Before leaving work, Di Mingjue called Jiang Ziyu to arrange dinner, but due to an urgent overseas project that needed prompt results, he had to cancel their date at the last minute.
Shen Lin bought some food from outside the company. He would be staying up late with Di Mingjue to finalize the project proposal for the next day.
The food was laid out on the table. Shen Lin watched Di Mingjue, who was surrounded by documents.
"President Di, please eat something first."
"Mm, you eat first."
As soon as one book of documents was closed, Di Mingjue picked up another from the side.
If he didn't start eating, Shen Lin wouldn't feel comfortable starting either. He closed the lid of the opened food container and put it back into the insulated bag.
"Why aren't you eating?" Di Mingjue asked, looking at Shen Lin, who had come over.
Shen Lin tidied the messy documents in front of him and replied, "I'm not hungry yet."
No sooner had he spoken than his stomach rumbled audibly.
Seeing his embarrassed expression, Di Mingjue immediately understood. He glanced at the remaining documents, moved his legs out from under the desk, and said, "Let's go, let's eat something together first."
The two of them went to the dining table. Shen Lin quickly opened the food containers, arranging the food, bowls, and chopsticks in front of Di Mingjue.
By this time, two to three hours had passed since the employees' dismissal. The lights on all floors except the president's office were extinguished. A tall figure emerged from the elevator, carrying a tote bag and walking slowly down the corridor.
The footsteps stopped outside the office door, and a pair of hands were raised and then gently lowered.
With chopsticks in his mouth, Shen Lin looked at Di Mingjue in surprise, unable to chew.
Who could it be that appeared here now? He pondered this as he stood up from his chair.
"Where is Brother Mingjue?" Lu Sisi stood at the doorway, holding an insulated pot, her voice soft.
Thinking it might be Jiang Ziyu, Shen Lin had not expected it to be Lu Sisi.
Shen Lin glanced back at Di Mingjue, unsure whether to let her in or wait.
"Tell her to go back," Di Mingjue commanded.
Lu Sisi, standing right there, heard his words before Shen Lin could relay them.
Though he had to convey the message, Shen Lin, after composing himself, said, "Miss Lu, please return."
Return?
She had come with the intention of being rebuffed and paid no mind to these words.
Stubbornly, she stepped forward, her chest pushed out as she insisted on entering, "Brother Mingjue, I brought you dinner. You can't just work all the time; you have to eat something."
The cold food containers were pressed against her chest, and Shen Lin felt the force transmitted from the other side of the containers.
"Miss Lu, please don't make it difficult for me."
"The food will get cold."
Taking advantage of the gender difference, Lu Sisi continued to push against Shen Lin's chest.
Fearing that the situation might escalate and lead to unforeseen complications, Shen Lin had no choice but to dodge. This very action provided Lu Sisi with an opportunity.
Lu Sisi entered the office and looked at the boxed meals on the table, feigning surprise and exclaiming, "Brother Mingjue, boxed meals are so lacking in nutrition. Uncle knew you've been busy with work lately and guessed you wouldn't have time to eat. This is soup I specially stewed for you."
The lid of the insulated pot was opened, and a fragrant aroma instantly wafted out.
"Take it away!" Di Mingjue shot her a cold glance.
As he uttered the reprimand, Lu Sisi's hand trembled, and the soup in the food container spilled all over her.
The greasy soup soaked into her clothes, and some of it flowed onto the wounds on her legs.
Lu Sisi looked at him aggrievedly, "Brother Mingjue."
She called out softly, but Di Mingjue showed no hint of softening.
"Get out!"
Seeing how heartless he was, Lu Sisi's gaze fell upon the bowls and chopsticks on the table. Since being scalded by the soup was of no use, she decided to contaminate the entire meal.
As the idea formed, her actions and demeanor exuded a destructive intent towards the food.