Qing Yanci Chapter Eleven
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Ye Jin looked in the direction of Wan Shen’s voice and realized those were the two middle-aged men who had tried to strike up a conversation with her earlier.
“Oh no, the two pervy uncles I mentioned—they’re actually the boss’s friends,” Ye Jin said in disbelief as she watched Wan Shen chatting with the two men.
“Oh, is that so? Don’t worry, they don’t know us!” A Mei followed Ye Jin’s gaze and saw the boss engrossed in conversation with his friends.
“Stop staring! Here, try this bread—it’s really delicious! Soft like clouds in the sky,” A Mei handed Ye Jin a piece of bread.
“Well, I have to admit you’ve got some conscience. It really is tasty,” Ye Jin said, taking the bread and eating slowly.
Everyone was eating and drinking, full of energy, laughing happily...
Ye Jin glanced around as if searching for something.
“Looking for something?” A Mei asked playfully.
“No, I’m just admiring the scenery and taking some photos,” Ye Jin replied, though in truth, she was searching for Tang Xiao. Since they reached the summit, she hadn’t seen him—had he gotten lost?
“Oh, I thought you were looking for... I’ll go get two bottles of water. Wait for me!” A Mei said before quickly walking away.
Honestly, after coming up alone, Ye Jin hadn’t paid much attention to Tang Xiao. Was she too heartless? She wasn’t even sure if he had made it up. She never saw him. But he was a grown man; surely he wouldn’t get lost. Was he around when she took pictures? What if she had really lost him?
“Here, put the water in your bag. Drink it on the way down,” A Mei’s voice interrupted Ye Jin’s thoughts.
“A Mei, where did you get this water? It’s different from the company’s bottled water,” Ye Jin asked.
“The manager carried most of the company’s leftover mineral water up because we were so many people—there were over twenty bottles in his bag. The manager’s really amazing! But these two bottles were given to me by Brother Hao Yang. Everyone took the water the manager brought,” A Mei explained.
“I see, thank you, A Mei.” Ye Jin looked at the brand on the bottle in her hand—it looked familiar, but she couldn’t recall where she had seen it before.
“Don’t mention it, bestie,” A Mei said.
The two of them ate, drank, and jokingly played, thoroughly enjoying themselves. For the moment, Ye Jin forgot all about Tang Xiao.
“Everyone, it’s getting late. We should head back down now. Please throw your snack wrappers into the trash bins. Keeping things clean, being environmentally conscious, and maintaining personal dignity are all very important! Also, just like when we climbed, find your partner and descend together. Don’t leave anyone behind. Safety first!” Shen Ping repeatedly announced through a megaphone.
After counting heads, one person was missing. Ye Jin grew anxious—she clearly had not seen Tang Xiao.
“Let’s see whose companion is missing. Quickly, look around,” Shen Ping said.
Ye Jin’s face flushed, her heart pounding. Suddenly, she remembered Tang Xiao. “Manager, Tang Xiao is missing. Does anyone know where he is?” Ye Jin almost burst into tears.
“Wasn’t he with you? Don’t panic. Everyone, split up and search. I’ll call him,” Shen Ping said, though the phone was off. He was about to scold Ye Jin but realized finding Tang Xiao was the priority.
“What should I do? I lost Tang Xiao. How am I going to explain this to the boss? This is terrible...” Ye Jin was frantic.
“Weren’t you two together? I was so busy talking to you, I didn’t notice Tang Xiao. Don’t worry, he’s a grown man—he can’t just get lost. Let’s find him,” A Mei comforted Ye Jin.
“Old Shen, who’s missing?” After finishing his chat with friends, the boss came over directly to Shen Ping. He had overheard that someone was lost and grew anxious, fearing something serious.
“Tang Xiao is missing. I sent colleagues to look for him, but his phone is off...” Shen Ping replied.
“That’s not right. He’s always very responsible. Although he’s my cousin, his character is solid. If he’s missing, my company can’t keep running! We’ll find him no matter what it takes—even if it costs everything. Who was he paired with?” Wan Shen asked, visibly worried.
“It seems to be Ye Jin, but she doesn’t know where he is. After coming up, Tang Xiao may have separated from the group,” Shen Ping explained roughly.
“Wait, show me the camera. Was he in the photos?” Wan Shen was anxious. Why would Tang Xiao disappearing threaten Wan Shen’s company? What complicated connection did they have? Shen Ping didn’t understand.
