It turned out that Chen Xiao’s information was accurate. 

Manager Wang personally went to investigate and found out that not only the national liquor brand, but even the competitor companies had withdrawn from sponsoring the dining alcohol for the event. 

It was Yuan Chuan who received the news late. 

The underlying reason was that the dismissal of Xiang Yunfeng had caused some instability at the Yuan Chuan provincial office (especially in Wang Xinglong’s mind), leading to a slower reception of information than usual. 

“How could this happen? The municipal office had clearly negotiated well with the leaders of several other districts…” Manager Wang said, unwilling to accept the situation. 

Chen Xiao picked up the conversation: “The leaders of those districts just wanted to wait and see how the Hailin City People’s Congress would react. After all, we didn’t sign a formal sponsorship contract with them — they could back out at any time.” 

Cold sweat broke out on Manager Wang’s forehead: he had already submitted the sponsorship request for the two conferences the night before and had even used the provincial office general manager’s temporary authority to push the provincial approval through. 

“Brother Xiao, when is Director Tong coming?” Wang Xinglong turned to Chen Xiao, treating him almost like a real brother. “If I call Director Tong now and ask him to reject the request, is it still in time?” As long as Director Tong rejected it, headquarters wouldn’t find out about his mistake, and the matter would be settled quietly. 

Chen Xiao glanced at Wang Xinglong: “Sigh, Brother Wang, why are you always in such a rush?” 

During this time, Lu Nan quietly sat in the corner, acting like a wallflower. Chen Xiao glanced at Li Li and Lu Nan. Following his gaze, Manager Wang gave an awkward laugh and told the two group-purchasing managers to go back to work — in truth, he wanted to close the office door and fix his own mistake. 

Over the next two days, even the county-level people’s congresses and political consultative conferences declined the wine gifts. The group purchase managers were quite disheartened. 

During the meeting, Li Li told them, “The company has suspended this project for now. Please don’t dwell on it, and under no circumstances should you call or message the leaders about it, understood?” 

Everyone nodded. 

… 

On Friday, Director Tong returned to Hailin City again, still accompanied by Liu Tao and his driver. 

By the time they arrived at the office, it was already noon. Director Tong called Wang Xinglong in: “Manager Wang, you’re still too impulsive,” referring to the wine sponsorship request. 

Manager Wang kept nodding and admitting his mistake with a good attitude. 

Director Tong then said that in the coming days, he planned to visit the county-level cities under Hailin City to reassure the local distributors. 

Manager Wang naturally agreed and immediately started making arrangements. He couldn’t help but ask: “What about Green Trading?” 

“I just said you’re too impulsive — and look, you can’t even sit still now!” Director Tong repeated, then exchanged a glance with Liu Tao and went into the office without saying more. 

Liu Tao smiled and explained to Manager Wang: “Brother Wang, Director Tong plans to first get a sense of the surrounding markets to see if there are distributors who can take over Green Trading’s inventory. Even if it needs two or three working together, it’s fine.” 

In other words, Green Trading had already received a notice to terminate cooperation. Yuan Chuan didn’t intend to continue working with them — their coercive tactics left a bad impression. So Director Tong deliberately saved Green Trading for last. 

Manager Wang felt like a light bulb went off in his mind: “Director Tong really thinks of everything!” 

Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaoyun, sitting in the office admin cubicle outside the city manager’s office, glanced at Liu Tao a few more times. 

That evening, while having dinner back at the dormitory, she told Lin Yan about the leaders visiting the office today. 

Lin Yan thought for a moment: “Lu Nan and Feifei went to the gym. I’ll text Feifei and have her remind Lu Nan.” 

After their workout, Xiang Feifei saw the message while blow-drying her hair and hesitated about how to bring it up. 

Seeing her hesitation, Lu Nan put down the hairdryer, quickly brushed her hair, and asked, “Don’t beat around the bush. Just say it.” 

“Xiaoyun said that Director Tong visited Hailin today…” 

Lu Nan nodded: “Mm?” 

“And Liu Tao came too.” After saying this, Xiang Feifei quickly glanced at Lu Nan’s expression. 

Lu Nan, who had already learned about this from Chen Xiao a few days ago, was momentarily stunned, then chuckled: “You were all worried about this?” 

Feifei definitely was worried. 

It was like back in school when someone else signed their name on your perfect test paper — and even got praised for it. 

“It’s fine. I didn’t make a scene back then, and I definitely won’t dig up old issues now. It’s been several months already,” Lu Nan said casually, waving her hand. “But thank you, my dear Feifei. How about this — I checked the weather forecast. The day after tomorrow — Sunday — the weather will be nice. How about I drive us out for a trip?” 

