Something Beautiful and Wicked

Instead of going to Lion Labs, Shi Yen went to Shi Group after visiting her apparently "sick" sister. Shi Ailin was hiding something from her, but she wouldn't persist in finding out since she was the one who used to do the sneaking around.     

Shi Yen released a breath. It had been so long since she stepped through the front doors of Shi Group that she felt nervous in the pit of her stomach. Yuan Shun wanted to be with her, but Shi Yen reminded him that it would not look professional with them walking in together.     

If he were with her, it'd show familiarity and favouritism; it would also attract attention.     

Fang Qi would meet with her instead, helping her ease back into the company as Yuan Shun went to the main office building for the Bank across the street.     

Her heart pounded. Everything was the same, except for the people that worked there. Shi Group was a conglomerate of real estate, architecture & design, communication, entertainment, and hospitality.     

The walls and offices of the building were the same. There was even a memorial photo of her father, along with her grandfather, whom she never met. It was as if those five years flew by quickly when before, it felt endless.     

Fang Qi led her to the top floor. They passed by some of the clerks who worked in her department, and Shi Yen briefly greeted them without an introduction.     

He then guided her to the private office Yuan Shun had arranged for her. And on the front door, there was a plate that said: Chief Administrative Officer.     

"We're waiting for your nameplate to arrive in the mail so we can put it right next to it," Fang Qi told her.     

Shi Yen grinned. He opened the door for her, tossing her the keys. "This is yours now," he said. Shi Yen caught them in her hand. She then glanced around the vast office space with a floor-to-ceiling view of the city, which poured into Yuan Bank's main office across the street. There was also a couch and a chocolate-brown oak desk with a mini-fridge propped next to it. The office was far more extravagant than what she would provide for herself.     

Fang Qi then opened an envelope that was left on her desk. "These are the company credit cards. Yuan Shun also left one of his unlimited personal cards for your personal expenses," Fang Qi said casually.     

"Why would he do that?" she questioned. "When I write my own checks and make my own money?"     

He shrugged. "I don't know. But wouldn't it be nice to spend someone else's money?"     

Shi Yen thought about it for a moment. She then nodded. "I can't help but agree."     

He chuckled. "Since I am here, I am going to visit the strategic officer. If you need anything, you can ask one of the clerks for assistance. I will drop by later to see how you're doing. Yuan Shun always has me on a tight schedule, but I'm confident that you know what you're doing," he told her.     

Shi Yen smiled. "Thank you, Fang Qi."     

He flashed a grin. "Good luck," he said. He then turned away to leave when he paused by the door. "Oh, and welcome back to Shi Group, Yen."     

Shi Yen's smiled widened. Fang Qi then disappeared, shutting the door behind him.     

She took a deep breath as everything seemed to be overwhelming. She had dreamt of this moment, albeit under different circumstances, but this would do.     

Her phone buzzed, and she picked up to see a message from Yuan Shun: How are you settling in?     

Shi Yen: Good. But this office is too much and so are the credit cards. Are you trying to seduce me?     

YS: Maybe. Is it working?     

SY: No. I'm not materialistic.     

YS: Then, I'll have to try something else.     

Shi Yen smiled at her phone. She put it away, heading over to get some coffee and to familiarize herself with some faces that worked there.     

Before she stepped into the break room, she overheard, "Did you see our new Administrative Officer? I can't believe she replaced Mr. Tang; she looks so trashy."     

"You're just bitter because you were fucking Mr. Tang before he got demoted and quit," a man's voice said.     

"Oh, shut up. You and I both know that a woman like that getting a high ranking position would only come from a weak moment in the bedroom or worse—blackmail."     

Shi Yen rolled her eyes.     

"You don't know who she is. She could be qualified for all you know. Mr. Yuan wouldn't hire just anyone."     

"That woman seems like a frigid bitch," the woman continued.     

"How do you know she's a bitch?" the faceless man countered.     

"I didn't say she was a bitch. I said she seems like a bitch. She seems like the type who's too good for everyone since she's expressionless and indifferent. She probably hates puppies too."     

"You're delusional."     

The woman scoffed. "Oh. Now I see. You want to fuck her too."     

"I'm literally into men. Do you think Mr. Yuan is bent or swings both ways?" he replied.     

Shi Yen giggled.     

"Ugh. You're not interesting to talk to," the woman said.     

"I don't see the point on talking about someone we don't know," the man replied.     

Shi Yen then stepped through interruptively, approaching the coffee urn, pouring herself a cup casually. The woman stiffened, afraid that she overheard. The man poured sugar in his tea nonchalantly next to her.     

Shi Yen stirred her coffee aggressively. Frigid bitch? Is that what she seemed like? She couldn't blame the woman, even though she had to urge to fire her.     

She turned to face them with a small smile. "Hello. I am the new Chief Administrative Officer," she reached out to shake the man's hand. "My name is Shi Yen."     

The woman in front of her blanched. The man smiled. "Hello, Miss Shi. I look forward to working with you. I'm Kang Hai."     

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Kang," she said, turning to face the ashen woman. "And you are?"     

The woman's voice quivered. "I…I'm, uh, Ye Niu," she said, lifting her shaking hand. Shi Yen gripped it, hard, while wearing a wide silverware smile. Her smile then faded. "I look forward to getting to know my team very well," she said, voice clipped.     

The woman whimpered, and Shi Yen let go.     

She then smiled again and walked away with her coffee.     

"You asshole! You probably knew who she was this entire time."     

"Of course, idiot. How do you not recognize Shi Yenni?"     

Shi Yen's lips curved sideways as she trailed back to her office. She then texted Yuan Shun: Apparently, I'm a frigid bitch.     

He messaged back right away: You're not a bitch—frigid …well.     

SY: You're supposed to be on my side.     

YS: I am always.     

Shi Yen smiled at her phone, slightly flushing: Someone had already suspected that I'm sleeping with you.     

YS: Really? Do they think we're dating too?     

Shi Yen laughed: I don't know. A man had asked if you were single.     

YS: Oh, am I?     

Shi Yen rolled her eyes: I don't know, you tell me.     

He took a few minutes to respond, and for a moment, she thought he wasn't going to answer: I am taken by someone. She's prickly and competitive, very entertaining and easy to tease. But I like her a lot.     

SY: I'm sure she likes you too.     

YS: That's good to know.     

SY: You're distracting me. I have to get back to work. See you later.     

Shi Yen shut off her phone. She then stood up from her seat, announcing to her staff that she'd like to meet with them in the boardroom for a last-minute meeting. They hastily stood, heading over promptly without delay. Shi Yen grinned. She realized that Yuan Shun trained them well in her absence.