Chapter Twelve of "Serene Benevolence"

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Tang Xiao hung up the phone, took out a change of clothes from her bag, and went to take a shower.

“Ye Jin, hurry up! Let’s see if we’re in the same room,” A Mei urged Ye Jin.

At this moment, Ye Jin’s foot started hurting again, and she limped behind A Mei.

“Hello, front desk, this is my ID card. Could you please check if Ye Jin and I are in the same room?” A Mei asked the receptionist.

“Ye Jin, let me have your ID card,” A Mei said.

Ye Jin took out her ID card from her bag and handed it to A Mei, who then gave it to the receptionist.

“Are you Miss Ye Jin?” Lu Ling bypassed A Mei and directly asked Ye Jin. Seeing Ye Jin limp, she assumed she had a foot disability. Tang Xiao’s gaze was a bit peculiar, Lu Ling thought to herself; maybe it was just sympathy.

Upon hearing Ye Jin’s name, Wang Xin quickly joined Lu Ling and sized Ye Jin up. With her hair in a ponytail and glasses on, Ye Jin appeared tall but slender, almost malnourished. Wang Xin’s lips involuntarily curled into a slight smile. Besides her height and thinness, there was nothing particularly attractive about her, and she seemed to have a foot injury. Perhaps Tang Xiao pitied her as a colleague. This thought comforted Wang Xin somewhat.

“Yes, I am Ye Jin,” Ye Jin replied politely.

“Hello, Miss Zhang, you and Miss Ye are in the same room. Here are your room cards and IDs. The elevator is on the right. Your room number is 8702.”

“Alright, thank you.” A Mei took the room cards and IDs and headed toward the elevator with Ye Jin.

Wang Xin watched Ye Jin’s retreating figure and shook her head with a faint smile.

Tang Xiao, having just finished her shower, came downstairs to find Wan Shen for a matter and happened to meet Ye Jin and A Mei.

“Boss, how come you’re so fast? Already washed and changed? Looks like the boss’s car is really quick,” A Mei said enviously, noticing Tang Xiao in casual clothes.

“How’s your foot?” Tang Xiao skipped A Mei’s question and asked Ye Jin with concern.

Wang Xin happened to see Tang Xiao in the lobby. As Lu Ling said, he was a melancholy yet warm and sunny young man. But seeing him constantly talking to this Ye family girl made Wang Xin somewhat jealous.

“Much better, thank you,” Ye Jin said, embarrassed by Tang Xiao’s sudden concern.

“I have to go out for a bit. You two go up first. If anything comes up, just call the front desk,” Tang Xiao said, then paused, wondering if he really needed to report his whereabouts.

“Okay, got it, thanks!” Ye Jin said, pulling A Mei into the elevator.

“What happened to your foot, boss? Did you get injured?” A Mei now learned from Tang Xiao about Ye Jin’s foot injury.

“Nothing serious, just a sprain. Tang Xiao gave me a bottle of herbal spray for injuries, and it’s much better now,” Ye Jin replied.

As they talked, the elevator reached the seventh floor. They took out their room cards and entered.

“Wow! The room is so beautiful! It’s quaint and elegant! The whole room is decorated in a vintage style but with modern technology. Ye Jin, there’s no TV, but there’s a shower with a dry-wet separation,” A Mei was amazed by the room’s layout as she looked around like a country bumpkin in a grand garden.

“Don’t touch things randomly. If you break anything, we can’t afford to pay! I’ll go shower first,” Ye Jin warned, worried A Mei might cause some trouble since the room was reportedly very expensive per night.

“You go ahead. Don’t worry about me. I won’t mess around,” A Mei said.

Ye Jin took out a change of clothes and went to shower.

“There are snacks here, but they’re all in English, I can’t read them. Hey, this looks like a projector! Let me try it—such advanced technology...” A Mei fiddled with the devices alone.

With a “ding,” the projector turned on.

“Hello, master! What channel would you like to watch?” The projector was an intelligent robot.

“Are you talking to me?” A Mei asked.

“Yes, master! You can tell me what movie you want! We don’t provide horror or inappropriate films!” the robot said.

“Play a romantic movie!” A Mei started giving commands.

