CHAPTER 197: CHAPTER 197 SHE IS VERY STRONG INSIDE

Seven thirty was already quite late for him, but Lin Banxia still had an expression of wanting more.

"Looks like you’ll have to ask for time off because of me again today!" The man’s low voice carried a hint of indulgent affection as it rang out.

Lin Banxia jolted awake, forcing her energy as she climbed out of bed and retorted defiantly, "Who says so? I absolutely have to go to work today."

After finishing her words, she prepared to get out of bed when Yan Ting suddenly extended his hand, pressing down on her slender shoulder with an air of dominance. "Since yesterday wore you out, just come to the office in the afternoon. Anyway, your workload isn’t heavy right now."

"I don’t want to bend the rules!" Lin Banxia shook her little head resolutely. "I have to take my work seriously, no matter if my tasks are few or many."

"Fine, I’ll wait for you downstairs." Her little stubborn streak made Yan Ting stop arguing.

Truth be told, this very determination was what he liked about her.

Once Lin Banxia finished washing up, she selected a properly modest black business suit to put on. Her waist-length hair was tied into a ponytail, and her delicate makeup greatly improved her overall appearance.

When she arrived at the dining room, Yan Ting was already elegantly eating breakfast.

Aunt Wang, seeing Lin Banxia sit down, quickly instructed the servants to bring her breakfast over as well.

Yan Ting raised his eyes, glancing at the petite woman beside him who was devouring her food.

"Eat slower; there’s no rush."

Lin Banxia felt a bit embarrassed, her face flushed red. "Your time is so precious—I can’t afford to hold you up."

Yan Ting frowned slightly, his voice low and firm. "Your health is more important to me than anything else."

Lin Banxia’s already embarrassed face immediately turned as red as a peach blossom. Could this man be thinking about *that* topic again?

The two of them understood each other’s intentions but didn’t acknowledge it openly due to the servants nearby.

This small, unspoken thought caused Lin Banxia’s lips to curl upward into a slight smile.

After finishing breakfast, Lin Banxia slipped into Yan Ting’s car, which promptly led the motorcade toward the company.

"The situation with my grandmother hitting you—many people already know about it. I’m afraid some folks might gossip later; don’t take it to heart," Yan Ting said softly, his deep, contemplative gaze sweeping over her.

Lin Banxia, however, chuckled lightly. "Don’t worry, I’ve got thick skin. Whatever they say, I couldn’t care less."

Yan Ting looked at her with slight surprise, while Lin Banxia immediately made a playful face at him, resembling a mischievous child.

"Having thick skin is good—it makes it easier to avoid a lot of unnecessary grievances." For once, Yan Ting unexpectedly matched her tone.

Lin Banxia froze for a moment, her beautiful eyes glancing at him with gratitude.

When they arrived at the company, Yan Ting had a morning meeting to attend. As soon as Lin Banxia stepped into her office, she became the center of attention for many eyes.

However, the assistants in the President’s office were well-mannered and cultured. Even if they thought Lin Banxia was unconventional, none of them dared to gossip openly in front of her.

Lin Banxia secretly wanted to hear what others thought of her, so she took her phone and casually went down to another floor. Sitting on the toilet lid, she scrolled on her phone while overhearing idle chatter.

Sure enough, a group of female employees who came to touch up their makeup outside started their sarcastic commentary.

"Hey, did you hear? That Lin Banxia actually dared to come back to work at the company. She’s got some nerve. Surviving the beating from Mrs. Huo without dying—that’s already a testament to her toughness. Maybe her skin is thick enough to withstand the blows?"

"Maybe she’s leaning on President Huo’s affection for her, so she doesn’t care about others."

"If you ask me, she should just stop dreaming. Mrs. Huo hitting her was already clear evidence that she’ll never be accepted into the Huo family!"

"She’s truly shameless. I bet she’s gone crazy dreaming about becoming the young mistress of the family."

Listening to this cutting talk, Lin Banxia simply opened the door and stood before the group of women.