Chapter 53

Lin Shu didn’t let herself dwell too much on her personal emotions. Recently, several new cases had been introduced to her through former clients, and she decided to quickly visit these new clients, striving to secure their cooperation.

However, what surprised her was that although Xu Shijia’s personal life had undergone dramatic changes, it hadn’t affected his work focus or dedication. Not only had he not been late, but he was also the first one to arrive at the office.

When Lin Shu arrived, she saw him already bent over his desk, seriously studying a case file.

Lin Shu was momentarily taken aback, but then she thought it made sense.

He was about to become a father and start a family, so naturally, he would need to take on more responsibility and work harder to support his family. It was perfectly normal for him to be even more focused on his work.

But the thought of this made Lin Shu a little frustrated.

Not long ago, she had received a call from Wang Yannian, inviting her to a charity event that night organized by Xinhé. He said it was a gesture of thanks for her guidance to Xu Shijia, and he wanted to introduce some businesspeople to her.

This was a golden opportunity, and of course, Lin Shu wouldn’t turn it down, but she didn’t even want to bring Xu Shijia along.

The person who had caused all of this clearly had no idea. Xu Shijia saw Lin Shu passing by, looked up, and greeted her with a smile. Lin Shu turned her head, pretending not to notice, and walked straight into her office.

She didn’t want to see Xu Shijia, nor did she want to deal with him.

But the regular work meeting had to be held.

Lin Shu went through the usual routine, listening to everyone report on their work and progress, assigning tasks to Wang Tieniu and Liu Xuhui, and then began assigning tasks to the remaining two people:

“Day after tomorrow, we have a new client reception. Xu Mingmei, you’ll come with me.”

“There’s also a labor dispute court case, Xu Mingmei, check the related evidence directory to make sure everything is in order, and we’ll go tomorrow morning.”

“There’s a business trip next week, Xu Mingmei, have the administration book flights for both of us for three days. Is that okay with you?”

“In the afternoon, there’s a legal training for the HR and legal departments of a long-term consulting company regarding labor disputes. Xu Mingmei, you’ll come with me.”

“Tonight, there’s a charity gala at Xinhé, inviting our consulting lawyers to attend. Xu Mingmei, please make arrangements, and we’ll go together.”

…

Xu Mingmei didn’t disappoint Lin Shu. As she was assigned these tasks, Xu Mingmei’s face showed excitement and expectation, with no signs of dissatisfaction despite the heavy workload.

She was teachable and willing to learn and work hard.

However, as soon as Lin Shu finished announcing the meeting and stood up to leave, Xu Shijia, with a rather grim expression, followed her out:

“What about me?”

He stared at Lin Shu with an incredulous look on his face. “Why does she have so many tasks? Why don’t I have anything?”

“You’re here to assist with paperwork, and there are still a lot of emails you need to reply to, including contract reviews and proofreading translations. There’s plenty for you to do. The workload is already full,” Lin Shu replied.

Before assigning the tasks, Lin Shu had checked the workload for the paperwork tasks, and it was enough to keep Xu Shijia busy for several days.

The fact that he wasn’t satisfied was likely because he was worried about the impact on his income.

Lin Shu glanced at him and said calmly, “Don’t worry. The paperwork and business trips are equally important. The paperwork won’t reduce your salary or bonuses. You’ll get what you deserve. I admit that before the new people came, I gave you too much responsibility. But now that the new team members have arrived, your workload will naturally be lightened. This will also give the newcomers a chance to gain experience.”

Unfortunately, even after Lin Shu said this, Xu Shijia was still dissatisfied: “Didn’t you say that I was supposed to go on the business trip with you? And the labor dispute training this afternoon, you said I was going too. You even said I was going to the charity gala tonight. Why are you giving all that to Xu Mingmei now?”

Lin Shu wasn’t really angry, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t irritated.

Most of the time, she was very tolerant of her subordinates and understood that each person needed to be treated differently based on their personality. For instance, Xu Shijia responded better to a softer approach.

But at this moment, seeing the righteous look on Xu Shijia’s face, Lin Shu became really angry, and she couldn’t bring herself to say any comforting words.

