The reason Ji Rui called out to Le Tong was certainly not to ask her to reimburse the plane ticket.
He noticed that her walking pace seemed slower than usual, and her posture was somewhat awkward. Unintentionally, he suddenly called out to her, originally intending to ask if her injury was getting better.
But as the words were about to leave his mouth, he abruptly remembered her various inappropriate attempts towards him. If he expressed his concern now, she might misconstrue it as him actually caring about her and seize the opportunity to come up with another ploy to entangle him.
Thus, what he ended up saying turned out to be about reimbursing the plane ticket.
Seeing her smile so brightly, Ji Rui couldn't help but feel puzzled. Is it worth being so happy over a thousand-yuan plane ticket?
If she's so concerned about money, why didn't she name a price when he asked her a few days ago? Could it be that he wasn't clear enough that day?
Le Tong cheerfully stacked the documents and returned to her seat, oblivious that President Ji was frowning deeply over her various illogical actions.
When people are busy, time always seems to pass quickly.
In the blink of an eye, it was lunchtime. Le Tong called the canteen to confirm the menu and found that today's menu suited President Ji's taste, happily realizing she wouldn't need to run out for food today. Although it was the fourth day since the injury, her back wasn't more comfortable than before, as the wound was healing and itched terribly. She even took medication this morning to relieve the itch.
Initially, she planned to go to the canteen herself to get the meal, but seeing only a third of the translation work done on her desk, she had to ask the staff to send over two meals.
A few minutes later, the staff brought the meals, and Le Tong thanked him before looking down to check which meal was President Ji's.
She was so focused that she didn't notice the approaching footsteps behind her.
"Tongtong, you haven't eaten yet, have you? It's perfect timing, I haven't eaten either. Let's go out for a meal!"
Le Tong looked up, only to see Zhuo Jiarui grinning and casually sitting on her desk.
"Mr. Zhuo, sorry, I have a lot of work to do and need to get back to it right after eating."
Le Tong said, picking up President Ji's meal and turning towards the executive office without indulging Zhuo Jiarui.
Le Tong didn't show any courtesy, but Zhuo Jiarui didn't mind, and quickly followed her, saying, "If you don't have time to go out for lunch, surely you'll have time tonight?"
It's often said that what you can't get is always the best. Originally, in Zhuo Jiarui's eyes, Le Tong was just a diligent and content secretary. But after discovering her different side and being repeatedly rejected, it only fueled Zhuo Jiarui's strong desire to conquer. Upon hearing Ji Rui returned last night, he eagerly planned today to ask Le Tong out for a meal.
Le Tong shook her head, "No, I have to work overtime tonight."
With that, she raised her hand to knock on the door.
"Come in."
Zhuo Jiarui followed Le Tong inside. Before Le Tong could speak, he enthusiastically said to Ji Rui.
"Ji Rui, enough! Tongtong just returned from a trip, exhausted, and you won't even let her have a rest day, forcing her to work overtime?"
Ji Rui looked up, first glancing at Zhuo Jiarui, then casting a sharp look at Le Tong, "What do you mean?"
Though the words seemed directed at Zhuo Jiarui, Le Tong sensed the real query in Ji Rui's eyes.
Indeed, the question was actually meant for her.
Ji Rui thought that Le Tong had just complained to Zhuo Jiarui outside, prompting the fool to brazenly stand up for her, even daring to challenge his childhood friend.
What merit did Le Tong have to make his longtime friend, who never dared say a word against him, speak in that tone?
Ji Rui stared at Le Tong, patiently waiting for her answer, a rarity.
"Ji Rui, I was merely voicing my fairness for Tongtong…"
Zhuo Jiarui began to explain, as he realized Ji Rui's displeasure and thought his tone might have offended his friend.
"This has nothing to do with you, shut up!"
Ji Rui coldly glared at him to interrupt, then turned to focus back on Le Tong!