Once Ye Wanwan got into the car, the driver turned and asked, "Where would you like to go, ma’am?"
Tianyuan was a private kitchen restaurant started by Song Ziyi’s older brother. He hadn’t put much thought into it initially, but somehow the business kept getting better and better.
When Song Ziyi turned twenty, Song Zihe gave her the private kitchen restaurant as a birthday gift.
Ye Wanwan arrived at Tianyuan just in time to bump into Zhang Xinyue at the door. Zhang Xinyue was dressed in a professional suit, carrying a large bag over her shoulder, and was on the phone, obviously still occupied with work.
Ye Wanwan couldn’t help feeling a twinge of emotion; she was delighted to see them again.
She sniffed hard and then raised her hand to wave. Zhang Xinyue waved back and quickly wrapped up her work call. By the time she reached Ye Wanwan, she had ended the call.
"Director Zhang really has her hands full every day," Ye Wanwan said, back to her usual self, teasing her.
Zhang Xinyue, the dormitory’s ’big sister,’ was not from a wealthy family and had two younger siblings in school. So, starting from university, Zhang Xinyue juggled studies and part-time jobs, dreaming of becoming successful one day.
After graduation, she dedicated herself entirely to her career. Standing next to Ye Wanwan, who was without a job and indulged in fun and games all day, the contrast in their temperaments was stark, and they often teased Zhang Xinyue by calling her "Director Zhang."
Zhang Xinyue pinched Ye Wanwan’s cheek with a mock gnashing of teeth and said, "That’s right, you’re the one who’s carefree every day!"
"Why do you always like pinching my face!" Ye Wanwan pouted as though angry and pushed Zhang Xinyue away.
Zhang Xinyue laughed and wrapped an arm around Ye Wanwan’s shoulder, leading her into the restaurant.
The person in charge of the restaurant knew them and came up to greet them as soon as they entered, "Miss Ye, Miss Zhang, you’re here."
"Manager Chen, hello," Zhang Xinyue greeted with a cheery smile—she was always , no matter who it was she was with.
As Zhang Xinyue would say, "You never know when someone might lend you a hand."
Manager Chen greeted them with a warm smile and then led them to their usual private room, "The boss is already here, waiting in the room."
Upon reaching the door to the private room, Manager Chen knocked. Before he could speak, Song Ziyi’s voice came from inside, "Come in."
Manager Chen said nothing more, respectfully opened the door for them, and stepped aside to let them through.
"Thank you," Zhang Xinyue said to Manager Chen with a smile and slight nod.
"If you ladies need anything, just call, and I’ll be right over," Manager Chen said.
Song Ziyi was on the phone, seemingly about work. She waved at Ye Wanwan and the others when they entered but continued her conversation.
Ye Wanwan and Zhang Xinyue, being considerate, did not disturb her and whispered to each other about their recent lives.
After about three to five minutes, Song Ziyi hung up the phone, tossed it onto the table, and let out a long sigh, showing a desolate expression, "If only I had known, I would have just honestly pursued my studies! What was I thinking becoming a working bee!"