"Ling Ning, your relationship with Xiao Ya seems to be very close, doesn’t it?"

During lunch, Qin Qing suddenly asked this question.

"Yes, it’s quite close. That much is obvious, isn’t it?" Ling Ning replied nonchalantly. Since Qin Qing already knew about her situation, she felt no need to hide it.

Compared to Ling Ning’s openness, Su Ya seemed much more reserved. Upon hearing Qin Qing's words, she simply lowered her head and focused on eating her lunch without responding directly to the question.

Although she had decided to take the initiative in the future, her shy nature still made it hard for her to act boldly in the presence of others.

"I’m curious, are you two just friends, or are you girlfriends?"

"That, I’m not too sure about. Why don’t you ask Xiao Ya directly?" Ling Ning deftly tossed the question to Su Ya.

Su Ya lifted her head, looking at the two of them with a bewildered expression, as if wondering why the topic had suddenly shifted to her.

"I... I don’t know either."

After saying this, Su Ya quickly lowered her head again. However, the redness of her ears betrayed her embarrassment. Ling Ning chuckled softly but didn’t continue teasing her.

There was no need to ask further; the answer was already clear. From Su Ya’s reaction, Qin Qing had essentially gotten her answer.

She let out a soft laugh, her gaze shifting to Ling Ning with a mischievous expression, as if she were contemplating something amusing.

After lunch, the three returned to the company. During the midday break, Ling Ning temporarily assumed the role of Qin Qing’s secretary, helping her sort and organize files and drafts.

Feeling like a third wheel in the office, Su Ya hesitated for a moment before leaving to consult with the designers on some questions.

After Su Ya left, Qin Qing turned to Ling Ning, who was busy organizing documents nearby, and without hesitation, pulled her into an embrace.

"Stop fooling around. I haven’t finished sorting these things," Ling Ning said with a hint of exasperation, feeling the warmth and softness of Qin Qing’s arms.

"Does it really matter? Those things can wait," Qin Qing replied, resting her head on Ling Ning’s shoulder while blowing softly into her ear, her intentions clearly evident.

The unusual sensation at her ear made a faint blush appear on Ling Ning’s fair complexion. She sighed helplessly and said, "We’re still on company time. Didn’t you say no messing around during work hours?"

"This is my company, and I make the rules. If I say it’s fine, it’s fine. Any objections?"

"I..." Ling Ning found herself at a loss for words in the face of Qin Qing’s logic.

Seeing Ling Ning’s speechless expression, Qin Qing let out a laugh. "Alright, I’m just joking. Just let me hold you for a moment."

"Do as you wish."

The office fell silent, save for the sound of their breathing, audible only to the two of them due to their close proximity.

After a while, Qin Qing seemed to remember something. She broke the silence and said, "Ling Ning, there’s a major fashion exhibition in Japan around mid-July. Would you like to come with me?"

"Mid-July? That’s months away. Why bring it up now?"

"I just think it would be more reassuring to have you accompany me than to go alone," Qin Qing replied softly.

Ling Ning rolled her eyes. "You just want a secretary to come along, don’t you? Think about it—having someone handle all the arrangements for you along the way. It’s practically a vacation."

"Hehe," Qin Qing giggled but said nothing further.

"Let me think about it. By then, I should be on break, so I’ll probably have the time. Unless something comes up, I can go with you. It’ll just be a work-funded trip for me," Ling Ning said indifferently.

The thought of Japan reminded her of Nanase Ren. Since the latter’s return to Japan, their interactions had been limited to video calls and photo exchanges.

If she went to Japan, she could take the opportunity to visit her. Having a local guide might make the trip more enjoyable.

"Alright, it’s settled then. I know it’s still early, but I’ll remind you closer to the date."

"Got it. Now, could you take your hand out from under my skirt?"

Qin Qing chuckled softly. "Why doesn’t Ling Ning wear those ribbon-tie panties?"

"Why on earth would I wear something that sounds so perverted!?" Ling Ning said with a deadpan expression.

"Because with those, I could remove them anytime, anywhere~" Qin Qing replied matter-of-factly.

Hearing this, Ling Ning shot her a glance that clearly conveyed, "You pervert." Taking advantage of a moment when Qin Qing was distracted, she slipped out of her embrace and moved to a spot where Qin Qing couldn’t reach her, resuming her file organization.

Qin Qing looked at Ling Ning with a hint of regret. She had hoped to enjoy a little relaxation during lunch, but judging by Ling Ning’s demeanor, that wasn’t going to happen.

Time ticked by, and soon the afternoon work hours began. Ling Ning placed the organized documents on Qin Qing’s desk before leaving the office. Her schedule for the afternoon was packed with photoshoots and a session at the magazine studio. It felt like she couldn’t catch a break.

Fortunately, Su Ya would be accompanying her. As Qin Qing had put it, "To assist you as your helper and also to gain some experience."

Ling Ning was quite satisfied with this arrangement.

Noticing Ling Ning’s approach, Su Ya, who had been discussing something with others, quickly ended her conversation and came over.

"Xiao Ya, you seemed to be enjoying that discussion."

"Not really. Are we starting work now?"

Ling Ning nodded lightly and said, "My dear assistant, Boss Qin has given her orders. You’ll be shadowing me this afternoon. I have to head out shortly, so be sure to fulfill your duties as an assistant properly."

"Got it."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com