“Anxin, you really know how to sweet-talk people.”

Anxin seized the opportunity to flatter back.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Seeing how much care you have shown me, even personally coming to the site, I’m just speaking from the heart.”

Su Yipeng withdrew his gaze, clearly pleased by her string of compliments, though he maintained a stern expression.
“Saying things like that makes it seem like we’re strangers. Didn’t we agree that this won’t be our last collaboration? Let’s not be too formal.”

Meanwhile, Kaizi, sitting in the driver’s seat of the truck, observed their exchange from afar. His gaze darkened.

He hadn’t expected that this seemingly unremarkable girl, Anxin, not only knew Su Yipeng but also had the ability to secure a transportation deal from him. What was An Xin’s background?

As someone who’d been in the provincial transportation business for years, Kaizi knew Su Yipeng, but he had never managed to get a contract through him. And now, here was Anxin, who had only been driving taxis in the provincial city for a short while, already connected to someone like Su Yipeng.

Kaizi realized he needed to reevaluate his view of Anxin. She was far more capable than he’d initially thought.

From the driver’s seat, Kaizi watched Anxin and Su Yipeng chatting and laughing, the latter clearly amused. Soon, Su Yipeng instructed Liu Qiang to ensure the cargo yard personnel treated Anxin’s team with respect and prioritized their tasks. The supervisor overseeing the loading nodded and promised to complete the job efficiently over the next ten days.

As the two men prepared to leave, Anxin, ever perceptive, quickly retrieved two packages from her truck. In a seamless motion, she placed them into the back of the jeep that Su Yipeng and Liu Qiang would ride in. Her movements were smooth, practiced, and so discreet that it seemed second nature.

Sitting high in his truck, Kaizi caught sight of her actions. He was impressed—not only by her efficiency but also by her ability to navigate delicate situations with such finesse.

For someone as experienced as Kaizi, who had navigated the transportation industry’s tricky waters for years, Anxin’s ability to anticipate and act so appropriately left him feeling slightly inadequate in comparison.

As Liu Qiang drove the jeep away from the yard, Su Yipeng broke the silence.
“Anxin’s transportation contract, Xiao Liu—make sure to keep an eye on it. Help where help is needed.”

Although this was his first collaboration with Anxin, she had left a strong impression on Su Yipeng. She was honest and straightforward, yet her actions—like presenting gifts openly—came across as natural and thoughtful rather than underhanded. Her approach made it difficult to refuse.

Liu Qiang nodded vigorously.
“Got it, Director. I’ll follow up closely and ensure everything goes smoothly.”

Earlier, Liu Qiang had been curious to see whether Anxin’s transport team was as reliable as she claimed. What he didn’t expect was for Su Yipeng to accompany him. Anxin’s foresight in preparing two sets of gifts ensured both of them felt appreciated, leaving no room for awkwardness or guilt.

As Liu Qiang reflected on Anxin’s deft handling of the situation, Su Yipeng let out a quiet sigh and spoke with a hint of admiration.
“This Anxin… she’s got some real skill.”

Liu Qiang was momentarily speechless. He couldn’t deny it—this young woman had exceeded his expectations and even caught their director’s attention.

“You see, Xiao Liu,” Su Yipeng continued, “this society is like a giant dye vat—it colors everyone, but it’s also a great learning ground. Stick close to Anxin during this contract; you might just learn a thing or two from her.”

“Yes, Director!” Liu Qiang replied enthusiastically. His boss’s repeated praise made it clear that Anxin had many qualities worth observing.

With Su Yipeng’s personal involvement and Liu Qiang’s orders, the workers loaded Anxin and Kaizi’s trucks quickly and efficiently. Soon, both vehicles were on their way to the railway station.

By the end of the day, all four trucks had run their routes smoothly, hitting the day’s transportation target without any issues.

Elsewhere, Bai Yichen had cut his workday short and was leading his team down the mountain. Usually the last to leave, today he was striding far ahead of the group, his urgency clear.

Behind him, his teammates exchanged amused glances and whistles, teasing him relentlessly.

“Captain, why the rush? Didn’t you say your wife is staying in the provincial hospital with her mother? What’s the hurry to get home?”

“You’re not secretly planning to sneak off to the provincial city to see your mother-in-law, are you? Or is it your wife you’re thinking of?”

“Of course, look at our captain. Ever since he married such a skilled and beautiful wife, the food in the canteen can’t even compare!”

“If I had a wife as pretty, capable, and good at cooking as the captain’s, I’d never let her out of my sight.”

“Right? Honestly, I’d tie her to my waist and never let go.”

The men burst into laughter at their own jokes.

One teammate added to the fun.
“Seriously, Captain, with your wife not at home, what’s the rush? How about we ask the canteen staff to cook us a good meal tonight and have a proper drink together?”

Without Anxin at home to cook mouthwatering meals, they might as well make the best of the situation.

Over the past few days, Bai Yichen’s frequent trips to the provincial city hadn’t gone unnoticed. Word of Anxin’s mother being hospitalized had spread, and the men had even heard that Anxin still managed to prepare lunchboxes for Bai Yichen daily. This small gesture kept their mid-day morale high, but it wasn’t enough to satisfy the appetites of young, energetic men.

What they truly craved was a repeat of the unforgettable feast Anxin had cooked—a pot of savory braised pork offal that had left them all drooling.

Unfortunately, with Anxin staying in the city, they’d have to wait until her mother was discharged to enjoy her cooking again.