Her Position
"Just lift a little..." Xingchen murmured, eyes fixed on the fabric, carefully sliding the crisp white shirt over his bandaged shoulder. Her movements were economical, practiced. "There... good. Arm down now."
She fastened the diamond-studded buttons one by one, the tiny gems catching the light, throwing fractured sparks into her lowered gaze. Standing on tiptoe, she looped the tie around his collar, fingers flying with unconscious grace.
His gaze dropped to her deft hands for the fourth time. "You do this often?" His voice was casual, but the slight furrow between his brows betrayed something sharper.
"Hmm?" She glanced up, confused.
"The tie." He tilted his chin towards her busy fingers. The unspoken question hung heavy: For whom?
"Oh." Understanding dawned. "Dabai. Preschool requires a little tie." Her tone was matter-of-fact. "Why?"
A beat of silence. "No reason." His expression remained impassive, yet the tension in his brow smoothed away almost imperceptibly. The tightness around his mouth eased.
Leng Fei, observing, chuckled approvingly. "Miss Xia, truly a hidden talent for nurturing. Explains why the President, half-delirious with pain, trusted only you."
Bai Yeqing shot him a look colder than Antarctic ice. Too much talking.
Xingchen waved it off. "Hardly a nurturer if I'm still single, right?"
"Any man would be fortunate. Need introductions? I know people." Leng Fei offered with a conspiratorial grin.
"Really?" Xingchen turned to him, a playful light in her eyes. "Alright then, matchmaker, my romantic future is in your hands."
"Consider it my solemn duty! Finding you the perfect—"
"Director Leng," a voice like frozen steel cut through the air. "When did security detail include moonlighting as a matchmaker?" Bai Yeqing's gaze swept over them, sharp as honed blades.
Leng Fei snapped his mouth shut, spine stiffening. Definitely tension. Big, icy, presidential tension.
Xingchen attributed his irritation to Leng Fei's frivolity and focused on finishing. Moments later: "Done." She stepped back after smoothing the waistcoat and tailored jacket into place.
The transformation was stark. Gone was the wounded man reliant on her care, replaced by the sovereign. Power radiated from him, an aura of command that shaped nations. He stood as an untouchable summit, demanding deference. This was the true Bai Yeqing – President of S Nation. Her place was firmly at the base, looking up.
"Miss Xia," Leng Fei broke her reverie. "The President has recovered sufficiently. You may return to the Presidential Residence today."
She looked up. Bai Yeqing was already walking away, his retreating back radiating restored strength.
"So soon?" The question slipped out before she could stop it. "But Dr. Fu's dressings..."
"As long as today's media appearance succeeds, subsequent care is manageable," Leng Fei assured.
"Good." She nodded. "I'll pack my things shortly."
"A car will wait. We must depart first."
"Of course." She hesitated, then added impulsively, "His wounds… they're severe. Please ensure he doesn't overdo it."
Leng Fei's smile held a knowing glint. "Understood, Miss Xia." It was slightly unnerving. Thankfully, he left swiftly with the others.
Watching the convoy vanish, an inexplicable hollowness settled in Xingchen's chest. Returning meant seeing Dabai. Shouldn't that fill her with joy?
...
In the Limousine
Bai Yeqing's gaze remained fixed on the passing cityscape. "Her employment situation. Why wasn't I informed?"
Leng Fei shifted slightly. "You didn't ask, Sir." Between national crises and bomb investigations, Miss Xia's job hunt hadn't seemed reportable.
"Have someone reach out. Discreetly." His tone was flat.
"To reinstate her at the Foreign Ministry?"
"She requires only a fair opportunity to retake the exam." She'd prepared extensively; he'd merely remove the barrier blocking her path to proving her own merit.
Leng Fei absorbed this, glancing sidelong at his boss. He debated speaking, held back.
Bai Yeqing turned his head, catching the hesitation. "Speak."
"It's... Miss Xia. And..."
"Your concern is?"
"Not precisely concern. Miss Song, however, has contacted me several times recently. She expresses... deep concern for your wellbeing." He paused, choosing his words. "Her interest in the political marriage prospect appears significant."
Silence stretched, thick and heavy. Bai Yeqing's expression remained unreadable, a mask over deep currents. Finally, a single nod. "Noted."
Leng Fei said no more. Men who shaped destinies understood priorities. Sentiment was a luxury sacrificed at the altar of power. An immutable truth for those who ruled.
Bai Yeqing returned his attention to the White Feather Palace bombing dossier Leng Fei had provided, the quiet punctuated only by the rustle of pages. Fu Yichen's potent painkiller held the worst at bay, leaving a dull, bearable ache.
...
Elsewhere: Vice President Yu's Soundproofed Study
A knock.
"Enter." Yu Zeyao's voice was clipped.
A bodyguard opened the door. "Sir, Second Young Master is here."
"Send him in."
Yu Zenan strode in, closing the door firmly. "Brother? That favor I called about. Sorted?"
"Regarding Xia Xingchen's position?"
"Obviously! Well?"
"It will be handled today." Yu Zeyao picked up a remote, activating the massive screen on the wall. News footage flickered to life.
"Good." Zenan's lips curved into a satisfied smirk. "Wouldn't do for me to look incompetent trying to get the girl, right? Though..." He leaned closer to his brother, noticing his intense focus on the screen. "What exactly are you watching?"