Chapter 34.1

Yang Yingqiu went to work as usual this week. In the first two days, she seemed a little absent-minded at times, but in the following days, she returned to her usual self, even starting to scold Song Wei for staying up late and sleeping in. She also criticized her for teasing Chen Jubai, and even if she spent two extra minutes in the bathroom, she would be scolded. Slowly, Song Wei began to relax, knowing her mother was really fine now.

On Friday afternoon, Song Wei decided to quickly finish her work and leave early to pack her things. Over the past few days, Principal Yang had seemed to find her annoying, and it was clear that staying at home any longer was no longer an option.

Around 4 p.m., Yao Miaoxuan knocked and entered the office, standing straight in front of the desk. “Sister Wei, are you free tonight? I’d like to invite everyone for dinner.”

Song Wei had been too busy with work lately to keep up with what Yao Miaoxuan was doing. However, Ji Yao often found her in the mornings when Song Wei was making coffee to gossip, and Yao Miaoxuan was frequently mentioned. According to Ji Yao, Miaoxuan had impressed everyone by consistently completing her work on time, not complaining, and even taking the initiative to greet people when she saw them.

This was a good sign, as a harmonious and united team was the most important thing.

Song Wei asked, “What about Ji Yao and the others?”

“I asked them, and they’re all fine with it,” Yao Miaoxuan replied.

“Then go ahead,” Song Wei said.

At 6 p.m., a group of seven or eight people arrived at the restaurant Yao Miaoxuan had reserved.

As soon as they sat down, Ji Yao looked around the lavishly decorated private room, clicking her tongue. “Wow, looks like we’re in for a treat today. Miss Yao is splurging.”

Yao Miaoxuan blushed a little and said softly, “It’s not that, it’s free. This restaurant is run by my uncle’s family.”

“…” Ji Yao immediately fell silent. If it weren’t for knowing Yao Miaoxuan’s character, she might have rolled her eyes.

Song Wei smiled. “Alright, let’s order.”

Yao Miaoxuan said, “Sister Wei, I’ve already ordered. It’s ready to be served.”

Song Wei was surprised. She hadn’t expected the little princess to be so detail-oriented today.

When the dishes arrived, Ji Yao and the others were stunned. The spread included Australian lobsters, abalone, salmon platters, and other top-tier ingredients.

Song Wei was also amazed. This was definitely an extravagant meal.

Yao Miaoxuan asked, “Sister Wei, would you like some wine?”

Song Wei looked around at the others, and Ji Yao said, “Of course we should have some!”

Yao Miaoxuan turned to the server to bring over some red wine, which had been pre-aired, clearly part of the arrangement.

She poured a glass for Song Wei first, then filled her own glass. After raising her glass, she said earnestly, “Sister Wei, thank you. I’m not the most likable person, and I didn’t adjust my mindset well in the past. I used to always complain about the environment. Before you came, I was planning to just do the bare minimum, because my family doesn’t lack money. I could buy a piece of clothing with my monthly salary. I didn’t understand why others worked overtime for just a few thousand or ten thousand dollars a month.”

“I started in operations, but after two months, they handed me over to Sister Cheng. Sister Cheng was kind enough to take me in, but didn’t give me much to do. I didn’t understand back then, but now I get it. I was poor at my job and unguarded in relationships, so I kept making mistakes. That incident from earlier, I know it was all my fault.”

“But these past two months, I’ve felt very happy and fulfilled. Working with you, for the first time, I had the chance to handle projects independently. For the first time, I experienced the satisfaction of having my work accepted. For the first time, I felt useful.”

“Sister Wei, thank you. Thank you for not giving up on me, for giving me opportunity after opportunity. Thank you for teaching me personally. Don’t worry, I’ll work hard from now on. Things from the past won’t happen again.”

Yao Miaoxuan spoke passionately, and the entire room fell silent.

Song Wei had an inkling that the young woman wanted to express her gratitude today, but she hadn’t expected her to be so direct. For a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. Before this, she had been in Yao Miaoxuan’s position, and had said similar things when leaving the capital to Andy. But today, the positions had reversed.

Song Wei hadn’t done much. She had simply followed the usual work processes. Yao Miaoxuan had many shortcomings, but none of them were fatal; they could still be remedied. Having gone through high-pressure situations herself, Song Wei had learned not to impose unnecessary pressure on others, and not to become an invisible executioner in the workplace.

After a moment of silence, Ji Yao spoke up, “Oh come on, stop being so serious. You’re making it hard for Sister Wei to handle.”

Song Wei came back to her senses and smiled. “You don’t need to thank me. You’ve made the change yourself, so you should be thanking yourself.”

She clinked her glass with Yao Miaoxuan’s. “Keep up the good work.”

Yao Miaoxuan’s eyes became a little misty. She couldn’t find the right words, just nodding silently.

After the heartfelt moment, Ji Yao and Dong Ruicheng started a lively conversation, shifting the mood.

The young people in their twenties didn’t want to talk about work anymore. They were now chatting about various funny stories and gossip from the company.

Someone mentioned, “I heard President Ning has returned to China.”

