Qingyan Ci: Chapter Twenty

"Alright, it’s getting late. You should get back to work. We can chat again when there’s time," said Wan Shen, seeing that they had been drinking tea and talking for nearly an hour, and the small talk had naturally come to an end.

"Okay, thank you for the tea, Manager. I’ll head out now. By the way, the tea you made is really delicious!" Tang Xiao replied, closing the office door behind her as she returned to her desk to resume work.

In the workplace, there are no absolute friends, nor absolute enemies. When interests conflict, everyone treads carefully. Of course, there are exceptions like Ye Jin and Amei, who are close colleagues akin to best friends.

After work that evening, Tang Xiao bought some snacks and gifts and went to Wan Shen’s home for dinner. As soon as she arrived, Wan Shen’s son clung to her, wanting to play. The two of them spent time in his room doing puzzles, solving Rubik’s cubes, and playing Ludo. Lele had developed a good habit of not playing on his phone—mainly because his parents forbade it. He rarely watched TV and was enrolled in painting classes. During dinner, Tang Xiao laughed and chatted warmly with the whole family, making for a lively and joyful atmosphere.

“Have you made up your mind?” After dinner, Tang Xiao and Wan Shen chatted in the living room while Lele did his homework in his room and Qiao Ru washed the dishes in the kitchen.

“These things are already settled. There’s no ‘want’ or ‘not want’ about it. My birth circumstances were clearly arranged by my parents long ago. There wasn’t much choice,” Tang Xiao said as she peeled an orange, preparing to eat.

“Stop showing off in front of me. Look, I know what your family’s situation is like. If I could, I’d switch places with you in a heartbeat. You’re wasting your talents in some small company like mine. What’s the plan after you leave? Will you just go work for your father directly?” Wan Shen said casually, half-joking.

“If I could trade lives, I’d gladly switch with you. Your oranges are really good and sweet!” Tang Xiao said, praising the fruit as she peeled it, skillfully sidestepping Wan Shen’s topic.

“Later, when you go back, have your sister-in-law pack some to take with you. She bought all of these,” Wan Shen said politely.

“No need. If I pass by the supermarket, I’ll just buy some myself. As for what happens next, I’ll have to wait and see how my parents arrange things. I’ll just stand by for now,” Tang Xiao smiled, as if resigned to her fate.

“By the way, how’s your apprentice doing? If a talent like you leaves, what happens if the shop runs into trouble? Have you told your apprentice you’re leaving?” Wan Shen asked, clearly concerned.

“Don’t worry about Ye Jin. She’s picking things up quickly and is quite careful and diligent. She’s already handling everything in the shop. You can rest assured! Once I’m gone, if she has any questions, she can just message me. There’s nothing to worry about,” Tang Xiao said lightly. Hearing this, Wan Shen felt reassured.

They talked until around nine o’clock. The little one had fallen asleep. Tang Xiao stood up to say goodbye to Wan Shen and his wife. Wan Shen handed her a bag of premium tea leaves to take home for her father, knowing that her father was a tea enthusiast. Most bosses appreciate good tea, so this was the perfect gift.