Chapter 22.1

Chen Jubai glanced down at the open WeChat interface on her screen as well.

He pressed his lips together but appeared much calmer this time. “Video and voice call functions are foundational and are already fully operational.”

Song Wei awkwardly exited the WeChat app.

She felt a bit flustered.

She hadn’t checked the profile picture earlier, but that “Wife” contact—was it referring to her?

He…

Song Wei removed the glasses and avoided eye contact. “I’m hungry…”

Chen Jubai calmly put away his phone and pointed to the snacks he had brought back from Shenzhen on the coffee table. “Eat some of this first. I’ll cook you some noodles.”

“Oh… thanks.”

As his footsteps moved toward the kitchen, Song Wei let out a long exhale.

What the heck!

What did he mean by this? Why change to such an ambiguous contact name!

Song Wei touched her face, feeling the heat.

Chen Jubai filled a pot with water and set it to boil. While waiting, he pulled out his phone from his pocket. Unlocking it, the WeChat screen reappeared.

He stared at the two words on the screen, a mix of emotions swirling in his eyes. After a long pause, he lowered his eyelids, hiding the fleeting smile that crossed his face.

There was still plenty of duck soup left from dinner. He reheated it, scooped out half a bowl for the base, and blanched some greens, presenting a bowl of noodles that looked almost professional.

“All set. Come eat.”

“Coming.”

Song Wei appeared to have recovered her composure. After taking a few bites, she praised him, “Tastes great.”

“Eat up. I’m going to take a shower.”

As soon as he left, Song Wei lost her appetite.

She had been close to getting used to sharing a bed with him, but those two words threw her back to square one.

Glancing at the doorway, she silently prayed. Maybe Yang Yingqiu wouldn’t return, and she could take her bed instead.

But that wasn’t going to happen. If her mom found out, she’d be in even bigger trouble.

Left with no choice, she had to keep pretending nothing happened.

She finished the noodles without tasting much of anything and returned to her book as if the incident from half an hour ago had never occurred.

This time, though, she didn’t have the energy to discuss anything with him. She read quietly, while he, freshly showered, focused on his own tasks.

At around ten, Yang Yingqiu and her husband returned, one after the other.

The Shenzhen snacks Chen Jubai had brought back delighted them.

By 10:30, Song Wei put her book away and went to bed. He was still busy.

Fearing she wouldn’t be able to sleep, she secretly drank two bottles of her mom’s calming tonic. It worked for her—within ten minutes, she was sound asleep.

The next morning, Song Wei woke up refreshed, lying neatly in her spot with her blanket perfectly arranged. He wasn’t there. Everything seemed normal, except for the stuffed bear that had fallen off the bed.

But that wasn’t unusual—the floor was often the bear’s final resting place.

As her thoughts cleared, those two words flashed in her mind. Startled, Song Wei shook her head and leapt out of bed.

She could drive but didn’t have a car at home. Normally, she took the subway to and from work. Now, under Song Gaoyi’s watchful eye, she found herself riding in Chen Jubai’s car.

Breakfast passed in near silence between them. But in the confined space of the car, some conversation was necessary. “Did you sleep well last night?”

The man behind the wheel glanced at her briefly. “Very well. And you?”

“I slept well too.”

“That’s good.”

Song Wei shifted her gaze, catching the faint smile at the corner of his eyes. Her heart sank. What was this strange feeling?

Steadying herself, she changed the subject. “Could you drop me off at the street corner later?”

“Okay.”

At 9 a.m., as soon as work began, Jiang Zhendong called her into his office. Fang Hongshen was also there.

Fang greeted her with a squinted smile. “Good morning, Manager Song.”

“Good morning, Director Jiang, Manager Fang.” Song Wei sat down on the other chair at the desk.

Jiang Zhendong asked, “Can you guess why I called you both in?”

Both of them nodded.

The office had been buzzing with rumors about the ownership of the Pioneer Project.

At her previous company, such matters were easily resolved. Departments were clearly divided. For example, the Smart Education division belonged entirely to Andy, who managed it comprehensively.

At Guangnian, however, the product department was split into just two broad categories: terminal products and technical solutions. Both she and Fang Hongshen were on the terminal products team, meaning either of them was eligible. It all depended on Jiang Zhendong’s decision.

Previously, Director Jiang had spoken to her privately. Whatever his reasons, his intentions had been clear. But calling them both in today suggested he might have changed his mind due to internal pressure.

Jiang Zhendong was indeed torn. One candidate was connected to President Chen, while the other was a company veteran. No matter how he chose, it would cause issues.

Fang Hongshen had been with the company longer and had deep-rooted connections. His seniority alone made him a difficult figure to ignore. But Jiang Zhendong was even more reluctant to cross Song Wei.

So, he decided to ask first, “What are your thoughts on the new Changyan project?”

Song Wei understood the hint and turned to look at Fang, who met her gaze. He spoke first. “What does Manager Song think?”

Song Wei had no intention of fighting for it initially. She wasn’t one for these kinds of struggles. But the recent rumors had been irritating—she hadn’t even done anything yet and was already accused of “snatching” the project. What kind of nonsense was that?

