Fang Nianchen realized she’d gotten a bit too eager. Every time she got into Yu Wan’s car, she felt a special kind of excitement.
Perhaps after riding together so many times, she could now sit calmly in the passenger seat, staring straight ahead without glancing sideways.
As she pulled on the seatbelt, she thought again: President Yu wouldn’t take money, so how was she supposed to bribe her?
“Have you had breakfast?” Yu Wan asked as she reversed the car out.
“Not yet. I was planning to grab something at the company.” Fang Nianchen snapped back to attention and blinked. “Xiao Yan said there’s a new breakfast shop downstairs.”
Yes, a breakfast shop.
Not a coffee place or fast food joint, but legit Chinese-style breakfast—steamed buns, youtiao, doufunao, and the like. White-collar workers rarely ate that stuff.
She wanted to invite Yu Wan along but wasn’t sure if she’d like it. More importantly, she had no idea how to bring it up.
After a long silence, Yu Wan glanced sideways at her and saw Fang Nianchen staring at her with big, pitiful eyes, her expression all conflicted.
But the instant their eyes met, she sat up straight like nothing had happened.
Yu Wan couldn’t help laughing. “What are you staring at me like that for? If you’ve got something to say, just spit it out.”
“N-No, it’s nothing…” Fang Nianchen’s face heated up as she stammered, “W-Wanna grab breakfast together?”
“Sure, it’s still early anyway.”
The invitation went smoothly. Fang Nianchen’s lips curved into a smile as she patted the scented sachet in her bag. It was a long day ahead—she’d have to pick the right moment to give it.
At the breakfast shop downstairs from the company, Fang Nianchen had underestimated the number of corporate drones around. The small shop was packed, with only a few tables set up outside the door still empty.
After they ordered and sat down, people started coming over one after another to say hi.
“Morning, President Yu.”
“Good morning, Director Yu.”
“Morning.” Yu Wan kept her usual calm expression, though a faint smile tugged at her lips when she greeted them back, making her look like she was in a good mood.
Fang Nianchen caught the flash of surprise on their faces—probably at seeing Yu Wan’s smile—followed by wide-eyed stares the next second, no doubt because they’d spotted her.
Damn it, she’d forgotten this was right downstairs from the company, and Director Yu was such a high-profile figure. She hoped they’d just think she was someone sharing a table with Yu Wan.
The two of them had tacitly ordered wonton soup, which they ate fairly elegantly.
While waiting for their food, Fang Nianchen’s phone screen lit up. She caught a glimpse of a string of exclamation marks.
[Holy shit!!!]
Fang Nianchen unlocked her phone and tapped into WeChat, where Qiao Yan was howling like a banshee, complete with a photo. It was a sneaky shot of her and Yu Wan sitting face-to-face, with Yu Wan turning her head to greet someone.
Even though it was just a casual snap, Fang Nianchen thought she looked like a total idiot grinning in the picture.
Qiao Yan: [How do you manage to run into the bodhisattva just eating breakfast?!]
[Pitying you] [Hug]
Fang Nianchen obligingly sent back a shark bawling its eyes out emoji, playing up how she’d been forced into it.
No helping it—either rumors of bad blood between her and Yu Wan, or something even juicier. Weighing it out, it was better to briefly throw President Yu under the bus.
“Have you got everything?” Yu Wan confirmed item by item with her, just like dropping a kid off at kindergarten. “You haven’t gotten a new badge yet, right?”
“Group Leader Su gave me a spare card.” Fang Nianchen set her phone down. “Until the new one comes, I can use the spare to swipe in.”
“Just make do with it for a few days. I’ll follow up on the badge for you.”
“It’s fine, I’m not in a rush.” Replacing badges was HR’s job, and out of old colleague loyalty, Fang Nianchen didn’t have the heart to see them whipped into skipping meals by President Yu.
Yu Wan saw right through her. “What’s wrong? Scared I’ll spook the badge-making folks?”
“Nooo…” Fang Nianchen plastered on a smile, groveling hard. “I really don’t need it that urgently.”
Seeing how charitable she was being, Yu Wan gave in. “Alright, no rushing then.”
After they finished eating, Fang Nianchen got a message from Qiao Yan asking her to bring some breakfast.
It suddenly hit her: in the month since Yu Wan arrived, breakfast deliveries had popped up irregularly, but somehow the entire department—including her—had just accepted it as a thing and enjoyed it guilt-free.
