The words slipped out before Shen Yihan could stop himself, and even he was taken aback.
He wanted to chat with Jiang Tang?
About what?
Even when they used to spend every day together, they rarely talked about personal matters.
He considered discussing private affairs with a subordinate disrespectful.
So what was he thinking now?
Jiang Tang was equally confused.
Did Shen Yihan want someone to talk to?
"What's wrong, Mr. Shen? Are you feeling down?" she asked casually, her fingers still typing away.
Shen Yihan loosened his tie with one hand and leaned back in his chair. "A little, I suppose."
That wasn’t entirely true.
But telling the whole truth would’ve been strange.
He didn’t want Jiang Tang to think he was harassing her as her superior.
Saying he was in a bad mood could at least pass as seeking comfort from a friend.
Jiang Tang had been swamped the past two months, with no time to keep up with what was happening in Jingbei.
"Did something happen? Is it about Mo?"
Shen Yihan’s usual cool voice replied, "No."
Jiang Tang relaxed slightly. "Then are you feeling unwell? By the way, how’s your recovery from the hemorrhoid surgery?"
The corner of Shen Yihan’s mouth twitched. "That’s healed just fine."
Since it wasn’t health-related, Jiang Tang gave it some serious thought. "Mr. Shen, are you… lonely?"
Shen Yihan: "..."
Jiang Tang was only a year younger than him.
They were both adults—she figured she understood.
At twenty-six, physical and emotional needs were natural.
"Mr. Shen, you could attend more dinners, banquets, or social events to meet people. Should I call Zhang Nan to arrange something for you?"
Li Huanyu had been someone he met at a dinner party.
With his reputation as the "Buddha of Jingbei’s elite" and now being Mr. Xie’s brother-in-law,
finding a girlfriend wouldn’t be hard if he wanted to.
Shen Yihan rotated the prayer beads around his right wrist and said flatly, "I don’t want to bother with those occasions. Too much trouble."
Jiang Tang frowned at his response.
"Mr. Shen, a steady relationship would be better. If you resort to paid encounters and Mo finds out, she’ll definitely beat you up."
Shen Yihan’s expression darkened. "Jiang Tang, listen to yourself. Do you really think I’m that kind of person?"
Jiang Tang hurried to explain, "Mr. Shen, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just… we’re adults. I get it."
Truthfully, she admired him.
Twenty-six and never been in a real relationship.
Only scammed once.
Shen Yihan’s brow furrowed.
He’d just wanted a normal conversation with Jiang Tang.
Yet here she was, talking about "adult needs."
"What about you, Jiang Tang? What are your needs?"
She answered plainly, her voice cool. "Me? I’m too busy these days. The moment I get home, all I want is sleep. No needs."
What could’ve been a slightly flirtatious topic somehow turned into something strictly professional in Jiang Tang’s tone.
Shen Yihan tapped his phone lightly twice. "Hmm. I remember you mentioned dating someone before. Why did it end?"
They’d brushed on the subject once by chance.
But he hadn’t pressed further then.
Conversations had a way of unfolding naturally once started.
Jiang Tang had known Shen Yihan for four years and always saw him as her boss.
That hadn’t changed.
Since he asked, she answered.
"That was back in college. He wasn’t from Jingbei. After graduation, he wanted me to move to his city and build a life together. I refused."
She’d rather build her own future than follow someone else’s.
Her parents also disapproved of her marrying outside Jingbei.
Shen Yihan, intrigued, pressed further. "What was your ex like?"
The detailed questioning surprised her. She teased lightly, "Mr. Shen, why the sudden interest? You’re not thinking of dating me, are you?"
