Yuan Lei walked into the office, which had an attached bathroom where she could shower. Her clothes were strewn on the chair—clothes she had changed out of after a shower and then forgotten to tidy up in her rush to leave.
She was about to say something else when she noticed Zeng Yu’s furrowed brow and sharp gaze. She quickly slipped away.
Zeng Yu sighed, took down the nameplate, grabbed a cloth, and started cleaning the office.
He hadn’t been in Yuan Lei’s office before. It was clearly left behind by the previous company’s boss—it had a balcony, a bathroom, and even a large sofa in the middle for resting. Even Jiang Nan’s office wasn’t this luxurious.
Zeng Yu walked out onto the balcony, lit a cigarette, and took a deep drag. Jiang Nan’s trust in him was a heavy burden. Despite the personal relationship they were developing, Zeng Yu couldn’t afford to overlook the professional responsibilities.
He pulled out his phone and called Jiang Nan. “Jiang Nan, two things: First, the first batch of goods for Feixuan Restaurant will be delivered this afternoon, and I’ll be handling it personally. Second, if Yuan Lei really isn’t coming back, you can use her office, and I’ll take yours.”
Jiang Nan, sitting in the passenger seat, was surprised by this. She looked at Yuan Lei before responding, “Why?”
“Ask Yuan Lei yourself.” Zeng Yu replied, then hung up the phone.
Jiang Nan was momentarily stunned, then turned to Yuan Lei. “What did you do? Why is Zeng Yu so upset? Spill it, or I’m turning this car around.”
“It’s nothing, really. I just left some clothes on the chair after taking a shower. I texted Zeng Yu saying I wasn’t coming back and that the office was his. When he walked in and saw my clothes, he called to ask if I had a grudge against him.” Yuan Lei explained with a mischievous smile. “It’s nothing serious. I was just testing him a little…”
Jiang Nan was a bit exasperated. “You used to put him through the wringer back when he worked at the bar, didn’t you?”
“Actually, no. But I did help some older ladies get closer to him.” Yuan Lei admitted.
Jiang Nan rubbed her forehead in mock pain. “I feel like strangling you right now!”
Yuan Lei, adopting a serious tone as she started the car, said, “Go ahead, kill me. We can go down together. Two lives in one car, you know.”
Jiang Nan had no choice but to text Zeng Yu: If she’s giving you the office, just take it. Don’t be shy. You’ll have to take care of the company from now on.
Looking at the message, Zeng Yu decided not to move for the time being. He realized staying in his current space was just fine.
When he came out of the office, everyone else was gone. He then remembered that they were all out on their assignments.
Sales is one of the most challenging professions. If someone excels in sales, they can excel in almost anything. Zeng Yu always believed that if it weren’t for his experience in sales, he wouldn’t have had the courage to quit his job and start his own business, nor would he have met Jiang Nan.
The 500 bottles of wine weren’t to be delivered all at once; the first batch was 200 bottles.
Zeng Yu took the first client very seriously and personally accompanied the delivery to Feixuan Restaurant, where he met the owner, Warner.
“Mr. Warner, can I ask you a question?” Zeng Yu had been pondering this for a while.
Warner gestured for him to continue. “Please.”
“I’m curious why a Michelin three-star restaurant like yours would choose a relatively unknown brand like Sophie as a regular recommendation?”
Warner chuckled and made a point with his hands. “I’m a perfectionist. I would never allow subpar wine in my restaurant. Sophie wine, produced in Bordeaux, has over 200 years of history—it’s not some fly-by-night brand. The quality is guaranteed. I’ve tasted it myself and know exactly what my restaurant needs. But Mr. Zeng, you seem a bit unsure of yourself?” Warner asked with a hint of curiosity.
He was a businessman, after all, and even when returning a favor, he wouldn’t gamble with his money.
When the translator finished, Zeng Yu understood and nodded. “I guess I over thought it.”
Zeng Yu figured it had something to do with the restaurant’s business strategy or Warner’s personal preferences. But he forgot to consider one more thing—how did this foreigner know him and come directly to him at the company?
