Chapter 2: CEO’s Heartbeat Value: 99% — Love Without Knowing It

Su Shangfei placed the document in front of Mu Ruye. Noticing his slight irritation, she actually smiled and explained, “Just a mild heat-induced cold, already fully recovered last night. President Xing of Wanmao is coming for a meeting today—I didn’t feel at ease, so I came to take a look.”

Hearing her still somewhat raspy voice, Mu Runye grew even more displeased. His grip on the pen tightened as he snapped, “Suit yourself. You just can’t live without work, can you? It’s like you want to be welded to your desk for life. I told you I wouldn’t deduct your pay and to rest for a week, but you clearly just let it go in one ear and out the other.”

Su Shangfei was long used to Mu Ruye’s proud and sharp-tongued nature. Having endured six years of his tough-love attitude, she naturally wasn’t bothered by his tone. “Maybe I was just born to be busy,” she joked.

Mu Ruye hated when she said unlucky things like that. He took off his glasses, glaring at her as he threatened, “Spit that out right now! As long as you’re by my side, you’re meant to live a good life!”

Mu Ruye rarely displayed real emotion in front of others. Liu Xuejing had never witnessed such a scene before. She should’ve dropped off the coffee and snacks as instructed and left immediately, but her feet were glued to the floor, watching their exchange in fascination like she had just discovered a whole new world.

Noticing her intense stare and realizing he had lost his composure, Mu Ruye quickly picked up his coffee cup to cover his embarrassment and shot her a look, signaling her to leave immediately.

Only then did Liu Xuejing flee with the tray. Outside the office, she clutched her chest and muttered, “What the heck… Why did that feel like a bickering couple?”

Having his usual coffee and snacks, Mu Ruye’s mood improved drastically. He always arrived at the office ten minutes early, and Su Shangfei always had black coffee ready for him. Day in and day out, never once late.

Earlier, he had instructed someone for coffee, only to remember she was on sick leave and he wouldn’t get her coffee today. Without her around, he didn’t even feel like drinking it. Already irritated, he buried himself in work to distract himself.

But then he heard the familiar click of heels and saw her walk in. His first reaction was joy—followed by worry, upset that she hadn’t rested properly. He couldn’t help but fret over her condition.

“I can take Secretary Liu to the Wanmao meeting. You rest in the lounge. I’ll take you home after the meeting,” he said.

Su Shangfei felt time was running short and shook her head. “I’m fully recovered. No need to rest.”

Mu Ruye stood up and walked over. Even though she was 168cm tall and wearing 10cm heels—making her taller than most men—he was 191cm, with broad shoulders and long legs, easily casting a shadow over her.

He scanned her up and down. “You’ve lost weight. You’ve been sick three times in six months. Even when you worked more hours before, this never happened. The checkups may show nothing, but you really need rest.”

Before she could reply, Mu Ruye stepped closer, narrowing the space between them. She felt the distance cross the line of professionalism and carefully stepped back, knowing arguing would be futile with someone as domineering as him.

“Why are you in a bad mood today?” she asked.

Mu Ruye didn’t expect her to notice. He glanced at her high heels, pulled out a chair, and gestured for her to sit. She obeyed silently, waiting for him to speak.

He sat across from her, knees apart, inadvertently caging in her legs with his long legs. Even without physical contact, there was a certain intimate, inescapable atmosphere between them.

He had always hated talking about his feelings. But because he didn’t want her to worry, he opened up, “The old man brought that woman’s child back to the country. Just told me to throw him a big welcome party next Saturday and introduce him to everyone.”

“Your illegitimate half-brother, Mu Runnian? Wasn’t he taking care of his sick mother in the States?” she asked, well aware of the Mu family’s tangled drama and bitter sibling rivalries.

“She’s dead,” Mu Ruye said coldly. “The old man was devastated, fainted at the funeral, and now insists on personally burying her.”

To Mu Ruye and his elder brother, the existence of Mu Runnian and his mother symbolized betrayal. Su Shangfei understood the emotional weight and didn’t press further, simply placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Mu Ruye’s anger faded under her concerned gaze. He softened and even smiled at her. “Don’t worry. I won’t lose.”

Su Shangfei hesitated. “About the party… What’s your plan?”

Chairman Mu detested defiance. But he was also deeply attached to Mu Runnian’s mother and wanted to make up for neglecting his illegitimate son. If Mu Ruye showed open resistance, it would only make the chairman more determined to support the younger sibling—bad news for Mu Ruye’s position as successor.

But Mu Ruye wasn’t the type to act rashly. After venting to Su Shangfei, his tone lightened.

