Qing Yanci Chapter Nine

Unconsciously, today is the last day of the year, and tomorrow marks a new year and a new day.

Early in the morning, snowflakes began to fall again. Su Xiu caught the falling snowflakes in her hand; they were beautiful as if truly tangible, yet cold and fleeting, melting away within moments.

Sun Pengcheng approached from afar. He had gone out early with his father to manage their many shops, as tending to so many businesses required manpower. Today was the last day of the year, a time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new.

“Lazybones, get up! Lazybones, get up! You’re going to be late. Wish I didn’t have to go to work... I don’t want to go...” Ye Jin rubbed her sleepy eyes, still haunted by strange dreams.

“Why does the phone alarm ring just as I fall asleep? Is it broken? Oh my, it’s already gone off three times!” Ye Jin said, picking up her phone to check.

Looks like she’d have to take a taxi today—no matter the cost.

“Good grief, it’s 7:50 already. Work starts at 8:30, but factoring in subway time, I’ll probably be late. No, if I’m late, they’ll deduct my full attendance bonus—500 yuan!” Ye Jin muttered as she changed clothes, brushing her teeth and washing her face haphazardly, applying some toner and serum, then grabbed her phone and bag and hurried out the door.

Ye Jin works in e-commerce. Her role is one among many in the industry. To put it nicely, she’s a designer, but in truth, she’s just a junior graphic artist.

She’s proficient with tools like Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and Illustrator, but still finds herself edged out by so-called talents in promotion and operations.

After waiting a long time without an available taxi and on the verge of being late, she decided to try a Didi ride.

Within about three minutes, a driver accepted her request. Indeed, Didi was faster, but girls had to be careful when taking rides.

Lately, she kept having a recurring dream—dreaming she was a refined lady in ancient times. Sometimes the dream was fragmented, sometimes vivid. For a woman of twenty-six or twenty-seven, still unmarried and considered a leftover spinster, it was quite distressing. She hadn’t yet met her Prince Charming, and her family constantly pressured her to marry, arranging blind dates.

“Why is the payment conversion rate so low? Are you managing operations properly? Have you analyzed which channels the traffic is coming from? Are there any negative reviews in the store? Are coupons expired? Do you even know how much is spent on promotions? What are you doing wandering around all day? Focus more on the data...” Before she even reached the company entrance, Ye Jin overheard Tang Xiao shouting at Sun Xu. Taking advantage of their argument, she quickly slipped to her desk.

Sun Xu was the operations manager—ranked just below the top three in a company of several dozen employees. When conversion rates dropped, promotion was quick to blame him.

“I’ve done all I can! The store isn’t just my responsibility; other departments have their share too!” Sun Xu defended himself.

“Other departments share responsibility, yes, but as a senior operations manager, have you even identified the problems yourself? Check yourself first before blaming others...” Tang Xiao, the boss’s cousin, was no slouch. Not a mere layabout, but a decisive, sharp-eyed professional with a unique perspective who preferred working alone. Others feared offending him. People often felt he was somewhat mysterious and aloof.

Yet this Sun Xu, with two years as an assistant and one year as an operations manager—claiming four years of experience when interviewed—was as stubborn as a block of wood, daring to talk back.

“Tang Xiao, Sun Xu, Shen Ping (the company manager coordinating departments), and Wu Nan (female customer service supervisor), bring your computers and data to the meeting room now,” the boss Wan Shen said calmly.

Ye Jin breathed a sigh of relief, quickly pulling out her laptop and logging into the company software. “Why is everyone so early today?” she asked Zhang Zimei, an operations assistant helping Sun Xu.

“Ugh, don’t mention it. Our company, Zhengxin Trading, has ranked in the lower middle for conversion rates among competitors these days. Even Fanxin Trading, which used to be last, is now ahead. The boss is in a foul mood—apparently arrived at the office at 7 am. Times are tough...” Zimei clicked her tongue.

“A few days ago, wasn’t the conversion rate from customer service pretty good? Wu Nan treats the customer service team to milk tea and chicken chops every day, totally ignoring other departments,” Zimei added.

“So the conversion rate is more related to customer service?” Ye Jin asked cautiously, fearing she might get caught in the crossfire.

