The female colleagues were all quite satisfied and were already planning to make their own versions at home. People nowadays liked to follow trends, and few had truly unique ideas—seeing something nice, they wanted one for themselves too. Work was no longer boring for Lin Qianyi; after finishing her tasks, she would translate some materials, and when tired, she would chat with her colleagues for a bit. There was plenty of gossip at the factory, and sometimes Lin Qianyi listened with great interest, enjoying the drama—though, of course, the biggest “drama” lately was about herself. Overall, life felt quite comfortable.
“Looks like we’re getting a new colleague today,” Wang Lan whispered to Lin Qianyi. This girl had a knack for news, always wandering around and often poking into offices.
“Is she coming to our office?” Lin Qianyi asked while looking at some documents.
“Yep, our office. And she’s probably someone important,” Wang Lan said mysteriously. Now, the factory office wasn’t short of staff, so a spot in the office was hard to get.
While they were quietly talking, the office director led the new colleague inside.
“Everyone, quiet please. We have a new colleague joining us today,” the director said, scanning the room.
“Hello everyone, my name is Lin Liping,” said a young woman. Lin Qianyi looked up and recognized her—it was the girl she had seen on the street yesterday.
“This girl must come from a well-off family. Look at her clothes—they’re probably from Haicheng. Nothing like this around here,” Wang Lan whispered.
“Sharp eyes,” Lin Qianyi smiled lightly.
“Look at her expression—she seems a little proud,” Wang Lan added quietly.
The director led the new colleague to a desk not too far from Lin Qianyi, slightly closer to the front. Lin Liping froze for a moment when she saw Lin Qianyi—she recognized her too. Lin Qianyi noticed and smiled slightly; Lin Liping returned the smile before taking her seat.
“Do you two know each other?” Wang Lan whispered to Lin Qianyi.
“No, just saw her on the street yesterday,” Lin Qianyi replied softly.
“Oh,” Wang Lan nodded and didn’t press further. Lin Qianyi focused on her work, turning her attention back to translating her documents.
Engineer Xu had given her some more complex materials to translate, but she could handle them well. Xu also provided her with a reference book, making the translation smoother. The arrival of a young, pretty colleague made the office more lively. Visitors to the factory office were mostly dealing with minor matters, and most were young men. The office staff exchanged knowing smiles—Lin Qianyi had experienced this when she first arrived. If it weren’t for the Ma Zhenqiang incident, the office would always have a steady flow of people.
At lunchtime, Lin Qianyi slowly packed up the materials on her desk.
“I need to hurry, there’s braised pork today. If I’m late, I won’t get any,” Wang Lan said, picking up her lunch box and rushing off.
“Thanks for yesterday,” Lin Liping approached.
“No need. The little one is fine, right?” Lin Qianyi put her documents into a drawer and locked it.
“Yes. Are you heading to the cafeteria? Come with me,” Lin Liping invited.
“No, I’m going home,” Lin Qianyi politely declined.
“Then I’ll go first.” Someone called for Lin Liping, and she left to head to the cafeteria.
Lin Qianyi finished tidying her desk, went downstairs, and leisurely rode her small bicycle home. At noon, some who had eaten at the cafeteria went for a walk, others returned to the office to rest. Wang Lan and Lin Liping’s homes weren’t at the factory, so with the sun strong outside, they returned to the office for lunch. Lin Liping chatted with Wang Lan, subtly trying to learn more about Lin Qianyi. Wang Lan, being straightforward, answered openly.
When Lin Qianyi arrived at the office in the afternoon, she found Lin Liping and Wang Lan deep in conversation.
“Qianyi, I heard from Liping that you and your boyfriend saved her little brother on the street yesterday?” Wang Lan asked as soon as she saw Lin Qianyi.
“Oh, we just happened to run into it yesterday,” Lin Qianyi replied, opening her drawer.
“Your boyfriend came again yesterday?” Wang Lan asked, looking curious.
“It was a day off,” Lin Qianyi smiled and took out her documents.
“Your boyfriend really cares about you,” Wang Lan said enviously.
“Not too much,” Lin Qianyi said graciously, not embarrassed at all.
“Qianyi, you’re really lucky. Your boyfriend—not just in our county, but in all of Lincheng—there’s no one better than him,” Wang Lan exclaimed with envy and admiration.
Lin Liping didn’t speak but listened carefully. Lin Qianyi didn’t want to discuss this topic and skillfully changed the subject with a smile. Wang Lan, seeing Lin Qianyi focus on her work, wisely didn’t disturb her further.
Lin Liping glanced at the materials on Lin Qianyi’s desk, eyes wide with surprise. Lin Qianyi paid no mind to what Lin Liping thought, keeping her focus on translating her documents. Her work was becoming increasingly smooth and her speed continued to improve.
After work, Lin Qianyi returned home and entered her space, deciding to cook herself a delicious reward. The staff kitchen had several aquariums filled with seafood, and since Lin Qianyi liked seafood and didn’t have an aquarium in her own kitchen, she often had the caretaker buy and place some there. She took two green crabs and a plate of shrimp, ready to make a spicy stir-fried crab and shrimp dish. After prepping the shrimp and crabs, chopping scallions, ginger, garlic, and other ingredients, she started stir-frying. Soon, the fragrant aroma filled the entire room. A colorful, large plate looked irresistible.
Lin Qianyi put on disposable gloves and happily dug into the spicy, flavorful crabs and shrimp at the dining table, occasionally sipping an icy cold drink—it was pure bliss. After eating her fill, she enjoyed a soothing soak in the Lingquan bath.
…
At a military unit in the Lincheng Military District, Zhao Xiangdong deliberately waited by the training ground for Meng Junchuan to finish training.
“You’re so free, you even have time to come watch me,” Meng Junchuan said, seeing Zhao Xiangdong waiting.
“You seem to be in a really good mood,” Zhao Xiangdong said lightly, his steps brisk. From his understanding of Meng Junchuan, he could tell his friend’s mood was excellent.
“I’ve always been in a good mood,” Meng Junchuan replied as he walked toward the cafeteria.
Zhao Xiangdong hurried to catch up. Whenever it was a day off, Meng Junchuan would rush to town early in the morning to see his little girlfriend. Ever since the encounter with that girl on the street, Meng Junchuan seemed different from the person Zhao Xiangdong knew.
The two got their meals and found a table to sit.
“Your family doesn’t mind?” Zhao Xiangdong couldn’t help but ask.
“Why would they?” Meng Junchuan replied.