Qing Yanci Chapter Seventeen

“Alright, just teasing you. I’m telling you, I work in a company here in our city doing network security maintenance and management. Usually, I’m not too busy unless there’s a serious issue,” Zhou Yan quickly explained, afraid Ye Jin would get upset.

“Sounds like an easy job, that’s great! You don’t have to write daily or monthly reports every day, right?” Ye Jin said quietly.

“Kind of! No daily reports or anything like that. My college major was exactly this. Actually, I wanted to explore opportunities outside the city, but I felt it was too far from home and hard to balance everything, so I just found a job here. You could also look for work here instead of going out,” Zhou Yan suggested.

“I still think salaries might be a bit higher elsewhere, but when you factor in the cost of living in big cities, it’s about the same. After all these years working away, it feels like I’ve gotten used to it,” Ye Jin said faintly. Compared to Zhou Yan, it seemed he had a better setup—close to his parents, balancing work and family.

“What do you think of me?” Zhou Yan suddenly changed the topic and asked.

“You’re a good person, and you seem reliable and sincere,” Ye Jin answered honestly.

“Would I be suitable as your… boyfriend?” Zhou Yan asked nervously.

Ye Jin was taken aback by the question—boyfriend?

“Well… that feels a bit fast. How about we start as friends first? You’re still young, no need to rush,” Ye Jin responded, caught off guard.

“Ye Jin, do you have someone you like or think is suitable? I don’t want to miss out on you,” Zhou Yan pressed on, clearly not wanting to lose her.

“Who would like me? Otherwise, my mom wouldn’t have dragged me back for blind dates. Don’t overthink it,” Ye Jin said, fiddling with her teacup, feeling a little uneasy.

“To be honest, I liked you from the first time I saw you. At first, Ye Jun wanted to introduce his cousin to me, and I was pretty resistant to the whole blind date thing. But Ye Jun kept persuading me. The moment you came downstairs, I really started to like you. If we got married, we’d live on our own—I’ve saved some money over the years. We wouldn’t have to live with my parents; they’re still young and prefer their own space. We could open a small shop together, run it side by side, and when we have a baby…” Zhou Yan’s eyes were warm as he rambled about their future, the very plans Ye Jin had asked Aunt Wang’s nephew about earlier that morning.

Ye Jin felt shy, keeping her head down as she listened.

“Zhou Yan, let’s start as friends first, build our relationship, and get to know each other before deciding on the next step. You’re really a good person, but this is too sudden…” Ye Jin cut him off.

“That’s fine, no problem. Sorry for putting pressure on you. Honestly, no other girl has caught my eye like you have. Don’t worry, I’ll wait for you.”

“Sir, madam, your dishes are all here. Please enjoy!” At the awkward pause, the waiter arrived with their food. Ye Jin’s eyes lit up at the sight of the dishes.

“Let’s eat. I’m really a bit hungry,” Ye Jin said, signaling Zhou Yan to start, shifting the topic. The aroma wafted through the air—the soft sweetness of candied sweet potatoes, the fresh spiciness of dry-fried green beans, the tangy and spicy shredded pork, the clear and juicy lotus root and pork rib soup. If Zhou Yan hadn’t been there, Ye Jin probably would’ve eaten two bowls of rice. They finished every dish on the table, a truly satisfying meal.

“Are you full? Let’s go have some tea. What kind would you like?” Zhou Yan asked as Ye Jin wiped her mouth with a napkin.

“How about some flower tea? It’s fragrant and helps cut the richness.”

“Waiter, please take us to a quieter tea room.” The waiter led them to a tea chamber. Each room had a landscape painting on the wall, incense burning in a censer, and classical guzheng music playing—instantly setting the mood.

“Which tea shall we have?” Zhou Yan handed Ye Jin the tea menu.

“How about wax plum blossom tea? My grandmother had a wax plum tree. Every cold winter, it bloomed small pale yellow flowers with a fresh, penetrating fragrance. Grandma would pick some, clean it a bit, and brew tea for us. Since she passed away, the tree is gone, and I haven’t had wax plum blossom tea brewed by her since,” Ye Jin said with a smile in her eyes, warmly looking at Zhou Yan, who listened attentively without interrupting. It seemed Ye Jin wasn’t just craving the tea but missing her grandmother.

