SFL Chapter 29

The topic jumped too quickly for Nan Jinchen to catch up. His mother mentioned that they hadn’t even held an engagement banquet, comparing it to parents urging their children to marry right after graduation, skipping the natural steps in between.

Nan Jinchen emphasized the importance of ceremony and agreed to have the engagement banquet before obtaining the marriage certificate. The parents were enthusiastic about the collaboration between the two families, facilitated by the bond between Nan Jinchen and Gu Zhenzhen.

With the wedding preparations underway, the news spread in the company, and employees anticipated generous red envelopes from the soon-to-be-engaged CEO. Meanwhile, Shen Baiyi, during a visit to Nan’s company, learned about the upcoming engagement and realized the significance of Nan Jinchen’s commitment. Despite initial curiosity, she prioritized securing a job over personal emotions. In another subplot, Lin Mi, facing potential replacements at work, wasn’t thrilled about sharing her workload with new recruits, as it could jeopardize her proximity to the CEO.

Thinking about this, Lin Mi secretly glared at a few girls. Not all those who came for the interview were current students; some had already been working for a few years, becoming seasoned professionals.

Shen Baiyi and her roommate, being newcomers, felt a cold reception from Lin Mi. A mature woman in professional attire beside them chuckled dismissively, showing no regard for Lin Mi.

“Aren’t you afraid of her?” Shen Baiyi and her roommate asked in hushed tones.

“Haven’t you noticed the secretary’s sense of superiority? In essence, we’re just getting paid to work; she’s no nobler than us. If this place doesn’t work out, we can always try another company for interviews,” the mature woman replied.

“Sense of superiority? Really?” The roommate covered her mouth, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“But she’s Secretary Nan’s Secretary.” Despite not liking Nan Jinchen much anymore, hearing about potential scandals involving him made Shen Baiyi uncomfortable.

It felt like something she once admired had acquired a flaw, no longer perfect.

For these teenage hearts, it was a lethal blow. They might accept not getting their ideal romance but couldn’t endure the disillusionment of their idol.

“Mr. President, the interviewees have arrived,” Lin Mi knocked on the door.

As they were interviewing for the positions of the president’s secretary and assistant, Nan Jinchen personally conducted the interviews.

Seeing the female lead, Shen Baiyi, among the candidates, Nan Jinchen wasn’t surprised at all.

In fact, a candidate who could reach the president and engage in an office romance was undoubtedly outstanding. However, it was tragic to see such a promising talent bound by emotions and marriage, becoming a full-time housewife. Nan Jinchen felt a tinge of regret for a thoroughbred unable to run freely, but it was okay; this time, he would be her benefactor.

As for avoiding suspicion, a qualified leader wouldn’t let personal entanglements cloud relationships with talented subordinates.

The interviewees came and went, and Nan Jinchen’s swift interviewing pace concluded in less than half a day, with only a few candidates eliminated. Feeling the crowd was too large, Lin Mi was about to say something when Nan Jinchen spoke, “Secretary Lin, take them to start their positions. Once they’re settled, have them come to me, and I’ll assign their tasks.”

“…Yes, Sir.” Seeing that the male-female ratio among the interviewees was fair and that they all earned their spots with genuine skills, Lin Mi had no reason to display any displeasure. She led the way, guiding everyone to their new roles.

Just as they left, a call came into the president’s office. “President, Miss Gu is downstairs, claiming to be your fiancée.”

“Yes, that’s my fiancée. In the future, no need to ask when she comes over,” Nan Jinchen said.

Downstairs, the receptionist smiled and let Gu Zhenzhen through. After she went upstairs, the office quickly buzzed with gossip. “Guess who I just saw?”

“Our CEO’s dad, Chairman Nan?”

“No, it’s our CEO’s fiancée. She’s gentle and intellectual, a perfect match for our CEO.”

“Wow, she’s the nailed-on wife of our CEO. Any photos?”

“No, but the CEO’s wife is wearing a black and white long dress.”

“Saw her, saw her! She headed towards the CEO’s office.”

“Ah, she went in, she went in.” People on the same floor as the CEO’s office craned their necks to catch a glimpse, energized by the gossip.

