Chapter 37: The Goddess Has a Heart's Desire

Part (1/3)

(1)

As the end of the workday arrived, the surrounding colleagues successively shut down their computers and left their desks. Qin Ke sat in his cubicle, pondering where to go for dinner, when someone walked toward him. It was his direct supervisor, Zheng Yutong.

Seeing that everyone had left, Zheng Yutong also got ready to leave for the day. Passing by Qin Ke’s workstation and noticing him still sitting there in a daze, she changed her mind about heading home.

"Director Qin, aren't you getting off work yet? Don't work overtime every single day; you'll wear yourself out," Zheng Yutong greeted him with a smile.

"Thank you for your concern, Director Zheng. I'm getting ready to leave as well," Qin Ke said, standing up.

"Why don't we grab dinner together? I'm dining alone anyway. My treat," Zheng Yutong looked at him expectantly.

"This..." Qin Ke hesitated.

"What? Do you already have plans?" Zheng Yutong looked somewhat disappointed.

"No," Qin Ke didn't want to lie.

"Then what are you hesitating for? Don't overthink it. As a leader, caring for one's subordinates is only natural." Zheng Yutong's mood brightened up again.

Qin Ke was not a blockhead. Over this period, he had naturally perceived that Zheng Yutong harbored other feelings toward him. The reason she stated now was so plausible that he could not refuse. On second thought, perhaps this was for the best; he could use this opportunity to make his attitude clear to her—that their relationship could only ever be a normal collegiate one, devoid of any romantic sentiments between a man and a woman. Doing this served two purposes: first, to show that he was not an unapproachably cold and heartless person, and second, to make their future cooperation at work smoother and avoid unnecessary awkwardness. Thinking of this, he smiled and said, "Thank you, Director Zheng; I cannot refuse such a kind invitation. Please give me a few minutes to tidy up."

"Then I'll wait for you at the company entrance. Let's go to the Huaiyang restaurant on the second floor later; their dishes are quite good." Zheng Yutong walked outward with brisk, light steps.

Taking advantage of the moment, Qin Ke sent a text message to Bian Xiaoqi: "Xiaoqi, Director Zheng Yutong from my department is treating me to dinner right now. The place is the Huaiyang restaurant on the second floor of the Xintong Building where my office is located. It was difficult to decline. Rest assured, I know how to handle this. Qin Ke, who loves you forever."

When Bian Xiaoqi arrived at her aunt Jiang Sulan's home, the time had just passed five o'clock. Dr. Jiang Sulan had returned home early and was busy in the kitchen. Hearing the doorbell ring, she hurriedly turned off the stove and came over to open the door. Seeing the graceful Bian Xiaoqi, she immediately took her hand and smiled, "Xiaoqi, come on in. You're getting prettier by the day."

Her aunt Jiang Sulan's facial features strongly resembled those of her mother, Jiang Sumei, except that her aunt was slightly taller. Bian Xiaoqi hugged Jiang Sulan's arm and said with a smile, "Aunty, you are also becoming more and more benevolent-looking. Seeing you is just like seeing my mom."

"The two of us haven't seen each other in a few years, and I am getting older by the day."

"Aunty, you are an angel, while my mom is an old pedant. You look much younger than my mom; anyone who didn't know would think my mom is eight or nine years older than you."

"Haha, Xiaoqi, I just love hearing you talk."

After entering the apartment, Bian Xiaoqi asked, "Has Uncle and little sister Tiange not returned yet?"

"Your uncle can usually only get home by six o'clock. I told him you were coming and made him cancel his social appointments to come home for dinner. I've also notified Tiange."

Bian Xiaoqi took out the gifts she was carrying: "Aunty, the Estée Lauder cosmetics are for you, hoping you stay forever youthful, healthy, and beautiful. The liquor is for my uncle. The Lancôme perfume is for my little sister Tiange."

"Oh my, Xiaoqi, buying such expensive gifts and spending so much money was unnecessary. Do you treat me like an outsider? You need to learn to be thrifty—surely you didn't spend your mom's money, did you?" Seeing such valuable gifts, Jiang Sulan began to playfully scold her.