“Definitely, but there are other factors too. Sun Xu got scolded by Tang Xiao and then came to bother me. So annoying! Anyway, enough chatter—back to work.” Zimei saw a WeChat message from Sun Xu and hurried to reply.

“Send me the data you compiled these past two days—visitor count, page views, click-through rate, payment conversion rate, bounce rate, competitor data, everything—hurry up,” Sun Xu urged on WeChat, himself under intense pressure.

Fortunately, Zimei, though chatty, was diligent and promptly sent the data to Sun Xu.

Ye Jin’s work software buzzed endlessly: Sun Xu sending images, edits—“This font is too big, the poster colors too dark, the product gets overshadowed...”

“So annoying, whining all day. I only uploaded these posters after final approval, and now they want changes again. Such a hassle!” Ye Jin was already in a bad mood the moment she started work.

Finally, noon came. Ye Jin’s stomach growled incessantly; she hadn’t even had a sip of water since morning.

Scrolling through food delivery apps, she settled on claypot rice—so hungry...

“They sure can talk in those meetings, probably from morning till now,” Zimei whispered beside Ye Jin.

“I heard from customer service Xiao Lan that the company plans to expand live streaming,” Zimei added, settling beside Ye Jin with her laptop. The two chatted excitedly about the company’s prospects, sharing ideas freely—until the managers emerged from the meeting room.

Wan Shen and Shen Ping remained inside; the others came out. Zimei quickly returned to her desk.

“Ye Jin, have you finished editing the images as I said? Send them to me quickly,” Sun Xu urged.

“I’ve revised a few; I’ll send them first,” Ye Jin said, reluctantly putting down her food to send the images.

“Let me see which ones remain; I need them for the campaign.”

“Don’t eat yet, come here. Did you see the car images I sent? They’re from top industry sellers, with high click and conversion rates. We analyzed the data carefully. Now, your job is to replicate them exactly. When you reuse the images, I want them identical—no surprises, no ‘inspirations.’ It’s not the time for creativity, got it?” Sun Xu’s words stunned Ye Jin.

“Hey, if that’s the case, my job’s easy: right-click, save to desktop, drop our product into Photoshop. But if I do that, I won’t tweak the images afterward,” Ye Jin replied, unwilling to back down.

“Do you even understand? Did I say change the main car images? It’s the conversion rate that’s the issue, not clicks. Stop messing around. Spend more time analyzing competitor data and event details. Use your brain when working,” Tang Xiao scolded Sun Xu.

“Enough arguing, everyone eat first! Follow the meeting instructions afterward. If you have issues, come to me individually,” Wan Shen and Shen Ping came out, and Shen Ping quickly broke up the quarrel, sensing the tension.

“Old Shen, you eat first. I have some things to handle. Watch over things here; I’m worried it might blow up without you. When you’re free, let’s have a meal together,” Wan Shen said.

“Sure, boss, you go ahead,” Shen Ping agreed.

“I’m just afraid these rascals might set the company on fire,” Wan Shen whispered to Shen Ping. At this critical moment, he was wary they might quit.

“Don’t worry, with me here, that fire won’t start,” Shen Ping replied.

“You two, come with me to the boss’s office for tea,” Shen Ping smiled at Sun Xu and Ye Jin.

“Forget it, manager, I won’t go. I have many images to edit...” Ye Jin glanced at her uneaten takeout, still hungry.

“Oh, right. You two eat first; rest a bit. Come to my office after work,” Shen Ping said, returning to his office.

Shen Ping and Wan Shen shared an office, though Shen Ping’s workspace was a small room inside Wan Shen’s large office. The outer office hosted important clients, often with Wan Shen present. The small office also housed finance—Wan Lingzhi, Wan Shen’s cousin—and Shen Ping, a trusted classmate of Wan Shen.

Lingzhi and Shen Ping ordered lunch delivery. Lingzhi napped at her desk, while Shen Ping quietly closed the door to avoid disturbing her.

Shen Ping busied himself cleaning tea utensils, awaiting Ye Jin and Sun Xu.

After an unknown time, his nap alarm sounded at 2 pm. The company’s work chat buzzed.

