Capítulo 15: You trusted the wrong person!
"Boss, ah." Yang Xiong looked at the tomato couple and scratched his head.
Why did he decide to enter the house without warning, and who would know that he would see something racy in the morning?
While Yang Xiong reflected on his mistake, Two tomatoes across the dining table were equally startled and embarrassed to death.
Li Juan, who regained her bearings, immediately pulled her hand from Tang Wei Sheng's hold and pretended to eat her breakfast with her head stooped down.
"Assistant Yang." Tang Wei Sheng called Yang Xiong, who appeared lost in thoughts.
"Oh! Your car is here." Yang Xiong, who came to his senses, blankly replied as if he saw nothing.
"Should I pretend that nothing happened here?" Li Juan contemplated the damages of their previous action and prayed for someone to break the awkward silence, instead of speaking up.
Yang Xiong who focused his gaze only on his boss eagerly asked to save Li Juan's face,
"Boss, when are you planning to leave? It is already past 10 am."
Tang Wei Sheng kept his forks down and threw the question at Li Juan without any hesitations.
"Miss Li, when are we leaving?"
He made sure to use honorifics to address Li Juan whenever there was a third person, and Li Juan, who got his hint, steadied up and spoke formally as an archaeologist.
"We can leave after breakfast." Li Juan suggested and placed her forks on the plate. "But there is something I need to tell you, before we go. I hope you remember Professor Han's lecture about the lost city."
"Yes." Tang Wei Sheng nodded in agreement.
"There are no proper routes to the Jade land and right now, all we have is a bunch of satellite images. It was only through the analysis reports of satellite images and remote sensing tech, we have found the ruins of a lost city in the mountains." She admitted without any reluctance.
"Yeah, I remember. So are you emphasizing that there is no proper way to Jade land?" Tang Wei Sheng cut the chase and asked when he couldn't help but doubt Professor Han's claim about the findings of Jade land.
"Not really." Li Juan corrected him and began to explain their inferences, "As per the ancient texts available, we came across a school which had connections with the Jade land. And recently, we learnt that there is an ancient monastery situated in the foothills of Tu mountain valley. If our conclusions are correct, it is the same school and they may have some information about the jade land."
"Oh, that makes our journey easier." Tang Wei Sheng shrugged his shoulders as if it is no big deal.
"Huh… Well, it is not as easy as it seems. We are looking for information on a thousand-year-old city, and I am afraid there won't be a resource person who can help us." Li Juan sounded pessimistic as she encountered Tang Wei Sheng, who was devoid of expressions while listening to her explanations.
"But you don't have to worry, CEO Tang. We do have a plan B."
"Plan B?" Tang Wei Sheng raised his eyebrows in query.
"We created a route using the data we have already collected. Theoretically, it may appear flawless, but practically we are not sure about the obstacles we may come across." Li Juan clarified his doubts in somewhat a believable tone. "But don't worry, I will try my best to acquire the route map from the monastery."
"Hmm." Tang Wei Sheng agreed with a hum, giving an impression that he is not convinced by her words.
"I am sorry, CEO Tang. It was only last week, we got to know about the route map and professor Han was planning to visit the monastery next week, right after his trip." Li Juan was embarrassed to give excuses.
It was the research team's fault that they failed to visit the monastery as soon as possible, and now it seemed like they slacked off their duties before their sponsors.
"It's okay, Miss Li. You don't have to feel bad. I am the one who persuaded the research team to push forward the dates for a site expedition." Tang Wei Sheng tried not to criticize her as he spoke, "Let's be optimistic. Thanks to this site expedition, we got some time to spend together."
When Li Juan saw his assuring smile, she was startled for a moment. Why is he trying to flirt in between the conversation? What will assistant Yang think of her? Will he think of her as a girl with low morality?
Yes, Yang Xiong was indeed shocked. Did his boss just openly say that he likes to be with Li Juan? Wow, the young master has turned too thick-skinned after he got caught red-handed.
