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Early the next morning, Zhou Dang set a time for the meal and sent a message to Xuan Yang.
Xuan Yang went to the company and asked her supervisor for an early leave approval.
The team Xuan Yang was on was led by Liang Kai, a senior partner at the law firm.
A forty-five-year-old middle-aged man, tall, and because he worked out daily, he was well-maintained and looked only about thirty. He was an authoritative leader.
Xuan Yang was hired on his final say, so naturally, she worked under him after joining.
"I'll give you a month to get familiar and adapt. After a month, you'll take on cases independently."
"I'll assign two people to assist you then."
Liang Kai was a good leader—efficient in communication without empty promises, clear in division of labor without internal friction, and most importantly, he allowed non-principled mistakes from his subordinates and was willing to point out issues, giving everyone opportunities to grow.
Even though Xuan Yang had only been with the firm for two days, he had already shown his regard and confidence in her.
This made Xuan Yang a bit embarrassed when she went to ask him for leave.
Obviously, Liang Kai hadn't expected Xuan Yang to request leave on her second day of work. "Is there something urgent?"
According to the firm's procedures, regular leave required a request to the supervisor and HR three working days in advance.
Xuan Yang was asking for leave the afternoon after next, and since it was urgent, she came directly to Liang Kai to report.
Since it was only half a day off, as one of the senior partners, Liang Kai could approve it directly.
Xuan Yang told the truth: "Meeting my mother-in-law. First time."
Liang Kai was surprised: "I remember your resume said you were unmarried."
Xuan Yang felt a bit awkward: "I was unmarried when I submitted my resume... I got my marriage certificate just two days ago."
Liang Kai: "..."
He frowned slightly.
Xuan Yang roughly guessed what he was thinking and said seriously, "Don't worry, boss. I have no plans for children at the moment, so it definitely won't affect my work."
Liang Kai glanced at her, his expression a bit grave: "As long as you know what you're doing."
The leave was approved.
After all, Xuan Yang was still in the adaptation phase this month, and her workload wasn't too heavy.
"Remember to cancel your leave when you return. Also, personal leave is unpaid," Liang Kai reminded her.
Xuan Yang nodded in acknowledgment and thanked him.
Liang Kai handed her two cases, asking her to analyze and research them, to present her opinions at the afternoon meeting, and also to draft documents.
Xuan Yang quickly took the materials and went back to her desk.
She sent Zhou Dang a message about her leave the afternoon after next.
And asked him: [What does your mother like? I want to prepare a gift for her.]
Zhou Dang, probably on his phone, replied instantly: [No need. You are the best gift.]
Xuan Yang was taken aback, her heart inexplicably skipping a beat, feeling something strange and unfamiliar.
Zhou Dang sent another message: [My mom really likes you. She said you're 'Jingbei's top socialite,' talented in singing and dancing, excellent in character and academics, the 'good kid' from other families.]
It sounded like a tease, yet it carried a hint of sincerity.
Xuan Yang felt a bit embarrassed and touched her forehead, not expecting the title of "top socialite" to be of any use.
But even so, Xuan Yang still had to consider the gift.
It would be rude to show up empty-handed for the first meeting with her mother-in-law.
So Xuan Yang sent a message to Xie Xinglan, asking for her advice.
Xie Xinglan: [It's getting cold. Give her a scarf. A good quality one won't be too expensive, and you can afford it if you tighten your belt.]
Xie Xinglan: [Just put some thought into choosing it.]
Xuan Yang took her advice and went shopping.
After selecting one, she told Xie Xinglan, who had a familiar salesperson who could get the item, making it convenient.
Xuan Yang ultimately chose a sapphire blue cashmere scarf from a big brand, costing just over five figures—she gritted her teeth and bought it.
It was said to be made of 100% top-grade cashmere, hand-woven, with a color that was steady, elegant, and not flashy, suitable for all kinds of coats, exuding an understated luxury.
Xuan Yang and Xie Xinglan agreed that the scarf would suit Zhou Dang's mother perfectly.
Xie Xinglan: [Polina is a very intellectual and elegant woman. She's always warm and tolerant, and she has her own pursuits. I think she'll be a great mother-in-law. Don't worry at all that she won't like you.]
Polina was Zhou Dang's mother. Back when Polina and Zhou Dang's father were still married, and Xie Xinglan's cousin Zhou Zechuan was still alive, they had had a lot of contact.
So Xie Xinglan had a deep and good impression of her.
Knowing that Xuan Yang was going to meet Polina the day after next, afraid she might be nervous, Xie Xinglan comforted her for a long time.
But Xuan Yang wasn't particularly nervous; she was quite busy, needing to organize her thoughts on the cases at hand, and her focus was almost entirely on work.