“@Ye Jin, @Sun Xu, come to the boss’s office. We need to talk.” Ye Jin glanced at Sun Xu, and together they walked toward the office.

“Tch,” Sun Xu shot Ye Jin a disdainful look.

Shen Ping had brewed the tea, warming the cups with the first pour.

“Sit, have some tea. Don’t make the atmosphere so tense. Calm down, calm down,” Shen Ping said to the two standing employees.

“By the way, Ye Jin, how long have you been with the company? A few years, right? Try this—our boss’s Da Hong Pao tea,” Shen Ping poured fresh tea for Ye Jin, Sun Xu, and himself.

“Manager, I’ve been here two years as a graphic artist, never made mistakes. The boss and previous operations managers had no complaints about my work. When there were issues, I corrected them promptly. But now, constant image changes—first according to his ideas, then again...” Ye Jin looked at Shen Ping, hoping for reassurance.

“Yes, have some tea. Everyone recognizes your diligent work, especially during big promotions when you stay late to help,” Shen Ping said, calming Ye Jin’s anxious heart.

“Thank you, manager!” Ye Jin held her cup.

“No problem,” Shen Ping smiled.

“How long have you been here, Sun Xu? Come, have some tea!” Shen Ping looked at him.

“I’ve just been here over a month, but I worked four years in operations elsewhere. You can check my previous store’s data—it was excellent,” Sun Xu defended nervously.

“No worries. Just asking. As a new employee, I might call your former boss to ask about you,” Shen Ping joked.

“You can check. The number is 188...” Sun Xu’s ears flushed red, embarrassed.

“Don’t be nervous, just a casual question. Are you married yet?” Shen Ping asked casually, with a subtle undertone.

“Not yet, busy with work, focusing on my career first...” Sun Xu answered cautiously, unsure of Shen Ping’s intentions.

“You’re close in age. Communication should be easy, no generation gap. Youth is passionate but must be tempered. We’re like grasshoppers on a string—if we jump too far, the enemy eats us. Right?” Shen Ping spoke calmly.

“I’m older than you, born before ’85; you’re ’90s generation. Our company is like a tour company. Sun Xu is the driver; the steadiness of the ride depends on him. His decisions are crucial. Ye Jin is the tour guide, presenting the best images to customers. Whether customers follow depends on the company’s culture and reliability—meeting their expectations. Ye Jin’s graphic work is like a guide’s insight, subtly addressing customers’ concerns in posters—price, service, quality—all what customers want to know, right?”

“Drivers and guides must be in sync. They can’t bicker mid-drive; otherwise, the vehicle might crash. It’s not just you two on board but the boss, clients, and coworkers,” Shen Ping explained.

Ye Jin and Sun Xu fell silent, absorbing his words.

“This got serious. Have some tea, relax,” Shen Ping poured with fluid grace.

“Manager, I was wrong to lose my temper with Ye Jin. Early this morning, store data had issues, and I quarreled with Tang Xiao...” Sun Xu stammered an apology.

“Manager, I’m also at fault...” Ye Jin began.

“Enough, no big deal. Let’s turn small troubles into none. We’ll have a team-building event this Saturday to unwind—I’ll arrange it!” Shen Ping declared.

“If nothing else, I’ll get going. Much to do on the store,” Ye Jin said.

“Me too, I have to edit images...” Sun Xu stood.

“Wait, sit down, have more Da Hong Pao. The boss only serves this to clients; don’t waste it,” Shen Ping urged.

Restless, they reluctantly drank a cup.

“All right, go ahead. You two don’t appreciate blessings,” Shen Ping smiled.

“Manager, I’ll clean up these cups,” Ye Jin offered.

“No need. Just keep your tempers low, and that’s enough,” Shen Ping waved them off.

As Sun Xu sat, Tang Xiao approached. “What did Old Shen say? You look calm—good.”

“Manager said we have team-building Saturday; all must attend, except on-duty customer service,” Sun Xu answered truthfully.

“You want team-building, huh? Interesting,” Tang Xiao teased.

“That’s what the manager said...” Sun Xu tried to protest but was cut off.

