Zang Ling sat at her desk, eyes fixed on the computer screen as she diligently took notes. Every so often, her face would light up with an expression of sudden realization. To an outsider, she might have looked like she was engaged in some groundbreaking research.

But a closer look at her browser history would reveal a different story: How to Make a Man Obsessed with You in Ten Minutes, Secrets to High EQ Conversations, How to Win a Man Over. A collection of searches that would make anyone raise an eyebrow.

After finishing her work, she dove straight into the art of love. If Yan Wenshu was too timid to confess, well, she’d just have to take matters into her own hands…

A sly smirk played on her lips. Just the thought of it sent a small thrill through her.

The internet was overflowing with advice, so she filtered through it, picking out what seemed most useful:

1. Maintain a certain distance—mystery is key.
2. Compliment often, show concern, listen attentively. A little vulnerability adds to the charm, but never forget to showcase yourself.
3. Confidence. (Underlined twice for emphasis.)

Satisfied, Zang Ling tore the page from her notebook, folded it neatly, and tucked it into her phone case as a constant reminder.

But soon, a crucial issue dawned on her.

She didn’t have Yan Wenshu’s contact information. How was she supposed to continue nurturing their connection once she left work?

His resume probably had it. But going back to retrieve it would be too obvious. Yan Wenshu preferred to keep a low profile, and if she were seen snooping around, the office gossip mill would go wild.

Not that she cared much about rumors. The problem was him.

She needed another plan.

Just then, she spotted Yan Wenshu outside. He had brought his stuff up already. The moment he finished, she decisively dialed the secretary line.

“Secretary Yan, could you come in for a moment?”

Her office had custom-designed windows. Those from the inside could see the outside, but those outside couldn’t see in.

Zang Ling watched as Yan Wenshu answered his phone, catching the flicker of delight on his face. Her mood lifted instantly.

So he really does like me.

[Host! Zang Ling just smiled at you! And it’s such a sweet smile~]

The system’s lovestruck voice rang in Yan Wenshu’s mind, but he remained utterly unbothered. Outwardly, however, he replied with practiced nervousness.

[Is she still looking?]

[She looked away! But she’s still smiling. Host, she definitely likes you.]

As the words were said, the system watched as its host lowered his gaze, the smile vanishing from his lips, his expression returning to its usual calmness.

The system was surprised, [Host, do you really don’t feel a thing? After everything I just said? Not even a flicker of emotion?]

Yan Wenshu remained unfazed. When the call ended, he looked up again, now wearing the perfect mask of eager apprehension as he walked toward the CEO’s office.

The system was in awe. To be honest, it was relieved it wasn’t human. If it were, Yan Wenshu would’ve played it like a fiddle.

Poor Zang Ling.

“Chairman Zang, you called for me?”

Zang Ling eyed the man before her, his expression tinged with worry. She softened her tone. “Yan Wenshu, there’s no need to be so tense. I’m not some kind of monster. I’m not going to eat you. I just have a simple question.”

“Please do tell.”

“D-Do you have a girlfriend?” she stuttered.

He blinked, visibly puzzled. “That’s what you wanted to ask?”

Zang Ling nodded as if this were the most natural thing in the world. “Isn’t it normal for an employer to care about their employees’ personal lives?”

Then, in a barely audible mumble, she added, “Besides, if you do have a girlfriend, then forget it. I’ll just wish you two happiness…”

With the cheat code given by the system, Yan Wenshu heard every word.

He hesitated for a brief moment before shaking his head. “I don’t.”

The moment those words left his lips, Zang Ling couldn’t suppress her joy. Her eyes curved into crescents, and her radiant smile practically lit up the room.

Adorable.

But then, as she caught sight of the deepening confusion in his eyes, realization struck her.

Shit. She forgot to control herself.

“Chairman Zang, was that sou—”

“No! Nope! Moving on!”

“But I definitely heard—”

Expressionless, she cut him off. “Right now, I need you to leave. Immediately.”

Her stance was clear: total denial.

[Host, I think you made her mad…] the system fretted.

[I told you, you should be more gentlemanly toward girls. You could’ve just let it slide! Though, honestly, her laugh was kind of hilarious. Just looking at her, you’d never expect that sound to come out of her…]

As Yan Wenshu turned to leave, he gently closed the door behind him, listening to the system struggle to stifle its laughter. His brow twitched slightly.

[I wasn’t laughing at her. But you were.]

The system replied, [Ah! I’m sorry! But wait… if you weren’t laughing at her, then were you teasing her on purpose? Host, that’s so mean! What are you going to do now? She probably hates you! How will you ever get close to her?]

Hate?

A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at Yan Wenshu’s lips.

With this face? She’ll never hate me.

He had no intention of explaining so much to the system. Returning to his desk, he sat down, waiting for the right moment. The system was also wrong about one thing. In Zang Ling’s eyes, he was timid and weak. How could she possibly take her anger out on him?

Zang Ling waited for Yan Wenshu to leave. The moment he stepped out, she immediately pulled down the curtains of the window opposite her. After finishing, she tilted her head back, wanting to howl at the sky—but that was impossible. Barely managing to control herself, she slapped her cheeks with a grimace and muttered in a low voice, “How could I be so stupid?”

Damn it.

Her carefully cultivated image was completely ruined in an instant. Even if she wanted to showcase herself, that was not the way to do it!

Zang Ling paced around the room, her thoughts spiraling into chaos.

Would Yan Wenshu think she was a goose?

