Chapter 13

Compared to Zhou Lele, Wen Xin felt that Shi Qianyu was actually even less serious.

Realizing that Shi Qianyu had overheard her meowing like a cat, Wen Xin couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed. Fortunately, Shi Qianyu didn’t say anything more about it. Instead, she leaned in closer and squatted down beside her.

Then Wen Xin watched as Shi Qianyu reached into her pocket and pulled out several cat treats like a magician.

“Director Shi, do you come over here often to feed the cats?” Wen Xin asked in surprise. She hadn’t expected Shi Qianyu to carry cat snacks with her. “Who’s taking care of these kitties?”

“It’s the Gatekeeper Uncle who looks after them,” Shi Qianyu replied. She gently tore open a packet and gave it a little shake. The cats instantly gathered around, with Little Orange—the one that had greeted Wen Xin earlier—standing right at the front. It rubbed its head against Shi Qianyu’s hand, acting all coquettish and adorable. “They used to run around the company all day when they were kittens. They weren’t afraid of people at all, growing up on scraps from everyone. I think they’re cute, so I come feed them now and then.”

She smiled, not holding back at all as she handed several packets of cat treats to Wen Xin. “Want to join in?”

“Sure, thanks.” Wen Xin, uncharacteristically not standing on ceremony, happily reached out to take them. Two of the cats were drawn over by the scent before she even called them. They stretched out their pink little tongues and began to lick.

Wen Xin was so excited she didn’t know what to say. She even unconsciously held her breath, her eyes sparkling. “They’re so cute.”

“Yeah, they really are.” Shi Qianyu didn’t know when she’d turned her gaze toward Wen Xin, but it wasn’t on the cats. “Do you like cats a lot?”

“Yeah.” Wen Xin nodded.

“Then why not get one of your own?”

“Because I have to work during the day, and I can’t spend enough time with it,” Wen Xin sighed. “I live alone, so it’d be lonely when I’m not home.”

“You’re right about that.” Shi Qianyu nodded lightly in agreement. She squeezed out the last bit from the packet, then pulled out a wet wipe to clean her hands. “You should think it through carefully before adopting any pet. You shouldn’t just decide on a whim.”

“But it really is a shame not to raise such adorable cats.” She smiled as she stared at Wen Xin’s face, her voice softening. “How about you come here with me regularly to feed them from now on? They like you already. They’re getting along so well, and it’s only the first time they’ve met you.”

“Really?” Wen Xin was completely absorbed by the cats at that moment. Unwittingly, she’d let down all her guards. She didn’t notice Shi Qianyu’s intentions right away and just casually agreed. “Sure.”

“Then it’s settled.” Shi Qianyu, satisfied with the response, smiled and stood up. She put on a teasing lilt. “Sister wouldn’t go back on her word, right~?”

“Huh?” Wen Xin finally snapped back to reality at the playful remark. She wanted to take back what she’d said. “I…”

“Lunch break’s almost over.” Shi Qianyu didn’t give her a chance to back out. She glanced down at her watch and swiftly changed the subject. “Come on, let’s head back.”

With that, she turned and started walking, but her steps were noticeably smaller than usual, as if she were deliberately waiting for Wen Xin to catch up.

The midday light was abundant, sunlight pouring down from overhead and bathing everything in a layer of delicate brightness.

Shi Qianyu hadn’t tied her hair up today. Her beautiful wavy locks cascaded freely over her shoulders. She wore a treasure-blue off-the-shoulder long dress that revealed her elegant collarbones and fair skin. Her earrings were more extravagant than usual, and her lips were painted a deeper red than normal. She looked like she was dressing up for some important occasion, opting for something less everyday.

Wen Xin even noticed she’d sprayed perfume—not her usual fresh white tea scent, but a vibrant rose. Staring at Shi Qianyu’s back, she inexplicably recalled that morning.

Who was Shi Qianyu going to see today? Was it that person—the one she’d mentioned having feelings for?

Wen Xin wasn’t particularly optimistic. Even though she and Shi Qianyu had shared that secret, enchanting one-night stand, and even though Shi Qianyu always seemed a bit more intimate with her than with others, Wen Xin knew she was just an ordinary person. She had no standout qualities. She didn’t even like herself, so she didn’t dare hope anyone else would.

The person Shi Qianyu had feelings for certainly wasn’t her. But if Shi Qianyu liked someone else, then why had she…

Wen Xin lost herself in thought, a strange emotion gradually rising in her heart. She couldn’t quite identify it—something she’d never felt before. It left her feeling odd and unsettled. Then Shi Qianyu spoke up again from not far away.

“Wen Xin.” She called her name. “Why haven’t you caught up yet?”

“Are you not wanting to go back with me?” Shi Qianyu sounded a little displeased. Her lovely brows furrowed slightly as she feigned hurt. “So you hate me that much, huh.”

“No, no.” Wen Xin came back to her senses and hurried to match her pace.

