Chapter 11

Zhu Qingfei had been out of town yesterday and only met Song Wei after work the next day.

Since Song Wei didn’t have a car, she hitched a ride in Zhu Qingfei’s.

On the way, Zhu Qingfei asked how work was going. Song Wei gave a brief summary but decided to clarify something to avoid complications later. “Qingfei, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“What is it? Go on.”

“Remember I told you I had a blind date? Well… he’s Chen Jubai.”

“Who?” Zhu Qingfei’s focus was on the traffic ahead and didn’t catch the name.

Song Wei waited until the car stopped at a red light before repeating, “Chen Jubai.”

Zhu Qingfei’s head whipped around in shock. “Who?”

“Ugh, Chen Jubai, the boss of Guangnian Technology. He’s both your boss and mine. Got it now?”

The red light lasted 90 seconds, but even after it turned green, Zhu Qingfei was still in a daze.

At the next red light, she finally turned to Song Wei. “Are you kidding me?”

“I’m not. His aunt knows my aunt, and they set us up. I didn’t know the company he founded was Guangnian Technology.”

“So, what’s your relationship now? Are you together?”

“No, we’re still getting to know each other.”

The light turned green again. Zhu Qingfei faced forward but muttered under her breath, “Oh my god, my bestie’s dating my boss.”

“…”

When they got home, Zhu Qingfei parked on the side of the road, turned off the engine, and began interrogating Song Wei, who answered everything honestly.

Finally, she asked, “So what’s your plan?”

“I don’t know.”

She truly didn’t know. Continuing as they were seemed fine, but if things ended, she wouldn’t feel regret either. It was a “wait and see” situation.

Zhu Qingfei, however, thought differently. Narrowing her eyes, she said, “You don’t know? Chen Jubai is a certified tall, rich, and handsome guy. Don’t you like him?”

“Being tall, rich, and handsome isn’t my criteria for a partner.”

Zhu Qingfei flicked her forehead. “Song Xiaowei, what’s going on in that pure little head of yours? Love is fine, but you have to secure him first and build feelings later.”

Song Wei didn’t know how to respond.

Grabbing Song Wei’s hands, Zhu Qingfei’s eyes sparkled. “This is a golden opportunity! You’ve got to seize it. My happiness depends on you!”

Song Wei laughed. “How does your happiness depend on me?”

“Well… it’s because… I’ve got my eyes on his friend…” Zhu Qingfei trailed off, her voice dropping to a whisper.

Now it was Song Wei’s turn to be stunned. “Who?”

“The head of the tech department, Chu Qi.” Now that she’d started, Zhu Qingfei stopped holding back. “I was just wondering how to approach him. But now, with you and Chen Jubai, I’ll have an in!”

With a face full of anticipation, Zhu Qingfei added, “Chen Jubai is perfect for you. Just go for it.”

Song Wei pushed her friend’s grinning face away. “You’re so shallow.”

“Hey, this is mutual prosperity!”

Song Wei ignored her banter, got out of the car, and went inside.

At home, her father, Song Gaoyi, had already prepared dinner. Her mother, Yang Yingqiu, wasn’t there, even though Song Wei distinctly remembered she knew her father was cooking tonight.

Although she hadn’t expected much, Song Wei couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed. Seeing this, Song Gaoyi explained, “Your mom had something come up at school.”

“I figured. When doesn’t she?”

Song Wei washed her hands and sat at the table. She picked up a piece of cola chicken wing and praised, “Dad, your cooking’s gotten even better.”

Pleased, Song Gaoyi placed another piece in her bowl. “Eat as much as you like.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

Watching her eat happily, he sighed inwardly before speaking. “Your mom’s just worried about you and wants you to be happy. But when you oppose her, she finds it hard to back down.”

Song Wei paused, and the food in her mouth lost its flavor. After finishing two wings, she said softly, “I know. I’ll call her later. Dad, if there’s anything you want to say, you should talk to her too. Nothing’s insurmountable.”

Smiling as always, Song Gaoyi replied, “Don’t worry about your mom and me. We’re fine.”

Unable to convince him, Song Wei returned to her meal.

Just as she finished, her mother returned from overtime, saving her the cost of a phone call.

