Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Bit Sensitive

Game over, and Yuan Chong felt as if she’d been recharged. She thanked Unreliable and Not Stingy: “I’m ready to face a new day!”

Not Stingy wanted to ask a few more questions, but with Unreliable present, she held back.

After logging off, Qi Leyu poured himself a glass of milk and stood on the balcony, gazing out at the city at night. In a big forest, you’ll find all kinds of birds.

When such bullying happens to someone you know, it stirs something deeper.

That person is truly detestable! Qi Leyu couldn’t help but feel indignant on behalf of the original Miss Yuan.

Speaking of annoying people, Qi Leyu had run into one himself that afternoon.

He was writing diligently, so why did that editor keep making things so complicated? He couldn’t understand why the editor he was working with was so bothersome. It was bad enough to be pestered with messages every few days, but the constant demands for meetings over trivial matters were even worse. That afternoon, the editor claimed to have something important to discuss. Qi Leyu couldn’t refuse, only to find the meeting was just a meal and a gift—nothing worth mentioning!

From now on, he resolved to ignore that person entirely. No, more than that—he needed to find a chance to teach them a lesson. In the words of the great Judge Dee: Please accept Lord Qi’s verdict.

Over the next few days, Qi Leyu and the original Miss Yuan teamed up for games. Each time they started, the original Miss Yuan was in low spirits, needing the game to vent her stress.

One time, she burst into tears as soon as she spoke: “I ran into my supervisor today. Out of concern, he asked me how I was adapting and what I’d learned. I didn’t have good answers, so he went to ask her instead. She told him she’d already taught me everything, and that I just couldn’t learn.”

“How did she teach you?” Qi Leyu asked.

“She said she’d sent me all the files and told me to focus on the important parts, but I never listen and always want to read about personal benefits, like reimbursements. She claims I’m obsessed with those sections.” The original Miss Yuan sniffled.

“She did say to focus on the key points, but never told me which they were. The folder she gave me contains dozens of documents, some of them over thirty pages long. She makes me run errands every day, with so many trivial tasks that I barely have time to read. As for reimbursements, she never taught me; I had to study the finance documents myself and figure it out. When I submitted my reimbursement forms for her approval, she kept rejecting them without explanation, so I had to study the files again to see where I’d gone wrong…”

Qi Leyu heard her choking up and couldn’t help but feel sorry and indignant on her behalf.

“I brought my laptop home today. I studied before and after dinner, and I’ll keep at it later,” she said. “But no matter how much I read, I still don’t really understand.”

Qi Leyu replied, “I understand. In truth, a lot of things would be easier if someone just guided you directly.”

“Yes, but with her saying that, I can’t exactly say her teaching methods are wrong.”

“So, what did your supervisor say?” Qi Leyu asked.

“He told me to keep working hard and asked her to be more patient with her teaching.”

“Typical bureaucratic nonsense.”

“Yes, that’s why she’s the favorite. The supervisor will never criticize her,” the original Miss Yuan replied, full of resignation.

“Is there anyone else at the company who could help? You can’t hang yourself on a single tree,” Qi Leyu asked.

“I’ve observed that everyone is accommodating to her face but gossips about her behind her back. I’m not judging, just saying that if I need to ask for help, I have to do it discreetly. Nobody wants to offend her.”

Qi Leyu understood and asked gently, “Is your work difficult?” He couldn’t ask for details, so he kept it vague.

“It’s hard if you don’t know how, but not hard once you do,” she replied. “I get along with the receptionist and often ask her questions privately.”

“The same receptionist who tried to blame you?” Qi Leyu was a little surprised.

“Yes, she’s actually quite warm-hearted, but she lives far away and is often late in the morning, which the supervisor dislikes. That’s why she said what she did that day,” the original Miss Yuan explained. Chen Yue had exhausted every excuse she could think of for her tardiness.

Qi Leyu still didn’t think much of the receptionist, but at least she was better than the mentor.

They won the game, and seeing the large victory emblem, the original Miss Yuan let out a sigh of relief: “I’ll just try harder. Honestly, it’s not that difficult.” Realizing this, her sense of accomplishment faded.

“There are always people who know only a little, yet guard it as if it’s treasure, terrified someone else might learn and take their place,” Qi Leyu said.

“Yes, thinking about it, she’s rather pitiable.”

Qi Leyu laughed. “I don’t want you to pity her; I just want you to believe in yourself. You’re definitely better than she is.”

Her tone improved. “I understand, thank you for listening to me ramble every day about such trivial things.”

“It’s not for nothing—you play ranked games with me every day,” Qi Leyu replied. “And I can’t help much either. If you’re in good spirits, your apprentice here is at ease.”

The original Miss Yuan laughed. “If Unreliable were here, he’d start teasing us again.”

“Let him. Single guys love to tease.”

“As if you have a girlfriend yourself.”

“Master, that was a sneak attack.”

“My mistake, my mistake.”