“I’m sure your grandmother watches over you from above. You should be happier every day so she won’t worry,” Zhou Yan comforted her, sensing her thoughts.

“Zhou Yan, with your way with words, how do you not have a girlfriend?” Ye Jin teased, moved by his warmth but unwilling to let him off easily.

“Dating without marriage in mind is just messing around. If I choose a girl, I’m responsible for her. I hadn’t found the right one all these years until I met you,” Zhou Yan said calmly but nervously, making Ye Jin laugh even as his words rang true.

They talked like old friends reunited after years, time flying by with fragrant tea and easy conversation for hours.

Suddenly, Ye Jin’s phone rang. It was her mother.

“Hello, Mom…”

“Ye Jin, can you talk? I just wanted to check how your blind date went. It’s late, so no matter how it went, come home early,” her mother said worriedly, concerned for her daughter staying out late alone.

“Mom, I’ll be home soon and tell you everything then. Okay?” Ye Jin hurriedly ended the call.

“Why don’t you take me home and give your mom some peace of mind?” Zhou Yan joked.

“Zhou Yan, didn’t we agree to start as friends? Let’s take it slow. What if your true love appears?” Ye Jin refused, not because of anyone else, but because blind dating was just a symbolic task for her parents, and she didn’t want to waste anyone’s time.

“My true love is you. Don’t worry, I’ll wait for you…” They chatted more casually. Around 3:30 p.m., Zhou Yan saw Ye Jin off.

“How was it at home?” That night, while watching TV with her parents, Ye Jin received a message from Tang Xiao.

Ye Jin felt nervous but happy.

“All well! How about you?” she quickly replied.

“I’m back in Long’an, at my parents’ place. It’s nice here. When are you coming back? I’ll pick you up,” Tang Xiao’s message stirred her emotions.

What was this? They weren’t boyfriend and girlfriend; just ordinary colleagues. At first, she disliked Tang Xiao, thinking he was aloof and unreachable. But over time, she saw he was actually kind-hearted. Still, troubling him wasn’t right. If the company or especially the boss—Tang Xiao’s cousin—found out, what then?

“No need to pick me up. I can take the subway or carpool. Don’t trouble yourself,” Ye Jin replied quickly.

“Alright then! Take care on your way back,” Tang Xiao sent a polite message.

“Thank you!” Then they stopped texting, silent.

“What are you up to now?” This time Zhou Yan messaged Ye Jin.

“Nothing much, why?” Ye Jin thought, do guys only chat at night? She wanted to do a face mask early.

“When do you start work? What kind of ticket did you buy? I can drive you,” Zhou Yan earnestly offered.

Two guys—one sending off, one picking up. Was this a stroke of luck? Ye Jin’s heart warmed.

“No, my dad’s driving me. Thanks! I’ll treat you to dinner when I come back for the New Year,” she replied. She knew her limits and didn’t want any ambiguous relationships.

“How was your blind date? How was the guy?” Ye Jin’s mother asked as she returned from dancing.

“Mom, just a typical mediocre guy, talking about the future… not as reliable as Zhou Yan,” Ye Jin said.

“Who’s Zhou Yan?” Her mother didn’t recognize the name and asked.

“Zhou Yan is Ye Jun’s buddy. When Ye Jun picked up the bride, he drove the lead car,” Ye Jin explained to avoid misunderstanding.

“Ye Jun is clever but a bit slick with words. Be careful about the guys he introduces; it’s your lifelong matter, not to be taken lightly,” Ye Jin’s mother advised, concerned about her daughter’s future.

“I know, Mom. I haven’t said yes yet. Don’t worry. I want to focus on making money first. No rush on dating.”

“If you don’t marry soon, you’ll become an old maid! Then the good ones will be taken. What will you do?” Her mother half-joked.

Time flew. On the sixth, Ye Jin returned to her rented apartment, with the eighth marking her first day back at work. That morning, her mother packed her a lot of food for the journey.