“You’ve spent quite a bit treating everyone to breakfast.”
Hearing her suddenly bring up breakfast, Yu Wan paused. “It’s not that much. Everyone works so hard. Treating them now and then helps boost their motivation.”
“What if someone doesn’t appreciate it? Wouldn’t that be a waste?”
Fang Nianchen figured plenty in the department griped about Yu Wan’s harsh style. They scarfed down her breakfasts and snacks but trash-talked her mercilessly behind her back, like ungrateful wolves.
She actively disliked those people and felt bad for Yu Wan.
So she was beating around the bush, trying to get her to keep the money for herself.
“What if I have someone I want to win over?” Yu Wan smiled at her. “Then it’s hardly a loss, right?”
Fang Nianchen itched to bluntly ask who that person was.
But asking would come off nosy, and there was an 80% chance it’d piss her off.
She pressed her lips together and held back.
—
True to her word, when Yu Wan dropped her off at the planning department, Fang Nianchen realized Director Yu was a focal point wherever she went.
Curious stares or looks of envy and admiration came pouring in, making Fang Nianchen want to hide her away where no one could see.
Just a passing thought.
Su Xiazhi had said she wouldn’t be in that morning and arranged for someone to show her around. Fang Nianchen hadn’t expected it to be the planning director.
Being escorted back and forth between two directors made her feel like some nepotistic relative nobody knew.
Once Fang Nianchen was settled, Yu Wan followed Director Yang into the office.
“Xiazhi told me she worked really hard to convince this young lady to join our department. Didn’t expect you to value her so much you’d deliver her personally.” Director Yang poured Yu Wan a cup of water with a teasing smile. “Looks like I kidnapped one of your favorite subordinates?”
“Kidnapped? More like you stole my love outright.” Yu Wan’s smile was faint.
The planning department’s Director Yang was good friends with her former boss; they’d shared a few meals, so they were somewhat acquainted.
Yu Wan knew there was no need to be this frank about work, but on this matter, stating the truth wouldn’t raise eyebrows.
Hearing such grandiose phrasing, Director Yang chuckled a few times. “Speaking of which, you really came to Yunqi. Your old boss must’ve fainted in shock?”
In a sense, Yunqi and Yu Wan’s previous company were collaborators. Business was business, but losing talent like her—a meticulous work machine—had to hurt.
If her boss found out why she’d come to Yunqi, he’d dig three feet underground to track her down.
Yu Wan had said she had someone she really wanted to see in North City.
Choosing Yunqi was mostly because of her.
At that thought, Director Yang asked, “So, have you met that person you wanted to see?”
“Mm, not only met her, but we’ve talked a lot.” They even worked at the same company now, and she was her boss.
The coincidences piled up so perfectly that on the day they met, it took Yu Wan a full day to process the reality.
She hadn’t been able to hold back and called Fang Nianchen to her office near quitting time, desperate to confirm each other’s existence.
In a completely unfamiliar city, with no prior great expectations, when it all came true so effortlessly, that illusory yet solid feeling had her overjoyed to the point of mania.
She didn’t really believe in fate, but she’d devoutly bet on it once, and destiny had generously tilted in her favor.
“Oh? Really? That’s great.” Director Yang grinned, eyes crinkling. “Must be heaven looking out for you. So smooth, you’re bound to get what you wish for.”
He really thought Yu Wan’s boldness was no joke—coming all in just knowing the person was in North City. Good thing it worked out.
Yu Wan smiled. “Thanks.”
“Speaking of, this Xiao Fang’s an old acquaintance of yours, right?” After beating around the bush, Director Yang got to the point. “I saw her resume—impressive stuff. How’s someone like that content being a lowly staffer at Yunqi?”
Usually in cases like this, they’d either studied themselves stupid or just didn’t want to climb, competing with no one.
“I’m not entirely clear on the specifics either.” Yu Wan’s expression turned serious. “But I wanted to ask you for a favor.”
“Go ahead.”
“It might be that her family put too much pressure on her. She lacks confidence and doesn’t like to show off. But I can guarantee that her resume only reflects one-tenth of her abilities. If possible, I hope you can give her more opportunities, let her do what she wants to do, and… trust her a little more.”
Recalling Fang Nianchen’s unprecedented dejection that night—her eyes filled with anxiety and fear crashing down like a storm, her hands trembling uncontrollably despite her efforts to suppress it—Yu Wan felt an indescribable ache in her heart.