“Master, you’d better go review your documents,” Qi Leyu reminded her.

“One more round, don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” she replied, reigniting her fighting spirit.

“And one more thing—I really admire you. You’ve said so much, but never once talked about giving up.”

“You mean resigning? My family found this job for me; I have to answer to them. I can’t just leave like this.”

With that, Yuan Chong became even more determined: she would overcome these challenges. Even if she were to leave, she’d do so having accomplished something.

Yuan Chong had an excellent memory. Pressured by Wang Shanshan, she memorized all the documents. Whether she could do the work was another matter, but at least when questioned, she could answer.

Sometimes, when she came across something unfamiliar, she’d message Chen Yue, who could at least tell her who in the company might know. Playing the harmless, naive bunny, Yuan Chong could always get a few pointers from people.

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

One weekend, Yuan Chong received a message from Lin Hui, inviting her to dinner that evening.

It had been a while, and she was delighted. Joining Lin Hui were several graduate school friends, and Yuan Chong spotted Zhang Shun as well.

Turning to Lin Hui, she asked in a low voice, “What a coincidence?”

“Not a coincidence—I arranged it,” Lin Hui smiled.

“Thank you. By the way, you were home for so long and wouldn’t say why. What was it? How are things now?” Yuan Chong was still concerned.

“It’s nothing. You see, I’m back now. Let’s enjoy dinner tonight. And listen, be proactive and seize your chance,” Lin Hui urged.

Yuan Chong’s ears reddened, and she quickly lowered her head.

As they ate and chatted, Yuan Chong learned that Zhang Shun had landed a promising partnership, and this was a small celebration.

Lin Hui seemed preoccupied, and Yuan Chong noticed she kept raising her glass, difficult to stop.

“Don’t drink so much,” Yuan Chong cautioned. “Alcohol’s no good when you overdo it.”

“I’m fine. It’s a rare happy occasion,” Lin Hui replied.

But Yuan Chong felt Lin Hui wasn’t happy at all.

When Lin Hui reached for the bottle again, Yuan Chong was about to stop her, but a hand beat her to it—Zhang Shun took the bottle away.

Lin Hui looked up at him.

He smiled, “Take it easy. There’s not much left.”

“I’ll pay for it myself,” Lin Hui retorted.

“That won’t do. Makes me look stingy,” he said, handing the bottle to another classmate.

Lin Hui turned away, ignoring him.

During a break, Yuan Chong stepped outside for some air, and Zhang Shun joined her.

“Sorry again for standing you up last time,” he said.

“I’d forgotten about it,” Yuan Chong smiled. “Nothing serious happened, I hope?”

“It wasn’t me. It was Lin Hui—there was something with her family.”

Yuan Chong was startled—Zhang Shun had gone to see Lin Hui that night?

He continued, “That night, I got a call from Lin Hui’s uncle. He saw I kept calling her, figured we were close, and asked me to talk to her.”

“What happened?” Yuan Chong’s concern shifted to Lin Hui.

“Her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and didn’t want treatment. The doctor said there was nothing to be done, but Lin Hui insisted. She argued with her uncle about it,” Zhang Shun explained.

“Lin Hui was raised by her grandmother,” Yuan Chong noted.

Zhang Shun nodded. “I understand her feelings, but… her grandmother doesn’t want to suffer.”

Yuan Chong sighed. Lin Hui’s family had never had it easy. There were things she wasn’t sure Zhang Shun knew, and she didn’t want to say more.

Zhang Shun looked at her. “I thought bringing everyone together tonight might cheer her up, but it doesn’t seem to be working. I know you’re close to her—could I ask you to talk with her?”

“Of course,” Yuan Chong replied gently, though inwardly she thought, There’s no need for you to ask.

Afterward, it was still early. Yuan Chong linked arms with Lin Hui. “Let’s take a walk.”

“I’m tired. I want to go home and sleep,” Lin Hui said.

“Come to my place, then. We haven’t hung out in ages.”

“Maybe next time,” Lin Hui refused again.

“Come on. I’m telling you, I’ve been so pitiful at work lately. I need to talk, and you have to give me advice.” Yuan Chong clung to Lin Hui’s arm.

Lin Hui gave in with a nod.

Zhang Shun very gentlemanly escorted them home.

On the subway, Yuan Chong thought of Not Stingy, checked the time, logged into the game, and was about to leave a message when she saw he was already online.

Original Miss Yuan: I’m with a friend tonight, so I won’t be playing.
Not Stingy: You could bring your friend along.
Original Miss Yuan: No, we have a lot to talk about, no time.
Not Stingy: So you’ll be out late? That’s not safe.
Qi Leyu realized he might be overstepping.

Original Miss Yuan: Not outside, at my place.

Qi Leyu wanted to ask which friend, but in the end, didn’t type it. Hmm, someone you’d bring home? Maybe that’s a bit sensitive.

Yuan Chong didn’t overthink it. Tonight’s mission was simply to make Lin Hui happy.