“Chinese or foreign?” the robot asked.

“Chinese is fine,” A Mei replied.

“Would you like the ambient lighting on?” the robot asked.

“Turn it on,” A Mei said.

A lively back-and-forth ensued between A Mei and the robot.

The ambient lights turned on, along with sounds mimicking mountain streams, birdsong, and flower blossoms, creating a 3D cinema feel. It was stunning!

“A Mei, who are you talking to?” Ye Jin, having finished showering, came out and was stunned.

“A Mei, how did you do this?” Ye Jin was amazed.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” A Mei asked.

“It is, but don’t break anything. Go shower quickly,” Ye Jin reprimanded but had to admit the room was really beautiful.

“As you command,” A Mei said playfully.

Ye Jin, still warm from her shower, looked for the air conditioner remote.

“It’s hot. Where’s the remote?” she started searching.

“Master, shall I turn on the air conditioner for you?” The robot offered.

“Yes, set cooling mode to 26°C. So considerate!” Ye Jin said gratefully.

“Okay!” The robot responded, and a cool breeze soon flowed.

Ye Jin’s foot ached faintly. She quickly took out the herbal spray Tang Xiao had given her and sprayed it on the swollen ankle, massaging it gently. The pain eased considerably.

Ye Jin’s long, straight black hair was half dry. Normally, she tied it up at work, which made her hairline appear slightly higher, but letting it down now enhanced her beauty.

Due to years of staring at a computer, she had mild nearsightedness and often wore glasses. Now, sitting leisurely on the bed watching the movie, she reminisced about climbing the mountain with Tang Xiao.

“Ye Jin, get the dress from my bag,” A Mei, a scatterbrain, had misplaced things. She found a black cocktail dress — turns out A Mei had some schemes after all.

“Is it this black dress?” Ye Jin asked.

“Yes! It’s new. Do I look good?” A Mei waited for praise.

“Very pretty! You look good in anything! Like a delicate little bird,” Ye Jin said.

Indeed, A Mei was petite and delicate, with a great figure and no weight gain no matter what she ate. Ye Jin was the tall, skinny type—maybe a bit more weight would suit her better.

“Wow! Do you have to dress so fashionably? Are you aiming to be the brightest queen tonight?” Ye Jin teased A Mei with a hint of envy.

“I noticed you’re not wearing your hair tied or glasses today. You have a bit of a goddess aura, but this outfit—t-shirt and jeans—is a bit casual,” A Mei commented on Ye Jin.

“We’re from the same company. The manager said to dress casually. This fits perfectly,” Ye Jin explained.

“The manager also said you could bring a dress. Tonight we’re going out. Customer service will definitely dress better than us! Your jeans don’t even have holes in the knees—not fashionable at all! I have a fruit knife here; want me to cut some slashes for you?” A Mei said, then went to find her fruit knife.

“Don’t even think about it! These are from M.C., an international Chinese brand, mid-to-high end, okay?” Ye Jin loved this brand for its understated fashion, pure cotton fabric, comfort, and subtle Chinese style. She was a devoted fan.

“A Mei! I want to rest a bit. You watch the movie. I’m really tired,” Ye Jin said, lying down without letting A Mei respond. Mountain climbing really drained her energy!

“Sleep well! I’ll turn off the movie and nap too,” A Mei said, turning off the movie and covering Ye Jin with a blanket before drifting off herself.

They slept unknowingly long. Meanwhile, the WeChat group was lively. Night had fallen, and it was time to relax. Shen Ping shared the location with everyone, urging them to come quickly.

Soon, people arrived one after another. The manager counted heads—three were missing.

Tang Xiao, Ye Jin, and A Mei. Wan Shen said he would call Tang Xiao, took out his phone, and dialed.

“What are you doing? Hurry down! You’re the only one left. Don’t keep everyone waiting,” Wan Shen said to his cousin, both loving and annoyed.

“Got it, coming down now!” Tang Xiao replied.

“Hey! Look! Tang Xiao is in the elevator, coming down,” Lu Ling told Wang Xin.

“I see him. He’s handsome. I like him!” Wang Xin smiled faintly.

“We can only feast our eyes,” Lu Ling sighed.

