Fearing the sudden silence, a look of embarrassment and awkwardness flashed across Lin Su’s face. All four bowls were smashed to pieces on the floor. Lin Su looked at the two remaining plates in the sink, then met Ye Tong’s gaze. She was momentarily at a loss, unsure if she should continue washing or not…
Ye Tong watched her without speaking. Lin Su offered a clumsy, anxious explanation: “Director Ye, I only wanted to help you wash the dishes. I really didn’t mean to.”
Ye Tong had been mentally prepared for this. She nodded. “Do you still want to wash them?”
If she washed the remaining two plates, there wouldn’t be any left either. Trying to be helpful had only resulted in trouble; it was truly embarrassing. It wasn’t the first time she had broken dishes in front of Ye Tong, but they had no relationship now, and being so clumsy… Lin Su twisted her wet hands, feeling quite awkward.
“Alright, you don’t need to wash them anymore.” Ye Tong said softly. “Don’t move, I’ll do it.”
If this “kitchen killer” moved again, her kitchen might end up in shambles by the end of the night. Ye Tong sensed Lin Su’s embarrassment, feeling both helpless and amused. The “old fox” never did chores, yet knowing full well she couldn’t wash dishes, she still insisted on helping.
Lin Su really didn’t dare move, standing to the side watching Ye Tong clean up the shards. She washed her hands, turned around, and whispered, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. You’re quite impressive, actually all four bowls are gone. But thankfully, you at least left me two plates.” Ye Tong bent down to sweep up the fragments, saying this with an amused smile.
“I’ll pay you back tomorrow.” After saying this, Lin Su added, “Forty bowls.”
“Are you really planning on paying me back?” Ye Tong had prepared for the worst when she agreed to let Lin Su wash the dishes. Once the fragments were cleaned up, she stood up, looked at the Lin Su standing beside her, smiled, and shook her head. “No need to pay me back. Just be more careful next time.”
Lin Su: “No, that won’t do. I broke your bowls; if I don’t pay you back, I owe you a favor.”
“Alright then.” Ye Tong was most afraid of owing favors between them. She felt that in their current dynamic, being “even” was the best state of affairs.
“I’m truly sorry; washing dishes isn’t my forte.” Lin Su relaxed her brows, feeling she needed to make amends, so she stepped forward to carefully help Ye Tong dump the broken bowl shards into the trash bin.
“I know it’s not your forte, but you insisted on washing them I couldn’t stop you even if I tried.”
“…” Lin Su remembered how Ye Tong used to despise her clumsy housework, calling her a “kitchen killer,” and she felt even more awkward.
Ye Tong stepped past Lin Su, rolled up her sleeves, and skillfully washed the plates in the sink. After a moment of thought, she looked back at her. “Why don’t you go out and sit for a while? I’ll tidy up the kitchen and see you out in a bit.”
Lin Su knew when to bow out. “Alright.”
With the eyesore gone, Ye Tong let out a breath of relief. She was genuinely afraid the “old fox” would stir up chaos in her kitchen she lacked the skill but insisted on taking on the task. Ten minutes later, she finished tidying up, and the kitchen was spotless.
Ye Tong took off her apron and glanced at the broken bowls in the wastebasket by her feet. Stepping out, she saw Lin Su sitting properly on the sofa. As she changed her shoes, she said, “Let’s go. It’s getting very late; go back and get some rest.”
“Sorry to trouble you with seeing me out.” Lin Su stood up and walked to the entryway. “It’s cold outside.”
As Lin Su spoke, she handed over a coat. The apartment had been warm with the heater on, so Ye Tong had taken her coat off before going into the kitchen and had momentarily forgotten it while leaving. Ye Tong looked up at her. “Thank you.”
Lin Su smiled but said nothing. She bent down to change into her shoes, then picked up the cotton slippers and put them in the shoe cabinet. Ye Tong put on her coat. Lin Su walked out first, Ye Tong turned to lock the door, and they entered the elevator one after the other. They didn’t say much, just exchanging a few casual words.
Stepping outside, the cold wind of December bit at their skin, sharp and bone-chilling. Ye Tong puffed warm air into her palms and rubbed her hands together. Looking at Lin Su walking ahead, she thought about sending the “old fox” away, having a comfortable hot shower, and getting a good night’s sleep so she would have the energy for work the next day.
