Chapter 39: Tangled Emotions
Baldy and his men had arrived like a storm—loud, arrogant, determined to make their presence known. The entire Yingjie Group had held its breath, employees peeking from doorways, wondering what kind of chaos would unfold. But just half an hour later, they fled like stray dogs, shoulders hunched, eyes darting, as if wolves nipped at their heels. Whispers erupted in the hallways.
"Is that Zhang Shixiong? Why's he running?"
"Last time he came, he strutted around like he owned the place. What happened?"
"Did CEO Wang… scare him off? She's tougher than she looks!"
"If even *he's* afraid of her, Yingjie Group's untouchable now!"
Morale soared. Employees bent back to their work with renewed energy, pride swelling—*their* company had stood down a gangster.
Inside the ransacked office, silence hung thick. Susan, still shaky from the fight, had watched it all: Wu's casual swagger, his brutal efficiency, the way he'd lifted a grown man like a toy. He was a contradiction—earlier, a cheeky troublemaker; now, a hero, steady and unyielding. Who was the real him?
She stumbled to her feet, legs wobbly as jelly, and nearly face-planted. In a flash, Wu was there, catching her, his arm wrapped gently around her waist. His smile was warm, almost tender, a far cry from the ruthless fighter moments before. "Careful. You okay?"
Susan's cheeks flamed. She'd brushed off countless men—charming executives, smooth-talking clients—but something about Wu's touch sent her heart racing. It wasn't just gratitude; there was a flutter, a thrill she'd never felt. She stared at her shoes, voice tiny. "I'm fine. Th-thank you. For… everything."
"Just doing what's right," Wu said, stepping back, the gentleman act back in full swing. No trace of the thug-beater remained—just a polite stranger.
Susan remembered why he'd come. "I… I lied. I'm not CEO Wang. I'm her assistant, Susan."
Wu waved a hand, dismissive. "Figured. But I should go—Infinity's probably swamped." He made for the door, casual as if he hadn't just dismantled a gang.
Panic flickered in Susan. *He's leaving? Just like that?* "But your boss's task—Infinity's rent—"
Wu paused, back to her. "It's no big deal. Boss Ye didn't expect miracles. Even if the rent goes up, I'll still have my job. Security guards aren't paid to negotiate, anyway."
*No big deal?* Susan wanted to shake him. Other men would've begged, groveled for a favor. But Wu? He acted like he couldn't care less. It was infuriating… and weirdly attractive.
"We owe you," she insisted. "Yingjie Group doesn't leave debts unpaid. Let us—"
"I said no," Wu cut her off, sharper this time.
Susan's pride flared. "Fine! Go! See if we care! Infinity's rent? It's *going* up. Mark my words!" She stamped her foot, cheeks puffed, acting more like a pouting child than a professional.
Wu froze. *Oops. Overplayed it.* If he left now, Ye would skin him alive for botching the deal. He glanced over his shoulder, grinning sheepishly. "Look—if those goons come back, call me. My mess, my responsibility. I won't let them bother you."
It was a peace offering, a olive branch. He left before she could reply, the door clicking shut behind him.
Susan stared at the door, equal parts annoyed and… disappointed. He'd brushed her off, but why did her chest feel hollow? *Other men clamor for my attention. Why do I care if he leaves?*
A voice from the doorway made her jump. "Missing him already? Go chase him if you want. I won't tell."
Wang Xuefei leaned against the frame, amusement in her eyes. She'd watched from the monitor, every eye roll, every flushed cheek.
Susan's face burned. "No! I'm just… worried about Zhang Shixiong. He'll retaliate."
Wang stepped inside, surveying the wreckage—splintered desks, crumpled papers, a dagger lying forgotten on the floor. She sighed, but there was no anger, just weariness. "He won't dare. Not after Wu."
Silence stretched. Wang's gaze drifted to the window, distant. Susan noticed tears glistening in her eyes—a first.
"CEO Wang? Are you okay? Did I… say something wrong?"
Wang blinked, swiping at her eyes, forcing a smile. "Just tired. Wu Yifan's… interesting, isn't he? Why's he wasting time as a security guard? He could run a company, start a empire. There's more to him than he lets on."
Susan perked up. "You think so?"
"Absolutely. And to thank him… cut Infinity's rent. Keep it at 120,000 a year. Let Susan handle the paperwork." Wang waved a hand, as if dismissing a triviality. "Yingjie Group doesn't need to squeeze a KTV. Let them breathe."
Susan's jaw dropped. "R-really? You'll lower it?"
"Consider it a favor. To him… and to you." Wang's tone was playful, but there was a flicker of something else—longing? Regret? "Now clean this mess. It looks like a war zone. And Susan? Don't let a boy distract you from work. Or I'll fire you—and you can run off with him."
"Y-yes, CEO Wang!" Susan ducked her head, grinning, and set to tidying. She hummed a tune under her breath, light as air.
Wang watched her go, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips. *Young love. Must be nice.*
She thought of Wu—his confidence, his strength, the way he'd protected Susan without a second thought. For a moment, she let herself imagine: coming home to someone like that, no more late nights alone, no more steeling herself against threats. A partner.
But reality crashed in. She was 32, a widow with a teenage daughter—*damaged goods*, in the eyes of many. Wu was young, vibrant, with his whole life ahead. Why would he want someone like her?
"Foolish," she muttered, straightening her blazer.
But as she left the office, her mind kept drifting back to him—his laugh, his resolve, the way he'd snapped a dagger like it was a twig.
*What if…?*
The thought lingered, dangerous and delicious, as she stepped into the elevator.
Some tangles, she suspected, wouldn't be so easy to untangle.