Lu Nan had the habit of locking the door when she slept. Of course, she thought that if Zhou Lei was a person with any common sense, he wouldn’t do anything inappropriate tonight. The only thing was… when she went to the bathroom earlier, she forgot to lock the door, assuming she was the only one on the second floor. 

But the night passed without incident. 

The next morning, around 7 a.m., everyone in the office received a group message: due to a typhoon, work was canceled for the day. 

Even though the usual workdays were pretty laid-back, the girls in the dorm couldn’t help but cheer when they saw the message. 

Lu Nan was naturally happy as well. 

Since she was already awake, she didn’t stay in bed. She went downstairs, boiled two eggs, heated up some milk, and had breakfast ready in just a few minutes. After washing her dishes and putting everything away, she headed back upstairs. 

She put in her earplugs, blocking out the sound of the wind and rain, and got to work. She’d been too busy with the big event last week to get much writing done, so now, with the unexpected day off, she planned to write at least five chapters. 

August was almost over. Looking at her backend, with her earnings approaching nine thousand, Lu Nan didn’t feel overly excited. She knew that her quick transmigration novel was just a clever topic choice. Maybe she had a bit of writing skill, but the overall theme and plot of the novel couldn’t be considered refined. 

“It’s just a fast-paced online novel with a somewhat innovative theme. As a writer, this achievement might be decent, but if I want to develop in this area, I still need to refine my skills.” 

Around noon, her phone rang. 

Lu Nan saw the caller ID and sighed deeply, adjusting her tone. As she picked up the phone, she said cheerfully, “Hello, Mom.” 

It was quite rare for her mother to speak so calmly on the phone. “I saw on the weather forecast that there’s a typhoon where you are today. Don’t go out unless necessary, okay?” 

“Got it. The company gave us a day off today, so I’ll stay in the dorm and won’t go out.” Actually, the typhoon made landfall last night, not today. 

“Mm.” After a brief silence, her mother said, “Alright, I’ll hang up now.” 

Lu Nan thought her mom would go on her usual rant about ungrateful men, but today’s call ended without any of those heavy topics. It was just smooth sailing. 

At 23, Lu Nan thought it might be a sign that her mom was in a better mood. But now, in her early 30s, she didn’t dare take it lightly. She comforted herself: “Stay unchanged in the face of uncertainty, and deal with tomorrow’s troubles when they come.” 

After noon, the wind and rain gradually lessened, and Zhou Lei and Wang Xiaoxue left. 

Dong Hui diligently tidied up the living room and dining area, as a way to thank everyone for their patience the previous night. 

Since she was so considerate, the other roommates didn’t hold a grudge—after all, last night had been a special situation. 

And so, this matter passed without further issue. 

“But some people will always take others’ courtesy for granted and gradually push the limits of what they can get away with.” Lu Nan thought as she saw that the spring mattress in the small study hadn’t been folded back up. 

The next day, even though it was still raining, the wind had died down, so everyone went back to work as usual. 

Since they had lost a working day, the morning meeting was especially brief. After just a few minutes, Manager Wang dismissed everyone to get back to their tasks. 

Chen Xiao called out to Lu Nan and asked, “Is the sample for the Feixiang pendant ready?” 

Lu Nan nodded. “I was planning to confirm it today. If the sample is ready, I’ll bring a few sets back for you and Manager Wang to have a look.” 

“Alright, you go ahead.” 

Lu Nan handled her work tasks in a very efficient and organized manner that morning. She got the pendant samples and went back to the office around 1 p.m. When she arrived, both Manager Wang and Chen Xiao were absent, so she handed over the two different material pendants to Jiang Xiaoyun. After that, she informed the two leaders in the group chat. That evening, the city office and Feixiang reached an agreement on the pendant material, choosing synthetic crystal. 

In the following days, Lu Nan’s work and life went on as usual. 

On the first Saturday of September, when Pan Sasha came in for the weekly meeting, she couldn’t help but ask, “Did they really dig their own graves?” 

“Not so soon,” Lu Nan replied with a smile. “The Grand Tasting Event is coming up, and Dong Hui wouldn’t choose this moment to mess with me.” 

“Such a slowpoke, they’re going to miss the best opportunity!” Pan Sasha wasn’t exactly known for her patience. 

Lu Nan chuckled. “What’s with you? You’re more anxious than I am.” 

