Zhao Shuyao closed the balcony door, walked over, and pulled out a chair to sit down.
A bowl of steaming rice was already placed in front of her.
"That... Doctor Xiang, has everything been going smoothly recently?"
Afraid of hurting Xiang's self-esteem, Zhao Shuyao beat around the bush, asking very subtly.
"What?"
The man raised an eyebrow.
"Cough cough... Is it a bit difficult to find a job?"
In the capital, being targeted by Qin Yusheng, it must be difficult to find a job!
"Yes, it has been a bit difficult to find a job recently. Why? Are you looking to change jobs right after finding one?"
The man smiled faintly, raising his eyebrows, his smile deep and thought-provoking.
Zhao Shuyao stammered, "No, I was just worried about you, Doctor Xiang. I see you at home every day, with nothing to do. If you're unemployed, I'll ask my friends to help you!"
Fearing she would hurt Xiang.
She had just bought a house and was unemployed. Although doctors earned well, money could always run out. Seeing Xiang like this, she was really afraid he might do something rash. This man didn't confide in her, so she had no idea if he needed her help.
"You... are worried about me?"
Xiang raised an eyebrow, a flicker of light flashing in his eyes.
"Of course! We are best friends, who else would I worry about if not you? Doctor Xiang, you don't have to force yourself. I know it's not easy for you. How about this, you don't need to pay rent. I'll pay the rent every month. Until Doctor Xiang finds a job, you don't have to worry about these things."
Zhao Shuyao patted her chest, showing great loyalty.
Xiang picked up his glass and took a sip of plain water, a thought-provoking light in his eyes.
"Mm, you truly are my best friend. Thank you, Yaoyao."
"Don't mention it! It's what I should do!"
The next day, which was the weekend, Zhao Shuyao went to the supermarket and bought a lot of vegetables and meat, filling the refrigerator.
Xiang was unemployed and still eating meat every day. This wouldn't last long. It was better to buy some cheaper vegetables and meat to save money.
When Xiang walked out of his room, he saw Zhao Shuyao standing with her hands on her hips, looking at the refrigerator.
"Why did you buy so many groceries?"
Hearing the man's voice, Zhao Shuyao turned to look at him.
Xiang leaned against the kitchen doorway with his arms crossed. The man was tall and dashing.
"You're awake? I've bought the groceries. These should last for a week."
The man seemed to finally understand Zhao Shuyao's intentions. He chuckled, "Are you worried I'm out of money?"
"Yes, Doctor Xiang. Your savings from being a doctor all these years must have been used to buy the house. You're unemployed now, and I'm worried about you. Don't spend extravagantly. I'll take care of things from now on."
"Mm, okay, I'll listen to you."
"Then cooking is up to you!"
"Of course. What do you want for breakfast?"
The man smiled slightly and entered the kitchen.
Zhao Shuyao thought for a moment, "Something sweet and sour!"
"You used to like spicy food. It's really strange lately."
"Yeah..."
It was only when Xiang mentioned it that Zhao Shuyao realized it.
In the afternoon, Zhao Shuyao went to the hospital for a gastrointestinal check-up. The results showed that her stomach was fine and there were no gastrointestinal diseases.
Perhaps it was the colder weather that changed her appetite.
Zhao Shuyao shook her head, dismissing the messy thoughts.
On Monday, as soon as she entered the office, she saw several female colleagues gathered together, discussing gossip.
"Did you hear? The new vice president who's taking office today is a good friend of the president. They say he's in his prime, very young and handsome, even more so than Korean oppas!"
"He's really handsome. Young people nowadays are amazing. So good-looking, accomplished, and overwhelmingly handsome."
New vice president?
Zhao Shuyao remembered that before she left home, Xiang had told her he had found a job and would start working on Monday.
She sat down at her workstation and began to focus on her work.
Because of her excellent computer skills, she was assigned to a small group for an important project, responsible for the engineering development of a new software.
Although the deadline wasn't tight and she could occasionally slack off, she still completed her tasks ahead of schedule and exceeded expectations.
Since the new vice president was coming, the boss hosted a dinner party that evening, booking a restaurant in a five-star hotel and inviting all the employees.
Zhao Shuyao had planned to go home, but she received a WeChat message from Xiang saying he had a company gathering that night and wouldn't be home for dinner.
She could save a meal's expense!
Zhao Shuyao tidied up her belongings, grabbed her bag, and left the company with her colleagues.
The company had arranged a bus, and Zhao Shuyao intended to get on it, but she was pulled into a car by female colleagues from her department. The driver was none other than Sheng Jing.
"You are female employees in my department, I'll give you a ride. Fasten your seatbelts."
Before Zhao Shuyao could react, she was pushed into the passenger seat by the female employees of the company.
"Cough cough, good evening, President."
Zhao Shuyao coughed lightly, feeling a bit awkward.
"Good evening, little cutie Yaoyao."
Sheng Jing's peach blossom eyes were filled with a smile.
Hearing Sheng Jing's address to Zhao Shuyao, the female colleagues in the back seat looked at Zhao Shuyao in surprise.
Zhao Shuyao's eyes widened, "President, please call me Xiaole!"
Calling her Yaoyao was too intimate!
Before, only Jiang Shiyu called her Yaoyao. Later, Xiang also addressed her that way. But Sheng Jing calling her like this made her feel a bit overwhelmed.
The company was already abuzz with rumors about their relationship. If a few female colleagues overheard this, who knew what they would spread.
"Alright, little Yao." As if she hadn't said anything!
Upon arriving at the hotel, the entire banquet hall was booked. It was originally a venue for wedding banquets, and it was filled with company employees. Due to the large number of people, several banquet halls were even used.
Zhao Shuyao followed Sheng Jing into one of the banquet halls. This hall was smaller, but it was filled with high-ranking personnel.
Not seeing her colleagues from the same department, Zhao Shuyao felt a little nervous.
She scanned the room and was stunned.
Because in her eyes, she saw a familiar face.
"Doctor Xiang?!"
Zhao Shuyao exclaimed softly, her voice barely audible.
The man not far away seemed to guess what she said from her lips.
He smiled slightly and walked towards her.
"Let me introduce you, this is..."
"Wife, why are you here too?"
Xiang said with a smile, and as his voice fell, everyone was stunned.
"Wife?" Sheng Jing was also greatly surprised and looked at Zhao Shuyao beside him.
Zhao Shuyao covered Xiang's mouth, "No, no, he's talking nonsense. We're just friends. Xiang just likes to joke!"
Xiang calmly removed her hand, "Wife, even though we're arguing, you can't deny our feelings. Don't be angry."
"..."
Hey!
This drama queen!
Zhao Shuyao felt an urge to wring the man's neck.
"He's joking! There's nothing between us... Why are you here?"
Zhao Shuyao belatedly realized, why was Xiang here? Was he friends with Sheng Jing?