My online love partner is my landlord

Li Sheng had just finished using the restroom and was about to open the door when the sharp click of high heels echoed outside, followed by the voices of two women—her name unexpectedly woven into their conversation. She froze, hand on the handle, but didn’t push the door open. “Have you noticed? President Wan has been exceptionally attentive to that new intern from the General Affairs Department.” “Attentive? That’s an understatement. Ever since they went on that business trip together, he’s been practically doting on her. I’m starting to wonder how much longer Li Sheng can keep her ‘Crown Princess’ status.” “She’s just an intern. Li Sheng, on the other hand, has met President Wan’s parents—her position should be secure.” “I wouldn’t be so sure. The way President Wan treats that intern... I’ve worked at Wan Group for years and never seen him care for anyone this much. Not even Li Sheng.” “Meeting the parents doesn’t mean much. Li Sheng’s been at Wan Group for four or five years now—has President Wan ever made their relationship public? Besides, they’re not married. Even if he chooses someone else, that’s not unusual these days. People get married and divorced all the time. This situation? It’s nothing.” “Well, when you put it that way, I do feel a little sorry for Li Sheng.” “What’s there to pity? President Wan hasn’t treated her badly. Word is, he’s spent a fortune on her.” Li Sheng didn’t know how long she remained standing in that stall. Only after the two women had left did she finally open the door and head to the sink. She composed herself in front of the mirror, smoothing her expression before returning to her desk. The moment she sat down, a sharply dressed man approached with a young, fresh-faced girl by his side. He wore a tailored black suit, tall and lean like a model. His features were sharp and commanding, his slicked-back hair giving him an air of authority and power. Li Sheng immediately rose, voice polite and deferential. “President Wan, were you looking for me?” The moment their eyes met, she couldn’t help but marvel—he was still the kind of man who could dazzle from across a crowd, impossible to ignore. Wan Lun stopped in front of her and gestured toward the girl behind him. “Li Sheng, this is Chen Hehe, our new intern. I’d like you to take her under your wing. Please give her your full attention.” The girl stepped forward and gave a sweet, respectful bow. “Sister Sheng, I look forward to learning from you.” She was delicate and doll-like—straight black hair with neat bangs, wide dark eyes that sparkled when she smiled. She looked like a porcelain figurine, the kind that inspired instant affection. But Li Sheng felt no affection at all. Her brow creased. “President Wan, there are several capable colleagues in our department. Perhaps one of them could mentor her? It’s not that I’m unwilling, but I’m currently managing multiple projects—I may not have the bandwidth...” Chen Hehe’s face immediately clouded with hurt. She glanced at Wan Lun like a pitiful little hamster abandoned in the rain. “President Wan, I’m happy to take on any role. I don’t want to be a burden.” Seeing her like that, Wan Lun’s expression softened. He turned to Li Sheng. “Others are capable, yes. So delegate some of your workload. I want *you* to mentor Chen Hehe, personally. I trust your abilities—don’t let me down.” What more could she say? The order had been given. Li Sheng gave a small nod and motioned to the empty desk opposite hers. “You can sit here.” “Thank you, Sister Sheng.” Chen Hehe beamed and took her seat obediently. Wan Lun watched her with a tender smile and said gently, “Learn well from Li Sheng. She’s very competent.” Chen Hehe’s sweet smile deepened. “I will. I won’t disappoint you.” Li Sheng ignored their cloying exchange and returned to her work. Once Wan Lun left, she sent a spreadsheet via chat to Chen Hehe. “You’re a G University student, right? You should know how to handle basic data reports.” It was a simple task—nothing she intended to make difficult. Chen Hehe nodded awkwardly. “I... I think so.” “Good. Then complete this first. If you run into trouble, ask me.” Li Sheng forwarded the files directly to her terminal. “Okay, Sister Sheng.” Chen Hehe replied with another sugary smile. Li Sheng gave a faint nod and buried herself in her tasks. Her earlier claim of being busy hadn’t been an excuse—ever since she took over the General Affairs Department, she hadn’t had a single idle day. But as she focused, she felt a pair of eyes lingering on her. She looked up and caught Chen Hehe staring. The girl blushed deeply, caught red-handed. “I’m sorry, Sister Sheng... I couldn’t help it. You’re just so beautiful—I looked without thinking.” Li Sheng *was* stunning. Even from the first day, Chen Hehe had thought so. She had the poise of an icy goddess: sharp features, a curvaceous figure, around 170cm tall with flowing, seaweed-like curls. Even in a plain black business suit, she stood out effortlessly. But she was also aloof, rarely smiling. Wherever she went, a chill seemed to follow. It made her all the