Chapter 44
Li Wan’s mouth formed an “O” shape in surprise. Seeing the elevator doors about to close, she quickly pressed the button, wanting to ask Xiao Yu a few more questions, but she heard someone calling him from the advertising department.
“Sister Wan, I have to go to a meeting now. We’re busy today, finalizing the advertising plan for Dongsheng.”
Xiao Yu winked and walked away briskly.
Li Wan stepped back into the elevator, composing herself, and noticed two colleagues from other departments besides herself and Qin Qianrou. They didn’t seem surprised by her reaction; after all, they were also curious.
Stepping out of the elevator, Li Wan sighed. “What’s going on with Dongsheng Group? Suddenly offering so much advertising revenue for no reason, do they think money grows on trees, or are they trying to revive traditional media?”
Qin Qianrou was also pondering this. Shao Qidong definitely had ulterior motives.
After all, Dongsheng Group was already well-known in Meng City. And as a high-tech enterprise, advertising on traditional media wasn’t necessarily effective.
“Maybe it’s a bribe disguised as advertising, to suppress our programs.” Li Wan followed Qin Qianrou into her office; she seemed to prefer being in her friend’s space.
Qin Qianrou took off her trench coat, hung it on the coat rack by the door, and made herself a cup of coffee.
“Whatever the motive, it’s definitely not pure.”
Li Wan hadn’t intended to stay long, but this matter was too strange and sudden, and her curiosity was piqued.
“I’ll find an excuse to go to the advertising department later, to find out what’s really going on. Judging by Xiao Yu’s cheerful demeanor, the entire department must be ecstatic.”
They both knew that the television station’s advertising revenue had been declining in recent years. The advertising department staff were demoralized and often felt inferior to other departments.
In any organization, those who generated revenue were naturally more proud and assertive, and the advertising department staff must have been waiting for a day like this for a long time.
“Don’t just focus on gossip, let’s finalize the topic for our next program first.” Qin Qianrou took a stack of reports from her drawer; this was what she wanted to discuss with Li Wan today. Since she was here, it saved her a trip.
“Haven’t heard from the deputy team leader lately?” Li Wan took the reports and casually flipped through them.
“He’s not in charge of program content, so what input could he possibly have?”
“He strongly opposed your proposal to investigate Dongsheng last time. I heard he recently moved.”
Qin Qianrou frowned, initially not understanding the implication of “moved,” until she saw the knowing look in Li Wan’s eyes.
“Is there a confirmed connection between the two?”
Li Wan said with a hint of regret, “There must be a connection, but there’s no concrete evidence. Lucky for him, he won the lottery.”
“Won the lottery? I haven’t heard him mention it.”
“He said his wife won it, and he’s just benefiting from it.” Li Wan scoffed; it seemed even she didn’t quite believe the story.
There were definitely connections to Dongsheng within the television station, but it was difficult to identify who they were. Not everyone at the station was as principled and discerning as they were; many simply viewed it as a job to make a living.
After Li Wan left, Qin Qianrou turned and looked out the window at the sky, suddenly feeling a sense of emptiness.
She had never felt this way before. She used to be completely absorbed in her work as soon as she arrived at the office. Reviewing materials, writing reports, searching for leads, recording programs – the endless tasks left her no time to dwell on her emotions.
Yet, now, she felt a sense of helplessness.
The atmosphere at the television station was deteriorating; it wasn’t the same as when she had first joined.
Over the years, Meng City’s economy had rapidly developed, and everyone’s lives seemed to be improving. However, people’s hearts and the state of society seemed to be diverging.
Qin Qianrou realized that now, she not only had to deal with the demands of her work, but also the pressure and obstacles from within the station. This made her feel tired and increasingly isolated.
But Qin Qianrou only allowed herself a brief moment of dejection, quickly regaining her composure and returning to her busy schedule. The Dongsheng folder remained on her desktop; she had never given up on the investigation.
