Yes, I'm Listening - Not

"CEO Jiang, are you listening to me?!" The sound of a palm smacking a desk's surface followed by objects flying off the desk brought Lily back from spacing out. 

She seemed to be quite used to doing this. Without the need to cover her tracks, she stared straight into the webcam on her laptop and answered the shareholders who were in the virtual meeting. "Yes, I've heard you loud and clear. I know the recent events that took place had caused our company's shares to drop a bit."

Lily even pinched her index and thumb finger to demonstrate how small the drop of shares was in her eyes. However, as soon as she made that motion, some shareholders immediately jumped off the call.

For those who stayed behind, they showed obvious signs of distress and disappointment in her answer. "CEO Jiang, I am not sure if this is how or what you were taught in education. However, this is a very crucial matter as we are losing money every second you are carelessly taking care of things. It is a family matter that caused such a drastic fall and we have to suffer the circumstances with you."

Lily spun her pen as she listened to the many words that were flying out of her screen and slapping her face. She only nodded and replied calmly. "Let's refer back to what I've said from the first five minutes of our meeting that was about five hours ago. I suggest getting a q-tip to clean your ears if you haven't heard me the nth time. I have clearly made myself responsible for cleaning all this mess, despite the fact that Jiang Meng Meng's wedding was not my own. I was invited as a guest there."

"For another fact, she is not directly related to our family. If you do not know how to research on these topics, please hire an investigator for this. As I have already explained as well, I will make sure that our shares rise back like a soaring dragon spitting out flame balls by the end of this month. If not, I will personally resign my position and let my grandfather take over until the next person steps up."

She twisted her neck left and right, purposely letting them hear her stiff neck being cracked after being held captive in a tormentingly long five hour meeting that was meant to last for an hour. It was so tiring that her waist felt like a crispy potato chip that could be easily snapped in pieces. 

"If there is nothing else that needs to be addressed, please take your lunch breaks or dinner or whatever you would like to call your meal at this time. I would still like to see the same faces during our next board meeting. After all, you are important assets to our company, that is if you would still like to stick with the shares you have on hand." Lily smiled as she waved goodbye to all the shareholders.

Her phone had been bombarded by notifications ever since this morning. She pinched her nose bridge and shut her eyes for a few minutes. When she opened them again, she leaned back on her chair and enjoyed the peach flamingo sunset before her eyes. 

"Argh, another beautiful day wasted by these old geezers who can't understand my words. I should get a sign that says the complaint department is closed for internal peace. To file a complaint, reach out in xxxxx years." A soft sigh escaped her lips after she finished voicing her complaint. 

With a slight pout resting on her face, she turned around and obediently continued her work for the day. In the past week, she had been worried sick about Grandpa Jiang's condition. She stayed nearly every day to accompany him and take care of his daily needs. This kind of luxury time came with a cost.

For each day she stayed by Grandpa Jiang's side, she would work twice as hard during evening hours at her office. Even then, the amount of work was too much to handle, especially when her mind was full of other thoughts. 

She did attempt to bring her office to the hospital ward, but Grandpa Jiang's blood pressure would spike up after seeing the company's situation. As much as she wished she could get everything out of her way, there was just so much she could've done. 

When she encountered any difficulties, she would look for Lin Que and ask for professional advice. Though he had helped a lot as well, she was the one who had to make the final decision on certain business projects. 

Another notification popped up on her screen. However, unlike the other notifications, she immediately picked up her phone for this one. 

From: Ginny

Text message: My veryyyyy busy CEO who has the face of an angel, but heart of a devil. When will you have the time to meet with me for dinner? I have soooo much to talk about. I know you've been busy, so I've been suchhh a good girl waiting for you to tell me when you're free. Anyway, this is just a reminder that you have set your schedule empty for this evening for this bride-to-be. Don't you dare be late~ See you then, girlie! Muahhhhhh!

Lily laughed and shook her head at the childish text she received. However, likewise, she replied to her best friend in a joking manner. 

Lily's response: Oh, what day is it today?! I thought dinner was yesterday... Joking. Joking. I could forget about the shareholders, my lunch and even to feed my fiancé, but I would never forget about my queen's meal. I remember clearly! Dinner at my place. Spicy hotpot. I will pick up all the ingredients just for my bride-to-be. I'll feed you well, so the groom won't fry me on my fiancé's grill when they hang out and gossip. xoxo

Ginny replied with a laughing emoji.

After some time, Lily finished her work and headed to the parking lot for her vehicle. 

As she walked towards her car, she continued sending messages to Lin Que and Ginny. However, after reaching the parking lot, she felt a sudden chill down her spine. It was as if a pair of eyes were following her.

Swiftly, she turned around and scanned her surroundings. However, nobody was present - not even a fly!

She shrugged and brushed the crazy thought of someone stalking her. "I must have been too tired lately. Oh well. Off to the supermarket!" She muttered before starting her car and driving out of the parking lot.

After her vehicle disappeared from sight, a man with a scar across his cheek dressed in army green attire stepped out from a hidden corner. When Lily turned around earlier, he had hid behind the pole and blended in with the wall.

He reached for his ear piece and spoke his command. "The fish is swimming to you. Get ready to action."