Chapter 36 Chapter 36 See if there are any pearls inside
Hai City entered the rainy season in June. It rained for several days in a row. The rain was not heavy, but it was dripping and hitting the glass outer wall of the building.
It was a rare day that she had to work overtime. After finishing her work, Yu Wan saw her boss standing at the door. She quickly cleaned up the table and followed her boss with her bag.
It seems to have become an unspoken agreement between the two that if they work overtime on rainy days, they can get a ride home in the boss's car.
This was probably related to the time when he couldn't get a taxi after working overtime and had to go home in the rain and catch a cold. The next day when Yu Wan came to work, he couldn't control his runny nose and sneezed in front of his boss, who disliked him and gave him half a day off.
Later, whenever they had to work overtime on rainy days, everyone else would complain, but Yu Wan would admire the rain and think: Ah, I can take the boss's car again.
Because of the need to cross the river, the journey increased from 30 minutes by subway to 40 minutes.
On the way, Fu Zhiyao looked at the drizzling rain outside the car window, his gaze fixed on the void. The dim scenery outside the window made him look lonely and cold, and it seemed as if a wet and sticky rain had fallen between his brows.
Fu Zhiyao turned his head away from the rain outside the car window and glanced at Yu Wan who was still flipping through documents.
Yu Wan lowered her head, her ponytail draped over her slender back. Her profile was straight and soft. She was holding a pen and writing and drawing on a document with a focused look on her face.
When it comes to working hard, Fu Zhiyao feels that Yu Wan is no less capable than him.
"Secretary Yu."
Fu Zhiyao suddenly spoke.
Secretary Yu looked up at him and replied, "Hmm? Boss."
Fu Zhiyao asked, "Can't you rent a house closer to the company?"
Yu Wan: “…”
It's easy to talk when you're not around. Doesn't she want to rent a house closer to the office? She can't wait to walk into the office as soon as the door opens.
But is this possible?
Seeing that Yu Wan didn't answer, Fu Zhiyao glanced at her and said, "Secretary Yu, you're not scolding me in your heart again, are you?"
Yu Wan felt that Fu Zhiyao was suspicious, which was a disease that needed to be treated.
But he still patiently explained: "Boss, the rent for a house closer to the company is too expensive. I can't afford it."
The house that Yu Wan is renting now costs 4,650 yuan per month. After talking with her, the landlord took the initiative to waive the property management fee. Yu Wan only needs to pay 4,500 yuan per month, which is quite affordable.
The cheapest house near the company costs 12,000 yuan, which Yu Wan really can't afford, even if it's half the price.
Fu Zhiyao retracted his gaze and saw the ladies' watch worn by Yu Wan on her left wrist. It was a watch from a niche foreign designer brand, priced at around 10,000 yuan, which was not too expensive.
However, based on his understanding of Yu Wan, a pauper, she would definitely not buy it.
Fu Zhiyao thought of the man he saw outside the restaurant that day. He lowered his head and patted the nonexistent dust off the hem of his suit. He said nonchalantly, "Secretary Yu's monthly salary is not low. Could it be that she spends it all on her boyfriend?"
Yu Wan thought the company was evaluating her suitability for a promotion, so she answered honestly, "Boss, I don't have a boyfriend."
Fu Zhiyao paused his fingers on his knees, tapped them lightly, and looked at her: "Secretary Yu is so outstanding, but she doesn't have a boyfriend?"
Yu Wan: “…”
Is praising her for being excellent a veiled compliment? Also, why did the boss suddenly become so uninhibited? Does having a boyfriend have anything to do with her being excellent?
Yu Wan was too lazy to say more and just made up an excuse: "No one likes me."
This time it was Fu Zhiyao's turn to be stunned.
No one spoke in the car for a long time. It was so quiet that the only sound was the dull sound of rain hitting the glass window. Yu Wan was completely unaware of the strange atmosphere in the car and lowered his head to continue reading the documents in his hand.
Fu Zhiyao heard Lao Wu's helpless sigh in the front row.
- [Boss Fu is so bad at talking. If she doesn't have a boyfriend, then she doesn't have one. Why is she still trying to poke someone in the lungs? This is great. Secretary Yu must be pissed.]
Fu Zhiyao glanced at Yu Wan. She had her eyes downcast, showing no emotion.
"…Are you angry?"
"No."
Lao Wu sighed again in his heart.
Secretary Yu was certainly angry, but even if she had a thousand words to say to the boss, she dared not speak them. She could only keep her tears to herself.
Fu Zhiyao: “…”
He remembered that when he hired Lao Wu as a driver, he was clearly not like this.
Fu Zhiyao was silent for two seconds, then changed the subject and asked Yu Wan, "Do you have a Hong Kong and Macau Pass?"
Yu Wan shook her head, "No, what's wrong, boss?"
Fu Zhiyao threw the document in his hand to her: "Find some time to expedite it. I'll need it for my business trip next month."
"But boss, isn't it usually Secretary Cai who accompanies you on business trips?"
"Just go if you're told to. Stop talking nonsense."
