Chapter 8: CEO Heartflutter Meter: 3% – Sick-Day Concern

Mu Ruye was a man of swift action. Ever since deciding to build a new force within the office, he’d spent the previous week interviewing candidates in his spare time. By Monday morning, an unprecedented wave of three new interns joined Sales Team One all at once.

Even the seasoned employees—accustomed to the revolving door of new hires—were surprised, exchanging curious glances, wondering what their team leader was up to.

In that moment of silent exchange, many of their gazes unconsciously drifted toward Su Shangfei, who sat diligently studying at her desk.

As she faced the three newcomers seated opposite her, a realization struck her: this was why Mu Ruye hadn’t taught her anything last week. He had deliberately withheld instruction—likely to streamline training for a group, saving time and effort, and then selecting the best among them through elimination.

The new hires were all recent graduates—energetic and naive. They quickly bonded, and before noon, were already making lunch plans together.

Su Shangfei, having stayed up the past two nights cramming materials, was trying to catch a quick nap during the break when the tallest male intern leaned over and asked, “I heard you’re new too. Want to grab lunch with us?”

She straightened up and politely declined with a warm smile. “I’m not hungry, but thank you. You go ahead.”

Shu Rui had hoped to probe her about the office culture but dropped the idea when she seemed so distant.

Still, he recalled overhearing veteran employees gossip near the breakroom earlier that day—talking about how the team leader seemed to favor Su Shangfei. She’d barely been with the company a week and was already allowed to participate in a major project.

Watching her remain calm despite facing three new competitors, Shu Rui couldn’t help but wonder if she had influential backing or special connections. If so, cozying up to her might help him reap some benefits down the road.

Su Shangfei didn’t understand why Shu Rui suddenly became so considerate and attentive. He brought her coffee and lunch daily—even though she repeatedly refused. Soon, office rumors spread that Shu Rui was pursuing her.

Mu Ruye saw it all but said nothing. He continued training the four interns fairly, evaluating each of them equally.

Su Shangfei quickly stood out for her intelligence and diligence. Seeing her ability to grasp concepts rapidly, Mu Ruye began assigning her individual tasks in hopes of grooming her for independent work.

She didn’t disappoint. Her growth was remarkable. On the very first day she received client resources, she signed a small order—becoming the first intern, aside from Mu Ruye himself, to secure a deal on day one.

This achievement earned her recognition among the seasoned staff. Some chalked it up to luck, others praised her skills.

Mu Ruye, who had personally trained her, was pleased and even broke precedent to praise her in the team group chat:
“First battle, first win. Keep up the good work!”

The night before, Mu Ruye had worked late into the night. Usually full of energy, even he appeared fatigued the next day. Yet, despite feeling unwell, he refused to rest and remained on the front lines.

“I need this market research report by Friday. I’ve granted you access to the European reports. Use them as reference. If you have questions, reach out.”

Su Shangfei, standing at his desk, nodded earnestly. “Got it. Um… are you feeling alright?”

Due to prolonged stress, poor diet, and sleep deprivation, Mu Ruye had developed headaches and nausea. Not wanting to appear weak, he simply shook his head. “I’m fine. You can go.”

Worried, Su Shangfei wanted to bring him something warm, but the office was too busy to find a quiet moment.

After work, the interns left together and called to her, “Aren’t you leaving? Working late again?”

Afraid Mu Ruye might faint from exhaustion but unable to explain that, she smiled and said, “Still have a few things to finish. See you tomorrow.”

As they walked toward the subway, one intern grumbled, “She’s too intense for just an intern. Always working late, skipping lunch. Makes me feel guilty for taking normal breaks.”

Shu Rui, unsure of her background, kept his opinions vague. “She does work hard.”

“I heard it’s hard to land a permanent spot here. With her around, none of us may have a chance.”

Qiu Tian added anxiously, “And the team leader—he takes her everywhere, lets her sit in on project meetings. She’s only been here a week longer than us, but it’s like she’s already a senior. It’s not fair.”

Wang Nan eyed Shu Rui and half-joked, “You’re close to her, right? Trying to chase her? Do you know her background? Does she have connections? Do we even stand a chance?”

Qiu Tian jumped in, “Yeah, if she’s already been pre-selected, why bother trying so hard? Don’t want to waste my energy just for someone else to swoop in.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I just started here too. How would I know anything?” Shu Rui replied quickly. Remembering the gossip from the breakroom, he worried they’d try to cozy up to her too and steal his chance. He quickly added, “She just seemed isolated, so I didn’t want her to feel left out.”

Back in the office, Su Shangfei worked on the research report while glancing occasionally at Mu Ruye’s office. By 9 p.m., the office was finally empty. She seized the opportunity, bringing a hot drink and a packed meal from the cafeteria, then knocked on his door.

“Come in.”

Mu Ruye, pale-faced, assumed someone had a work question. He straightened up, putting on a serious demeanor—only to look up and find Su Shangfei, concerned, standing before him.

She quickly handed over the drink and food. “You don’t look well. Do you need to go to the hospital?”

Mu Ruye hadn’t expected this. He shook his head firmly. “Did you stay late because of a question?”

“Not really. If you’re okay, I’ll head out now.”

Mu Ruye was always professional—never socializing with subordinates. But after a long, difficult day with an empty stomach, only Su Shangfei had noticed something was wrong and waited just to check on him, even preparing hot soup.

People are vulnerable when they’re ill. Even someone as cold and rigid as Mu Ruye felt moved.

“You didn’t need to do this. Let me transfer you the money.”

Su Shangfei quickly shook her head. “No need. Get some rest. Good night.”

Mu Ruye’s voice softened a little. “Good night.”

Holding the warm drink, Mu Ruye couldn’t help but glance at her retreating figure. After a brief pause, he slowly unwrapped the meal and finished every bite.

Perhaps it was the warm food, or the good night’s rest after, but by the next morning, he looked completely revitalized—full of energy again.

Su Shangfei arrived early and sat at her desk, sneaking glances toward Mu Ruye. As if sensing her gaze, their eyes met.

Caught in the act, she instantly looked away—like a student caught daydreaming by the teacher—both nervous and guilty.

Mu Ruye was amused. A rare smile tugged at his lips, his eyes lighting up with laughter. Watching her flustered reaction, one phrase popped into his mind:

“Like a startled little bunny.”

Shu Rui noticed it all. The look they exchanged, Mu Ruye’s sudden good mood—it made him suspicious:

Could they actually be involved?

Maybe Su Shangfei didn’t have connections—maybe she was the team leader’s secret girlfriend?

At first, he thought she was just well-connected. Now, the thought of her sleeping her way to the top disgusted him. He began resenting her for taking shortcuts.

Recently, Su Shangfei had sensed a strange shift in the office. People looked at her differently—with suspicion and judgment.

The once cordial Wang Nan, Shu Rui, and Qiu Tian had turned cold. During training sessions, the three sat together, excluding her.

Shu Rui’s sudden change in attitude was the most obvious.

Though part of her was relieved he’d stopped pestering her, the overt isolation still stung.

Mu Ruye noticed the clique behavior but didn’t intervene. He guessed the cause.

When he’d first joined GuiShang, his talent had also made him a target—his peers isolated him, sabotaged him in secret.

But he believed the strong must learn to endure pressure, control emotions, and rise above toxic environments.

However, Su Shangfei was just a fresh graduate. No matter how resilient, constant hostility could wear anyone down.

When the shared project file’s data was maliciously deleted for the third time, Su Shangfei finally snapped.

She turned to Wang Nan and demanded:
“Why do you keep messing with my data?”