Chapter 40: Chapter 40 I’ve Noticed You for a Long Time

    Ning Yichu looked at the extra invitation in her hand, wanting to cry but unable to shed a tear. Weren’t they just supposed to catch up?

    How did it turn into finding her a partner?

    After chatting a bit more, Ning Yichu escorted Granny Li downstairs.

    On her way back to the office, she suddenly recalled that Granny Li had also invited Ningning to her birthday. This was a bit tricky; she couldn’t always pretend not to know Ningning, could she?

    As noon neared, Ning Yichu took out the suit she had prepared, planning to return it to Mo Baiyou.

    Upon reaching the top floor, she noticed that the door to the CEO’s office wasn’t fully closed. She heard Mo Baiyou’s deep voice calling, “Vincent?”

    ...

    His voice carried a hint of urgency, unlike his usual calm demeanor. Ning Yichu gently pushed the door open. “Mr. Mo, are you looking for Assistant Wen? I think he’s gone to the cafeteria.”

    Mo Baiyou, surprised, looked up with a flicker of astonishment crossing his deep, dark eyes. “Lady Ning?”

    “I’ve already cleaned and pressed your coat.” Ning Yichu shook the bag in her hand; she had cut off the label, making it unrecognizable from the original.

    Mo Baiyou pondered for a moment and then pointed to the sofa next to him. “You can just put it there.”

    Ning Yichu set down the bag but didn’t leave right away because she noticed that Mo Baiyou looked unusually pale and was clutching his stomach, seemingly in discomfort.

    “Mr. Mo, are you feeling unwell?”

    “It’s nothing, just an old problem. I’ll feel better after resting for a while.” Mo Baiyou replied, standing to get some hot water, but he gasped and staggered after only a few steps, nearly dropping the cup.

    Quick to react, Ning Yichu rushed to support him. “Careful!”

    A faint scent of gardenia drifted between them, and as Mo Baiyou pressed a hand against his abdomen and turned to meet her gaze, he saw a flicker of concern in her eyes and said, “Thank you.”

    “You should sit down. I’ll get the water for you.” Ning Yichu helped him back to his large office chair, ran to get a cup of hot water, and after hesitating, decided to ask, “Is it a stomach problem? Do you have any medicine?”

    “I just ran out of medicine. I was about to ask Vincent to buy some...” Mo Baiyou’s voice was weak, and he was visibly sweating.

    Ning Yichu glanced at the time – it was just past twelve. Unsure of where Assistant Wen was and seeing Mo Baiyou’s distressed state, she knew he couldn’t wait for the assistant to come back and get medicine.

    Mo Baiyou’s deep eyes shifted before he suddenly smiled, “You make me feel like you’re not a jade sculptor, but rather a doctor I hired.”

    Ning Yichu paused, then walked over, took the documents from his hand, and smiled, “Then I’ll play the doctor for a moment. Let’s go eat first, stomach issues can’t wait.”

    Mo Baiyou looked at her lovely face and smiled. “I’ll heed Doctor Ning’s advice.”

    It had been a long time since anyone had called her ‘doctor.’ Caught off-guard, she suddenly looked at Mo Baiyou, “Have we met before?”

    Mo Baiyou remained composed, “Of course, I’ve noticed you for a long time.”

    Ning Yichu thought to herself that with Mo Baiyou’s handsome looks, if they had met, she would surely have remembered—unless she had seen too many good-looking mixed Central-European faces, all looking similar.

    They went to a famous congee place, Congee Mister and Missus. Even at noon, the flow of people was endless.

    After ordering, Ning Yichu specifically asked the waiter to make the dishes lighter.

    Mo Baiyou spoke gently, “It’s hard to imagine, with your gentleness and thoughtfulness, that your ex-husband divorced you. He must be a jerk.”

    Ning Yichu paused while pouring water, her expression slightly stiff.

    “Sorry for bringing up something that upset you.”

    “It’s okay.”

    Mo Baiyou noticed the unresolved thorn from her past marriage and changed the topic, “How do you like Beiji after these few days? Getting used to it?”

    “So far, so good. The colleagues are welcoming and the atmosphere is harmonious. By the way, I wanted to discuss with you incorporating traditional Chinese elements into next season’s jade sculptures...”

    “I had reserved this private room in advance. How could you give it to someone else?”

    Ning Yichu’s conversation was interrupted by a questioning female voice from behind, drowning out her words.

    The voice sounded familiar, and with a glance from the corner of her eye, Ning Yichu indeed saw a familiar figure.

    Mo Baiyou raised his eyebrows slightly, following her gaze. A barely noticeable chill crossed his eyes.

    Oh, it’s them.