Yu Wan: “…”
Why was she talking nonsense? She still remembered the last time she was enthusiastic about participating in a negotiation but was rejected by her boss.
So, Yu Wan stated firmly: "Boss, I am willing to go on business trips with you. It would be great if I could accompany you on business trips every time from now on."
Travel expenses for business trips can be reimbursed, and she can also learn knowledge, which will be beneficial for promotion and salary increase. She will not give up such a good thing.
Unexpectedly, when Fu Zhiyao heard her words, he suddenly started coughing and couldn't stop for a long time. Yu Wan hurriedly unscrewed the bottle of mineral water and handed it to him.
"Boss, please drink some water."
Fu Zhiyao took a sip of water and looked at Shang Yu Wan's worried expression. He didn't know whether to say anything or not.
He glanced around and saw the information in Yu Wan's arms. He said unhappily, "Go look at your information."
"oh."
Accustomed to her boss's mood swings, Yu Wan remained calm. After confirming that her boss was fine, she carefully read the documents her boss gave her.
It is about the construction of an online medical service platform. Fu's company wants to combine modern scientific and technological means to create a complete medical industry chain. This is related to one of the "Good Doctor" medical software mentioned by the Investment Department at today's meeting.
Yu Wan vaguely remembered the basics of this medical software. It was a joint service provided by several large offline medical institutions, using intelligent data analysis to provide patients with personalized health management and professional medical service recommendations. It was a smart monitoring software particularly suitable for the elderly, allowing children to more intuitively understand the physical health of their elderly family members and prepare for emergencies in advance.
The purpose of this business trip is to further expand the service scope of the medical service platform.
The cooperation partner is the Zeyu Medical Group in Gangcheng, which has a well-developed high-end medical industry. Through the acquisition of equity and management rights, it has successively laid out the medical industry chain in many developed cities in the inland and was the first to establish a high-end comprehensive private hospital. Zeyu Medical is best known for its tumor medical services, including but not limited to early screening, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, and is trusted by countless wealthy people and celebrities.
As for the medical expenses, Yu Wan looked at the series of numbers on the document and deeply realized the importance of health.
On the day of the business trip to Gangcheng, the weather in Haishi was gloomy, with heavy clouds hanging over the horizon, which made Yu Wan a little worried.
Yu Wan prayed silently, hoping that everything would go smoothly on the business trip.
Thanks to Fu Zhiyao's money, Yu Wan's first flight experience was in business class. In order to prevent his unsophisticated behavior from being noticed, Yu Wan behaved well and did not look around.
Sitting in the quiet and spacious airplane cabin, Yu Wan handed the eye mask and U-shaped pillow she had prepared in advance to her boss, and then studied the small TV in front of the seat and selected an English movie that she had never seen before.
Halfway through the flight, the flight attendant came over with a cart and offered three meal options: steak, braised chicken, and Thai-style fried shrimp.
Yu Wan was confused and didn't know which one to choose.
Fu Zhiyao leaned back in his chair and said casually, "Give her one of all three."
Yu Wan was shocked.
First, I was shocked that the boss was still awake, and second, I was shocked that you could order food like that.
Looking at the flight attendant again, she kept smiling the whole time. "Yes, sir, ma'am, what would you like to drink? We have champagne, red wine, juice and cola."
Yu Wan: "Can I have champagne?"
She hasn't tried sparkling wine yet.
"Of course, no problem. You can always come to us for refills after you finish your drink." The flight attendant placed three meals and a staple food in front of Yu Wan and said gently, "Please enjoy your meal."
Yu Wan nodded, "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
After the flight attendant left, Yu Wan approached Fu Zhiyao and asked cautiously, "Boss, are you embarrassed to order so much food?"
Otherwise, why use her as an excuse?
Fu Zhiyao: “…”
Yu Wan continued, "Today's airplane meals include steak, braised chicken, and fried shrimp. Boss, I'll divide out the ones you want for you."
Fu Zhiyao could find the position of Yu Wan's head with his eyes closed. He stretched out two fingers and pushed her away mercilessly, saying with a fake smile: "Secretary Yu, if you don't know how to speak, just shut up."
Yu Wan touched the head that was pushed away: "Oh."
When Yu Wan ate the airplane meal, she understood why the boss didn’t want to eat it, because... it was really disgusting!
The steak was dry, the chicken was dry, the sautéed shrimp were dry, the vegetables were dry, everything was dry, except for the champagne which was good, the meal was terrible.
After forcing himself to finish three servings, Yu Wan still had some rice left as a staple food, but he couldn't finish it. He watched the flight attendant dryly clean up the leftovers.
Noticing her look, the flight attendant smiled and politely asked, "Ma'am, would you like something else to eat?"
Yu Wan shook her head like a rattle, refusing repeatedly: "No, no, really no, thank you."
Therefore, I didn't see the evil smile on the face of the big devil sitting nearby.
The three-hour flight ended quickly. Yu Wan went to the baggage carousel to pick up their luggage. Holding two suitcases in each hand, he clamped the phone between his ear and shoulder to call the hotel he had booked in advance to ask where the shuttle bus was.
As I was walking, my hands suddenly felt empty.