Feifei looked at her closely to make sure she wasn’t forcing herself, then sincerely said, “You’re amazing to be able to let it go like that.” 

“Don’t flatter me. I’m just suggesting we go out Sunday,” Lu Nan said, smiling. “There’s a lake called Rain South Lake near the suburbs. It’s beautiful, and it’s a good time for chrysanthemum viewing. Let’s go! I just bought the car, perfect timing to take you all out.” 

Feifei nodded: “Okay, I’ll ask Xiaoyun and the others tonight.” 

“I’ll ask them when we get back, it’ll be more sincere,” Lu Nan said with a smile. 

Back at the dorm, Lu Nan asked her roommates, who were watching TV in the living room. 

The three girls looked slightly flattered — Lu Nan wasn’t arrogant, but somehow always felt different from them, and being around her made them a bit nervous. Like that time they were playing mahjong during office hours: whenever Lu Nan walked in, they instinctively felt guilty, even though she never said anything — just glanced at them. 

Of course, they all happily agreed to go. 

Lu Nan nodded: “It’s settled then.” 

“Oh right, it’s about an hour’s drive. We can rent grills by the lake and have a barbecue. Should we buy some food in advance?” Lu Nan had already checked the local forums for suggestions before returning and now shared the info. 

The girls felt warmed by this — clearly, Lu Nan took the outing seriously, which made them feel valued too. 

Xiang Feifei said: “Good idea, but no need for all five of us to crowd into the supermarket. Lu Nan, just make a list, and I’ll go with…” She glanced around, and Jiang Xiaoyun raised her hand. “I’ll go with Xiaoyun tomorrow evening.” 

Lu Nan nodded: “Sure. When you get everything, we can prep the ingredients together. Oh, and don’t buy drinks at the supermarket — too heavy to carry. We can just grab some at the convenience store by the gate before we leave tomorrow.” 

… 

After settling everything, Lu Nan drank a cup of unsweetened yogurt and went upstairs to her room. 

Around 7 or 8 PM, Pan Sasha sent her a message: “Hailin City Office’s beauty with a new fancy car — what are we eating tomorrow?” 

Ah, this… was way too greasy: “Please, talk properly.” 

“Hmph, no. I’m mad. Only a kiss from Nan Nan can calm me down.” 

“Pan Sasha, are you drunk?” Lu Nan replied helplessly. “About the car, I wasn’t deliberately keeping it from you.” She had been too busy back then and didn’t think it was a big deal. 

Pan Sasha laughed: “Just teasing you. I’m not mad. Anyway, on to serious stuff: you know, Director Tong and Liu Tao are in Hailin again, right?” 

“Yeah, Xiaoyun told me today.” 

“They had dinner at Fengyun. During the meal, I heard Manager Wang mention he wants Old Pan to take some of Green Trading’s inventory,” Pan Sasha couldn’t help commenting, “Old ginger is spicier after all, must be Director Tong’s idea.” 

Lu Nan nodded: “Without Director Tong’s backing, Manager Wang wouldn’t dare act on his own.” 

“Anyway, just a heads-up. Tomorrow, the city office will probably host Director Tong and Liu Tao. You think Liu Tao will cause you any trouble?” 

“I doubt it. Someone who can sit in that position must be smart and diplomatic.” Lu Nan wasn’t too worried. 

“Okay then. I’m probably just worrying too much. But listen, tomorrow morning I’m riding in your car. We’re going to the old town for street food.” 

“Sure~ We’ll head out at ten in the morning to the old street.” Lu Nan could tell Sasha was still a bit pouty, so she readily agreed. 

The next day, Pan Sasha parked her car at Xingguang Yipin and walked a circle around Lu Nan’s new little red car before getting in the passenger seat and sighing: “Mercedes really knows how to design cars that girls love — both the exterior and the interior are amazing.” 

“Then are you switching to a new car next?” Lu Nan asked seriously. 

“Maybe. Then we’ll have matching cars. No wait — bestie cars.” 

The old street was about 40 kilometers from downtown. Lu Nan drove for less than an hour and smoothly parallel parked upon arrival. 

As she unbuckled her seatbelt, Pan Sasha remarked, “You really don’t drive like a beginner.” 

Lu Nan shot her a look. “You knew I was a beginner and still insisted I drive?” 

“I have complete trust in you—my friend,” Pan Sasha replied confidently, if a bit cheekily. 

Lu Nan chuckled. “Let’s go. What do you want to eat? My treat today.” 