“He was in the photos. Behind me, you see? Oh, he’s standing at the edge now,” Ling Zhi said, puzzled. She was standing in front of Tang Xiao.
“Just before the shot, Tang Xiao’s shoelace came undone. He switched places with me to tie his shoe,” Wu Le from the packaging room explained.
“No wonder,” Ling Zhi said.
“I’m back!” At that moment, Tang Xiao returned. Shen Ping had just handed over the camera to Wan Shen when Tang Xiao’s voice was heard.
Hearing Tang Xiao’s voice, Ye Jin must have been the happiest—the weight on her heart finally lifted.
Tang Xiao paused briefly beside Ye Jin, but without looking at her, he walked straight toward Wan Shen.
“I went to photograph the sea of clouds. These scenes can be used on our store’s homepage to showcase products—truly magnificent! They also make great photos for team-building events and can be displayed in the company culture section. We captured all the team members. It would be a shame not to use such beautiful scenery,” Tang Xiao said quickly, eager to make amends.
“You’re an adult now; you need to have team spirit. Next time, call ahead, okay? That’s enough for today. Old Shen, arrange the rest of the itinerary,” Wan Shen said, a little annoyed.
“Everyone, find your partners and head down safely. Meet at the foot of the mountain!” Shen Ping instructed.
“A Mei, hurry up!” Xu Haoyang called out to A Mei.
A Mei walked over to Tang Xiao. “Even though you’re higher up in the company, you can’t bully Ye Jin. Everyone was worried about you, and Ye Jin almost cried, thinking she lost you. Everyone is equal...” Facing A Mei’s reproach, Tang Xiao found it laughable. Who abandoned whom? It was all mixed up!
“Hmph,” Tang Xiao sneered slightly.
“A Mei, don’t worry. You and Brother Haoyang go ahead. Don’t fret,” Ye Jin said.
Upon hearing Ye Jin, A Mei left immediately.
The colleagues gradually descended the mountain. Now, only Ye Jin and Tang Xiao remained.
“Let’s go. Sorry for coming up ahead—I forgot you were behind. I’ll apologize to A Mei for you; she didn’t understand the situation...” Ye Jin said.
“Let’s go,” Tang Xiao interrupted with just those two words.
The two walked side by side down the mountain. After a while, Ye Jin’s sprained foot grew increasingly painful.
She limped as she walked. Tang Xiao noticed her trailing behind.
“Did you sprain your foot? When did it happen?” Tang Xiao’s sudden concern caught Ye Jin off guard.
“Sit down, let me see. Take off your shoe!” Ye Jin felt embarrassed, and Tang Xiao turned his back to her as she complied.
“It’s nothing serious. I’ll rest a bit, and it’ll be fine,” Ye Jin reassured him.
Hearing this, Tang Xiao turned around and knelt to examine her ankle. The joint was red and swollen. He took out a bottle of bruising spray from his bag and sprayed a few times, gently massaging it. Ye Jin suddenly felt this scene was familiar, as if she had seen it somewhere before.
“All done. Put your shoe back on. I’ll carry you down. Your foot should improve by tomorrow. Take this spray and keep it in your bag,” Tang Xiao said warmly, no longer the stern figure he had been.
Ye Jin put her shoe back on and took the spray, placing it in her bag.
“Thanks! How do you carry this kind of medicine with you?” Ye Jin asked.
“Obviously, you don’t know much. We’re outdoors—small injuries are inevitable. You have to be prepared with ointments and the like,” Tang Xiao patiently explained.
He slung his bag in front and squatted down, waiting for Ye Jin.
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“Come on! I’ll carry you. It’s getting late,” Ye Jin hesitated, feeling shy.
“If we wait any longer, it’ll be dark,” Tang Xiao urged.
Ye Jin had no choice but to place her hand on Tang Xiao’s shoulder. He carried her slowly down the mountain.
“When we’re almost there, I’ll set you down to walk on your own. Don’t let others see—an unaccompanied man and woman won’t look good for either of us,” Tang Xiao said calmly.
“I understand. Thank you, Tang Xiao,” Ye Jin replied.
“Let me be clear: team building is just team building. After this, we’re just ordinary colleagues. Don’t develop any feelings or thoughts about me. Better not get attached!” Tang Xiao said firmly, word by word.
