Reborn: The Return of the Villainous Mr. Liu

"You are very straightforward," Zheng Jiao commented.

"What is there to sugarcoat in this? I do think the assistants were dumb. There was nothing to be so afraid of. Must be homophobic. I understand that sexuality is one's personal choice but it's not a plague that everybody got running," she scoffed.

Xian Shun then sighed. "I am sorry though. Regarding Guiying…"

"You overthink. I was just a little curious about her, that's all. It meant nothing more."

"Curiosity is always the first step towards crushing someone. And I have seen how your eyes have always followed Guiying. Even if it might not be full blown love yet, you are definitely interested in her."

"Doesn't really matter now."

Xian Shun pursed her lips. "By the way, Guiying is taking a long time in the washroom."

A minute later, they heard the sound of footsteps and saw Guiying return to her seat. Guiying cleared her throat and sipped some water as she sat slightly stiffened.

"You are finally back!"

"Y-Yeah. Sorry for taking a long time."

"No problem."

Xian Shun thought that it wasn't a good idea to continue the discussion of Guiying's confession and make Zheng Jiao more uncomfortable in the process, so she dropped it and started another random topic.

By then Zixin had already arrived in the office so there was chaos amidst the employees to give him their wishes.

"Happy Birthday Sir Zixin!"

"Happy Birthday!"

The premises were decorated just for his welcome. Zixin widened his eyes in surprise. "You didn't have to do so much."

One of the senior employees spoke, "How can we not? You have always been the best Boss for us and took care of us just like your family. Just like your father and grandfather. This is the least we can do."

Warmth filled his heart with their heartfelt wishes and gratitude.

"Thank you."

Women squealed and gushed at his handsome sight. There was a celebration held at the office premises too. Zixin, who was searching for Guiying's figure, asked Assistant Ling, "Have you seen Guiying?"

"I think she is with Miss. Xian and Miss. Zheng. Ah there they are."

Just then from afar, he noticed the trio come together and join in the celebration. Zixin noticed Guiying's expression looking odd and tense but before he could reach out, the cake already arrived.

"Cake cutting time!" Everybody cheered.

Assistant Ling said, "Isn't cake cutting done in the evening?"

"Booooo. Don't spoil in the fun, Assistant Ling."

"Yes, he wouldn't get any slice of cake now!"

"..."

He grimaced. "Are we having this ceremony because you wanted to celebrate Sir's birthday or because you just wanted to eat cake?"

Everybody, especially the women, coughed. "You talk too much, Assistant Ling. That's why you are still single."

"..."

How rude!

Xun Da and Wan Yong laughed from their side at the capable Assistant Ling, the latter throwing glares at them.

Xian Shun could see the cake quickly disappearing from sight. "Hey, I want some cake too! Wait for me!"

She zapped her way ahead to grab a piece of cake leaving Guiying and Zheng Jiao alone. Guiying froze as it happened too soon and unexpectedly.

"Wouldn't you wish him?"

"Huh?" She gave a blank look.

"Sir Zixin. Won't you wish him? He is right there."

"I already did-"

She inwardly bit her tongue.

Zheng Jiao raised her brow. "When? You came early to the office, right? He just arrived some time ago."

She opened and closed her mouth. Lying wasn't her forte.

"I…I had already called him before to wish him," she sweated. "I thought he wouldn't come to the office today."

"I see."

Zheng Jiao glanced at Zixin for a long moment and then smiled at her. "Well then, see you later."

"Y-you won't join in?" she hesitantly asked.

"I am not really interested in the cake."

She turned on her heels and walked away. Guiying remained standing at her place with a dazed look. A sense of discomfort flowed in her chest. She noticed Zixin's gaze following her with a beaming smile on his lips.

She took one step forward to join in the celebration. But the discomforting feeling didn't ease up as if something remained unsorted and unresolved.

Trembling, she lowered her head, clenching her fist.

—

Zheng Jiao returned to her office of her empty department where everybody was out busy with stuffing cake in their stomachs. She sat back on her chair and opened her laptop to go back to work.

A few seconds later, she heard somebody's restless and breathless steps rushing over. She looked up and was surprised to see Guiying again.

"What's wrong?" She smiled. "Something wrong with your laptop again?"

Guiying's heart raced in her chest and her mind spun with fuzziness. "I-I want to talk about something."

"Yes?"

She pressed her palms together, feeling her breaths struggling in her throat. "I am sorry but I…I heard the conversation between you and Xian Shun w-when I returned."

She stared at her. "Ah. That's why you were late. Eavesdropping."

She quickly replied, embarrassed. "I really didn't mean to! I just heard your voices and automatically-"

She shrugged. "Alright. You heard. And? Why did you come here? Are you feeling sorry for me perhaps?"

"No, that's n-not it…"

Guiying wasn't sure how to explain herself. "I just…came to apologize."

She smiled. "Because you cannot return my interest?"

"Before that. I misunderstood you because of the resigning assistants. E-especially when the whole fiasco of the wrong meeting invites happened. I linked the two things together and thought that you had something to do with it because you wanted me in your department."

"Yes. You already apologized for the misunderstanding."

"I did…but at that time I was unaware of the truth behind your assistants leaving. That's why I feel terrible and guilty now. I hurt you because of my suspicion. It must hurt when everybody constantly doubts you, right? First your assistants who didn't completely understand you and then me…"

She lowered her head, tears brimming her eyes. "Without comprehending the whole situation, I doubted you and blamed you too which made me just like them. I am extremely sorry for that."