There was a place on the old street that served freshly ground and brewed soy milk using a traditional stone mill. Though it was already noon, who said soy milk was only for breakfast? 

Lu Nan ordered two bowls of savory soy milk—one with scallions, one without. The one without scallions had a bit of chili oil added. Meanwhile, Pan Sasha returned with some freshly baked flatbread from a nearby stall. “Just out of the oven, smells amazing. Let’s eat!” she said. Glancing down and seeing the bowl of soy milk with chili oil and no scallions—exactly how she liked it—she puckered her lips and blew Lu Nan a kiss to show her thanks. 

After finishing their food, they strolled slowly along the old street’s stone-paved path, bathed in the soft sunlight of early winter. 

Lu Nan let out a quiet sigh. 

“Hmm?” Pan Sasha turned to her, puzzled. 

“I was thinking about how to explain the car situation to you. It’s… a bit complicated.” Wanting to stay honest in their friendship, Lu Nan briefly shared her family situation—nothing too detailed. She said her parents had divorced when she was in high school. Her father ran a business, her mother stayed at home now, and part of the money for the car came from her father. 

Though the details were vague, Pan Sasha understood immediately and sighed too. “Men change when they have money. My dad… there’ve been rumors about him too. A few years ago, I asked my mom why she didn’t leave. She said, as long as the trouble didn’t come home, she’d turn a blind eye.” 

The two young women exchanged a look. In that brief moment of sharing personal stories, their bond deepened. 

As for the car, Pan Sasha no longer felt weird about it. Instead, another thought came to mind. “But your car does attract attention. You’ll need to be careful—Manager Wang might try to use your personal car for work. And also… Li Li and Zhou Tian might start acting a certain way toward you. You know what I mean.” 

“I get it. Thanks for the heads-up, Sister Sha.” 

… 

After eating and walking around a bit, they got back to the office just in time for the weekly meeting. Manager Wang, Director Tong, and Liu Tao were all absent today, so Chen Xiao was standing in as host. 

Lu Nan figured Manager Wang and Director Tong were at Green Trading. 

She was right. After the meeting, Chen Xiao glanced at his phone and called out, “Chen Lu, Lu Nan, come with me and Manager Zhou to Zui Qian Wei later. Tonight, Manager Wang is treating Director Tong and the head of Green Trading to dinner.” When his eyes passed over Pan Sasha, he added, “Sasha, you’re heading back to Fengyun tonight, right? You should leave early.” All three women were team supervisor in the group purchasing department. 

Lu Nan exchanged a glance with Wang Xiaoxue and Chen Lu—clearly, this wasn’t going to be a casual dinner. 

Wang Xiaoxue opened her mouth like she wanted to say something but held it back. 

It seemed she had learned her lesson after Dong Hui’s departure. 

Everyone dispersed—no reason to linger after a weekly meeting. 

When only Chen Xiao and Chen Lu were left in the conference room, Chen Xiao grabbed the alcohol he’d signed out from the backup supply. Tonight they were drinking 12-year Harmony Wine: Heaven and Man as One. 

Lu Nan noticed there were only two bags and offered, “Brother Xiao, how about I drive everyone tonight?” 

She was tactful enough to know what was needed. 

“Sure. Appreciate it,” Chen Xiao nodded. 

They headed downstairs and got in the car. 

Chen Lu took the passenger seat, Chen Xiao sat behind her. 

Zhou Tian wasn’t at the office, so they needed to pick her up at her dorm — it wasn’t too far out of the way. 

As they neared Zhou Tian’s building, Chen Xiao gestured for Chen Lu to give her a call. 

Zhou Tian came down quickly, dressed in a fleece-lined hoodie and skinny jeans. The casual outfit made her look younger and actually more attractive than her usual mature style. 

Noticing the glances from Lu Nan and Chen Lu, Zhou Tian grinned. “Don’t I look good like this?” 

Of course she did. 

Lu Nan smiled back. “So full of youthful energy.” 

Zhou Tian laughed. “You’re good at this!” 

When they arrived at Zui Qian Wei, Lu Nan let the others out so she could go park. Chen Lu quickly said, “I’ll wait for you. Manager Chen, we’ll bring the wine over.” 

Chen Xiao didn’t object. “We’re in private room 8—come over once you’ve parked.” Still, he took the two bags of wine with him as he left. 

Now it was just Chen Lu in the car. After a moment of hesitation, she said, “Tonight, just tell them you’re driving. That way, you won’t have to drink.” 

Lu Nan pressed the ignition button to turn off the car, turned to look at Chen Lu, and smiled warmly: “Thanks for looking out for me, Sister Lu.”