Chapter 19: The Cannon Fodder Fiancée (19)

Downstairs, the receptionist grew increasingly rude as she saw Yun Jin still lingering. "Are you deaf or just pretending not to hear me? I told you, our CEO is a very busy man and has no time to see you. Why are you being so thick-skinned and hanging around here? It’s bad luck."

Seeing her lack of decorum, Yun Jin didn’t hold back either. "Who are you talking about, you ugly creature?"

"Who are you calling ugly?" the receptionist shrieked, stomping her feet.

"Whoever answers to it, that’s who."

"You... you..." The receptionist, who was always treated with courtesy by visitors, had never been called ugly to her face before. Unable to control her temper, she reached out, her freshly manicured nails aimed at Yun Jin’s face.

At that moment, a beautiful woman dressed in elegant attire clicked over in her high heels. "Xiao Li, what’s going on here? Are you two having a public spat?"

Seeing that the newcomer was Wen Ya, the CEO’s childhood friend, Xiao Li immediately suppressed her anger and bowed respectfully. "Miss Wen, you're here."

Wen Ya acknowledged her and handed over a shopping bag. "Just a small token of my appreciation. Take it and enjoy."

Yun Jin glanced curiously; it was handmade Italian chocolate, costing thousands per box. To spend so much just to bribe a receptionist—what a grand gesture. No wonder Xiao Li fawned over this young lady like a puppy; she would be polite too if there were such perks.

After accepting the gift, Xiao Li’s smile grew even brighter. "Miss Wen, please, right this way."

Yun Jin certainly felt the double standard. She turned to the security guard who was watching the scene. "Who is this Miss Wen?"

The guard offered a bit of background. "She is CEO Xie’s childhood friend, Wen Ya. They are a perfect match in terms of social standing, and she’ll be the future Mrs. Xie. She’s not someone from a humble background like you can climb up to."

*Humble background?*

Your CEO is already sleeping in the same bed as me. Who knows who the future Mrs. Xie will be?

Of course, Yun Jin wasn't a fool. She wouldn't go shouting about her relationship with Xie Yanci in public. If she couldn't prove it, she would just be a laughingstock. Since Xie Yanci had company, it seemed he wouldn't be able to be her mentor today.

Yun Jin sighed and replied on her phone: "Bye, I'm leaving."

Xie Yanci: "?" *What’s going on? Why leave as soon as she arrived? I’m not ready yet.*

Yun Jin: "Aren't you meeting your childhood friend? I won't disturb your good time. Goodbye!"

*Hmph, men are all heartless.* She decided she would just go back and focus on her money-making plans.

Xie Yanci: "???" *Where did this childhood friend come from?*

Just as he was thinking this, Wen Ya knocked on his office door.

"Yanci, are you in? There’s something I want to tell you..."

Her affected, saccharine voice made Xie Yanci’s skin crawl. He opened the door and, seeing Wen Ya followed by the receptionist carrying her bag, his expression turned icy.

"Get out. Get out of here."

"Yanci, what’s wrong? Why are you so angry? Where are you going?"

Xie Yanci took the private executive elevator down and immediately called Yun Jin. "Don't go. I'm coming to pick you up."

Yun Jin, already outside the Xie Corporation building, found the call baffling. "Don't you have to keep your childhood friend company?"

*Childhood friend?* In Xie Yanci’s eyes, that woman wasn't worth a single finger of Yun Jin’s.

He frowned and said, "I didn't invite her; she came on her own accord. Didn't you say you wanted to learn business from me? Are you going to give up before we’ve even started?"

That was true. Her career was more important.

Yun Jin sighed. "Fine, I’ll head back right now. The receptionist won't block me this time, will she?"

"She won't. I’ve already had Qi Ming fire her." The Xie family couldn't afford to keep a receptionist who brought personal emotions into the workplace.

"I’m coming."

Qi Ming had already descended to the lobby. Upon seeing Yun Jin, his eyes lit up and he hurried over. "Miss Yun, I am Qi Ming, the CEO’s special assistant."

"Hello." Yun Jin reached out politely for a brief, symbolic handshake.

The security guard nearby was stunned. He had assumed Yun Jin was just another delusional fan trying to get close to the CEO, but she actually knew him. Now, he realized he had kicked a steel plate.

Knowing when to pivot, the guard immediately went over to fawn over her, helping Yun Jin open the gate.

Qi Ming asked a casual question. "Where did the receptionist go?"

"She went upstairs with Miss Wen."

Qi Ming frowned. "Which Miss Wen? Wen Ya?"

"Yes."

The receptionist, Xiao Li, was a gossip. After receiving a few favors from Wen Ya, she had spread the rumor throughout the company that Miss Wen was favored by the CEO. It was widely believed that Wen Ya was his childhood friend and had a good relationship with his mother, making her the future Mrs. Xie. By staying on her good side, one could climb the corporate ladder quickly. That was why Wen Ya was always granted easy access without even needing to register.

Qi Ming had heard of this. However, Wen Ya had only ever met with him; as a qualified shield, he always appeared at the right time to deflect Xie Yanci’s unwanted romantic interests. Wen Ya had tried several times, but he had always turned her away, citing the CEO’s busy schedule. He never expected the receptionist to bypass him and lead her straight up this time.

*This is a major problem.*

Qi Ming walked to the elevator and looked back to see Yun Jin chatting with the security guard about gossip regarding Wen Ya. He felt a headache coming on and was just about to go retrieve her when—*ding*.

The private elevator opened. Xie Yanci emerged in a custom-tailored suit, his face dark and gloomy. He ignored Qi Ming entirely and walked straight toward Yun Jin.

Yun Jin was wearing a vintage cheongsam today, which accentuated her beautiful figure to perfection. Just the sight of her back had sent Xie Yanci’s imagination running wild, leaving him feeling inexplicably parched.

Hearing the approaching footsteps, Yun Jin turned around. The aloofness she usually carried melted away like snow, and her eyes sparkled with a smile. "You're here."

Xie Yanci stood with his hands in his pockets, stopping beside her and looking down. Yun Jin understood, naturally slipping her hand into his arm. Amidst the stunned gazes of the onlookers, she walked side-by-side with Xie Yanci into the executive elevator.

The security guard rubbed his eyes, making sure he wasn't seeing things. He turned to Qi Ming, who was pressing the button for the standard elevator, and asked, "Assistant Qi, who is that lady?"

"Can't you tell? She is the only woman who can get close to the CEO," Qi Ming paused, then added, "Her current status should be the CEO’s girlfriend."

"What? The CEO has a girlfriend?"

"Yes. I’m heading up now; you’d better pray for yourself."

*It’s over, it’s all over.* When he and Xiao Li were being snide, the CEO’s girlfriend had heard everything. If she complained, he and Xiao Li would both be out of a job. The guard immediately called Xiao Li to report the situation.

Meanwhile, in the elevator, Xie Yanci had cornered Yun Jin against the wall. His hand caressed her face, and before he could even speak, he leaned down and kissed her lips.

Yun Jin looked exceptionally beautiful today. When she turned back and smiled at him, he felt his heart racing uncontrollably. In that moment, he realized his heart was beating for her.

He was definitely falling for her.