Either she wouldn’t blame him for deceiving her, but she would definitely keep her distance. At least, she wouldn’t go pick him up from work on her electric scooter anymore. Nor would she hear him tell her those rambling, trivial matters.
“What are you thinking about?” Yáng Hán waved his hand in front of his eyes. Qín Cè snapped back to attention, threw the cigarette butt on the ground, and crushed it with his toe.
“It’s nothing, let’s go up.” Yáng Hán scratched his head in confusion; he didn’t quite understand what Qín Cè was troubled about. Qiáo Xīng was still cooking at Grandpa Qin’s house.
Since there were guests, it wasn’t appropriate to bring them home to her uncle’s house, lest her aunt get upset. Grandpa Qin didn’t know Yáng Hán, but he was very enthusiastic. When the meal was ready, Qiáo Xīng brought out all the dishes and called out, “Dinner’s ready.”
Yáng Hán was lively and chatty. While talking with Grandpa Qin, he made the old man laugh uncontrollably. The four of them sat around the table, and Yáng Hán voluntarily stood up to pour everyone drinks.
“It’s been so long since Old Qin came back, and this is the first time I’ve had a proper meal with him. Come, Grandpa, Old Qin, and sister-in-law, let’s use drinks instead of alcohol. I’d like to propose a toast to everyone.”
The old man chuckled, “This young man is quite nice. I’m quite curious, how did you become friends with this quiet guy, Qín Cè?” Yáng Hán took a sip of his drink and picked up his chopsticks to grab some food.
“We were in the same dorm. But you’re a little mistaken, Grandpa. Old Qin isn’t quiet at all; he’s quite sharp-tongued.
Back then, how many female classmates confessed to him, and were made to cry by his venomous tongue? Sister-in-law, your cooking is really good. This stir-fried lettuce with meat tastes just like home.”
Qiáo Xīng’s hand paused as she was picking up food. It wasn’t because Yáng Hán was praising her, but because many female classmates had confessed to Qín Cè. She tentatively asked, “Why?
Were those female classmates… all rejected by him?” “Yeah.
Honestly, if I didn’t know you two were married, I would have thought he was gay.” Qiáo Xīng’s heart skipped a beat. She knew very well that her marriage with Qín Cè wasn’t based on love.
She stole a glance at Qín Cè; he was eating by himself, adhering to the good old virtue of not talking while eating. However, she still didn’t want to believe Qín Cè was gay and asked, “Then, does he get along better with guys?” Yáng Hán tilted his head and thought, “Yeah, he does.
I’m a prime example, aren’t I? If someone were to pester him like this back then, he would have yelled at her until she cried. Oh, right, we have a few good friends too.
I’ll introduce them to you when we have a chance, Old Qin.” Qiáo Xīng instantly felt like the food tasted bland. She held her chopsticks, stirring the rice in her bowl, looking preoccupied.
“Sister-in-law, why aren’t you eating?” Qiáo Xīng snapped back to attention and quickly forced a smile, “I am eating. Please eat more.”
“Then I won’t be polite. Sister-in-law, your cooking is delicious. Can I come over often in the future?”
“Of course, you can come anytime if you like.” Grandpa also chimed in, “That’s right, you can come straight to my place. Although I don’t know how to cook, we have plenty of topics to talk about, don’t we?”
Yáng Hán laughed heartily and stood up to pick up food for Grandpa. “If I come every day, don’t get annoyed with me.” This remark made Grandpa laugh too.
Qiáo Xīng secretly thought to herself, she would have a good talk with Qín Cè later. Chapter 41: Not a Proper Man After dinner, Qiáo Xīng returned to her uncle’s house first. It seemed they had gone out; the house was empty.
Qiáo Xīng went back to her room, got her computer, and started organizing files. Around ten o’clock, Qín Cè returned from outside. It seemed he had work to do in the evening too.
Qiáo Xīng picked up her computer and moved to make space for him. “Have a seat.” Qín Cè glanced at her and took off his coat.
Qiáo Xīng, being very observant, went up to take the coat and hang it for him. He unceremoniously sat down and opened his computer to start working. Qiáo Xīng sat beside him, hesitating before speaking, “That…
Qín Cè, there’s something I want to talk to you about.” “Go ahead.” Qín Cè logged into his email and received a few messages.
Qiáo Xīng paused, considering how to phrase it. After a moment, she said, “You said yesterday that if either of us finds someone we like, we can end this marriage.” Qín Cè’s hands stopped typing.
