Flash Marriage Chapter 22

         It was an enjoyable long holiday.  My mother would soon get the elderly certificate that identified her as a senior citizen and doing strenuous exercises kept her energized. 

          Of course, one thing that ires me was the fact my biological father had said he would like to take the opportunity, during the long holidays, to have a meal with both of us.  I asked my mother whether she had agreed to it.

          My mother shook her head.  She told me that he was already a stranger to her and also that she did not know whether I would agree.

          I sneered.  Of course, I don't agree!

          My mother then sighed helplessly and said that she already knew I would be like this.

          Happy days flew pass quickly and my long holidays had ended.   Like most people, everyone went back to work or school and life returned to normal.  The first day I went back to work after the holidays, I came in with a refreshed feeling.  Probably it was because it has been quite a long break from work and I have an enthusiasm for work, so I came in a few minutes earlier than usual. 

          As soon as I stepped through the company entrance, I saw Li Min from the Planning Department.  Every company would have such a group of people who were well-informed, energetic and gossip-mongers.  Everything that could stimulate the human brain nerves would not escape their mouths and brains.  From the earthquake in Chile to RMB's exchange rates and from a star's scandal to the internet-famous figures, everything and anything could be fodder to their discussion.  Of course, these were considered small matters and their main topic of discussion would generally focus on news related to the company.  Big or small matters, good or bad matters, official or trifle matters, all would be dissected and discussed by them. 

          Li Min was just this type of person.

          On seeing Li Min, I smiled and greeted her, then made a move to leave.  Unexpectedly, not only did she possess good eloquence but also skills to match.  Li Min's eyes and hands were quick and she slipped beside me speaking in a mysterious manner.  "Secretary Guan, do you know….."  This was her opening remarks.

          I could only perk up my ears to listen.  "What?"

          My attitude greatly encouraged Li Min and with sparkling eyes, she said.  "Our newly appointed Marketing Director is so handsome!"

          Oh, a handsome guy.  Probably because recently I had a hard time dealing with handsome guys, so now the mere mention of handsome guys did not so much as to garner any interest from me.  Facts had proven that all handsome guys were either not normal or playboys or homosexuals or even had a tendency to abuse!

          When Li Min saw that I did not display any interest, she thought that I did not believe her and solemnly vowed that she spoke the truth.  "What I said is true.  I saw him with my own eyes!  He is not only handsome with a good temperament but also have the looks of a modest gentleman."

          Even 'modest gentleman' was voiced which meant Li Min had actually lost her senses, but I was extremely skeptical……when she said this, did she use Wang Kai as a comparison?

          The two of us were talking when I heard a voice behind me.

          "Secretary Guan, you are here early."

          I turned my head around and saw Wang Kai smiling at me.  We had not met for three days, but he had not changed one bit.  His looks were still so outstanding and his temperament was still so vulgar.

          Li Min first put forth her smile then sweetly greeted him.  "Vice-President Wang."

          Wang Kai nodded towards Li Min and flashed her an electrifying smile that could kill.  This type of smile has a scientific name called......a seductive smile.  I stood at the side and watched speechlessly.

          As we came out of the elevator, Wang Kai and I walked side by side and he bowed his head to tease me.  "Secretary Guan, are you jealous?"

          I raised my head and smiled provocatively at him.  "Vice-President Wang, how is the re-installation of your computer getting on?"

          Suddenly Wang Kai's expression changed.  He threw me an angry glance and said bitterly.  "He only knows a few anti-hacking tricks.  This can only be considered as an additional function of a husband.  Don't forget, his main function is not up to mark!"     

          Again!  I rolled my eyes and was too lazy to bother with him.

          Wang Kai handed me a set of documents and said.  "Give this to the Marketing Manager and also inform the new Marketing Director, I want to see him."

          Instructions noted.   I took the documents and turned to leave.

          It was said that the new Director of Marketing Department who came in today is a very handsome guy.  Although recently, I am not interested in handsome guys, I am really curious to find out how handsome he is......to be described as 'extremely handsome' and also earned himself the tag as a 'modest gentleman'.

          As I reached the door leading into the Marketing Department I almost tripped.  Probably because I was walking in haste, I tripped over my feet and fell forward towards the door. 

          Under normal circumstances, at this time, some handsome guy should fall from the sky and break my fall, then maybe it would be love at first sight…….   Of course, in view of the last lesson, I knew this type of situation was unrealistic, so I did not harbor any hopes.  On reflex, I tried to grab the door handle to steady myself and hope that I would not land on the floor.

          Then a miracle happened.  Just at that moment, suddenly someone opened the door of the Marketing Department.  Unable to grab the door handle, I fell forward......straight into the other person who was coming out. 

          When the man saw an unknown object suddenly flying towards him from outside the door, he quickly held out his hands.  

          I stood up, raised my head to thank the other person and apologized for the mishap. However, when I saw his face the words dissipated from my lips. 

          Yu Zi Fei was looking down at me and obviously, he was also caught by surprise.

