Chapter 40: Returning

At thirteen weeks pregnant, Cheng Zhanya had finally endured the most grueling first three months.

She still experienced occasional nausea, but it was far less severe than in the early stages.

So she returned to the company ahead of schedule.

Our Beautiful Times had garnered positive feedback right from the teaser release. The comic’s pacing was tight and engaging, boosted by the original novel’s fanbase and Cheng Zhanya’s own popularity, which had rocketed it to the top of the app’s trending list, prominently pinned there.

No one was happier about Cheng Zhanya’s return than Xiao Xiao.

After hearing the news, Xiao Xiao had ordered a welcome-back cake overnight and was waiting bright and early at the company entrance.

Cheng Zhanya had cut her hair, transforming her look dramatically from before.

With more than a month apart, Xiao Xiao took just two steps forward before stopping uncertainly.

A moment later, she exclaimed in astonishment, “Sister Zhanya, you cut your hair?!”

Cheng Zhanya touched the ends of her hair and smiled lightly. “Yeah. Does it look bad?”

How could it possibly look bad!

Xiao Xiao thought.

She shook her head and hurried forward, affectionately linking arms with her. “Sister Zhanya, this hairstyle is gorgeous on you. It makes you look so youthful.”

“Like a high schooler—no one would guess you’re about to be a mom.”

Cheng Zhanya chuckled. “Come on, high schooler is an exaggeration.”

“It’s true.” Xiao Xiao pouted, her face full of envy. “Long hair gives off that elegant, gentle vibe; short hair is smart and playful, really bringing out your presence. Whatever the style, your face carries it effortlessly.”

Any more flattery and Cheng Zhanya wouldn’t know what to say.

She just shook her head, not bothering to argue.

“I’ve already cleaned your desk, and I put a blue-light-blocking screen protector on your computer—anti-radiation.”

“You can just focus and get back to work.”

Truth be told, she and Xiao Xiao weren’t that close; they’d only worked together for about a month. This kind of thoughtfulness was truly rare.

Cheng Zhanya thanked her from the heart. “Thank you so much, Xiaoxiao.”

“Heh heh…”

Xiao Xiao grinned foolishly, scratching her scalp. “It was nothing, just tinkering around.”

But doing little things for her idol made her happy too.

Before this, she never would have dared imagine it.

Her favorite artist becoming her colleague.

“Is that… Sister Zhanya?”

Qiu Yue from the front desk had just returned from outside and stared at Cheng Zhanya in disbelief. “You cut your hair this short?!”

Cheng Zhanya smiled and nodded. “Trying out a short style.”

“It looks great.”

“Thanks.”

“Zhanya’s back! Welcome back~”

“How are you feeling?”

“You got a haircut!”

“Welcome home!”

“…”

“……”

Cheng Zhanya had barely sat down when her colleagues swarmed her with greetings, their voices overlapping in a cheerful morning buzz.

Aside from welcoming her return, all the talk revolved around her new haircut.

The lively chatter died down the moment Lu Ting stepped into the office. Everyone snapped back to their desks, heads down and focused.

Lu Ting swept an expressionless glance over them, then paused by Cheng Zhanya’s workstation. Her face softened instantly.

“Zhanya, welcome back.”

Cheng Zhanya smiled faintly. “I’m back.”

Once Lu Ting had gone, Xiao Xiao sidled over. “The director’s always so gentle with you.”

“The director’s gentle with everyone.”

“No, no… it’s different.” Xiao Xiao pouted. “She’s extra gentle with you. But that’s normal—you’re Bingcheng, after all.”

Cheng Zhanya chuckled. “You’re gentle too.”

“That’s only with you.”

Xiao Xiao paused, then grinned slyly. “Whoops, guess I’m pretty biased myself.”

During her time working from home, Cheng Zhanya hadn’t fallen too far behind. She’d stuck to Lu Ting’s schedule of one update every two weeks.

Readers had plenty of complaints but were understanding overall.

