Hangover soup requires quite a lot of ingredients, which can relieve headache and sober one up. Su Hao picked up the phone on the tea table and glanced at it; it was quite late at this hour.
She got up, her nightgown falling down. Even in this somewhat loose cotton dress, her slender figure was still faintly visible. She came to the triangular table by the sofa, picked up the receiver, and called the front desk.
Soon, someone answered.
Su Hao listed a few ingredients, such as kelp, tofu, small fish, and asked, “Do you still have these ingredients now?”
The front desk paused for a moment. Seeing the call was from this room, they immediately replied, “We can, we can find them. Do you want them now?”
Su Hao glanced back at Zhou Yang. Zhou Yang was resting his chin on his hand, maintaining the same posture as before, also looking at her. Their eyes met, and Su Hao calmly moved back and said, “Yes, now. If you can find them, please send them up. Thank you.”
After the other side said okay, Su Hao put down the receiver and looked at Zhou Yang. “You lie down for a while; I’ll get ready.”
With that, she turned and walked toward the attached kitchen.
The kitchen was very new, with all cooking utensils available. It was originally prepared for Zhou Yang and the others. The hotel did not dare be careless, and even if not used often, they replaced them regularly.
Su Hao turned on the hot water, rinsed the utensils, then took down the knife and cutting board, and opened the seasonings. Her slender figure swayed in the kitchen.
Zhou Yang’s neck was very red, the lines of his arms were also faintly reddish. The back of his hanging hand had veins bulging. He glanced at his phone, then at the woman in the kitchen. The smile on his face faded a lot; his narrow eyes looked heavy and darker. Her seriousness made his irreverence seem like a joke.
He leaned back, reclining on the sofa, eyes closed.
He didn’t like this type of woman, precisely because she was too serious, serious to the point one could not shake her off. Once encountered, she would stick, impossible to get rid of.
It was very hot.
He tugged at his collar with his fingertips, lifting it slightly.
Alcohol and fever hadn’t dulled his senses; instead, he was even more sensitive. Every sound from the kitchen entered his ears without missing a beat—the woman’s footsteps, her hands reaching for things in the cabinet, wiping the table with a cloth, fingertips wet with droplets, probably drying them.
The door rang.
Footsteps came out from the kitchen, walked past the tea table, headed toward the hallway, and opened the door.
“Sorry, thanks for your hard work.” Su Hao took the items, her voice gentle, every word extremely clear. Then, bang, the door closed. Su Hao carried the bag in; the footsteps grew closer. Zhou Yang’s eyelids moved slightly but didn’t open his eyes, looking very lazy.
It seemed as if he was exhausted.
He heard a cup placed on the tea table, then that gentle voice asked, “Slept?”
“If not asleep, drink some water.”
After speaking, she turned into the kitchen. That soft voice followed her back into the kitchen. Zhou Yang finally opened his eyes, sat upright, leaned forward, looking at the glass of water.
His chest thumped due to the heartbeat, thumping because of the alcohol’s effect.
He thought.
He lifted the glass and took a sip, casually picked up the cigarette pack, shook out a cigarette, put it in his mouth, and flicked the lighter.
The orange flame climbed up his brow.
The cigarette lit; he exhaled a smoke ring, playing with the smoke.
The phone on the table beeps repeatedly.
All were messages from Su Hao.
Su Hao only set WeChat to notify of incoming messages with names visible but no content.
One was Shen He.
One was T.
It was 10:30 PM.
Zhou Yang’s eyes scanned these two WeChats.
She hadn’t expected the hotel to deliver such fresh ingredients so late. Then she realized that this hour was when the vegetable wholesale market had just opened. Major hotel restaurants all went to the wholesale market to pick up pre-ordered vegetables.
So the ingredients were so fresh.
The small fish were still lively, ten of them were delivered to her. As long as there were enough ingredients, Su Hao was very fast. Soon, the aroma wafted through.
Su Hao found a relatively large bowl, scooped the soup and ingredients, and brought it out of the kitchen.
The living room had a slight smell of smoke; the man was checking his phone emails, cigarette in hand. Were it not for the alcohol scent and the abnormal redness on his ears and neck, one would think he was fine. Su Hao placed the bowl down, put the spoon in the bowl, wiped her hands, and said, “Eat.”
Zhou Yang stubbed out the cigarette, curved his lips, and said, “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. You helped me a lot before.”
