L&H - 4

With a pile of contracts to review, Yu Qing had no time to think about breakfast.

“Mei Qingcheng, do you want coffee? I’m going to the pantry.” Zhang Xiaochi stood up from her seat, stretching her back.

Yu Qing stared unblinkingly at her computer, comparing the results she found on her phone. She didn’t hear a word Zhang Xiaochi said.

“Yu Qing?”

Yu Qing looked up, bewildered, “What is it?”

“When will I be like you, so focused on work that I don’t hear when people call me?” Zhang Xiaochi couldn’t help but sigh, pointing at her cup, “Do you want coffee?”

“Thanks.”

Yu Qing continued checking. After confirming that the distributor’s qualifications were problematic, she directly returned the contract submitted by the sales department in the OA system, detailing where the issues lay.

Fu Ji Chen sent her a message: [Are you hungry?]

Yu Qing: [The owner of this device no longer exists; she was eaten by a bird, eaten by a bird!]

There was no response from the other side.

He was probably fuming.

Throughout the morning, Yu Qing drank two cups of coffee to stave off hunger but still felt famished.

At ten-thirty, she couldn’t hold out any longer.

She asked Zhang Xiaochi, “Do you have any snacks?”

The company had a rule against eating in the office, but women rarely followed rules, constantly munching on little snacks.

Zhang Xiaochi used to love snacks, but recently, she was preparing for a blind date and was trying to lose weight.

“I’ll look, but I might not have any.”

After rummaging through several drawers, she found only two pieces of chocolate and tossed them onto Yu Qing’s desk.

“Make do with these; we can go to the cafeteria in an hour.”

Yu Qing rarely ate chocolate due to its high calorie content. Now, desperate from hunger, she appreciated anything. “Thanks.” Suddenly, she stared at Zhang Xiaochi, making her feel awkward.

“What are you looking at!”

“You got your eyelashes done.” Yu Qing smiled.

She tore open the chocolate, took a small bite, and slowly chewed. “They look great.”

Zhang Xiaochi explained truthfully, “A friend set me up with someone for a blind date, scheduled for this weekend.”

“Ahh,” she sighed, “You beauties don’t know the woes of us plain-looking folks. Since graduating from university, I haven’t been in a single relationship.”

Yu Qing: “I haven’t either.”

Zhang Xiaochi didn’t believe her. Yu Qing must be saying that just to make her feel better.

Ever since Yu Qing joined their legal department, there had been a steady stream of male colleagues coming to consult on various legal issues.

When they went to the cafeteria for lunch, it was even worse.

Countless pairs of male eyes would follow her, lighting up her path.

The phrase “a feast for the eyes” perfectly described a beauty like Yu Qing.

A familiar voice approached from the doorway, growing louder, “Oh, okay, the contract might be buried under other documents, I didn’t notice. I’m already in the office, let me check for you, eh, alright, see you.”

This was Zhou Yunli, the head of the legal department, on the phone. Her tone with them was completely different. Today, there was an unusual softness in her voice, making her seem like a different person.

“Yu Qing, come here.” The cold, familiar voice echoed across the office area.

This was the Zhou Yunli they knew.

Zhang Xiaochi lowered her head, giving Yu Qing a sympathetic glance.

Yu Qing locked away important documents and quickly walked to the supervisor’s office.

Zhou Yunli had just returned, hanging up her coat. “Is there a contract from Dixin being held up by you?”

“Not held up.” Yu Qing reported the situation: “It’s a newly developed distributor in the Southwest region. There’s an issue with the scanned copy of the business license. The scope of pre-packaged food sales was photoshopped on later, and there’s no food distribution license. I’ve already returned it in the OA system. The distributor’s qualifications should be clear to their salesperson.”

She didn’t know how the sales department had complained to Zhou Yunli or exaggerated the situation to shift blame onto her.

Zhou Yunli poured herself a glass of water, remaining silent, watching Yu Qing intently.

Yu Qing understood what her supervisor’s gaze implied—she wanted her to give the green light to the sales department unconditionally.

But that was impossible.

If she gave the green light and something went wrong, she would be held responsible.

Zhou Yunli slowly sipped her water, smirking faintly at Yu Qing: “Director Zhao said that the distributor has already applied for a change in business scope at the Bureau of Industry and Commerce. The procedures might take a few days, and all the necessary documents will be sent along with the formal contract later.”

Yu Qing never trusted verbal assurances and remained silent.

Once she relented and gave the green light once, it would happen again.

Tomorrow, someone would lack this document and ask her to approve first, promising to submit it later.

The day after, someone else would lack that document and ask her to pass it, assuring her they would supplement it later.

Verbal promises often ended up forgotten. How could she spend her days chasing after missing documents?

How was she supposed to archive the contracts?

She didn’t want to give the sales department a free pass, but she also didn’t want to openly clash with Zhou Yunli.