“Really?” Wang Xin thought silently.

“Watch yourself; he’s coming this way,” Lu Ling signaled Wang Xin to compose herself.

“Why can’t we reach Ye Jin and A Mei’s phones? Could something have happened?” Shen Ping anxiously called.

Tang Xiao, arriving at the party entrance, overheard this and frowned.

“Xu Haoyang, let’s check it out. We’re their partners; we can’t leave them alone,” Tang Xiao said, implying if something happened, he’d need help. Naturally, he thought of A Mei’s partner, Xu Haoyang.

“Sure, I’ll go with you,” Xu Haoyang readily agreed.

“You press the elevator button. I’ll get a spare room card,” Tang Xiao said methodically.

“Lu Ling, Tang Xiao is coming, so happy!” the front desk receptionist cheered.

“Calm down!” Wang Xin reminded her.

“Hello! Can I have a spare card for room 8702? My colleague is not answering calls; I’m worried,” Tang Xiao said anxiously.

“Here you go. This is the spare card for 8702. If you need help, press 0 to call the front desk,” Lu Ling said confidently, a top-notch receptionist.

“Thanks!” Tang Xiao said and left.

“Let’s go in,” Tang Xiao said.

“What floor?” Xu Haoyang asked.

“7th floor,” Tang Xiao pressed the button.

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“How do you know they’re on the 7th floor?” Xu Haoyang asked.

“The front desk told me,” Tang Xiao replied, though he wasn’t fond of Xu Haoyang.

“Let’s knock first. They’re girls; we shouldn’t barge in,” Xu Haoyang advised.

“Of course,” Tang Xiao agreed.

“Ye Jin, A Mei, open up! Ye Jin, are you there?” they called and knocked.

The two men knocked for several minutes outside.

“A Mei, is someone knocking? What time is it?” Ye Jin, half asleep, rubbed her eyes and got up to the door.

“Coming, coming…” Ye Jin answered while preparing to open the door.

As the door opened, Tang Xiao and Xu Haoyang stood outside. Tang Xiao looked at Ye Jin—her long black hair down, no glasses, t-shirt with jeans fitting well. She seemed more attractive than usual with makeup. Seeing they were fine, Tang Xiao took a call and left, leaving Ye Jin still groggy.

“Where’s A Mei?” Xu Haoyang broke the silence. “The party’s started. The manager tried calling you, no answer. Are you okay?”

“A Mei and I rested and fell asleep. I didn’t hear. I’ll get her! Wait a moment!” Ye Jin realized they were male colleagues and nervously closed the door to fetch A Mei, relieved it wasn’t Tang Xiao.

“A Mei, get up! Brother Haoyang’s here. The party’s started with lots of food. If we’re late, there won’t be any left,” Ye Jin urged.

“Party? So late already?” A Mei jumped up quickly—she was a foodie.

“Brother Haoyang’s still waiting at the door!” Ye Jin added.

“Really?” A Mei tidied her clothes in the mirror.

Ye Jin quickly freshened up too, then opened the door.

“All set? Let’s go!” Ye Jin said, looking around expectantly.

“It’s just me here; Tang Xiao took a call and left. He asked me to wait for you. We came together,” Xu Haoyang explained.

“Thanks, Brother Haoyang. You’re the best!” A Mei said.

“Did you say Tang Xiao came too?” Ye Jin asked, surprised.

“Yes, he was worried about you two, since you hadn’t replied, everyone’s concerned,” Xu Haoyang answered. Ye Jin felt a warm glow.

“He’s like an ice cube, but he has a caring side!” A Mei found Tang Xiao’s behavior puzzling.

“Let’s go! Tang Xiao means well. We’re all colleagues!” Xu Haoyang explained. He was like the sun—unassuming, warming everyone’s heart.

Ye Jin and A Mei followed Xu Haoyang to the party venue—a semi-outdoor space with starry ambient lights around. A long table was laden with snacks, fruits, exotic red wine, and a small barbecue nearby.

“Manager, we’re here,” Xu Haoyang and A Mei greeted Shen Ping, with Ye Jin behind.

“Some people have a lot of nerve! Made us wait so long. I wonder what they were thinking?” Customer service Ni Ni grumbled.