Ye Jin’s father drove her to the train station. Looking at his daughter, he said reluctantly, “Take care of yourself out there. Don’t stay up late. Eat well. Call us every week. Your mother and I worry about how you’re doing so far away…”

They chatted a bit before he left. The moment he turned away, tears welled up in Ye Jin’s eyes. She didn’t want her father to see, fearing it would make him sadder.

She was no longer the crying, capricious little girl she once was; an adult’s tears were precious and not to be shed lightly.

Though a man, Ye Jin’s father had always cherished his precious daughter, often more thoughtfully than her mother.

As a child, Ye Jin was frail and sickly, frequently visiting clinics for colds, fevers, mumps, diarrhea, allergies—every common childhood ailment.

Whenever she was sick, her father prepared warm water with some sugar and crushed the bitter white pills the doctor prescribed. After she swallowed the medicine, he’d quickly hand her the sugar water to wash away the bitterness, so she never cried or fussed taking medicine.

One day, Ye Jin noticed her parents didn’t crush their pills but took them whole with water. Later, when she was sick again and her father prepared to crush the pills, she grabbed them and swallowed them whole like an adult. Her father laughed in disbelief, “So you can swallow them? Then I won’t crush your medicine anymore.”

On the train, thinking of her parents’ care, Ye Jin’s eyes moistened. To her, no love in the world compared to that of her parents—a love filled with sweet strength.

Suddenly, a message alert interrupted her childhood memories. It was from Ye Jun.

“I’m already on the train. If you want to treat me to a meal, wait till the New Year. Bring your sister-in-law, and we’ll eat at my place!”

“Big sister, not cool! You didn’t even tell me when you left or let me see you off. Sigh!” Ye Jun’s last word sounded like he wanted to say more but couldn’t.

“Say it straight, no beating around the bush,” Ye Jin guessed what was on his mind and replied, probably about Zhou Yan.

“Alright, I’ll be direct. Between us siblings, no need to hide feelings. What do you think of Zhou Yan? He’s got a good reputation here, is easygoing, and likes you. You two are a perfect match—smart and handsome, class heartthrob since school,” Ye Jun sent a voice message.

On the train, Ye Jin put in her earphones, listened while replying.

“Zhou Yan is nice, but I’m not ready yet. I’m afraid of wasting his time. I want to focus on earning money first. I’m not one to fall head over heels at first sight. I admit Zhou Yan is good, but marriage is a lifelong commitment. I’ve told him to start as friends.”

“Got it, sis. I thought you didn’t like Zhou Yan. I’ll comfort my buddy; he’s upset thinking you rejected him,” Ye Jun joked.

Do I like Zhou Yan or Tang Xiao? The thought suddenly startled Ye Jin.

Nonsense. I won’t be with Tang Xiao. He’s probably a rich second generation, though he denies it, and he’s still hung up on Li Xingruo. Forget it. I’ll focus on work.

Ye Jin sat on the train, watching the changing scenery—from cities to countryside, skyscrapers to vegetable patches—each beautiful in its own way. A foreign land is lovely but can’t contain the soul.

She put on music, imagining herself as the heroine in a music video, blending into the melody and emotion.

Sometimes, she wondered who her true prince charming was—the one to walk with her through life.

High-speed trains are nine-to-five rushes; regular trains are the warmth of human encounters.

After seventeen hours, the train finally arrived.

Ye Jin lugged her suitcase back to her workplace. Everyone hurried by, even salespeople on the subway busily calling clients with sincere dedication. In a big city, if you don’t work hard, you get left behind. It’s harsh but real. Yet with effort and a bit of luck, life can bloom beautifully.

People rush about for a few coins, but those coins ease their anxiety.

Upon arriving at her apartment, weary Ye Jin had to clean up. Dust covered the room from her absence; she stripped and washed bedding.

“This trip home was really not easy,” she thought. Tomorrow was her first day back; she needed rest.

“Dear, are you home?” A message from A Mei appeared. They hadn’t kept in touch much during the trip.

“You just remember me now? You!” Ye Jin teased in a text.

“Home must be fun. Honestly, I didn’t get used to you being gone these days. Didn’t want to disturb you,” A Mei quickly added.