“Finish today’s tasks first. I’ll send you a spreadsheet. Do what I assign and send it to me tomorrow. Stop daydreaming about unrealistic stuff!” Tang Xiao said coldly and left.

“Phew, did Old Shen scold you?” Zimei asked Ye Jin as she emerged.

“Not at all! He brewed top-grade Da Hong Pao tea—the best I’ve ever tasted! Truly excellent!” Ye Jin teased.

“I’ve never had Da Hong Pao. I want some too. Really, no scolding?” Zimei felt jealous.

“No scolding, just verbal reprimands for me and Sun Xu. If you want some, be an outstanding employee, and Old Shen will brew you some!” Ye Jin joked.

“I better not, drinking Da Hong Pao comes at a price. I know my limits!” Zimei made a face, knowing becoming an outstanding employee was like climbing a mountain.

“Zimei! Be confident! Next time I’ll bring you,” Ye Jin said.

At that moment, Sun Xu’s voice interrupted, “Boss, I just sent you a spreadsheet. I need to talk to Ye Jin.”

“Okay, I’m heading over,” Zimei said and walked to Sun Xu’s desk.

“Today, don’t change images yet. Zimei and I will analyze store data first, and tomorrow I’ll update you about the images. Sorry for earlier, and I apologize to you,” Sun Xu said awkwardly.

“No worries. If problems arise, let’s discuss them together. I know you’re under more pressure than I am. Let’s get to work!” Ye Jin replied politely.

“Looks like drinking the boss’s Da Hong Pao wasn’t in vain!” Shen Ping smiled as he passed by, witnessing their sincere exchange.

Finally, nearly quitting time, Ye Jin glanced at her phone—5:53 pm. She stretched and grabbed a glass of water.

“Busy all day without even a sip. If not for the manager’s tea, I’d be parched. Tonight, I’ll buy ingredients and cook for myself,” she thought.

The end-of-day bell rang. Everyone tidied up.

“Zimei, why aren’t you leaving? Let’s go grocery shopping together,” Ye Jin invited.

“Wait a bit. I need to finish product info. The data’s mostly done,” Zimei said, glancing at Sun Xu.

“Ye Jin...” Sun Xu called.

“Stop! Any image edits can wait till tomorrow,” Ye Jin interrupted.

“No worries, Zimei, you and Ye Jin go ahead. Product info can be finished tomorrow or at home tonight. Ye Jin, don’t be so hostile to me!” Sun Xu smiled awkwardly.

“Great, thanks, boss!” Zimei said, packing up.

“Today was intense. When Sun Xu’s around, don’t ask me to leave early—too much tension. I’m caught between friends and bosses,” Zimei said.

“Our contracts are eight hours. What’s there to fear? Does he pay overtime? Besides big promotions, no overtime,” Ye Jin teased.

“Anyway, I just don’t want you two fighting. Usually, I leave on time, but today’s tasks were heavy.”

“When does Sun Xu usually leave?” Ye Jin asked.

“Why ask? I don’t know much. Usually, he lets me leave first to learn operations from him. I think he’s decent.”

“You’re such a traitor, favoring him. Tomorrow, you two leave together. That’s too hurtful,” Ye Jin joked.

“Okay, okay, I’m kidding. Of course, I’m on your side. Don’t be mad. I’ll treat you to dinner!” Zimei consoled.

“Then let’s try the new restaurant—Cola Claypot Rice. Heard it’s popular!” Ye Jin had wanted to go for ages.

“Cola with rice? No way, let’s pick something else,” Zimei protested.

“Cola Claypot Rice is just the name. The dish is delicious and satisfying, hence the name,” Ye Jin explained.

“Alright, my treat then!” Zimei linked arms with Ye Jin as they headed to the restaurant.

They ate and chatted for about an hour, then took the subway home—same route, different stops. Ye Jin got off one stop after Zimei.

“Autumn you lightly passed and took my heart; I wait every day, hoping you know who I am. Winter is cold, yet I dream of you, intoxicated by your gaze. When will you realize I am always with you...” Ye Jin’s phone rang.

Just after her shower, she answered—it was her mother.

“Hello, Mom. What’s up?” Ye Jin thought it was important.