When they reached the car, Lin Su paused. Ye Tong stopped behind her. Seeing Lin Su turn around to look at her, she offered a faint smile. “I’ll see you off here. Drive safely, General Manager Lin.”
Lin Su nodded, took a few steps forward, and stood face-to-face with Ye Tong. They were standing so close they could almost feel each other’s warm breath. Ye Tong didn’t understand why, but as she looked up at Lin Su’s face inches away, her lips trembled. Before she could say anything, she felt her shoulders being pulled by a pair of hands, tilting her forward, and in the next second, she fell into Lin Su’s embrace.
Lin Su’s hands were bone-chilling, but her embrace was fragrant, soft, and warm. Ye Tong’s body stiffened as the familiar, clean scent rushed into her nostrils.
Daring not to linger, Lin Su let out a soft laugh and whispered into Ye Tong’s ear: “I had a very happy time tonight. Thank you.”
Having said that, Lin Su immediately released her. “It’s too cold outside. Hurry back in.”
The warmth departed, leaving behind only a lingering scent.
As the car vanished into the vast night, Ye Tong stood in place, dazed, and pinched her face, trying to snap herself awake. Ye Tong looked up at the night sky only a few stars were visible. She turned and went back home. What did the “old fox’s” happiness have to do with her?
Exiting the elevator, Ye Tong went to enter her passcode to open the door. She hadn’t figured out a new password yet; she stood at the door thinking about it for a long time before finally giving up she would change the old habit once she thought of a new one.
With the “old fox” gone, the house was as quiet as ever. Ye Tong had lived independently for a long time and was used to being alone.
Though she sometimes felt lonely and her heart had been filled with extreme restlessness and anxiety desperately wanting to find someone new to take her place she realized that such thoughts were impractical. Later, she gritted her teeth and got through it, gradually using other things to fill the void in her time.
Like having afternoon tea, chatting and eating with friends, reading a few interesting books, or traveling alone to relax her mind or recharge. However, these were things she did in her spare time; Ye Tong spent most of her time on work. She liked to keep herself busy busy, hardworking, and steady so she wouldn’t have any extra time for wild thoughts.
After a comfortable shower, it was past 12:00 AM. Ye Tong was sleepy the moment she hit the bed, but she struggled against the drowsiness to reply to a few messages she hadn’t had time to look at before falling fast asleep.
Under the same moon, in the next complex.
In a room with dim lighting, Lin Su lay on her side on the bed, her eyes flickering, staring motionlessly at a photo frame on the bedside table.
They were holding hands. That year, Ye Tong was 23 and had already been by her side for over a year. Ye Tong’s eyes were filled with smiles; she remembered that Ye Tong had been shy for a long time before they managed to take that picture.
Ye Tong was beautiful. Whether in middle school or college, she was a legendary figure among the students. She was lively, outgoing, and had excellent grades. The people chasing her could have circled the school several times, yet she had never been in a relationship.
Lin Su remembered Ye Tong telling her that feelings weren’t something that could be rushed, nor were they something to be compromised on. If she didn’t meet the right person, she would rather grow old alone than compromise.
In this regard, Ye Tong was much like her. She had never been in a relationship either, didn’t know what it felt like to be in love, and was even less willing to waste time on feelings, pouring all her energy into the company.
However, this little assistant was very stubborn.
No amount of harassment or grievance could defeat Ye Tong. She would cry, stand up, then squat down to cry again she simply refused to admit defeat, determined to stay by Lin Su’s side even if it meant being tormented by her.
Lin Su knew that Ye Tong must have wanted to bite her to death back then; after all, in the eyes of an employee, a heartless boss was not a good boss. After a year of tossing and turning, until the water flowed and the canal was formed, Ye Tong finally agreed to be with her.
This home, Ye Tong came and went, leaving without a word only when she was completely heartbroken and disappointed.
Ye Tong was someone who followed things through to the end. Before deciding to leave, she endured her coldness, offering a hot face to her cold shoulder. Ye Tong cried in the middle of the night, but she still gave her that final bit of gentleness.