Did her unpredictable mood swings scare him?

Should she apologize?

She pondered over it for a long time and finally decided to put her pursuit on hold until Yan Wenshu completely forgot about this incident.

——

At noon, Chen Wenting and Xia Siyu had lunch together in the company cafeteria. The food was exceptionally delicious, and Chen Wenting wished she could stay there forever.

“Xiao Chen, why are you playing with your phone while eating?” Xia Siyu teased. “Is it your boyfriend?”

Chen Wenting quickly waved her hands. “No, I was just checking if I got any messages.” The excitement from being asked for her WeChat by a handsome guy this morning had long faded. She wasn’t some great beauty, nor particularly outstanding, she shouldn’t indulge in wishful thinking.

People should have self-awareness.

Xia Siyu chuckled at her. “If you’re that attentive, is it someone you secretly like? Xiao Chen, you’re not that young anymore. It’s time to find a boyfriend.”

Chen Wenting, twenty-five, felt embarrassed. “It’s still too early. I’ll think about it when I can afford a house.”

Not wanting any misunderstandings, she clarified, “This morning, I added Yan Wenshu on WeChat. I thought he might ask me about Chairman Zang since he’s the new secretary.”

“Oh? Hasn’t he joined the company group chat yet?”

“Ah, I forgot. I’ll ask him to join later.”

Just as Chen Wenting sighed in regret, she turned her head and saw a familiar figure appear in the cafeteria. The chopsticks in her hand slipped instantly.

“Wait, is that Chairman Zang?!”

Xia Siyu retorted, “Xiao Chen, you must be mistaken. Why would Chairman Zang come to the cafeteria to eat?” She had worked here for six years and had rarely seen Zang Ling in the cafeteria.

“No, that’s really Chairman Zang!” Chen Wenting said excitedly.

Still skeptical, Xia Siyu followed her gaze, and instantly froze.

The stunning woman standing in line for food was none other than Zang Ling.

“Even though she’s just holding a tray, Chairman Zang does it with the elegance of lifting a wine glass. But seeing such a sophisticated person eating here suddenly makes her feel more down-to-earth.”

“Chairman Zang was never as unreachable as you all imagined,” Xia Siyu remarked.

But why had she suddenly decided to eat in the cafeteria today? Perhaps something changed her mind?

“Hahaha, we don’t get many chances to interact with her. Hey, isn’t that Yan Wenshu? He’s eating alone. Should we invite him over?” Chen Wenting suggested.

Xia Siyu glanced at Yan Wenshu, who was not far away. It was her first time seeing him in person, and she had to admit. He was incredibly good-looking. His appearance was easily among the top in the company, and even just carrying a tray drew numerous glances.

“Sure, let him come over.”

Chen Wenting immediately stood up and waved. “Yan Wenshu, over here!”

The moment she spoke, every gaze in the cafeteria shifted to them. Chen Wenting felt a prickling sensation on her back, her smile stiffening slightly. Fortunately, she thought, Chairman Zang didn’t look over.

As long as she didn’t look, Chen Wenting would pretend nothing happened. Her dignity was intact before the boss.

Yan Wenshu seemed to have noticed them. Smiling, he walked over.

“Manager Xia, Wenting.”

Wenting? Xia Siyu raised an eyebrow at the casual address and smirked.

Seeing her teasing look, Chen Wenting hurriedly explained, “I’m a few years older than Wenshu. He feels like a younger brother.”

At this moment, she was completely sober. Yan Wenshu was the company’s recognized idol. Who would dare make a move on him?

Xia Siyu laughed. “Quite the coincidence. Xiao Yan, how’s work so far? Got a girlfriend?”

“Don’t mind me asking so much. It’s just that too many people in this company are single. At first, they only focus on their careers, thinking relationships can wait. But by the time they want to date, they struggle to find someone suitable and end up as overage singles.”

Chen Wenting thought, I feel attacked.

[Host, Zang Ling isn’t looking at you.]

Yan Wenshu’s fingers twitched slightly, but he shook his head. “Why would I feel offended? But I’m afraid I must disappoint you. I don’t have a girlfriend.”

“As for work, it’s been alright. I haven’t had much to do yet.”

“I see. Well, work hard. Chairman Zang likes competent people. I hope you live up to your impressive résumé.”

Yan Wenshu’s expression flickered slightly.

Chen Wenting added, “Wenshu, you should really thank Manager Xia. If she hadn’t picked you and recommended you, I might have chosen someone else.”

The system grew uneasy. [Host, ever since you arrived, Zang Ling hasn’t looked at you even once.]

Yan Wenshu acted as if he didn’t hear it. He looked at Xia Siyu with gratitude. “Manager Xia, thank you.”

“No need for formalities. Just call me Siyu like Xiao Chen does.”

“That wouldn’t be appropriate.”

Hearing the polite refusal, Xia Siyu didn’t feel offended. She simply found this newcomer a bit too rigid.

Chen Wenting lowered her voice and asked, “Wenshu, do you know why Chairman Zang suddenly came to the cafeteria today?”

At that moment, the system wailed in despair. [What do we do, Host? You shouldn’t have acted that way before. Zang Ling really hates you now. She hasn’t looked at you once since you arrived! How will we complete our mission?!]

Yan Wenshu picked up a piece of meat and ate it emotionlessly, swallowing it whole without even properly chewing.

His long, thick eyelashes lowered, concealing the emotions in his eyes. “Sorry, I have no idea. I don’t know Chairman Zang that well.”