Li Wan, after visiting the advertising department, dragged Qin Qianrou out for lunch.
“The cafeteria is too crowded and noisy, it’s more comfortable to have a business lunch outside.”
“You’re just craving something, aren’t you?”
A new dessert shop had opened next to the restaurant, and their macarons were said to be delicious.
“Hmph, I bet you’ll be craving them too later!”
After ordering, Li Wan looked around. Not many colleagues were here today, at least not near them.
“I went to the advertising department, and it’s just like Xiao Yu said, their director is beaming, practically glowing with joy.”
“Aren’t you afraid of being reported for saying that?”
Li Wan pouted. The television station was full of people with connections, but the advertising department was the epicenter. Especially the director, a middle-aged man with a beer belly, always boasting and taking credit for everything.
This large investment from Dongsheng must have made him ecstatic.
“Did he say why Dongsheng suddenly increased their advertising budget?”
Li Wan sighed. “If only he had the ability to find that out.”
“Increasing the budget from eight million to forty million for no reason is very unusual. As the advertising director, doesn’t he have any suspicions?”
Li Wan looked at Qin Qianrou helplessly. “Even if he did, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to ask. You know how bad their performance has been these past few years, they’re constantly being pressured to improve at every department meeting.”
Qin Qianrou rarely interacted with the advertising department, and hearing Li Wan’s explanation, she felt even more disappointed.
“But it’s alright, if he won’t tell us, I’ll find out myself.”
Qin Qianrou glanced at her. “Your father might not know about such a small matter.”
Forty million in advertising fees might be a big deal for the television station’s advertising department, but for Deputy Mayor Li, who was always busy with work, it was a trivial matter.
“It’s better to ask Zhuo Cheng than my father, after all, he’s working for Dongsheng now.”
Zhuo Cheng? Qin Qianrou remembered Li Wan had always disliked and avoided him. Why did she sound like she was in contact with him?
“Don’t look at me like that, it’s not what you think.”
Their business lunch arrived, and they focused on eating.
Halfway through the meal, Li Wan took a sip of honey water and explained her current situation with Zhuo Cheng. “I thought I had made myself clear last time we had dinner, but he took a step back and approached my father instead. Last week, he actually came to our house for dinner with my father. Isn’t that infuriating?”
“That’s extreme! It seems he hasn’t given up on you.”
Qin Qianrou wasn’t surprised. Li Wan was such a great catch, breaking up with her had definitely been Zhuo Cheng’s loss. But regret didn’t always guarantee a happy ending, and she wasn’t optimistic about them getting back together.
More importantly, Qin Qianrou vaguely sensed that her friend had someone else in her heart, and it definitely wasn’t Zhuo Cheng.
“He hasn’t given up, he has an agenda.” Li Wan was no longer as agitated or annoyed by Zhuo Cheng’s reappearance in her life as she had been initially. “I know him, don’t I? After working with Shao Qidong for so long, his heart must be blackened by now.”
“Jumping to conclusions so quickly, aren’t you afraid of angering Uncle Li?”
Li Wan sensed the teasing in her friend’s tone and glared at her. “Qianrou, don’t just laugh at me, think about your own situation.”
“I don’t have that problem at the moment.” Qin Qianrou was enjoying the after-meal fruit.
The pear wasn’t very sweet, just grainy and slightly watery, not as good as the fruit at home.
Shen Yiqiu had good taste. Ever since she became a supermarket regular, there had been a constant supply of fruit at home, and the quality kept improving.
“You’re far away from your family, you don’t believe me? Try going back to Hai City, you might be worse off than me.”
Qin Qianrou chuckled and said calmly, “That’s why I’m not going back.”
Li Wan felt a surge of envy and resentment towards her friend’s carefree attitude, but besides fiddling with her napkin, she had no other way to vent her frustrations. She paid the bill and went straight to the dessert shop next door.
As expected, lunch had just been an excuse; buying desserts was the main objective.