The more she thought about it late at night, the more she thought. Lin Su turned over, and drowsiness gradually set in. She lay in the spot where Ye Tong used to lie, and drifted off to sleep.
…
The entire LT Group was preparing for the year-end gala. The LT Group had a high reputation in S City. The galas of previous years had been grand and magnificent; besides business elites, they even invited some government officials as guests.
The year-end gala was a top priority.
Therefore, the fashion show was also extremely important, as it was the finale of the gala.
With less than half a month until the end of the year, Ye Tong was busy all day for the fashion show.
Fortunately, the XM Group also participated. The big boss attached great importance to it and sent people to help.
The models and clothing were basically fine. Ye Tong formulated the entry process, ran to the venue, and supervised the decoration of the exhibition stand, as well as the situation of the lighting props. In this way, day after day passed.
Because the people in charge of the fashion show were Ye Tong and Lin Su, Lin Su would always appear by Ye Tong’s side. It was not Ye Tong’s first day with her; other than work matters, they talked about nothing else. Perhaps it was precisely because they knew each other so well that they had a tacit understanding in their work cooperation.
Trouble had a way of coming to her door. Chen Shuru had found fault with Ye Tong several times, all of which were blocked by Ye Tong with a cold and indifferent attitude. With the year-end approaching, Ye Tong didn’t want to tear her face off in front of everyone.
Yesterday, she had just dealt with Chen Shuru. Today, the assistant, Li Qian, came into the office to deliver data, and told her with a smile and mysteriously: “Director Ye, have you heard? That Manager Chen upstairs has been transferred away from the head office for a few months. They say she’s going to study outside the province.”
“When did this happen?” Ye Tong had been busy lately. She had just returned to the office from the venue today and hadn’t heard about it.
Li Qian: “The Human Resources Department issued a notice today. She’s leaving tomorrow.”
The excited tone and expression showed that her assistant was very happy. In fact, when Ye Tong heard the news, she also felt relieved. She pursed her lips and smiled slightly: “Keep working hard.”
“The surrounding environment has improved, and our energy is even more abundant for work!” Excitement showed on Li Qian’s face. “Director Ye, the company says you are one of Young Manager Lin’s people. Was Chen Shuru, who targeted us so much, transferred away by Young Manager Lin?”
“Maybe so.” Ye Tong’s smile faded. “Alright, hurry to work.”
Li Qian: “Yes, going right away!”
Whether it was Young Manager Lin who exerted her power to transfer her, Ye Tong didn’t know, but she knew that if it weren’t for Lin Su’s authorized signature, who could casually transfer the Design Department Director?
The company’s Vice General Manager Chen and Chen Shuru were siblings. Their parents and the Lin family’s parents had a very deep friendship, and they were also the founders of the company, which was why Chen Shuru was so unscrupulous and competitive in the company.
Just after talking about Chen Shuru’s affairs, the office door was knocked on.
“Come in.”
A handsome man in a suit came in. “Director Ye, this is the information you wanted.”
“Thank you, Manager Chen.” Ye Tong stood up to take the information. “Is it all here?”
“Yes, it’s all here. You can trust me to handle things; there’s absolutely no problem.” Chen Meng looked up at Ye Tong flipping through the files, hesitated a few times, and awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “Director Ye, I’m sorry, my sister has caused you so much trouble.”
Suddenly hearing him say this, Ye Tong was stunned. Chen Meng was not like Chen Shuru; his character was relatively steady, and she replied insincerely: “It’s nothing, it’s all work.”
Chen Meng: “Thank you for understanding!”
“Is there anything else, Manager Chen?” Ye Tong smiled at Chen Meng. She thought Chen Meng would come to help Chen Shuru blame her, but she didn’t expect him to be able to separate public from private affairs, not defending his sister too much. He was a reasonable person.
Chen Meng asked: “Director Ye, can I invite you to dinner to apologize?”
“Dinner is not necessary. Actually, it’s no big deal, and there’s no need to apologize. Manager Chen, don’t take it to heart.” Ye Tong looked down, flipping through the materials, and politely declined Chen Meng’s invitation.
Chen Meng nodded: “Alright then, when Director Ye is free, I’ll invite you to dinner again.”
Ye Tong: “Okay.”