“Just kidding, I miss you too! I brought some local specialties for you. See you tomorrow.”

“Great, can’t wait to see you…” After a few days apart, they chatted, but A Mei didn’t mention the hiring of two new graphic designers—maybe to avoid upsetting Ye Jin.

Strangely, Tang Xiao had said he’d pick Ye Jin up but, after her polite refusal, hadn’t sent a single message today.

“Just colleagues, no more,” Ye Jin comforted herself, though she secretly hoped for a miracle.

Tang Xiao hadn’t gone home over the May Day holiday either. His parents were busy, and he was mostly alone, so he stayed put and prepared for work the next day.

“Mom, what’s up?” Tang Xiao answered his mother’s call.

“Son, have you eaten? I want to talk to you about something,” his mother said hesitantly, causing Tang Xiao to frown in concern.

“It’s nothing serious,” she stammered. Seeing his silence, she pressed on.

“What is it, Mom?” Tang Xiao asked nervously.

“Can you start working at your father’s company soon? To help him out. You’re the heir, after all…” She rambled. Tang Xiao’s ears buzzed; he barely remembered the rest.

“Mom, didn’t we agree on three years here first? I’m just getting the hang of this job. We made a deal,” Tang Xiao asked several questions.

“Your father and I are getting old, and things aren’t like before. You learn quickly; maybe you can help him,” she coaxed.

“I’ll take a day off tomorrow and come home. We’ll talk then,” Tang Xiao replied, hanging up to message his cousin Wan Shen for leave, who guessed something was up and approved three days off.

The world seemed to change daily—time scarce, yet repetitive, and yet everything was different.

Zhou Yan and Ye Jin exchanged a few words. He dared not talk much, fearing she’d grow tired of him. Remembering her sharp words at the blind date, he thought it best to keep some distance. Distance breeds beauty; too close might backfire. At least, he didn’t want her to dislike him.

At 8:10 a.m. on the eighth, Ye Jin appeared at the company gate with soy milk and an egg pancake.

She was the first to arrive, except for Wan Lingzhi in finance, who always came early to avoid traffic and had keys to the office.

Ye Jin tidied her workspace and noticed two extra computers nearby. She put it aside and opened her computer, quickly eating breakfast before the 8:30 start.

A Mei soon arrived, chatting cheerfully with Ye Jin, and gradually more colleagues came in.

“Ye Jin, long time no see!” Sun Xu greeted with a smile. Ye Jin suddenly remembered she hadn’t opened her laptop or received any design tasks these past few days.

“Why so quiet? Did you have fun at home?” Sun Xu continued smiling.

“Ugh! I see you, and my workload jumps,” Ye Jin frowned. She and Sun Xu had a big argument over design issues. Ops and graphic design often clashed.

“Don’t worry, your workload…” Sun Xu started but was cut off by Manager Shen.

“Set your tasks aside. You all come to a meeting. Ye Jin, you too, and the two new colleagues. Bring notebooks and pens.” Shen interrupted Sun Xu. Ye Jin sensed something was off.

“Two new colleagues?” Ye Jin looked around; two new graphic designers, a man and a woman, had just arrived. Why call Ye Jin to the meeting?

“Good morning, everyone. Are we all here? Let’s begin,” Shen sat at the center, the others on either side. Tang Xiao’s seat was taken by one of the newcomers.

“Where’s Tang Xiao? Maybe…” Ye Jin guessed silently.

“Tang Xiao hasn’t arrived yet? Wait a bit?” Sun Xu noticed his absence and informed Shen.

“I’ll call him outside. Don’t fool around inside,” Shen said, heading out.

Shen’s call was from the boss, Wan Shen, informing him Tang Xiao had requested leave.

Though annoyed, Shen controlled himself in front of colleagues. Tang Xiao got in through connections and didn’t respect Shen. Tang Xiao avoided asking Shen for leave because Shen disliked it and would pry. So Tang Xiao told Wan Shen directly.

“Tang Xiao has family matters and took leave. Let’s welcome the new colleagues. Ye Jin, please help them get familiar. They’re also graphic designers. New colleagues, introduce yourselves,” Shen said, masking his irritation and continuing the meeting.

