Chapter 27

 

Only by keeping a calm heart could one maintain true composure.

Just like now—facing Liang Jiancheng across from her—Ming Xi’s smile was bright, yet her eyes remained tranquil, clear and steady, glinting faintly with a trace of shrewdness. She even winked at him, as if hinting, Since you’ve said we’re friends, you’d better give me some face in front of the boss!

Liang Jiancheng understood, smiled friendly, and asked the most common question Chinese people ask when meeting a friend: “Have you had lunch yet?”

Ming Xi: “…”

Not yet.

If he wasn’t planning to invite her to lunch, wouldn’t it be awkward to say she hadn’t eaten?

Ming Xi was silent for a moment, and before she could answer, Manager Li jumped in first: “She’s been so busy she’s forgotten to eat! Ming Xi just helped Director Gu pick out some clothes, and now she’s here helping me load up the car. Ming Xi, if you’re hungry, go get something to eat.”

Having a powerful figure like Manager Li on her side was incredibly helpful; his attitude towards her now was not only friendly but also unusually polite. But how could she possibly get lunch before her boss? Ming Xi pondered for a moment, then looked at Manager Li knowingly, “Our counter usually orders lunchboxes together, and they arrive pretty late. It’s still early anyway.”

Liang Jiancheng had indeed thought of inviting Ming Xi to lunch, but he quickly realized it might be inappropriate—especially with Zhang Min around. Ming Xi was an outsider to her, and it might make things uncomfortable for both of them.

So he simply said in a steady voice, “Alright. Just don’t skip your meal, even if you’re busy.”

Ming Xi nodded, pursed her lips and smiled, “Okay! Thank you for your concern, Boss Liang!”

Manager Li stood beside them, grinning the entire time. He couldn’t quite figure out the relationship between Ming Xi and Liang Jiancheng—their words alternated between close and formal, like relatives one moment and friends the next.

Could it be… that kind of relationship?

No, no, definitely not.

Li Jian was a seasoned man with a discerning eye. Once a man and a woman entered into a physical relationship, even if they feigned unfamiliarity, he could tell by their expressions.

But Ming Xi and Liang Jiancheng—there was none of that air between them. Earlier, her unfamiliarity toward Gu Shuangyang hadn’t been an act either. Yet it had been Yang Minwen himself who had asked him to arrange her job…

This… this was a puzzle even he couldn’t piece together.

If Ming Xi had known that Manager Li was busy speculating about her connection to Gu Shuangyang, she would’ve laughed—he could wrack his brain all day and still never guess she’d gotten in through Gu Shuangyang’s ex-husband!

It was Professor Liang, not Liang Jiancheng!

Still, Ming Xi had some ulterior motives in her mind. Knowing that Manager Li misunderstood that she was using Liang Jiancheng’s connections to get in, she had no intention of correcting him. After all, as far as Manager Li was concerned, Liang Jiancheng’s name was far more valuable card to play than Professor Liang’s.

Human beings naturally seek advantage and avoid risk—and besides, she wasn’t above playing the shameless opportunist. Maybe she could even use this supposed “connection” to get a job for Cai Ni.

Her eyes widened slightly and curved again into crescent moons as she teased Liang Jiancheng with a grin, “Mr. Liang, standing there like that, you look just like a capitalist boss supervising the workers—I’m getting too nervous to do my job! You’d better go pick up Miss Zhang.”

Liang Jiancheng, ever composed, smiled faintly, fully allowing Ming Xi to joke with him. However, he was about to leave and still got teased one more time.

Forget it, let’s just leave quickly!

Liang Jiancheng walked towards the coffee shop. Both Ming Xi and Manager Li looked after him. Ming Xi was already back to her calm, natural self, while Manager Li was still grinning, his small single-lidded eyes gleaming sharply.

Ming Xi clapped her hands lightly, mind clear, face bright once more. Taking advantage of his good mood, she struck while the iron was hot and brought up Cai Ni’s matter: “Manager Li, I’d like to ask you a favor.”

Li Jian was in a genuinely good mood, a smile plastered across his cheekbones, nearly drawing wrinkles from his eyes. He glanced at Ming Xi and said, “Go ahead, we’re all family.”

Since they were all family, she spoke boldly.

“Are there any good openings at Longmao right now? I wanted to ask for a friend… she’s about my age, but don’t worry—she’s absolutely capable!”

She rattled it all out in one breath.

Manager Li: “…” He shut his mouth immediately.

Ming Xi backpedalled a little. “If there’s nothing better, even something like mine would be fine—a counter position would do.”

Manager Li: “…” Still silent.

Ming Xi blinked her big eyes and caught his attempt to look away, her voice turning soft and sweet. “Manager Li… are you maybe already thinking about what kind of job to arrange?”

Shameless! She’s actually taking advantage while I’m in a good mood!

Manager Li took a deep breath. How could anyone be this thick-skinned and pushy?

Ming Xi: … Well, that’s exactly how she’d become the top sales associate, wasn’t it?

Manager Li gritted his teeth and turned back into his superior manager’s tone, snapping sarcastically: “Ming Xi, how about we switch place? You be the manager and I’ll go to the counter.”