“The restaurant opens tomorrow. Within ten days at the latest, we’ll need the second batch of wine. Please make sure it’s the same vintage.”
“No problem. Your restaurant is our agency’s first client, and we take it very seriously.”
Warner was a bit surprised when he heard the translation. This young man was quite honest. He smiled, shook Zeng Yu’s hand, and said, “A friend once told me that when doing business with the Chinese, the most important words are ‘honesty’ and ‘integrity.’” Warner even used broken Chinese to say the word “integrity.”
“I’m surprised by your understanding of China, Mr. Warner.” Zeng Yu was genuinely surprised. Hearing the word “integrity” come from a foreigner was quite unexpected.
Warner shrugged and laughed. “My friend is Chinese. He once saved my life. He’s the one who taught me a bit of Chinese, little by little.”
While Zeng Yu was busy working for the company, Jiang Nan was standing next to Yuan Lei, who was striking poses in a white bridal gown. Jiang Nan herself was dressed in a bridesmaid’s dress. The photographer was having a hard time because Jiang Nan kept stealing the spotlight, ruining the photos.
“Hold on!” The photographer, kneeling on the ground to get the right angle, called out. “Bridesmaid, step back a little, take another step back, and another.”
Yuan Lei wasn’t having it. “Any further and she’ll be out of the frame!”
The photographer stood up and motioned for Yuan Lei to come over. “Come take a look at the effect yourself.”
Yuan Lei, not understanding at first, took a glance at the photos on the digital camera and then realized what the photographer meant. She couldn’t help but place her hand on her forehead. Some people are just born to shine in front of the camera—like Jiang Nan. Even standing off to the side, her radiance naturally drew all the attention. No wonder the photographer had asked her to stand further back; Jiang Nan, dressed in her bridesmaid’s gown, was practically glowing in the frame.
“Alright, let’s shoot it your way.” Yuan Lei sighed, finally conceding. She began to regret asking Jiang Nan to be her bridesmaid. Should she have asked Leng Qing instead? But then again, that woman wasn’t much less striking than Jiang Nan.
Once the photoshoot was finally over, Jiang Nan quickly changed out of the gown, dressed herself, and prepared to leave. Yuan Lei grabbed her arm. “Where are you rushing off to? Let’s have dinner together.”
Jiang Nan gently pulled away, smiling. “The company’s first big order is being delivered today. I need to be there.”
“Don’t give me excuses. You just miss your man. You’re really ditching your friends for love, aren’t you? Go on, then, just go.”
The sky had already darkened, and the city was lit up by countless lights.
Jiang Nan, sitting in a taxi, sent Zeng Yu a message: “What are you up to?”
“Going over the report Li Geng submitted. I need to review it for tomorrow morning’s meeting.”
“You hold meetings every morning?” Jiang Nan was somewhat surprised.
“Well, the work is just getting started. We spend ten minutes each day discussing key points to stay focused.”
“Have you had dinner?” Jiang Nan texted, knowing he had probably just grabbed something quick.
“Ah, I ordered takeout but forgot to eat it. Thanks for reminding me.”
“Don’t eat that. I’ll be there soon, and we can eat together.” Jiang Nan quickly sent the message.
Zeng Yu replied, “Alright.”
As he put down his phone, Zeng Yu felt a warm glow in his heart.
Fighting alone in the big city, receiving care from the girl he loved was the best comfort he could imagine. Zeng Yu quickly shut down his computer, not wanting to keep Jiang Nan waiting.
When Jiang Nan opened the office door, she noticed right away that it was a bit stuffy and frowned slightly.
Zeng Yu had turned off the air conditioning. Was he really trying to save that much?
As Zeng Yu walked toward her, Jiang Nan couldn’t help but ask, “Why didn’t you have the air conditioning on?”
“I don’t need it when I’m alone. Plus, the company is just starting out. We should save where we can.” Zeng Yu replied matter-of-factly.
“You don’t need to go that far. It’s so hot out. What if you get heatstroke?” Jiang Nan’s heart ached, her nose tingling with emotion.
