Qian Jun looked at the noticeably changed Jiang Xinyu, feeling a stir in his heart.
"Home is certainly good. What brings you here?"
"I’m reporting for duty, starting work tomorrow. Right now, I want to go home."
"Shall I give you a ride?"
"No need. I’ve been sitting on the train for three days and nights; I’d prefer to walk. Thank you, Mr. Qian, I won’t disturb you."
Qian Jun turned and went to Wei Kaiyun’s office.
"Here’s your appointment letter," Wei Kaiyun handed it to Qian Jun.
He took it. "Director Wei, there’s news from above asking you to call back."
"Hmm. Is there anything else?"
"Director Wei, I lack a secretary, but the two I’ve seen aren’t satisfactory. Could Secretary Jiang stay with me for a while?" Qian Jun still mustered the courage to ask.
"Why Secretary Jiang? She’s also new, with many shortcomings. She’s not a qualified secretary."
"I think Secretary Jiang is great. I come from a secretary background myself, so I know."
"I disagree; you’d better find a secretary yourself."
"Director Wei, why not ask Secretary Jiang’s opinion tomorrow? I don’t need her for long. When I find a secretary, she can return. For now, let Secretary Jiang take on the extra work for both of us."
"We’ll ask Secretary Jiang tomorrow; after all, her workload would increase."
"Thank you, Director Wei."
"Hmm, you can leave now. I’ll call the higher-ups."
The call lasted ten minutes, and when he hung up, Wei Kaiyun frowned but felt more settled in his heart; this was the best possible outcome.
Leaning back in his chair, he pondered what Qian Jun had just said. Why that girl?
After Jiang Xinyu returned home, she hurried to boil water, clean up, and take a bath. This time, being at home, she soaked for a full half hour before coming out.
Once the house was tidy, she found herself bundled up, ready to sit down and eat.
She ate a bowl of sour and spicy noodles; it was truly comforting, just like the authentic taste.
Her hair was already dry as she stood in front of the mirror, looking at herself, wondering why she looked so pretty. (Self-love has its limits too.)
It was already late April, and wearing thermal underwear was no longer chilly.
It’s time to make summer clothes. She only has one shirt, which isn’t enough.
From her space, she summoned a piece of white fabric with blue flowers and cut two shirts, giving one to Wang Ailing, while keeping the one she had exchanged for herself.
She cut two more shirts with red flowers on a white base.
Sitting on the heated bed, she felt sleepy and fell asleep shortly after lying down.
The knock on the door woke her up. It was already dark outside.
The one knocking was none other than Wei Kaiyun.
"I guess you were sleeping. I even thought about climbing over the wall to get in."
Jiang Xinyu covered her mouth, yawning. "Why so late?"
"Meeting," Wei Kaiyun turned and latched the front door.
"I ate at noon. What about you?"
"I haven’t eaten a bite since I got home."
"I’ll cook something. What do you want? Would pancakes with eggs be okay? It’s easy and tasty."
"Do we still have eggs?"
"Yes, bought them today. You freshen up; I’ll cook. It’ll be ready in ten minutes."
A quarter of an hour later, they sat down to eat, each with a bowl of malted milk.
"Honey, today Qian Jun came to me saying he wants you as his secretary."
"Why? I’m still a rookie."
"He said you’re great."
"That kind of lie, I guess even he doesn’t believe.
What do you think? I’m indifferent. It’s all work anyway."
"Honey, I don’t want you to go. You should just refuse him tomorrow."
"It really doesn’t matter; I’m still a secretary anyway."
"I don’t want you to go. You’re my wife," Wei Kaiyun said, picking up Jiang Xinyu like an adult picking up a child, seating her on his arm.
"Put me down. You should head back."
"No, I want to hold my wife while sleeping."
"No way. That’s really not happening."
"I don’t believe you."
The next day, Wei Kaiyun left first on his bike.
When Jiang Xinyu arrived at the office, Wei Kaiyun wasn’t there.
She did some cleaning, then sat down to read the newspaper.
At eight o’clock, Qian Jun followed Wei Kaiyun in together.
"Secretary Jiang, come in too."
Qian Jun spoke first, "Secretary Jiang, here’s the situation: I haven’t found a secretary I’m happy with yet, and I’d like you to handle two jobs for the time being, help me out a bit."
"Mr. Qian, I know my situation; I’m not a qualified secretary. But since Mr. Qian values me, it’s an affirmation. Working hard is no issue, but I hope Mr. Qian will find a secretary soon. I’m afraid I might let you down."
"Ha ha, how could you? Secretary Jiang is too modest.
Now that you agree, there’ll be a full factory staff meeting at ten. I’ll mention it at the meeting. Of course, your salary will also increase."
"Thank you, Mr. Qian."
Wei Kaiyun didn’t say a word; his face showed no emotion, but inside, he was very unhappy. What exactly was Qian Jun’s intention?
But not to worry, soon someone would be appointed as his secretary from above.
At the meeting, Jiang Xinyu was in the spotlight, originally Secretary for Director Wei, and now Mr. Qian also wanted her as his secretary. What does that signify? It means her work capability was strong, recognized by both directors.
After the meeting ended, Jiang Xinyu carried her lunchbox to the cafeteria, hoping to see Wang Ailing, but instead encountered the person she least wanted to see.
"Xinyu, you’re back?"
"Yeah, Kong Mengjie, you’re here for a meal." Really didn’t know what to say to her.
"Mm, Xinyu, congratulations."
In the midst of Jiang Xinyu’s discomfort, she heard a heavenly sound calling.
"Sis, are you here for a meal?"
"Yes, let’s go, let’s get some food. Mengjie, would you like to join us?"
"Sure. Ailing, when are you going home?"
"I’m going back this Saturday to help out with some work. Xinyu, are you going back?"
"Sure, I’ll go back too."
"Then I’ll go back with you." Is it Friday night or Saturday morning?
"I’m going Saturday, after the night shift Friday."
"Sis, I’ll go with you, anytime is fine."
"Then I won’t wait for you guys." Kong Mengjie felt hurt, too ignored.
Jiang Xinyu and Wang Ailing exchanged glances; what’s up now?
After eating, the two went out together, and Jiang Xinyu stuffed a handful of candy into Wang Ailing’s pocket.
Jiang Xinyu spent the afternoon running back and forth from the workshop about five or six times.
In the evening, instead of going home after work, she cycled to Old Yang’s mansion but found the door locked. She just wanted to ask the master about building a bathroom; it’s almost May, and the weather is getting hot, bathing indoors gets you damp.
Back home, Jiang Xinyu wondered, where did Old Yang go? Could he not have returned yet? She knew that last time, it was Old Yang who dealt with the scammer from the province. But it shouldn’t be like that.
Boiling water for a bath, she hadn’t eaten before hearing a knock. She quickly retrieved over ten sugar buns from her space, so Wei Kaiyun could come in and eat directly.