She went straight to Tao Xinrou's desk. "Xinrou, your coffee's ready. Have a taste—I've taken professional lessons."
She set the cup on Tao Xinrou's desk, completely ignoring the curious stares and whispers around them.
Tao Xinrou's scalp tightened. She quickly tugged Zhao Sili's sleeve and lowered her voice. "Sili, I don't drink coffee. Go back to your own department."
"What's there to be afraid of? I'm just a new employee coming to ask you for advice."
Zhao Sili didn't care at all. She pulled up an empty chair and sat down. "Xinrou, I'm new and don't know much. Your housekeeping is a core department, perfect for asking you." Then she leaned in and whispered, "By the way, want to have dinner together tonight? I know a new private kitchen nearby that's amazing. I booked a table."
"Sili..." Tao Xinrou felt immense pressure, especially since she saw Ying Jingsheng emerge from the break room and stride toward them with an intimidating air.
"Zhao Sili, your workstation is on the 23rd floor. This is housekeeping," Ying Jingsheng said, his tone full of the authority of a superior. "The company has rules: no unnecessary inter-departmental visits, as emphasized during onboarding."
Zhao Sili stood up defiantly. "Cousin, I was just—"
"In the company, address me by title," he interrupted, formal and impersonal. "It's working hours. Return to your post immediately."
Zhao Sili's face flushed red—both from anger and embarrassment. She shot him a fierce glare, then glanced apologetically at Tao Xinrou. But she didn't dare defy him openly in front of everyone. She turned and clicked away on her high heels.
The surrounding area fell silent, leaving only the sounds of keyboards clacking and phone calls.
Tao Xinrou hurriedly pulled her keyboard closer and began typing furiously.
But Ying Jingsheng hadn't left. His gaze fell back on her, and he said flatly, "Everyone, get back to work."
*
Everyone had witnessed the Fourth Miss of the Ying Family immediately connecting with Tao Xinrou, and whispers spread privately.
Zheng Shuhui had witnessed the morning scene and couldn't help being curious. "Xinrou, are you and the Fourth Miss close? People are saying you've gotten in good with President Ying, or that you have connections. I heard it started after that team-building event?"
True, once gossip starts, it snowballs in astonishing and distorted ways.
"Don't listen to them. I do know Zhao Sili—she was my college roommate. She just got here and feels more comfortable talking to me, that's all. The stuff about me cozying up to President Ying or having a background is all nonsense."
"Of course, Xinrou, I believe you. But you don't know how fast the rumors are spreading privately."
"Just don't believe any of it. It's all false. Shuhui, doing our jobs well is the most important thing."
"Yeah, yeah. But if you do ever get that connection, don't forget about me. I'm still rooting for you and President Ying." With that, she kicked her chair and slid away.
Tao Xinrou sighed in frustration. Both Zheng Shuhui's remarks and the rumors were making her uneasy. She stared at her computer screen, aimlessly moving the mouse, unable to focus on anything.
Ever since morning, Ying Jingsheng had been acting strangely, even looking at her with a sharp edge—especially when he saw her getting chummy with Zhao Sili.
Could it be that he discovered she was targeting the Ying Family?
Tao Xinrou shook her head. She wouldn't think about it anymore.