the coat rack to hang it up.
She then walks to her desk to sit and stares expressionlessly at the computer screen without turning it on.
Her mind was distracted with thoughts about her engagement to Lu Tian.
She is genuinely happy to be with him as he is a blessing in disguise in her world. However, at the same time, she can't help but worry.
After everything that has happened in her life, what if happiness is not a word she is supposed to know?
Every time when she's happy, something always happens and takes away that happiness.
What if life decides to play another cruel joke on her and take away Lu Tian?
*Knock knock
As she immerses in her own thoughts, a knock sounds at the door and brings her back from traveling too deep.
She looks away from the computer screen to the door and sees Liu Shan standing there with a worried look on his face. She smiles a nod to him indicating for him to enter.
"Why do you look like that? I'm fine."
Liu Shan stares at her with eyes that could see through her. He walks to stand in front of her desk with a folder in one hand.
"If you are then don't make that expression. Some of us will worry."
"…"
Yue Ling was stunned by her assistant. Was her expression really that noticeable? No, not possible. She chuckles and reaches her arm out to turn on her computer.
"What expression? You must need to get your eyes checked. I'm clearly fine."
Knowing that she was trying to change the topic, Liu Shan sighs inside.
'What expression? The expression you make when you question your own happiness.'
He spoke these words in his head and decides not to push the topic. He takes a step forward and places the folder in his hand on her desk.
"This is the information on An Qing's situation. It was a mess at first, but during your recovery, I went ahead with Alpha Team to sort it out for you."
He takes a small step back and held both his hands behind his back.
"The only thing you need to do now is present yourself as CEO to the employees of An Qing."
Yue Ling picks up the folder and opens it. She flips through the documents inside as her eyes scan each page. She soon comes to a stop at a page and she pouts her lip in thoughts.
Seeing that she had stopped, Liu Shan knew right away which page it was.
"That's another thing too. Do you want to keep An Qing's original name or convert it De L'amour?"
Yue Ling stares at the two names on the paper in front of her. A million emotions erupt inside her, but she made sure not to let a single emotion appear on her face.
The purpose of the two names was important to her and well-known. However, now she has to choose which one she wanted as the name of her own company.
An Qing, the name she created in remembrance of her father and mother, or De L'amour, the fashion brand she spent so much hard work on creating.
"What do you think?"
Hearing her question, Liu Shan blinked his eyes in confusion. However, quickly understanding the meaning, he thought it over for a quick second before answering.
"Well, if you're asking for my opinion, I think you should stick with your original plan."
Yue Ling sighs a smile. She reaches for a pen and circles one of the names then close the folder.
"Thanks for your reminder."
She hands the folder over to Liu Shan as he didn't hesitate to take it.
"Neither names will be removed. An Qing will continue to be the main source in support of De L'amour."
Liu Shan gives her a look asking if she was sure and she shrugs both her shoulders.
"It was my original plan. Nothing will be changed. I'll move my office to An Qing but pay a few visits here."
Holding the folder in one hand, Liu Shan nods his head in understanding. Seeing that there was no other reason for him to stay, he gestures a polite bow.
"Then I'll take my leave."
"Shan."
Just when he was about to turn around, Yue Ling stops him. He looks back at her and gives her a strange look.
"Yes?"
Yue Ling stares back at him for a long minute. She sighs a smile and decides to ask him.
"Not as my assistant, but as my friend, how do you feel about becoming An Qing's COO?"
She is going to be busy with her grandfather's request. So, if she has to trust someone in keeping both De L'amour and An Qing in place, it would be Liu Shan.
It's not that her other subordinates are not fit for the job. Each person in her team is skilled and capable, but Liu Shan is the only one who has more knowledge.
However…
"I'm a free spirit."
Liu Shan responds without the need to think about her question. He smiles a chuckle when he saw her dumbfounded expression.
"I'm happy for the promotion upgrade, but I prefer to be your assistant. That way I can follow you to many places and help you out."
His smile grew wider until it reached his eyes.
"Plus, I am not fit for the position. I want to be free like the wind and spread my wings as much as I can."
Yue Ling had difficulty trying to blink her eyes. She stares at him and didn't know what to think anymore. How does being a COO take away his freedom? Not only that, he doesn't want to be COO but wants to continue being her assistant.
What was she expecting? She knew he would turn down the offer. She only thought she should ask in case he decides to accept.
Staring at his smile, she could only sigh inside. Good thing she said COO. If she had told him she wanted him to be CEO, he would have fainted and maybe threaten to kill himself if she gives the position to him.
However, deep inside, she knows that she can never force him to do anything he doesn't want to do. Not just him, but the same with all of her subordinates.
For now, she will have to continue to be the CEO of De L'amour, An Qing, and H-International. Then when everything is settled with Ji Corps, she will try to think of another plan to handle all four companies together.
Thinking about all the weight on her shoulders, she heaves a sigh and gestures a small wave at Liu Shan.
"Alright, you can leave."
Liu Shan wanted to ask her why she asked him to be COO. However, being dismissed, he could only tell himself to ask her later.
He turns away and walks out of the room. However, reaching the door, he turns his head to look at her again.
"Secretary Jiang from Fang Fabrics called the other day. She wants to meet you for lunch today."