Qin Qianrou followed her inside, unmoved by the colorful and delicate desserts on display. She had never had a sweet tooth, occasionally indulging in a treat to lift her spirits, unlike Li Wan, who was a true enthusiast.
“Macarons are truly beautiful and delicious. So pretty, it would be a crime not to buy some.”
Li Wan pointed to a few flavors, her eyes filled with anticipation.
“Aren’t you buying any?”
Qin Qianrou shook her head, her arms crossed. “I’m not interested in these.”
Li Wan knew this, so she didn’t insist.
Taking the beautifully packaged box, she casually said, “I remember Shen Yiqiu seems to like sweets, should I buy another box for you to take home for her?”
Li Wan had become much closer to Shen Yiqiu since the milk tea incident. She had always felt grateful and had frequently treated Shen Yiqiu to dinner, only reducing the frequency after realizing she was making her uncomfortable.
But with more interaction came more understanding. They often discussed desserts, something Qin Qianrou rarely participated in, so naturally, she didn’t remember these details like Li Wan did.
Li Wan turned back to the counter and chose a few more flavors, similar to the ones she had just bought, with only two or three differences.
Before she could pay, Qin Qianrou held out her phone.
“I’ll pay.”
Before Li Wan could react, the cashier had already scanned the QR code. However, she wasn’t sure who to hand the box to.
The two beautiful customers seemed to be around the same age, and she couldn’t tell if one was buying for the other, or for themselves.
Qin Qianrou, sensing her hesitation, said, “Give it to me.”
Each carrying a beautifully packaged bag, they returned to the television station, Li Wan suppressing her laughter all the way. Qin Qianrou pretended not to notice; otherwise, the teasing would be endless.
Waiting for the elevator, they ran into Lin Shuangzhi, who had just returned. Seeing the lunchbox in her hand, Li Wan knew she hadn’t had time to eat yet.
“Eating cold food again?” The aroma had dissipated, it must not be fresh.
Lin Shuangzhi looked at the lunchbox ruefully. “I’ll heat it up in the microwave, it won’t be cold anymore.”
Although she was smiling, the exhaustion in her eyes was evident. She had clearly been in meetings all morning, mentally drained.
Lin Shuangzhi wasn’t like them. Their busyness stemmed from their work itself, while Lin Shuangzhi, as team leader, also had to deal with management tasks.
And management at the TV station typically involved endless meetings and discussions. Lin Shuangzhi practically lived in meetings, the only difference being where the meetings were held, how many there were, and how late they went.
Seeing Li Wan’s silence, Lin Shuangzhi tried to ease the awkwardness by changing the subject. She noticed the identical shopping bags in their hands and knew what they contained.
“Their desserts are quite good.”
Li Wan looked at her curiously. “You’ve tried them? Recommend a few flavors.”
Lin Shuangzhi sighed pitifully. “I don’t have time to try them, I’ve only heard my team members talking about them. They’ve recommended them to me several times, but I haven’t had time to buy any.”
Li Wan’s lips twitched, but she didn’t say anything.
Exiting the elevator, they went their separate ways, preparing for the afternoon’s work.
Lin Shuangzhi returned to her office, poured herself some hot water, and finally felt a bit better. She had been called to an impromptu meeting with the deputy station director this morning and hadn’t even had time for breakfast. She had been holding on until now and was feeling lightheaded.
She took the lunchbox out of the microwave. The faint, stale aroma wasn’t very appealing. She sighed and picked up her chopsticks, preparing to eat.
There was a knock on the door. Lin Shuangzhi put down her chopsticks, closed the lunchbox, and said, “Come in.”
It wasn’t work hours yet, whoever was looking for her at this time must have something important.
“Come in.”
Just as she finished speaking, Li Wan appeared at the doorway.
It hadn’t even been half an hour since they last saw each other in the elevator, why was she here?
