THE NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR

For four days, Yue Ling successfully evaded Qin Yang, citing a one-week business trip as an excuse. Although Qin Yang was skeptical, he had no choice but to accept her reasoning. Disappointed, he returned to Country D, his original purpose being to spend time with her and confess his feelings. Unfortunately, he didn't get the chance. Qin Yang vowed to find another opportunity to reveal his emotions to her, his determination unwavering.

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Meanwhile, Chu Feng, the new managing director, had taken the reins, replacing Jessica Wilson, who had been reassigned to a branch office by Mo Shira. Chu Feng, a handsome and charming man in his late twenties, had captured the attention of the female staff. His dashing good looks and confident demeanor had them all swooning. Yet, his eyes seemed to be fixed on someone elsewhere, suggesting he might already be spoken for. While he couldn't compare to Mo Shira's level of handsome, Chu Feng's humility and kindness towards his female colleagues, particularly those he worked closely with, made him all the more endearing. His charm was undeniable, and it wasn't hard to see why women would be drawn to him.

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Mo Shira and Yue Ling's relationship was progressing smoothly. Mo Shira no longer pressured her into doing things that made her uncomfortable, as Yue Ling had learned to navigate his personality and humor him effectively. She had begun to understand his nature and avoided triggering his temper. While she still didn't love him, their prolonged interactions had fostered a newfound appreciation for him.

On the other hand, Mo Shira had ceased his womanizing ways, having finally found the one who held his heart captive. His attention was now solely focused on Yue Ling, and he seemed determined to win her over completely.

(authors note: but the story doesn't end here, it has just begun.)

ONE MONTH LATER

Mo Shira had been away for three weeks, establishing a new branch of the company in a foreign land. Yue Ling had been holding the fort, overseeing all projects and forwarding critical decisions that required the CEO's attention to him via email. As she sat in her office, her nerves were on edge, anxious about Mo Shira's return today. Despite their seemingly harmonious relationship, built on her feigned affection, she still feared him.

The thought of Mo Shira's potential reaction when he discovered her true feelings - or lack thereof - filled her with trepidation. She wondered how he would respond when he realized she didn't genuinely love him back.

A knock on the door broke the silence, and Yue Ling's gaze shifted to the entrance. "Good day, Miss Yue," Chu Feng said with a smile, his eyes sparkling with warmth.

"Hi, Chu Feng," Yue Ling replied, her curiosity piqued. "Do you need me to sign some papers? You could have sent them through your assistant," she added, noticing the documents in his hand.

Chu Feng chuckled. "No, Miss Yue, these aren't for you. I came for a different reason." He paused, his eyes locking onto hers. "I'm hosting a birthday party at the Imperial Hotel next Sunday, and I'd be honored if you could attend."

Yue Ling's mind raced as she hesitated, unsure how to respond. She hadn't attended any parties since arriving in Country M, and she knew Mo Shira wouldn't approve. But Chu Feng's enthusiasm was infectious, and he had personally delivered the invitation.

Before she could decline, Chu Feng pressed the invitation card into her hand. "Please come, Miss Yue. I'd really love it if you could make it." With a warm smile, he turned and left, leaving Yue Ling with little chance to refuse.

After inviting Yue Ling, Chu Feng extended invitations to the rest of the staff, who were thrilled at the prospect of a party without their boss's presence. It had been a while since they'd all let loose together, and Chu Feng's birthday celebration seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Meanwhile, Mo Shira arrived at the company with Hu Wuting, but his swift ascent to his floor went unnoticed by the employees. As he entered Yue Ling's office, he enveloped her in a warm embrace, as if they'd been apart for ages.

"I missed you so much, my dear," Mo Shira whispered, his eyes shining with affection. "How are you? Did you cope well in my absence?"

Yue Ling smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I managed, and I'm glad you're back. I won't have to represent you anymore."

Mo Shira chuckled, his eyes sparkling with playfulness. "Ah, I see. You're tired, then. Let me take you home and give you a full-body massage. I'll make sure to ease all your tension."

Yue Ling's response was swift, her words tumbling out in a gentle correction. "Oh, that's very kind of you, but I'm not that tired."

Mo Shira's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on the invitation card. "Whose card is that?"

Yue Ling hesitated, her voice measured. "It's the new managing director's birthday party invitation. He's hosting it this Sunday."

Mo Shira's expression darkened. "Why didn't you decline? We promised to spend our weekend together, and I'm not fond of such events."

Yue Ling's response was laced with a hint of defiance. "I've already promised him I'd attend. He's a nice person, and I couldn't refuse."

Mo Shira's tone turned accusatory. "You can refuse me, but not him?"

Yue Ling's voice rose in exasperation. "Seriously, Mo Shira? You just arrived and we're already fighting?"

Mo Shira's expression softened, his voice laced with concern. "Fine, just be careful. I'll let it slide for now."

Yue Ling rolled her eyes. "The party is still a week away, Mo Shira. You're acting like it's tomorrow."

Mo Shira smiled wearily. "Okay, dear. Send me a cup of coffee, and I'll head to my office to rest. I need to refresh my mind."

As Hu Wuting entered his office, Mo Shira instructed, "Get me the complete profile of the new managing director. I haven't had a chance to review it yet."

Hu Wuting nodded, his eyes hinting at exhaustion. "Yes, boss."

(thanks so much for reading this chapter, please don't forget to comment on it,...