“As long as you don’t make work difficult, I won’t have any thoughts or feelings about you either,” Ye Jin fired back without backing down.
“If you do your job well, no one will judge you. Why do you care so much about others’ opinions? Isn’t that exhausting?” Tang Xiao countered.
“You’d understand if you did my work. I spent a whole night working overtime to create a design, only to have it rejected as worthless—wasted effort! And that’s not even counting the daytime,” Ye Jin felt wronged.
“Your design has to meet image requirements. Online, customers buy products by images showing features, price, pre-sale and after-sale services, and so on. There are countless similar products; why should customers choose yours? What image information draws them in, prompts silent orders or inquiries, and increases conversion rates? A picture isn’t just about looking good; it has to show value and how it’s better than competitors. Do you understand this?” Tang Xiao patiently explained.
“But every time I make a design, I follow your requirements. Forget it, I don’t want to argue,” Ye Jin said, defeated.
Tang Xiao carried Ye Jin for a while.
“Let’s rest for a moment,” Tang Xiao said, a bit tired. He put Ye Jin down and took two bottles of water from his bag, handing one to her.
“This water looks so familiar! I remember Brother Haoyang gave A Mei two bottles, and she gave me one. Yours is exactly the same!” Ye Jin said as if discovering a new world.
“Hmph, Brother Haoyang? Won’t that confuse the other colleagues? You’ve been on my back for so long, and you haven’t called me Brother Tang yet,” Tang Xiao sneered, sounding a bit jealous.
“Forget it. I have one in my bag. Here, take this,” Ye Jin felt Tang Xiao was being sarcastic. Despite carrying her, he kept nagging. Annoyed, she threw the bottle back at him.
Perhaps angered, Ye Jin tossed the bottle to Tang Xiao, who failed to catch it. The bottle rolled down the slope. Tang Xiao hurried after it. As he took out the bottle, his bag was open, and his ID card slipped out unnoticed. Ye Jin caught sight of it and picked it up.
Tang Xiao, male, born December 11, 1998, Long’an City...
“Give it back! How can you look at someone’s ID without permission?” Ye Jin said, half through reading, as Tang Xiao snatched it back.
“Sorry! I... I didn’t mean to,” Ye Jin stammered, unsure whether to feel guilty about throwing the water or seeing his ID.
“Walk by yourself. I’ve carried you long enough. I can hold your hand down,” Tang Xiao said, clearly upset that she had seen his ID.
“I didn’t know you were so young. You seem like you were born around ’92 or ’93 from how you act,” Ye Jin said, surprised. She had just called him “big brother” moments ago.
“Don’t spread my ID info around the company, including to your ‘good sister’ A Mei. Otherwise, you’ll both be fired,” Tang Xiao joked, warning her.
“If it weren’t for your cousin being the boss, would you dare act like a tyrant at work?” Ye Jin murmured.
“What did you just mutter?” Tang Xiao had overheard everything.
“Nothing. Let’s hurry down...” Ye Jin quickly changed the subject.
Tang Xiao helped Ye Jin slowly descend. After a while, they neared the foot of the mountain where a group wearing purple hats lingered.
“You go ahead. I’ll follow behind. No talking nonsense, got it?” Tang Xiao said as they neared the bottom.
“Got it,” Ye Jin replied and walked ahead.
“Ye Jin, why are you so slow? We’ve been waiting quite a while. Where’s your partner?” Wu Nan grumbled when she saw Ye Jin.
“We haven’t been long; we just came down a bit ago,” A Mei retorted.
“Tang Xiao will be down soon...” Ye Jin said weakly, her foot still hurting.
Before she finished, Tang Xiao strode past without stopping.
“Tang Xiao, come help me start the car!” Wan Shen saw Tang Xiao was the last to descend and gestured for him to take Wan Shen’s car, seemingly wanting to talk.
“Old Shen, Tang Xiao and I will go ahead to prepare for tonight’s event. You handle the headcount and make sure everyone relaxes tonight!”
“Got it. You go ahead,” Shen Ping replied.
“Drive slowly! Safety first, family! We’ll wait for you at Juwen Villa!” Wan Shen said before driving off with Tang Xiao.
“What’s your problem? Last one going up, missing at the assembly, last down too. The whole company waited for you two. That’s not your usual work style,” Wan Shen scolded Tang Xiao.