Why?

How dare he question her?

“I know I’m younger than you, but the workplace isn’t about age. I’m your boss, and I have the authority to decide the division of labor in the team. This is my decision, and I don’t need to report to you about how I assign tasks. Before the final task distribution plan is settled, I can make adjustments.”

Lin Shu’s expression darkened. “Xu Shijia, team work distribution needs to be balanced. Before, I relied on you too much, and now you think you can question me, thinking you dominate the team? You ask me why? Because I’m your boss.”

Xu Shijia bit his lip and fell silent.

He stared at Lin Shu for a moment and then asked, “What’s wrong? Are you in a bad mood?” He spoke softly, “Who upset you? Why are you taking it out on me?”

Xu Shijia was so perceptive, and this made Lin Shu feel even worse.

Unfortunately, Xu Shijia didn’t know when to stop. He continued to push: “At least, you should still take me to the Xinhé charity gala tonight, right? I know most of the people invited to these events. I can introduce you to them one by one and help you with your networking.”

“You’re not on bad terms with your dad, and your father even imposed economic sanctions on you, right? To avoid any awkwardness, you’d better not go,” Lin Shu coldly rejected Xu Shijia’s suggestion. “Besides, if I bring you, it might seem like I’m trying to show off that I’m gaining favor through your connections. The entrepreneurs your father is introducing me to would probably think that I’m only getting this opportunity because of you, and they might overlook my own abilities. So, to avoid suspicion, you should skip the Xinhé charity event tonight. I’ll bring Xu Mingmei instead.”

With that, Lin Shu shot Xu Shijia a glance and turned to leave.

—

Xu Mingmei was as pleased as punch, while Xu Shijia was deeply disheartened.

From early this morning, he could feel Lin Shu’s change in attitude toward him. She had clearly seen him, but she turned her head as though she hadn’t, and when he greeted her with a smile, Lin Shu didn’t even bother to give him a friendly look.

As for work, she had assigned all the tasks that would involve more interaction with her to his mother, leaving Xu Shijia with nothing but paperwork that could be done alone in front of a computer.

It was clear that Lin Shu was avoiding him.

Xu Shijia didn’t care about money, but he did care about spending time with Lin Shu.

“I feel like Lin Shu has an issue with me. It’s like she’s marginalizing me. Why am I getting all these tasks, and you’re getting the ones where you get to interact with her? Did someone say something bad about me? Is that why Lin Shu seems to dislike me lately?”

Looking at Xu Shijia’s puzzled expression, Xu Mingmei felt a bit guilty.

During the meeting when Lin Shu assigned tasks, she had only just realized that she forgot to update Lin Shu on the situation—Xu Shijia hadn’t become a father, nor had he gotten married. In fact, he hadn’t even managed to pursue his first love.

This misunderstanding had caused Lin Shu to believe that Xu Shijia was entering a new chapter of his life as a father, when in reality, none of that had happened.

Xu Mingmei felt a little guilty for stealing Xu Shijia’s business, and for a while, she had been torn about whether to clarify things with Lin Shu.

But looking at Xu Shijia now, she felt that what she had done wasn’t wrong.

Xu Shijia had been secretly in love with his first love since high school, and so many years had passed with no progress. Their relationship wasn’t meant to be, and she had no issue with that. But now, after all his frustration in romance, he was still lamenting the lack of work he was getting from Lin Shu? His priorities were completely off.

If he liked working so much, spending all his time at work, when would he have time to settle his feelings for his first love?

Now that Lin Shu had finally given him a short break, he could at least use the time to think about the big issues in life.

Moreover, Xu Mingmei had the rare opportunity of being personally guided by Lin Shu, and she couldn’t just give that up so easily.

Xu Mingmei had worked hard for her son’s future career path, and now, at her age, she knew that if she didn’t seize this opportunity, it would be gone.

Thinking this, Xu Mingmei felt more at ease. She calmed herself and said, “Xiaobao, don’t think too much about it.”

“Our team is so united, and everyone is so good. Who would speak ill of you? Work assignments are always different depending on priority.”