          I could only feel a chill rise up from my feet and spread throughout my body.  Then my heart began to feel heavier and heavier and soon sank to the bottom.

          Yu Zi Fei was supporting me with an expression of disbelief on his face and he muttered.  "Yan Yan?"

          I pushed him away, steadied myself then stood in front of him and said.  "Excuse me."  Then I walked past him and stepped through the door.

          After handing over the documents to the Marketing Manager, I enquired from him.  "What is the surname of the new Marketing Director?"

          The Marketing Manager replied.  "His surname is Yu.  He was around here just now."  He glanced towards the door and again said.  "He is the one standing at the door.  He has not left yet."

          My heart gave a little flutter.  After saying my thanks to the Marketing Manager, I put up a brave front and moved towards Yu Zi Fei who was standing at the doorway like a solid stone.  Standing in front of him, with my head bowed, I said.  "Director Yu, Vice-President Wang wants to see you in his office."

          Silence.

          I thought he did not understand what I told him and was about to repeat myself but did not expect to hear him speak.

          He softly whispered.  "Yan Yan."

          "Director Yu, please call me Secretary Guan."  When I finished speaking, I dared not look at him and with my head lowered, I brushed past in front of him.

          From the sound of his footsteps, I knew he was following behind me.

          I had heard that a person's soul could leave one's body and today, probably I think my state of mind was similar.   What type of feeling is this?  In a trance?  Absent-minded?  It was as if my mind was soaked in ink, so muddled that I had lost my ability for reasoning and even when Wang Kai talked to me, I could not even gather my thoughts.

          "Secretary Guan, what is the matter with you?  You look sick."

          "Oh."

          "Are you feeling unwell?"

          "Oh."

          "Xiao Yan Yan, what do you want for lunch?"

          "Oh."

          "Or we can have a 'lovers' set meal?"

          "Oh."

          "Then, Xiao Yan, shall we book a room for a tryst tonight?"              

          "Oh."

          "Guan Xiao Yan, are you listening to me?"

          A roar from Wang Kai broke up my trance.  I slowly looked up at him in a daze and blankly asked.  "Vice-President Wang, what did you say to me?"

          With worry in his eyes, Wang Kai looked at me and said.   "I thought you were possessed by evil spirits."

          I bowed my head.  "Oh……I am not…..just…..a little uncomfortable……."

          Wang Kai pulled me by my wrist and said.  "Let's go, I will take you to the hospital."

          I struggled to break away from his hold, then said lightly.  "No need.  I……can you give me half a day off?"

          He nodded.  "Okay, I will send you home."

          "No need.  Really……."  I said as I walked out of his office.

          "Xiao Yan."  Suddenly Wang Kai called me from behind.  He hesitated for a moment and said.  "Don't forget.  If you have any problem, look for your Superior."

          "Um…..thanks…..Superior."

          When I reached home, I sank tiredly into the sofa.  At that moment, I felt all the strength in my body had drained away.

          Why did I have to meet him again?  The world is so big, why must it be him?  I did not want to see him ever again but why did I still have to encounter him?  Obviously, I had forgotten him but why did my brain go completely blank when I see him? 

          Why did he call me 'Yan Yan'?  What right did he have to call me so?

          I felt a little cold.  Autumn is here, the world had turned cold.  I gazed at the living room floor embraced in the autumn sunshine and vaguely remembered those sunny autumn days.  He stood in the sunshine, smiling and calling out to me.  "Yan Yan."

          But now, what right has he to call me?

          Suddenly, I felt sleepy.

          Too tired…..better to take a rest.

          So, I laid down on the sofa and sank into a deep sleep…….

          In a blur, I heard someone opened the door, then closed the door and then the footsteps came closer and closer.  At that moment, I was awake but still kept my eyes closed and did not have the urge to get up. 

          Jiang Li came closer and then whispered.  "This fool."

          I ignored him and continued to lie on the sofa with my eyes closed.  It was nice to sleep and sleeping enabled me to avoid facing those messy problems.

          Just then, a heavy object suddenly descended on my body.  It was Jiang Li's jacket that he had placed over me which was a kind-hearted gesture rarely seen.

          While rubbing my eyes, I sat up and saw him standing in front of the sofa.  I said in a low voice.  "You are home."

          As soon as he saw I was awake, immediately Jiang Li showed his dissatisfaction.  "What is the matter with you?  You did not answer your phone and came back early without informing me.  I made a fruitless trip to fetch you."

          I lowered my head and answered.  "Oh…."  Then continued.  "I'm sorry."

          Maybe it was my attitude that surprised him and this time he forgot to berate me.  Instead, he bent down, raised my chin and stared at me for a while.  Then he asked in astonishment.  "What happened to you?  Why are you so distracted?"

          I turned my head away and whispered.  "It does not concern you."

          Jiang Li straighten up and folded his arms across his chest.  "Then, let's talk about something that concerns me.  Have you done your cooking?"

          I shook my head.  I just woke up.

          Jiang Li frowned and got angry.  "Guan Xiao Yan, you are too much."

Chapter end