Moreover, it was taboo in the workplace to break ties with one’s direct superior.

After weighing her options, Yu Qing devised a solution and started laying the groundwork, “The distributor’s qualification issue is both minor and significant.”

Zhou Yunli clearly lacked the patience to listen and casually opened a document.

Regardless of whether Zhou Yunli was listening, Yu Qing continued, “As a lawyer, my responsibility is to control and avoid potential risks in contracts, always considering the worst-case scenario.”

“If this company has the capability to be a regional distributor, why doesn’t it even have the business scope for pre-packaged food? Without prior experience in the FMCG industry, do they really have the ability to manage a regional agency effectively?”

“Or is there some other reason?”

She posed three consecutive rhetorical questions.

Zhou Yunli turned a page; she hadn’t absorbed a word from the previous page.

In fact, she somewhat supported Yu Qing’s approach.

However, the sales director of Dixin had personally called her.

If she didn’t help with such a trivial matter, it would be hard to maintain their relationship.

She had a good private rapport with Director Zhao, who had referred her numerous legal consultancy cases. It wasn’t worth jeopardizing their relationship over such a minor issue.

It was unnecessary.

Her speech slowed, “Yu Qing, as a lawyer, the biggest taboo is acting without evidence.”

Yu Qing glanced at Zhou Yunli and didn’t interrupt.

Zhou Yunli continued her lecture: “Since the sales department has conducted an on-site investigation of the distributor’s capabilities and received Director Zhao’s approval, it indicates there are no issues. The fact that we’re over-analyzing minor details here doesn’t reflect a lawyer’s professional integrity.”

Yu Qing enunciated each word: “But these small details highlight underlying problems that shouldn’t be overlooked.”

Zhou Yunli stared at the legal document in her hand, left speechless for a long moment.

She didn’t know whether Yu Qing was sticking to her work principles or challenging her authority. After all, Yu Qing undoubtedly harbored resentment after Zhou Yunli reassigned her position to someone else.

However, this resentment couldn’t be expressed openly.

Yu Qing had laid enough groundwork: “My insistence stems from wanting to do my job properly without causing you trouble. Of course, I understand your predicament.”

She shifted her tone: “Here’s what we’ll do—I’ll approve it, but you must have the sales department’s contract handler provide me with a written explanation, which Director Zhao will sign. Once I receive the formal contract along with all complete and compliant documents, I’ll return the statement to the sales department.”

This request didn’t seem excessive.

Zhou Yunli couldn’t press further, though she felt uneasy.

She waved her hand, signaling Yu Qing to leave and get back to work.

Director Zhao received Zhou Yunli’s call: “Your subordinate is quite stubborn.”

Zhou Yunli could only smooth things over: “You know how young people are these days—they all have their own ideas and are hard to manage.”

Director Zhao chuckled insincerely: “With such a temper, should I personally deliver it to her?”

________________________________________

After much anticipation, lunchtime finally approached.

Yu Qing clutched her stomach as she worked, occasionally glancing at the bottom-right corner of her computer screen. Mentally counting down, she had twenty-nine minutes until she could rush to the cafeteria—she planned to be the first one there today.

The image of being a fairy? All superficial nonsense.

Zhang Xiaochi, nearly done with her tasks, stretched her neck and deliberately glanced toward the supervisor’s office—the door was closed.

Turning back, she asked Yu Qing: “What do you want to eat for lunch? I can walk faster and grab food for you.”

Before Yu Qing could respond, the internal line rang.

Zhang Xiaochi tilted her chin: “You answer first.”

Yu Qing didn’t know if it was the president’s secretary calling or the president himself.

When she picked up, the other end was silent.

Yu Qing sensed a familiar presence before confirming who had answered. The caller hadn’t spoken yet.

“Hello, Legal Department, Yu Qing,” she introduced herself.

Fu Ji Chen: “Come upstairs.”

Just two words, then the call ended.

The rest was up to Yu Qing to improvise: “Secretary Pan, thank you. I’ll bring it over right away.”

Pan Zheng, the head of the president’s office, was an extremely strict manager. Few in the company weren’t intimidated by him, and he was Fu Ji Chen’s most capable subordinate.

As a legal specialist, Yu Qing frequently visited the president’s office to deliver important contracts requiring the president’s signature due to her role in reviewing operational contracts.

Though she didn’t originally have this privilege, the president granted her this duty, which subjected her to Pan Zheng’s stern gaze but gave her access to the president’s office.

Hearing the name “Secretary Pan,” Zhang Xiaochi knew Yu Qing would be busy again, likely skipping lunch. Every time Yu Qing went upstairs, she stayed for quite a while.

Pan Zheng was a quintessential workaholic, neglecting meals and sleep.

Zhang Xiaochi sympathized for a moment: “Should I go find something for you to eat in another office?”

Yu Qing opened the safe to retrieve important contracts: “No time. I can’t keep the boss waiting.” Grabbing several folders, she hurried upstairs.