“I’ll play along. If the old man wants a show, I’ll give him one. Let the whole social circle see how far gone he’s become.”

Relieved, Su Shangfei smiled. “Let me handle the party arrangements.”

But Mu Ruye shook his head firmly. “Your priority is getting better. Let others handle these trivial matters.”

She agreed, knowing the assistants around the chairman and Mu Runbang would step in. “You have a virtual meeting soon. I’ll head out.”

As she got up, Mu Ruye suddenly realized how intimately he’d been sitting—his legs enclosing hers. He scooted back awkwardly, wheeled his chair away, and muttered, “Alright, go.”

As she walked away, tall and elegant in her heels, Mu Ruye found himself inexplicably relieved. Somehow, whenever he confided in her, the burden lifted.

After two days off, her desk was piled with documents. She carefully sorted everything, then took Liu Xuejing through all the workflows again. Seeing her now familiar with nearly everything, her worries eased.

“Not bad.”

“It’s thanks to you, Shanfei-jie! Let me treat you to lunch to thank you. I thought I couldn’t do this job, but you explained everything so clearly I gained confidence! You pick the place—I’m paying!”

Su Shangfei shook her head, smiling. “I ordered lunch for Mu. I should eat with him. You did well because you’re a quick learner. His work is complex, so being able to keep up is impressive.”

Blushing at the praise, Liu Xuejing grinned. “Okay! But you owe me a lunch date—don’t make me keep holding my ‘love number tag’ forever waiting for the beauty to grace me with her presence!”

Su Shangfei chuckled. “You and that sharp tongue.”

Just then, lunch delivery arrived. Liu Xuejing rushed to bring it up. “Shanfei-jie, Mu’s lunch is here.”

“I’ll take it in.”

Actually, they hadn’t planned to eat together. She just didn’t have much of an appetite and gently turned down Liu’s invitation.

Quietly setting up the meal in his office, she turned to call him over—only to find him already beside her, pulling out her chair. But when he saw there was only one set of utensils, he frowned. “You’re not eating with me?”

“I already ordered. You eat first—I’ll clean up after.”

Mu Ruye frowned. “Shanfei, what’s going on lately? Why do you keep distancing yourself? Did I do something wrong?”

Any subordinate would panic at a superior’s cold question like this, but Su Shangfei remained calm, her face expressionless.

Mu Ruye realized he was being unreasonable. She was his assistant, and he was crossing boundaries by wanting more. He composed himself but still sounded a bit defeated. “Never mind. You can go.”

She had made up her mind to help him break the habit of eating together. Without turning back, she left—but before closing the door, she heard him slam the spoon onto the table in frustration.

She paused, then continued out without looking back.

After lunch, when staff returned from break, they saw Mu Ruye taking out the trash himself and walking into Su Shangfei’s office.

“Oh no! I should’ve cleaned up. He probably called for me and I wasn’t around…”

Panicked, Liu Xuejing slipped back to her desk—only to see Mu Ruye gently draping a blanket over the sleeping Su Shangfei.

She held her breath, unable to look away. For two whole minutes, he didn’t move. Then, gently, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. No touch, no words—just a soft smile that changed the whole atmosphere.

Sensing someone nearby, Su Shangfei’s eyes twitched like she might wake. Mu Ruye, caught off guard, bolted in panic. Out the door, he resumed his usual cold expression.

“Good afternoon, Mu,” Liu Xuejing greeted.

“How long has she been asleep?”

She glanced at the clock. “Still not well—must’ve been the medicine making her drowsy. I’ll wake her.”

“No need. Just remember, next time she sleeps, cover her with a blanket. And turn up the AC a bit.”

“…Yes, understood.”

He nodded, then looked at her with a sharper tone. “How long have you been here?”

“Since the start of the year. About six and a half months.”

“Then why can’t you manage things on your own yet? What did I say in the interview?”

“You said to learn quickly and help Su Shangfei ease her workload…”

“If she didn’t enjoy working with you, you’d never have passed your probation. Not with your performance.”

Despite her impressive background, Liu Xuejing couldn’t match their pace. She’d nearly quit if not for Su Shangfei’s constant support.

Feeling wronged, she bit her lip.

Mu Ruye ignored her feelings—he only cared about lightening Su Shangfei’s load. “Tell HR to open another secretary position. Get her a capable assistant.”

Panicked, Liu Xuejing blurted, “Please don’t fire me! I’ve learned everything, I can help her!”

Mu Ruye raised a brow, placing a finger to his lips. “Shhh. Don’t wake her. I said another, not instead of. You need to work on your comprehension.”

Finally calming down, she mumbled, “Yes, Mu. I’ll contact HR right away.”