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CHAPTER 32
A slow smile worked its way across his face and into his eyes. "Hello, Andromeda. Good evening."
"Evening, sir. To what do I owe this call?"
"Drop the formalities, Andromeda. We are not at work. Fell free," Liu Xueyi admonished.
"Got it."
"My apologies, I could not request your time at work because of a golf meeting."
A slow smile spread over her mouth and spilt into her eyes. "I see. Sounds interesting and not so interesting."
"Why do you say so?"
"Well, golf is a nice way to unwind and relax but over a meeting, that is boring and then the game itself sounds boring."
A soft laugh escaped his throat at her words. "Seriously, it isn't that boring."
"Ah, you mentioned boring. So, you see, I got it."
"Fine. One of these days you would come with me to play. That way you can see for yourself, how not so boring. It is calculative, relaxing, exercising and helps put your mind at ease from the stress of a lifestyle."
"Now that sounds boring."
He laughed at that and his laugh was merry and frank. "Whatever you say. Okay, I am going to play tennis on Saturday, I bet that is better, huh? Maybe more fun for you."
"Hmm, fine. I would see if my schedule lets up."
"Andromeda…"
"What? I need to plan for your clothing line," she reasoned.
"And that is why you need these sports to help with relaxation. You need to breathe and be more creative. I would allow that however, I can. We can go swimming if you wish."
She felt her heart beat faster in her chest and reached up to soothe the area. "I… Uh…" She did not know what to tell him but the thought of having to do so many things with him made her both scared and somewhat excited.
"But, if you feel awkward about it, we can just play tennis."
"No. No. No," she rushed in a heartbeat. "I mean yes, umm, no. It is okay. You are right. I do need the relaxing time."
"Alright then. Anyways, I called to check up on you and see how your second day at work went."
The smile on her face broadened until a dimple appeared. "It was fine."
She had least expected for him to bother with her since their work agreement was simply normal and they were using… well helping each other out.
"Okay, did you find out what you wanted?" He pressed on.
"I did. Do not worry, I would brief you on it tomorrow." She paused. Her mind was busy contemplating letting him on some things first or not. "However," she began. "I think there would be a remodelling and reshuffling of things."
"Okay, feel free. You would be the creative director and as such, you can restructure as you please. I would trust your instincts on this."
"Are you sure?" She halted briefly. This was an important position and also he was giving her full authority. "You do not want to review things first?"
"No. I do not. You have the authority to act."
"I see. Alright, I would run you through the details tomorrow. I wanted to take the full week to access them but…"
"Even if you use the full month, Andromeda, I can assure you, the results would be the same," Liu Xueyi confirmed.
From the way he spoke, she could tell he knew something. It was either that, or he was testing her.
"Okay…" she drew out the last part and inhaled deeply. This was a new company and one she did not plan on taking lightly. "Fine."
"Relax. Do not stress yourself. However, I want changes in my company and if we are to rise to the top, there would be no room for laziness. I want everyone to give in their best."
"Got it. I understand."
"Good. You should know one thing about people sometimes. If they fail to make a good impression after twice an encounter, they likely won't change that character soon. And I do not have the luxury of time."
"Alright. By the way, is there anything I should know?"
"In what regards?"
"I heard you have something coming up?"
"Oh yes. My apologies. I would give you a breakdown of it tomorrow. It is just a new clothing line to usher you in as my top fashion designer and creative director."
"Oh…" She stole in a deep breath and fell back on her couch. "I see."
"Worry not. It would be fine. You have me here." All she could do was nod her head as though he could see her.
In truth, talking with him made her feel calm and more relaxed. It was one feeling she had come to appreciate.
Her mind flashed back to the night she got drunk, how soothing she felt leaning against him to pour out her cries. Welcoming the thought, she suppressed a smile as the night with the stranger came reeling back in.
'Get your head in order, Andromeda. That is a past you should not venture into.' A soft sigh fell from her lips as she realized from his breathing he had not yet ended the call.
Her eyes opened wide in surprise and recognition. How could she have been so daft, she wondered.
Suppressing the urge not to laugh wasn't easy but Liu Xueyi managed it and did not give her the fright. "Goodnight," she heard his deep voice echo through the phone and then he was gone.
For some unknown reason, rather than feeling happy about it, Andromeda felt sad that he left. The call might have ended but his warmth lingered in her mind.
As much as she knew she shouldn't be thinking about her boss, she could not stop herself from recalling that night at the club.
His tenderness and attentiveness made her heart calm down and her worries lessen.
Letting her phone slide off her hands on the chair, she shifted on the couch and shut her eyes, letting thoughts of the past overwhelm her.