Ming Xi chuckled sheepishly, pretending not to understand the sarcasm. “Oh, Manager Li, you’re giving me too much credit! How could I possibly handle being a manager?”

“Yes, it’s not easy to be a manager. Help someone once, and they’ll still not satisfied and want to take advantage of you.”

His small, dark eyes glinted sharply, and when he glared, he was actually quite intimidating.

Ming Xi: “…”

Since Manager Li said this, she couldn’t say press further.

“Thank you for always looking out for me, Manager Li. I’m sorry…”

Timely apology could dissolve even sharp edges—enough, at least, to make an enemy take three steps back.

Manager Li cleared his throat and shifting his tone, spoke in a more proper manner: “Ming Xi, you came into Longmao through connections, but I’ve treated you just like any other employee and given you opportunities. Now, I’ll give you one more—if your friend can achieve what you did, reach the top of the sales chart within a month, I’ll make room for her. But if not, there’s only one way she can work here with you—you take my job as manager.”

Ming Xi beamed, unable to contain the joy that spilled from her lips, not caring how sarcastic or exaggerated Manager Li’s words were.

“Thank you, Manager Li! You really know how to make the best use of people’s talents. For me and my friend to work under a leader like you—that’s the best possible start to our careers.”

That was over the top. Way over the top….

Even knowing it was fake, he couldn’t help but felt good hearing it. The airs Manager Li had just put on were instantly disarmed by her sugar-coated flattery. Seeing Ming Xi’s cleverness and quick thinking, Li Jian figured her friend wouldn’t be bad either.

“Alright, go eat already! You can fool Mr. Liang, but you can’t fool me!” Manager Li waved a hand dismissively. “If you don’t go now, your lunch will be cold.”

“Oh…”

Ming Xi turned and quickened her steps, thinking that half of Cai Ni’s matter was already settled. Her mood brightened, and as she looked up, she saw Liang Jiancheng walking out of the coffee shop with Zhang Min.

He carried a bag in one hand and two large of luxury brands shopping bags in the other. Even used as a porter, he still looked tall and handsome. Miss Zhang walked beside him, head slightly bowed, and he subtly shifted his path to shield her from the traffic.

They walked towards the car parked on the roadside, heading off together to their polished, high-society date.

Ming Xi retracted her gaze, turned around with her head held high, and continued to walk forward with light steps.

She was not envious.

She had friends, a job, and a future; her life definitely wouldn’t turn out badly… And she didn’t envy those women with men to carry their bags for them. As long as one day she could afford, on her own, to buy anything she wanted from Longmao Parkway—from clothes to shoes—then there would always be someone willing to run errands for her.

When you remind yourself that in times of regret, you can only rely on yourself—then somehow, the panic and sadness fade away.

Keep walking forward. Don’t look back.

Even if the lunchbox is cold, it’ll still fill your stomach—and that’s good enough.

—

Ah—choo!

Ah-choo!

On the train rattling from Yicheng to Haigang, it was lunchtime. The air inside was thick with smells—instant noodles, tea eggs, and all sorts of pungent mixes. To those eating, it smelled heavenly; to those just breathing it in, it was nauseating.

Amid it all, the scent of boxed rice somehow seemed the least offensive—and even a bit appetizing.

Cai Ni, half-asleep by the window, had her nose assaulted until she sneezed twice in a row. Groggily, she opened her eyes, took a packet of tissues from her pocket, and was about to unfold one of the perfumed sheets when her mind went blank. She froze completely.

Her… her wallet!

Her hands flailed nervously for a moment—until she touched the hard lump against her stomach, then she exhaled in relief. This wasn’t the first time Cai Ni had reacted like this since boarding the train.

This was her first long trip, and she was so wary of pickpockets that she was practically conditioned.

Good thing her mother had been smart enough to sew her “fortune” directly into the lining of her clothes, pressed flat against her belly.

That was three thousand yuan—half the family’s savings.

They weren’t afraid of her spending it carelessly. Without hesitation, they’d given it all to her to take to Haigang.

“Things in big cities are expensive—a bowl of noodles costs five yuan… If you run short later, tell us. We’ll send more. Don’t worry about us, we’re both working—our wages come steadily every month.”

Cai Ni was also a sentimental girl. Thinking of her parents’ words before leaving, tears welled up in her eyes again.

She was determined to make something of herself!

Just as she was filled with determination, two familiar figures squeezed their way through the crowd of passengers, each carefully balancing a cup of instant noodles.

“Coming through! Watch your step!” Dezi called cheerfully, grinning as always. Behind him followed his buddy, Han Junjun. They hadn’t managed to get tickets in the same carriage as Cai Ni, but now that it was mealtime, they’d crossed six cars just to get to Cai Ni.

They were like serving eunuchs; came here to deliver lunch to Lady Cai Ni!

Conveniently, the passenger beside Cai Ni had gone to the dining car, so Dezi and Han Junjun immediately grabbed the empty seats, flipped down the tray tables, and set the three steaming cups of noodles before them.