“Hello, I’m Zhang Yao, or Yao Yao. Just graduated, happy to join this great company. Thanks to Manager Shen for the opportunity to learn and grow…”

“Hi, I’m Liu Lan. I worked three years at my last job. I’m excited to work here with Zhang Yao…” Ye Jin’s mind went blank upon hearing the new hires were graphic designers; she tuned out their introductions.

“Are they trying to push me out? Just because of the fight with Sun Xu, they hired two new designers?” Ye Jin worried, uneasy.

Soon, applause filled the room.

Ye Jin snapped out of it and clapped along.

“Now, old employees introduce yourselves to help new ones settle. I’m Manager Shen, overseeing company affairs and coordination…”

Department heads introduced themselves. Afterward, Shen assigned tasks. It was nearly 10 a.m.

“That’s all for today. Any questions or suggestions?” Shen asked.

“No,” everyone replied in unison.

“If none, back to work. Ye Jin, stay behind; I need to speak with you. Also, Sun Xu, keep communication with Tang Xiao smooth to avoid affecting work.”

“Understood, Manager!” Sun Xu replied. Everyone left except Ye Jin, who felt anxious, wondering why she was kept after.

“Manager, may I ask why you wanted to see me?” Ye Jin cautiously inquired.

“Ye Jin, you’ve been with the company for years, diligent and hardworking. The boss and I appreciate your efforts. Well…” Shen paused.

“Please be straightforward,” Ye Jin braced herself.

“Here’s the thing: the company is expanding, adding more platforms including video. We need more hosts, editors, ops, and graphic designers. Also, people take personal leave now and then. Since one graphic designer is too much for the workload, we hired two more. This will share the pressure and reduce clashes with ops. You’re no longer fighting alone,” Shen explained.

“So?” Ye Jin asked.

“So, your salary will be temporarily lowered a bit, but not by much. Bonuses and performance pay remain the same…”

Hearing “salary reduction” hit Ye Jin hard. She didn’t hear the rest.

She left the office in a daze, tears streaming down her face. She rushed to the restroom to wash up.

Faced with a pay cut, Ye Jin had two choices: accept it or quit. Returning to her desk, she saw the two new hires chatting happily. Old faces crying, new ones smiling—the sting was sharp.

A Mei was busy with Sun Xu all day, possibly because Tang Xiao was away.

As the day ended, Ye Jin didn’t say goodbye to A Mei as usual, who normally reminded her about dinner and taking the subway.

“Ye Jin, we’re leaving now,” Zhang Yao and Liu Lan greeted her politely, as junior graphic designers respecting their senior.

“Safe trip! See you tomorrow,” Ye Jin replied.

Thinking of her cut salary, Ye Jin’s tears welled again. She wiped them hastily, wondering why life was so unfair when she had done nothing wrong. She lay on her bed, lost in thought.

“Back at work today?” Tang Xiao’s message chimed. Ye Jin felt too low to reply.

That evening, the manager added Zhang Yao and Liu Lan to the company group chat. Tang Xiao saw it and guessed Shen had spoken to Ye Jin.

In the past, Ye Jin usually replied within minutes, but now an hour had passed.

“Could she have broken down? Could something have happened?” Tang Xiao worried.

“Mom, I’m stepping out to make a call. The server data is unstable,” Tang Xiao said, leaving his mother puzzled.

He found a quiet spot and called Ye Jin. Her ringtone played.

“Autumn you gently drifted into my heart, yet I wait daily for you to know who I am...” The ringtone played a long while, but no answer.

“Hurry up and pick up! What if something’s wrong?” Tang Xiao fretted silently.

Ye Jin finished showering and saw three missed calls from Tang Xiao. Worried, she called back, having forgotten his messages.

Tang Xiao anxiously answered, relieved.

“Hello... are you okay?” he asked, pretending to sound calm.

“I’m fine, thanks. Sorry, I was out with A Mei and had my phone in my bag,” Ye Jin lied to ease his concern.

“Good. We can chat later; I have something to attend to now.” His mother kept urging him.

“Okay, you go ahead. Thanks for caring,” Ye Jin said, then quickly ended the call. Tang Xiao’s voice was magnetic, mature, and steady—yet he was younger than her. How did he do it?

