On Monday, when Tao Xinrou got up, she didn't see Ying Jingsheng. Her mother said he had left early.
Even when they didn't cross paths, their departure times were usually similar. But his leaving so early today struck her as odd.
Perhaps she had been lost in thought too long. By the time she reached the company, she had only one minute left before clocking in. She jogged the whole way, barely making it. Sighing in relief, her throat felt dry, so she turned toward the break room to get a glass of warm water.
A few colleagues were in the break room, waiting for coffee. Tao Xinrou walked past them to pour hot water and overheard their chatter.
"That Fourth Miss of the Ying Family, I heard she's also coming to our hotel. In the publicity department, just arrived today."
"Huh? Why is she coming too? Is our hotel some kind of important place? Why do all the Ying family members keep showing up here?"
"Of course. It's most convenient to operate from the hotel. People the headquarters wants to discard are sent here, and people they want to train are also sent here. That's why they always say Yunlu's hotel is a mixed bag."
"So, what's the Fourth Miss's temper like? Not like the Third Young Master, I hope?"
"She seems quite warm. She said from the start she's here for an internship and experience. Not an aloof type."
...
As they chatted, the break room door opened. Zhao Sili walked in carrying several bags of coffee beans and a grinder, followed by Publicity Department Head Zhang Desheng, who said eagerly, "Oh, Fourth Miss, you shouldn't be doing these things yourself. Just tell me what you need."
Without turning around, Zhao Sili set the items down inside the break room and addressed the colleagues waiting for coffee: "Hello everyone! I'm Zhao Sili, the new addition. Here's a small gift. Don't be polite—feel free to have some."
Then her gaze shifted to Tao Xinrou, and she winked. "Colleague, would you like to try some too?"
Tao Xinrou felt dazed, as if transported back to their college days, when Zhao Sili had introduced herself to roommates in that same easygoing way.
The colleagues who had been gossiping immediately averted their eyes and slipped away.
Only Zhang Desheng remained, wiping his sweat, worried about offending Zhao Sili. "Fourth Miss, just tell me if you need anything. Let me put these away."
But Zhao Sili found his fussiness irritating. She frowned, not letting him touch her things. "Department Head, I'm here to work. It's my first day. Isn't it normal to bring a little gift for colleagues? I'm just an ordinary co-worker. No need to make a big deal."
Zhang Desheng laughed awkwardly, at a loss for words.
He glanced at Tao Xinrou, then back at Zhao Sili, and finally said to Tao Xinrou, "Don't you have any tact? Help the new colleague set things up."
Tao Xinrou put down her cup and moved to help arrange the coffee beans, but Zhao Sili turned and glared at Zhang Desheng. "Department Head! Don't be so harsh with employees. It's intimidating! And I'll say it again: I'm just an ordinary colleague. I'll go back to work soon, DO You Understand?"
Zhang Desheng opened his mouth, not knowing what to say, and reluctantly left. The break room was suddenly just the two of them.
As soon as it was empty, Zhao Sili approached and grabbed Tao Xinrou's arm, shaking it.
"Xinrou! This is great! Now we can work together! I didn't expect Yunlu to treat employees so well. This break room is huge. Want some coffee? This type of coffee bean is especially aromatic. Wait, I'll make you a cup."
Zhao Sili looked around, then cheerfully started grinding coffee with Tao Xinrou.
Tao Xinrou, however, felt uneasy. "Sili, you're making such a grand entrance. Aren't you afraid people will gossip?"
"What's there to be afraid of?" Zhao Sili waved dismissively. She picked up a clean cup and began fiddling with the grinder. "I am who I am. I'll act naturally. Hiding things is what's odd. Besides, from now on, I'm going to slowly make sure everyone knows you're under my protection. Then no one will dare bully you."
Tao Xinrou didn't know whether to laugh or cry—touched but also troubled. Some people were peeking in from the doorway, so she quickly put some distance between herself and Zhao Sili.
"Sili, no need for that just yet."
"What's wrong? We're just colleagues who happened to run into each other in the break room. Don't panic. This way I show I'm warm-hearted and break their prejudices. By the way, I haven't gone to see my cousin yet. If he finds out how high-profile I've been on my first day, he'll probably chew me out. But do you think I should surprise him by visiting later, or wait until he summons me?"
As she spoke, the break room door opened again.
Ying Jingsheng stood there tall and straight, his gaze calmly sweeping over Zhao Sili, who was grinding coffee, before settling on Tao Xinrou beside her.
The air seemed to freeze for a second.
"Cousin, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be on the 39th floor?" Zhao Sili was clearly startled but quickly recovered with an awkward smile, then said a little more formally, "Um, would you like a cup of coffee too? I guarantee it's better than your secretary's."
Ying Jingsheng didn't respond. Instead, he walked straight in, expressionless. "I was just looking for you. Zhao Sili, working hours—the break room isn't a social space. Your workstation is in the publicity department. Have you completed your onboarding?"
Zhao Sili pouted, dissatisfied with his officious attitude. "Of course I have. The department head handled it personally—very efficient." The coffee finished, and she held up the freshly brewed cup. "Here, try some. Consider it a welcome gift from your little sister."
Ying Jingsheng gave it a cursory glance. "No need. The best gift you can give is to do your job well." He then turned his head and looked at Tao Xinrou. "And you—are you joining in her nonsense?"
His icy stare made Tao Xinrou lower her head immediately, alarm bells ringing in her mind.
Oh no. The last thing she wanted was to anger the president.
"N-no, President Ying. I'll get back to work now." Tao Xinrou scurried off.
What she didn't know was that as soon as she left, an argument broke out behind her.
Zhao Sili's expression turned even more spoiled. "Cousin, what are you doing? Xinrou is my best friend. Don't you dare bully my friend!"
But Ying Jingsheng wasn't buying it. His tone dropped colder, and he pulled Zhao Sili aside to an empty corner.
"Zhao Sili, the workplace is no joke. Yunlu is not a place for your antics. From now on, mind your behavior in the company."
Zhao Sili looked baffled and angry. "How am I not minding my behavior? I brought such good coffee beans to treat everyone."
Ying Jingsheng looked at her, his gaze calm, not taking her bait. "Bribing people with coffee beans? You're really acting like a spoiled young lady. Let me ask you: do you know who Tao Xinrou really is?"
Zhao Sili paused. "Who she is? She's my college roommate, classmate, and best friend."
Ying Jingsheng gave a cold laugh. "First make sure you really know who she is, then talk to me."
As he turned to leave, Zhao Sili grabbed his arm. "What do you mean, cousin? Explain clearly!"
He didn't want to say more. "I just mean don't be blind to people. Now go back to your workstation and work."
"How am I being blind? Let me tell you, Xinrou is my best friend. And she didn't do anything to you just now. Why were you so harsh? Since you don't want the coffee, I'll give it to Xinrou instead. Hmph!" Zhao Sili angrily carried the cup meant for Ying Jingsheng and walked out.