But it is not wrong though, his young boss is at an age when everyone shows interest in having a partner.
However, Yang Xiong was curious and bit worried about Li Juan. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't find what would have made Tang Wei Sheng to fall for a woman like her.
As far as he knew, his boss had never shown interest in a woman. Tang Wei Sheng always drew clear boundaries with opposite gender. But in Li Juan's presence, he acted like a young man who got drunk in love potion despite their status differences.
"Okay then, assistant Yang we will leave after breakfast." Tang Wei Sheng finished his breakfast and stood up from the seat.
"I will get the driver."
" I don't need one." Tang Wei Sheng declared his interest to drive all the way to the monastery.
"It is a long journey. What happens if you get tired halfway?" Yang Xiong tried to discourage his boss from committing a blunder.
"And you won't be able to find a driver."
"Mr Yang Xiong, you are underestimating a racing champion. You know how much I love to drive and this journey is just a cakewalk for me." Tang Wei Sheng smilingly reassured and pointed at the woman next to him.
"If something happens to you, who is going to answer chairman?" Yang Xiong made his point.
"Nothing is going to happen with me. Even if something happens, I will handle it." Tang Wei Sheng replied sincerely.
"Just make sure that it won't gets into dad's ears."
No, Yang Xiong is not going to change his decision.
"Please, bro, pretty please," As the last resort, Tang Wei Sheng said with a cutesy voice with a sulky face.
"Fine. I agree," Yang Xiong stated.
Yes, that worked out well. With the time spent together, Tang Wei Sheng clearly understood Yang Xiong very well. Though he appeared stoic and cold, he wasn't immune to handling any cutesy acts.
"But, I will call you every hour to check on you." Yang Xiong demanded.
"Aye, why are you calling me? You should call your fiancé every hour. Do you know something, Miss Li, he is finally getting married?"
Tang Wei Sheng asked Li Juan, who silently watched the " Bromance drama between the cute young master and aloof servant."
"Congratulations, Assistant Yang."
"Thank you, Miss Li." Yang Xiong thanked her and got back to his young master, "don't try to change the topic."
"Okay, okay, I promise that I will pick up your calls."
"Fine?" Tang Wei Sheng asked him.
"Hmm, yes, young master."
"I will drive today. From tomorrow onwards, you can appoint a driver."
Li Juan was amazed to see the relationship between Tang Wei Sheng and Yang Xiong. In public, they might appear as a boss and assistant. But in the house, it was difficult to recognize which one of them was the boss.
After breakfast, Tang Wei Sheng and Li Juan bid farewell to Yang Xiong and drove to the foothills of the Tu Mountains.
Tu mountain ranges were one of the highest mountain ranges in the C country and the most dangerous for the mountaineers, thus making it a restricted area.
However, the foothills of the mountains were open to the public as a famous mountaineering spot.
On the way to the mountain, the roadsides bordered with countless flower bearing trees and meadows appeared fascinating for Li Juan, who happened to be an ardent gardener.
"Do you like flowers?" Tang Wei Sheng asked Li Juan, who was immersed in the view.
"Is there anyone who doesn't like flowers?"
"People who are allergic to flowers." Tang Wei Sheng rebutted with a chortle. "It will be torture for them."
"Huh, that's true." Li Juan agreed and took out her phone from her pocket as if she got reminded of something. " I should inform Tae Min then. He is allergic to flowers. He will be terrified if he sees this."
The moment Tang Wei Sheng heard the name, the glow on his face immediately died, leaving him look dispirited.
"Why Tae Min? Why it has to be Tae Min? "
His train of thoughts were interrupted by Li Juan's phone.
"Speaking of the devil," Li Juan smiled while picking up the call.
"Tae Min ah, did you miss Noona?"
"It is quite boring without you and Senior Cheng. Please come back soon, Noona."
Lee Tae Min's dejected voice heard from the other side. He was left alone in the research lab and forced to work on weekends since the rest of the team were busy.
