Chapter 109 Sunburn

Xu Anan’s fighting spirit was rekindled. Though only two days remained, until the very end, victory could belong to anyone. She had never been one to easily accept fate.

Seeing that Xu Anan had not given up, Xue Shengnan felt relieved. “Alright, I’ll help you too,” she said, already thinking of using her connections to look up Cheng Gang’s schedule, hoping Xu Anan could intercept him and secure an interview slot.

But Xu Anan gently declined Xue Shengnan’s offer. “Don’t worry, I already have a plan.”

“Alright, but if you need anything, you must tell me.”

“No problem!”

No sooner had Xu Anan stepped out of Xue Shengnan’s office than she caught sight of Fang Nini nearby, sneering. “What’s this? Are you scared? Came all the way here just to snoop around?”

Fang Nini was indeed anxious, afraid that some unexpected twist would arise before everything was settled. When she learned Xu Anan was meeting Xue Shengnan, she couldn’t help but follow.

“Xu Anan, I advise you to give up.”

“And why is that?” Xu Anan asked.

Fang Nini glanced around to ensure they were alone, then boldly declared, “Because the department head has already decided—it’s going to be me. Even if you do manage to interview Mr. Cheng, so what? It’s pointless, don’t waste your energy. Take this as advice from your future boss.”

Xu Anan’s gaze was steady, her lips curling in a mocking smile. “Seems it isn’t as certain as you claim. Otherwise, why bother coming here to stir up trouble? Just wait—anything is possible.”

Because of Xu Anan’s words, Fang Nini barely slept for the next two days, dark circles blooming under her eyes. But that is a story for another time.

Returning to her desk, Xu Anan continued to work diligently. No one could discern what trump card she held. She paid no mind to their speculations, simply doing her job, clocking out on time as always.

Fang Nini grew more anxious watching her. “Hmph, it’s just a last-ditch ploy, nothing more!”

After work, Xu Anan went to the market, bought groceries, and headed home to cook. She found Jiang Li had just arrived as well. Watching him change his shoes in the entryway, she couldn’t help but say, “Second Master Jiang, have you really started treating my home as your own? Isn’t that a bit much?”

“If Miss Murong finds out, I doubt she’ll be pleased.”

Jiang Li raised an eyebrow, a hint of roguishness at his lips. “You keep bringing up Murong Yan. Anyone who didn’t know better would think you were jealous.”

Xu Anan rolled her eyes. “Move, I need to cook.”

Watching her flee, Jiang Li’s amusement deepened. “Will there be a share for me at dinner?”

“Who knows?”

“In that case, I’d better go rinse the rice. Otherwise, if you only cook for one, I’ll have to watch you eat. That would be so awkward.”

Xu Anan’s lips twitched. This man really was shameless.

Just as she closed the door, Ning Xiyue happened to come downstairs. She clearly heard Jiang Li’s voice coming from Xu Anan’s apartment! Remembering the sultry sounds she’d overheard from the bathroom the night before, jealousy consumed her. She’d wondered who Xu Anan could have seduced to make such a racket.

Why was she certain it wasn’t Jiang Yu? She knew exactly what Jiang Yu was like.

Now, suspecting the man from last night was Jiang Li, her envy of Xu Anan only grew. She resolved to expose their affair.

After much deliberation, Ning Xiyue called Jiang Yu, trying to lure him over. But lacking hard evidence, she dared not say too much.

Meanwhile, with two people working together, the delicious dinner of three dishes and a soup was soon ready. Xu Anan was no longer surprised by Jiang Li’s culinary skills—if anything, she was amazed at just how good he was.

She’d merely played assistant in the kitchen. At one point, Jiang Li even shooed her into the living room, telling her not to get in the way.

“Tomorrow I’ll have someone install a range hood, and ask Assistant Wang to bring Fat Cat home,” Jiang Li said, placing a piece of meat in Xu Anan’s bowl.

Xu Anan had always wanted a range hood, but couldn’t afford one, so she often ate out to avoid being doused in oil and smoke. She nodded, then realized something.

“So the reason you didn’t want me in the kitchen was because of the smoke?”

“Your reaction speed is really something,” Jiang Li snarked, but added another tender slice of pork belly to her bowl.

Xu Anan was momentarily stunned, a warmth blossoming in her chest. But she quickly quelled the feeling.

“Didn’t Assistant Wang keep insisting he wanted to bring Fat Cat home? Now that you’re asking, why is he reluctant?”

“He’s probably run out of money this month. He’s spent a fortune on Fat Cat—bought so many things, even took her on a road trip last weekend.” With a smile, Jiang Li added, “Let me show you—Fat Cat’s gotten even chubbier.”

“Let me see,” Xu Anan said.

Jiang Li naturally sat beside her, pulling out his phone. Xu Anan leaned in, and together they looked at a photo: Fat Cat, as round as a Garfield, sprawled on a beach chair with sunglasses atop her head.

Xu Anan burst out laughing. “Assistant Wang spoils Fat Cat rotten! No wonder he goes through money so fast.”

“Which is why only a generous sponsor like you can afford to keep her.”

Suddenly, Xu Anan turned her head, realizing how close she and Jiang Li were. And Jiang Li was staring right at her.

Feeling awkward, she pulled away. “Why are you looking at me?”

“Why are your cheeks so red?” Jiang Li asked, gently lifting her chin to inspect. “You’re sunburned.”

Xu Anan recalled sunbathing outside Cheng Gang’s building. She was surprised at how delicate her skin had become. It must be the ointment she used before—she was now more certain she wanted to work with Gu Yang.

Thinking of this, Xu Anan quickly told Jiang Li, “Once I finish this interview, I’ll get the proposal ready for you.”

“Eat first,” Jiang Li said, texting Assistant Wang to bring over some sunburn ointment—and to bring Fat Cat home immediately.

At that moment, Assistant Wang, busy playing with Fat Cat, could only weep, “Second Master…”

But the call was abruptly ended.

Hearing that Jiang Li had ordered ointment for her, Xu Anan hesitated. Why was he being so kind, when he had no intention of marrying her?

She shook her head. “It’s nothing, just a little sunburn. It’ll heal in a few days.”

“This ointment is newly developed. You can be my test subject.”

Xu Anan felt a surge of indignation. She’d been touched for nothing—turns out he just wanted a guinea pig!

She held out her palm. “If I’m testing your ointment, I’d better get paid.”

Ding dong!

Xu Anan and Jiang Li exchanged glances. Was Assistant Wang riding a rocket? He’d gotten here so quickly!