“You don’t know, in a small place like Fengyun County, staying there for too long really makes you feel like you’ve just retired to the countryside. I can’t take it anymore. I’m not going back tonight. I’m staying in the big city to experience the nightlife of a young person!” Without missing a beat, Pan Sasha immediately called her mom. “The apartment is rented out, but it’s fine. I’m staying with a colleague. And yes, my colleague is a female!!!” 

Pan Sasha mouthed to Lu Nan: I’m lying to her; I’ll just get a room myself. 

After hanging up, Lu Nan said, “You don’t need to get a room, just stay at my place. It’ll be a bit cramped, but I’m fine with it.” 

“Is that okay?” 

“What’s wrong with that?” 

“Alright, we can have a heart-to-heart night!” Pan Sasha waved her hand dramatically. “You don’t know, when I go home, I feel like I lose all my freedom…” She started venting about her parents controlling her and how they kept pressuring her to find a boyfriend, ending with, “Back in school, they warned me not to fall in love early, but now… Haha, they’re practically begging me to get married tomorrow. It’s like two completely different people!” 

Lu Nan propped her chin up with her hand, her eyes curving into a smile as she watched Sasha chatter on. She couldn’t tell if she felt envy or something else. 

Since Sasha was a woman and also a colleague, Lu Nan had mentioned her staying over in the dormitory group chat that morning. The other girls downstairs didn’t have any objections. 

After the afternoon meeting, Sasha asked Lu Nan, “Come on, let’s figure out how we’re going to have fun tonight!” 

Lu Nan shook her phone, “A comedy film just came out recently. We can go watch the movie first and then grab a late-night snack, how does that sound?” 

Sasha replied seriously, “I don’t think that’s a good plan. Aren’t you always the one who can control your cravings? Let’s skip the late-night snack.” She thought for a moment before suggesting, “We could go shopping first, then watch the movie and hit a club after?” 

Well, that’s not bad either. Originally, she had suggested the late-night snack to accommodate Sasha, so it was actually best if she didn’t want to eat. 

And, to be honest, life had been too dull lately. A little bit of spontaneity wouldn’t hurt; its what young people do, right? 

Lu Nan nodded, “Deal.” 

“Then let’s head to Luna first?” Sasha suggested. 

… 

When they walked in, You Xiafei was thrilled to see them. She grabbed Lu Nan’s hand and whispered, “Remember the ‘factory store’ and direct-to-consumer concept I told you about? I put together a plan and submitted it. It got approved! The headquarters asked to talk to me a few days ago and wanted to know my thoughts on the future work.” 

Lu Nan was equally delighted. She had just casually mentioned some business models of clothing brands from the future, hoping to inspire You Xiafei. But to take all that detailed information and apply it to Luna’s brand status, then put it into a proposal, really relied on her old classmate’s own ability. “That’s great! Are you getting a promotion and raise? When that happens, treat me to barbecue—three times!” 

“You bet! I’ll definitely treat you, how about tonight after work?” After four years of university, You Xiafei knew exactly what kind of person Lu Nan was. She understood that Lu Nan was saying this on purpose, to give her a chance to return the favor. 

Lu Nan pretended to be sorry. “Got plans tonight.” She subtly pointed out that she had company. 

“Ah, then we’ll do it some other time, after I get my bonus!” You Xiafei didn’t mind; both of them were in the city, so meeting up for a meal wouldn’t be hard. 

“Okay.” 

When the bill came, just like last time, You Xiafei’s discount was maxed out. But she still gave Lu Nan and Sasha an extra silk scarf each as a “VIP perk.” She really knew how to handle things well. 

After leaving Luna, they went to see the hilarious comedy movie, and by the time it was over, it was almost 9:30. 

Now the night was just getting started. 

“Where should we go now?” Sasha asked Lu Nan. 

“Anything’s fine. The main thing is to accompany you to vent a bit.” 

So, Sasha skillfully droves them to bar street and chose a bar with an inviting sign: “This one should be good. I think girls don’t have to pay for a table.” 

They sat at a table for a bit. Lu Nan hadn’t planned on drinking—she was still thinking of driving Sasha’s car back—but Sasha said, “We’re here already. We can just call a driver later.” 

That line was surprisingly effective. 

Being pretty had its perks. The bar quickly sent over two colorful cocktails. 

It was clear that Sasha had frequented places like this before. She held her drink and swayed to the music, eager to join in. 

“Want to go?” she raised an eyebrow toward the dance floor. 

Lu Nan looked at her drink. “Are you going to have more? If you are, I’ll just sit here and watch.” 

“No more, this is too sweet, and not even that good.” 