After Chen Meng went out, Ye Tong put down the information and sat down. Speaking of this Chen Meng, like his sister Chen Shuru, he was divorced. He was handsome, gentle and elegant in appearance, capable in work, and had money and status; he would not be short of people around him.
A head suddenly poked into the doorway and greeted Ye Tong: “Hi, Ye.”
Ye Tong stopped her pen and looked up. She saw Lin Sheng walking in with a playful face, her hands behind her back. She arched a brow and laughed: “Just in time; I actually had something to ask you.”
“I know what you want to ask about it’s just the Chen Shuru business.” Lin Sheng gave a light hum. “I solved the trouble directly. Whenever you finish the project, she’ll be back.”
Ye Tong: “Your aunt approved it, right?”
“I contributed, too.”
“What contribution or not.” Ye Tong rolled her eyes at Lin Sheng. “Transferring her away like this is there no problem with the Design Department?”
“No problem. Let her go and study; it’s for her own good.”
Lin Sheng suddenly extended her hand and arched her brow mischievously. “A gift for you.”
A spray of delicate, vibrant plum blossoms… Ye Tong’s eyes brightened. To take it or not was the question. She raised her hand and flicked Lin Sheng’s forehead, asking seriously: “Where did it come from?”
Lin Sheng: “I picked it!”
This tone was righteous. Ye Tong looked at the naughty smile on the corner of Lin Sheng’s lips and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at Lin Sheng’s behavior: “You little rogue, if you go and snap your aunt’s plum blossoms again, she’ll really hit you.”
“Rest assured, she won’t I know you like plum blossoms too.” Lin Sheng took Ye Tong’s hand, placed it in her palm, turned, and ran away in a flash, lest she be caught by Secretary Xiao and beaten again.
When Chen Meng left the director’s office, it happened that Lin Su came out of the elevator. When Chen Meng saw Lin Su, he immediately put away his smile and respectfully called her “General Manager Lin” before hurrying away.
Xiao Ziyu watched Chen Meng enter the elevator, touched her chin, and sighed. “Boss, according to my observations these past few days, you have a new romantic rival.”
Lin Su: “Romantic rival?”
“Didn’t you see it?” Xiao Ziyu followed Lin Su and said while walking: “Vice General Manager Chen has been finding excuses to see Director Ye frequently these past few days.”
It was indeed the case, but Ye Tong’s attitude was relatively cold and businesslike, with no connection in private. These past few days, they had been busy with the fashion show.
Entering the office, Lin Su sat down and frowned slightly: “Not working tomorrow, right?”
“Tomorrow is Sunday, no work.” Xiao Ziyu was afraid that she would go back to the company to work as she used to, and said hurriedly: “You’ve been tired for so many days, and I’ve pushed back your schedule. Rest on Sunday.”
A rare day off. Lin Su nodded: “Accompany me to the supermarket after work.”
“You’re someone who never goes to the supermarket; what are you going to the supermarket for?” Xiao Ziyu looked at her in surprise and walked toward the balcony.
“To buy bowls.”
“Huh? Buy bowls for what?”
Lin Su: “Compensation.”
“Compensate for what?” Xiao Ziyu suddenly widened her eyes and said angrily: “Hey, hey, hey, Boss, why have your plum blossoms been snapped again? “This little brat must have snapped off the plum blossoms while we were away so he could flirt with girls again!”
Xiao Ziyu took out her phone: “I’m going to send a message to Xu Nan. The little brat is flirting with girls again. Let’s see if she kneels on the washboard when she gets home!”
Lin Su turned to look at the balcony. That pot of plum blossoms, which had few branches to begin with, had clearly been snapped off on the left side, leaving only bare branches a few fingers long…
“If she isn’t beaten for a day, she’ll be tearing down the roof. Don’t protect the little brat; watch me teach her a good lesson!” Xiao Ziyu was so angry that she rolled up her sleeves again and turned to leave in a hurry to find someone.
The little niece must have sent them to the director’s office.
Lin Su shook her head and smiled lightly, holding a fountain pen to sign several documents. She couldn’t help but curve the corners of her lips; she hadn’t forgotten that she had to compensate Ye Tong for forty bowls, but she had been too busy lately to have time. Taking advantage of the day off tomorrow, she would pay her back.