Games That People Play

Chapter 13: The Patriarch's Unexpected Announcent

Lu Jinian slowly opened his eyes... "Am i dead now?" He asked aloud. "I am seeing someone who likes to play games..." He continued derisively as his cold eyes caught sight of Xinli.

Huang Lin immediately intervened. "Take it easy son, Miss Bai is here to say hello" she said cheerfully.

Xinli slowly made her way to Lu Jinian's bedside. She smiled and asked gently, "How are you feeling today?"

Lu Jinian's mouth twitched in desdain. "My mother just announced that you're only here to say hello, well then you already said more than hello, go get out now!" His voice held a coldness that could freeze the ocean.

Xinli bit her lower lip at the sharp pain that seemed to stab her heart, but she stayed calm and her eyes were like pools of clear water as she looked at him.

"Mr. President, i am here in my capacity as your Assistant. I shall take orders from you and will only return to Zenith once you're done with your treatment." Xinli said in a matter of fact voice devoid of emotion.

"What did you just say? Who said I need a woman who likes to play games with men? You are dreaming, Bai Xinli! You think highly of yourself, and my people might be taken in by your words and pretentious actions, but you cant fool me, woman." His eyes were dark with anger.

"Is this the Lu Jinian that i meticulously raised like a son?" a powerful voice suddenly interrupted his expletives. Everyone turned their heads toward the direction where Huang Lu Yue stood with his cane. He clicked his heel on the tiled floor before slowly making his way inside the suite.

"Grandpa..." Lu Jinian struggled to get up but the older man motioned for him to just lay down and relax. The two aides helped the old man to settle in a comfortable seat.

"My boy, you've been working very hard and drove yourself to exhaution" He said. "It is time to delegate most of your paperworks and presentations to someone who is capable." His grandfather said decisively.

"But grandpa, i still can do all these things as i am already used to my routine..." Lu Jinian tried to protest, but the patriarch of the HLY Group did not budge.

"I can see that the spirit is willing, but the body is weak, so to speak." He rejoined. I have hired Miss Bai Xinli as your Assistant, i have reviewed all her records pertinent to her personal character, work ethics and references past and present. I am quite satisfied." Old Yue continued.

Lu Jinian's lips twitched while looking at Xinli's very ordinary face, "personal character... i think i know a thing or two" his words were like darts aimed at her heart. But she continued to look straight into his eyes, as if trying to find even just a little tenderness within those pair of dark oceans.

Huang Lin stayed silent, her keen eyes observing her son's queer behaviour. She has never seen her son act like he was acting now and she sensed something... Cheng Yue coughed at the awkward situation, at least for Xinli because of his son's blatant insults.

"Aherm... i think Lu Jinian should take rest before his next therapy seasion. Miss Bai, how do we call you?" He asked Xinli directly.

"Please call me Lia" she replied.

"OK then, Lia, please inform Mo Lian of the new development and let Lan Chen brief you of all the folders personally handled by Lu Jinian." Cheng Yue glanced at his father and earned his nod.

"These arrangements are special by nature and temporary. Once Lu Jinian is discharged from his hospital confinement, he will naturally take over." Huang Lu Yue said reassuringly. The he stood up and walked closer to the bed. He patted his grandson's hand and sighed.

"I'm a bit tired so i will leave now," addressing Lu Jinian. "Be good to yourself, child. You deserve it." His grandfather looked at him with fondness in his eyes. He obviously favored this grandson of his who was also the favorite grandchild of his late wife.

Lu Jinian closed his eyes in agreement, but his mind was too active! "Hah, Bai Xinli... i will make your life a living hell!" he thought furiously. She thought she could crawl her way in by pretending, well, i'm going to expose your filthy skin! His closed eyes hid his dislike. He thought he really wanted her, but now that she was in front of him, he seemed to despise her to the core. He hated her for making him feel the way he felt, he hated her for making him desire her body, for rejecting him and he hated her for being cold and distant.

Just wait and see. I will let you have a good taste of your own medicine! Lu Jinian's thoughts continued to form threats against the unsuspecting woman who was standing by like a zombie. Cold and unfeeling. She was ruthless and cruel and shameless, he decided.