more enviable. Chen Hehe had always been praised for her looks, even crowned campus belle. But beside Li Sheng, a sense of inferiority crept in. Especially when she’d heard Li Sheng was the rumored ‘Crown Princess’ of Wan Group. For the past few weeks, she’d been walking on eggshells. But after last night’s dinner with President Wan—where he subtly mentioned he was still single—and seeing today’s interactions, she wasn’t so sure about their relationship. The threat didn’t seem so real anymore. Li Sheng frowned slightly. She wasn’t a na?ve girl fresh out of college. Compliments didn’t affect her much. She preferred results to flattery. “How’s the data report coming along?” she asked flatly. Chen Hehe gave an embarrassed smile. “I’m still working on it.” Li Sheng didn’t pause her typing. “I’ll need that report by around 3 p.m. I expect it on my desk by two. Can you manage that?” The pressure was intense, but Chen Hehe forced a nod. “I’ll try my best.” Li Sheng gave a curt nod and returned to her screen. At 1:30 p.m., she asked again, “Chen Hehe, how’s the report?” The girl flinched. “Still working... I’ll send it soon.” Sensing something was off, Li Sheng walked over. “Let me take a look. Show me what you’ve got so far—if you’re stuck, I’ll help.” Chen Hehe reluctantly opened the file. At her instruction, she scrolled down. The more Li Sheng saw, the more her brows furrowed—barely anything had been done. An entire morning wasted. Despite her earlier encouragement, it was clear the girl hadn’t asked for help. Chen Hehe seemed to sense her disappointment and quickly stammered, “I—I just started interning, Sister Sheng. I don’t know all the technical stuff yet. But I’ll learn! I’ll get better…” Li Sheng hadn’t even scolded her yet, and the girl was already on the verge of tears. With a sigh, she relented. Wan Lun had asked her to look after her, after all. “Fine. There’s still some time left—I’ll handle the report. Meanwhile, take these materials and make twenty photocopies for the meeting.” “Okay.” Chen Hehe replied sweetly, but inwardly bristled. *This isn’t what I came here for. President Wan wanted me to learn real skills, not run errands.* Li Sheng didn’t notice her reaction. She simply sat down and began working on the report in earnest. The photocopy task wasn’t meant as a slight—every new hire started like this, slowly learning the ropes. For the next two days, Chen Hehe remained her assistant. But that morning, not long after clocking in, she suddenly began crying at her desk. Li Sheng sat across from her, baffled. “Chen Hehe, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” “I’m fine, Sister Sheng,” she sniffled, wiping her tears. Li Sheng frowned. “We’re at work. Emotions should come second to responsibility. Why don’t you take a moment to compose yourself in the restroom?” But the girl didn’t budge. Instead, she sobbed even harder, tears streaming down her face. Other colleagues began watching, equally confused. Frustrated, Li Sheng said, “If it’s a personal matter, I can give you half a day off. Go take care of it.” But Chen Hehe only shook her head, saying nothing. The vagueness of it all gave Li Sheng a headache. If this had been any other intern, she would’ve handled it firmly. But this wasn’t just any intern—Wan Lun had personally asked her to look after this one... Not long after, President Wan stormed out of his office, clearly having heard the news. Concern written all over his face, he rushed to her side. “Chen Hehe, what happened?” She cried like a wilting flower, vulnerable and delicate. Wan Lun’s heart melted instantly. He took her hand. “Come, tell me everything in my office.” He didn’t care about appearances, granting her overt, undeniable favoritism. Li Sheng’s eyes drifted to their clasped hands, a flicker of pain crossing her gaze. The rest of the team exchanged looks, barely hiding their glee. *The age-old drama of the ex versus the new flame—always a crowd favorite.* But Li Sheng wouldn’t let them enjoy the spectacle. Her voice rang out cold and sharp: “This is working time. What are you all staring at? Not interested in your bonuses this month?” Everyone scrambled back to work, pretending to be busy. She sat back down, her gaze lingering on the now-shuttered executive office. The blinds were drawn. Whatever was happening inside was no longer visible. With a sigh, she massaged her temple and forced herself to focus on her tasks. Chen Hehe finally emerged at around eleven. Her tears had vanished, replaced by a bright, satisfied smile. Li Sheng didn’t press for answers. Just then, a new message popped up in her chat—Wan Lun. **"Are you free for lunch today? Let’s eat together."** She replied: **"Sure. I’ll wait for you in the underground parking lot?"** Refusing wasn’t an option. He was her superior. But part of her did want to know—what exactly did he want to talk about? It had been a month since they last dined together. **"Sounds good,"** he replied curtly. Chen Hehe walked over just then, voice small and apologetic. “Sister Sheng, I’m sorry. I lost control of my emotions this morning... I must’ve caused you trouble.”