Peacock spreading its tail feathers
Zhang Xiande's attire today was slightly different from his usual sharp and assertive image in the business world. He chose a finely crafted silk robe, its deep black color gleaming softly in the sunlight, its subtle patterns exuding an unusual charm in its understated elegance.
He strode into the courtyard, his gaze falling on You Jiale, who was engrossed in her work, a gentle smile playing on his lips. He hoped he would appear less intimidating today; perhaps that would make him seem more approachable.
“Jiale,” Zhang Xiande said softly, taking a few steps closer, “what’s the point of staring at these boring ledgers all the time? It’s mentally taxing. Why don’t you go out for some fresh air and relax?” He thought that perhaps a change of scenery would help this person lower their guard and see a different side of him.
Without even looking up, You Jiale replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Boss, but I have a lot of things to do at 'Leji' and can't leave."
Zhang Xiande frowned slightly. "Didn't you train a lot of capable assistants recently? Like Lin Zhi, and those newly recruited people, are they just for show? How long are you going to keep doing everything yourself?" He made this suggestion partly because he genuinely felt that You Jiale was overworked, and partly to test whether he was willing to rely on him a little more.
You Jiale then raised his head, glanced at him sideways, and gave a forced smile: "Thanks to the boss, 'Leji' is doing very well now, and naturally, we're busier. Since the boss knows everything," he paused, a different meaning in his eyes, and smiled, "then he should also know that I probably already have an appointment today."
Zhang Xiande's face immediately darkened, and the slight gentleness he had just feigned vanished in an instant: "You mean your Brother He? You're the one who's always looking for you."
Upon hearing this, You Jiale smiled as if she had heard a joke, a hint of sarcasm on her lips: "Are you catching someone cheating? I don't need to report to anyone who I go out with after get off work."
Zhang Xiande's eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and his tone turned cold: "You think he approached you without ulterior motives? Don't be so naive."
You Jiale retorted without backing down, "You're the same. I think Brother He is at least much more honest than you!"
"Honest?" Zhang Xiande sneered. "He only cares about the value of 'Leji' and wants to use you! Do you really think his 'appreciation' of you is genuine?"
"Using?" You Jiale sneered as well. "Who isn't using whom?"
Zhang Xiande was momentarily speechless, his tone tinged with anger: "I did it for your safety! Do you really think he would do anything for you? If you continue to associate with him, you'll get into trouble sooner or later!"
You Jiale seemed to have heard the biggest joke in the world. "I'm afraid you're more worried about me being used by others and threatening your interests, right?"
Zhang Xiande's face turned ashen from being choked by his words, and his tone hardened: "You—" He wanted to say something harsher, but ultimately swallowed it back. His pride wouldn't allow him to continue this pointless argument. His carefully cultivated image of gentleness, his attempt to soften the man before him, seemed to have become a joke.
In the end, Zhang Xiande simply flicked his sleeves, coldly tossed out a sentence: "You'd better watch yourself!" and turned away, filled with anger at failing to achieve his goal and an indescribable sense of defeat.
After Zhang Xiande's figure disappeared at the courtyard gate, Lin Zhi, who had been secretly observing from the corner, finally peeked out. "Tsk tsk, the boss looks so good today! He even came over to fawn over you, but you turned him down again? It seems our boss's 'peacock display' doesn't work on you!"
Upon hearing this, You Jiale gave Lin Zhi a meaningful look, her tone carrying a hint of warning: "Lin Zhi, don't let yourself be blinded by greed."
Lin Zhi was taken aback, startled by You Jiale's sudden serious tone. She asked, somewhat puzzled, "Jiale, did you two have a fight?"
You Jiale sighed, "He's the boss, what can I argue with him about?" He paused, turned around, looked at Lin Zhi with a serious expression, and said, "I'm working so hard to train you guys because I'm hoping that one day 'Leji' will lose this backer, we can support ourselves. Don't always think about relying on others. This is my advice to you after I've learned my lesson."
Lin Zhi was even more confused. She put down the ledger in her hand, walked over to You Jiale, and asked worriedly, "Why are you talking so strangely today? What's wrong? The change in your attitudes is too drastic."
You Jiale waved his hand, his usual carefree smile returning to his face: "What could be wrong? I just suddenly realized some things." He patted Lin Zhi's shoulder and said earnestly, "'Leji' is just a little toy in Zhang Xiande's hands. If he wants to throw it away, none of us can rely on him, understand?"
Lin Zhi nodded as if she understood, but the doubt in her eyes hadn't completely disappeared: "But... why did the boss want to throw away 'Lok Kee'? Isn't 'Lok Kee' doing just fine now?"
Looking at the innocent-looking Lin Zhi, You Jiale knew that she might not understand even if he told her too much now. He could only say ambiguously, "Who can say for sure what will happen in this world? In short, remember my words: you have to rely on yourself in everything. Only when we become strong enough can we truly control our own destiny."
He paused, as if suddenly remembering something. He had thought that being reborn would make him more mature, but he hadn't changed his mindset; he was still that spineless coward who subconsciously sought dependence. In his past life, he relied on his father and brother; in this life, he just wanted to cling to someone powerful. But thankfully, it wasn't too late.
Lin Zhi was completely confused, but she could sense the seriousness in You Jiale's tone and a hint of barely perceptible loneliness. She wanted to ask more, but seeing that You Jiale didn't seem willing to say more, she chose to remain silent.
You Jiale looked at Lin Zhi with expectation in her eyes.
Xiao You, a working-class man, finished another tiring day.
As he was walking home from get off work and turning a corner, a childish yet sharp voice broke the evening's tranquility.
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