CHAPTER 353: CHAPTER 352: I WANT YOU TO CHEER ME ON

"The little guy is a bit too energetic tonight, almost bursting through the pants." Shi Yang’s voice, like a mischievous little hand, teased over Zhao Meimei’s heart.

Zhao Meimei swallowed dryly, a burning blush raced from her neck to her ears rapidly: "You, you DIY, why are you calling me..."

Shi Yang’s voice was very low, almost disappearing as soon as it escaped his lips, yet a hint of it made its way into Zhao Meimei’s ear just before it dispersed: "Doing it alone is boring, I want you to cheer me on."

Cheer on... Zhao Meimei choked a bit, nearly getting caught by her own saliva.

Through the receiver came Shi Yang’s slightly coarse and husky breath. Zhao Meimei clenched the edge of the quilt, gnawing and grinding her teeth, mumbling indistinctly: "You’re so bad, teasing me over the phone..."

Zhao Meimei squeezed her phone tightly, imagining that she was holding Shi Yang’s strong arm.

Shi Yang, his voice rough and husky, said: "Baby, give me a kiss."

Zhao Meimei moved closer to the receiver, giving two loud kisses: "No, I’ll kiss twice, and one more on the lips..."

Shi Yang suppressed his voice: "Baby, I miss you so much, I really want to carry you around everywhere."

Zhao Meimei definitely heard a hint of coquettishness in Shi Yang’s tone and couldn’t help but say: "I want to become a conjoined twin with you, never separated anywhere."

Shi Yang chuckled softly, with a lengthy tail note: "Heh... nonsense, haven’t we been conjoined twins under the covers every night?"

Zhao Meimei paused, realized what was said, and immediately turned red, biting the quilt corner: "You’re so bad! You’re being naughty!"

The phone played the sound of Shi Yang kissing the receiver: "Baby, ba..."

A wave of indescribable sweetness surged in Zhao Meimei’s heart, prompting her to respond: "Yes, Brother..."

A call seeking encouragement washed away Zhao Meimei’s pent-up complaints and sour feelings; she imagined Shi Yang calling her name, thinking of her while DIY-ing, all the little thorns in her heart were pulled out in one go. Feeling relieved, she quickly fell asleep comfortably in the covers.

Shi Yang went to headquarters for training for a week this time, leaving all the company affairs to Qu Chaozong. He had to manage the sales of three maternity stores, deal with all sorts of emergencies, assist in linking Qian Jinqiu’s Naughty Castle for city inventory orders and deliveries from Li Shuren, and help Wang Tianyu with accounting and inventory counting. He was so busy that even taking a sip of water required squeezing through his teeth.

Since the last time they viewed the house model together, Zhang Xin found she couldn’t reach Qu Chaozong. The phone was always busy, and when it did connect, someone would interrupt before she could say much.

Unable to get through with calls, Zhang Xin went straight to find him. She arrived at the company only to be told Qu Chaozong went to the main store, went to the main store only to be told he went to the flagship store.

Angry, Zhang Xin waited at the company to catch him.

The secretary made Zhang Xin a cup of coffee, politely saying: "Miss Zhang, have some coffee."

Zhang Xin took it, face not looking too good: "Thank you."

The secretary, a young girl with attention to detail and liked by Qu Chaozong for his friendliness towards staff, looked at Zhang Xin’s gloomy face and hesitated before speaking: "Our boss took Manager Zhao to the headquarters for a meeting, leaving everything at the company for Mr. Qu to handle alone. He’s really too busy."

Zhang Xin, feeling upset: "Being busy still doesn’t leave time for a phone call?"

The secretary kindly explained: "Not to mention a phone call, it’s almost three in the afternoon and Qu still hasn’t touched the lunch I bought earlier; it’s gone cold."

Zhang Xin was stunned, asked: "He hasn’t eaten lunch yet?"

The secretary nodded, gesturing to the takeaway on the shelf: "Look, it’s been sitting there untouched."

With the explanation done, the secretary left; Zhang Xin quietly sat on the guest sofa, silent.

She sat for a moment, then stood and walked away.

Shortly after Zhang Xin left, Qu Chaozong hurried back to the company while on a call, went straight to the office, rummaged through a pile of messy documents on the desk, finally picking a logistics bill, reading out the item numbers to the other side. After hanging up, he breathed a sigh of relief.

The secretary followed in, ready to speak but Qu Chaozong interrupted, "Quick, get me some water, my throat’s on fire!"

She was about to report Zhang Xin’s visit but abruptly turned to fetch water at his request.

Qu Chaozong approached the shelf, picked up the takeaway packaging, broke open chopsticks, lifted the lump of chow mein sticks, as the office door was opened from the outside. He mumbled with a mouthful: "Quick, water! It’s choking me!"

"Don’t eat that, it’s cold. I bought you a meal." Zhang Xin walked in from the office door holding two bags full of takeout.

Qu Chaozong widened his eyes in surprise: "Why are you here?"

Zhang Xin reached the desk, disdainfully pushed aside the unidentifiable lump, and unpacked her takeout.

Braised pork, braised fish, cumin beef, sautéed meat sections, mixed vegetables, and a pot of original beef broth.

Qu Chaozong was dumbfounded: "You..."

Zhang Xin poured the beef broth into a bowl, smiling gently: "Sending you some warmth!" She handed the bowl to Qu Chaozong: "Here, sip with a spoon, be careful not to burn yourself."

Qu Chaozong took it, drank a couple of sips, the office door knocked twice, and the secretary entered holding a cup of prepared water.

The secretary placed the cup on the table, peeking: "Wow, that’s quite a feast! Mr. Qu, your girlfriend treats you well."

A comment flattering both people.

Qu Chaozong felt sweetness, smiling from ear to ear.

The secretary chuckled as she walked out, remembering to close the door.

Qu Chaozong asked: "Why did you suddenly bring me lunch?"

Zhang Xin complained: "If I didn’t bring you lunch, you intended to eat that?"

Zhang Xin affectionately murmured: "Starting tomorrow, I’ll come keep you company, I’m usually not busy anyway."