Ye Jin lay on her bed, playing soft music, trying to push worries aside and enjoy a moment of peace. She considered putting her phone on airplane mode to avoid disturbance but feared missing Tang Xiao’s message.

If only Tang Xiao were from an ordinary family, Ye Jin blushed at the thought—did she like him? Was this why she turned down Zhou Yan? Actually, Zhou Yan and Ye Jin were the perfect match. Why was it so complicated?

She rubbed her temples, dizzy from overthinking.

“Finished your call? Was it to a girl?” Tang Xiao’s mother asked as he approached.

“Yes, work-related. Mom, do you have something to say?” Tang Xiao changed the subject.

“Yes, I want you to start working at your father’s company soon. You’re not young anymore and can help your dad. Your father and I are getting old...” She went on.

“Mom, didn’t we agree three years here first? Dad’s health is good. I’ll call him. We should have a family gathering,” Tang Xiao said, reluctant to return so soon.

His mother didn’t expect her obedient son to argue back.

She poured herself a glass of red wine and sat, lost in thought.

“Mom, you shouldn’t drink; it’s bad for your health. If you want, we can drink together at dinner. Dad and I will keep you company,” Tang Xiao said, sensing something was wrong.

“A little won’t hurt,” she said, setting down the glass and standing by the window, watching the busy streets.

“Hey, Dad, what time will you be home? I’m back today. Let’s have dinner together. We haven’t eaten as a family for ages,” Tang Xiao called his father.

“Finally back? I have a meeting soon. You and your mom eat first. I’ll join after,” Tang Youming said, hanging up.

“Is Dad too busy? It seems hard for the family to eat together. Are they fighting?” Tang Xiao wondered.

“Maybe Dad’s got a date. Whatever, let’s eat out tonight,” his mom said with a strange tone.

Tang Xiao only lived with his parents after starting college and felt some distance. But his parents had always been polite and respectful—how could there be trouble? He didn’t dare ask; maybe his mother wanted him back at his father’s company for a reason.

Mother and son went to a Western restaurant, quietly eating and drinking wine, unable to start a conversation.

Around ten, Tang Youming returned. Tang Xiao waited in the living room, wanting answers.

“Still up? Have you eaten? Why alone here?” Tang Youming was surprised.

“Mom and I ate. She went to bed. It’s been a while since I saw you. I want to talk,” Tang Xiao said honestly.

“Sorry, been busy at work, got back late. My fault,” Tang Youming said, feeling guilty. Tang Xiao was a model son, angelic but distant.

“Do you know why I came back today?” Tang Xiao asked.

“Didn’t your mom ask you to come back?” Tang Youming guessed.

“Yes. Mom wants me at your company soon. What do you think?” Tang Xiao asked, watching his father’s reaction.

“It’s a bit sudden, but I’m happy you want to help. I’m getting old,” Tang Youming said, raising Tang Xiao’s unease.

They chatted a bit more, with Tang Youming praising and encouraging him, seemingly strengthening their bond.

“Time’s late. Rest early. I have a meeting tomorrow morning,” Tang Youming checked his watch.

“Can I visit the company with you tomorrow? I’m starting soon and need to know where I’ll work,” Tang Xiao asked.

“I’ll arrange it. Get up early,” Tang Youming urged.

“I don’t sleep in!” Tang Xiao said firmly. Tang Youming patted his shoulder approvingly.

Ye Jin checked the time—almost midnight. Tang Xiao had said he’d contact her tonight but hadn’t sent a single message. If she’d known, she would have gone to sleep earlier. Tomorrow she’d have to face work with dark circles. She turned off the lights, ready for bed.

Tang Xiao, caught up in family matters, forgot Ye Jin, secure in the knowledge she was safe.

“She’s probably asleep now,” Tang Xiao thought, looking at his phone in the early morning.

At 7:30 a.m., Tang Xiao woke up to breakfast prepared by his mother—heated sandwiches and warm milk. She knew he’d rise early.

“Eat quickly, don’t let your stomach suffer. Call me if you need anything. I’ll be home early this afternoon. Love you, dear!” His mother’s message brought a smile to Tang Xiao’s face.