“Enough. Now that everyone’s here, let’s start! Take whatever you want!” Shen Ping interrupted.

“A Mei! Your black dress is gorgeous—the doll collar is so cute, and the brooch is exquisite! Send me the link, okay?” Wu Nan pulled A Mei aside, eager for the link.

No one seemed to notice Ye Jin, but Sun Xu suddenly came over and handed her a water bottle. Ye Jin recognized it—it was the same brand Tang Xiao had.

“This water…” Ye Jin asked suspiciously.

“It’s from the resort. Ruoshui is a high-end brand; a bottle costs over twenty yuan in supermarkets. Supposedly from a pure mountain spring,” Sun Xu tried to strike up a conversation.

“To be honest, you look really pretty tonight. No dress, but your jeans make your legs look longer. Long black hair, oval face—reminds me of a girl secretly admired in school!” Sun Xu praised, perhaps a bit exaggerated but mostly true.

“You’re flattering me to get me to do edits you like!” Ye Jin said, opening the bottle to drink. The water was sweet and refreshing, though she hadn’t noticed it on the mountain.

“No, no, you only got half right,” Sun Xu interrupted.

“Oh? What do you mean?” Ye Jin asked.

“I mean, you look great without glasses and with your hair down. Plus, your skin looks good without makeup,” Sun Xu continued praising.

“Really? Then what?” Ye Jin smiled inwardly and asked.

“Here’s a secret. I’m not the only one who decides on edits. I have to follow orders from above. You know what I mean?” Sun Xu hinted.

Hearing this, Ye Jin’s smile faded. So it was orders from above—Tang Xiao must be the one. She looked around for him but couldn’t find him. Well, given that he carried her down the mountain and saved her, she’d let it slide for now and deal with it at work.

“So the edits are basically all Tang Xiao’s idea?” Ye Jin persisted.

“Mostly, yes. He’s my boss, so I have to follow him. Don’t hold it against me; I’m just doing my job,” Sun Xu shifted responsibility and sounded pitiful.

“I’m too tired to talk to you,” Ye Jin said, rolling her eyes.

“Ye Jin, Sun Xu, come eat!” Wan Shen called.

“Coming, boss!” Sun Xu dashed over like a rabbit.

Ye Jin followed. Wan Shen handed her some grilled gluten.

“Here, eat this. I don’t know what you like. Get more after you finish,” Wan Shen said, looking like he wanted to say something else.

“Boss, do you want to say something to me?” Ye Jin asked.

“Come here, let’s talk,” Wan Shen invited. Ye Jin felt as if she had done something wrong and grew nervous.

“I have to say, our graphic designers really have charm! They could be models. So, you and Tang Xiao—do you have feelings beyond colleagues? You didn’t come tonight. Tang Xiao volunteered to bring Xu Haoyang to find you. He’s usually cold, as you know, but tonight...” Wan Shen asked cautiously.

“That’s impossible. We’re just ordinary colleagues. Don’t worry. Besides, I’m not marrying out of town. I have a blind date after Labor Day. How could you think that?” Ye Jin reassured him, putting Wan Shen at ease.

“I’m not against it. Young people dating is normal, as long as it doesn’t affect work,” Wan Shen said carefully, probing.

Before joining Wan Shen’s company, Tang Xiao had made an agreement with his mother—who was Wan Shen’s cousin. During his work, Tang Xiao must not date any girls and focus on work for three years. Afterwards, he might join his father’s company to take over the family business. Even if he marries, it must be a match of equals with beneficial relations.

So Tang Xiao was no ordinary kid. Otherwise, the boss wouldn't be so anxious about his love life. Ye Jin would never date him anyway; she just lectured and mocked others, which made her unpopular.

“Eat slowly! I have something to take care of,” Wan Shen said and left.

“Yes, boss,” Ye Jin replied.

Suddenly, a familiar scent lingered near Ye Jin—lemon and citrus, fresh and pleasant! It was unmistakably Tang Xiao’s scent.

“What were you two talking about? Saying bad things about me?” Tang Xiao appeared, holding two apples and handing one to Ye Jin.