She sighed to herself. Readers were truly kind.

In preparation for a smooth return, she’d spent the last few days planning carefully and reviewing her old chapters.

Her colleagues were still just as friendly.

There was no awkward disconnect.

She opened her software and first skimmed the script.

With national policies in place, web novels now faced stricter reviews. To stay faithful to the original work, Cheng Zhanya often wracked her brain over sensitive scenes.

Fortunately, there weren’t many of them.

Cheng Zhanya breathed a sigh of relief.

The autumn afternoon was still sweltering.

Heat seeped through the glass windows despite the office air conditioning.

Feeling chilly, Cheng Zhanya draped her jacket over her shoulders.

Since getting pregnant, her constitution had changed; she was much more sensitive to cold. South City had big temperature swings between morning and evening, and Fan Yaobai had made a point of reminding her to bring a jacket when they left the house.

Her WeChat notifications kept pinging. When she checked, they were from Fan Yaobai.

—How’s it going?

—Feeling okay?

—Don’t push yourself if you’re uncomfortable. What’d you eat for lunch? Any nausea?

—Sweet and sour ribs. No nausea. Feeling good.

Her friend’s caring words warmed Cheng Zhanya’s heart. Her fingers flew over the keyboard as she replied.

—Glad to hear it. I’ll pick you up tonight!

—Don’t take the rush-hour subway.

Ever since they’d decided to keep the baby, Fan Yaobai had doted on her relentlessly.

Anyone who didn’t know better might think she was the other mom.

It was touching—and a little funny.

As Cheng Zhanya thought that, another message popped up from Fan Yaobai.

—Take good care of my goddaughter.

Cheng Zhanya shook her head.

—Will do!

With the check-in done, Fan Yaobai vented a few minor work frustrations. Nothing serious.

Work always came with its irritations.

Fortunately, Fan Yaobai wasn’t one to hold grudges; once she got it off her chest, that was that.

At six o’clock, the sun hadn’t fully set, painting the sky a deep orange—softer than the midday glare.

Cheng Zhanya had only managed to rough out part of her draft over the course of the day.

She said goodbye to Xiao Xiao, checked the time, and leisurely tidied her desk before shutting down her computer.

Soon, the office was empty except for her.

Once she’d packed up, Cheng Zhanya messaged her friend to ask where she was.

Fan Yaobai replied right away: almost there—head on down.

Cheng Zhanya sent back an OK sticker.

It was one made from a photo of Fan Jiujiu, snapped casually while she was at home. She’d thought it was adorable.

Grabbing her things, she stood to head downstairs.

The door to the director’s office slid open with a soft click. Their eyes met.

Cheng Zhanya spoke first. “Still working, Director?”

“All finished.” Lu Ting’s gaze flicked briefly to Cheng Zhanya’s belly before shifting away. She smiled. “Why are you still here so late?”

“My friend’s coming to pick me up. I’m waiting for her.”

“I see.”

Lu Ting nodded casually. “Has she arrived?”

They stepped into the elevator together. Cheng Zhanya replied, “She should be here any minute.”

“Back at work already—feeling any pressure?”

“Nope.”

Perhaps because of the pregnancy, she’d been drowsy all afternoon. She couldn’t have coffee like she used to, so she’d endured by splashing cold water on her face several times.

She’d only really gotten into the groove past four.

Before she knew it, the workday was over, but she had hardly made any progress. Her boss’s concern made her feel a little embarrassed.

She hadn’t felt pressured before.

But Lu Ting’s question left Cheng Zhanya inexplicably guilty.

“I can update on time next week,” she said.

“I believe you.” Lu Ting chuckled lightly. “Don’t stress. I wasn’t trying to rush you.”

Cheng Zhanya smiled as well. The elevator dinged on the first floor, and the doors slid open.

“Has your friend shown up?” Out front by the main doors, Lu Ting watched the stream of traffic.

Lu Ting glanced sideways at her.

