CHAPTER 48: 048: THE HABIT OF KEEPING PEOPLE IN SUSPENSE

The afternoon sun was hot and lazy, and white clouds hung in the azure sky, a gentle breeze wafting a sense of ease.

After two o’clock, Cen Jin and Ye Lingran took a taxi together to the Yun Group. Upon arriving at the entrance of the Yun Group building and greeting the security guards, a young man in a suit approached them, nodding slightly in greeting: "Good afternoon, Miss Nie, Miss Ye, I am Cheng Jie, the Special Assistant to President Yun. President Yun has been waiting for you both in the office for quite some time. Please, come with me."

"Thank you, Special Assistant Cheng." Cen Jin gave a light smile and nodded, then entered the Yun Group with Ye Lingran.

Taking the elevator straight to the 16th floor executive office, Cheng Jie stepped aside and gestured, "Please, this way."

As they went past the secretary’s office to the executive office, Cheng Jie knocked lightly on the door. After a subdued voice from inside said ’Come in,’ Cheng Jie gently opened the office’s composite door and entered the spacious, bright room, turning to face the elegant figure sitting at the desk: "President Yun, Miss Nie and Miss Ye have arrived."

Upon hearing this, Yun Qi raised his warm eyebrows, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, and got up from the desk chair: "Cen Jin, Miss Ye, please have a seat. It’s quite hot outside, and I do feel sorry for making you come all the way here."

Cen Jin and Ye Lingran nodded in acknowledgment and entered the office, taking off their bags and settling onto the sofa.

"Cen Jin, Miss Ye, coffee or milk tea?"

"Either is fine; there’s no need for such formality, President Yun," Cen Jin said with a wave of her hand and a smile.

Yun Qi chuckled, glancing at the gentle and beautiful Ye Lingran seated beside Cen Jin, "And for you, Miss Ye?"

"One glass of iced water, please." Ye Lingran smiled gracefully, her tone gentle yet dignified, hinting at graceful politeness.

Although she’d met Yun Qi once before, comparatively, she wasn’t very familiar with him. Using such a tone didn’t make her seem too cold nor did it imply an intentional attempt at warmth.

Upon hearing her response, Yun Qi signaled to Cheng Jie at the door, who understood immediately and left the office to prepare.

"You mentioned some project you wanted to discuss last time. What project is it?" After seeing Cheng Jie exit and close the door, Cen Jin asked curiously with a smile, "Our studio specializes in wedding dress and gown design. I really can’t fathom what famous Yun Group seeks in collaboration with us these days."

"I didn’t expect your curiosity to be quite intense."

"Well, I didn’t expect President Yun to have a habit of suspense either."

Yun Qi burst into laughter just as Cheng Jie walked in with the drinks, placing them before the two women. Yun Qi then asked, "Is Yun Xi not here yet?"

"I’m here, aren’t I?" Before Cheng Jie could respond, a sweet yet slightly languid voice emanated from the office doorway.

Upon hearing, everyone in the office looked over, seeing a charming figure in a white, backless, slightly sexy dress enter their view. Cheng Jie straightened up first, retreating to the side with the tray and nodding slightly to the charming figure: "Director Yun."

"Why are you late?" Yun Qi asked gently, his tone carrying a hint of reproach: "I thought I asked you to come earlier?"

"I suddenly had some inspiration while on my way, which delayed me a bit." Yun Xi replied as she walked in, simultaneously answering Yun Qi’s question and appraising Cen Jin and Ye Lingran with her beautiful eyes, raising an eyebrow: "Are these the two lovely ladies you mentioned last time, who have such a profound understanding of wedding dress design?"