6 o'clock in the afternoon, Si International Corporation
The employees were all working hard as the atmosphere inside the company was very intense. They were all worried to piss the devil. Not one single soul dared to idle around as everyone made sure to have something worthwhile to do.
Wang Guo strode passed the employees working on their cubicle. He had a document on his hand as he entered the private elevator designated for the CEO.
When he reached Si Weimin's office, he inhaled deeply before he knocked. Hearing Si Weimin's voice, he immediately entered.
Wang Guo was greeted by the devil's stern gaze. He felt cold sweat forming on his forehead.
"CEO, here's what you asked for." Wang Guo handed the document at Si Weimin.
After a few minutes, Si Weimin finished reading the report. His sharp and cold eyes focused on Wang Guo as he sneered, "How bold is this person to do this thing?"
"I really don't know what got into him, CEO."
"Okay, since we're already in this point, I can't just sit and do nothing, can I?" Si Weimin stated mysteriously.
"Of course, boss. We just can't let young madam to be trampled like that." Wang Guo proudly said, specifically using 'young madam' to refer to Xu Jia Li. He was pleased with himself when he saw the subtle smile that flashed across Si Weimin's face.
Si Weimin nodded as he placed the document inside the drawer. He put his hands together over his table before he said,
"Wang Guo, call Director Han and tell him that I already found a suitable male lead and that I'll no longer be the male lead."
Shocked registered through Wang Guo's face, "B-but, are you sure, CEO? How can we change the male lead now? Tomorrow is the press conference."
"Do I have to explain myself to you?"
"N-no, boss. Not at all." Wang Guo laughed awkwardly.
"Just do as I say. Tell him not to disclose anything to anyone."
"Yes, CEO."
After Wang Guo left the office, Si Weimin's stern look was replaced by a gentle and loving gaze as he looked at Xu Jia Li's photos on his desk.
"I can't let you suffer another backlash because of me. I'll just stay behind, loving you."
***
Xu Jia Li looked at her laptop with a satisfied grin, "Gotcha!"
After careful planning, she disguised herself wearing a long baggy jacket. Since it was autumn, the air was crisp and a bit chilly, so she had a long sleeve knitted dress inside. She wore a short black wig and a big black shade that covered most of her face.
She was inside a cab near the outskirt of the town. She glanced outside, a sudden feeling of fulfillment engulfed her, "Who said I'm easy to bully?"
The cab driver questioningly looked at Xu Jia Li on the rearview mirror, "Miss, we've been here in an hour, where exactly are we going?"
"Let's head to Venetian Hotel."
***
Venetian Hotel
"Li-jie, what are your plans for tomorrow?" Zhen Nian asked worriedly.
Xu Jia Li called Zhen Nian and asked her to meet her on a private suite at Venetian Hotel. Zhen Nian was certain that her meeting with Xu Jia Li had something to do with her plan.
Earlier, Zhen Nian received a call from Si Weimin. He was asking her about Xu Jia Li. Zhen Nian couldn't help but feel happy for Xu Jia Li because someone loved her unconditionally, someone who was always worried about her safety.
She assured Si Weimin that she would update him should something come up.
Zhen Nian was cut in her thoughts when she heard Xu Jia Li's calm voice, "I settled everything."
The two of them were seating on a round table inside the suite. Zhen Nian noticed a large bag beside the bed. Paying no more attention to it, she returned her gaze at Xu Jia Li.
Xu Jia Li handed her an envelope. Without hesitation, she opened it and found a flash drive inside.
Confused, Zhen Nian asked, "What's this Li-jie?"
"I received that this afternoon. I don't know who sent that but I have a hunch." Xu Jia Li grinned, "Anyway, it makes it even easier for me."
"What shall we do with this, Li-jie?"
"I had another copy so I'll leave that to you. Wait for my instruction tomorrow."
"Does it have anything to do with your plan tomorrow?"
Xu Jia Li only answered with a meaningful smile. The two of them talked a bit more.
After Zhen Nian left, Xu Jia Li stayed a bit longer as she carefully prepared the things she needed tomorrow, "I'll give you a show you won't forget – a tit for a tat."
Xu Jia Li was deep in her thought when her phone rang. She picked it up and her heart fluttered when she read the name on the screen – Si Weimin.
It had been two days since they saw each other and she admitted that she missed him. She would always look at his photos that she sent on her email.
Si Weimin never failed to ask her about her day, whether she already ate or just by saying goodnight. It really made her feel loved.
"Hello?"
"Jia, how's your day?"
Xu Jia Li's heart thumped fast when she heard his melodious voice, pretending unconcerned, she answered. "It's so-so. How about you?"
"Still handsome, I guess." Si Weimin chuckled.
"Tss! I'm really dumbfounded. How can someone be so arrogant?"
"HA HA HA! I didn't know that telling the truth makes you arrogant."
Xu Jia Li didn't know how to reply as she coughed continuously. Then suddenly she heard him say,
"So Ms. Xu, do you miss this handsome arrogant man?"
"Pft! You're really funny, Mr. Si. I also didn't know that you could be so narcissistic." Xu Jia Li responded, trying to hide the joy in her voice. In truth, she really felt light and full of happiness just by talking to him like this.
"How could you always hurt me like that?" Si Weimin answered with a sorrowful voice, "I really can't take it anymore. My heart is breaking, it hurts so much."
"Alright, Mr. Si, cut it. You know, you should not be a businessman but an actor. However, no matter how good you are, you can't fool me."
"HA HA HA! Ms. Xu, I bow my head to you." Si Weimin laughed heartily.
"Pft! Anyway," Xu Jia Li's voice changed, she continued in a serious tone, "I know that it's you who sent me the envelope."