"My dear aunty, I'm earning quite a bit now and don't need my mom to give me money anymore. Rest assured, I can completely support myself. I didn't have to pay for these gifts out of pocket either; they are company-provided amenities, so I am merely borrowing flowers to present to the Buddha," Bian Xiaoqi said with a smile.

"We are family. I would be just as happy even if you came to see me empty-handed. Don't ever bring such expensive things again in the future," Jiang Sulan looked at her affectionately.

"Understood, won't happen again," Bian Xiaoqi said with a cheeky smile.

Bian Xiaoqi placed her handbag on the corner cabinet in the living room and walked in with her arm linked through Jiang Sulan's. She had forgotten to take out her phone, and consequently, she did not see the text message Qin Ke had sent her.

(2)

Qin Ke and Zheng Yutong rode the elevator together, slowly descending toward the second floor.

Part (1/3)

Part (2/3)

Zheng Yutong was wearing a white linen suit today, with lips as red as fire and deep eye shadow—altogether the attire of a mature woman. Her long hair cascaded in waves, making her rather petite stature appear even shorter. Qin Ke thought she was actually a dainty and pretty woman; if she were to sweep her hair up into a bun, she might look more capable and professional. As soon as they stepped into the elevator, he was immediately greeted by the strong scent of perfume emanating from her, causing Qin Ke to involuntarily frown slightly.

Zheng Yutong was a regular patron of the Huaiyang restaurant on the second floor. The waitstaff were very familiar with her and led the two of them to a window-side private booth.

Huaiyang cuisine is known for its light, fresh, and mild flavors, with a balanced touch of saltiness and sweetness suitable for palates from both the north and the south. Zheng Yutong ordered four dishes and a soup: crab roe lion's head, squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, Pingqiao tofu, crystal pork aspic, and sautéed reed shoots with dried shrimp. Before long, the dishes were all served. She also ordered a bottle of red wine, at which Qin Ke said, "Director Zheng, let's just have dinner and skip the wine."

Zheng Yutong smiled and said, "But I want to drink," and proceeded to pour a glass for both Qin Ke and herself.

As she tasted the dishes, she asked, "I wonder if these dishes suit Director Qin's palate?"

Eating as well, Qin Ke replied, "I used to travel frequently on business to various places, and no matter the cuisine style, I'm fine with all of them. Huaiyang cuisine features meticulous knife skills and a light, fresh flavor; I can only sum it up in two words: 'exquisite.'"

"Director Qin's choice of words is precise and well said. Come, let's have a toast." She raised her glass first and downed it in one gulp.

"Ever since Director Qin joined the project planning department, he has been a tremendous help to me. Issues at work have become fewer and fewer, and the department has received praise from the boss on several occasions—your contribution is undeniable. You are very capable, hardworking, and responsible. I want to thank you for that," she continued.

"Since Director Zheng is treating me to such a delicious Huaiyang meal, I have already felt your sincerity. Please don't be so formal; holding the position means taking responsibility for its duties, and fulfilling my internal duties is my unshirkable obligation. Credit should rather go to your brilliant leadership, Director Zheng," Qin Ke also finished his glass of wine and said with a smile.

"I want you to speak your true feelings, not shower me with compliments like everyone else does. How do you feel about me as a person? What kind of woman am I in your eyes?" Hesitating for a moment, Zheng Yutong stared straight at Qin Ke, emphasizing the word "woman" heavily.

After a glass of wine, Zheng Yutong's face was flushed pink, whether due to the alcohol or the psychological reaction triggered by her own words. The pendant lamp suspended over the booth was draped in gauze, casting a dim, yellowish glow. Looking at Zheng Yutong's smiling brows and eyes, Qin Ke felt the atmosphere at that moment was somewhat ambiguous.

Director Zheng right before him was about to hear the truth. He pondered for a moment and concluded that he must stop here and not let this topic continue.

