After seeing off the secretary and her party, Director White called Alex into her office. She asked if he had any feelings for Sarah and whether he needed her to intervene on his behalf. It seemed like Director White was showing concern for Alex, much like how an older sister would look out for a younger brother.
To be honest, Alex didn't feel an urgent need to find a partner, especially given his complicated feelings for Director White. Despite the fact that she was married and had a child, Alex couldn't shake his emotions for her. Yet, he knew it was problematic, and she now treated him like a younger brother.
"I want to focus on my work," Alex replied, trying to steer the conversation away from relationships. "I'm not in a rush to get married. We can talk about it later."
"You don't have to put off work just because of dating," Director White responded. "I got married very young, and didn't my career still progress?"
Alex tried to explain his perspective, "That's different. I just want to work with you for a while and achieve something first. It's not like in your time; there are so many things to learn and do now. Let's wait until later."
Director White probably realized Alex wasn't interested in Sarah and didn't press the issue, though her silence indicated that she didn't want him to completely disregard the possibility. She likely believed it would be beneficial for him in the long run.
Just then, Deputy Secretary Jessica Lee called, asking Director White and Alex to her office. Her office was on the third floor, opposite theirs, with both office buildings connected by a corridor. Alex followed Director White as they walked through the hallway in silence. He admired her graceful walk from behind, and it made him feel oddly happy.
When they arrived at Secretary Lee's office, she was still in high spirits, likely from the drinks earlier at lunch. She enthusiastically invited them to sit down.
The office was divided into two parts, with an inner and outer suite separated by a partition. It was decorated with antique furniture, and Alex noticed a large reclining chair and two sets of double sofas. A large goldfish tank, glowing faintly with blue light, caught his eye. The fish swam leisurely, reflecting the calmness of their owner. Opposite the tank stood two large bookcases filled with thick volumes, and between them were several pots of flowers Alex couldn't identify. The entire room exuded a lively, spring-like atmosphere.
"How do you like my flowers? Aren't they pretty?" Secretary Lee asked.
"Elder Sister, these flowers are beautiful. Please teach me how you manage to grow such lovely plants," Director White responded. In private time, Director White call Secretary Lee as her sister.
"These are all thanks to Liam. I don't know much about flowers, but they make me feel comfortable and energized. I'll have Liam bring one to you when he leaves," she offered.
"I wouldn't dare take away something you love. I just admire the natural green. But didn't you invite us here for more than just admiring flowers?"
Laughing, Secretary Lee replied, "Haha, no. I actually wanted to play matchmaker. I wanted to talk Alex about his opinion."
Alex was taken aback. He and Director White had been preoccupied with the same topic—relationships. He felt a sudden rush of nervousness. He glanced at Director White. She smiled and said, "I think we're both thinking about the same person, right?"
"Yes. It was you who first pointed it out. I thought they made a good match, so I wanted to bring it up here. I also wanted to hear about Alex's situation firsthand. I can take responsibility for Sarah," Secretary Lee added.
Director White, not wanting to dampen the secretary's enthusiasm, assured her that she would handle the situation well and asked about Sarah's background.
Secretary Lee smiled at Alex, but there was something in her expression that he couldn't quite read. It wasn't the same look she had given him when he visited her home. There was a sense of fondness and concern, but something else lingered beneath it—something he couldn't decipher.
Director White briefly updated Secretary Lee on the happenings in their department, though Alex knew this was mostly formality. Jessica nodded and offered affirmations and advice, the two women speaking passionately about superficial matters while Alex sat there, neither fully listening nor tuning them out. At one point, he stood up and walked over to the bookcase, taking out a book to read. He did so more out of politeness, given that they were from the same hometown. Normally, he would have never dared to touch anything in Secretary Lee's office.
Inside the book, he found an exquisite bookmark with a picture of very handsome man in naked state, Startled, he quickly closed the book and sat back down, feeling his heart race. He chastised himself for overreacting, reminding himself it was likely just a simple appreciation of a famous painting. Slowly, he calmed down.
Once the conversation between Director White and Secretary Lee came to a natural conclusion, they prepared to leave. As they were walking out, Secretary Lee patted Alex on the shoulder kindly and said, "Young man, you should work hard under Asha's guidance. Go back and think about this matter carefully. I'm expecting good news from you."