On the way back by taxi, everyone naturally formed groups. 

Lu Nan, Chen Lu, Xu Yao, and He Manlin were heading in the same direction, so they shared a taxi. 

Xu Yao glanced at Lu Nan, then at He Manlin, and whispered to her friend, “Should we get a separate taxi?” 

He Manlin smiled and shook her head. “It’s okay. No need for that.” 

“But…” 

“Yao Yao, when you like someone, you just do. And when you don’t, you just don’t. You can’t hide it, and you can’t force it. It’s something I’ve come to understand after a lot of thought. Have you figured it out yet?” He Manlin chose her words carefully. 

Xu Yao’s face turned pale. 

“Nothing happened today. It’s just that my dream ended,” He Manlin said with a sigh of relief. “Let’s go home, wash up, and sleep.” 

… 

Xiang Feifei only heard about what happened the day before from Chen Lu the next day. That afternoon, when she returned to the dorm, she asked Lu Nan, “Are you okay?” 

“Perfectly fine.” 

Seeing that Lu Nan didn’t look hungover or upset, Xiang Feifei felt reassured and casually added, “It seems Brother Xiao is leaving in the next couple of days. During yesterday’s weekly meeting, Manager Wang mentioned organizing a farewell party for him, but he declined.” 

Lu Nan nodded. “All good things come to an end. Transfers between provincial and municipal offices happen every year—it’s normal.” 

And since Chen Xiao was promoted beyond the normal track, there were all sorts of rumors swirling around him now. Too many people were trying to curry favor with him. He probably didn’t want to make a big scene—more likely, he would leave quietly. 

“Sigh, and then in a few more days, you’ll be leaving too,” Xiang Feifei sighed. “That’ll leave just four of us in the dorm.” 

“I’m already leaving much later than the ones in Jujiang. If I don’t start pushing Manager Liu, he might drag it out till the end of the twelfth lunar month. That’s just ridiculous,” Lu Nan said. “After the New Year, Sister Lu will most likely move out and live on her own—after all, like Manager Li, she can claim the allowance directly. Then that dorm will only have three people left. I’m guessing the two dorms will be merged.” 

Xiang Feifei remarked, “It’s nice that provincial group-purchasing managers and city managers get housing subsidies directly. Unlike us—if we move out, it counts as giving up the subsidy. By the way, will you be finding a place on your own in Hua’an City?” 

“Of course,” Lu Nan said. “No subordinate wants to see their boss day and night, right? For the sake of peace at the Hua’an office, I must live far away from them.” 

Xiang Feifei thought for a moment. “Makes sense, Manager Lu. Oh right, you got a package. It came this morning while you were out. I signed for it and left it on the dining table.” 

“Thanks.” Lu Nan walked to the dining room and saw a long, narrow box on the table. 

A delivery? Who sent it? Could it be the gift Sasha mentioned? 

Lu Nan picked up the box—it was very light. 

Then she checked the shipping label—since real-name registration for deliveries wasn’t strictly enforced yet, the sender didn’t include a full address. It just said it was sent from within the city. The phone number wasn’t familiar either. But the sender was listed as: LC1001. 

Hmm? Isn’t that…? 

Curious, Lu Nan took the package back to her room to open it. 

Inside was packaging from a luxury brand. She opened the box and found a classic monogram cardholder. 

It looked very familiar. She frowned slightly. What’s he playing at? Why this? 

There was also a card inside. It read: 
“There will be times when the wind and waves are favorable, and you will sail straight through the vast seas.” 

There was no signature, but Lu Nan knew it was from Chen Xiao. 

She couldn’t tell what he meant by this. 

Why such a coincidence—a cardholder, and from that specific brand? 

A farewell gift? It seemed a bit too extravagant. 

But the quote on the card felt like something from a yearbook. 

Does he really like me, or does he just want to play mentor? 

After some thought, Lu Nan sent a message to Chen Xiao: a photo of the cardholder and the card, with a question mark. 

He quickly replied: “Promotion gift.” 

“It’s too expensive. I can’t accept it.” 

“There’s a condition,” Chen Xiao responded quickly. 
“Double the contract amount and payment collection in Hua’an City within two years. Can you do it?” 

Lu Nan looked at the message, thinking: Even your gift-giving has such a grand excuse. Classic Chen Xiao. But my personal goal is more than just doubling it. 

Still, under what identity does he make this demand of me? Former boss? Company heir? Or is this just an excuse to make the gift easier to accept? 

It wasn’t arrogance on Lu Nan’s part—this was a private condition from Chen Xiao, who no longer had any official say over her tasks. 

Even if she didn’t meet the goal, what could he do? Override and dock her performance score? That’s unrealistic. 

And what—if she failed in two years, would she have to return the cardholder? 

Maybe because she hadn’t replied for a while, Chen Xiao sent another message: “Call me.” 

Lu Nan looked at the items lying on her bed, pursed her lips, pulled up Chen Xiao’s contact, and tapped the call button. 

The call was answered almost immediately. 

“Lu Nan.” 

Calling him “Brother Xiao” at that moment felt weird, like something out of a soap opera. 

So she replied, “It’s me.” 

A soft chuckle came from the other end. “I know.” 

Oh no, this is heading into cheesy territory! 

Lu Nan decided to be direct. “That cardholder…” 

“I told you—it’s a promotion gift from me.” 

“But I don’t think it’s appropriate. Is there a company policy at Yuan Chuan that says supervisors give gifts to promoted subordinates?” 

“There’s no such rule.” 

“Then I can’t accept it.” 

“But it’s my rule.” 

“Liar. Did you give the same gift to your other subordinates who got promoted?” 

“No.” 

“Then…” 

“None of them were directly promoted to city manager. You’re the first.” 