Ji Yao immediately stopped eating, her hand frozen mid-air. “Really?”

“Yes, it’s true. The news came from the general affairs office. He’ll be at the company for a meeting next Monday.”

Song Wei wasn’t aware of this, but she knew who “President Ning” was. He was an investor in Guangnian who didn’t involve himself in the daily operations and had been living abroad until now.

Thinking that Song Wei might not know him, Ji Yao took the opportunity to explain, “Sister Wei, do you know President Ning?”

“Only a little,” Song Wei replied.

Ji Yao continued, “Do you know the Ning family?”

“Of course.”

The Ning family was the richest in Nan’an and had a monopoly over the city’s basic infrastructure and urban investments. Ning family businesses were involved in almost every aspect of life for the people of Nan’an.

It wasn’t until Song Wei got involved in the virtual tech industry that she realized the Ning family was even more influential than most people thought. They supported almost every local virtual tech company in Nan’an.

Ji Yao smiled and said, “Then I won’t need to explain further. I heard when President Chen started his business, it was really tough. As a college student with just a business plan, who would believe in him? But President Ning believed in him. What’s it called? Angel investment, right? President Ning gave him his first sum of money.”

“For the next two years, Guangnian struggled to get off the ground, but President Ning kept supporting them, investing heavily. Eventually, Guangnian found its footing, but then management issues arose. That’s when President Ning introduced Sister Zhuo to President Chen.”

Ji Yao became more animated as she spoke. “I’ve never met President Ning, but she’s really a great benefactor for Guangnian. Without her, there wouldn’t be a Guangnian today. Fortunately, our company has become successful now, and we’re making money for President Ning.”

Song Wei felt moved as she listened. Chen Jubai had received much help from benefactors throughout his entrepreneurial journey. Their relationship was like that of a talented horse and its noble mentor. President Ning had a keen eye for talent, and as Ji Yao mentioned, Chen Jubai was continuously repaying that kindness.

Ji Yao remarked, “I wonder what the meeting on Monday is about, and whether we’ll be able to attend.”

Dong Ruicheng said, “Don’t even think about it. I’ve heard that President Ning keeps a very low profile.”

“Well… okay then,” Ji Yao replied.

After a satisfying meal, Chen Jubai sent a message asking if he should come pick her up. Song Wei replied that it wasn’t necessary.

He responded: [I’m on my way. Just got off work.]

She reluctantly agreed, reminding him to park further away so they wouldn’t be seen.

Though, it seemed her caution was unnecessary.

Dong Ruicheng, who was “in the know,” was particularly considerate. He ushered the others out, saying he’d drive Song Wei home.

Once everyone had left, he flashed a silly smile. “Sister Wei, you can relax with me around!”

Song Wei laughed. “Alright, thank you.”

She walked out to the black Mercedes parked in the dark.

The car was stationed in the night, its headlights guiding her forward. Song Wei quickened her pace.

…

This weekend comes with an important task: moving out.

She would come back again, but for now, Song Wei planned to take only a few sets of clothes, toiletries, and other essentials. Skincare products and makeup would have to stay behind, with only a travel-sized set for the next few days.

Looking at it this way, there wasn’t much to pack.

Opening the wardrobe, she looked at the rows of clothes, and her emotions stirred a little.

She wasn’t fond of shopping; most of her clothes were bought online. But with her busy work schedule, she rarely had time to shop, so nearly half of what filled her wardrobe had been bought by Yang Yingqiu.

Yang Yingqiu had a good taste in clothing, mostly simple, solid-colored pieces suitable for work, and the quality was good—some of them had lasted for years.

Song Wei didn’t linger long. She quickly packed a few sets of her frequently worn clothes into a suitcase.

Nearby was Chen Jubai’s stuff. She called out, “Should I pack your clothes too?”

“Sure.”

He was packing Snowflake’s things outside. His mother didn’t like small animals, so Snowflake probably wouldn’t come back to live here often. Everything that could be taken was being moved out; leaving it behind would just be a waste.

After lunch and a short break, around 3 or 4 p.m., Chen Jubai wheeled two suitcases toward the door while Song Wei, holding Snowflake, stood in the doorway, feeling a little reluctant.

It felt like today was the true moment of marriage registration. She was getting married, and from now on, she would have her own family. Coming back here would be like visiting her parents’ house.

She shook her head, dismissing the fleeting thought. This place would always be her home, and she could return anytime she wanted.

Since her parents had already made the decision to move forward, she too had to be brave.

She gave Yang Yingqiu a brief hug. “Mom, we’re leaving now.”

“Go on, go on. Hurry up.”

Song Wei’s tone shifted. “I’ll be back next weekend.”

Yang Yingqiu laughed. “Alright, remember to buy groceries.”

“No problem.”

Chen Jubai had two properties near the office. One had been transferred to her name a couple of weeks ago, but that one was unfurnished, just an empty apartment. Today, they were moving into the one he frequently lived in, called Hangping Mansion.

It was Song Wei’s first time coming here. The car drove straight into the underground parking garage, and they took the elevator up to the top floor, the 33rd floor.

The building had two elevators and two apartments per floor, a spacious flat.