Chapter 7: CEO Heartflutter Meter: 1% – A Calculated Favor

Su Shangfei was stunned for a moment, quickly glanced at her watch, then slowly shook her head and replied gently, “Not yet.”

Her small action didn’t escape Mu Ruye’s sharp gaze. He realized that suggesting lunch at 11 a.m. during working hours was a bit abrupt. Moreover, since they weren’t yet familiar with each other, inviting a female subordinate to dine together might make her uncomfortable.

Recently, GuiShang had experienced an incident involving an intern who didn’t pass their trial period. After being dismissed, the intern aired grievances online, claiming the superior had been overbearing and exploitative, causing anxiety and depression. Though internal investigations revealed the intern had hidden their mental health history and the manager hadn’t behaved unethically, the issue drew considerable attention.

The matter was eventually resolved with good PR and didn’t affect the company’s stock or reputation, but it prompted higher management to issue new guidelines: leaders must now maintain professional boundaries and be cautious in their interactions with subordinates.

Mu Ruye himself wasn’t sure why he had blurted out such a vaguely inviting remark. He hurried to clarify, “I was just asking casually, I didn’t mean to pressure you into eating together. Don’t feel obligated. I just meant the cafeteria’s not bad—you should try it sometime.”

Su Shangfei hadn’t expected the cold, aloof, and aggressive Mu Ruye to have such a human side. His awkward explanation, stiff demeanor, and slightly pink ears from embarrassment made him suddenly seem more vivid and real.

She didn’t think there was anything wrong with having lunch with a superior, nor had his comment made her uncomfortable. Seeing he had misunderstood, she spoke up, “I didn’t eat breakfast, so if it’s on the way, could I trouble you to take me there?”

Mu Ruye was annoyed at himself for rambling, but her words stopped his inner spiral. He sighed in relief, “Alright, follow me.”

They walked in silence. Su Shangfei followed half a step behind. Despite their height difference, their steps remained in sync—either because Mu Ruye slowed his pace or she kept up.

The office corridors were nearly empty. A few people passed by with files or chatted idly over coffee, making the silence between the two more pronounced.

At the cafeteria, Su Shangfei ordered a stir-fried meal set. Mu Ruye chose the same.

As she held her notebook in one hand and reached for her employee card with the other, a fair, long-fingered hand reached over her shoulder, swiping his card before she could. A beep, and ¥52 was deducted.

She turned to thank him. “Thank you, Team Leader. I’ll transfer the money to you later.”

Mu Ruye, expression cool, lifted both lunchboxes and replied, “No need. Let’s go.”

Back in the office, the usual busyness filled the room. As Su Shangfei walked in with the lunch Mu Ruye had carried for her, she felt several subtle glances.

Perhaps because Mu Ruye had brought her to a department meeting, the others now saw her differently. That afternoon, someone casually approached her desk while ordering coffee, asking, “Want one too? We’re placing an order.”

Not wanting to appear standoffish, Su Shangfei smiled and asked for a black coffee, using the opportunity to exchange WeChat for payment.

Soon others joined in, all wanting to add her on WeChat.

“If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask. I’ve been in Sales for three years.”

“Yeah, and don’t eat alone every day. I’ll show you around the campus.”

Mu Ruye saw it all. His team was made up of savvy individuals who wanted his favor and followed his lead. Since he’d publicly acknowledged Su Shangfei, continuing to ignore her would be inappropriate.

Besides, the recent deal Mu Ruye secured had shattered sales records at GuiShang, drawing praise from upper management and giving him a meteoric rise from obscure team leader to a well-known figure in the group.

The order’s delivery timeline was long, and it required considerable follow-up. Involving others meant sharing profits—something everyone wanted a piece of.

Initially, many in the team had doubted Mu Ruye, promoted after only a year out of university. But now, having witnessed his ability, they were eager to win his trust and follow him toward greater success.

There had already been undercurrents in the office as everyone speculated who Mu Ruye would choose to accompany him to the production department meeting.

No one expected him to pick a total newcomer like Su Shangfei. It clearly signaled his intention to groom her as a trusted protégé.

Mu Ruye liked ambitious, sharp people. In sales, ambition and social acuity were essential for breaking through limits. Su Shangfei had all the traits he valued—intelligent, eager to learn, calm under pressure.

He also aimed to build a resilient, united team that could drive performance and help him climb even higher.

Supporting Su Shangfei was simply a strategic move.

His team was split by office politics. If he favored one faction, the others would grow cold. Creating a third neutral force through Su Shangfei became imperative.

But relying on one person would make her a target. Mu Ruye planned to groom two more potential protégés—loyalists to help him eventually pass the team leader role and maintain control over Sales.

Su Shangfei was unaware of his intentions. She simply thought he was helping her integrate into the team. After work, she brought him a coffee to thank him for lunch.

When she entered with the coffee, Mu Ruye frowned. “What is it?”

Caught off guard, Su Shangfei froze. Just hours ago, he had been kind. Why the sudden coldness? Awkwardly, she replied, “I came to submit my weekly report.”

“You can submit it online,” he said, brows still furrowed.

Su Shangfei blushed. “I was just added to the system this afternoon. I don’t have access yet.”

Realizing he had misunderstood her motives, Mu Ruye softened slightly. “Sorry. That’s my oversight. Leave it here. And don’t bring me coffee again.”

Relieved, Su Shangfei placed the cup beside him and handed over her report.

He quickly granted her system access, then motioned for her to sit. She waited nervously as he skimmed the report. Without comment, he nodded for her to go.

Outside, confused by his reaction, she returned to her desk. A senior colleague linked arms with her and walked her out.

“You seem distracted—anything unclear? I can help,” she offered kindly.

Su Shangfei remembered what Meng Lu said about not being too open in the workplace. She just smiled. “Nothing really. Just tired from the first week.”

Yao Na, clever and perceptive, leaned close like sharing a secret. “Working with the team leader is tough, huh? He’s intense—already scared off six interns this year. One stayed two days, another a week. One 6-foot guy even cried after being yelled at and quit on the spot. His water bottle’s still in the corner.”

Su Shangfei couldn’t picture Mu Ruye being that harsh. Yes, he was sharp-tongued in meetings, but not enough to make someone cry.

Sensing her disbelief, Yao Na cunningly played a video. In it, Mu Ruye berated a male intern:

“Step 7 in the process was clearly listed in the PPT. I’ve taught it to you several times. How are you still making such rookie mistakes? What, should I tattoo it on my forehead so you remember? Are you a bear—forgetting everything? Use your brain! It’s going to rust if you don’t!”

Rather than feel scared, Su Shangfei grew more determined. He hates incompetence. I need to be sharper, more attentive. That’s the only way I’ll stay.

Seeing Su Shangfei unfazed, Yao Na pushed harder. “Why not switch to a more stable job before this one chews you up and spits you out?”

Su Shangfei, now aware of Yao Na’s intent, remained calm and smiled. “Thank you for your advice. I have to catch my bus. See you Monday.”

Rejected, Yao Na’s expression soured. What’s so special about her? No looks, no figure—just a plain country girl. Why does he favor her? Lunch, meetings, support. Life really isn’t fair.

Late that night, the office was empty. Mu Ruye rubbed his tired eyes and sipped his coffee—white coffee, now cold. Its mellow bitterness with just a touch of milk surprised him.

Glancing at the cup, he muttered to himself, “She’s got a knack for this.”