“Why did you come over?” Nan Jinchen naturally asked when he saw Gu Zhenzhen, getting up to fetch her a glass of water.

Gu Zhenzhen placed her bag on the coffee table and smiled. “Did you forget today is the ring-picking day?”

Nan Jincheng slapped his forehead. “I actually forgot.”

“But I remember the jewelry store offers delivery services?”

“Yes, but I’m not busy today, so I thought I’d pick them up on the way.” Gu Zhenzhen then took out three velvet boxes from her bag. Two of them were blue and red, identical in style, while the third, slightly larger, had a unique design.

“I already opened and checked. The engagement rings are very beautiful,” Gu Zhenzhen said, then opened the largest box.

Inside was a rose-shaped ring setting, with a dazzling ruby at the center. She showed it to Nan Jinchen, and as he looked at the engagement ring, the finished product closely matched his initial design. Just as he was about to put the ring back, he noticed the expectant expression on Gu Zhenzhen’s face. His heart moved, “Would you like to try it now?”

Gu Zhenzhen didn’t say anything but extended her hand to Nan Jinchen’s eyes.

The girl’s fingers were slender, fair, and tender, with pink and glossy nails. There was no callus on her hands, giving the impression of delicate strength. Nan Jinchen’s gaze deepened slightly as he took the engagement ring from the box and slowly placed it on Gu Zhenzhen’s ring finger.

The ring wasn’t the traditional round shape but rather intricately designed, resembling rose branches with overlapping sections. The ring setting’s branches crisscrossed but didn’t overshadow the stunning ruby; instead, it served as a complement, akin to green leaves enhancing the brilliance of the red gem.

The ruby, in turn, complemented Gu Zhenzhen. Wearing it on her slender middle finger, it bloomed like a flower on the young girl’s phalange.

“It’s truly beautiful, but it’s a pity I can’t wear it casually,” Gu Zhenzhen expressed regret.

Later, Gu Zhenzhen took off the engagement ring, placed it back in the box, and handed it to Nan Jinchen. She said, “Give it to me on the engagement day, and let me wear it again.”

“Okay,” Nan Jinchen agreed.

After chatting for a while, Lin Mi returned with the newly hired employees. Seeing an unfamiliar woman in the president’s office, Lin Mi was surprised. “Sir, may I know who this is?”

“My fiancée, the future First Lady of this company,” Nan Jinchen openly admitted in front of everyone, and Gu Zhenzhen greeted them with a smile.

Nan Jinchen’s announcement almost made it difficult for Lin Mi to control her facial expression. Trying to divert the topic, Lin Mi said, “Sir, the new employees have completed their onboarding procedures.”

“Okay, Secretary Lin, you won’t be responsible for my personal matters from now on. Let Li Rui handle this part. You just need to focus on your work. After finishing the handover with Li Rui this afternoon, start your duties tomorrow,” Nan Jinchen said. The previous secretary handled both professional and personal matters, but now Nan Jinchen separated Lin Mi’s responsibilities.

Li Rui, a male candidate who successfully applied for the position of the president’s secretary today, stepped forward upon hearing his assigned tasks. He assured Nan Jinchen that he would do his best and then politely asked Lin Mi, the experienced colleague, for guidance.

Facing her superior, Lin Mi wouldn’t let her feelings show. She forced a smile and said, “We’ll leave the care of our president to you.”

If the secretary position had gone to a woman, she might have had the chance to cast a critical eye on the CEO’s fiancée. However, the CEO specifically chose a male secretary, making it clear he didn’t want any personal entanglements with her.

Gu Zhenzhen seemed to sense something, and her gaze towards Lin Mi turned somewhat chilly. Nevertheless, after seeing Nan Jinchen’s strong desire for survival in choosing a male secretary, she felt reassured. Wealthy men always attracted attention, but at the end of the day, it depended on the man himself. As long as Nan Jinchen could handle it, Gu Zhenzhen wouldn’t be bothered by other women.

After all the new employees were assigned their positions and left, only Nan Jinchen and Gu Zhenzhen remained in the office. Just as Nan Jinchen was about to say something, Gu Zhenzhen walked over, cupped Nan Jinchen’s face, and playfully stamped a “pop” on his face.

A red lipstick mark.