“Tattling on you! Saying you bully me. What else?” Ye Jin teased.

“You’re talking nonsense. When have I ever bullied you? Ridiculous,” Tang Xiao was a bit annoyed, not realizing Ye Jin was joking.

“Just joking. A grown man being petty? Open your mind,” Ye Jin teased, mimicking Shen Ping.

“You slander me and tell me to open my mind? That’s absurd!” Tang Xiao frowned, pretending to be angry.

“Actually, the boss asked if we have feelings beyond colleagues, trying to feel us out,” Ye Jin quickly explained seeing Tang Xiao’s genuine anger.

“Who would I date? You? That’s a joke!” Tang Xiao said, then left, placing the apple beside her.

Indeed, it was funny. He was a wealthy heir; she was ordinary, mismatched. Plus, neither had a good temper. But...

Ye Jin, be realistic. How could Tang Xiao like a plain girl like you? His tone was disdainful.

“Ye Jin, come eat!” A Mei called, seeing Ye Jin lost in thought.

“Okay, coming,” Ye Jin was snapped out of her reverie and walked toward A Mei, temporarily forgetting Tang Xiao’s sarcasm.

“Here you go,” A Mei handed her grilled corn.

“Will this stain my mouth black?” Ye Jin hesitated. She often ate grilled corn as a child but now was at work with many people around. She glanced toward Tang Xiao’s direction... After thinking it over, she returned the corn.

“Then have these spiced peanuts,” A Mei offered.

“Thanks, A Mei,” Ye Jin said.

“Hey, you and Tang Xiao are dressed like a couple!” A Mei whispered in Ye Jin’s ear.

“No way. He’s wearing a shirt and...” Ye Jin thought about his usual work clothes, not noticing tonight’s wear.

“Look over there. Tang Xiao and Sun Xu are there. He’s wearing a short-sleeved t-shirt and short jeans; you’re in a short-sleeved t-shirt and long jeans,” A Mei pointed.

Ye Jin looked where A Mei pointed and met Tang Xiao’s gaze by the coffee area. She quickly looked away, feeling they were indeed matching, even the same brand. No wonder Wan Shen was so anxious.

A Mei thought Ye Jin hadn’t noticed and kept pointing.

“Look! Ye Jin, Tang Xiao is sitting right there!” A Mei said, lowering her voice.

“Stop pointing. I see him. He’s looking this way,” Ye Jin said awkwardly, feeling guilty.

“No, where did he go?” A Mei looked up; Tang Xiao had disappeared.

“I’m here. Need me for something?” a deep, clear male voice sounded nearby. The lemon and citrus scent was right beside them. Ye Jin didn’t even lift her head but knew Tang Xiao had come—unseen but sensed. Everyone has a unique scent, but Tang Xiao’s was special.

“Oh! It’s like this. I told Ye Jin your clothes look like a couple’s outfit, but she insists you’re wearing a shirt...” A Mei explained honestly, not daring to be clever in front of Tang Xiao, who was her boss’s boss.

“Ye Jin, no wonder your graphic designs keep needing revisions; you have a terrible memory...” Tang Xiao teased, seeing Ye Jin silent.

“Enough! Shut up! I told you not to talk about work. You’re like a gossiping woman, nagging endlessly. You only got this promotion because you’re the boss’s cousin, right? Must you mock others daily? Didn’t remember what you wore? Should we all remember your outfits from now on?” Ye Jin snapped, then stormed back to her room, leaving A Mei and Tang Xiao awkward and flustered.

“I was just joking. Forget it, A Mei, go comfort her,” Tang Xiao said, realizing he’d backfired.

“Okay, I’ll go now,” A Mei said, eyes lingering on the food.

“Sigh! I’ll bring you some later,” Tang Xiao sighed. Customer service and others whispered about the exchange, and Tang Xiao felt a bit embarrassed.

“Everyone, let’s disperse! Eat and drink, don’t take things to heart! Tang Xiao, let’s talk,” Shen Ping played peacemaker, worried about Zhengxin Trading.

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In the past, Tang Xiao wouldn’t have paid Shen Ping much attention, but this time he saw Shen Ping was helping him save face.

