Growing Fond of You, Mr Nian

Everyone in the secretarial area was startled. Secretary Zhao looked at Luo Sang and found her very familiar looking. The other female secretaries were grieving in their hearts, as they thought that Mr. Nian and Mr. Xiao were happily in love.

How could he have had a change of heart so quickly?

Nian Junting looked pleased with himself when he saw the look of surprise on the faces of his subordinates. He was proud to show off the fact that he wasn’t single. “Alright, let’s all head home soon, everybody. It’s Christmas Eve, after all. Go have an apple with your boyfriends.”

He paused before continuing, “Those who are single, don’t be too depressed. You will find your own happiness one day. Merry Christmas everyone!” He finished his sentence as he wrapped his arms around Luo Sang and dragged her into his office. Nian Junting was wearing a silly grin on his face and looked as if he had just conquered the world.

Lu Kang chuckled to himself. He wished he could capture this moment and replay it for his boss. Nian Junting had been nothing but unpleasant to work for during the past couple of days. I’ve got to hand it to Miss Xu. How did you thaw that block of ice so quickly? Lu Kang thought to himself.

When the door shut, Luo Sang looked around and noticed a ribbon on the floor of the office. It was the same ribbon she had used to wrap the apple that she had gifted him. She picked it up and asked, “Why is this on the floor? Where’s the apple that I gave you?”

“Probably the wind.” Nian Junting lied conveniently. He didn’t want her to know that he had thrown it to the ground earlier. “I ate it immediately when I had the chance to. It was delicious. Was it some sort of special variety?”

It was one of those cheap apples she had bought from the roadside. The flattery… Luo Sang pressed on. “What about your present to me and your apple?”

Nian Junting froze and turned to yell for Lu Kang. “Come in here, Lu Kang!”

“Mr. Nian…” Lu Kang burst through the door at his beckoning.

“Where’s the apple? I told you to buy apples for Luoluo. Where did you leave them?” Nian Junting gave him a hard stare. Lu Kang had bought so many. Surely, he could just give him one or two.

“…”

Didn’t you make me eat all of them? Lu Kang said in his mind. “I was so busy today, and I forgot about it. I’m sorry, Mr. Nian. Sorry, Miss Xu,” Lu Kang said apologetically as he decided to take the fall for his boss.

“That’s no excuse. Never mind. I’ve been too easy on you recently. You’ve been slipping up quite a bit. I’ll have to deduct it from your salary.” Nian Junting held Luo Sang’s hands and said, “Don’t be angry, Luoluo. I’ll go get one on the street later. I have your present, though.” He pulled out a rectangular box from his drawer. “I picked out a necklace for you. Look, do you like it?”

Luo Sang opened the box which revealed a shimmering necklace with a sapphire stone set in the middle. It was beautiful, but… She looked up at him and said, “Did you happen to just pick one when you had to buy a necklace for Nian Xi on behalf of Ji Chuan?”

“…Ridiculous. I’ve been meaning to buy you a necklace for a long while now.” Nian Junting looked slightly awkward. The truth was that he didn’t know what to get her, but he chanced upon this necklace when he was at the jewelry store the day before. Even though he was feeling spiteful and angry, he decided to get it anyway when he was paying the bill. Thank goodness he had decided to get it…

Luo Sang knew she was right when she saw his face. Forget it. “Put it on for me, then.”

“Sure.” Nian Junting brushed his hands along her neck and put the necklace on her. She looked graceful and elegant. The necklace was made for her.

“Luoluo, look at how much chemistry we have with each other. You knitted me a scarf, and I bought you a necklace,” Nian Junting said happily. He noticed Lu Kang was still standing around. “What are you still doing here?”