Games That People Play

Chapter 21 Sweet Challenge

A dark grey Maybach slid elegantly in front of The Excelsior. Lithe, long legs swung from the driver's seat and proceeded directly to the entrance for VIP's. As usual, Lu Jinian never failed to amaze the people around him with his striking looks.

Behind him, Lan Chen and Mo Lian followed closely. It was an important day since the architecture department is launching a new state of the art hotel structural design and a true mini model structure, to be presented to the Board.

Xinli was already at the board room when they arrived. Lu Jinian threw her a cold glance before taking the seat marked "CEO". The board members greeted him in unison, he slightly bowed his handsome head in acknowledgement.

"Commence." Lu Jinian's deep voice resonated with authority and power. The lead architect stood up and began the presentation. He was proficient and familiar in his explanations and defense that the board unanimously approved the proposal.

Xinli was quietly taking notes and all pertinent data for her boss to go over. He liked to do things in an orderly manner, and projects like this one needed to be reviewed over and over again to minimize mistakes. On this part, Xinli admired Lu Jinian. He was an excellent businessman and knew how to strategize the company's financial capabilities.

When the presentation and approval was done, Lu Jinian stood up and said "Gentlemen, please continue with the discussions, i shall review all of your inputs later." And with that, he motioned for Xinli to follow him and strode out.

On their way to the CEO's office, Han Jin Quian saw them approaching, a sweet smile was painted on her face. "Hello Lu Jinian..." She purred at which the latter's eyebrows raised. His eyes were like deep dark pools of icy waters. "I mean, Mr. President..." Han Jin corrected herself awkwardly.

Xinli's lips twitched in an attempt to hide her amusement. Serves you right! She glanced triumphantly at the flustered Han Jin. The woman was inexplicably rude to her when they were alone, and always tried to find fault in everything she did. She only put up with her to avoid unpleasant scenes inside the office. After all, it will only be 6 more weeks before she left this city for good.

Xinli closed the door quietly at the gawking woman. Han Jin was furious and her heart was full of jealousy over Xinli, she clenched the corner of her office table, and sat down. She has seen the way Lu Jinian looked at the girl, and she swore no one can steal the man from her clutches, or so, she thought.

"What are you smirking about?" Xinli was jolted from her seat at the sudden query from the man sitting behind the desk. Lu Jinian's eyes seemed to bore a hole in Xinli's head. Her puzzled look was genuinely innocent. For the life of her, she couldn't remember smirking the moment they entered the office.

"Pretentious, arrogant woman," he said softly... "you think you are so smart that i didn't see your lips quirked when we entered the receiving hall a while ago."

Xinli fought greatly with the urge to laugh. She lowered her head and pretended to check her shoe, that way, he wouldn't notice the twinkles in her eyes. Really, did he notice the way she looked at Han Jin Quiao's embarassing state a while ago?

"I'm sorry, Mr. President, but I don't know what you mean..." she coughed and cleared her throat, a little embarassed at her flushed face. Lu Jinian stood up and walked slowly nearer, his eyes never leaving Xinli's face. Her feet seemed to be glued to the floor and she found it hard to breathe.

Lu Jinian held both armrests of the chair where she was sitting, so as to make sure she couldn't escape. "What are you doing?" she tried to inch further away from the man who was like a predator ready to swoop down on his prey.

"You were secretly laughing at me..." it was a statement, his face was so close to hers that their breaths mingled with each other. "Do you find me funny, Miss Bai?" He asked dangerously...