She cast a glance at Wen Zhouyuan, reminding him not to continue discussing the topic.
Wen Zhouyuan understood and fell silent.
Before going to sleep that night, Feng Feng's mind was filled with images of Shen Su and Ji Tong together. Her chest felt heavy, and recalling Wen Zhouyuan's advice, she felt two forces tearing at her.
One told her not to disturb them, while the other urged her to at least say what she wanted to say.
She fell asleep in this turmoil, her dreams a chaotic mess.
The weekend passed in this internal struggle.
She had expected to get into her work groove, but on Monday afternoon, Ji Tong actually came to the meeting representing Jin He.
Feng Feng attended the meeting and naturally encountered Ji Tong. Ji Tong looked more mature in a light-colored suit while at work, but her eyes were still as clear.
She was very serious and diligent in her work, her expression stern during the meeting, her hand never stopping to take notes.
After the meeting, Feng Feng was also assigned by her superior to liaise with Ji Tong. The two found a small meeting room to sit down.
Feng Feng had her assistant bring two cups of coffee. After receiving her coffee, Ji Tong politely said "Thank you," her voice gentle and her attitude sincere.
She is a very likable person, Feng Feng thought, if she were Shen Su, she would probably prefer Ji Tong more.
Feng Feng had more work experience than Ji Tong, and Ji Tong appeared a bit unpolished during the work liaison. However, Feng Feng did not hesitate to share her experience with her. They chatted for over forty minutes, and Ji Tong felt she had learned a lot from her.
After discussing work, Ji Tong smiled and praised Feng Feng, "Manager Feng, you are so kind. You are so outstanding, yet you are willing to guide me. I like you so much."
Feng Feng usually heard such words often. When others said them, they sounded like flattery or professional courtesy, and she would just smile and let them pass.
But when similar words came from Ji Tong's mouth, they seemed much more sincere. She could feel that Ji Tong was genuinely praising her.
Feng Feng replied, "You're welcome, it's my duty."
Ji Tong then asked, "Oh right, I heard that you, Manager Feng, are also a graduate of Nan Da?"
Feng Feng asked curiously, "You are too?"
Ji Tong nodded, "Yes, I did my master's at Nan Da. I didn't do my bachelor's there."
Feng Feng commented, "That's quite a coincidence."
Ji Tong invited, "Would you like to have dinner together tonight? My treat!"
Ji Tong was quite proactive in making friends, especially when she met someone she liked. She never hesitated.
Moreover, they would have many work interactions in the future, and if they could become friends in private, their work would be even more seamless.
Feng Feng should have refused, but looking into Ji Tong's expectant eyes, she suddenly couldn't bring herself to dampen her enthusiasm.
"Okay," Feng Feng agreed, "but you'll have to wait for me to handle some other matters."
Ji Tong replied, "That's fine, I can wait here."
Back in her office, Feng Feng felt a pang of regret. She had impulsively agreed to have dinner with Ji Tong... but the words had been spoken, and there was no turning back.
Feng Feng put aside her thoughts and finished her work. When it was time to leave, she went to find Ji Tong.
Ji Tong had taken a taxi to Jin He, which surprised Feng Feng. She had thought Shen Su would arrange a dedicated driver for her.
Ji Tong chose the restaurant and specifically asked for Feng Feng's opinion. Feng Feng had no objections, and they went to a Western restaurant.
After they sat down, Ji Tong received a call from Shen Su.
She had been talking to Feng Feng, but was interrupted mid-sentence.
Feng Feng saw Ji Tong pick up her phone and her gaze casually swept over the screen, noticing the contact name: Boyfriend.
Feng Feng tightened her grip on her cup, her gaze lowered to the table.
Ji Tong answered the call in front of Feng Feng, her tone even softer than usual as she spoke to Shen Su, "What's up?"
"You're not back yet?" Shen Su asked.
"I forgot to tell you, I made plans to have dinner with Manager Feng," Ji Tong said. "She came to the firm today and helped me a lot, so I'm treating her to dinner."
Shen Su didn't react strongly upon hearing Feng Feng's name, merely asking calmly, "Where are you eating? I'll come find you."
Ji Tong hesitated, "You don't have to, I can just take a taxi back."
Shen Su insisted, "I'm not busy. Let me come find you. I'm worried about you going home alone."
"Alright then," Ji Tong relented and gave him the restaurant's address.
Although Feng Feng couldn't hear what Shen Su was saying on the other end, she could infer some of it from Ji Tong's replies.
Later, after Ji Tong finished her call, she proactively told Feng Feng, "Shen Su will be coming over later too."
Feng Feng's hand stiffened slightly, but her expression remained outwardly unchanged. "Mm."
Ji Tong, of course, didn't notice anything amiss. She was lively and good at finding topics to chat about. Since Feng Feng wasn't saying much, she took the initiative to talk to her.
Ji Tong asked, "The person who went shopping with you over the weekend, was that your boyfriend?"
Feng Feng replied, "No, just a friend."
Ji Tong said, "Oh, I see. I thought it was your boyfriend. You looked quite compatible."
Feng Feng smiled faintly and shook her head.
Seeing that Feng Feng seemed uninterested in the topic, Ji Tong moved on to other things. Ji Tong seemed tireless, always able to liven up the atmosphere, her face always adorned with a smile.
The more Feng Feng interacted with her, the more she understood why Shen Su had chosen to be with her.
Feng Feng was curious about Shen Su and Ji Tong's relationship, but ultimately, she didn't ask Ji Tong about it.
Not long after the food arrived, Shen Su appeared.
Feng Feng had her back to the restaurant entrance, so Ji Tong saw Shen Su first. Her eyes lit up instantly, and she flashed a brilliant smile before raising her hand to wave, "Shen Su, over here!"
Soon, Shen Su walked over and sat down in the seat next to Ji Tong, while Feng Feng was seated opposite them.
As she looked up, her gaze met Shen Su's.
She was calm, and Shen Su was also calm. He even took the initiative to greet her, "Manager Feng."
Feng Feng nodded slightly, "Mr. Shen."
In front of Ji Tong, neither of them revealed any cracks in their facade.
Shen Su didn't speak much to Feng Feng, maintaining the politeness and courtesy expected between partners. After the initial greeting, his attention was entirely focused on Ji Tong.
Shen Su asked, "How was work today?"
Ji Tong replied, "Mm, it was good. Manager Feng also helped me quite a bit."
Shen Su glanced at Feng Feng and said, "Ji Tong lacks experience, thank you for your trouble."
He spoke with the demeanor of someone addressing a stranger, thanking her on behalf of his girlfriend. His words clearly delineated their relationship.
Feng Feng felt a tightness in her throat, a reaction she had never experienced before. She forced a smile, seemingly no different from usual, and her tone sounded calm, "It's my duty. Ji Tong is very smart and has a strong learning ability."
"Manager Feng, you praise me so much I'm almost embarrassed," Ji Tong said with a smile. "If there's anything I do poorly in the future, please tell me directly, Manager Feng. I'll strive to improve!"