QT: Against My Will (Volume 2)

5.58 - Special Chapter - Valentine's Edition (1)

╔════ Author's note ═════╗

Happy Valentines day!

Double release just for you! :)

A special chapter, which was previously available only for my Patreons.

Edited by Psycho S.

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Considering how much Lu Kai didn't like shopping, it was a bit of a surprise that he decided to step inside of the bustling mall during the busiest times of the year with a look on his face that screamed: 'Why am I here?'

But, of course, the unspoken question on his face didn't need an answer. He knew why he was in the mall. The answer itself was obvious if one just looked at the general color scheme of the stores that stretched out as wide as one could see: red and pink. Just these two colors alone were an eyesore to single people, but a celebrated event for the couples.

That's right, it was Valentine's Day and, because of that, the mall was absolutely packed to the brim with couples that were on their dates and such. No sane, single person would enter the mall at this time of year unless they were a worker, or they were masochists looking for a reason to cry because of how utterly single they were.

"Sir," the PA inquired with a tone laced with uncertainty. He had no idea why his boss suddenly decided to visit the mall on a whim to make a last-minute purchase before an important meeting; but here they were...

Internally, the PA questioned the need for this mall run. Couldn't his boss have simply ordered the item online or assigned him to purchase it and have it delivered directly to the recipient? He followed Lu Kai as he reminded him in a rush, "We only have thirty minutes before the meeting commences, sir."

Lu Kai looked back at his PA boredly. "Why don't you tell me something I don't already know, hm?" he said before he entered a quaint but luxurious chocolate store.

The PA, momentarily stunned by the look, quickly gathered his wits and hastened to catch up.

"For example..." Ru Quan drawled as he took his time in looking over the chocolates for sale, "How fast can I find a new PA, if you don't mind your mouth?" He trailed off as he assessed the hand-made, mouth-watering treats that were smartly arranged behind the glass screen.

The PA gulped nervously as his boss looked at him through the glass screen's reflection. "I'm sorry sir! I'll keep my mouth shut now, sir!" He bowed deeply in vague regret.

Xuan Mu's laughter broke through the tension, his hand giving the PA's shoulder a reassuring pat, the kind that said: 'Relax, I'm just messing with you.'

And just like that, any pretense of solemnity vanished. The PA couldn't help but crack a forced smile. Ah, never mind, he was being a bit pretentious anyways. Sorry, boss. He quickly corrected his impatient stance, and changed to a statue whose expression couldn't be read.

Lu Kai nodded in satisfaction before he noticed a harried looking woman (he assumed she was an employee of the chocolate shop) that had rushed over to his side. She was there to help him with his purchase.

Lu Kai couldn't help but share a bit of personal trivia with the shop attendant, "My lady has put herself on a strict diet, making me swear off buying her any sweets this year. However," he gestured towards a petite truffle that promised sweetness with a guilt-free lightness, artfully blended with an assortment of fruits and herbs, "I've decided to defy her order."

Upon receiving a sample from the employee, he took a moment to savor the aroma, a blend of fragrance that promised a taste as exquisite as its presentation. With a satisfied nod, Lu Kai confirmed his choice. "Help me pack this one. Let's go all out with the wrapping, shall we?"

"O-only o-one?" The employee asked to make sure that she heard right. She hurriedly looked away in a fluster; she couldn't keep eye contact with Lu Kai. Huh, that was strange. Perhaps she made the wrong assumption about the man?

Maybe she stumbled onto a handsome cheapskate? She and a few coworkers were too shy to get near this handsome man, yet at the same time, they dearly wished to get closer. Of course, a man like this had to be taken...

This tall foreigner exuded an overwhelming appeal and they didn't want to embarrass themselves by stuttering from sheer nervousness. Fortunately, he spoke the same language. She would have combusted if he spoke a different language...

"Is there a problem with that?" asked Lu Kai, taking out his wallet, he gave her a 'small' tip, to make sure the packaging was extra nice, "I'm in a hurry."

Lu Kai remembered how Xuan Mu bought some chocolate as a surprise gift before. Bing Shi liked the little surprise more than he expected. Since then, he would always buy some chocolate for Valentine's in person. He became so proficient in it that he didn't need an employer's help anymore. (Such progress compared to the time in the flower shop.)

"N-no! N-no p-problem! There's no problem! I'll get right on to it!" The flustered employee went for a special arranger to fulfill his wish as fast as possible.

When it came to surprises, one could never go wrong with the things Bing Shi needed for her life but had no knowledge of. Like food or cars! She wasn't picky about food and would try new things no matter the taste, so he didn't have to worry if it didn't suit her taste buds.

When it came to cars, he could buy her an old beetle and she would still drive it. Anything as long as it didn't touch her expertise... her territory.

He partly understood because he was as picky as her. He would hate it too if she bought him a car or a new wardrobe, which he certainly wouldn't like.

· · ──────── · ⊱❈⊰· ──────── · ·

Lu Kai entered the meeting with a little pink gift bag.

The PA looked at his boss with his mouth half-open (Only in his mind, of course. On the outside, he carried a collected expression). They arrived on time. He had so many questions to ask. Why didn't Mr. Lu Kai ask for custom-made chocolate if he wanted something unique?

How should he refer to his boss's wife? Mrs. Kai? Mrs. Shiffer? Miss Lin? As someone who knew the inside truth, Silika Lin's scandals looked like a huge joke in society. He didn't meet her face to face yet, but from the phone calls, she sounded like a very outgoing person, telling him to reach out for her help in case Mr. Lu Kai ever bullied him.

He got this position by sheer luck. Mr. Lu Kai was searching for a secretary with very specific requirements and he happened to reach his high standards. Not only did Mr. Lu Kai want a secretary who was very good in being obedient, knew when to keep things secret, and so on and so forth, he also was looking for someone who had a professional and pristine presentation no matter the circumstances.

As a married man, he sent an application and got a reply the same day. After getting to know this man, he understood how easily some young people would fall in love with their single boss.

This awfully rich but surprisingly humble young man with a strong work ethic and no past ties would have attracted many people. But then he decided to get married out of the blue to a person who appeared out of nowhere, just like himself.

Almost every employee that worked closely with Lu Kai, looked up to him in respect. This news caught them off guard when they heard it. When they thought this antisocial man couldn't be any crazier with his ideas, he decided to skip every stage of a relationship and jump straight into marriage!