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After achieving his goal, Tao Xing happily ran upstairs.
“Jian Xi, what’s wrong with you? How could you miss the live broadcast of Little Tao teaching Old Tao a lesson? Are you even my sister?”
“No,” Jian Xi replied without looking up from her phone, legs crossed on the bed.
“True, after all, I’m better looking than you.” Tao Xing opened the closet and adjusted his collar in front of the mirror.
Jian Xi ignored him, turned over, and continued playing on her phone.
“Wow, how outdated are you? Playing single-player Tetris at your age?” Tao Xing leaned over to take a look. “Oh, move that one to the left, left, yes.”
Jian Xi freed one hand and grabbed a pillow to cover his face. “Too noisy.”
“Don’t get cocky. I’ve got good news. Do you want to hear it or not?” Tao Xing held the pillow against his chest, proudly resting his chin on it.
Jian Xi: “No, don’t tell me. From this moment on, you’re not allowed to speak, hum, or make any noise. Whoever speaks first owes 100 yuan. Starting now.”
Tao Xing: “...”
Jian Xi knew her brother too well. If she didn’t stop him, he’d keep talking nonsense all night.
“I convinced Mom,” Tao Xing said, raising his chin with a poetic tone. “I’ll help pave the way for my sister’s love.”
Jian Xi turned her head. “What do you mean?”
“Mom doubted He Ran was fooling around with another woman, but I have evidence of him playing Landlord.” Tao Xing was extremely proud and recounted the entire story.
Jian Xi frowned. “He Ran came to see you?”
“Of course. I was filming at Sanbao Pavilion, and he waited for me for a long time. But I played the big shot and refused to side with him.”
Jian Xi reached out and flicked his forehead hard. “Speak properly.”
“Ouch, that hurt!” Tao Xing complained, then continued, “Later, he hugged my leg and cried bitterly. I felt so sorry for him that I couldn’t refuse. This is also in line with the city’s call to set new trends and be a good person. I’m giving Old Jian some face.”
Jian Xi put down her game and turned Tao Xing to face her. “Is Mom’s misunderstanding resolved?”
Tao Xing nodded. “She wants to meet He Ran.”
Jian Xi was shocked, then delighted.
“Meeting the parents, time to spend some money.” Tao Xing extended his right hand, counting on his fingers. “Old Jian likes collecting calligraphy and paintings. Mom loves gold and silver jewelry. As for me, I’m not asking for much—just a big red envelope full of love.”
Jian Xi felt like spring had returned in winter. The heavy stone in her heart finally lifted.
Tao Xing took out his phone and pretended to dial a number. “I should give him a heads-up so he knows what to expect.”
Jian Xi snatched the phone away. “Stop messing around.”
“Oh come on, you’re so biased. You love him and neglect me. I regret it now. I handed over my lifelong beloved straight into the enemy’s arms. I...”
Before Tao Xing could finish, Jian Xi hugged him tightly, her voice soft. “Xinglai, thank you.”
Oh my, this sudden happiness.
Tao Xing almost shed tears of joy. A little sugar and he lost his stance, quickly pledging loyalty. “Sis, I’m willing to serve you wholeheartedly. After this matter is settled, can you treat me to pig’s trotters at West Lake Restaurant? I absolutely love them.”
Jian Xi nearly burst out laughing, patting his back. “You can eat as many as you want.”
After presenting his gift, Tao Xing hurriedly repeated his earlier trick and called He Ran.
But clearly, He Ran was far more seasoned.
Tao Xing was a bit speechless. “Why don’t you show some emotional reaction? Give me some interaction, this is so awkward.”
He Ran chuckled softly. “Thanks.”
That’s it? Tao Xing said, “I thought you’d write me a poem. So boring. Discuss with my sister when you can come over. I’ll notify Her Majesty.”
He Ran agreed and said they’d talk later.
After hanging up, He Ran walked out of the restroom. It was peak dining time, and people were bustling about. He found a gap by the window and quickly lit a cigarette.
Later, he heard General Manager Wang shouting loudly from the private room diagonally across. “Little He, where are you? Come in quickly.”
He extinguished the half-smoked cigarette and hurried in. “Here.”
Manager Wang was drunk, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. With the aid of alcohol, he was somewhat arrogant. “Where did you go? There are clients here!”
He Ran smiled and explained, “I went to the restroom. Here, Mr. Wang.” He poured wine enthusiastically, but before he could steady the bottle, it was pushed away. “Go, go, go. Don’t you know the rules? First toast Director Liu.”
Director Liu, the client, was also someone who enjoyed chaos. “How can that be? Call Little He, isn’t it? He’s your subordinate. It’s only proper to toast you first. Hurry, fill Mr. Wang’s glass.”
He Ran held the wine bottle but didn’t move immediately.
Manager Wang, flushed with excitement, trampled on others’ dignity to display his own abilities. “You young people just don’t understand, lack experience, and don’t know how to handle things. It doesn’t matter if you can’t do things, but you must learn, ask questions. What’s the use of staying silent all your life? You’ll never amount to anything.”
This hackneyed bureaucratic tone made everyone at the table burst into laughter.