“They say you don’t realize the cost of things until you run a household yourself. But even now, you still don’t seem to get it.” Zeng Yu said with a chuckle, clearly not taking her concern to heart.
As they left the office, Zeng Yu felt a warm body suddenly press against his back. He stiffened slightly. “We’re outside. What if someone sees?”
Jiang Nan hugged his waist tighter, resting her cheek against his back. “I don’t care! I just want to hug you.”
Zeng Yu laughed softly. “Alright, but at least wait until I turn around.”
Only then did Jiang Nan let go.
Zeng Yu turned, spreading his arms wide and closing his eyes. “Go ahead.”
“Idiot, not romantic at all.”
“Let’s go. You’ve already wasted a perfectly good twenty-yuan meal. Don’t make me starve even more.” Zeng Yu teased.
“Ugh, all you think about is food.” Jiang Nan muttered, but the sadness in her heart faded away. She linked her arm through Zeng Yu’s as they walked, looking up at him. “You know, my mom was super strict with me. She didn’t let me date until after I graduated from college. In my dorm, there were six of us. Five had boyfriends, and I was the only one left single. It was so miserable.”
“Yeah, that sounds pretty rough. But now you can go rub it in their faces.” Zeng Yu said, his eyes full of affection.
Jiang Nan loved that feeling, as if she were at the center of the world in that moment.
Even though they were eating a simple fast-food meal, the two of them sitting across from each other made it feel like they were dining on a gourmet feast. At that moment, what they were eating didn’t seem to matter at all.
“Don’t work yourself to death. You can always earn money slowly, but if you ruin your health, it’s not worth it.” Jiang Nan protested after their meal.
Zeng Yu smiled and nodded. “Alright, I’ll keep that in mind.” He said it, but whether he’d actually follow through was another matter.
“It’s so hot out. Where should we go next?” Jiang Nan asked, wiping sweat from her forehead as they stood outside the fast-food place.
“You said it yourself—it’s hot. If you don’t want to get heatstroke, there aren’t many options.”
“Watching a movie sounds nice. What’s with that face? Are you not up for it?” Jiang Nan noticed Zeng Yu’s hesitation and frowned.
Zeng Yu scratched his head. “I was hoping to finish reviewing the report. How about this: let’s go to your old house. I can keep working while we’re together.”
Jiang Nan tilted her head, eyeing him up and down. “Fine, but not to the old house. Let’s go to your place.”
She was worried that if Fu Yu came over to shower or cook, it would be awkward if she ran into Zeng Yu.
At a fruit stand near the apartment complex entrance, Jiang Nan bought a watermelon. “Today is the beginning of autumn. In my hometown, it’s customary to eat a watermelon. What about you?”
Zeng Yu scratched his head. “I’ve never really noticed that. I’m not sure.”
“You could’ve made something up.” Jiang Nan pouted, clearly disappointed.
Zeng Yu laughed. “I didn’t want to lie to you.”
With that one line, he hit Jiang Nan right in the softest part of her heart. She felt a small tremor of emotion and thought to herself, I’ve deceived you before. Please forgive me.
When they got to Zeng Yu’s place, Jiang Nan tossed her bag aside and announced, “Turn on the air conditioning. I’m taking a shower.”
“Alright.” Zeng Yu got up and turned on the air conditioning.
“Oh no, I didn’t bring any clothes. Can I borrow yours?” Jiang Nan asked, a hint of anticipation in her voice.
She remembered that Xiao Xiao had worn Zeng Yu’s clothes and didn’t want to be outdone.
Zeng Yu handed her a pair of his shorts and a T-shirt, and Jiang Nan took them to the bathroom. Looking at her flushed face in the mirror, she told herself, Stay composed, stay composed.
After a long day of taking wedding photos, Jiang Nan was exhausted. After her shower, she completely relaxed and started nodding off while playing on her phone.
When Zeng Yu finally finished his work, he found Jiang Nan already fast asleep, a soft smile on her face.
He stood there for a moment, just watching her sleep. She looked like a little cat, curled up and content, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
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