Slurp, Han Junjun was the first to dig in. Dezi was more particular, and before he started eating, he repeatedly wiped the table with a tissue, not only for himself, but also for Cai Ni.

By the time he started eating, Han Junjun was already halfway through his noodles.

“Junjun, Ming Xi likes elegant men, don’t be too rough.” Dezi reminded kindly.

Han Junjun shot him a look. “You’re just pretending to be classy. A grown man acting delicate—it’s disgusting.”

Yang Kangde pointed at himself then looked at Cai Ni, wanting her to stand up for him. Cai Ni, happily gnawing on a spiced chicken leg, took two blissful bites before answering, voice muffled with food, “Neither of you are real men. Stop arguing. If you want to keep it up, just go home and drink milk from your mothers.”

Han Junjun: “…”

Dezi: “…”

They’d sworn the three of them would go out into the world together, make a living, and strike it rich—so why was she the only one eating meat while they were left to go home and drink milk?

“Any chicken legs left?” Dezi asked sulkily.

“Nope. Last one. I bought six in total—two each! You two ate too fast, so don’t blame me!” Cai Ni guarded her food fiercely and with great pride. She slid closer to the window and did not forget to deliberately bite the chicken drumstick in her hand in front of Dezi, her lips shining with oil as she chewed noisily in satisfaction.

But because the bite was too big, she accidentally dropped a piece of the chicken leg meat before it even went into her mouth.

It landed right on Cai Ni’s wide collar.

“How old are you, still dropping food like a child,” Dezi teased as he reached over, picked the piece of chicken off her collar—

And, instead of tossing it, popped it straight into his own mouth.

Cai Ni: …This guy! Gross!

Han Junjun raised his eyebrows and couldn’t help scoffing: “Elegant, very elegant.”

“Don’t want to waste food.”

Han Junjun shot back, “Right. You’re not wasteful—you’re romantic.”

Dezi instantly understood the innuendo and gave his buddy a punch in the arm. Cai Ni glanced at Han Junjun and said pointedly, “Junjun, you can offend Dezi all you want, but don’t offend me, alright? I’m Ming Xi’s best friend—you’d better be careful.”

Han Junjun was tall and strong—the kind of guy who’d been the big shot back in school, but when Cai Ni said this, he immediately became timid. Trying to please her, he pulled a Chundu sausage from his jacket and offered it up eagerly. “I’ve still got one more sausage. Want it?”

“Pathetic,” Dezi snorted, reaching out. “She doesn’t want it, I’ll take it!”

Cai Ni cast Dezi a side-eye and stretched out her hand toward Han Junjun. “Who says I don’t want it? Even if I can’t finish it, I can take it to Ming Xi later.”

Cai Ni, Dezi, and Han Junjun took a different train to Haigang than the one Ming Xi had taken that morning. Therefore, their arrival times were different.

At 4:30 PM, the three of them arrived at Haigang Railway Station.

Loaded with bags, they walked out of the exit—and immediately froze, staring wide-eyed at the crowds.

So many people.

So many cars!

So much stuff to carry!

Ming Xi, knowing when Cai Ni’s train would arrive, had swapped shifts early that day to meet her. She’d even left twenty minutes ahead of schedule, afraid her friend would panic if she didn’t see a familiar face right away.

However, she only knew Cai Ni was coming to Haigang, but she had no idea Han Junjun and Dezi were also coming…

So when she spotted Cai Ni—and behind her, those two grinning, honest-looking faces—she was stunned, blinking against the sun, almost dizzy with disbelief.

The temperature in Haigang had suddenly warmed up today, soaring to around 20 degrees Celsius. Passersby were flushed with heat, their foreheads dripping with sweat.

That was also the case for Dezi and Han Junjun, who were standing behind Cai Ni. They were carrying a ton of stuff, especially Han Junjun. He was tall and strong, and almost all the luggage was on his shoulders. He looked like a hero out of some ancient epic, “able to lift mountains with his might,” with two massive bags slung over his shoulders like twin peaks—a living monument to raw, youthful strength.

What on earth did they pack? Even if they’d brought quilts and blankets, there couldn’t possibly be this much stuff!

Ming Xi was stunned at first, then she smiled, her lips curling up slowly. Her heart filling with warmth and a rush of real affection.

She wasn’t the only one frozen. Cai Ni, Dezi, and Han Junjun had also stopped in their tracks, staring at the girl waiting for them at the station gate.

Who…who was this gorgeous girl walking towards them?

Ming Xi’s short hair had grown almost to her shoulders. Her bangs framed her eyes neatly, and her jet-black hair brushed against her ears, revealing a bright, oval face. Big cities were exceptionally spacious and bright, and the sunlight was brighter and more dazzling than that of Yicheng. The late afternoon sun poured over her hair, her brows, her cheeks—turning her whole figure into something radiant and alive.

This wasn’t some girl who’d fled her hometown down on her luck—she looked every bit the confident, shining young professional of the big city.

For a second, the three of them forgot to breathe.

Especially Han Junjun—his heart gave a sudden jolt, his hands trembled, and the two “mountains” of luggage on his shoulders tumbled to the ground with a thud!

Previous     TOC     Next