Xu Shijia pursed his lips and said unhappily, “But she clearly thought I was useful before, always bringing me along and saying I was the core of the team. Now she’s making me spend all my time reviewing contracts—what’s the difference between that and sitting on the sidelines?”

Xu Mingmei remained calm. “People change.”

Xu Shijia frowned. “So, what you’re saying is that Lin Shu has changed and no longer sees me as the core of the team?”

“No, how could Lin Shu change?” Xu Mingmei didn’t like hearing that. “Xiaobao, the problem is with you. Lin Shu is not the type of person to change for no reason. Don’t blame your boss, or your superior, or society every time something goes wrong. You need to look at yourself.”

“You need to learn to reflect on yourself. You were useful before, so Lin Shu used you more. But recently, if she’s been using you less, then what’s the reason? Obviously, you’re just not as useful anymore!”

Sure enough, Xu Mingmei’s words made Xu Shijia freeze, and he started to doubt himself. “I haven’t been useful lately?”

This was the perfect moment to sow a little doubt.

Xu Mingmei sighed dramatically, “Yes, men hit a certain age and start to experience a sharp decline. It’s not just about your sperm quality—it’s a full-body aging process. You might not feel it, but hormones are subtle, and Lin Shu, being a woman, probably senses it. You’ve lost some of your youthful energy and vitality, which is why she doesn’t like you anymore. Plus, you were unhappy with Lin Shu’s work arrangement just now. Doesn’t that show you’ve become disobedient and rebellious?”

“Women nowadays like obedient little puppies! Have you ever heard of anyone liking an old dog? They all like soft, cute, obedient little dogs! Just think about it—when a little puppy walks down the street, people are quick to compliment it and take it home. An old dog? Well, it gets caught by the dogcatcher!”

Xu Shijia: “…”

Xu Mingmei continued, “Xiaobao, you’re getting older. While you’re still a little puppy, you should find yourself a home! If you keep wasting time, you’ll end up an old dog, and then you’ll be sent to the slaughterhouse.”

After hearing these words, Xu Shijia’s expression became a bit strained.

Xu Mingmei seized the opportunity. “Flowers don’t bloom forever, and people don’t stay young forever. Work hard while you can, but love, marriage, and having children—if you miss those chances, there’s no going back. Men and women are the same—they both want someone youthful. If they didn’t like you when you were 18, why would they like you now that you’re older?”

As Xu Mingmei spoke, Xu Shijia’s expression became more and more uncomfortable.

The self-assured Xu Shijia suddenly became awkward, and his tone betrayed some unease. “Mom, do you really think I’ve aged in terms of my energy and appearance?”

Clearing his throat, he added awkwardly, “I’m five years older than Lin Shu, but standing next to her, does it really make me look much older? I feel like I’m doing okay in all areas, and I don’t think I look that much older than her. Overall, I should still be considered in the same age group, right?”

Xu Shijia grew increasingly guilty as he spoke: “Could it be that I’ve been staying up late lately, and my skin condition isn’t as good? But I’ve been staying up late for Lin Shu’s overtime work, how can she turn around and complain that I’m not useful anymore!”

His tone was full of resentment as he looked up at Xu Mingmei: “But even if she thinks I’m not useful, she shouldn’t have you replace me, right? You’re much older than me! Why are you the one accompanying her to all those tasks?”

“I’m a woman, and you’re a man. Women are naturally more tolerant of age when it comes to the same sex, but when it comes to the opposite sex…” Xu Mingmei seized this excellent opportunity and pointed out, “Xiaobao, you need to have the right mindset. Instead of complaining about everything, it’s better to seize fate by the throat. Adversity is what really builds your mental strength. Now that Lin Shu thinks you’re not useful, hasn’t she given you a vacation in disguise? Rather than complaining, use this time to pursue your first love! Otherwise, do you think that by doing nothing and aging, she’ll still notice you?”

“Since you’ve been thinking about your first love all these years, it’s clear she has her charm. Are the other men blind? Can’t they see it? Nowadays, many men are eager to find a successful older woman. Since your first love is your senior, she must have achieved something in her career by now, and there are many young men who’d want to be with her.”