Yang Yingqiu sat down to eat while Song Wei, seated across from her, decided to have a heart-to-heart. “Mom, you know I’ve never been the obedient child you wanted.”

Yang Yingqiu looked up briefly and snorted in agreement.

Despite her seemingly docile appearance, her daughter had always been headstrong. Once, when Song Wei was little, her parents were too busy with work and forgot a promise to take her to an amusement park. Thinking she’d been placated, they were shocked when her grandmother called an hour later to say Song Wei had gone to the park on her own and wasn’t answering her phone. The panicked couple rushed to find her, spending half an hour searching the park before they finally did.

Later, in elementary school, they signed her up for piano and dance classes to keep up with other kids. But no matter how they coaxed, she refused to go. Even when forced, she’d find ways to slip away.

By the time college applications came around, they had no say in her choices.

Reflecting on these past struggles didn’t bother Yang Yingqiu much. She’d hoped Song Wei would settle down with a stable job in the public sector, where she and her husband could help her avoid unnecessary hardships.

Instead, Song Wei had chosen a thorny path with no clear destination, leaving her mother both angry and helpless.

“I don’t want to take civil service exams or work in the public sector. I dislike the politics and don’t want to be a big leader. I don’t want my life’s value to be defined by connections,” Song Wei said firmly.

“You’re biased,” Yang Yingqiu retorted. “Are you saying your father and I lack value in our work? That we relied on connections to succeed?”

From the kitchen, where he was pretending to clean dishes, Song Gaoyi glanced out nervously.

“That’s not what I meant,” Song Wei said. “You and Dad have made significant contributions to the country and society. I admire that. But everyone has different ideals. To be blunt, I’m a small person, and I don’t want to define myself by some lofty ideal. That would put too much pressure on me, and I wouldn’t be good at it.”

She continued, “I love my current job and find the work meaningful. Your achievement is nurturing countless outstanding students. Dad’s achievement is making breakthroughs in research. For me, launching a successful product that performs well in the market is my achievement.”

“Mom, in other words, the virtual tech products I’m working on—if they become big and successful, putting Nan’an City on the map nationally and even globally—isn’t that also contributing to society?”

Yang Yingqiu put down her chopsticks. “Weiwei, that’s not the same. I’m not denying the value of any job, but you need to understand: the path you’ve chosen is full of potholes. The hardships you’ll endure—you’ll only understand when you have a family and children. By then, all your so-called ideals will evaporate like bubbles.”

Song Wei felt helpless, realizing she still hadn’t conveyed her point clearly. “You say I’m biased, but you’re the one biased against women. Besides, you have a family and children, yet I don’t see…”

Halfway through her sentence, Song Wei stopped herself.

She glanced cautiously at the other side of the table. Yang Yingqiu’s face remained stern, and the clatter of dishes continued in the kitchen.

Song Wei didn’t press on but softened her tone. “Just give me a chance—three years. If I fail, I’ll find a quiet job as a library assistant or something and settle down for life. Deal?”

Yang Yingqiu picked up her chopsticks again, muttering, “Why be a library assistant?”

Song Wei chuckled. Fine, nothing could satisfy her.

At least the tension had eased. Song Wei decided to shift gears to placate her. “Mom, do you know where I’m working now?”

“How would I know?”

“At Guangnian Technology, Chen Jubai’s company.”

Yang Yingqiu froze momentarily, then frowned. “You’re not even in a relationship yet, and you’re working at his company. Later, what will people say? If things don’t work out, will you quit? What’s your plan then?”

Now it was Song Wei’s turn to be stunned. She thought this job was exactly the stability Yang Yingqiu wanted.

Feeling a warmth rise to her eyes, she stood up and hugged her mother from behind. “Don’t worry, Mom. I can separate personal and professional matters.”

“No matter how separate, it’s still not appropriate,” Yang Yingqiu said gravely. “Before the New Year, bring him home so we can meet.”

At this moment, she could only agree to everything.

“Alright, no problem.”

In truth, her relationship with Chen Jubai wasn’t even close to the point of meeting each other’s parents. With two weeks until the New Year, she figured she’d come up with a way to stall.

….