Therefore, he sat up straight and said solemnly, "Director Zheng, from the perspective of a colleague or a subordinate, you are a very pretty female colleague or female supervisor whom I respect. I love this job and hope to exercise my utmost capabilities to earn the recognition of the company's leaders and colleagues, while also hoping for corresponding rewards. As for other matters, I will not consider them at all."

"Do you have a girlfriend?" Zheng Yutong had also guessed at this question, but today she needed to hear Qin Ke say it himself.

"Director Zheng, yes, I already have a girlfriend. She likes me very much, and I like her very much too," Qin Ke said without hesitation, open and unencumbered. As soon as he finished speaking, he clearly noticed that the gaze in Zheng Yutong's eyes, which had been glowing just moments before, instantly dimmed.

"In your eyes, am I old? Is she younger? More prettier?" Riding the wave of the alcohol, Zheng Yutong shed her usual reserve and asked.

"Director Zheng, I cannot comment on a girl I love in front of you; that would be unethical and unfair. I feel that I believe more in fate; only oneself knows what truly suits them," Qin Ke said calmly.

"Qin Ke, you are truly a gentleman. Your words do not contain the word 'refusal,' yet every single sentence implies 'refusal,'" Zheng Yutong sighed.

"Director Zheng, everyone has their own traits and merits, and you will certainly meet someone who suits you. Come, let me toast you with this glass," Qin Ke raised his cup at the right moment.

"It's too hard." Zheng Yutong's eyes dimmed completely. She stopped speaking and drank glass after glass.

Part (2/3)

Part (3/3)

Bian Xiaoqi acted as Jiang Sulan's assistant. With her help, Jiang Sulan quickly whipped up six dishes: sweet and sour squirrel-shaped mandarin fish with a crispy exterior and tender interior, sauce-red braised lion's heads, clear lotus root and pork rib soup, translucent crystal pork aspic, brightly colored white-plate shrimp kernels, and crisp, tender stir-fried kale, filling the entire table.

Her cousin Tiange came home, and as soon as she saw Bian Xiaoqi, she rushed over to hug her, excitedly saying, "Sis, I finally get to see you again. I've missed you to death. You've gotten even prettier."

"Little sister, you're getting prettier too. I'm going to put down roots in Beijing from now on, so the two of us will have plenty of chances to meet. Come, look at the gift Sis brought you, do you like it?" Saying this, Bian Xiaoqi handed the Lancôme perfume to Tiange.

"Perfume from a brand like Lancôme is very expensive, and I love it. Thank you, Sis," Tiange said happily.

"What are you busy with nowadays?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

"I'm graduating next year, and I'm currently interning at the *Jinghua Times*."

Tiange was currently a senior in the Chinese Department at Peking University, four years younger than Bian Xiaoqi. Just as Bian Xiaoqi was about to ask about her employment situation, her uncle Tian Changhe also returned home from work. She immediately walked over and called out, "Hello, Uncle!"

As soon as Tian Changhe saw Bian Xiaoqi, he smiled and said, "Xiaoqi, welcome, welcome. Your aunt said you had arrived in Beijing, but I almost didn't believe it."

Taking the briefcase from Tian Changhe's hand and linking her arm through his, she smiled and said, "Uncle, I'm going to live in Beijing long-term this time; I'm not going back to Xizhou."

"That's a great thing! Young people should go out and make their own way; I support you."

Jiang Sulan walked over and said, "I don't know how your mom managed to reconcile herself to letting Xiaoqi leave her side."

"If Xiaoqi can establish a foothold in Beijing, Professor Jiang will naturally come to Beijing after retirement too. Won't you two sisters be living close by then?"

"Old Tian, what you say makes sense. You and Tiange go wash your hands right away; we're eating immediately," Jiang Sulan urged.

Bian Xiaoqi busied herself arranging bowls, chopsticks, and wine glasses on the dining table, acting just as if she were in her own home.

Jiang Sulan brought out a bottle of red wine, while Bian Xiaoqi produced two bottles of Moutai, saying, "Uncle, I brought these for you; you should drink this today. Aunty, little sister Tiange, and I will have some red wine."