“Bad luck. I got the last number. The girl I was paired with never exercises—walk two minutes, rest five. I can’t just go alone! I’ve never liked these team-building activities. Next time, I won’t join,” Tang Xiao tried to shift blame.
“If you didn’t prepare, don’t blame luck. You have to work on yourself...” Wan Shen lectured.
“Can you be quiet? I’m driving and you won’t stop talking!” Tang Xiao was already angry, and Wan Shen hit a nerve.
On the bus, Ye Jin kept thinking about Tang Xiao’s ID. Born in 1998 in Long’an City—TV said Long’an was full of super-rich families with villas, detached and townhouses, and huge supermarkets. So Tang Xiao was a hidden second-generation rich kid, only 24 years old. Ye Jin was several years older.
At work, Tang Xiao always wore formal shirts. This was the first time she saw him in casual clothes. At the office, he was strict, like a little old man. Handsome and refined, with pale skin, big eyes, sharp eyebrows, a slightly lean face with smooth contours. He rarely spoke except about conversion rates, clicks, and analytics. His serious nature kept people distant. If not for seeing his ID, she’d have guessed he was 28 or 29—he hid his age well.
“What are you thinking about so deeply?” A Mei asked Ye Jin.
“Nothing, just tired. I’ll rest a bit,” Ye Jin answered, suddenly recalling Tang Xiao’s warning not to tell anyone.
She wanted to share about seeing Tang Xiao’s ID but feared A Mei’s big mouth would cause trouble, so she kept it to herself.
“Hello, Aunt. Tang Xiao is here, next to me, driving. His phone’s off,” Tang Xiao’s mother called Wan Shen.
“His phone died,” Tang Xiao said calmly.
“Don’t worry, Aunt. Tang Xiao is fine here. Tonight, the employees will stay at your cousin’s Juwen Villa... Okay, goodbye! Please send my regards to your uncle!” Wan Shen hung up.
“Wait, you said Juwen Villa is my family’s property?” Tang Xiao asked, puzzled.
“Yes! It’s yours. Years ago, your parents came here to visit a friend. This place was remote but beautiful, with clear mountains and water. Your mother liked it a lot. Since your father was in real estate, he developed the land into a resort. It struggled at first but has become very popular recently. Even celebrities come here to escape the heat. Haven’t you ever been?” Wan Shen asked.
“I’m always busy working overtime analyzing data. No time to visit,” Tang Xiao was unsure how many properties his family owned.
“You need to go home during the May Day holiday. You never visit. Your mom keeps calling me to persuade you. When you get there, charge your phone and call her,” Wan Shen said.
“I’ll think about going home later. Is that the sign up ahead?” Tang Xiao asked tentatively.
“Yes, that’s it. You don’t even know your own place and have to ask me,” Wan Shen teased.
“Not my business. I don’t live here. Also, don’t tell colleagues about my identity! I still have years to work here,” Tang Xiao said, worried Wan Shen would blab.
“Fine. You can work in my company doing promotions for life. I trust you with that!” Wan Shen said.
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“Then talk to my mom and see if she agrees...” Tang Xiao began.
They were chatting when the car reached Juwen Villa Resort.
“Welcome, welcome! Are you Mr. Wan? You must be tired after the trip! The boss’s wife specially reserved 26 rooms for you, all charged to her account,” the lobby manager Lin Yan greeted politely.
“That’s a bit much, isn’t it?” Wan Shen teased Tang Xiao.
“Hello, which room am I in? I need to charge my phone,” Tang Xiao asked Lin Yan.
“Please check with the front desk. Males are paired two to a room; females likewise, except two singles,” Lin Yan replied.
Tang Xiao glanced at Wan Shen silently, then went to ask the front desk.
“You assigned him like this?” Wan Shen covered his mouth, trying not to laugh.
“Isn’t he your driver?” Lin Yan asked.
“He’s our company’s marketing operator. Anyway, have you prepared everything for tonight’s event?” Wan Shen asked Lin Yan.
“All set, with a special venue reserved for you...” Wan Shen and Lin Yan chatted happily.
“Hello, could you check my room number?” Tang Xiao politely asked the attendant.
“Of course. Please show your ID,” the receptionist replied politely.
