Chapter Fifty-Four: Selected as Secretary

“She just glanced down for a moment—how does that count as flirting? That’s such a nasty thing to say.”
“They’re probably jealous she’s prettier. She’s always been like this.”
“No wonder so few people want to join the student council. Its reputation is ruined, probably because of her. If today’s incident gets out, it’ll only get worse.”
A couple of staff members, long dissatisfied with Mu Tian, were quietly muttering below.
To be insulted in front of so many people left the girl embarrassed; mist began to gather in her eyes, feeling aggrieved, yet she still apologized softly, “I’m sorry, Sweetie, I…”
Mu Tian, seeing the girl was about to speak, immediately cut her off. “Let’s start. I don’t want to hear any nonsense.” She cast a contemptuous glance, full of disdain.
Even the guys, usually straightforward, felt her words had crossed the line and looked at the girl sympathetically.
Her face had gone pale, her innocent, large eyes reddened, shrouded in mist, her moist lips bitten gently by her teeth, wanting to speak but too afraid—an image that evoked pity in all who saw her.
“Disrupting the interview process—leave.” The voice was cold and detached, laced with aversion and impatience.
Mu Tian was startled by Cheng Yanran’s sudden intervention. Seeing the shocked look in the girl’s eyes, she assumed he was speaking to Wei Jiujiu.
A cold smile curled at her lips. “The president has spoken—aren’t you going to leave?”
She secretly laughed; though Cheng Yanran found her confessions tiresome, he never embarrassed her in public. Surely, he meant her to leave.
“I was speaking to you. Student council rule fifty-six—have you forgotten it, as a department head?”
His expression remained impassive, his voice as chilling as winter, and Mu Tian’s face froze in disbelief as she stared at him. He was always composed, unreadable, yet here he was, repeatedly sacrificing his own dignity for Wei Jiujiu.
Could he be falling for her?
The suspicion was quickly dismissed. She had pursued him for over a year without so much as a ripple; they had only met twice—there was no way Wei Jiujiu could move the iceberg so quickly.
Intimidated by Cheng Yanran’s aura, she fluttered her lashes and hurriedly said, “I won’t speak anymore. Can I stay?”
She thought her sudden submission might change his mind, but…
“There won’t be a third time. Leave.”

The other staff members in the classroom were stunned. They had never seen the president so angry, regardless of Mu Tian’s behavior.
Was it Mu Tian’s actions that crossed his line this time, or was it… because of the girl opposite him?
Mu Tian’s face turned ashen. Cheng Yanran was truly angry this time, and all for someone as delicate as a white lotus?
Though furious, she was helpless—not only because he was the student council president, but because he was the one she loved most; she couldn’t bear to embarrass him in front of others.
She shot a venomous glare at the pitiful girl opposite, a shadow flickering in her eyes. This grudge, she would eventually repay.
Catching sight of the calm yet threatening gaze beside her, she stamped her foot angrily and turned to leave.
Once Mu Tian was gone, the girl became the focus of the classroom. Her clear eyes widened, full of confusion and surprise, her mouth slightly open, as if bewildered by the turn of events.
Cheng Yanran’s crisp voice sounded, “Let’s begin.”
The girl quickly composed herself, walked earnestly to the podium, and prepared to answer the interviewers’ questions.
Cheng Yanran studied her closely: a white blouse paired with a khaki lace skirt and a matching khaki blazer—fresh and stylish, dignified and elegant.
He concluded: it suits her perfectly.
The girl on stage had exquisite features, a fragile and slender figure, like a lotus standing in a river—her hand would break if pressed, yet she radiated an aura that belied her appearance, her movements exuding the presence of a leader, enough to leave a deep impression.
Looks, ability, presence… she possessed them all. With such excellence, how could the student council not want her? Her success in the election was inevitable.
Cheng Yanran glanced at the name on the list: first-year performance major, Wei Jiujiu.
Jiujiu, he mused, such a lovely name—just like its owner.
His pen twirled unconsciously at his fingertips as he began to consider what position to assign her. With all she’d shown, she’d be wasted as just a clerk. What if she became his secretary?
With her by his side, things might become quite interesting.
…
A few days later, the girl received news of her successful second-round interview and officially joined the secretariat, mainly to assist and coordinate with the president.

The girl smiled slightly at this; joining the student council had been unexpectedly easy, and she had become Cheng Yanran’s personal secretary, much to her surprise. How had Mu Tian agreed to this?
She was unaware that Mu Tian had created a scene upon finding out, but Cheng Yanran’s authority was absolute, and the girl’s abilities were undeniable. Mu Tian’s protest was futile, leaving her with nowhere to vent her anger.
After receiving her acceptance, the girl had to prepare for her new role. The first step was reporting to the secretariat office and meeting the president.
It truly was an exciting prospect.
Following instructions, she located her destination, standing before a uniquely designed independent building, surveying the surroundings. The student council office was impressive, nestled among lush trees, with beautiful scenery and a tranquil atmosphere.
Working in such an environment was something she looked forward to, especially with Cheng Yanran nearby.
Standing outside the president’s office, she knocked gently—three soft taps.
Hearing the knock, Cheng Yanran’s hand paused mid-task. The sound was small yet rhythmic, unlike usual. He needed no guess to know who had arrived.
His expression didn’t change; his thin lips parted, “Come in.”
With permission, the girl opened the door and entered. Cheng Yanran was dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, engrossed in a project proposal, his profile sharp and striking.
It was her first time serving as the president’s secretary, and lacking experience, she dared not speak rashly, instead standing quietly to the side.
The moment she entered, Cheng Yanran’s mind wandered from the proposal, waiting for her to speak. But… the young lady remained silent for ages. He sighed helplessly, raising his gaze to her.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” His voice was mild, with no hint of emotion.
Startled by the sudden question, the girl looked up at him, caught in his gaze, and stammered, “Senior, I—I’m here to report. But seeing you busy, I—I didn’t dare…”
Her long, thick lashes trembled, as uneasy as their owner, shy and timid.
A hint of a smile tugged at Cheng Yanran’s lips; his tongue pressed lightly against his palate as he looked straight at her. “I’m free now. Go ahead.”