Back Then, I Adored You

Instantly, a string of crashing sounds filled her ears, and she could feel that her chest and elbows were drenched.

The drinks had spilled all over the marble table and, although they had cooled considerably, Qin Zhi’ai was still scalded in places.

When she fell forward, her kneecap had also slammed against the table, causing enough pain that she broke out in a cold sweat.

Unable to bear the pain, she drew in a breath of air at the same moment that Liang Doukou shrieked in panic at the top of her lungs. “ARGGHHHHHHH!”

…

Xiaowang was making his way back to the pantry to resume his meal after having ended his call with Gu Yusheng. Walking by the secretaries’ office, he heard the scream, ran to Gu Yusheng’s office, and flung open the door, asking anxiously, “What’s…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Liang Doukou sprung up from the sofa. Noticing the door was open to the outer offices, she asked in a terrifyingly loud voice, “Secretary Qin, what is wrong with you?”

Frowning, Xiaowang strode inside and hurriedly closed the door behind him. Before he could greet Old Master Gu and Miss Liang, Liang Doukou snapped her head toward him. Pointing at Qin Zhi’ai, who was pitifully sprawled across the table, she began complaining, “Driver Wang, you have no idea how careless she’s been. She rushed toward grandpa with boiling hot coffee and tea!”

Then she quickly walked over to Old Master Gu and assumed a look of concern and worry. “Grandpa, did you get hurt?”

As she spoke, she started to examine Old Master Gu’s skin and clothing. Upon spotting a damp area on the edge of his sleeve, her thin brows knitted together and she began interrogating Xiaowang. “Driver Wang, why on earth did you hire her? She’s so clumsy! Look, she scalded grandpa!”

Xiaowang took one glance at where Liang Doukou was pointing and saw perhaps one drop of water on his sleeve.

In contrast, Qin Zhi’ai, who was struggling to get up from the table, appeared to be more seriously injured.

Her wrist had swollen red, her hair bun had loosened, and her chest was entirely wet and covered with coffee and tea, including the grounds.

Once she managed to stand, her leg also appeared to be injured.

Having not been in the office when the incident happened, Xiaowang was clueless about what had happened, but he did not for a moment think Qin Zhi’ai had been so careless. As her supervisor, he had always found her to be serious and reliable about her work.

Even if she had been at fault, Xiaowang knew the circumstances must have been unavoidable. He was also aware, however, that Old Master Gu overindulges Liang Doukou and, if she pursues the matter, he could end up firing Qin Zhi’ai on the spot.

Without Master Gu present, he had no power to defend Qin Zhi’ai.

Knowing that Liang Doukou was exaggerating, Xiaowang appeased her anyway by admitting fault and apologizing. “Old Master Gu, Miss Liang, I am truly sorry.”

“Driver Wang, what are you sorry for? You’re not the one who created this mess!” Holding a tissue, Liang Doukou gently wiped Old Master Gu’s dry sleeves multiple times.

She had just accused Qin Zhi’ai of being the culprit who should offer an apology.