Amidst these sarcastic performances, He Ran remained calm and smiling, as if it wasn’t him being stepped on.
With endurance, he performed flawlessly, untouched by the leaves.
The HR manager Xiao Jie interrupted with amusement. “Little He, bother calling the waiter to bring in some tea.”
He Ran left the private room, instructed the waiter, and then went to the window to continue smoking his remaining half-cigarette.
“Oh, smoking here?” The sound of high heels and a female voice approached together.
He Ran turned around and nodded lightly. “Manager Xiao.”
“What’s on your mind?” Xiao Jie was six years older than He Ran, voluptuous, wearing knee-high boots and a sheer top under her coat.
Smiling, she handed him a bottle of water. “Don’t mind them; they’ve all had too much to drink. They’re just joking.”
He Ran reacted calmly, extinguishing his cigarette. “Whatever the leader says is right. And thanks for helping me out earlier.”
Xiao Jie covered her mouth and laughed. “You’re so smart. I could tell from your first day at the company.” Her slightly reddened gaze roamed over He Ran’s body, finally settling on his jeans. She smiled, “Hmm, those pants look good on you.”
He Ran glanced at her but said nothing.
“I’ll talk to Manager Wang later and recommend a promotion for you. Our HR department sets aside a quota for reserve cadres each year, which can increase benefits.”
Suddenly, Xiao Jie patted He Ran’s shoulder, the sapphire ring on her index finger sparkling. Her ambiguous words weren’t hidden. “You must perform well, okay?”
He Ran subtly shifted his shoulder, avoiding her hand, maintaining a polite distance with a smile. “Manager Xiao, I’ll go back inside now.”
The dinner continued, glasses emptied and refilled. He Ran watched the flattery exchanged across the table, the cheap and laughable compliments. In the past, he would have been disdainful, but now, with a numb heart, he quietly endured, feeling aimless and powerless.
The gathering dispersed close to nine o’clock in the evening.
Manager Xiao appeared from behind. “Little He, where do you live? I have a car; I can drop you off.”
“No need, Manager Xiao. We’re heading in different directions,” He Ran directly refused.
“Nonsense, don’t you live near Yati Road?” Xiao Jie smiled sweetly. “It’s en route. Get in. My car is new; you can help me navigate.”
Before He Ran could respond, the drunken Manager Wang shouted hoarsely, “Get in already, that’s an order.”
Xiao Jie giggled. “Oh dear, brother, I’m just making it convenient for Little He. It’s hard to get a taxi around here.”
Not wanting to hear any more nonsense, He Ran opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat.
Xiao Jie was satisfied, her eyes fixed on him. “You must help me watch the road, okay?”
Along the way, this woman chattered non-stop, her voice flirtatious and breathy. Just before reaching the destination, she suddenly exclaimed, “Oh no, I can’t shift gears. Little He, quickly help me fix it.”
He Ran ignored her exaggerated hints, indifferently crossing his arms and staring at her hand eagerly waiting for him to grab it, letting out a faint chuckle.
“I won’t touch it. Let it die if it must.”
Manager Xiao’s face instantly fell, displeased.
Who cares, He Ran got out of the car without saying goodbye, whistling as he walked towards home.
________________________________________
The meeting with Jian Xi’s parents was tentatively scheduled for the evening of the 24th. Though the family claimed it was a casual dinner, He Ran knew this was a decisive moment.
Jian Xi had been on duty at the hospital these past two days, and their busy schedules left no time to meet.
Tao Xing was almost driven to collapse by He Ran’s constant calls. “Big Brother He, can you stop bombarding me with phone calls? Actually, you’re using my sister as an excuse. Your true love is me, right? Let’s clarify: I don’t swing that way.”
He Ran laughed and said, “Sorry, just one more question. What color does your mom like?”
“Color? Why?”
“I saw a scarf, middle-aged style, available in many colors.”
“My goodness, if she likes golden yellow, are you going to plant the sun?” Tao Xing was a bit shocked. “Women’s best friend, Big Brother He. Where did you see this scarf?”
He Ran said, “Hermès.”
Tao Xing felt a bit embarrassed. “An elderly person, why dress so fashionable? She doesn’t need to date anymore.”
At this moment, He Ran was outside the mall, watching the bustling streets through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The world was truly magical. When you have someone to care for, the sense of sacrifice and gain fades.
His gaze rose from the crowd to the blue sky, clear and vast, just like his heart.
Tao Xing heard He Ran softly say, “Kid, this is love extending to those nearby.”
He was a bit moved and cheekily added, “You brought tea for my dad and an Hermès for my mom. What about me? What’s my gift for meeting you?”
He Ran laughed. “A brother-in-law.”
When paying for the scarf, He Ran pulled out a card from the inner layer of his wallet.
“That will be four thousand eight hundred yuan, sir. Please sign here.” The salesperson politely handed him the card and receipt.
He Ran thanked her, picked up the items, weighed them in his hand, and sighed deeply.
All the gifts for the first meeting were ready. He Ran thought about any possible oversights. His grandmother was also very concerned. Since learning he was going to Jian Xi’s house, she hadn’t stopped reminding him. Though He Ran said he was annoyed, he silently noted the old comrade’s advice in his heart.