“Let’s go then.” Lu Nan also thought the free cocktail tasted pretty bad; it was better to have a simple drink with some ice. 

There were no dramatic moments. After jumping and dancing around in this legally-operated entertainment venue and breaking a sweat, Sasha leaned in close to Lu Nan’s ear, grinning and making playful gestures. “Dance Queen, huh? You’ve been hiding your skills. Did you used to come here often?” 

“Not really, I just took dance lessons for a few years when I was a kid.” 

“Nan Nan, I’ve realized you’re really a hidden gem. Just tell me, is there anything you can’t do?” 

It was hard to talk over the loud music, so Lu Nan just shrugged and pulled Sasha closer. “Enough talking, now that we’re in the dance floor, let’s dance and have some fun.” 

In the flashing lights, someone tapped Lu Nan on the shoulder. 

She turned her head and saw Zhao Bin from Shangri-La. 

The world is really small. 

Zhao Bin was wearing a polo shirt, and his hairstyle gave off a slightly messy, casual vibe, completely different from how he looked at work. 

Lu Nan smiled and nodded. 

During the break, Zhao Bin invited Lu Nan and Pan Sasha to join him and his friends in their booth. Lu Nan glanced at Pan Sasha, who readily agreed. 

They were all young, and since they knew each other, joining in and having some fun with others wasn’t a big deal. 

Around midnight, Lu Nan and Pan Sasha said goodbye to Zhao Bin and the others. 

Zhao Bin said, “Let me call a car for you.” 

Lu Nan politely declined, “My friend brought her car, we’ll just get a designated driver.” 

“Alright, take care on the road. Let me know when you get home,” Zhao Bin reminded. 

Lu Nan and Pan Sasha waved goodbye to him. 

At 12:30, after the designated driver parked the car, the two of them quietly entered the dorm. 

It was Pan Sasha’s first time in Lu Nan’s room. She looked around and commented, “This skylight thing, it’s good-looking but kind of impractical. Like Chen Xiao—he’s good-looking, but he’s not exactly great on the inside.” 

Being able to joke like this meant her emotional wounds had healed. Lu Nan asked, “Do you want some earplugs?” 

“Yeah, sure, it’s a bit loud with the rain hitting the skylight.” 

Lu Nan handed her a new pair, while she used the pair she usually used. 

Pan Sasha looked like she had discovered a new world. “The brand you’re using is the same as someone else’s…” 

“This is the one Chen Xiao gave me,” Lu Nan said. “During the last quarterly meeting when we took the ferry, I got seasick.” 

“That guy’s got good taste in shopping,” Pan Sasha grumbled. 

“Alright, hurry up. Even though we don’t have work tomorrow, beauty sleep is still important. Go to bed.” 

After turning off the lights, Pan Sasha asked again, “If I stay here just this once, will it really push Dong Hui and Zhou Lei into making a big mistake?” 

Lu Nan was about to nod but remembered that Sasha couldn’t see, so she said, “It’s pretty much a done deal. She always likes to compare everything with me. Today, I came back so late, and now you’re staying over at my place. She’ll probably do the same with Zhou Lei—there’s a study room next door that’s still empty.” 

“Are you crazy? Let Zhou Lei stays on your floor? Does she think you’re easy to mess with?” 

She must’ve thought I was a pushover in the last life. Back when I first started working, she didn’t dare, but now she probably has a boyfriend who’s the supervisor of some channel business, so she’s getting bolder. Lu Nan gathered his thoughts: “Well, some people just naturally don’t click, you know?'” 

Pan Sasha rolled her eyes. “Now it’s a mess. Dong Hui and Zhou Lei are teaming up, and you’re totally outnumbered.” 

“It’s not like we’re fighting. You’re being dramatic.” 

“I’m serious! It just seems like you’re at a disadvantage. Maybe think about your senior, Yan Kai? He seems like a decent guy.” Sasha leaned towards Lu Nan, suggesting it enthusiastically. 

Lu Nan smiled. “What are you talking about? I don’t feel that way. Besides, I don’t like when relationships between colleagues get complicated.” 

Pan Sasha nodded. “No feelings, huh? That’s something you can’t force. And you’re right, colleagues aren’t the best people to get involved with. If it ends badly, you won’t even be able to stay friends. Forget about it, don’t look for anyone in the office. You’ll see them every day, and you won’t have any personal space.” 

“Ohhh, so who was it before then…” Lu Nan teased. 

“Stop! Don’t bring up the past!” Sasha snapped.