Lu Nan paused, momentarily speechless. 

Chen Xiao chuckled again. “Maybe in the future, someone I mentor will rise even faster, and I’ll give them a gift too. If you think of it that way, will you feel more comfortable accepting it?” 

In the end, Lu Nan didn’t return the cardholder, because he shamelessly said, “I’m already at the airport. Boarding in half an hour. Are you sure you want to send it back?” 

Wow, so you’re revealing your true colors because you’re about to leave? Boarding? Sounds more like you’re racing to ascend the throne!!! 

After hanging up, Lu Nan rubbed her ears—they were a little warm. Who’s cursing me right now? 

At the airport, Chen Xiao hung up the phone, looked down and smiled softly, his eyes full of tenderness: When we first met, I gave you a card holder—that was just company material; now I’m giving you a prettier one, hoping that just like what I wrote in the card, “When the winds are right, you’ll ride the waves and sail straight across the vast seas.” 

Good luck, Lu Nan. Goodbye, Lu Nan. 

… 

Because of yesterday’s gathering, Lu Nan and her mother had rescheduled their biweekly dinner to today. 

Ms. Huang made poached shrimp and stir-fried beef with chili. “Eat up. Didn’t you say this is high-quality protein?” 

Lu Nan smiled and took a small serving of rice. 

The shrimp was very fresh—she could peel off the entire shell just by pulling the tail. Lu Nan liked to peel a whole plate of shrimp first, wash her hands, and then slowly enjoy her victory. 

Ms. Huang, being more impatient, preferred to peel and eat one at a time. Her technique was even more skillful—she didn’t need to use her hands. Watching Lu Nan peel shrimp so leisurely, she couldn’t help but say, “Still the same habit as when you were little. But back then, you were way fussier—you wouldn’t peel them yourself, and if no one helped you, you just wouldn’t eat.” 

Ah, that’s such ancient history… Lu Nan felt a little embarrassed hearing it. 

“When are you going to Hua’an?” Ms. Huang asked again. 

Lu Nan thought for a moment. “Tuesday or Wednesday, probably.” 

“Do you want me to go with you? Do you still need to find a place to stay?” 

Lu Nan quickly waved her off. “No need—I don’t have much stuff. It all fits in the trunk, I’ll just drive it over myself. If you go with me, I’d have to drive you back anyway. As for a place to stay, the city office already arranged something.” That last part was a well-intentioned white lie. 

Ms. Huang considered it. “I could just take the bus back.” 

“No need for that. Didn’t you say you wanted to get more product photos done before the year ends? A round trip would waste a day or two, and you get carsick—you’d wear yourself out. It’s really not worth it. I’ll be back in just a couple of weeks anyway… How about I pick you up then? We can swing by and get Lu Yang on the way?” 

Lu Nan successfully changed the topic. 

Ms. Huang focused on a new concern. “Oh right, your brother’s finals are coming up soon. I wonder if he’s studying properly. Don’t tell me that now that I’m not home, he’s just running wild?” 

Sorry, little brother—better you than me. 

After dinner, back in the dorm, Lu Nan noticed an unread message on her phone. 

Chen Xiao: “Landed.” 

Lu Nan looked at it for a moment and finally replied: “Good luck!” 

The next day, Lu Nan was busy packing in her dorm, making several trips up and down. The trunk was packed full, and the back seat was loaded as well. If she had had this much stuff six months ago, she definitely wouldn’t have been able to move so quickly. 

She only left out toiletries and clothes for that night and the next morning. Wiping sweat from her forehead, she said to the roommate helping her, “As I said before, I’m treating everyone tonight. I’ll check if Sister Lu is done with work.” 

Yes, Lu Nan had also politely declined Manager Wang’s proposal to hold a farewell party. Instead, she privately invited her four dorm roommates and Chen Lu—a group of six—to dinner at a well-reviewed local private kitchen. 

All of them were young women. They ordered corn juice and other hot drinks. A meal like this, without any formalities or pressure, was a rare treat for both Chen Lu and Lu Nan. 

At the start of the meal, Chen Lu proposed a toast to Lu Nan. The warm yellow corn juice swirled in their oval glasses before being gulped down with laughter. 

Soon, the group started reminiscing about their early days on the job. As they talked, they realized how much support Lu Nan had quietly given over the past half year. Sometimes it wasn’t direct help, but her diligence and drive had inspired others and helped shift them away from a negative work mindset. 

Lu Nan smiled. “You’re exaggerating.” 

Xiang Feifei replied earnestly, “Lu Nan, you really influenced everyone in our dorm without us even realizing it. I’m really glad I met you after coming to Hailin City.” 

Chen Lu added, “Even though I joined the company earlier, I’m not as strong professionally as you. Thank you, Lu Nan.” 

Lu Nan blinked and smiled. “Same here. I’m glad I got to know all of you.” 

The next day, Lu Nan drove for two hours and arrived in Hua’an City. 

She first checked into a hotel near the city office that had a corporate agreement, then messaged the office assistant Zheng Jing: “Please send a group email for me.” 

The content was roughly as follows: Hello everyone, I’m the new City Manager, Lu Nan. I’ll be attending Hua’an’s morning meeting tomorrow. Those working in nearby counties don’t need to rush back—see you at the Saturday afternoon weekly meeting. PS: I need to familiarize myself with some of the city’s channel info. Please prepare the relevant materials. Details are in the attachment. 

Lu Nan assigned her future team a task that wasn’t too difficult. She didn’t worry whether they might complain to their outgoing manager—after all, the saying “a local official is better than a distant one” still applied. Hopefully, they understood that. 

Afterward, Lu Nan changed clothes, had lunch at the hotel, asked the staff for information about nearby neighborhoods, and then went to look for a real estate agent.