Exiting the elevator, there was a security door leading to the president’s office with a front desk.

The receptionist recognized her and had already been notified to grant her access.

Yu Qing signed in and logged her entry.

The receptionist swiped her access card, and the transparent glass door automatically slid open.

“Thank you.” Yu Qing set down the pen and quickly entered.

Ahead lay a vast open-plan office area for the president’s assistants and secretaries, with only Pan Zheng having his own private office.

Walking through the long corridor adjacent to the floor-to-ceiling windows, there was another security door. Beyond it lay Fu Ji Chen’s office area.

There were meeting rooms, a gym, and even a large indoor tennis court.

Even those who frequently visited the president’s office rarely saw Fu Ji Chen.

Yu Qing wore flat shoes, her light footsteps absorbed entirely by the carpet.

Everyone in the office was busy with their heads down. Occasionally, someone turned to ask a colleague for documents, noticing Yu Qing. They nodded at her and continued their work.

No one was surprised; they were used to her frequent visits.

Yu Qing admired their discretion. Everyone in the president’s office knew about her relationship with Fu Ji Chen, yet there wasn’t a whisper of gossip in the company.

They treated the president’s private life with the memory span of a fish—seen and forgotten.

Yu Qing went to see Pan Zheng to handle official business first.

Pan Zheng already knew she was coming; his office door was slightly ajar.

Yu Qing knocked: “Secretary Pan, am I disturbing you?”

“Not busy right now. Once President Fu signs, I’ll forward them to you as soon as possible.” Pan Zheng’s attitude toward Yu Qing was always amiable.

This amiability had little to do with her relationship with the boss—it stemmed mainly from her dedication to her work, which he admired.

Yu Qing placed several folders on the desk and didn’t linger, heading to find Fu Ji Chen.

Today, Fu Ji Chen unexpectedly waited for her at the second security door.

Fu Ji Chen glanced at his watch—he’d been waiting almost a minute.

Meanwhile, she was still leisurely making her way over.

He frowned.

Yet he still waited.

As she approached, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pushed her inside.

“You can’t move any slower? A lazy worm like you who walks slower than everyone else isn’t worth eating—your genes would ruin the bird species.”

Yu Qing: “...”

The thick soundproof glass door gently closed behind them.

Inside and out—two different worlds.

Yu Qing was nearly faint from hunger: “What do you need me for? Speak quickly—I’m going to the cafeteria.”

Fu Ji Chen didn’t respond but pushed open the office door.

A faint aroma of food greeted them.

Yu Qing immediately noticed several lunch boxes on the coffee table—she could eat twenty minutes earlier than usual.

She turned to Fu Ji Chen, finding him much more agreeable.

The chef’s dishes were far more fragrant than the cafeteria’s, with more refined ingredients.

Yu Qing shamelessly flattered him, serving him a piece of meat: “If I wake up early every day, can I come here for lunch?”

Fu Ji Chen raised an eyebrow: “Why don’t you just fly to heaven?”

This was his first time eating in the office—he couldn’t stand the smell of food or snacks in the workspace. He had opened all the windows and turned on the air purifiers to barely tolerate it.

Realizing there was no chance, Yu Qing took the piece of meat from his bowl and popped it into her mouth.

Fu Ji Chen glanced at her several times. This woman—her mood changed faster than flipping pages.

His phone rang—it was Qiao Yang.

“Why didn’t you come to eat? Still busy?” Qiao Yang’s voice came through.

Fu Ji Chen: “Not going to the cafeteria today.” He asked: “What is it?”

Qiao Yang looked at the financing proposal in her hand. She had planned to find him during lunch and eat together. But his private dining room was empty.

She waited a few minutes but still didn’t see him.

“The financing proposal is ready. I wanted to show it to you while you had time for lunch. Are you in the office?”

Fu Ji Chen hummed an affirmation.

Qiao Yang: “Then I’ll come over now.”

Fu Ji Chen glanced at Yu Qing, who was enjoying her meal. He spoke into the phone: “I’m busy now. Schedule a time with Secretary Pan.”

Qiao Yang was taken aback. Scheduling with Secretary Pan?

It caught her off guard. Usually, she contacted him directly. “Alright, you focus on your work first.”

Yu Qing sat across from Fu Ji Chen. She couldn’t hear the specifics but recognized the female voice. After Fu Ji Chen hung up, she casually asked: “Qiao Yang?”

“Mm.” Fu Ji Chen placed his phone aside and continued eating.

Yu Qing looked up: “In the future, if I want to see you, do I also need to schedule with Secretary Pan?”

Fu Ji Chen: “As a legal specialist, you’re not high-ranking enough to schedule with me.”

Tch.

Tch.

As if she cared to see him!

After a pause, Fu Ji Chen added: “As your man, you can see me whenever you want.”

That made sense. Yu Qing served him half a piece of meat from her bowl.