"Since Xiaoqi brought this, I must definitely have a taste. This is top-shelf liquor!" Tian Changhe said happily.

Eating the crispy yet tender, sweet and sour squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, Bian Xiaoqi exclaimed, "Aunty, your culinary skills are truly peerless; this is still the exact taste from my childhood memories."

Jiang Sulan smiled and said, "If you like eating it, come often. I'll make it for you."

"Aunty, the strange thing is how come my mom can't cook anything at all? Are you and my mom really biological sisters?"

"Look at what you're saying, child. Your mom and I share the same mother—could that be false? Your mom never liked doing housework when she was little, whereas I loved it. My squirrel-shaped mandarin fish is a true family heirloom passed down from your grandmother, who taught me hand over hand."

"Aunty, you must have a chance to teach me how to make squirrel-shaped mandarin fish; our family's heritage craft cannot be allowed to die out."

"Among our generation, I was the one who liked housework. In your generation, Tiange doesn't like to cook, but you like it. Wonderful! I must definitely teach you," Jiang Sulan said happily.

Tian Changhe raised his glass and said, "Xiaoqi is here, and I am very happy. It seems Xiaoqi's work is going smoothly in all respects. Come, let's have a toast and celebrate."

"Sis, I still don't know what kind of work you're doing now?" Tiange asked eagerly after taking a sip of wine. Jiang Sulan looked at her as well, wanting to know.

"Uncle, aunty, little sister, I am currently in the real estate industry. Right now, I serve as the sales director for Zhengyang Real Estate Company."

"Xiaoqi, this has nothing to do with what you studied in school at all. What a waste to toss your major aside! Given your writing foundation and talent, becoming a writer or a teacher is the proper path—stable careers with high social status," Jiang Sulan remarked.

"Dr. Jiang, your old mindset needs an update. Which industry one engages in depends on one's own interests. With the further development of China's reform and opening up, internet development is surging like the tide. Now that China is about to join the WTO, many new professions will be born. Young people can have more choices, unlike our generation where everything was arranged and managed by the state. As long as they can bring their strengths into play, there are opportunities for success in whatever job they do. That is the vitality a country should display as it begins to grow wealthy and strong. Working in real estate doesn't necessarily mean wasting Xiaoqi's talent; it might actually foster her work and help her achieve even greater accomplishments. Take Tiange, for instance—she doesn't necessarily have to become a journalist or engage in writing work in the future. There are many roads; it all depends on what she chooses," Tian Changhe said with a smile to his wife.

"Uncle's words are extremely wise. Looking at the current housing conditions in Chinese cities, taking Beijing and Shanghai as examples alone, everything is in urgent need of improvement, let alone those small and medium-sized cities. With economic development, once ordinary people have money in their pockets, the first thing they will think of is buying a house to improve their living conditions. Comparing the development paths of Europe, America, and Japan, in the foreseeable next twenty years, real estate will definitely be a sunrise industry in China and a pillar industry for economic development. We must seize the opportunity, ride the pulse of the times, and hand in a regret-free answer sheet for our youth," Bian Xiaoqi poured out her vision of a bright future and her inner thoughts.

"Sis, your analysis and outlook have deeply moved me too. I need to seriously consider what to do after graduation as well," Tiange said excitedly.

"Well said. It seems Xiaoqi has done ample homework and isn't just acting on a momentary impulse; I support your choice," Tian Changhe praised.

"Actually, you could totally do this line of work in Xizhou. Why did you have to leave your parents far behind and live a drifting life?" Jiang Sulan still had her doubts.

Looking at the gazes fixed on her by her aunt's family of three, Bian Xiaoqi poured out all her thoughts: "Aunty, you and my mom created a very comfortable living environment for Tiange and me. To ordinary people, this means we don't need to struggle and are already free from worries about food and clothing, but this is not the life I want. I want to step out of my comfort zone, see if I can withstand the wind and rain, and achieve results that satisfy myself, proving that I am still a person of some use to my family and society."

Part (3/3)