The President's Sweetheart Secretary - Chapter 28 - Brother Liang Is Jealous

Lin Haimian shifted awkwardly and finally spoke up to remind him, “President, could you let go of me? My legs aren’t weak anymore.”

Liang Tongheng released Lin Haimian quickly, as if she were something poisonous. “I warn you, don’t stray more than three steps away from me.”

Lin Haimian was a bit taken aback. Did he really have to treat her like she was something repulsive? “I understand, I’m really sorry.”

Liang Tongheng scoffed and turned back to the venue, with Lin Haimian hurrying to follow. This time, she had to make sure not to cause any more trouble.

Not far away, He Yaowen emerged from the small grove, watching the pair’s retreating figures with interest. He had witnessed the entire scene.

As expected, shortly after they returned to the venue, the main event began.

Chairman Wang appeared first, his tall frame commanding attention. Despite the gray at his temples, his demeanor was vibrant. Beside him was Wang Linglong in a striking red gown.

Wang Linglong’s face still held a hint of youthful innocence, her doll-like features making her appear several years younger than she was. Even with her exquisite makeup, her lively and adorable aura was unmistakable.

As Chairman Wang began his speech, Lin Haimian listened attentively despite her lack of interest, smiling at the red figure on stage.

Next came the introductions, as Chairman Wang and his daughter mingled with the guests. Lin Haimian found it rather dull.

Liang Tongheng was busy socializing, while Lin Haimian was occasionally approached by others, which was quite bothersome. Especially He Yaowen, who kept glancing her way while chatting with Liang Tongheng. She decided to ignore it by counting her fingers.

Time slowly passed as Lin Haimian silently complained. When Chairman Wang and Wang Linglong approached, she quickly adjusted her demeanor, determined not to embarrass the president.

Chairman Wang greeted Liang Tongheng warmly, “Tongheng, I’m glad you could make it today. Linglong, this is President Liang of Huanyu Group. Don’t be fooled by his youth; he’s quite formidable.”

Wang Linglong raised her glass, her cheeks slightly flushed from the alcohol under the lights, looking adorably cute. “Hello, Brother Liang. Daddy often talks about you, and today I finally get to see you in person.”

Liang Tongheng maintained his usual gentle smile. “Chairman Wang, you’re too kind. There are many things I still need to learn from you. I hope Miss Wang isn’t disappointed.”

Lin Haimian was tense, hoping not to be noticed. But inevitably, Chairman Wang’s gaze fell on her, showing a hint of uncertainty.

Before he could speak, Lin Haimian politely introduced herself, “Hello, Chairman Wang. I’m Lin Haimian, the president’s secretary at Huanyu Group. It’s a pleasure to meet you today; you’re a legend in the business world.”

Chairman Wang laughed heartily, “Ah, Secretary Lin, I almost mistook you for someone I knew. No need to be formal, enjoy yourself.”

Lin Haimian thanked Chairman Wang with a sweet smile, “Thank you, Chairman Wang.”

After Chairman Wang and Wang Linglong moved on, Lin Haimian breathed a sigh of relief. Now she could focus on eating and waiting.

By the time the event ended, Lin Haimian was exhausted, yawning frequently. “I can just take a cab home.”

“Get in the car,” Liang Tongheng said, leaving no room for argument as he got in the vehicle.

Lin Haimian had no choice but to follow, giving the driver her address. Within a minute, she was asleep against the seat, unaware that Liang Tongheng watched her the entire way.

The car stopped at the entrance of Lin Haimian’s apartment complex, but she showed no signs of waking. Liang Tongheng tried to rouse her, but after a minute, she was still asleep.

His expression darkened slightly, and he resorted to nudging her awake. As his fingers touched her bare shoulder, Lin Haimian immediately opened her eyes.

Liang Tongheng was speechless.

Lin Haimian blinked, not fully awake. “Why did the car stop? Are we home?”

“Yes, get out,” Liang Tongheng replied tersely, clenching his fist.

Lin Haimian nodded, opened the car door, and stepped out. Before closing the door, she bid Liang Tongheng goodnight.

Liang Tongheng waited until she entered the complex before instructing the driver to leave. He then closed his eyes, his mind filled with the sensation of her soft skin.

On a beautiful Saturday morning, Lin Haimian was still deep in sleep when her phone on the bedside table rang, waking her. Grumbling, she grabbed the phone to see who was disturbing her rest.

“Oh, it’s Linglong. What are you doing calling me so early?” Lin Haimian mumbled, reluctant to open her eyes.

Sitting in a mall, Wang Linglong was no more awake than Lin Haimian, her doll-like face showing her distress. “Sis, I’m at a mall near you. Come meet me.”

Lin Haimian was slow to respond. “What are you doing at the mall?”

Wang Linglong almost whimpered, “Daddy kicked me out of the house early this morning. I’ll explain when we meet. I’m at the café by the east gate. Hurry up.”