He looked at Qiáo Xīng in surprise, “You’ve found someone you like?” Qiáo Xīng waved her hands repeatedly, “No, no. I just wanted to say, if you ever find someone you like, you must tell me.”
Qín Cè didn’t understand why she was asking this, but he nodded, “Of course.” “Then I’ll be at ease. Anyway, don’t hide it from me for any reason.
Actually, I’m quite open-minded. I can accept anything. Whatever you plan, we can discuss it.”
Qín Cè felt like her words had a hidden meaning, but even he couldn’t figure out what Qiáo Xīng was trying to convey right away. After thinking for a moment, he asked uncertainly, “Are you worried that I’ll hide it from you and be with someone else?” Qiáo Xīng looked a bit awkward and awkwardly touched her nose, “Something like that.
I don’t object to you being with someone else, as long as you tell me, so I can be psychologically prepared.” “Why do you suddenly want to talk about this?” It was all just in case.
If their marriage was really just to facilitate his dating other men, wouldn’t she be a fool? She obviously couldn’t tell him this. Qiáo Xīng coughed and put away her computer, “Just chatting casually.
I’m going to take a shower now.” After learning that he was most likely gay, Qiáo Xīng felt much more relaxed. After showering, she wasn’t shy around him anymore.
Wearing pajamas, she lay on the bed doing whatever she pleased: playing on her phone, watching shows, reading documents—she wasn’t nervous anymore. Of course, Qín Cè also noticed this subtle change. Before, whenever he was in the bedroom, she would hide under the covers and pretend to be asleep.
Today, she was actually leaning against the headboard playing on her phone. But he still didn’t know what important information he had missed. Qiáo Xīng finished browsing her phone and naturally fell asleep.
In the middle of the night, she felt Qín Cè get into bed. But she was only startled for a moment before relaxing and continuing to sleep. It turned out that Qín Cè really had no intentions toward her.
Qiáo Xīng felt like she might have gained a sister. She hugged this thought sleepily and even had a dream. In her dream, she and Qín Cè were painting each other’s nails!
When Qín Cè looked up at her with his pink nails, smiling enchantingly, she woke up with a start. Qiáo Xīng stared at the ceiling, cold sweat trickling down her forehead. It was too terrifying.
Why such a bizarre dream? Qiáo Xīng hurried to get up and make breakfast. Qín Cè also returned right on time as she finished breakfast.
He was still wearing his sportswear, his chest soaked with sweat, faintly revealing his abs. Looking at his stern face, Qiáo Xīng couldn’t help but think of the scene in her dream and shivered. Qiáo Xīng told herself not to overthink.
This was all just speculation. Whether he was gay or not still needed to be confirmed. After a quick breakfast, Qiáo Xīng drove him to the company.
After he got out of the car, Qiáo Xīng didn’t rush off. She parked the car by the roadside and secretly observed him. He walked into the building carrying his briefcase.
Just as he was about to enter, Hán Yán appeared from somewhere. Hán Yán crept up behind him and skillfully put his hands on Qín Cè’s waist! Just like when Qín Cè sat on her electric scooter, he hugged Qín Cè’s waist from behind.
Qiáo Xīng’s eyes widened instantly! What proper man would hug another man’s waist? Qín Cè shook him off, but Hán Yán was persistent.
He hooked his arm around Qín Cè’s shoulder, and they whispered something to each other. Finally, Qín Cè stopped, glared at him with a frown, and Hán Yán laughed, letting go and walking inside. Qiáo Xīng covered her mouth, her heart sinking to the bottom.
It was over. His sexual orientation was indeed problematic, and he might even have a complicated relationship with that CEO Hán. Qiáo Xīng felt like her worldview had been challenged.
She numbly rode her electric scooter, not even knowing how she got to the company. Wú Yún had said to arrive fifteen minutes early, but Qiao Xing was still two minutes late. However, when she arrived, several others hadn’t shown up yet either, so Wú Yún couldn’t find a reason to reprimand them.
When the others finally arrived, Wú Yún said with a stern face, “What’s going on with you all? You’re always late. Are you ignoring my words?”
Lín Shuāng complained, “Director Wu, the traffic was terrible. My home is so far away.” Wú Yún glared at her, “Don’t give me excuses.
If your home is far, why didn’t you leave earlier? It’s understandable for Qiáo Xīng, she had to take her husband to work. Do you all have to take your husbands to work too?”
This sounded like an excuse for Qiáo Xīng, but in reality, it was exposing her. Now everyone knew she had a poor husband and had to drive him to work every day. “No way?