Hearing this, Zhou Yang’s fingers paused, then grabbed the spoon, scooping soup, expression unreadable.
Su Hao half-squatted, searching through the first aid box on the tea table. She hadn’t looked for antipyretics here before, so it was a little hard to find. Her nightgown had long sleeves, somewhat loose; the hand that searched slid past her elbow, revealing a slender, fair wrist, like the tofu in Zhou Yang’s hangover soup.
Zhou Yang lifted the bowl, resting his hand on his knee, drinking, eyes falling on her wrist. “You have two WeChats.”
“Huh? Let me see.” Su Hao tilted her head and turned on the screen.
Seeing clearly, she didn’t rush to check and went back to searching for antipyretics.
Zhou Yang swallowed a piece of tofu, eyebrows and eyes playful. “Besides Shen He, the other one is Tang Rui?”
Su Hao finally found the antipyretic, paused, broke off a black pill, and said, “Yes.”
“Hangover soup tastes good. Often make it?” Very fresh. Zhou Yang was drinking it for the first time; he hadn’t had a fever with alcohol before. His tone is casual, expression calm.
Su Hao answered generously, “Yes, my mom’s specialty. Before my dad got sick, he drank often. I occasionally made it for him. Tang Rui also likes to drink when he’s had too much.”
“Oh?” Zhou Yang finished drinking; the soup was gone.
Su Hao placed the medicine beside him, then picked up her phone, saying, “Take the medicine again in two hours; I’ll leave first.”
“Don’t shower. Wait until your fever subsides tomorrow morning.” Su Hao reminded him again, then turned off the light at the entrance and left the apartment.
She opened the door.
The hem of her dress was drawn back, then the door closed, making the dress disappear from view.
The room fell silent.
Even the faint scent of the woman dissipated. Zhou Yang looked at the door, then withdrew his gaze, pinched the pills on the table. The first aid box contained black and white antipyretics. Last night Su Hao took the black ones; his fingertips still felt warm. Gentle personality was like vines.
After growing, climbing up, entwining, then retreating, it left traces.
Because she had killed fish, even after washing her hands, there was still a fishy smell. Su Hao returned to the room, showered again, changed into pajamas, and lay down to sleep.
Before closing her eyes, she thought of Zhou Yang’s attitude tonight.
It was slightly different from when he was young; at least now, he was much gentler. That bit of rebelliousness seemed worn down by the years.
This man would be quite suitable as a friend.
While thinking, she suddenly remembered there were WeChats she hadn’t replied to.
She picked up her phone and opened them.
Shen He: Hao Hao, how much longer until you’re back? Cough cough cough, can’t sneak a break?
Su Hao: No, I need to work properly. Almost done. I’ll return once I finish.
Shen He: Not asleep yet? I thought you were.
Su Hao: Prepared.
Shen He: Then sleep early, finish work early. I rarely travel on business!!!
Su Hao: Okay.
Then she was excited to check the other WeChat.
T: Slept?
Su Hao: Yes.
T: Looks like not. How’s the new job?
Su Hao: Okay.
T: Hmm.
The last reply was slow. Su Hao was very sleepy; she put down the phone and slept, not replying further.
The hangover soup was effective. After about an hour, Zhou Yang felt the alcohol’s effect less intense. He stood, casually took the black pill, unbuttoned his shirt, went into the bathroom, undressed, revealing abs. He turned on the shower; hot water poured down.
His hair immediately stuck down; he leaned on the wall, eyebrows dripping water.
Eyes closed.
Besides the sound of water hitting the floor, there seemed to be other sounds—the kitchen sounds, footsteps, the slender figure, her sleeves slipping while searching for pills, revealing fair wrists.
Adam’s apple moved; droplets slid down his neck.
Water sounds rushing.
The man’s voice very low: “Fuck.”
The medicine worked quickly. After showering, wrapped in a bathrobe, Zhou Yang sat on the edge of the bed, lazily wiped his hair, slightly dry, then lay down.
The medicine took effect.
He fell into a dream, a dream like a willow branch, a slim waist.
He slept until dawn. Su Hao was woken by the alarm. As it rang, a call came. She picked up the phone; it was Chen Yu. Su Hao paused, grabbed her hair, and sat up.
“Chen Yu, good morning.”
“Good morning, Su Hao. When are you going to Fei Jie?”