This year’s New Year came early. Chinese New Year’s Eve was on January 27th, and Guangnian Technology started their holiday three days in advance. The company held its annual party on the evening of the 24th.

The event included awards, performances, a lucky draw, and a feast. Coupled with the upcoming ten-day holiday, excitement filled the air.

Guangnian Technology had done well that year. The company’s revenue was strong, and employees in Product Division One, in particular, received generous bonuses. Even Song Wei, who had only just joined, got a sizeable red envelope, leaving her astonished.

The annual party was held at a five-star hotel in the city center, with a lavish setup and Guangnian Technology’s logo everywhere.

At a table reserved for Product Division One, Ji Yao chatted excitedly. “I heard senior leaders from above are here today—giving our company a lot of face.”

Li Cheng explained, “Last week, the AI smart data model from Division Two won the gold award on behalf of Nan’an City, and the company was named the top ‘Most Promising Enterprise of the Year.’ How could they not take us seriously?”

Ji Yao gave a thumbs-up. “We’re amazing.”

Yao Miaoxuan chimed in, “It’s all thanks to President Chen.”

“Exactly! President Chen is so impressive.”

Li Cheng smiled and added, “Our company also has backing from many big corporations and major capital investors. Plus, the virtual tech industry is booming everywhere now. But for Guangnian to climb higher is going to be tough. President Chen has to be even more extraordinary.”

Having worked in the industry for half a month, Song Wei understood Li Cheng’s point. Guangnian had risen quickly by capitalizing on opportunities, but stagnating would only invite newer competitors to overtake them. For Chen Jubai, who built this company from the ground up, the road ahead would be long and challenging if he aspired to become an industry leader.

A stir from the front caught everyone’s attention as a group of people entered, drawing the crowd’s gaze.

In the center stood a man in a tailored suit—young and full of confidence.

The event began with him delivering a speech on stage.

Under the spotlight, the man stood tall, composed, and self-assured. Song Wei couldn’t help but think: with youth and passion, nothing is impossible.

The evening followed a typical program. When it ended, Zhu Qingfei came over and offered Song Wei a ride.

One look at Zhu Qingfei’s glowing face, and Song Wei understood everything. “I’m really just heading home.”

“I know! Don’t think of me as so shallow—I’ll always put my bestie before any guy!”

Song Wei chuckled, letting her friend hook arms with her as they left.

But only a few seconds later, Zhu Qingfei leaned in and whispered, “So, how’s it going with President Chen lately?”

Song Wei answered honestly, “We haven’t seen each other in half a month.”

“What? Well, they’ve been busy. I heard from the tech team that Chu Qi has also been swamped lately.” Zhu Qingfei then asked, “So, no progress between you two at all?”

“…No.”

Initially, Song Wei thought working at the same company as him would bring unexpected challenges. Instead, there was no interaction at all.

Their work barely overlapped. Song Wei’s direct supervisor was Jiang Zhendong, and any escalations went to Vice President Ling Yaozhi. President Chen didn’t even attend regular meetings.

According to Ji Yao, Chen Jubai spent most of his time in the tech department. The chances of running into him elsewhere—like the cafeteria—were higher.

Reflecting on the past two weeks, Song Wei realized she had only glimpsed him once from a distance in the cafeteria.

But she didn’t mind. With the demands of a new job and all the new knowledge she had to absorb, her schedule was too packed to even consider romance.

Starting a business wasn’t easy, and though they hadn’t crossed paths, she often heard updates about him from her colleagues.

Today, I went to a neighboring city for a meeting and returned the same day. Yesterday, I attended a government work conference as an industry representative. The day before that, I met with industry colleagues for discussions, and the day before that, I visited a major client. It feels like there hasn’t been a single day to rest.

In the evenings, we exchanged the occasional message—maybe a sentence or two, like “Rest early” or “Goodnight.” When there was more time, we’d chat a bit longer, but that was all.

Zhu Qingfei often wore a look of frustration, as if she couldn’t stand my lack of initiative.

When we reached the underground parking lot, we walked past two sections before a car ahead blinked its lights.

Zhu Qingfei saw it and exclaimed, “It’s President Chen’s car!” Then, without hesitation, she dragged me toward it.

I was just as surprised. Given the presence of higher-ups today, I assumed he’d left after his speech.

