Chapter 11
Secretary Rong Ming was the same age as her husband at thirty-three. She had the beauty and intelligence of a news anchorwoman. Xiao didn't know how someone like her had been chosen to become her secretary.
Was Jun Shang following the advice of 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer'?
Secretary Rong Ming's role was to be the middleman between Xiao and her husband, to help make decisions and smooth over any trivial matters that might pop up in their daily lives.
It was a given that Secretary Rong Ming was the one that reported Xiao's every move to her husband and even her in-laws at Huang. In other words, Secretary Rong Ming was Xiao's keeper.
In many ways, Rong Ming was different from Xiao. Even though she came from a poor background, she managed to leap out of poverty through her skills as she managed to receive a national scholarship for her education. She passed the Huang company entrance exam and firmly received the top score. She was a perfect fit and never stepped out of line.
On top of that, she was also a high school classmate of her husband. Her husband and Secretary Rong Ming even served on the student council together as the president and vice-president respectively. The two had similar interests, had mutual friends, and their thoughts and styles were also very alike.
Therefore, she could be considered Jun Shang's true partner.
In a sense, she was his true ally in this bloody war of contracts and profits.
So wouldn't she be closer to him than any family member, woman, and even his contractual wife?
For the past 2 years, Xiao noticed glimpses of hostility and contempt from Secretary Rong Ming. At first, she didn't understand why. Later, Xiao realized what was going on when she saw the secret looks that Secretary Rong Ming was giving Jun Shang.
She realized that these two didn't have a normal relationship.
They might even have had a deep relationship since long ago.
But what could she do? It was almost impossible for Jun Shang and Secretary Rong Ming to receive approval from the Huang family. These damn chaebols would never acknowledge a marriage that didn't bring in some kind of profit.
"What should we do about the luncheon that's being held for Madame Jing? It's scheduled for tomorrow."
Seeing that Xiao had nothing to say about the conversation between her and Jun Shang, Secretary Rong Ming tactfully changed topics.
"It'll be difficult for you to attend, right? I'll call them and let them know that you cannot attend due to household matters."
Household matters. Well, everyone else probably figured out what kind of 'household matters' was unfolding between the two families anyway.
"Thank you."
Xiao felt like her lips would start twitching, but she managed to answer calmly. Either way, Jun Shang and Xiao would have to fix the problems that were brewing between them.
Even though she truly didn't understand why Jun Shang refused to separate, seeing as how he didn't want to bring up divorce first, she couldn't just say whatever she wanted either.
No matter how desperately Rong Ming wanted to hear the news of their divorce.
"Then, please rest."
After hesitating for a few seconds, Secretary Rong Ming finally lowered her head.
"Good work today as always."
Xiao smiled faintly as she looked back at the woman. The door closed with a thud. In the silence of the room, only the soft sound of rain could be heard.
The teacup was placed back on the table with a clink.
What are you doing, Yun Xiao?
Are you really considering acting lovey-dovey with Jun Shang? Are you filming a daytime soap opera right now? Is there a reason to be worrying about something so worthless?
Even if Jun Shang and Rong Ming were rolling around naked right in front of her, it was none of her business.
From the very beginning, Xiao didn't want to live with Jun Shang as a couple. All she had wanted was for her marriage to be successful.
Now wasn't the time to be brooding over this.
Xiao got up and went into the dressing room. Standing in front of the mirror was Yun Xiao in a gray blouse, a skirt, and a pair of heels. She looked around before taking off her shoes.
She felt the fluffy carpet underneath her stockinged feet. She unbuttoned her blouse and took off her skirt. After putting her clothes on the hanger next to her, she went and stood in front of the mirror. Only wearing a gray slip, Xiao looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her face with makeup looked unfamiliar.
I wonder why? Xiao frowned.
What did it mean? She poured out the cleansing oil and took off her makeup.
As she was lost in thought, Xiao continued to go through the motions of her evening routine. She brushed her hair and tidied up her vanity. She bent down and took out her underwear from a drawer. Her daily routine happened at the exact same time and in the same way every single day, almost as if it was measured out with a ruler.
If an average person saw this, they would think it was laughable. However, for Xiao, her daily life and her mask were her life. Her routine behaviors that happened at precisely the same time... It was as if they were all actions written in a script. A script that hid her true thoughts.
The bathroom was already warm from the steam. Xiao went inside and locked the door before letting out a sigh. When the mirror had completely fogged up, Xiao slowly lowered her hand and pressed a tiny, hidden button underneath the sink.