Chapter 1495: 1417: Substitute for Her
Chapter 1495: Chapter 1417: Substitute for Her
If it’s about an arranged marriage, the focus isn’t on the woman. Of course, it’d be ideal if she’s capable, but if not, that’s fine too—just behave and offer her family background when necessary.
Looking at her calm expression, Fu Rong’s face was icy: “Then how about I marry you?”
Ye Ranran shook her head: “If you’d asked before Miss Sun entered the picture, I would’ve agreed. But now, it wouldn’t be appropriate for you to make this request. Doing so would offend the Sun family, and even if you try to intimidate them, it’d plant a seed of discord. If we engage in internal conflict now, we might end up losing everything.”
This is what it means to have the decisiveness of a chief secretary—assessing the pros and cons with methodical clarity.
Fu Rong tried to detect even a trace of resentment or unwillingness in her, but in her clear, black-and-white pupils, there was only calm—nothing but calm. Not the slightest shift in emotion.
His heart was heavy, yet his expression grew even colder: “Understood. You may go.”
Ye Ranran nodded and walked out.
Outside the door, Lu Ning gave her a thumbs up: “Wen Cai, you’re so amazing.”
Standing outside, they naturally couldn’t hear clearly, but the heated argument was audible. Judging by the intensity of the voices, it seemed the battle had been fierce.
“Sister Cai, at moments like these, I bet only you could make it out unscathed.” Lan Yu leaned in as well.
“Enough with the flattery—focus on your business instead.” She stepped aside: “Go on in.”
Lu Ning pulled a long face: “If it’s possible to delay, I’d definitely put off going in for a bit longer.”
Ye Ranran patted his shoulder in a gesture of encouragement: “It’s fine, relax.”
With a bitter expression, Lu Ning went inside.
Back in her office, Ye Ranran called Shen Yuzhe and confirmed the time and place to meet that evening.
After arranging the schedule, her heart finally settled, and she resumed her work with diligence.
No matter what, she had to push Fu Rong forward to secure a path of survival for her parents and her elder brother.
Near the end of the workday, Fu Rong came to find her.
“Chief.” She obediently stood up.
Her demeanor made Fu Rong hesitate, but in the end, he didn’t speak.
“Tomorrow’s the funeral. Come with me.”
“Understood.”
After giving a few more instructions, Fu Rong suddenly added, “Let’s have dinner together tonight?”
Ye Ranran shook her head: “No, but thank you for the invitation.”
“What if I say it’s an order?”
Ye Ranran’s eyebrow arched into a graceful curve: “I don’t believe my job includes having meals with you.”
She was a secretary, not some sort of hostess-for-hire.
“Accompanying the boss to necessary dinners is also part of a secretary’s duties.”
Their gazes met briefly, before hers quickly shifted away. This time, she agreed readily: “Fine, but let me go home and change first.”
The dinner, naturally, was Fu Rong’s way of roping in some wavering allies—and also sending them a warning.
Alcohol was inevitably involved during the dinner.
Ye Ranran remained quietly seated to the side, listening intently to Fu Rong’s discussions with the others.
Occasionally, she interjected with one or two remarks to supplement the conversation.
A tactless official raised a glass of wine and approached her: “Secretary Wen, after all this talking, surely you’re thirsty. Please have a drink.”
She wasn’t supposed to drink—Tang Sheng had repeatedly instructed her not to touch alcohol.
But refusing would mean disregarding the official’s gesture, which might push him to align with someone else.
Ye Ranran’s hand trembled slightly as she reached for the wine glass.
Just as she was about to take the risk, a slender, well-defined hand reached out, snatching the glass away from her: “Didn’t I tell you not to drink? You’re driving later.”
“I’ll drink this on her behalf—is that acceptable?” Fu Rong turned to the official.