Work

Qian Meigui's eyes fluttered open. She blinked, puzzled by the unfamiliar setting. She sat up abruptly and gazed around the room. She felt the sheets of the bed and picked up a familiar musky scent. She glanced at the blinds of the window, and she could not tell it was sunset or early morning.

Feeling well-rested, she could tell that she had slept throughout the night and felt guilty for it.

She jumped from Song Sheng's bed and peered the door slightly opened. She peeked down the empty hall, and her heartbeats settled. Qian Meigui loosed a deep breath and opened the door quietly, trying not to make any noise. She had to leave the apartment as she was going to be late for work, and she felt embarrassed for overextending her stay.

Qian Meigui walked down the hall when Song Sheng stepped out from the bathroom. He wore a white towel from the hip below, revealing his broad abdomen. She looked up at his face, held her chin high, and focused solely on his neck above. But she had forgotten how hard it was to look directly at him.

Song Sheng's wet black hair fell over his golden-brown eyes, and if he were to attend more public events, then many women would fond over him. Qian Meigui frowned at the thought, but she quickly disregarded it.

"Why were you sneaking around?" he asked, "This is my apartment."

"Ah, well, erm. I was afraid you were still sleeping, and I did not want to wake you. I have to get to work."

He held his waist, "All right; I'll drive you to work," he said.

"Thank you, but I'm going home to change first before I head over to work," she said, pointing at her clothes which looked wrinkled and dishevelled because she did not wear nightwear.

Song Sheng nodded, and said, "Then I'll take you to home and work."

"No, I don't want to bother you," she responded.

"It's no bother; It's to repay the favour for helping me work on my apartment."

Qian Meigui smiled grimly and nodded.

Song Sheng walked into his bedroom and changed, while Qian Meigui descended the stairs, she did not pay attention to the gaps in between, since her mind still hazed, one of her legs fell through. She yelped suddenly when Song Sheng heard and left his room abruptly, opening the door widely.

It did not take him long to get ready; Song Sheng already dressed in a shirt and trousers with black cap-toed shoes. Qian Meigui's breath hitched, as she awkwardly lifted her leg. She pretended that she didn't feel any pain, but Song Sheng could tell by the way she looked.

He approached her slowly, observing her body up and down. He looked worried, as his mouth slightly gaped, and his eyes revealed a sense of weariness; it made her cheeks burn.

She had seen him well-dressed many times before, but the way he dressed and looked at her with such gentleness, it felt overwhelming. She averted her gaze, holding a fist over her heart.

He then swiftly placed one of her arms over his shoulder, descending the stairs carefully with her. Qian Meigui hopped down the staircase with him until he gently set her down on the sofa. He then knelt in front of her, observing her leg; his hand was cold to the touch, and Qian Meigui felt embarrassed because of how overly warm she was.

He slid his cool fingers from her ankle to her calves, sending shivers down her spine. He glanced up at her, concerned, touching areas to test where it hurt. Because Song Sheng studied in medicine, he knew how to act accordingly.

"Does it hurt?" he asked gently.

Qian Meigui shook her head, nervously. Song Sheng then stood up to get some gel reliever. He returned and placed it over her leg. Qian Meigui smiled, "Thank you," she said.

Song Sheng stood up, towering her, looking down with deep gaze. He then ruffled her hair, pinching her nose as he said, "Watch out, idiot."

Qian Meigui puffed her cheeks, crossing her arms.

"I'm not an idiot," she assured him jokingly.

Song Sheng put the ointment in the cupboard. "Let's go," his deep-smooth voice sounded. Song Sheng approached his closet, placing on a cobalt-blue suit jacket, and then placing a hand in his pocket as he approached the front door. Her leg began to feel better, so Qian Meigui followed him, not trying to catch up. After eleven years of knowing him, she always walked behind him, it made her feel protected, but now it felt as if something had changed.

Qian Meigui followed him to the parking garage. Song Sheng drove her home, he waited for her to change, and dropped her off at Song Pharmaceuticals. She wondered if it made him feel uncomfortable to be there.

Qian Meigui also wondered what compelled him to switch companies. He was loyal to Song Pharmaceuticals, but she supposed that it was a good thing as well. Song Ren deserved to inherit the company, and she was glad that Song Rui did not give it to Song Jun. Song Jun would have done well, but he was more of a follower than a leader. He looked up to both Ren and Sheng.

Before she left his car, she said softly, "Thank you." Song Sheng glanced at her, "Mhm," he nodded.

Qian Meigui closed the door, and he sped off.

She sighed deeply and hopelessly, before walking into Song Corporation.

Song Corporation had many white and glass walls because the company embodied simple futuristic structures. Many people walked through the halls with their lab coats or expensive attire.

Although Qian Meigui studied biology and chemistry, she was not as passionate as Song Ren. Therefore when she settled into the company, Song Rui gave her a position with the public relations and marketing team.

"Hello, Mistress Song," the receptionist greeted. Qian Meigui greeted them back as she walked down the hall when a panicked and sweaty secretary approached her.

"Yang Minzhe," Qian Meigui called out to him with furrowed brows. He tried to catch his breath and held his knees with his palms. Yang Minzhe was Song Ren's secretary.

"Song Mei," he breathed, still trying to catch his breath. "I've been running around trying to find out where Song Ren is; she's always on time. Do you know where she is? We have an important meeting in an hour with some companies that are proposing their materials. As the future lady boss, this is very important."

Qian Meigui was startled. Song Ren was never the type to be late, she was always early, and she would stay behind. "She's not answering any of my calls," he said.

"I think I know how to reach her; it's a long shot."

Qian Meigui grabbed her cellphone and dialled Su Feng's number.