"Stop whining like a child, Mr Lee." Li Juan scolded him when she heard him sulking over the call. "Did you have breakfast?"
"Yeah. I ate Sandwich."
"Aye, who eats a sandwich- go and eat some proper food."
"Yeah , I will. It is almost the lunch hours. So how's the journey so far? Is it tiring?"
"Not at all, it is fantastic. We are on the way to the monastery. It's just awesome."
"Noona, you're making me jealous."
"Consider yourself lucky that you missed the trip. It seems like spring came early in this place. If you'd have came here, by now you must have ended up in a hospital." Li Juan let out a chortle as she enthusiastically went ahead describing the journey to the monastery.
"By the way, how's CEO Tang?" Lee Tae Min asked after a while.
"He is doing well." She gave a side long glance at Tang Wei Sheng who drove the car in complete silence and figured out that something was odd.
She quickly ended the call and placed her phone away.
"Do you love him, sweetheart?" Tang Wei Sheng didn't waste a moment when Li Juan finally decided to give him a little bit attention. His voice sounded extremely cold as he spoke.
"Huh, Let me rephrase it. Do you know that Lee Tae Min likes you?"
Even though it was a common question, Li Juan got flustered for a second when Tang Wei Sheng confronted her right away.
"Tae Min and I...he is like a brother to me." She replied in a firm voice.
"Brother?"
All of a sudden Tang Wei Sheng felt that someone has put out the flame of raging jealousy in his mind.
"He is like a brother to you?" Tang Wei Sheng asked again to confirm.
"Yeah, he doesn't have any sisters. So he..."
"Are you sure?"
"What? He does not have any sisters?" Li Juan asked in a confused tone.
"No. Lee Tae Min considers you as his sister- are you sure about that?" Tang Wei Sheng couldn't help but repeat in a slightly exhilarated voice.
"Yeah. Tae Min often asks me to meet his brother, you know, as a blind date." Li Juan casually added without any second thoughts. "So that he can officially be my brother."
"Blind dates!" Tang Wei Sheng abruptly applied the brakes as soon as he heard that term.
The car stopped with a loud creek on the empty mountain road.
"Did you go for that blind date? You met that guy? Did you like him?" Tang Wei Sheng's sudden questions reeked panic and anger. However, instead of replying, Li Juan looked at him in utter silence.
"Or do you have anyone whom you already like?" Tang Wei Sheng hesitantly asked her, even though he wasn't ready to hear a positive response.
"Yes." Li Juan replied as she shifted her gaze from him. "I have...."
"You like someone? Who is he?" Tang Wei Sheng interrupted Li Juan as he grabbed her chin and gazed deep into her eyes. "Don't lie to me."
"I swear. There is someone I like." She answered without any hesitation.
"Oh." Tang Wei Sheng slowly retracted his grip from her chin in disappointment.
"It's been almost ten years." Li Juan confessed with a shy smile.
The moment, Tang Wei Sheng heard her words, he was left petrified.
He loved Li Juan from their high school days, for more than ten years. While he kept his feelings for Li Juan as a secret, she already fell in love with someone else.
Does that mean he has no luck in courting her anymore? Tang Wei Sheng's heart get shattered like a crystal bowl as he pondered.
"Do you want to know who he is?" Li Juan asked the man who remained frozen.
Tang Wei Sheng was already heartbroken to hear about Li Juan's boyfriend. He had no will to listen to her explain about the brat who stole his girl from him.
"Senior Tang." Li Juan tried to gather his attention.
But Tang Wei Sheng completely ignored her as he grabbed the door and stepped out of his car.
As soon as he got out, he tugged at the top buttons of his neatly tucked in shirt and loosened them as if he was suffocated by them.
No, he felt his heart was going to burst in agony.
"Senior Tang!" Li Juan pushed opened the door and followed him. "What happened?" She moved closer to him in worry.
However, rather than responding to her, Tang Wei Sheng just looked at her. His handsome face has lost his colours, making him appear like a lifeless soul.