She wasn’t sure if the rumors originated from the second division, but if Jiang Zhendong had changed his stance, they were undoubtedly benefitting from it. They were not entirely uninvolved.

Now that she had been forced into this situation, backing down would only make her look weaker.

Being kind and easygoing was one thing. Being seen as a pushover was another.

Song Wei maintained a gentle smile, her dimples making her look harmless, but her tone was firm. “Director Jiang, I’ve previously assisted on a healthcare project and have some understanding of medical technology. Manager Li’s two current projects only require routine maintenance, and Ji Yao and the others don’t have much to do.”

“Director Jiang, I’m very interested in the Pioneer Project. If you trust me, I hope to have the opportunity to compete for it alongside Manager Fang.”

After finishing her words, the gaze of the two men converged, both surprised by her straightforwardness.

A young woman, new to the company, now the subject of workplace gossip—anyone with common sense would avoid standing out. Yet, she placed the matter squarely on the table.

Left with no choice, Jiang Zhendong turned to Fang Hongshen. “What about you, Manager Fang?”

Fang maintained his faint smile. “I happen to have some spare time as well. I’ll leave it to leadership’s arrangements.”

Jiang Zhendong felt his headache worsen. “Alright, I’ll discuss this with President Ling and President Chen.”

Song Wei left first, leaving the two men in the office.

Fang Hongshen’s smile faded. “Director Jiang, what’s the story with this Song Wei?”

Song Wei’s resume had long ceased to be a secret in the company. Fang Hongshen’s question was more probing than curious. Jiang Zhendong, having already been docked a month’s performance bonus, kept his lips tightly sealed. “What story? You’ve seen her credentials yourself.”

Leaning back in his chair, Fang Hongshen’s lips curled into a smirk. “Coming back from the capital really makes a difference—bold and ambitious, wants everything.”

Having worked with Fang Hongshen for two or three years, Jiang Zhendong was well aware of his personality. Small projects faced endless delays under him, but he always monopolized major ones, leveraging his seniority to form cliques and manipulate others.

Of course, Jiang Zhendong wasn’t exactly an upright character either. His inclination to favor Song Wei carried its own ulterior motives.

Pouring tea for Fang Hongshen, Jiang Zhendong quipped, “Brother Fang, why would you worry about a young upstart? Being aggressive doesn’t equate to being capable.”

“I’m not worried. President Chen wouldn’t hand such a significant project to a woman anyway.”

Jiang Zhendong lowered his head, smiling faintly but saying nothing.

After exchanging a few more words, Fang left. Once alone, Jiang Zhendong sent a message to Chen Jubai—this was a decision beyond his authority.

….

Song Wei returned directly to her office.

Yao Miaoxuan had already moved in, taking the desk opposite the main one, facing Song Wei’s workspace.

“Miaoxuan, organize your current tasks and hand them over to Ji Yao.”

“Why?” The young woman frowned.

Taking a sip of water first, Song Wei explained, “You and Dong Ruicheng are a poor match for collaboration. Let them handle the Xingfu Jiaoyu project. From now on, you’ll work with me.”

With Yao Miaoxuan’s pampered and stubborn personality, partnering with her was akin to losing half one’s energy. Song Wei figured that if things didn’t improve, she’d simply replace her—she wasn’t Miaoxuan’s parent, after all, to endlessly guide and indulge her.

“You’ve heard about the Changyan ‘Pioneer Plan,’ right?”

Miaoxuan widened her eyes in surprise. “You secured it?”

Song Wei smiled, tilting her head. “What, are you hoping I did or didn’t?”

“…” Of course, Miaoxuan didn’t believe Song Wei could go head-to-head with the Second Division. Even Manager Li Cheng hadn’t dared to challenge Fang Hongshen directly before.

Twirling a pen in her hand, Song Wei asked meaningfully, “I’ve heard rumors about me aggressively competing with the Second Division for projects. Have you heard anything?”

“Nope,” Miaoxuan blurted. “How could you outcompete Fang Hongshen?”

Her swift denial left Song Wei momentarily puzzled. “Fair enough. But since the rumors are already circulating, I might as well give it my best shot. Help me gather AR medical information and Changyan Technology’s recent achievements.”

“It’s useless,” Miaoxuan grumbled. “Fang Hongshen is cunning and resourceful. Don’t waste your effort.”

“Let’s try and see,” Song Wei replied.

Miaoxuan studied her carefully. Despite Song Wei’s composed expression, her emotions weren’t simply confident or bold. If there were a word to describe her, it would be “calm.” Steady, composed, and quietly resolute.

When Song Wei suddenly looked up, their gazes met, causing Miaoxuan to look away hurriedly.

Unaware of what Miaoxuan was thinking, Song Wei asked, “Do I need to teach you how to find the materials?”

“No,” Miaoxuan grumbled, pouting. “It’s just research.”

“Good, then get to work,” Song Wei said, sitting down. Moments later, she added, “By the way, do you think I’m harsh?”

Caught off guard, Miaoxuan didn’t know how to respond. Harsh? Not exactly, but she was definitely… a lot.

Miaoxuan chose silence.

Song Wei chuckled. “They say I’m pretty strict.”

Confused, Miaoxuan returned to her research.