“I was just joking. Who knew she had such a temper?” Tang Xiao said helplessly.

“You and she have different tasks and pressures. The graphic designer position isn’t huge but indispensable. Imagine a child builds a sandcastle on the beach, then another child calls it ugly and kicks it down. What’s the impact on the first child?” Shen Ping calmly explained.

“So what? They can rebuild,” Tang Xiao said indifferently.

“It’s not about rebuilding. The first child is heartbroken because the castle was their hard work. Destroying it is like breaking a strong wall inside them. Constant denial is cruel. I hope you can empathize,” Shen Ping said meaningfully.

“Promotion can be learned through many channels and formulas. I have a classmate in promotion. But graphic design requires much energy—differentiation, high clicks, outperforming competitors, prompting customers to add to cart and order. It’s not easier than promotion. That’s why the boss said we’re here to relax, no work talk allowed.”

Tang Xiao sipped water, reflecting. Shen Ping’s words made sense.

“Manager, what should I do now?” Tang Xiao asked.

“It depends on your actions. For example, apologize on social media...” Shen Ping said. Wan Shen had sent him to coach Tang Xiao.

“I see! I’ll try,” Tang Xiao said. He knew social skills needed work.

“I have nothing else. I’ll grab some food,” Shen Ping said, preparing to leave.

“Um... manager, thanks,” Tang Xiao forced out.

Shen Ping smiled and left.

“‘Serene and Far-reaching’ wants to add you as a friend,” a notification appeared on Ye Jin’s phone.

“Who’s ‘Serene and Far-reaching,’ A Mei?” Ye Jin asked.

“Sounds familiar, let me check,” A Mei said while chewing.

“Isn’t that Tang Xiao’s avatar? Haven’t you added him before?” A Mei asked.

“Why would I add him? We don’t work closely. Now he adds me—is he apologizing?” Ye Jin asked.

“Just accept and find out. Otherwise tomorrow he’ll ask why you didn’t add him,” A Mei advised.

“‘Serene and Far-reaching’ sent another request,” Tang Xiao sent again.

“Let me see,” A Mei snatched Ye Jin’s phone and accepted.

“A Mei! You’re unbelievable. One Sun Xu is annoying enough, now another one!” Ye Jin frowned.

“It’s fine, we’re colleagues. We’ll see each other often,” A Mei mimicked Shen Ping.

“Give me the phone. I don’t know what to say to him,” Ye Jin sighed.

“Hey, they must be enjoying lots of good food. Since they’re out, I’ll bring some snacks,” A Mei was reluctant to miss out.

“Go ahead. No need to bring any up. I’m not hungry,” Ye Jin said indifferently.

“I’m bringing you some food,” Ye Jin’s phone beeped—a message from Tang Xiao.

“Show me who it is,” A Mei grabbed the phone.

“Oh my! It’s like a blessing in disguise. I’ll help you reply,” A Mei quickly sent a message.

“A Mei, can you stop acting on your own?” Ye Jin was a bit angry.

“Wait a moment!” A Mei said.

“I’m at the door. Open it for me,” Tang Xiao messaged about ten minutes later.

A Mei sprinted to open the door.

“I didn’t know what you liked, so I grabbed a bit of everything,” Tang Xiao said, handing the packed food and drinks to A Mei, glancing inside but not seeing Ye Jin, then turned to leave.

“Thank you, boss!” A Mei nearly cheered.

“No problem!” Tang Xiao said and left, his silhouette lonely and aloof.

“Ye Jin, get up and eat. Tang Xiao brought lots of food and drinks. Everything’s here. Honestly, I’m less scared of him now,” A Mei said, eating and glancing at Ye Jin.

Unknowingly, Ye Jin had fallen asleep. A Mei covered her with a blanket.

The sky darkened; stars sparkled as if decorating the black canvas.

Everyone ate, drank, and played, ending the party. Even Shen Ping, who usually didn’t drink, was a bit slurred.

Tang Xiao went straight back to his room after leaving Ye Jin.

“Look, Mr. Tang went back alone. He’s young and handsome. No wonder the boss’s wife’s genes are good,” Lu Ling excitedly told Wang Xin.

