Chapter 40
The necessity to enlighten her on the matter left me no choice. Her response, however, was nothing more than a flurry of shy emojis.
I wanted to see her expression, but her workstation was situated in front of mine, leaving me with nothing more than a view of her back.
Suddenly, inspiration struck. Rising from my seat, I sauntered over to her. She was engrossed in her phone, her eyes glued to our chat screen. "Lily..." I ventured.
At the sound of my voice, she hastily locked her screen, her posture stiffening in surprise. Panic flashed across her fair face, her cheeks flushed a rosy hue, and her large eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "What is it?" she stammered.
"The project progress chart I just emailed you," I began, "there aren't any issues with it, are there?"
She quickly resumed her aloof facade, replying coldly, "I've reviewed the chart. I'm waiting for Jenny's feedback."
I chose not to point out the improbability of Jenny's prompt reply, given her recent liberation. Instead, I simply nodded and retreated back to my own desk.
Mighty Tiger: [Now you understand what kind of reaction you had, right?]
Lily: [Um, yes, I think I do now.]
Mighty Tiger: [Your subordinate wasn't too bad to you, at least your back doesn't hurt that much anymore.]
I spoke well of myself.
Mighty Tiger: [That might be true, but I still feel uncomfortable. What do I do? I feel like I'm going to have insomnia tonight, all I can think about is him pressing on me.]
Mighty Tiger: [It seems he's left quite an impression on you.]
I stroked my chin thoughtfully.
Mighty Tiger: [Actually, there's a way to deal with this problem!]
Lily: [What way? (expectant)]
Mighty Tiger: [Get used to it, adapt to it, and maybe let your subordinate massage you again.]
Lily: [Ah, I can't do that, I just can't.]
Mighty Tiger: [If you don't muster the courage to face and accept it, you'll feel inferior every time you see him.]Mighty Tiger: [Can you honestly say you can look at him the same way as before? Don't you feel like you can't even meet his gaze?]
Lily: [How did you know?] she asked, sending a surprised emoji.
Lily: [He just came over to discuss work, and I couldn't even look him in the eye!]
Mighty Tiger: [If I couldn't deduce that, I wouldn't be much of a relationship coach.]
I replied, a smile playing on my lips.
Mighty Tiger: [So, you must listen to me. Accept it in your heart, and then confront the situation.]
Lily: [Okay, I'll listen to you. But I feel so bad inside, I can't bring myself to ask him to massage my back, it feels like I'm begging him.]
Mighty Tiger: [There's nothing wrong with that, you can hint at it, you don't have to say it outright. Besides, you're his boss, what's wrong with him giving you a back massage?]
Mighty Tiger: [Isn't this what subordinates should do? Some even have to make coffee for their bosses, or pick up their kids. Plus, you're naturally beautiful. Having him massage your back is doing him a favor. So many people wish they could get close to you and don't have the chance!]
Lily: [You really have a way with words.]Lily sent a smiley face.
Lily: [Hearing you say that, I feel much better. You're right, I'm his boss, it's his duty to help me!]
Mighty Tiger: [Alright, I need to get ready to leave work, talk later.]
Seeing an opportunity to leave on a high note, I switched back to my main account.
Just before leaving work, I made a quick trip to the restroom. There, I saw Lily, her demeanor relaxed and her face alight with joy.
At 5:30 PM, as I was preparing to head home, Lily intercepted me. "John, wait. Can you stay for some overtime?"
"Overtime? For what?" I asked.
"What do you think?" Lily retorted irritably. "Your project. Do you expect me to do it alone?"
Just then, Mia breezed past me, whispering, "If you want to see some sincerity, remember to come find me tonight."
I shot her a glare. This woman was deliberately teasing me.
She was like a fox that had just stolen a chicken, her face breaking into a triumphant smile.
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