Lin Xi roughly understood why they were acting this way. She said nothing and simply turned on the projector. Duan Yiheng sat at the head of the table and tapped it: "Before the meeting, you have three minutes. What do you want to ask?"
Li Ke couldn't hold back any longer and voiced everyone's thoughts: "Secretary Lin, it really is...it's..." Duan Yiheng nodded: "Yes, she grew up in the Duan family. What else is there?" "Then what about her and the second young master—" "Nonsense."
Duan Yiheng glanced coldly at the person who asked the question. "Most things on the internet are just rumors. The fact that you're all here for this meeting shows you're trustworthy in both ability and character..." As he said this, Duan Yiheng glanced at Chen Jingyi; she seemed afraid to meet his gaze, avoiding his eyes.
Duan Yiheng chuckled, then said, "There are some things I hope you'll observe more and say less." Xu Yu smiled, "You're just curious." Duan Yiheng:
"I understand, that's why I gave you these three minutes. From now on, we're all colleagues, no need to treat each other differently." Lin Xi stood beside him, smiling warmly. "Alright," Duan Yiheng tapped the table with the nib of his pen, "Let's begin the meeting."
Seeing everyone turn their attention, Lin Xi puffed out her cheeks and let out a sigh. Turning her head, she met Duan Yiheng's smiling gaze. She immediately straightened her posture and entered meeting mode.
On the projection screen were the prioritized projects and timelines after the project's reassessment, meticulously divided. Duan Yiheng got straight to the point:
"Manager Chen led a team to GKD for a meeting a couple of days ago. Everyone is clear about the client's needs. Today, we need to clarify the specific tasks and timelines for each department." Xu Yu nodded:
"Based on the reassessed priorities, the payment system upgrade and risk management module optimization are the core tasks. Initial delivery must be completed within six months. Other tasks can be developed in phases and optimized gradually," Chen Liangyi said.
"The intelligent investment advisory platform needs more data scientists and algorithm engineers. Yinfan has no shortage of talent; the core tasks can be completed with high quality and quantity." "Time isn't a hard requirement from the client."
Duan Yiheng said, "Yinfan focuses on technology; technology is fundamental. Secretary Lin, you are responsible for maintaining close communication with GKD to ensure they are always aware of our progress and provide feedback on their latest needs so we can adjust accordingly." Lin Xi
"Understood." At the end of the meeting, Duan Yiheng also discussed project fund allocation with the CFO. The meeting didn't end until 12:40 PM. Duan Yiheng left the meeting room first, Lin Xi a step behind. Chen Liangyi stopped her and said,
"The client's meeting tomorrow requires a technical solution. Please check the data, especially the interface parameters of the payment system. After you've checked, give it to Mr. Duan for confirmation." Lin Xi responded and took the documents.
Back in her office, Lin Xi put the documents in the filing cabinet and planned to go downstairs for lunch. Duan Yiheng called her over on his business call: "Bring me a copy too." Lin Xi replied, "Okay."
Since coming to the Taihe Road Industrial Park, Sister Mei, under Duan Yiheng's orders, rarely brought food anymore. "I'm going out this afternoon," Duan Yiheng said. "Bring your food up and we'll eat together. Take the documents Chen Liangyi gave you." Lin Xi glanced at Duan Yiheng through the glass:
"Is there a problem?" Duan Yiheng looked at her: "I don't know, just in case." "Okay, I understand." Lin Xi got her food from the cafeteria. Those who knew her would look at her with restraint and scrutiny; those who didn't know her went about their business as usual.
Fortunately, she didn't stay long. On her way back, she ran into Sun Wenxin. Excitedly, she wanted to greet her, but then, as if remembering something, she smiled awkwardly. Lin Xi walked over and smiled, "Don't you recognize me?" "No."
Sun Wenxin couldn't hide the curiosity in her eyes. "I'm just a little unaccustomed to suddenly knowing your identity." Lin Xi chuckled:
"I don't have two extra eyes. Just be yourself. I'm just like you, going in and out of this building all day." Sun Wenxin hummed in agreement: "It's really worth getting to know you. Haven't you eaten yet?" "I was late for a meeting."
Lin Xi said. "Then hurry up and go upstairs. Let's talk on the phone. I actually have something to tell you." Lin Xi agreed and turned to go upstairs. The two ate in Duan Yiheng's office as usual. After the meal, Lin Xi handed the documents to Duan Yiheng.
Duan Yiheng took them and slowly began to read. Lin Xi, resting her chin on her hand, found herself unconsciously captivated, tracing his sharp jawline down to his cool, sensual lips. His nose was high and straight, and his usually aloof eyes always held a tender warmth for her.
Before she turned 18, she grew up at home, sometimes inevitably encountering him. From afar, he would merely glance away indifferently. Who could have imagined that later, they would embrace and kiss in a secluded corner?
Her eyelids grew heavier and heavier, and Lin Xi, from resting her chin on her hand, eventually lay face down, falling asleep without realizing it. Duan Yiheng chuckled, and only after she had fallen into a deep sleep did he get up and carry her into the lounge.
He spent some time reading the documents, then placed them on the bedside table, pulled back the covers, and lay down as well. The lounge was filled with Lin Xi's familiar scent, and she slept deeper and deeper, as if in a trance.
Even the weather seemed to join in the fun; a sudden downpour jolted Lin Xi awake. The surroundings were dim, yet enough for her to clearly outline Duan Yiheng's features.
She bit her lip hard to suppress a gasp, her mind racing for a moment before realizing she'd fallen asleep at the dining table. Last night, she'd tossed and turned until 2 a.m. because of Duan Yiheng's words, so naturally she hadn't slept well.
Lin Xi cursed herself inwardly. Where else could she have slept? In Duan Yiheng's office of all places. And him? He could have easily woken her up, yet he'd brought her into the break room. And even in the break room, he'd gotten into bed with her!
Although no one dared disturb Duan Yiheng at this hour, Lin Xi still felt guilty. She held her breath, slowly lifting the blanket. Suddenly! A pair of arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her into a tight embrace.
Her limbs froze, her body stiffened; Lin Xi didn't even have the courage to turn around. The room was silent for about a minute before Duan Yiheng spoke: "It's not even two o'clock yet." Lin Xi's voice trembled: "I have to go to work at one." "The project team has flexible working hours."
Duan Yiheng's breath hit her neck, tickling Lin Xi. "The meeting this morning was a bit late, and the consensus was to start work at two." "I still need to check the data in the technical plan."
Lin Xi propped herself up, widening the distance between her back and his chest. "Could you let me get up?" The rain pattered against the window, making her uneasy.
To Lin Xi's ears, each patter sounded like the rhythm of piano keys, playing a damp, ambiguous melody. Duan Yiheng whispered almost in her ear, "No."