Qiáo Xīng, your husband doesn’t even have a car?” Lín Shuāng asked in surprise. Qiáo Xīng tugged at the corner of her mouth and forced an awkward smile, not answering Lín Shuāng’s question.
“Why do you have to take him to work? Can’t he find his own way?” “What do you know?
They have a good relationship. What’s wrong with picking each other up from work?” A male colleague sneered, “Even if you pick someone up, it should be the husband picking up the wife.
If I had a girlfriend, I’d never let her pick me up; I’d be too embarrassed.” Seeing that everyone had mocked her enough, Wú Yún raised her hand to stop their discussion. “Alright, stop talking and let’s start the meeting.”
“Last month, our electronic equipment, circuit boards, electronic measuring instruments, and semiconductors have all made significant breakthroughs. The company has decided to integrate these into hardware development. Our department needs to constantly monitor the R&D Department’s progress, follow their development, and understand product information to better expand our business.
Also, there’s another matter. Our company has reached a cooperation agreement with S&C. I won’t disclose the specifics, but they will send people over to make some adjustments to our company.
Therefore, there will be a series of changes in job positions and business operations.” Chapter 42: I Should Know Your Husband When Qiáo Xīng heard the name S&C, she couldn’t help but think of Qín Cè and the scene she saw at the company entrance. Wú Yún said a lot more.
Most importantly, their department would undergo the biggest changes. Operations would be separated into an independent Operations Department. The Sales Department would be divided into several small teams, responsible for game publishing and hardware/software sales, respectively.
A large number of employees would be hired, and salaries would increase. Those in the department who didn’t meet the performance standards would be cleared out. “Especially those who slack off at work, or who are daydreaming even during meetings!
Pay attention, and don’t find yourself kicked out of the company without knowing why!” Wú Yún said this while looking at Qiáo Xīng. Qiáo Xīng snapped back to attention and met Wú Yún’s targeted gaze.
She lowered her eyes and remained silent. “Alright, that’s all for today.” After Wú Yún finished speaking, many colleagues came forward to flatter her.
“Will Director Wu’s position also be promoted? Managing two departments, isn’t that too much work for you, Director Wu?” “There will surely be a vice president to assist Director Wu.
The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility. Everyone can see Director Wu’s capabilities.” “Alright, stop the flattery and get back to work.”
Wú Yún playfully scolded them but was clearly enjoying their praise. When she became a director later, her status would naturally rise. And backed by the powerful S&C, the company’s development was undeniable.
She might even get company shares. Qiáo Xīng didn’t have time for flattery. If she couldn’t finish writing this product proposal, she would be kicked out by Wú Yún long before the department reforms.
Lín Shuāng came to her workstation and knocked on Qiáo Xīng’s desk, “Qiáo Xīng, did you do my market research?” Qiáo Xīng blinked, looked at the documents she had tossed aside, and smiled, “Not yet. Do you need it urgently?”
“Yes, of course, it’s urgent. When can you give it to me?” Qiáo Xīng pondered, “I can’t be sure, but definitely not today.
I just got here and I’m not familiar with many things. I’ll finish it as soon as possible and give it to you.” Lín Shuāng frowned, saying irritably, “How about tomorrow?”
Qiáo Xīng thought, “If I can finish my work today, then maybe tomorrow. But I can’t guarantee it. I can only help you as much as I can.”
“You…” Lín Shuāng was taken aback. “Forget it, just give it back to me.
I’ll do it myself.” “Is it that urgent? Then how about I put aside my work and help you do it, but I’m not very familiar with it, so please don’t mind if it’s not done well.”
Qiáo Xīng’s attitude was very sincere, and Lín Shuāng couldn’t find fault with her. She explained that she was new and unfamiliar with this area, and what Lín Shuāng wanted was too urgent. If she didn’t do it well, Lín Shuāng would have to redo it herself.
It would be better for Lín Shuāng to do it herself. “Never mind, you focus on your work. I’ll do it myself.”
Lín Shuāng felt a bit embarrassed seeing her sincerity. Qiáo Xīng picked up the document. Before handing it to Lín Shuāng, she said, “Senior colleague, why don’t I help you do it together?
I can learn from you.” Lín Shuāng thought about it and agreed, “Okay, then come over here. I’ll dictate, and you record.”
Qiáo Xīng quickly smiled, “Okay.” Qiáo Xīng wasn’t very knowledgeable about market research. If she had asked Lín Shuāng for advice alone, Lín Shuāng probably wouldn’t have taught her seriously.
