Chapter 11 Exchange With Conditions

Yan Wan sensed something amiss when she returned to the design department because her colleagues were glancing at her strangely. She never expected her failed work to win the first prize in the contest. The woman had no intention to explain because she was at a loss for words regarding Huo Lichen's matter. After all, people would stop being nosy once the matter dies down a few days later. Yan Wan gave no ear to it and returned to her seat to go through the materials because she was racing against time to meet the deadline tomorrow. Shen Baimei looked at Yan Wan arrogantly. “Photocopy all these materials in sets of three and arrange them all in order.” It was a huge pile of materials, and everything was out of order. It would take her a lot of time to get it done. Yan Wan furrowed her brows and rejected her, “My time is fully occupied now. Get someone else to do it.” Shen Baimei was upset by her response and rebuked her loudly, “Yan Wan, do you think you're all that after winning first place by illegitimate means? Get it into your head. You will always be a newcomer in the department before you get a promotion, and these miscellaneous tasks are part of your job scope. Did I make myself clear? If you have any complaints, you may leave anytime.” Most designers were upset with the result of the competition, and Shen Baimei was the first to feel the impact. All her efforts would be wasted if Shen Baimei seized the chance to get her fired now. Yan Wan gritted her teeth and carried the stack of materials. “I'll do it now.” Shen Baimei looked at Yan Wan's figure spitefully and said maliciously, “Come to my office to get more after you're done.” Shen Baimei was resolved to put her in a difficult situation. Yan Wan stomped her foot furiously and thought of throwing away this pile of materials. But eventually, she could only resign herself to make copies of them. Many hours had passed when she finally settled the task, and it was almost time to get off work. She rubbed her temples after looking at the pile of materials given by Huo Lichen and decided to work overtime. Almost every light in the huge design department was turned off, except the one above Yan Wan's cubicle. Yan Wan flipped through the information with one hand and took notes with the other. She was focused and serious about her work but seemed a little anxious. Huo Lichen walked into the design department and saw Yan Wan working hard under the light at a glance. The surrounding was pitch-black, and she seemed particularly dazzling under the light. A dark glint flashed across his eyes, and he walked toward her. “Why are you still here?” Yan Wan was terrified by a sudden voice in the quiet environment, and she nearly fell out of her chair. The man took a step forward instantly and held her back swiftly. Yan Wan saw a handsome face that belonged to Huo Lichen as the gap between them shortened. At that moment, she felt his vigorous and scorching arm pressed against her back. Yan Wan's heart palpitated disorderly. She returned to her senses after a while, then promptly withdrew herself from his arms. Taking two steps back, she managed to keep him at a distance. “Mr. Huo, I'm working overtime.” Huo Lichen looked somewhat displeased after seeing Yan Wan's watchful response and said in a deep voice, “You don't have to.” “But I'm running out of time.” A thought suddenly came to Yan Wan's mind in the midst of speaking, and her eyes gleamed while looking at Huo Lichen. Then she said expectantly, “Mr. Huo, are you going to give me two days of grace?” “I will grant your request, provided that you agree with my terms as well.” Huo Lichen gazed at Yan Wan with grim and invasive eyes, causing her to feel a little uneasy. She asked him tentatively, “What are your terms?”