“Later, I just woke up.” Su Hao yawned, walked barefoot to pull the curtains, letting a little light flow in. Chen Yu hesitated, then smiled, “Su Hao, today you help me reconcile an account from March. It’s Feng Ying’s.”
Feng Ying.
Wasn’t the supplier Su Hao found yesterday with a different purchase price?
Su Hao froze, then realized: “You… didn’t reconcile at the time?”
Chen Yu didn’t expect Su Hao to react so quickly. Her voice lowered, “Not unreconciled, I just didn’t notice price fluctuations.”
“You help me find it, send it to me. I’ll sort the general ledger and reconcile with your side, then submit to General Zeng. Don’t tell Zhang Xian or Lu Mimi yet.”
Same routine again.
Su Hao recalled what Zhang Xian said yesterday, pondered, then said, “Zhang Xian knows everything. Don’t try to be sly in front of her.”
“What do you mean?” Chen Yu wanted to speak but was cut off, asking Su Hao.
Su Hao had always had a good relationship with Chen Yu since coming to the company. Chen Yu took her to meals, helped her get familiar with the company, and when Zhang Xian and Lu Mimi weren’t friendly, Chen Yu supported her. Su Hao remembered this favor but couldn’t be partial at work. She said, “The account from yesterday, Zhang Xian called about me.”
“You said?” Chen Yu asked again.
Actually, Zhang Xian had called Chen Yu at the time, but Chen Yu was busy with her phone and didn’t take it seriously. Now she forgot.
Her question left Su Hao awkward.
She whispered, “Zhang Xian called yesterday to mention me.”
“Really? But why didn’t she tell me?”
Seeing her aggressive tone, Su Hao didn’t bother explaining further. Her voice remained gentle, harmless yet firm. “In the future, I’ll help with small matters, but big matters like account errors that are found and revised later, I will report to Zhang Xian. Hope you understand.”
Click.
The call ended.
Su Hao held the phone, exhaled, looked outside, lost in thought.
After standing there for a while, she went to shower, but her chest still felt blocked. Since Zhang Xian called to mention her, why didn’t she tell Chen Yu, causing Chen Yu to take out her anger on her?
Su Hao frowned.
Then thought, Zhang Xian probably did tell her, considering Chen Yu’s usual work attitude.
…probably didn’t take it seriously?
Thinking this, Su Hao felt better. She changed clothes, her expression no longer so dispirited. The hotel breakfast had arrived at the door. Su Hao brought it in, finished eating, picked up her small bag, hurried into the building. Time was a bit late.
Entering the building, she went upstairs. Her phone beeped.
She took it out:
Zhou Yang: What water should I drink?
Su Hao frowned.
This sounded more flirtatious.
But… she felt she shouldn’t think that way about a patient.
Su Hao: Warm water.
Zhou Yang: Okay.
Seeing this reply, Su Hao exhaled, exited the elevator, and proceeded with work.
Today’s work was particularly uncooperative. Chen Yu didn’t cooperate, and Su Hao was annoyed several times. In the end, she had to ask Lu Mimi for help.
After Lu Mimi learned Chen Yu was uncooperative, she scolded her. A few minutes later, Chen Yu obediently sent WeChat messages to Su Hao, allowing her to continue with her work.
The cashier observed, somewhat amused.
After giving Su Hao the receipts, smiled: “Headquarters has many strange things. Assistant Su, you’re too honest, be careful.”
Though honest, Su Hao was smart and sensitive. After checking accounts yesterday, the cashier dared not underestimate her. He just wanted to vent and perhaps gossip, but Su Hao didn’t want to know. Some things are better known as little as possible.
Today, work ended late, possibly due to delays. Zhou Yang’s driver still picked up Su Hao. Su Hao returned to the hotel, had dinner, finished accounts, and rested. That night was peaceful.
The next two days, Su Hao didn’t see Zhou Yang. He didn’t return to the hotel; the driver shuttled her to and from.
After she finished all the accounts, General Zeng’s assistant called: “Su Hao, your plane ticket has been purchased. Return this afternoon.”
Su Hao paused, “Okay.”
The assistant smiled: “General Zhou still has things to do; probably will stay two more days in Haishi.”
Oh.
I see.
Su Hao began packing. The driver came, took her to the airport. Business class again, she sat alone. At 3 PM, she arrived in Li Cheng. She dragged her suitcase to the company, handed the accounts to Zhang Xian. Chen Yu focused on processing receipts.
