After I Was Gone, Mr. Song Said He Loved Me - Chapter 18 - Meeting Catherine

That night, I felt like a small boat adrift in the vast ocean, repeatedly ensnared in Song Yu’s gentle yet inescapable net. I couldn’t break free, nor could I escape.

Every inch of my sweat-drenched skin, every aching bone, every drop of burning blood was driven to madness because of him. Song Yu had completely conquered me, both body and soul.

The next morning, I was jolted awake by the sound of thunder. Autumn rain always arrived without warning.

With my eyes still closed, I fumbled under the pillow for my phone and glanced at the time-9:40 AM. Song Yu had already left.

I lazily turned over, ready to drift back to sleep, when I suddenly sat up with a start. Last night, before falling asleep, Song Yu had mentioned he would return at 10 AM to take me to meet someone.

Oh no, oh no, Song Yu is so punctual. If I’m late, he’ll definitely be displeased.

I threw off the covers and dashed into the bathroom at lightning speed. After a quick wash, I stood in front of the wardrobe, looking at the array of luxury brands Song Yu had bought for me. Considering the weather, I opted for a slightly thicker white hoodie and light gray sweatpants.

Since it wasn’t a formal occasion, I figured it was best to dress warmly and comfortably.

True to his word, Song Yu returned at exactly 10 AM, not a second off. Fortunately, I was already sitting on the sofa waiting for him.

As he opened the door, Song Yu paused for a moment, then narrowed his eyes to scrutinize me.

His gaze made me feel uneasy all over, yet I couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong.

Song Yu walked over, and I quickly stood up.

“You’re wearing this?” Song Yu tugged at the shoulder of my hoodie.

“What’s wrong with it?” I replied with an awkward smile.

Song Yu paused for a moment, then simply said, “Nothing,” and turned to head for the door.

I looked down at my outfit. There was nothing wrong with it-young, stylish, and energetic. Why did Song Yu have that expression?

I followed Song Yu into the car. For some reason, whenever it was just the two of us, I felt inexplicably nervous, unsure of what to say.

Song Yu was different from anyone I’d known before. He spoke little, and when he did, it was often profound, beyond my years to comprehend. So I usually chose to remain silent to avoid appearing too immature.

The car drove to the underground parking lot of an office building in the Huanan Business District.

This was the heart of Hai City, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold. I’d often heard people say that only Fortune 500 companies or large state-owned enterprises could afford to have offices here.

Was this where Song Yu was taking me to meet someone?

We followed the signs in the parking lot to the elevator. Song Yu pressed the button for the 20th floor. I glanced at the elevator’s digital directory-floors 20 to 24 were the offices of ELLO Fashion magazine.

Why was Song Yu taking me to a magazine office?

As if reading my mind, Song Yu spoke just as I was wondering, “We’re going to meet Catherine, the editor-in-chief of ELLO.”

“Editor-in-chief?”

Wasn’t he supposed to introduce me to someone influential? Why an editor?

“She’s well-connected in both business and political circles. If you can learn even a tenth of her skills, you won’t repeat the mistakes of last time.”

My face flushed red. I knew Song Yu was referring to the time I drank with President Wu. I had been so drunk and my stomach hurt so much, yet Song Yu hadn’t said a word to help me at the table. Instead, he had chased after Nian Hua, leaving me behind. Thankfully, he had some conscience and sent Luo Yewen to pick me up; otherwise, I didn’t dare imagine what might have happened.

“What are you thinking about?” Song Yu asked, eyes forward.

“Nothing,” I mumbled, sulking.

“Wondering why I didn’t help you that day?”

I pressed my lips together, neither confirming nor denying.

“Bai Yu, a good public relations professional must be able to handle unexpected situations. Failing to do so is a matter of capability, because not every time will someone be there to help you.”

“Wu Guangzhi may be crude and vulgar, but he’s straightforward, wearing his emotions on his sleeve. He’s easy to manage. In the future, you’ll encounter many elites and politicians. These people are shrewd, and a single mistake could cost you dearly and ruin my plans. Do you understand?”

Song Yu’s words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly sobering me up.

He was right. I hadn’t been clear about my role. Since I was being paid, I should take responsibility for the consequences of this job.

It was my own problem.

“I’m sorry, President Song,” I said, lowering my head, too timid to meet his gaze.

At that moment, a warm hand rested on my head, gently ruffling my hair. It was a touch unique to Song Yu, instantly making me feel at ease.

“When you meet Catherine, learn as much as you can from her. She’s a woman who climbed her way up from a small reporter to her current position. She’s very capable, understand?”

I nodded obediently.

Just then, the elevator dinged open, and we were greeted by a stylishly dressed woman standing at the door, smiling warmly at us.

Especially when she saw me, her beautiful eyes openly appraised me, much like someone admiring a desired item in a store.

“Why did you come out personally?” Song Yu asked with a smile.

“President Song, it’s a rare occasion for you to visit. How could I not personally welcome you?” Catherine’s eyes flirted with Song Yu, her voice soft and enticing.

Song Yu ignored Catherine’s coquettishness and instead pulled me forward.

Catherine pouted, giving a playful huff, “Still as unromantic as ever.”

Then she turned her gaze back to me, scrutinizing me for a moment before suddenly asking, “Song Yu, is he even of age? Surely you wouldn’t go after a child?”

I stole a glance at Song Yu, whose expression darkened instantly.

Catherine quickly flashed a charming smile at Song Yu, “Oh, just kidding. But he really does look like a high schooler dressed like that. Tsk, you sure know how to pick them.”

Only then did I realize why Song Yu had paid attention to my outfit when he came to pick me up.

“Well, I’ll leave him in your capable hands. Teach him well,” Song Yu’s expression softened, as if entrusting a child to kindergarten, and he handed me over to Catherine.

Catherine nodded towards me, “Follow me.” She turned and walked towards the office area, her high heels clicking sharply on the floor.

I glanced at Song Yu, my feet feeling like they were weighed down as I slowly moved forward.

In contrast to my hesitation, Song Yu left decisively, not sparing even a punctuation mark for me as he turned and entered the elevator.

I stood there, watching the elevator doors close, feeling like an abandoned pet, alone and helpless…