Cheng Zhanya was beautiful. The short hair accentuated her facial contours—her jawline firm and graceful, her large eyes lending her an air of innocence.

She had wanted to ask Cheng Zhanya to dinner, but she already had plans. What a shame.

There would be other opportunities.

No need to rush.

“She should be here soon,” Cheng Zhanya said. She was watching the roadside intently and missed Lu Ting’s appraising look.

“Director, where’s your car parked?”

It dawned on her belatedly that Lu Ting showed no sign of leaving, so Cheng Zhanya made small talk.

Lu Ting pointed off in one direction.

“Off the clock, no need for ‘Director’ or any formalities.”

“Just call me Lu Ting.”

She had mentioned it before, but Cheng Zhanya had clearly forgotten.

Lu Ting felt a touch helpless.

“Got it.”

Cheng Zhanya tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. When she looked up again, she spotted Fan Yaobai jogging toward them.

She arrived still panting, hands on her hips, oblivious to Lu Ting standing there. “Your office is pretty far from the subway.”

Cheng Zhanya handed her a tissue. “Wipe off your sweat.”

After a beat, she remembered her manners and made introductions. “Baibai, this is our company director, Lu Ting.”

“Director…” Cheng Zhanya hesitated, then corrected herself under Lu Ting’s teasing gaze. “Lu Ting, this is my best friend, Fan Yaobai.”

“Hello.” Lu Ting greeted her firmly.

Only then did Fan Yaobai turn her attention to Lu Ting. One look, and she was struck by how stunning she was.

Totally her type.

After a quick round of introductions, the two shook hands.

“Out for dinner?” Lu Ting asked as she pulled her hand back, her tone even.

“Cooking at home.”

“Ya’er can’t handle takeout right now; it makes her nauseous,” Fan Yaobai explained.

“Ms. Fan must be an excellent cook.”

Cheng Zhanya nodded emphatically at her boss’s words. “She really is. Baibai’s food is amazing.”

“It’s nothing special.” Fan Yaobai waved it off modestly.

“I’d love to try Ms. Fan’s cooking sometime.”

“Sure, come over to our place anytime.”

“Sounds good.”

With her hands stuffed in her jacket pockets, Cheng Zhanya watched as the two traded polite banter.

Night fell faster once the sun dipped below the horizon.

The city thrummed with the start of its evening revelry.

“You took the subway? Let me drive you home.”

“No, no—that’s too much trouble.”

Cheng Zhanya never liked imposing on people, especially not her direct boss. Who knew what kind of rumors might start if word got around.

She herself didn’t mind.

She was just concerned for Lu Ting.

“It’s no trouble,” Lu Ting insisted.

Cheng Zhanya waved her off. “Really, the subway’s fine. Besides, traffic’s always jammed at this hour.”

Lu Ting went quiet for a few seconds. “All right, then. See you tomorrow.”

“See you.”

After bidding Lu Ting goodbye, the two headed toward the subway at an easy pace.

The rush-hour train was packed to the gills, bodies pressed everywhere. With Cheng Zhanya pregnant, Fan Yaobai wasn’t about to risk squeezing through the crowd now—an injury would be a disaster.

Cheng Zhanya had rested for over a month and was well past the danger zone, but she still wasn’t taking chances.

She understood Fan Yaobai’s concern completely.

“Your director’s so young.”

“She’s beautiful and so capable,” Fan Yaobai thought, picturing Lu Ting’s cool and aloof face. She couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

Cheng Zhanya smiled. “Director Lu really is outstanding. You should give it a shot.”

Fan Yaobai frowned, though a smile played across her face. “Give what a shot?”

“Try pursuing her.”

“Someone that excellent might already be married.”

“I’ll ask her for you.”

“You deserve a beating.” Fan Yaobai shot her a grumpy glare before bursting into laughter again. “She’s right up my alley, sure, but I’m not at the point where she’s the only one for me.”

“Let’s just go with the flow.”

Cheng Zhanya’s voice was drowned out by the crowd.