Fang Nianchen had said she was just anxious about the department transfer. But going further back, according to Fang Nianchen herself, it was her parents who had pushed her too hard.
Living in a high-pressure family environment, Fang Nianchen was forced to excel, forced to conform to others’ expectations.
To be honest, Yu Wan felt that Fang Nianchen was gradually developing a people-pleasing personality.
Otherwise, how could someone, while suffering in agony themselves, still think about comforting others?
She was like a matchstick—ignite it, and it burns for just two or three seconds. But she even set herself ablaze just to extend that fleeting warmth and light.
Fang Nianchen was much younger than her; she was clearly the one who needed care and attention the most.
Yu Wan didn’t want her useless bravado.
Yu Wan paused before speaking again. “To me, she’s a very important person.”
Director Yang was made nervous by her solemn demeanor. After finally hearing her out, he let out a breath of relief. “The way you put it, for someone you’re personally vouching for, of course I’ll trust her one hundred percent.”
It was the first time he’d heard Yu Wan ask for a favor—kind of novel.
To reassure Yu Wan, he promised, “Our Su Xiazhi is the best at encouraging people. Don’t let her occasional impatience fool you—the planning department has no one with stronger leadership skills. I’ve even thought that if I ever win the lottery, I’ll quit and recommend her as the planning director.”
To lighten the mood, Director Yang gave a dry chuckle. “Just not sure when that’ll happen—maybe in the year of the monkey and month of the horse.”
—
Fang Nianchen sat at her workstation for a long time before seeing Yu Wan emerge from the office.
Director Yang walked Yu Wan to the door and, on his way back, circled by her workstation. Seeing her settled in place, he nodded.
“Xiao Fang.” Director Yang gave her shoulder a hearty pat. “Work hard—someone has high hopes for you.”
Fang Nianchen knew that this “someone” was most likely Yu Wan.
She had no idea what they’d talked about for so long, but even if it was just for Yu Wan’s sake, she’d give it her all.
Su Xiazhi returned after lunch. At first, worried that Fang Nianchen might not grasp the department’s operations, she briefly explained the workflow and handed her a few planning proposals to review.
But after Fang Nianchen raised over a dozen questions in a row, each with the most perfect solutions, Su Xiazhi got so excited that she dragged her into the office and lectured her like a cram school all afternoon.
It wasn’t until nearly quitting time that Fang Nianchen was released from the office.
Su Xiazhi was still buzzing with excitement and wanted to treat her to dinner, but Fang Nianchen politely declined.
She hadn’t given Yu Wan her gift yet—no matter what, the birthday present couldn’t be late.
Su Xiazhi, ever perceptive, understood she had something to do and said next time.
Fang Nianchen always traveled light. She slung on her bag and felt the aromatherapy diffuser inside through the fabric—it was still bumpy even in its paper casing. Feeling its weight reassured her.
She couldn’t wait to see what expression Yu Wan would make upon seeing this birthday gift.
Would she be happy? Of course—nobody’s unhappy on their birthday.
At this moment, Fang Nianchen was purely innocent; her confidence stemmed from her trust in Yin Chi’s taste. Exquisite women rarely went wrong with gifts.
Her old work badge hadn’t been demagnetized yet, so she could swipe right into HR.
By this hour, many in HR had left, with just a few scattered people heads-down in their work. No one paid attention to why this familiar face had reappeared.
Fang Nianchen lightly knocked on the director’s office door.
“Come in.”
Yu Wan’s crisp voice rang out. Not having heard it all day made it sound especially pleasant.
Fang Nianchen poked her head in. “Are you busy right now?”
Yu Wan had assumed it was someone dropping off materials after hours—already overtime.
She’d just steeled herself to scold them when she saw a familiar face barge in, timidly clinging to the doorframe and asking if she was busy. She couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing.
“Come in.” Yu Wan pursed her lips, still a bit puzzled. “Why haven’t you clocked out yet?”
Now that she was here, she inexplicably felt a little shy.
Fang Nianchen fiddled with the hem of her clothes. “I did, actually.”
“Tired today?” Yu Wan set down her pen, stood up, and led her to the sofa. “Want some water?”
“No need. I came because… I have something for you.”
Hearing this, Yu Wan froze for a moment, then grew uneasy, though she kept a calm facade. “What is it?”
