Chapter 1408: Chapter 1408: Secret Maneuvers (4)

At that moment, Assistant Luo coughed behind them.

Unbeknownst to them, the imposing big boss was already standing behind them, his expression neutral and devoid of any emotion. And right next to him stood one of the female leads they had just been discussing—Du Qingyu.

This pair, standing together, was an undoubtedly eye-catching scene.

Not to mention the office staff couldn’t discern the big boss’s mood; even Du Qingyu, who was closest to Ye Qilan, couldn’t fathom what he was thinking.

This man was meticulous and inscrutable, never revealing his emotions. Even when he overheard everyone discussing Su Hongxing and her just now, his expression remained unchanged.

Amid the suffocating tension, Assistant Luo coughed heavily a few times and said, “President Ding, President Du, let’s head to the meeting room.”

He had assumed that the big boss would stay in the office to discuss matters with Du Qingyu, but unexpectedly, the big boss decided to take Du Qingyu outside and mentioned that they’d talk about cooperation in the meeting room.

In other words, the big boss and Du Qingyu would lose their chance to be alone. If so, how could they build romantic rapport?

Affairs often happen in offices. The fact that the big boss didn’t seize such an opportunity suggests he’s clueless about romance.

All cooperation matters were personally reviewed by Ye Qilan. His work efficiency was remarkable—he essentially settled everything in just under an hour.

Du Qingyu looked at the time: eleven-thirty, even faster than she had anticipated. She hesitated about whether to invite Ye Qilan to lunch but quickly reconsidered, thinking about all the rumors circulating online about them. Having lunch together might not be appropriate.

Just as Du Qingyu struggled with indecision, Ye Qilan said, “Du Qingyu, let’s have lunch together.”

Du Qingyu was both surprised and delighted. She wanted to agree but hesitated, saying, “There are so many rumors spreading online. If Su Hongxing finds out we’re having lunch together, wouldn’t it deepen her misunderstanding?”

“Don’t worry, she’s not the kind of woman who makes a fuss over nothing. You’ve explained things to her before, haven’t you? As long as she understands the situation, that’s enough.” Ye Qilan said, glancing at Assistant Luo and instructing him to make the reservation.

Du Qingyu gazed at Ye Qilan, hesitating for a moment before deciding to speak her mind: “I feel like I didn’t help her at all. She’s now convinced that there’s something inappropriate between us. I shouldn’t have meddled.”

“It’s fine. I’ll explain everything to her clearly. She’s not a petty woman. Wait here; I’ll call her now. Then we’ll go for lunch.” Ye Qilan said and walked into the office.

Ye Qilan dialed Su Hongxing’s phone and informed her of his plans: “Honey, I’ll be having lunch with Du Qingyu later.”

Upon receiving Ye Qilan’s call, Su Hongxing felt somewhat pleased at first. But as soon as she heard he’d be having lunch with Du Qingyu, she was left at a loss for words.

Should she cheerfully respond by wishing him and Du Qingyu a nice date?

Coincidentally, Qiao Qiao had already invited her to lunch and was urging her to hurry. She replied, “Xiaoqiao is rushing me. I’ll hang up now.”

Without waiting for Ye Qilan’s response, she hung up abruptly.

Ye Qilan was momentarily speechless. Su Hongxing truly knew how to dampen his spirits. Why didn’t she wait for him to finish before cutting him off?

After some thought, he called her again. Su Hongxing, however, refused to answer this time. He tried calling ten times, but she didn’t pick up, not even once. Meanwhile, Assistant Luo entered the office to inform him that the reservation had been made.

Ye Qilan’s expression darkened. Assistant Luo noticed the change in his demeanor and assumed the big boss was upset with him for rushing things.

Sensing the mood, Luo wisely decided to stay quiet. Yet, he saw Ye Qilan sitting there motionless, lost in thought.