As Xu Mingmei continued speaking, Xu Shijia’s expression grew darker.

After a moment, he suddenly changed the subject: “What about the Xinhé charity event tonight?”

Although Xu Mingmei had never appeared publicly in the media, many of the attendees at the Xinhé charity event were long-time friends of Wang Yannian, so they naturally knew Xu Mingmei.

Xu Shijia knew this, and Xu Mingmei was prepared for it: “I’ll tell them I’m feeling unwell and take the night off.”

“But won’t Lin Shu be left unsupported at the event?” Xu Shijia cleared his throat and said, almost casually, “Maybe I’ll go, just to show up. After all, my position is no secret to Lin Shu. If I don’t go, it’ll seem like Xinhé isn’t treating her properly and lacks etiquette.”

“It’s fine. I’ve already arranged for your dad to find someone to attend and look after her. He’ll also introduce potential clients to her one by one,” Xu Mingmei said.

What Xu Mingmei didn’t mention was that inviting Lin Shu to the event was partly with the intention of setting her up for a blind date. Since young people tend to resist traditional blind dates, turning it into a social event like a charity gala made it more relaxed. She wouldn’t be going, but the person arranged to assist Lin Shu at the event was a young man that Xu Mingmei highly approved of.

Furthermore…

“Many entrepreneurs at the event will be bringing their sons, and your dad’s old friends have sons around your age. Many of them are single, and there will be many eligible young men. Lin Shu will be there without you or me, which is the perfect opportunity for her to look around. Who knows, maybe it’ll lead to a good match.”

Xu Mingmei was very clear about her plan: “As for you, Xiaobao, don’t worry about it. Tonight, stay with me. We’ll go shopping for some outfits, and you can focus on pursuing your first love.”

What frustrated Xu Mingmei was that Xu Shijia seemed completely uninterested in his personal love life, but when it came to Lin Shu’s charity event, his reaction was intense.

“You’re going to introduce someone to Lin Shu? The person you’ve arranged for her is a man?”

Xu Shijia’s expression was dark, his voice full of anger: “Mom, stop interfering with this!”

Xu Mingmei was confused: “Lin Shu wants to date too! Your dad and I have good judgment and know what kind of man is right for her. What’s wrong with us helping her out?”

But Xu Shijia’s response was far from approving. He looked like he was about to explode: “No man is right for her! You shouldn’t be meddling in this. Don’t make it your business.”

He almost gritted his teeth as he said, “What good would it do for Lin Shu to date?”

Xu Mingmei was taken aback: “Huh?”

Xu Shijia tugged at his tie, awkwardly explaining: “What I mean is, Lin Shu is our boss. If the boss gets obsessed with love, how can she focus on leading the team? Dating doesn’t take up time? Once she starts dating, where would she find the time to expand the business?”

“My first love likes mature, steady men. If I don’t progress, I can’t become that mature, steady man. If you get Lin Shu to date, aren’t you blocking my progress? I won’t be able to find a partner.”

“Don’t you want me to find someone? If you do, stop introducing people to Lin Shu.”

“She absolutely cannot date.”

Xu Shijia threw these words out, glanced at the time, and said, “I’ll be leaving now.”

He said this and turned to leave quickly, as if in a rush, leaving Xu Mingmei standing there alone.

What Xu Shijia had said left Xu Mingmei completely stunned.

Her son, of all people, was so selfish!

At first, Xu Mingmei sympathized with her son for not being able to win over his first love all these years, but now, looking back, it was only natural he hadn’t succeeded!

Lin Shu had been so supportive of him, yet he couldn’t even wish her well!

He’d been single for all these years—this was his selfish retribution!

The more Xu Mingmei thought about it, the more she felt rebellious. She decided she would act quickly to resolve Lin Shu’s lifelong happiness, and as for Xu Shijia…

Xu Mingmei decided to cut ties with her son’s love life. She would no longer concern herself with whether or not he succeeded with his first love.

Xiaobao, you deserve to be a stray dog with no home!