Fang Nianchen unzipped her backpack and reached in with both hands. She solemnly pulled out a paper box and handed it over. “Happy birthday.”
Those simple four words seemed to stun Yu Wan; she didn’t react for a long moment.
“President Yu?” Not sure what was going on, Fang Nianchen tentatively called out. “Senior?”
Seeing Yu Wan’s lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze blankly fixed on her, Fang Nianchen had no choice but to steel herself against the embarrassment and call, “Yu Wan…”
“Ah… oh.” Yu Wan snapped back to reality. “How did you… think to give me a birthday gift?”
“Because it’s your birthday.” Fang Nianchen was a bit baffled, but her answer was impeccable.
A date she’d always remember—probably only forget it in death.
“Mm…” Yu Wan nodded lightly, her breathing all over the place. “Right, it’s my birthday.”
Her throat felt tight and painful, but from sheer joy.
The surprise had come too suddenly; she was utterly unprepared. She hadn’t even dared to imagine Fang Nianchen remembering, let alone giving her a gift.
After all, just last week, in a fit of pique, she’d thought her “resignation” was Little Rascal’s birthday gift to her.
“It was such a surprise that I…” Yu Wan’s eyes grew hot, though not quite to tears. She exhaled, steadying herself. “I’m really happy you remembered. Thank you.”
“Can I open it?”
Fang Nianchen nodded. “Of course.”
Yu Wan sat beside her with the box, carefully undoing the ribbon. But it was tied too tight and wouldn’t budge.
Fang Nianchen got up to fetch scissors and handed them over.
Yu Wan glanced at them and refused. “I don’t want to ruin it.”
Fang Nianchen found President Yu’s insistence on this kind of thing adorably stubborn. Fine, no cutting then.
She put the scissors away and sat back beside Yu Wan, propping one hand on the sofa and leaning in to watch her work.
Neither spoke, sitting in silence for a few minutes until Yu Wan extracted the aromatherapy diffuser and held it up for a close look.
This shop had put a lot of effort into the container: a gold-wire flower design in the middle layer, sparkling in the sunlight.
Fang Nianchen propped on the sofa, her gaze on Yu Wan’s hands, and asked uneasily, “Do you like it?”
“I love it.” Yu Wan looked at her, smiling sincerely. “It’s the best birthday gift I’ve ever received.”
Fang Nianchen finally breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s great…”
She smiled, blinked, and their eyes suddenly met.
Yu Wan’s smile was gentle. Casually glancing, she caught the starry sparkles in Fang Nianchen’s eyes—on the verge of tears yet not quite—stirring her heart.
Their distance had never felt this close.
They fell suddenly silent, sensing each other’s breath, even their breathing slowing.
Fang Nianchen couldn’t tell if her heart skipped a beat then; she just couldn’t look away.
Yu Wan’s brown eyes were dyed with sunset ambiguity, her angelic smile gracing the world from her lips.
The atmosphere turned ambiguously intimate. Somehow, they seemed to draw even closer.
Unclear who initiated it.
Fang Nianchen could smell Yu Wan’s unique scent—hormones dancing wildly, electrifying her brain.
She’d only read “adrenaline surging” in books before. If she were to write it, it’d be “adrenaline exploding.”
“Cough—” Fang Nianchen panicked and turned away, her heart pounding fiercely, like it might burst.
She swallowed to mask her guilt, licking her dry lips.
Just now, she’d actually thought… thought…
The more she thought about it, Fang Nianchen felt like she could hardly breathe, forcing down her pounding heartbeat: “As long as you like it.”
She stammered, “Then… I’ll leave first.”
After saying that, Fang Nianchen picked up her backpack and, as if she had a guilty conscience, quietly shuffled toward the door.
“Wait.” Yu Wan had already put the aromatherapy back in the box.
Fang Nianchen obediently stood still.
“How about having dinner with me again tonight?”
“My… um… seems like…” Those improper thoughts have been popping up a bit too frequently lately. The last time was on Saturday.
Fang Nianchen was unsure if continuing this kind of contact would make things worse.
I’ve never been like this before.
She couldn’t control herself; the self-control she prided herself on was useless against people.
A faint disappointment seemed to flicker in Yu Wan’s eyes: “I was still thinking that on my birthday, at least there would be someone to keep me company.”
As she spoke, her expression grew even more downcast: “Do you… have plans tonight?”
Fang Nianchen shook her head at lightspeed: “No, I’m fine!”