With her bold nature, Zhu Qingfei went straight up to the car, knocked on the passenger-side window, and peered inside. Her eyes briefly showed disappointment, but she quickly masked it with a cheerful expression. “Good evening, President Chen!”

Chen Jubai didn’t recognize Zhu Qingfei but assumed she was a colleague from my department. He greeted her with a polite smile, “Hello.”

Then he looked over at me, his gaze steady. “Let’s go. I’ll give you a ride home.”

Meeting his eyes, I quickly glanced away. “No…”

Before I could finish saying “need,” Zhu Qingfei opened the passenger door and pushed me inside. “Sure, sure, thank you, President Chen!”

Then she hopped into the back seat herself.

Chen Jubai turned his head slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “I sent you a message.”

I took out my phone and saw the missed WeChat notification from 20 minutes ago: “Want me to give you a ride home later? I need to talk to you.”

Right below it was a message from Zhu Qingfei: “I’m here to help you score!”

As the car started, Zhu Qingfei said, “President Chen, I live on Xihua First Street. It’s on the way to Weiwei’s place, so you can drop me off on the way.”

“Alright,” Chen Jubai replied, then asked politely, “Are you in the same department as Song Wei?”

Zhu Qingfei waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, no, no, I’m in the Operations Department. But Weiwei and I have known each other since we were kids—we’re besties, like sisters. I’m the one who recommended her to Guangnian!”

Chen Jubai glanced at her through the rearview mirror, nodded slightly, and said, “Thank you.”

Sitting beside him, I felt as if I were on pins and needles. His serious gratitude could easily be misconstrued.

“You’re welcome, President Chen. I’m Zhu Qingfei—‘Zhu’ as in Zhu Yingtai^[1]Zhu Yingtai is a famous figure from the Chinese folklore Butterfly Lovers (often compared to Romeo and Juliet). It’s a subtle way of connecting her name to something elegant or romantic., ‘Qing’ as in clear^[2]Qing (清) means “clear” or “pure,” suggesting a refined or serene personality., and ‘Fei’ as in jadeite. I’m currently an Operations Specialist and will be Weiwei’s bridesmaid in the future!” Zhu Qingfei’s blatant intentions couldn’t have been clearer—she might as well have tattooed “Remember me” on her forehead.

Yet the man driving calmly responded, “Got it.”

Satisfied, Zhu Qingfei began her “assist” strategy. “President Chen, Weiwei has such a wonderful personality. She’s kind, gentle, and considerate—though she’s a bit clueless about relationships. You know what I mean, right? So, President Chen, you…”

I immediately turned around and gave her a look that clearly said shut up. What nonsense was she spouting?!

I knew I shouldn’t have gotten into this car.

Zhu Qingfei chuckled but continued, “Anyway, you’ll see for yourself. Weiwei’s also very capable at work. She was even up for a managerial promotion before. With Weiwei here, Guangnian will definitely go further!”

Chen Jubai simply replied, “Yes.”

Zhu Qingfei then turned to me. “Weiwei, are you hungry? Didn’t you say earlier you hadn’t eaten much?”

Through gritted teeth, I replied, “I’m not hungry.”

“But you are! President Chen, I don’t think you’ve eaten either. Perfect—you two can grab a bite together later.”

“…!”

“Okay,” Chen Jubai agreed.

The awkwardness was unbearable, so I quickly opened WeChat and messaged Zhu Qingfei: [Zhu Qingfei, shut your mouth!]

She replied with an animated gif: [Okay, zipped up. 💋]

Once she quieted down, the car fell into an eerie silence.

After half a minute of awkwardness, I turned to Chen Jubai. “What was it you wanted to talk about earlier? Is it something Xiaoyu needs to relay?”

Over the past two weeks, most of our conversations had revolved around Snowflake, so I naturally assumed it was something Jiang Xiaoyu had mentioned.

Hands steady on the wheel, Chen Jubai answered casually, “No, it’s about my aunt. She said your mom invited me to visit your house before the New Year, so I wanted to discuss when would be a good time and what I should bring.”

From the back seat, Zhu Qingfei froze.

One second later—Wait, what? A visit?

The next second—Good for you, Song Wei! And you said there was no progress?!