After washing up, Tang Xiao noticed his father coming out of the guest room. Was his parents’ marriage on the rocks?

“Your mom sleeps lightly and menopause hit. I moved to the guest room to care for her mood. Don’t worry, we’re fine. We’ve been married decades,” Tang Youming explained.

“Are you and Mom really not fighting? Do you have an affair?” Tang Xiao asked bluntly. Tang Youming visibly flinched but was no match for his son.

“What nonsense! I’m too old for affairs. Your mom and I fell in love freely. I care for her deeply. Think before you speak; you’re grown up now,” Tang Youming said, grabbing his coat and bag, heading downstairs where the driver waited.

Tang Xiao wanted to ask more but was stunned by his father’s harsh words, feeling frustrated.

If they were fine, why was his mother so anxious to bring him home?

Tang Xiao suspected there was more beneath the surface.

His father’s sudden anger was a complete reversal from the night before, leaving Tang Xiao annoyed.

Both parents were busy in the morning. Tang Xiao felt stuck—should he return to work or visit his father’s company? A complicated dilemma.

His phone rang again.

“It’s Mom,” he muttered.

“Hello, Mom. What’s up?” he answered.

“Why are you alone? Didn’t you visit your father’s company?” she asked.

“Dad was busy, left without breakfast. The driver’s waiting,” Tang Xiao lied, hiding the argument to spare his mother worry. Still, he sensed trouble between his parents.

“Come to the resort. We’ll have dinner and talk as a family. The place your company’s team came to last time,” his mother invited.

Tang Xiao obeyed, arriving at the resort entrance hours later.

He parked away from the VIP area.

Stepping out, he felt a familiar sensation, reminding him of Ye Jin. Family matters made him forget to message her last night.

It felt like ages since he’d seen Ye Jin—from her leave to her return, and now his leave. Though just days, it felt like a century.

“Tang Xiao,” four words brought him back to reality—it was his mother.

“Why come here today?” Tang Xiao asked.

“Xin Xin, come eat with us!” his mother interrupted. Wang Xin hurried over to his mother.

“Chairman, hello!” Wang Xin greeted politely.

“We’re family; no need for formalities. Call me Auntie. Let’s chat over there. Maybe you’ll have to call me something else someday!” Tang Xiao’s mother smiled, looking at Wang Xin and chatting. Tang Xiao felt like a third wheel.

“This is my son Tang Xiao. You’ve met, right?” his mother said.

“Tang Xiao, this is Wang Xin. You can call her Xin Xin. She’s a year younger. Her mom and I are close friends. When you weren’t around, Xin Xin’s mom often brought her here. If you weren’t so busy, you two would be childhood sweethearts…” Tang Xiao caught only some of this, feeling awkward. Was this a blind date?

“Auntie, we know each other and have exchanged contacts,” Wang Xin said, glancing shyly at Tang Xiao.

“Uh…” Tang Xiao was speechless.

“Oh, you two know each other? That’s great! Did Tang Xiao make the first move? I always thought he was focused on work and clueless about love. Didn’t expect this…” Tang Xiao’s mom chuckled, holding Wang Xin’s hand.

“Auntie, your room is ready. You should rest. I’ll handle lunch,” Wang Xin said.

“In that case, I’ll rest. Tang Xiao, let’s take a walk nearby and then have lunch together,” Tang Xiao’s mother said, her smile fading. She had wanted to stroll with Wang Xin but reconsidered, wary of family matters leaking out.

Wang Xin returned alone to the front desk, confused if she’d said something wrong. The aunt’s attitude had shifted.

In social relations, weight matters. A chairman comes to the company and is arranged by a young girl—that was unsettling. Though familiar, Wang Xin felt she had rushed things and was losing her advantage.

“The reason I brought you here is to walk with me. It’s been a long time since we talked, daughter. What are your plans?” Tang Xiao’s mother got straight to the point.

“I’ll return to my father’s company eventually. For now, I’m working at my cousin’s. But I don’t understand why you want me back so soon. Are Mom and Dad having troubles?” Tang Xiao said, trailing off, eyeing his mother.