Seven Years of You

Chapter 2

With the company’s top executive present, Luo Qi mentally rehearsed every sentence before speaking.She consulted Jiang Yue-ru about scheduling visits from associates.

Jiang Yue-ru waved weakly. “Let me rest in peace for a few days.”

“Understood. I’ll handle everything else.” Luo Qi placed fresh flowers by the bedside and waited silently for further instructions.

Recovering from surgery and years of overwork, Jiang Yue-ru needed two months’ leave. Her priority now was finalizing a major partnership in Sucheng—a cornerstone project for the next two years. Originally planned to sign before her surgery, delays were unavoidable.

“The signing is set for the 10th. You’ll accompany Chairman Jiang to Sucheng,” Jiang Yue-ru ordered.

Luo Qi nodded, already dreading the trip with Jiang Shenghe.

“Brief him on the project details beforehand.”

Before Luo Qi could respond, Jiang Shenghe’s voice cut through the room: “Prepare the report. Brief me at 3 PM.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

Only now did she dare glance at him—gray sweatpants, black tee, sneakers. His damp shirt clung to defined abs, sweat glistening at his temples. His sharp eyes chilled the air.

Luo Qi averted her gaze. “I’ll return to the office now.”

Jiang Shenghe gave a curt nod.

To Jiang Yue-ru, her tone softened: “I’ll visit tonight to keep you company.”

“Don’t bother. Peace and quiet suits me better.” The older woman’s chuckle included her nephew in the teasing.

Back at her desk, Luo Qi immersed herself in project files. A call interrupted—her cousin Luo Yu, ever the drama queen: “Miss me yet?”

“A whole millisecond.”

Laughter faded as Luo Yu asked about wedding plans. Learning Pei Shixiao had bailed again, she fumed: “Since when do projects trump marriage? Stop making excuses for him!”

Luo Qi deflected, agreeing to pick a designer bag—Luo Yu’s persistent gift despite her modest salary.

At 2:50 PM, Luo Qi entered the executive floor. The hush amplified her heels’ clicks. Only two secretaries worked overtime—Ju, her former mentor, and a stranger.

Ju smirked discreetly. “He’s waiting.”

Jiang Shenghe’s office doors stood open. “Enter.”

He now wore a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled to reveal corded forearms. Files littered his desk. Motioning her to sit, he plugged in her laptop charger without comment.

Three hours later, dusk painted the sky. Luo Qi’s spine stayed ramrod straight. When her phone buzzed—Pei Shixiao calling—she silenced it instantly.

Jiang Shenghe observed her stiff posture. “Take ten.”

She fled to the breakroom.

Alone, he lit a cigarette by the corridor window, then crushed it unlit. Seven minutes passed before returning—enough time for her to reply to messages.

Luo Qi re-entered as his shadow darkened the doorway. The unspoken tension thickened.