Only Lu Mimi greeted Su Hao.
Su Hao smiled, glanced at Chen Yu, then went home.
She washed clothes, tidied the living room and room, feeling a settled sense of belonging. Su Hao leaned on the sofa, a bit lazy.
Her phone received a WeChat notification.
She picked it up:
Shen He: Hao Hao, you’re back? I’m busy for two more days. Let’s meet after that.
Su Hao: Okay.
The next two days, Su Hao was very busy. Accounts had to be consolidated, transferred funds rechecked, and many reimbursement forms handled.
Su Hao was extremely busy, and apart from work, she didn’t chat with Chen Yu.
Two days later.
Finally free, Su Hao finished an early shift, checked her phone.
Shen He sent a WeChat.
Shen He: I’ll pick you up from your company directly?
Su Hao had to stop and reply.
Su Hao: Okay.
Just then, a black Mercedes arrived, stopped at the door. Window down, Shen He waved, “Hao Hao.”
Su Hao smiled, walked up a few steps, opened the door, and sat in the passenger seat.
“What to eat?” Shen He wore a black hoodie, jeans, and was very young. Su Hao thought and said, “Anything. I’m not familiar here.”
“Alright, let’s have Japanese food.” Shen He started the car, glanced at Su Hao. She wore a black off-shoulder dress, slim figure.
Hair tied up, slightly messy.
Still beautiful.
Night fell. A Porsche arrived at the airport. A tall man removed his tie, leaned into the car, legs crossed. His brows carried faint fatigue but still exudes charm.
Assistant Lu adjusted the endoscope, asked, “General Zhou, back to company?”
Zhou Yang held his phone, opened WeChat.
In the group chat, several people were chatting, inviting:
Li Yi: Anyone free? Come over for drinks.
Jiang Yu: At your winery?
Li Yi: Yes.
Li Yi: Zhou Yang, arrived?
Zhou Yang held a cigarette, bit it without lighting, chewed the tobacco, typed with fingertips.
Zhou Yang: Arrived, exhausted. Still drinking? Tsk.
Li Yi: Not coming?
Wen Ze Li: My brother-in-law is still in Li Cheng. Tonight’s date.
Xu Dian: Oh? Rare. Zhou Yang playing matchmaker?
Wen Ze Xin: Yes, who would’ve thought General Zhou also set up matches, haha. When can you introduce one to me? I need one! Jiangnan beauty, like Su Hao, is as tender as water.
Lights from outside shone in, hitting Zhou Yang’s sharp face. Expression unreadable. He watched the scrolling chat, then grabbed a tissue, spat out the tobacco, exited the chat, and opened When He’s avatar.
Zhou Yang: Come for drinks, with the Liang wine you were looking for.
Zhou Yang: Bring Su Hao along, don’t let her go home alone.
Author’s note: Soon, plot quickens. Muah, almost V chapter, love you all. This chapter still has 100 red packets.
Thanks to angels who voted with free ticket obtained by force or watered with nutrition during 2020-05-20 17:41:29 ~ 2020-05-21 17:49:56.
Thanks for shooting rockets, little angels: Today Zhou Yang likes Su Hao? 2;
Thanks for hand grenades, little angels: Mu He 1;
Thanks for landmines, little angels: sherry9834, Crematorium~~, I am a small Wang Z ai, Raging Fire, Li Zhi Zhi, Xi Ben Wu Xin, 42270276, Jin Yu 1;
Thanks for watering nutrition, little angels: Tomato Scrambled Egg Sweet 20 bottles; Your Dad Still Your Dad 12; Zan Ying’s Tofu Loves Reading 11; Today Zhou Yang Likes Su Hao?, Future Letter, Rain Dream, nonoyeung 10; ky 8; Heeheehee, Jia Mu, Today BBQ Open?, Clothes, HI, Xiao Zhang Hungry Again?, My Friend Wants to Watch 5; Zhang Xiao Wo 4; Are You Acting Cute Sister?, 31364680, Hehehehe, Muzi lu, Ting Ting, Xiao Celery Juice, If Not Renamed Won’t Find Self, Mu Chi 2; Mrs, Fat Cat, Jiang Jiang Classmate, gemini Ya, MGN, 38958723 1.
Thanks everyone for your support, I will continue to work hard!