Mich.e.l.le came into the CEO office after being given permission . She briefed the CEO for his schedule for the day, reminding him of important events of the week .

"Hmmm . . . anything else?" He kept his fingers intertwined as his elbows were propped up on his desk .

Mich.e.l.le placed an envelope on his desk . "There is a temporary restraining order against you, Sir . You cannot come within 100m of Mantarou Xiu . " Her tone and face was serious . She believed that the kid is special to the CEO .

Contrary to her expectations, Dan smiled . Even though she has worked for him for years, he had never shown such a gentle smile to anybody--wait, he actually did! It was to that kid! The CEO had always been an aloof man . Even when in social functions, he maintains a neutral face, occasionally pursing his lips like it could subst.i.tute to a smile .

She was so confused . Was it not bad news for him that he got a TRO to keep him away from the child whom he was fond of?

"Mich.e.l.le, I will give you until the end of the day to get me the schedule of CEO Midori Xiu for the week . " His eyes were glistening .

"Yes, CEO . " She knew the boundaries of the order this time . She bowed and was about to leave when he stated another order .

Then, he remembered how he called Rus.h.i.+ last night . He did not remember her previous explanation as to what happened years ago because he was dazed when Midori left . To clarify things, he made an overseas call which was picked up in two rings .

"Hi Dan!" Although she is technically a subordinate, she keeps on addressing him intimately, to the point that employees in City B had the a.s.sumption that they are together .

"Rus.h.i.+, what really happened six years ago?" He went straight to the point .

Luckily for Ming Rus.h.i.+, he cannot see how her face transitioned from joy to shock then fury . She mustered her sweetest voice . "What are you talking about? Is everything fine at the headquarters? Do you need me to fly back to City S?"

"No need . " She was brushed off completely . "That day when Midori left, you came into my apartment . I told you I have plans in an hour . "

Ming Rus.h.i.+ knows exactly what day he was talking about, but she still played dumb as her face contorted into anger and disgust . "Hmmm . . . well, let me think . . . " she deliberately paused for a long time, hoping that Dan will not inquire further .

"It was the day our grades were released . You came by with two cups of sundae . " He was getting annoyed, but he knew he needed to be patient if he wanted answers .

"Hmmm . . . ah! I remember!" She put a great effort to sound like she just had a eureka moment . "Yeah, after cooking, you suddenly felt ill . It must be due to exhaustion . I helped you into your bedroom, but since I had another appointment, I didn't stay . "

"Did anyone else come in during that time?" A sense of urgency could be heard in his voice .

"Hmmm . . . I don't think so . I did not see anyone . . . however . . . " She deliberately kept him hanging .

His patience was thinning significantly . "What? Do you remember anyone barging in?!"

"Nope . . . but you always keep the door ajar when you have visitors, right? It's possible that someone might have seen us . . . "

Truth was, he only kept the door ajar when it was Rus.h.i.+ who was stopping by . This was the precaution he previously told Midori .

"Mhmm . Okay . " Before she could say anything, he hung up .

As he was pulled back to the current situation, Dan looked at the back of his secretary .

"Also, I want a thorough investigation on Ming Rus.h.i.+ . "

Mich.e.l.le suddenly turned around with a confused look . "The general manager in City B?"

"Yes, that one . " He replied nonchalantly .

As she walked out of the office, Dan had the gentle smile on his face again as he read again and again, "Mantarou Xiu . " 'So that's his full name . ' he thought .

__________

Meanwhile, in the CEO office of XCG . . .

Riley handed Midori an envelope .

She took out the contents with her poker face on . It was an invitation to the birthday celebration of the chairman of TM Bank, Tang Fang . It will be a 3-day event aboard a cruise s.h.i.+p .

She turned the pages and saw the RSVP .

"Inform them that I'll be coming . " She gave the invitation back . "Pack your bags . "

Riley was stunned . "CEO?"

"You're going with me . Do I need to spell out everything?" Her furrowed brows and irritated look sent fear to his system .

"I . . . I'll make the reservations . " He bowed and hurriedly walked out of the office .