“Why not ask for his number when checking out tomorrow? Maybe someday you’ll be the hotel’s lady boss,” Wang Xin teased.

“Oh! I was just joking. You always make fun of me. If the manager hears, I’ll be out of here,” Lu Ling blushed.

“Do you have a phone charger cable? Mine’s broken,” a young man interrupted their chat.

“Are you Mr. Tang?” Lu Ling asked shyly and nervously after joking with Wang Xin.

“What model do you need? Let me check your phone,” Wang Xin quickly asked.

“Here,” Tang Xiao handed over his phone.

Wang Xin matched a charger cable, showed a number on it, and said, “Mr. Tang, you need to pay a 500-yuan deposit. When you check out and return the cable, the deposit will be refunded immediately. Though you’re... this is company policy.”

“I understand. I’ll follow the procedure. Probably checking out tomorrow morning. Thank you,” Tang Xiao paid and took back his phone and cable, thanking them before leaving.

“You’re welcome! Have a good day!” Wang Xin said professionally, wanting to leave a good impression.

The next morning, it was already 9 a.m. The group chat exploded with messages about packing and checking out. Ye Jin was awakened by her phone vibrating, rubbed her sleepy eyes, and checked her phone.

“Mom! A Mei, wake up! Only us two left. The group chat is buzzing. I need to reply,” Ye Jin hurriedly typed while nudging the still-sleeping A Mei.

Tang Xiao had been monitoring the work group, urging Ye Jin, A Mei, and himself to hurry up. Seeing Ye Jin reply, he quickly responded, took his light luggage and charger cable, and went downstairs.

Wan Shen waited downstairs, looking around anxiously, constantly texting Tang Xiao.

Tang Xiao took the elevator down and went straight to the front desk.

“Hello, I’m returning the phone charger cable,” Tang Xiao politely told receptionist Wang Xin.

“Please wait a moment,” Wang Xin took the charger, checked it, then handed 500 yuan to Tang Xiao.

“Mr. Tang, here’s your 500-yuan deposit. Please keep it. Welcome again,” Wang Xin said politely.

“Thank you!” Tang Xiao took the money and left.

“Tang Xiao, why are you so late? I’ve waited a long time. Come, I want to discuss something,” Wan Shen pulled him aside with a smile.

“What is it? So mysterious?” Tang Xiao asked.

“Well, everyone just woke up and hasn’t eaten breakfast. How about we all have breakfast together? It’s Sunday, no work,” Wan Shen said.

“Why not just tell the front desk? Why discuss with me?” Tang Xiao asked confused.

“You see, your family’s dim sum is so classy compared to these small places. Our colleagues are here for the first time. Could we have dim sum before leaving? It’s a chance to broaden horizons,” Wan Shen, a businessman, included breakfast in the plan.

“Okay... I’ll talk to the front desk. Wait here,” Tang Xiao frowned but agreed.

While they spoke, Ye Jin and A Mei came downstairs.

Ye Jin and A Mei had just left the lobby when Tang Xiao entered and went to the front desk.

“Hello, can you arrange breakfast for 48 people? Charge it to my mother’s account,” Tang Xiao said, invoking his mother.

“Um... Mr. Tang, please wait. I’ll ask the lobby manager. Such a large bill needs manager approval,” Wang Xin said, hesitant.

“Hmm,” Tang Xiao felt awkward. Wan Shen hadn’t mentioned this yesterday but brought it up today.

Lin Yan received Wang Xin’s call, heard the details, told her to approve Tang Xiao’s request directly, and personally arranged the chef for dim sum.

“Certainly, Mr. Tang. Our manager has approved and arranged it. The manager wants to meet you. You can wait on the lobby sofa,” Wang Xin told Tang Xiao.

“Thank you. Just call me Tang Xiao or Mr. Tang, not Young Master. Charge it to Wu Liping’s account,” Tang Xiao said. He didn’t want colleagues to know his identity, fearing gossip.

Wu Liping was the hotel owner, Tang Xiao’s mother.

“Alright, Mr. Tang... oh no, Mr. Tang!” Lin Yan corrected himself hastily.

“No more business. I’m leaving,” Tang Xiao said coolly, leaving Lin Yan smiling awkwardly.

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