The President's Sweetheart Secretary - Chapter 22 - Take Off the Jacket?

Manager Lin gave Huahuan a playful flick on the forehead, snapping her back to reality, then waved at Haimian, “Haimian, come with me for a moment.”

Lin Haimian, who was completely absorbed in her work, had no idea what was happening. “I’m here. Is there something you need me to do?”

Manager Lin looked at Lin Haimian quietly for a few seconds and handed her an envelope. “This is a transfer letter. The president’s assistant just sent it over. You should handle the paperwork this afternoon.”

Lin Haimian was completely taken aback, looking bewildered. “Huh? What transfer letter? Who’s being transferred? Is the manager getting promoted?”

Manager Lin couldn’t help but facepalm. Looking at the confused and innocent Lin Haimian, she wondered if Haimian could handle the position. “Congratulations on your promotion. This is for you.”

Haimian’s heart sank as if struck by lightning. Promotion? Why a sudden promotion out of nowhere?

Her face turned a bit pale, and with trembling hands, she opened the transfer letter. When she saw the words “president’s secretary,” her vision went dark, and she nearly fainted.

Manager Lin quickly supported her, shocked. “Look at you getting all worked up. Not everyone gets this opportunity. But remember, you need to be adaptable and have a sweet tongue.”

Haimian bit her lower lip, holding back her emotions, and steadied herself before asking in a shaky voice, “Manager, do you know what’s going on?”

Manager Lin shook her head, then nodded. “The president’s assistant said you’ve been outstanding in your work and wanted to promote you. If there are any rumors, don’t pay attention to them. Just focus on your job.”

President’s assistant? Li Yi! In her mind, Lin Haimian cursed Li Yi thoroughly, maintaining a forced smile. She knew the transfer letter was a done deal unless she decided to leave.

Lowering her eyes, Haimian felt a heavy weight in her heart. “I understand. Thank you for your care during this time. If there’s nothing else, I’ll go back to work. I still have a bit left.”

Manager Lin sensed something was off with Haimian’s reaction but didn’t press further, thinking it might just be an overwhelming surprise. “Finish up what’s left and hand it over to me. I’ll redistribute it.”

“Okay, I’ll head back in then.” With that, Haimian turned and left.

Huahuan had been eagerly waiting for Haimian to return, ready to celebrate, but seeing Haimian’s pale face, she fell silent.

Until Haimian finished up, organized the documents for Manager Lin, and said nothing, her face remained calm.

Even though it was just paperwork, it took Haimian two whole hours to finish. By the time she returned to the logistics department, everyone was gone except for Huahuan, who was still waiting for her.

Huahuan approached Haimian worriedly, unsure of what to do because Haimian looked unwell. “Haimian, what’s wrong? Why do you look so pale?”

Haimian gazed at Huahuan with a melancholy expression, as if they were parting forever. “Thinking about how we won’t be able to work together every day anymore, I can’t help but feel reluctant.”

Huahuan pouted, almost moved to tears. “I knew you’d miss me the most. Hang in there. I’m rooting for you. When you succeed, remember to pull me up too.”

Haimian playfully punched Huahuan, and after some teasing, finally managed a smile, though it was still a bit forced.

The next morning, Haimian went to her new position for the handover. She was dressed in her usual old-fashioned style, with her hair neatly tied up, wearing a conservative suit, a Mickey watch on her wrist, and thick black-framed glasses.

Facing the mirror in the elevator, Haimian scrutinized herself. Due to a sleepless night, she looked a bit worn out, like someone approaching thirty.

Nervously, she carried her few personal belongings to Secretary Li’s desk, hesitating slightly. “Hello, I’m Lin Haimian, here for the handover.”

Secretary Li glanced at Haimian’s outfit, almost dropping her eyes in surprise, but maintained a sweet smile. “Xiao Lin, right? You’re early. Have a seat and wait for a bit.”

Secretary Li’s smile was beautiful, Haimian thought, making her want to chat. “You’re early too.”

Secretary Li chuckled. “My husband doesn’t want me to take the bus, so I have to leave early. He drops me off at the company before going to work himself. I think he’s being a bit overprotective.”

Haimian shook her head. “Not at all. Your husband shows how much he loves you with his actions. You’re really lucky.”

Secretary Li’s smile grew even brighter, almost glowing. “I think so too. By the way, you can put your things down. I’ve tidied up a bit for you.”

Haimian had a moment of wistfulness. Ah, just like before.

When Liang Tongheng walked in, Secretary Li quickly stood up, greeting him with the sweetest smile and most energetic voice. “Good morning, President. I’ll bring today’s schedule to you in ten minutes.”

Haimian, a beat behind, stood up too, but kept her head down, not daring to look at Liang Tongheng, staring at her shoes instead.

Liang Tongheng, in his usual black suit, tailored perfectly with high-quality fabric, walked towards his office without stopping, his voice as cold as ever. “Alright, bring it to me when it’s ready. Lin Haimian, come in.”

