The north wind ravaged all night, its howling struck the windows, making a constant pattering sound. As daylight broke, Cheng Su sat up hugging her quilt, her hand reached to the spot beside her, cold. She thought of him then, her personal heater.
Patting her cheeks lightly, Cheng Su stretched and walked over to the window to look out, only to be stunned in place.
A thin layer of white snow covered the window sills, the surrounding walls, and the edge of the playground. The first snow of the winter had quietly fallen sometime last night.
It snowed!
With a small smile curling the corners of her mouth, Cheng Su admired the snowy scene for a moment before heating some water to rinse her mouth and wash her face. Then, she made herself a Western-style breakfast, slowly eating while enjoying the view of the snowfall outside the window.
After breakfast, she took the bus to the company because the weather was too cold, and her company was too far from the residential compound for her to bike.
Arriving at the company, the gatekeeper greeted her while some colleagues nodded and said hello.
Chen Zhiquan bumped into her head on, but his expression seemed somewhat unnatural.
Cheng Suxin felt it strange, but it wasn’t her place to inquire about others’ private affairs if they didn’t share.
Once in the office, Ying Xiaoya hadn’t yet arrived; only Mai Yanmei was bustling about, cleaning and tidying up. Seeing Cheng Su come in, she quickly brewed more tea.
"Has Xiao Ya not arrived yet?" Cheng Su asked as she sat down.
Mai Yanmei shook her head and said, "Not yet. Maybe it’s because of the snowfall last night; the roads might be bad for driving!"
Cheng Su nodded with a smile and said, "Go on with your work!"
"Alright!"
While sipping tea, Cheng Su started reading the day’s newspaper. She had subscribed to the paper for the company to keep up to date with news and advertisements.
The phone rang, and she picked it up. It was Ning Ge.
"Wang Bo and the others have already returned. I have something urgent and need to go abroad; I’m entrusting the company to you for now," Ning Ge said from the other end of the line.
Cheng Su was taken aback, "What, you’re going abroad?"
Such a sudden announcement of leaving the country, and no consideration for the company.
"Yes, Wang Bo has all the orders and contracts. Handle them for me," Ning Ge seemed in a hurry.
"What’s going on? You’re just going to go abroad like that? What’s the matter? When will you be back?" Cheng Su didn’t let him off and kept questioning.
Ning Ge paused for a moment before responding, "Nothing serious, I just have some business there that I need to deal with. Anyway, I’m counting on you for the company at this time. I’m in a rush to get to the airport, so I can’t talk anymore, goodbye."
"Hey, wait—..." Cheng Su clenched the phone, but all she could hear were the busy tones.
Cheng Su angrily hung up: "What the hell, that brat is really dumping this on me!"
For a boss to suddenly leave the country without considering whether his newly started company could manage, and without even giving a return date, was infuriating!
However, as frustrated as she was, with Ning Ge shirking his responsibilities, Cheng Su couldn’t very well do the same. Otherwise, what would become of the company?
After venting her complaints, Cheng Su called Zhu Lifen and the others for a meeting. She informed them that Ning Ge was on temporary leave and that any issues should be reported to her. She also mentioned that Wang Bo and the team would return soon and emphasized that everyone should work hard on the upcoming orders.
After the meeting dispersed, Ying Xiaoya was still nowhere to be seen, leaving Cheng Su somewhat puzzled. What was going on with that girl today? Surely she hadn’t also shirked her duties?
"Yanmei, did Xiao Ya call in to take a leave?" Cheng Su asked, glancing at the clock. It was nearly eleven; Ying Xiaoya couldn’t possibly be this negligent with time.
"Nope!"
Cheng Su grew even more bewildered. Just then, the phone rang again, and she picked it up.
"Cheng Su, come to my house quickly. Xiao Ya is trying to harm herself!"