Tang Xiao took out his ID and handed it over. After verifying, the attendant said, “Mr. Tang, you’re in room 8508, a single king bed. Here’s your room card and ID. Please keep them safe.”
“Thank you!” Tang Xiao took the card and ID, heading to the elevator.
Shortly after, he returned. “Could you check which room Ye Jin is in and who she’s sharing with?”
“Sure, one moment, Mr. Tang.”
“Ms. Ye is in room 8702, sharing with Ms. Wu Nan.”
“Could you swap Wu Nan and Zhang Zi Mei, so Ye Jin shares with Zhang Zi Mei?” Tang Xiao directly requested the front desk. He likely wanted A Mei to look after Ye Jin, given her foot injury.
“No problem. Are you the boss’s son?” receptionist Lv Ling wanted to confirm. Normally, room assignments were fixed unless instructed otherwise.
“Yes, please arrange the swap. Thank you!” Tang Xiao said politely.
“Okay, done. Please rest well. Call the front desk if you need anything,” Lv Ling said.
“Thanks,” Tang Xiao replied, then took the elevator to his room to freshen up.
After Tang Xiao left, Lv Ling told another receptionist, Wang Xin, “Guess who that handsome guy was who just asked for his room card?”
“Wasn’t he Mr. Wan’s driver? The manager barely paid attention to him,” Wang Xin said, walking over.
“It was Tang Xiao! Does the name ring a bell? The boss’s wife called this morning, asking us to specially care for the occupant of room 8508. That’s her son. But he swapped two girls’ rooms and specially asked about a girl named Ye Jin. Could she be his girlfriend?” Lv Ling said.
“Are you sure? Maybe they’re just colleagues. Don’t guess; the manager wouldn’t like that,” Wang Xin cautioned.
“Alright, forget looks. That family’s huge, though. No doubt many girls like him,” Lv Ling said, her words echoing in Wang Xin’s mind.
“Look at you two, gossiping like this at the front desk! What would customers think? You’ve seen celebrities before—this is unacceptable!” Lin Yan scolded the receptionists.
“Manager, I want to tell you something about what we discussed,” Lv Ling said deliberately.
“What is it?” Lin Yan asked curiously.
“The driver who came with Mr. Wan is named Tang Xiao,” Lv Ling reminded him.
“Who cares about Tang Xiao or Song Xiao?” Lin Yan didn’t catch on.
“Did you forget the boss’s wife called about Tang Xiao this morning?” Wang Xin added.
“Tang Xiao? Isn’t he the boss’s son?” Lin Yan was alarmed, worried about offending the family’s heir.
“No wonder Mr. Wan was giggling earlier. Did he get mad when he got his card?” Lin Yan began to panic, fearing he might lose his job.
“I was too focused on handing him the card to notice!” Lv Ling teased Lin Yan, who had a habit of scolding others.
“I need to call his office and check. You two are more trouble than help!” Lin Yan said, taking it seriously.
“Hello, is this Mr. Tang? This is Lin Yan. If you need anything, call this number, and I’ll arrange someone to assist you immediately!” Lin Yan said, smiling obsequiously, as if Tang Xiao were right there.
Wang Xin found Lin Yan’s attitude amusing.
“Thanks, no further requests. I’m hanging up,” Tang Xiao said.
“Okay, take care. Let us know if you need anything,” Lin Yan sighed in relief.
“Old Shen, have you arrived? The venue is set up...” Wan Shen called Shen Ping.
The bus soon arrived at Juwen Villa Resort, and everyone disembarked gradually.
“Everyone, take your ID cards to the front desk to get room cards. Freshen up and rest. We’ll have a party tonight...” Shen Ping arranged the schedule and gave reminders.
“Hi, Mom. I’ve arrived at Juwen Villa,” Tang Xiao called his mother.
“You’re here already? What do you want to eat or drink? Just tell Manager Lin Yan. I already told him. Honestly, come home for May Day. You never call or message us. Ah, sons grow up and leave...” Tang Xiao’s mother rambled, missing him.
“You and Dad are always busy. I’ll come home then. I’m fine at my cousin’s. Don’t worry. It’s only been a month. I miss you too...” Tang Xiao, born into a wealthy family, was well taught in manners and morals. Raised mostly by his grandparents, he had none of the spoiled heir’s bad habits, shining a bit brighter than ordinary people.