"Senior Tang," Li Juan called him again, but still there were no response from him as he looked straight into her eyes.
"What happened to you? Why this long face?" Li Juan was worried. "Are you not well?" She unknowingly reached to touch his forehead. However before she could touch him, Tang Wei Sheng stopped her.
"Nothing, sweetheart. I...I just needed a break.
Let's go. " Tang Wei Sheng let go of her hand and walked towards the car, ignoring her. "It's getting late."
Even before he could open the car door, Li Juan rushed towards him and wrapped her hands around his broad back.
Tang Wei Sheng was obviously startled with sudden action, even though it felt like a gentle breeze has hit him.
"It's you." She whispered in his ears.
"Huh?"
Li Juan kept her hands locked at Tang Wei Sheng's perfectly toned abdomen, and placed a kiss on his shoulders.
"What did you say?" Tang Wei Sheng asked her once again. His mind was in turmoil. He immediately loosened Li Juan's grip over him and pulled her around to take a look at her face.
"Now, tell me." He grabbed her shoulders and bent down to Li Juan's eye level.
"I said," Li Juan's lips curled into a soft smile as she slid his hands from her shoulders to her curved waist and pulled him closer.
"I said I like you. huh, no," Li Juan wobbled her head a bit and rephrased her words.
"I loved you for ten years, and I am planning to love you forever."
Even before Tang Wei Sheng could make sense of her words, Li Juan tiptoed to give a gentle peck on his lips.
Li Juan confessed.
Tang Wei Sheng felt like he has been struck with a sudden shower of happiness.
"Is everything alright?"
Even before Li Juan could say something, Tang Wei Sheng pulled Li Juan into his embrace and kissed her with all his might.
She loves him...just like how he does.
After a few minutes, Tang Wei Sheng finally released his lips from hers and gently cupped her face.
"Sweetheart, I loved you too...from the very first day I saw you. I thought I lost you, but now..."
His words left an awestruck Li Juan to break into a beautiful smile.
"I'm here, and I will be with you forever." She said those words that she wished to tell him for years.
"I know, and I'll be there for you." Tang Wei Sheng reassured her with a beaming face as he tightened his arms around her.
"Shall we move then? We have got a treasure to find." Li Juan reminded the man who held on to her as if he wanted to melt her into his body.
"Lets' go." Tang Wei Sheng reluctantly released her from his embrace and guided to her the car.
As soon as Li Juan sat on the passenger's seat, Tang Wei Sheng took her palm and crossed his fingers with hers.
"Sweetheart, do you know something? I am the happiest person in the world." He pressed his lips on the back of her palm and beamed delightfully.
He was indeed the happiest person in the world, but he never knew that his happiness only had a short lifespan.
--------------------------------------
Meanwhile in Jing city, Lee Tae Min was busy going through the various road maps of the Xi city. To be precise, all the routes leading to the monastery, to where Li Juan was headed. Once he found the correct route, he took his cell phone out and shared the location with someone.
After a minute, he got a call from the same number.
"Are you sure that they are looking for the monastery?" A man with a deep voice asked him.
"Yes. Noona told me that they are on the way to the monastery, and it is true, I've tracked her cell phone signal." Lee Tae Min reported.
"What is your plan? Are you going to stop them from retrieving the map?"
"No. let them find the map. I want to see if your Noona can decipher it or not." The man sounded as he was extremely glad to challenge her as he spoke.
"She is a pro when it comes to deciphering codes." Lee Tae Min sighed.
"Oh, then let her find out the route herself, and we will see what they are up to." The man made it sound like a trivial matter.
"I'll be flying to Xi city by tomorrow morning. Until then, keep me updated."
"Yes." Lee Tae Min ended the call and looked at the group photo kept at the nearby table.
It was a picture of Professor Han Guang with his three research scholars. He looked at the jovial face of Li Juan and smiled bitterly,
"Noona, you trusted the wrong person."
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