Lin Haimian groaned, “You little troublemaker! Wait for me!”

Wang Linglong finally managed a smile for the first time that morning. “Hurry, don’t keep me waiting too long.”

Lin Haimian quickly got ready and rushed out, taking an hour to reach the café where Wang Linglong was. She easily spotted her sitting by the window in a floral dress.

Wearing flat shoes, Lin Haimian approached and sat down. Wang Linglong recognized her, her mouth agape in shock. “Ah!”

In Wang Linglong’s mind, Lin Haimian was always elegant and beautiful. She couldn’t believe her eyes seeing Lin Haimian with disheveled hair, wearing old-fashioned black-rimmed glasses, no lipstick, a casual T-shirt and denim shorts, and cloth shoes, carrying a small bag. She looked as cheap as possible.

Lin Haimian was startled by her reaction. “What’s wrong with you, screaming like that? You scared me.”

Wang Linglong ignored Lin Haimian, pointing at her with trembling fingers, her face flushed with excitement. “Oh my gosh, you actually went out looking like this!”

Lin Haimian slowly realized what Wang Linglong meant, glancing at her friend’s perfectly styled hair, flawless makeup, matching jewelry, trendy floral dress, and designer bag. She shrugged indifferently. “Sit down, sit down. This is a café; don’t disturb others.”

Wang Linglong’s youthful face was full of disbelief, but she lowered her voice. “What happened? How did you end up like this?”

Lin Haimian smiled helplessly. “Nothing much. After graduation, I moved out to live on my own.”

Wang Linglong was even more shocked. “Why didn’t you tell me? I thought you were still living with them.”

“I’m living well now, earning my own money, renting a place, supporting myself. I can’t spend as freely as before, but I prefer my current life.” Lin Haimian smiled sweetly, trying to reassure Wang Linglong.

Seeing that Wang Linglong wanted to say more, Lin Haimian smiled, “You know I’ve never liked that home, not before, not now, not ever. Anyway, let’s not talk about it. Why are you here so early?”

Wang Linglong saw that Lin Haimian didn’t want to discuss it further and relented, noting the genuine happiness on her face. “Well, if you need anything, promise you’ll tell me, okay?”

Lin Haimian felt a pang of emotion, her eyes slightly moist. “I know. Oh, I haven’t had breakfast yet. I’ll have a sandwich. How about you? Have you eaten?”

At the mention of food, Wang Linglong got annoyed. “Don’t mention it. Daddy woke me up early, so I had no appetite. I’ll have one too.”

Lin Haimian asked awkwardly, “You still haven’t told me why you’re out so early.”

Wang Linglong pouted. “It’s because I chatted with President Liang a bit last night. Daddy thought I was interested in him and told me to strike while the iron is hot and invite him shopping.”

Lin Haimian resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “That’s why I hate these parties. But I see you have a good impression of the president. Even though there’s quite an age gap, if you like him…”

Wang Linglong quickly stopped her. “Please, he’s not my type. I only chatted with him because he’s your boss. Don’t misunderstand.”

Lin Haimian was speechless.

After breakfast, the two had nothing to do, so they wandered around. Wang Linglong affectionately linked arms with Lin Haimian. Though their outfits were polar opposites, it didn’t affect their mood.

After a morning of shopping, they carried bags and headed to a French restaurant for a big meal, only to unexpectedly encounter Liang Tongheng in casual attire.

Lin Haimian broke out in a cold sweat upon spotting Liang Tongheng, hoping to escape with Wang Linglong before he noticed them. But she was a step too late.

Before she could turn away, Liang Tongheng had already seen them and was approaching.

Lin Haimian knew this was bad and whispered urgently to Wang Linglong, “No matter what happens, just say you met me at the mall, hit it off, and invited me to shop.”

Wang Linglong didn’t understand what was happening but trusted Lin Haimian. “Got it.”

Lin Haimian took a couple of deep breaths, regaining her usual composure, and greeted Liang Tongheng with a sweet smile. “President, what a coincidence to see you here.”

Liang Tongheng, his eyes hidden behind his ever-present gold-rimmed glasses, glanced at Lin Haimian but spoke to Wang Linglong. “Miss Wang, a pleasure.”

Wang Linglong finally understood Lin Haimian’s earlier instructions, realizing she had been too focused on the food. “Brother Liang, what a coincidence to meet you here. I wanted to invite you shopping, but I didn’t have your number. Luckily, I ran into your secretary and asked her to join me.”

Lin Haimian smiled innocently.

Liang Tongheng looked between the two and chuckled softly. “It seems my secretary isn’t up to par, knowing Miss Wang wanted to find me but not calling to inform me.”

Wang Linglong blinked her innocent eyes, smiling adorably. “Oh, Brother Liang, are you jealous? I told Secretary Lin not to call you. Shopping is better suited for two women, right?”

Liang Tongheng didn’t know what jealousy was. “Then let me host and treat Miss Wang to a meal as an apology, shall we?”