“Nothing special. Can’t I just call you? If I don’t, you never call me. What are you so busy with all day?” her mother chattered.

“Well, come home during Labor Day. Your cousin’s getting married, and everyone will gather for some fun and relaxation,” her mother finally said.

“Isn’t it more than just relaxation? You want me to go on blind dates, don’t you?” Ye Jin guessed.

“All your cousins and relatives will be there. You can’t just skip it. If you get married, wouldn’t it be lonely without anyone to see you off?” her mother changed the subject.

“Sigh. Haven’t contacted them for years; I’m used to it.”

“Used to what? It’s tradition. You must come home for Labor Day. It’s mid-April soon. I’ll cook for you. Listen to me!”

“Understood, Mother. I’ll try my best.”

“Alright, no more. Take care of yourself,” her mother said, then hung up.

“Why must I go on blind dates? So annoying. Why can’t I stay unmarried? If only the match looked like Wong Ka Kui,” Ye Jin muttered to herself.

She had admired Wong Ka Kui since she was twelve, the first time she saw him on TV holding a guitar and singing “Glorious Years” with clear, warm eyes and passionate voice. Though she didn’t understand the Cantonese lyrics then, she was deeply moved. That admiration lasted all these years.

Lying in bed, she lit a scented candle with her favorite aroma; the room soon filled with fragrance. She listened quietly to music, forgetting all the data, posters, promotions, and operations from the day. This moment belonged solely to her.

Tomorrow was Friday—almost the weekend. Time to relax, maybe go to the movies with Zimei. She set the candle timer for two hours and looked at the clock—almost 10 pm. Better sleep early; no staying up late. Tomorrow, she’d check the Labor Day holiday schedule.

Friday morning came. Learning from yesterday, she didn’t oversleep. She arrived at work at 8:20. Zimei was already there, munching on pancakes with soy milk.

“Zimei, early today!” Ye Jin said, taking out her laptop.

“Just a few minutes earlier than you.”

“Your boss still not here?” Ye Jin asked, meaning Sun Xu.

“What? You and my boss... got something going on? Haha.”

“No, just posters and that. Also, I want to buy tickets early for Labor Day to avoid crowds.”

“Better hurry. Labor Day’s short, and travel eats up days. What’s the point?”

“I have family matters. I’ll ask the manager for leave. He’s here—always on my case,” Ye Jin said, rushing to her desk.

“Morning, Zimei, Ye...” Sun Xu greeted them. He wanted to talk to Ye Jin but she avoided him, cutting off his greeting.

Shen Ping arrived, and Ye Jin felt both happy and nervous, fearing her leave request might be denied.

He went straight into the office. After a moment, Ye Jin gathered courage to approach him.

“Why? Not quitting, right?” Sun Xu worried, recalling their conflict.

“Manager, I need leave for a few days before Labor Day to visit home. Family matters,” Ye Jin said calmly.

“Good news?”

“How did you know?”

“I guessed. What news? Not you...”

“It’s my cousin’s wedding. Don’t guess,” Ye Jin interrupted.

“Alright. We’ll have a meeting at 2 pm to arrange work fairly, so no complaints. Okay?”

“Okay, manager. I’ll get back to work.”

Ye Jin closed the door softly and left.

“Manager approved your leave?” Zimei asked eagerly.

“Yes, but I have to finish my work before the meeting.”

“You’re the only graphic artist. What if you’re gone?”

“The company runs no matter who’s here. Don’t say that, sister!” Ye Jin playfully pinched Zimei.

“Honestly, if you left, I’d miss you.”

“Get to work!” Ye Jin rolled her eyes.

The morning flew by. At noon, they ordered lunch and ate happily.

Around 2:30 pm, Shen Ping called the managers and Ye Jin to a meeting.

“First, Labor Day is a five-day holiday, aligned with national policy. Customer service will rotate shifts, with triple pay for the first few days. Wu Nan, please inform your team. Second, Ye Jin is here because she’s taking leave before Labor Day for family reasons. She’s an experienced employee, diligent and reliable. Since she’s leaving early, please plan her tasks accordingly.”