That earlier emotion had come out of nowhere. Wen Xin belatedly realized it didn’t matter who Shi Qianyu was meeting—it had nothing to do with her. What had all that speculation been about?

“You seem preoccupied.” Shi Qianyu seemed to notice something and glanced sideways at her.

“No.” Wen Xin shook her head and instinctively turned to meet her eyes, pretending to be calm. “I’m not.”

Shi Qianyu didn’t seem convinced. She leaned in closer, her gaze scanning Wen Xin’s face as if inspecting it.

A few seconds later, it landed on her lips. “You’re wearing the lipstick I gave you~”

She was in high spirits and finally did what she’d restrained herself from doing that morning. Her fingertip touched Wen Xin’s cheek, gently rubbing it like she was petting some adorable little animal. “Such a good girl.”

“I told you, this color suits you perfectly.” She meant it, her beautiful eyes shimmering with amusement. “It really looks great on you.”

~~~

In the late afternoon around four, Shi Qianyu left the company early.

Zhou Lele happened to drop by for a signature just a second before she left and overheard her conversation with Assistant Wang. Apparently, Shi Qianyu had a dinner date with someone that evening.

“Wonder who Director Shi is going to see?” Gao Qiu had taken the afternoon off, so she wasn’t around. With no one else to chat with, Zhou Lele roped Wen Xin into slacking off together. “Guy or girl? And what’s the other person’s deal anyway?”

Wen Xin shook her head. After her self-reflection at lunch, she wasn’t too emotionally rattled. “I have no idea.”

“Sigh, so curious.” Zhou Lele knew Wen Xin wouldn’t know either, but she was just bored and wanted to chat with someone. It didn’t matter who the other person was. “Could it be her boyfriend?”

Wen Xin didn’t respond.

Zhou Lele didn’t mind and kept talking to herself. “I’ve been at the company for a few years now, and I’ve never heard any rumors about Director Shi dating anyone. Makes sense, though—who could even be worthy of an outstanding woman like her? Besides, relationships are so unreliable. Better to focus on making money than romance.”

“But Director Shi isn’t getting any younger. If she wants, finding someone suitable to share life with would be nice.” Zhou Lele sighed, confusing even herself as she went on. “Still, I think those guys are all unreliable.”

“Ahhh, Director Shi, please keep your eyes open! Ward off the bad vibes—trash guys, mama’s boys, creeps, stay away from her!”

Wen Xin: “…”

Time flew by, and it was soon time to clock out.

Wen Xin had no appetite that evening. She only ate a little for dinner. The limited-time event was about to end at midnight, so she eagerly logged in to check the rankings.

To her surprise, third place had overtaken them again at some point, reclaiming second.

As expected.

Wen Xin sighed. Most people in their guild were office workers who couldn’t play during the day—only evenings were free. Getting overtaken by another guild wasn’t unexpected.

But until the very last moment, no one could predict the outcome. The scores between the top two guilds were close now. With good planning tonight, reclaiming second was still possible.

Wen Xin’s mind worked quickly, especially in areas she cared about. In no time, she’d planned the team’s formation and strategy. Just as she was about to assemble the group and set out, a message popped up at the top of the guild chat.

Shi Yu: 【Long time no see. Hope I’m not too late.】

Shi Yu: 【Tonight’s the final showdown, right? Can you take me along?】

Shi Yu was back online!

After several days apart, Wen Xin had thought she’d quit the game for good and they’d never meet again. They’d only played together briefly compared to others, but Wen Xin still felt a twinge of regret and longing.

Seeing her again was a pleasant surprise. Emotions welled up in Wen Xin, but this was a critical moment—she couldn’t afford to waste time. Instead of catching up, she quickly replied: 【Sure.】

Yu An: 【Shi Yu, switch to your Swordsman character. Bring gear and a First Aid Kit.】

Shi Yu was very obedient: 【Got it.】

Wen Xin sent the invite, pulling Shi Yu into the party, and readjusted the formation. They were tackling a big boss tonight. Shi Yu’s level wasn’t high, so her health wouldn’t hold up well— the First Aid Kit was essential.

But no need to overpack; it’d just add weight. Wen Xin trusted Shi Yu’s skills. She shouldn’t take too much damage.

And as it turned out, everything went exactly as planned.

They smoothly took down the boss monster and cleared out plenty of mobs along the way. Wen Xin had even calculated the respawn times for the mobs—what positions to cover, what spots to hold, and how many people to assign.

The guild’s score surged in the final hours, reclaiming second place just before the event deadline.

“Awesome!” Cheers erupted from her teammates through the headset, the excitement infectious. Wen Xin grinned as she listened, then opened the team private chat, meaning to type something in.

But before she could, Shi Yu’s mic flashed briefly. It looked like she’d accidentally hit the key and quickly caught herself, shutting it off again.

Even so, in those few seconds, Shi Yu’s voice slipped out amid the cheers—unfamiliar yet strangely familiar.

“So good~” Her voice was exceptionally lovely, lingering in Wen Xin’s ears.

It was very soft, so very soft.