Damn, acting like a greenhorn.
The agreed-upon day was Thursday. He Ran had requested leave from his superior several days in advance. At 3:30 PM, he was just about to leave work.
But Manager Wang called him back. “Little He, I can’t approve your leave. There’s a client arriving tonight, and you need to accompany us.”
He Ran said, “Manager Wang, I have something important at home today and can’t accompany you.”
“That’s not acceptable. The client is very important. Postpone your affairs.”
He Ran remained polite and patiently suggested, “Can we let Xiao Zhao go instead? I really can’t...”
“What’s wrong with you! Is the company’s interest more important or your personal matters? If the company doesn’t make money, who will feed you, who will pay your salary!”
Manager Wang interrupted him, raising his voice sharply. “As a new employee, you must understand collective consciousness. Your mindset is highly problematic.”
He Ran always wore a smile, seemingly gentle, and remained silent.
At this moment, HR Manager Xiao Jie also came out of the office, pretending to mediate. “He Ran, just overcome this difficulty. The company will appropriately add points based on your performance during the internship.”
Manager Wang kept droning on. “Superior orders must be obeyed. I told you this when you joined the company. What’s the problem?”
He Ran kept nodding, again and again.
Manager Wang thought he had given in and raised his neck like a victorious general. “Departure at four o’clock, book a private room for dinner later.”
Before the word “room” was finished, he let out a painful cry. “Ah, ah, ah!”
He Ran picked up the water glass on the desk and poured the full cup of water over Manager Wang’s head.
The office erupted in screams.
He Ran’s eyes no longer held any flattery. Grabbing Manager Wang’s collar, his arm tightened, lifting him off the ground.
“Don’t act like a big shot in front of me. When I was hustling outside, you hadn’t even grown balls!”
Manager Wang’s face turned red with fright, yelling, “You, you, do you still want a job? Ouch, ouch!”
“Go to hell!” He Ran shoved him against the wall, pinning him there like clothes on a hanger. “You’re an idiot, do you know that? Always being someone’s lapdog, putting your dignity under someone’s butt. You’re over forty; use your brain! What you’re doing isn’t business—it’s spinelessness!”
He Ran’s aura was fully unleashed. “Listen carefully. I quit this job!”
“Little He, Little He, calm down a bit.” Manager Xiao, wearing high heels, frantically tried to intervene, clinging to He Ran’s arm, almost pressing herself against him. “That’s your superior. Speak nicely, discuss it calmly.”
“Get lost. Don’t touch me.” He Ran showed no mercy. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. Any man and you jump on him? Let me tell you, someone like you, I wouldn’t even look at. My woman is a million times better than you!”
The entire company fell silent.
He Ran was unrestrained and unapologetic, showing no restraint. No one dared to approach.
Finally, security guards were called. Six or seven men wrestled him to the ground.
He Ran struggled fiercely. “Fuck!”
Outnumbered, his face was pressed to the ground, veins bulging at his temple.
________________________________________
At the Jian residence, 4:10 PM.
The whole family was bustling about.
Tao Xing chewed on strawberries, smacking his lips. “Sis, who said Mom isn’t nervous? She’s personally in the kitchen.”
Jian Xi washed a few apples and arranged a fruit platter. “You’re not allowed to joke around later. Put away your joke collection and be serious.”
Tao Xing licked his lips. “That’s impossible. I’ll die if I don’t talk.”
Jian Xi stuffed a strawberry into his mouth. “You’re so annoying.”
“I know you’re speaking ironically. Actually, you adore me.” Tao Xing reached into the fruit platter to steal food but was slapped by Jian Xi. “Don’t eat that; it’s for your brother-in-law.”
Tao Xing felt deeply wronged and shouted towards the second-floor study, “Mayor, I want to report someone with skin thicker than steel!”
Jian Xi was in a great mood and planned to cut a couple more oranges. He Ran liked them.
When the phone rang, Tao Xing handed it to her. “Here, it’s your lover. He’s probably almost here. I’ll go open the door.”
Jian Xi, smiling widely, answered. “Hello? Done with work?”
In a few seconds, her expression darkened.
He Ran said to pick her up at the company and apologized.
Jian Xi grabbed her keys and headed out. Tao Xing followed closely behind. From the kitchen, Tao Xihong asked, “Where are you going? Isn’t he coming soon?”
Tao Xing: “Young people’s affairs, old comrades should stay out of it. That’s not cute.”
Jian Xi was anxious and drove fast, reaching He Ran’s company in twenty minutes.
She jumped out of the car, her jaw nearly dropping to the ground. He Ran was covered in dust, with obvious bruises on his face.
Tao Xing followed, stunned. After a while, he blinked and said:
“Brother-in-law... please tell us your story...”
Author’s note: As long as Tao Xing is around, this drama can’t turn tragic. Meeting the parents tomorrow, no tragedy, very sweet.
Updates might be irregular these three days. Everyone, please understand. After all, the author bought a new washing machine and needs to spend time with it.
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