
In the office, several consultants gathered, discussing how the upcoming reform would impact their careers. When they saw Leo, they approached him, confusion evident on their faces, hoping to get clarity from their supervisor.
Leo smiled and reassured them, “Don’t worry too much. A few colleagues will be temporarily transferred to Mr. Elton’s department due to work requirements. The rest of you will continue as usual. Focus on your tasks and don’t let this affect your performance.”
His words eased some tension, and he encouraged everyone to get back to work before heading to his office.
Shortly after sitting down, Leo heard a commotion outside. Peering out, he saw Sophie angrily demanding, “Where is my desk? Who moved my desk?”
A female colleague explained, “Sophie, Mr. Andrew ordered us to move everything to Room 207. A few of you have been temporarily transferred to the sales department.”
Without another word, Sophie turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind her. Concerned, Leo rushed after her, glancing at the glass door, relieved it hadn’t shattered.
He first checked Room 207 but found Sophie wasn’t there. Elton approached him, “Mr. Leo, can I assist you?”
“Just looking around, carry on,” Leo replied casually. Knowing Sophie, he guessed she had gone to confront Mr. Andrew. If she made a scene, it could jeopardize her position.
But in reality, it was Mr. Andrew who might face consequences. Sophie wouldn’t let anyone push her around, especially not Mr. Andrew.
As Leo hurried toward the general manager’s office, he heard Sophie’s furious voice, “Who authorized moving my desk? Why was it moved?”
He rushed in to find several department heads silently observing, while Mr. Andrew looked embarrassed and unsure of how to respond. Seeing Leo was like finding a lifeline for him.
Leo quickly intervened, “Sophie, this isn’t the place for a scene. If you’re unhappy, let’s discuss it calmly.”
Sophie continued banging her fist, demanding answers.
Leo pulled her aside, trying to calm her down as curious colleagues began to gather. “Get back to work!” he ordered, and the crowd dispersed at his command.
As they passed Room 207, Leo noticed Elton watching with crossed arMs. Sophie offered a friendly smile and quickly led Sophie back to his office, closing the door behind them.
“Why did you create such a scene?” he asked, reprimanding her.
“Who gave him permission to move my desk?” she shot back.
“He notified you last week. Did you forget?”
“I thought I was just helping. Moving my desk means transferring me to another department, doesn’t it?”
Sophie recognized the implications of her desk move—she would become Elton’s subordinate.
Mr. Andrew’s actions crossed a line for her. She had her sights set on Leo, and the thought of being distanced from him made her furious.
Leo struggled to comfort her, echoing Mr. Andrew’s rationale about improving the consulting and sales system. Sophie’s anger lessened as she considered the potential benefits, but she didn’t want to be part of a test project.
“Leo, do you want to get rid of me too?” she asked pointedly.
He hesitated, knowing he needed to tread carefully. If she lost her temper, it could turn into a company spectacle.
“Of course not! I only learned about this when I returned. I was surprised, just like you.”
“Then why not confront Mr. Andrew?”
“Remember, it’s Monday. He has a meeting this morning. I plan to speak with him afterward.”
Satisfied with his response, Sophie settled down, ready to address the issue later.
A knock interrupted them.
“Come in!” Leo called.
Mr. Andrew entered, uncharacteristically meek. “Oh, Sophie’s here too,” he said cautiously.
Sophie shot him a glare. “Mr. Andrew, why did you move my desk?”
Leo quickly interjected, “Let’s not revisit this. Mr. Andrew, you wanted to see me?”
“Right, I wanted to apologize to Sophie. It was my fault for not clarifying things, leading to her misunderstanding.”
“What misunderstanding? Mr. Andrew, do you think I’m a three-year-old? Are you really saying you don't plan to transfer me to the sales department?”
Mr. Andrew was visibly embarrassed and at a loss for words. Leo quickly intervened, “It’s my fault. I should have informed you right away after Mr. Andrew told me. I didn’t think it was a big deal. This situation is entirely my responsibility.”
“You two don’t need to cover for each other. What are your plans for me?”
“It's up to you. You can choose where to go, and I won’t say a word,” Mr. Andrew quickly replied.
“I feel the same way. Sophie, you can decide. If you want to stay in the consulting department, you’re welcome here. But if you choose the sales department, I’ll bid you farewell. How does that sound?”
“I had no intention of leaving. Why would you welcome me?”
“Right, after all, it’s your choice!”
Sophie scoffed, “I don’t need to choose. I’m staying here. Mr. Andrew, please don’t do this again!”
“No problem! I promise, Sophie, I won’t do it again!” Mr. Andrew cheerfully agreed.
Leo found Mr. Andrew’s politeness a bit strange. Wasn’t he the head of the business department? He didn’t need to be so humble to a subordinate, even if she was talented. Something felt off. It occurred to him that Sophie’s background might explain Mr. Andrew’s behavior.
Seeing Sophie’s anger dissipate, Mr. Andrew relaxed, saying, “Don’t worry, Sophie. I’ll arrange for your things to be moved back.”
“No need for that. We don’t want anyone laughing at us. Just leave my desk and chair where they are!”
“How will you work?” Mr. Andrew asked, puzzled.
Sophie didn’t answer. Instead, she turned to Leo, grinning, “Leo, I’ll do my work here. Is that fine”
Leo misunderstood, thinking she meant to stay in the consulting department. He readily agreed—he wouldn’t dare say no.
Unexpectedly, Sophie beamed, “Great! Since you’ve agreed, I’ll work in your office from now on. Move over a bit so I can sit next to you. We’ll share a desk!”
“Wait, you want to share a desk with me?” Leo asked, surprised.
“Of course! You have such a big office, it’s a waste for just you to use it. We’ll share both the office and the desk!”
Mr. Andrew grinned, feeling apologetic toward Leo. He had intended to separate them but didn’t foresee Sophie suggesting a shared desk.
Leo was taken aback. Sharing a desk with an unmarried girl? What would others think?
His mind raced, unsure how to handle the situation.