“I’m applying for leave on the 28th. If you have important images, let me know so I can prepare. I’ll bring my laptop home and work remotely if needed. Any objections?” Ye Jin asked nervously.

“No issues from customer service,” Wu Nan said after sipping tea.

“What about Tang Xiao and Sun Xu?” Shen Ping inquired.

“Ask Sun Xu,” Tang Xiao deflected, sipping tea.

Sun Xu seethed at Tang Xiao’s shirking but kept quiet.

“Manager, I do need Ye Jin. Today is April 16th, twelve days until her leave. I’ll arrange important tasks for her to do first. Since she can work remotely, her leave won’t affect us,” Sun Xu replied clearly.

“Then if no objections, let’s finalize Ye Jin’s leave on the 28th. Everyone, arrange your work and support each other. Agreed?”

“Perfect. With you, manager, our company will surely prosper,” Wu Nan praised, making Shen Ping smile.

“If nothing else, I’ll get back to work,” Tang Xiao sneered at Wu Nan.

“Wait! One more thing. Tomorrow is team-building. I’ve booked a venue and will send details to the group. Everyone must attend on time. We’ll gather at the company; a bus is arranged—no need for taxis or driving. Let’s have fun. Any questions?”

“I can’t make it,” Tang Xiao said, used to working alone and disliking such events. He was only recently hired by Wan Shen.

If any leader heard such defiance, they’d be angry. But Shen Ping was different.

“Team-building is for bonding, chatting, and increasing cohesion. When hearts unite, problems are easier to solve. The boss will also attend. It’s all set,” Shen Ping explained.

Tang Xiao reluctantly agreed, “I’ll drive myself. Send me the location.”

“Not recommended. After eating and drinking, driving is unsafe,” Shen Ping said, hoping to soften Tang Xiao.

“Spring has blossoms, autumn has the moon, summer has cool breezes, winter has snow...” Tang Xiao’s phone rang—Wan Shen calling.

“Boss’s call, I’m out,” Tang Xiao showed the phone to Shen Ping.

“Remember to attend on time!” Shen Ping reminded.

“Hmm,” Tang Xiao replied curtly.

With the meeting over, everyone finished their tea and left. Shen Ping stayed behind, tidying the “battlefield” with a weary smile.

Who could blame him? Younger staff were hot-headed, quick to fight. This position was no easy seat.

After the meeting, it was past 4 pm—almost time to leave.

“Don’t know what Shen Ping arranged for tomorrow. Looking forward to it?” Zimei, ever childlike, shared her excitement with Ye Jin.

“Honestly, no. On holidays, I want to stay home, listen to music, order takeout, or shop with you. I’m socially anxious—that’s why I’m single,” Ye Jin confessed.

“Ye Jin, let me discuss some images with you,” Sun Xu approached as Zimei left, laughing and chatting with Ye Jin.

“Here comes your boss. I’m out,” Zimei ran off.

“Tell me which images need edits. I’ll plan to finish them before going home,” Ye Jin said calmly.

“I’ll send you a file shortly,” Sun Xu replied, starting to organize. He sighed, thinking Zimei was unreliable at critical moments.

The end-of-day bell rang. Ye Jin was about to close her laptop when a DingTalk notification popped up—a file from Sun Xu.

Shen Ping came out of the office.

“Everyone wait a moment. Tomorrow’s team-building: meet at 8 am at the office, wear casual sportswear and sneakers—no formal clothes. Girls, please avoid skirts to stay comfortable. I’ll arrange breakfast here. Also, bring an extra outfit in case we stay overnight. Understood?”

“I wanted to wear my pretty skirt!” Zimei pouted.

“You’re always about fun. I was discussing image edits with you, but you vanished! You’re so elusive,” Sun Xu complained.

“Oh, boss, people have urgent needs after a long day. Stretching is necessary. Besides, it’s almost quitting time,” Zimei dodged, running to Ye Jin.

“Any questions?” Shen Ping suddenly called on Ye Jin, who was lost in thought.

“No questions, manager.”

“Good. Since no issues, that’s settled. Bring a backpack for snacks and drinks; I’ll buy them tonight. Now, tidy up and go home.”