Lin Shuangzhi’s eyes were filled with questions. She noticed that Li Wan wasn’t carrying any documents, only the dessert bag she had seen earlier. Same brand, but slightly different.
“Something I can help you with?”
Li Wan walked closer, her tone slightly unfriendly. “Can’t I come see you if there’s nothing wrong?”
Lin Shuangzhi didn’t understand her sudden hostility, as if someone had offended her.
“Here, you can try this when you have time this afternoon.” Li Wan placed the bag on her desk.
“This…” Isn’t this what you bought for yourself?
Lin Shuangzhi’s confusion deepened, but Li Wan avoided her gaze, staring at the water dispenser in the office, and said calmly, “I bought too much, so I’m sharing some with you, so you won’t be clueless next time your team members share theirs.”
So that was it. Well, thank you.
Li Wan quickly added, “I’m helping you promote team unity!”
With that, without waiting for Lin Shuangzhi to respond, she turned and left.
She had noticed the steaming lunchbox on Lin Shuangzhi’s desk when she came in. She was afraid that if she stayed any longer, the food would get cold again.
Sigh, everyone is working themselves to the bone, not even taking care of themselves, it’s so worrying!
**
Qin Qianrou left work punctually that day. Her team members had grown accustomed to this, but they were surprised by how punctual she was today.
“I think Sister Qianrou has a boyfriend. She’s been leaving earlier and earlier lately. Look at her today, gone five minutes after work.”
“Maybe she has other things to do, besides, how do you know she’s not going home to work overtime?”
“Calling you clueless would be an understatement, you’re destined to be alone! Have you seen Sister Qianrou’s complexion lately? Rosy and glowing, her beauty has leveled up, she’s practically radiating light!”
“Really? I haven’t noticed, she’s always been beautiful, beautiful every day.”
“Stop with your lovestruck act, if Sister Qianrou sees you like this, she’ll freeze you solid. But seriously, I think there’s definitely something different about her. Don’t you think she’s become much gentler lately…?”
They gathered together, gossiping as they packed up. Li Wan, emerging from her office, overheard their last few remarks.
“Hurry up and go home after work, so you won’t keep complaining about working overtime.”
Dismissing the gossipers, Li Wan also started pondering this. She had noticed the change in Qianrou, but she couldn’t figure out the reason. Now that even other colleagues had noticed, the change must be significant.
Her phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, she frowned slightly, but still quickly answered. “I just got off work, I’ll be right down.”
The man on the other end chuckled gently, his voice filled with affection even through the phone. “Don’t rush, I just wanted to let you know I’m downstairs. Xiao Wan, I’ll wait for you, no matter how long it takes.”
That last sentence made Li Wan roll her eyes. If it weren’t for the Dongsheng matter, she would never have agreed to have dinner with Zhuo Cheng again. And to make matters worse, he had extended the invitation in front of her father!
He was becoming more and more like Shao Qidong. Li Wan no longer just viewed Zhuo Cheng as her ex, but with suspicion and caution. She now categorized him with Shao Qidong, meeting him only to probe and gather information.
She suppressed her exhaustion after a long day at work, forcing herself to engage in an even more tiring task.
To look more presentable, Li Wan had touched up her makeup before leaving, and many of her colleagues assumed she was going on a date.
Lin Shuangzhi, seeing that most people had left, realized it was time to go home. Looking at the pile of unfinished work on her desk, she sadly realized she had to work overtime again.
Fortunately, she had desserts to keep her company. A single bite, and her mood improved considerably.
The box was half-open, already a third empty. Lin Shuangzhi had been hungry in the afternoon, and the lunchbox had been so unappetizing, she had only managed to eat half of it. Desserts were different; both the presentation and the taste were excellent.
Sweet but not cloying, soft and delicate, smooth and fragrant, not at all vulgar. No wonder it had received so many recommendations from her colleagues; it was truly delicious.