Was it just Haimian’s imagination, or did the president’s tone sound a bit gritted? Nervously, she glanced at Secretary Li.

Secretary Li smiled and urged her, “Hurry up, don’t keep the president waiting.”

Haimian nodded, quickly heading inside, pouting slightly out of Secretary Li’s sight. Her heart pounded wildly, and she felt dizzy before even seeing him.

Not knowing what to say, Haimian obediently walked to the desk, head down, hands clasped in front of her like a child waiting to be scolded.

Liang Tongheng’s face darkened, his sharp eyes behind his glasses scrutinizing Haimian’s timid demeanor. He tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, saying nothing.

As time ticked by, the sound of his fingers tapping on the desk echoed louder than a clock in Haimian’s heart, and beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

Finally, Liang Tongheng spoke, his tone slightly gritted, “Don’t you even know basic etiquette?”

“Huh?” Haimian instinctively looked up at him for a second before quickly lowering her head again, afraid to look up. The president’s expression was terrifying.

Liang Tongheng was exasperated.

After a while, Haimian spoke in a small voice, “President, what did you want to see me about?”

“Hmph, I thought you’d gone mute and couldn’t speak,” Liang Tongheng’s face darkened further.

Haimian shrank back, her lips quivering, her nose tingling. She genuinely didn’t know what to say.

Her subtle movements only fueled Liang Tongheng’s irritation. Rubbing his temples, he began to nitpick, “Do I need to teach you how to stand?”

Haimian flinched, then timidly assumed a standard posture, standing straight with her head up and stomach in, though her eyes darted around, avoiding Liang Tongheng.

Liang Tongheng was speechless.

Disdainfully, he scrutinized Haimian from head to toe and began issuing orders. “Take off the glasses, let your hair down, don’t let me see that watch again, and take off the jacket.”

Haimian heard him but didn’t move for a while. She understood the first three, but the last one-why take off her jacket?

Swallowing nervously, she asked with a trembling heart, “Take off… the jacket?”

Liang Tongheng’s gaze grew more piercing. “It’s too ugly.”

Haimian was speechless.

Finally understanding, she realized he just found her appearance unappealing. Her heart inexplicably stirred with excitement, and she looked at the president with hopeful eyes, silently pleading for him to transfer her away if he found her unattractive.

Unfortunately, Liang Tongheng didn’t oblige her wish. Instead, he coldly criticized, “Can’t you understand human language?”

It wasn’t that she couldn’t understand, but… sigh. Seeing Liang Tongheng’s insistent gaze, Haimian hesitantly tried to negotiate, “Could I… not take off the glasses?”

“No,” Liang Tongheng refused without hesitation.

Haimian’s heart raced even faster. She raised her hand slowly, removing her glasses, letting down her hair, and quickly took off her jacket, standing straight but avoiding eye contact with the president.

Liang Tongheng waited for a while, noticing Haimian hadn’t moved, and his face darkened again. “Do you not want your hands anymore?”

Haimian belatedly realized and, in a panic, removed her watch, hiding her hands behind her back.

Finally somewhat satisfied, Liang Tongheng continued, “From now on, don’t wear those glasses again. Only wear contact lenses. Don’t tie your hair up anymore. Also, get some younger-looking suits. These won’t do.”

Haimian’s heart sank, feeling suddenly exhausted, but she could only sigh in resignation. “I understand. Is there anything else?”

“Do you plan to serve as the president’s secretary with that face?” Liang Tongheng hadn’t finished lecturing her yet. Did she think she could leave?

Haimian was momentarily stunned, not understanding what he meant. When she realized, the president was already impatient, so she quickly put on a smile. “I understand. Is there anything else you need me to do?”

Liang Tongheng looked at her with disdain and gave one final order. “Go learn from Secretary Li. I want to see results tomorrow morning. Ask Secretary Li to come in.”

Haimian’s smile froze at the corners of her mouth, maintaining a forced smile as she retreated. Once out of the president’s office, she deflated.

“Secretary Li, the president wants to see you,” Haimian said weakly.

Secretary Li was a bit surprised, curious about what had happened. “Alright, you take a break.”

“Okay.” Haimian slumped over her desk, her thoughts drifting to unknown places.

When Li Yi came out of the adjacent office with a stack of files and saw Haimian in that state, his brows furrowed instantly. “I say, you…”

As soon as he spoke, Li Yi remembered his reason for transferring her and felt a bit embarrassed, softening his tone. “Haimian, are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?”

Seeing it was Li Yi, Haimian jumped up in fright, forcing what she thought was a sweet smile, and greeted him, “Good morning. Is there anything you need help with?”

Li Yi was startled, and the files slipped from his hands, scattering on the floor. “No, I just saw you looked unwell and wanted to check on you.”

Hearing the sound of files falling, Haimian instinctively bent down to help pick them up. Li Yi quickly followed suit, gathering the scattered documents.