“Let’s go! Hope tomorrow isn’t too tiring,” Ye Jin urged Zimei.

“After manager’s talk, I’m less keen. Feels like boot camp. Remember college military training? Sunburned, sunscreen, protective clothes—only turned pale the whole winter,” Zimei gloomily said.

“Since even loner Tang Xiao must attend, we have no choice,” Ye Jin whispered.

“Oh? He’s usually cold and distant, never talks to us. Even Sun Xu’s friendlier.”

“Enough gossip. If he hears us, we’re done,” Ye Jin warned.

“I’ll treat you to a good meal to recharge for tomorrow!” Ye Jin comforted.

“Then let’s hurry!” Zimei urged.

Full and content, the two girls headed home.

“What to do tomorrow? Casual clothes, pack a bag...” Ye Jin searched her wardrobe in pajamas, taking half an hour. She found an old backpack by the brand ‘Ink·Dust’—timeless and elegant, fitting her gentle, stylish personality.

Her alarm rang at 7 am—earlier than usual. She quickly dressed in a pale yellow T-shirt and skinny jeans, simple and fashionable, paired with seldom-worn sneakers, evoking college days.

Ready by 7:30, she walked to the subway, arriving at work by 7:50 as planned.

Ye Jin had always been a self-reliant child, never troubling adults—except for marriage, which brought tears.

Stepping off the subway, she hurried to the company. At 7:45, she smiled—today wasn’t work, but a little happiness.

At the company entrance, she saw an array of snacks and breakfast—buns, soy milk, fried noodles, fried dough sticks, rice rolls. It felt like a celebration!

“Morning, Ye Jin. Grab some breakfast and snacks, and plenty of bottled water. You’re early today!” Shen Ping greeted.

“Morning, manager. Not that early,” Ye Jin smiled awkwardly.

She took fried noodles and soy milk, added snacks and a bottle of water.

“Take two more bottles of water,” Shen Ping reminded.

Carrying the extra bottles made her bag heavy. To hide her embarrassment, she added another bottle to her backpack. Shen Ping smiled knowingly but said nothing.

Soon, colleagues arrived one after another.

Tang Xiao appeared behind Ye Jin, dressed in a white casual sports suit from ‘Ink·Dust’, a stark contrast to his usual formal attire. The casual look made him seem more youthful and handsome. Yet he remained aloof and apart, though his face was delicate.

“Tang Xiao, morning! Help yourself to breakfast and snacks,” Shen Ping greeted.

“No thanks. I ate at home and brought my own snacks,” Tang Xiao said, passing Ye Jin briefly and whispering, “Are the images done?” That single sentence dropped Ye Jin’s earlier fondness for him from heaven to hell. Unlike with Sun Xu, she blushed and was speechless. Tang Xiao left, leaving Ye Jin bewildered.

Unfortunately, Shen Ping overheard.

“Tomorrow’s team-building. No work talk unless urgent,” Shen Ping announced.

His words were a lifeline for Ye Jin, who glanced warily at Tang Xiao playing with his phone. Best to keep away today.

Tang Xiao looked up, locking eyes with Ye Jin. She quickly looked away, then at Shen Ping, shaking her head and sneering silently.

Soon Sun Xu and Zimei arrived together, walking through the company doors. Everyone was surprised, sensing their relationship had grown closer.

“You two seem close! Grab breakfast and snacks. Take plenty of water,” Shen Ping urged.

“No, manager, I just circled back to pick up Zimei since she was late. It’s not a big deal,” Sun Xu explained.

Meanwhile, customer service and warehouse staff gathered.

“Whatever, you did right. Colleagues should help each other. Keep moving forward! Thumbs up,” Shen Ping praised.

“Hehe, it’s nothing,” Zimei said modestly.

Despite Shen Ping’s words to Sun Xu, Zimei stuffed her bag with snacks.

“Everyone, eat breakfast and pack snacks. We leave soon!” Shen Ping announced.

Customer service rushed to grab snacks as Zimei hoarded them.

“Zimei!” two voices called simultaneously. Ye Jin and Sun Xu couldn’t stand it. Embarrassed, Zimei left the snack area with two buns and soy milk.

[End of text.]