Lan Qianqian snapped back to reality, finding everyone looking at her. She gave an awkward smile, about to speak.
"Congratulations, Qianqian, on officially becoming an employee of Xuan Corporation. We're colleagues now."
Ji Anlan entered with a gentle smile, her voice just loud enough for the department to hear.
"Really, Qianqian, you've joined Xuan Corporation? Then we can go to work together from now on!"
Li Ai exclaimed with pleasant surprise.
Others also came to congratulate her, and Lan Qianqian could only smile and respond. After everyone had exchanged pleasantries, they returned to their work, leaving only Ji Anlan behind.
"Qianqian, if you have time now, would you mind coming to my office to discuss the jewelry design proposal for this project?"
"Yes, of course. This is within my scope of work."
"Then let's go."
Ji Anlan stepped forward and intimately linked her arm with Lan Qianqian's.
Lan Qianqian felt a bit unaccustomed to it but didn't say anything.
Upon arriving at the director's office,
"Qianqian, don't be shy, please sit anywhere."
As Ji Anlan went to fetch the design proposal, her every move exuded grace and elegance.
Indeed, it was different to be raised in a prominent family.
Pressing her lips together, Lan Qianqian tried to ignore the discomfort in her heart and sat down beside the desk.
"Qianqian, look, what do you think about incorporating innovative elements here? I think we could reference some foreign designs to add creativity..."
After an unknown amount of time, Ji Anlan finally finished expressing some of her ideas.
Lan Qianqian couldn't help but admire how outstanding Ji Anlan was, far beyond what someone from her humble background could compare to.
Many things were completely new to her, and listening to Ji Anlan speak was like opening a new world of jewelry design.
Later, she would mock herself for having her new jewelry design direction shown to her by her love rival.
If it were anyone else, she would undoubtedly respect and support them like a teacher.
But... if it was her, she would only hate her...
However, she was truly excellent. After all, with the backing of Xuan Corporation, Ji Anlan had access to all first-class resources, and her worldly experience was beyond that of an ordinary person.
Therefore, Ji Anlan always said that she was the most suitable person for Xuan Mohan.
Putting aside other factors, the awards, certificates, and trophies Ji Anlan received during her school years could fill a room.
During her studies, she had also learned many arts and majored in some management skills.
It could be said that Ji Anlan was not only presentable but also capable of independent work.
Xuan Mohan's parents were very pleased with this.
"Qianqian, look, this is some of my work from when I was studying abroad. See if it's useful to you."
Ji Anlan enthusiastically presented a thick, exquisite notebook.
"No, this is your own valuable design experience. How can I possibly look at it?"
Saying this, Lan Qianqian pushed the notebook back.
In the design industry, masters with experience and accumulation often kept their knowledge private, rarely sharing it with others.
If someone were to offer it so selflessly, it would likely be someone closer than family.
Therefore, one should not accept favors without merit, let alone something so personally precious.
"It's nothing. Qianqian, I liked you the moment I first saw you because you are sincere, passionate, and unpretentious. Such people are rare now, so I cherish you as a friend. Besides, it's just a loan, it's fine, please look."
Ji Anlan's sincere smile and the notebook in her hand were like a great temptation.
There was no other way; she loved design too much, and this was a rare opportunity to learn.
"Please take a look first. Otherwise, you might not understand what I say later, which would not be conducive to the design of the work, and would be detrimental to both the customer and the company."
With Ji Anlan's words, Lan Qianqian no longer hesitated.
"Thank you, Director."
Lan Qianqian said with genuine gratitude and finally accepted it.
"Qianqian, if you say that, I'll be unhappy. Call me Anlan or Sister Anlan."
Ji Anlan feigned displeasure.
Lan Qianqian once again marveled at how accomplished Ji Anlan was at the same age.
"Sister Anlan~"
"Alright, alright, take your time looking. I have some other things to organize."
Ji Anlan said with a radiant smile.
"Okay, Sister Anlan, you go ahead and be busy." Lan Qianqian then began to read with great interest.
While flipping through the cabinet documents, Ji Anlan turned her head to look at Lan Qianqian and revealed a peculiar smile...
Just came down from the president's office looking all bashful, huh...
Heh!
It was almost time to get off work.
"Beep beep beep~"
The vibration of the phone startled Lan Qianqian, who was engrossed in reading the notes.
They had discussed things once in the interim, and then Ji Anlan went to attend to other matters while Lan Qianqian continued her enthusiastic learning.
"Why aren't you answering your phone?"
Ji Anlan, who had just entered, looked at Lan Qianqian with a smiling demeanor.
"I was just having an idea, and this phone call interrupted me. Sister Anlan, I'll take this call."
Lan Qianqian's tone carried a hint of complaint.
Ji Anlan looked at Lan Qianqian's small gesture with amusement and teased, "Could it be your boyfriend?"
"Mmm... yes." Seeing the name flashing on the phone screen, Lan Qianqian felt a little embarrassed.
As she said this, she walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window and discreetly turned down the phone's volume, "Hello?"
"Off work. I'll wait for you in the garage." Xuan Mohan stated concisely.
"It's not off work yet."
Lan Qianqian said with a laugh. He was the big boss; he could come and go as he pleased, but she couldn't.
"I don't care, come down, or I'll come and get you."
Why was he acting like a child?
"Got it." Lan Qianqian replied somewhat peevishly.
"What's wrong? Is your boyfriend waiting for you?" Ji Anlan asked casually as if joking after hanging up the phone.
"Mmm... yes, he said it's almost time for work to end and asked me to come down."
Lan Qianqian said with a hint of guilt.
Glancing at the elegant women's watch on her wrist, Ji Anlan directly said,
"Let's wrap up. It's only two minutes left anyway, and it wouldn't be good to keep your boyfriend waiting too long."
"But..."
"There's no 'but.' I'm the director, and I've said so. You can leave now."
Ji Anlan winked playfully.
"Alright, then I'll be going. Goodbye, Sister Anlan."
Seeing Ji Anlan's cute demeanor, Lan Qianqian felt much more relaxed.
"Mmm, see you tomorrow." Ji Anlan said, waving with a smile.
After Lan Qianqian left, Ji Anlan turned her expressionless gaze towards the direction of the underground garage...
"Why are you getting off work so early? Aren't you supposed to work overtime?"
Upon reaching the garage, Lan Qianqian complained a little. Every time he called, it interrupted her thoughts.
Moreover, he was the big boss; why did he seem freer than her?
"I have a wife now, so of course, I'll avoid overtime whenever possible."
As Lan Qianqian approached, he pulled her into his embrace.
Lan Qianqian, sweet yet slightly shy, "Who is your wife?"
"You are, of course."
Saying this, he lowered his head and kissed her, a kiss that was both domineering and gentle.
After a while, Lan Qianqian was almost out of breath. Seizing a moment to catch her breath, she pushed Xuan Mohan back slightly.
"It's almost time for the employees to finish work. Let's go."
Looking at Lan Qianqian's flushed face, Xuan Mohan's eyes darkened.
He placed a firm kiss on her lips, then pulled Lan Qianqian into the car.