Lin Shuangzhi thought about thanking Li Wan before leaving. Without her, she wouldn’t have had the chance to try such a delicious treat today.
Just as she opened the door, she heard Li Wan on the phone.
Lin Shuangzhi paused at the doorway, patiently waiting for her to finish the call. To her surprise, after ending the call, Li Wan hurriedly left, without turning around or noticing her standing there.
Lin Shuangzhi quietly closed the door, sighed, and walked over to the window. Autumn was deepening in Meng City, and the days were getting shorter.
Soon, she saw Li Wan’s figure, then a luxury car across the street flashed its headlights.
Then, she saw a tall, young man in a suit get out of the car, gallantly opening the door and protectively shielding Li Wan as she got in.
Lin Shuangzhi chuckled self-deprecatingly, standing by the window for a while longer, until the car disappeared from view, before returning to her desk.
**
When Qin Qianrou arrived home, Shen Yiqiu was already there. She had more classes this semester, but thankfully, no evening classes, so she could usually get home on time.
“Wow, you’re home early today.”
The figure in a bear apron emerged from the kitchen, and Qin Qianrou held up the bag in her hand.
“I’m not hungry yet, no need to rush. I brought these, want to try some?”
Shen Yiqiu wiped her hands and walked over to Qin Qianrou, finally seeing what was in the bag.
Her eyes lit up, and she exclaimed, “Such beautiful packaging, they must be delicious.”
Qin Qianrou chuckled at her childishness. “Judging a book by its cover, how superficial.”
Shen Yiqiu followed her, watching as she placed the bag on the dining table, took out the box, and slowly opened it.
“I’m not being superficial, I trust your judgment.”
The box was fully opened, revealing a truly tempting assortment of treats. Shen Yiqiu couldn’t help but lick her lips.
“Only one before dinner.” Qin Qianrou said, her back towards her, yet seemingly aware of her reaction and anticipation.
“Okay, okay!” Shen Yiqiu immediately stepped forward and gently picked up a macaron, marveling at its delicate texture.
Qin Qianrou, seeing her delighted expression, felt it had been a good decision to buy them.
She hadn’t expected, however, that the next moment, the macaron in Shen Yiqiu’s hand would appear before her lips.
“Jiejie, you have the first one.”
Qin Qianrou paused, then softly said, “I’m not eating, you have it.”
Shen Yiqiu persisted, “I know you don’t like things that are too sweet, this one is the least sweet, it’s okay, just try it!”
Her eyes were bright and sincere, like a child eager to share a treasured treat, filled with anticipation for her to accept it, so they could both enjoy the deliciousness together.
Qin Qianrou understood this yearning and couldn’t bear to refuse.
However, in a daze, she forgot to reach out and take it, instead opening her mouth slightly, taking a small bite of the macaron Shen Yiqiu was holding.
The taste, as expected, was delicious.
Shen Yiqiu stared at her intently, wanting to capture every nuance of her reaction.
“How is it?”
“Not bad.”
Shen Yiqiu’s smile widened, as if she had created a culinary masterpiece.
Qin Qianrou finally snapped back to reality, realizing their proximity, the slightly awkward position.
Shen Yiqiu seemed to have grown taller these past few months; the height difference between them, when they were both wearing slippers at home, was becoming increasingly smaller.
“I’ll eat it myself, you go ahead.” Qin Qianrou took the half-eaten macaron from Shen Yiqiu’s hand, her ears feeling slightly warm.
Shen Yiqiu smiled and let go, turning to find her favorite flavor in the box.
Qin Qianrou took another small bite, staring at the child’s back, lost in thought.
With the delicious dessert, dinner was slightly later than usual.
As they were finishing up, Shen Yiqiu suddenly brought something up.
“I want to go back to Hai City next week.”
“Is something the matter?”
“Mm, sort of.” Shen Yiqiu’s voice was muffled, her mood noticeably lower than before. “I want to attend He Chao’s trial.”
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