During the lunchtime break, a few female colleagues from the secretarial department came out of the cafeteria and went to the restroom next door to wash their hands and touch up their makeup.
"I really don’t know what’s up with Secretary Hong, actually helping that new girl."
"Yeah, the company brings in new people every year, and I’ve never seen Secretary Hong pay special attention to any intern. What’s the story with that girl?"
"I heard she was introduced to the company by Assistant Zhao."
"No wonder, everyone knows about the relationship between Secretary Hong and Assistant Zhao. It’s probably in considering Assistant Zhao’s sake that she’s treated that girl differently."
"So what’s the deal between Secretary Hong and Assistant Zhao? They’re both in their thirties, neither married. It’s been so many years, anyone with eyes can see there’s something between them, but they refuse to get married or go public, they really know how to keep it under wraps."
"Who knows? Maybe our Secretary Hong has other thoughts."
"What other thoughts could she have? She’s an old woman in her thirties, does she still dream of climbing the social ladder?"
"Who says a woman must get married? If you ask me, Secretary Hong has got it figured out. Earning her own money and spending it, without relying on a man, she can focus on her career without the worry of being dragged down by family."
"But wouldn’t she feel lonely going home alone at night? What if she has needs?"
"Isn’t there still our Assistant Zhao!"
"Pfft—, you’re so cheeky."
The group quickly left after finishing their touch-ups, and Shi Zhen emerged from one of the toilet stalls.
She had been interning for a month and had considered trying to please Hong Qing, the chief secretary, but this person was always so aloof. Even the gifts she privately sent were returned.
She thought the person was just proud, but it turns out they had their own motives.
After washing her hands, she left with a sullen face, and the restroom quickly returned to silence.
A moment later, there was a "click" as Sheng Ning’an pushed open the stall door, and her gaze unexpectedly met with Hong Qing, who had just walked out of the adjacent stall.
It was always said that the restrooms and break rooms of big companies were the places for gossip to spread.
Eighty percent of the company gossip leaked from these two spots.
However, Sheng Ning’an never really connected Secretary Hong and Assistant Zhao together before.
Mainly because Secretary Hong was too aloof, clearly difficult to handle, while Assistant Zhao’s personality was much milder. Sheng Ning’an thought he’d prefer a gentle, homely type of girl.
Sheng Ning’an never intended to eavesdrop on others’ gossip, and she certainly didn’t expect to be caught red-handed by one of the parties involved. She was unsure what to say for a moment until she heard Hong Qing speak, "Not leaving?"
Sheng Ning’an nodded towards her and then headed to the sink.
While washing her hands, Sheng Ning’an glanced at Hong Qing beside her.
On the first day at work, she felt a unique vibe from her that was different from others. She was aloof, seeming unapproachable, yet she was calm and rational, giving off a formidable impression.
Sheng Ning’an saw the charm of a career woman in her. Honestly, she didn’t think that women had to get married at a certain age. The premise of getting married should be that marriage can bring happiness to both people, and if not, not marrying might actually be a responsible attitude towards one’s own life.
Whether to marry or not doesn’t matter; what matters is what kind of life one prefers.
What kind of lifestyle can make oneself feel relaxed and happy...