But if she helped Lín Shuāng, it would be different. Lín Shuāng would definitely take her own work seriously, and by helping her, Qiáo Xīng could also build a good relationship. Lín Shuāng opened her computer and let Qiáo Xīng sit at the adjacent workstation.
“Use this computer. First, record what I say in the document.” “Okay.”
This computer wasn’t being used. Qiáo Xīng found the document and opened it, and Lín Shuāng began to tell her where to start with the research. “Let’s start with market data.
We’ll determine the user base for similar games through big data. Then, we’ll collect comments and reviews from major games and do a competitive data assessment. This will take some effort.
The information online isn’t accurate, so we’ll have to go out this afternoon to verify it.” Qiáo Xīng nodded and quickly typed on the keyboard, recording everything Lín Shuāng said. To be fair, Lín Shuāng did have some skills.
She had various data websites that provided most of the data, as well as some product evaluations. For competitive company data, one would need to query related websites for their financial reports. This would give a general idea, although there might be some exaggeration, it wouldn’t be too far off.
The entire day, Qiáo Xīng learned from Lín Shuāng and assisted her. As it was nearing the end of working hours, Lín Shuāng stretched and said, “I’m exhausted. Qiáo Xīng, can you work a bit overtime tonight and help me organize this data?
Give it to me tomorrow, okay?” “Sure.” This time, Qiáo Xīng didn’t refuse.
While helping Lín Shuāng, her own research was also nearly complete. When she had her own time at night, she would do hers as well. Lín Shuāng patted her shoulder appreciatively, “Not bad.
I have high hopes for you.” “Thank you, Senior.” Lín Shuāng waved her hand, “Don’t be so formal.
We’re colleagues. Oh, my boyfriend is here to pick me up. You’ve been a great help to me today, so I’ll give you a ride home.”
“Ah, no need. My electric scooter is parked over there. I can get home by myself.”
Lín Shuāng seemed to realize something and said with sudden understanding, “Oh, you’re going to pick up your husband, right?” Qiáo Xīng smiled. “That’s easy.
I’ll go with you to pick up your boyfriend then. I’m free tonight anyway.” Qiáo Xīng repeatedly waved her hands, “Thank you, no need, really.”
As they were talking, a BMW X7 pulled up in front of them. A man got out of the car; he looked about thirty-five or thirty-six, wore glasses, and was tall and thin, though not particularly handsome. “Shuangshuang, what are you talking about?”
the man asked as he walked over to greet them. Lín Shuāng took the opportunity to link her arm with his, “This is my new colleague. I’ve been guiding her all day today.
She’s quite smart.” “You’re so capable now, you can even guide new colleagues.” Lín Shuāng smiled shyly, holding her boyfriend’s arm.
She said to Qiáo Xīng, “Qiáo Xīng, this is my boyfriend, Zhāng Zhé. He works at S&C. You know S&C, right?”
“I know, it’s that foreign group that’s cooperating with our company.” “What foreign group? It should be a multinational group.
Their company headquarters moved to Yúchéng in the first half of the year and poached elite talent from many companies. Zhāng Zhé was poached.” Although Lín Shuāng was just making a casual introduction, her tone couldn’t hide a hint of pride.
“Then your boyfriend is really amazing.” Qiáo Xīng complimented. “Then where does your husband work?”
Qiáo Xīng scratched her head and said somewhat embarrassed, “He also works at S&C, but definitely not as good as your boyfriend.” Zhāng Zhé looked surprised. “It’s already impressive to work at S&C.
What does he do?” “I think he’s in finance.” Zhāng Zhé seemed delighted and said eagerly, “Finance?
Then I should know him. I go to the finance department to submit expense reports often. What’s his name?”
Chapter 43: Stealing Credit Qiáo Xīng was also a bit surprised. Perhaps Zhāng Zhé really would know him. She said, “His name is Qín Cè.
Do you know him?” “Uh…” Zhāng Zhé hesitated for a moment.
He thought hard for a long time. “Qín Cè? I haven’t heard of him.
I’m only familiar with the Finance Director. Maybe there are too many people in the finance department. Or perhaps tomorrow I’ll ask.”
Qiáo Xīng repeatedly waved her hands, “No, no need. He’s just a small employee, he just started a couple of days ago. It’s normal that you don’t know him.”
Lín Shuāng smiled and said, “Since we’re all so fated, if you have the chance, please take care of her boyfriend.” Zhāng Zhé also smiled, “I’m in the planning department, so it’s not the same department as him. However, if there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll definitely do my best.”