Fu Zhiyao snatched the two suitcases from her hands, merged the two handles together so that he could easily grasp them with one hand, and strode forward pushing the two suitcases, looking effortless.
Yu Wan was stunned for two seconds, then hung up the phone and chased after him, "Boss, I'm done with my call. Let me push it."
"Go your way."
"OK."
The weather in Hong Kong was similar to a mirage. Thick lead-gray clouds hung over the city, and strong winds blew. The trees on the roadside were dark, even though it was not yet three in the afternoon, and the sky was as dark as seven in the evening.
The car drove quietly on the way to the hotel. The two people behind the barrier were more silent than each other. Yu Wan glanced at the boss. His gaze fell on the window, and the emotion in his dark eyes was extremely dull.
Yu Wan knew that whenever it rained, the boss would be in a lower mood and talk less than usual.
She did not disturb her boss, but quietly withdrew her gaze, took out her mobile phone, and looked at the approval documents sent by several supervisors in the software.
Almost as soon as the car arrived at the hotel, a heavy rain fell. The driver helped to unload the luggage from the trunk and said to her in not very fluent Mandarin, "Ms. Yu, you are really lucky."
Yu Wan smiled and said, "Yeah, I'm so lucky."
If only we could be so lucky in collaboration.
After verifying his identity with the front desk, Yu Wan led his boss to his presidential suite.
He swiped his card to open the door and pushed the suitcase delivered by the hotel doorman into the boss's room.
When traveling on business with her boss, Yu Wan would not be foolish enough to book a cheap and good budget hotel, but there would be some differentiated treatment. For example, the price of one night's suite for her boss could be used to book five rooms for Yu Wan.
Yu Wan carefully checked the usage of various equipment in the boss's room, boiled hot water with her own instant water dispenser, and took apart the disposable slippers and placed them beside the bed.
Fu Zhiyao saw Yu Wan busying around the hotel room like a little bee, and his tense brows slowly relaxed.
After finishing his work, Yu Wan said, "Boss, you haven't had lunch yet. Can I contact the front desk to bring you a bowl of hot noodle soup to fill your stomach first? Or do you want to rest first?"
Fu Zhiyao looked tired. He raised his hand to loosen his tie, took off the watch on his wrist and threw it casually on the table, refusing coldly: "No, there is a restaurant on the fifth floor of the hotel. I will go downstairs to eat at 5:30. You can choose the time yourself."
Yu Wan nodded: "Okay."
She mixed the hot water with mineral water and handed it to the boss, and placed a few packets of steam eye masks on the bedside table. "Boss, I'm going back to my room now. You can rest first. See you later."
At five twenty, Yu Wan went downstairs on time.
The small TV in the center of the restaurant was playing the news: "Affected by Typhoon No. 7, the rain will continue until 2:00 PM tomorrow. The wind will gradually intensify from 6:00 to 8:00 tonight. Please stay indoors as much as possible, close doors and windows, and avoid going out. Also, due to the typhoon, flights today will be suspended or delayed. Please plan your travel time accordingly..."
All the guests dining in the restaurant complained.
- [Damn, it rains at any other time, but it has to rain when I'm bringing my lover on a date. Now I can't go home tonight. That old woman is definitely going to nag me again. It's killing me.]
-[It would be great if it rained heavily. It would be even better if the whole world was flooded and everyone in the world died. Hehe.]
- [Fuck, I forgot to close the windows when I went out, and the house I just bought is flooded. I'm going to die!]
- [What bad luck! It's so unlucky! Every time I go on a business trip, I always run into bad weather. Does Hong Kong have a grudge against me?]
…
Fu Zhiyao stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of the restaurant. Outside the window, dark rain was pouring down. The night was encroaching like a black hole that seemed to be able to swallow everyone. The sounds in the house were complicated and noisy, and the voices of the heart and the people were intertwined, making him unable to calm down.
If I had known this, I would have eaten in the room.
But the rainier it was, the more he felt he needed noise. A place that was too quiet, like a cemetery, would only make him want to escape.
Turning around, Fu Zhiyao saw Yu Wan staring at the menu in a daze. He pulled out a chair and sat down. "Did you see anything?"
Yu Wan blinked. As a qualified secretary, her ears could automatically block out her boss's sarcastic remarks. She pointed to the pictures on the menu.
"Boss, the pearl glutinous rice balls look delicious."
"Never eaten it?"
Yu Wan shook her head. "I've never eaten it. When I was a kid watching TV and heard the name, I thought it was filled with pearls. I thought, 'If this dish has pearls in it, it must be very expensive. It must be delicious.'"
Fu Zhiyao looked at Yu Wan quietly.
Yu Wan smiled and said embarrassedly, "I only found out when I grew up that there are no pearls in pearl glutinous rice balls, but I've never eaten them. It's not that I don't have the money to eat this dish now, nor is it that I don't have a place to buy it. Maybe I subconsciously think that pearl glutinous rice balls are not as delicious as I imagined. It's just that I was greedy when I was young, but I didn't have to eat them, so I haven't eaten them until now."
Yu Wan possessed few things in her life that she could truly possess. Having grown up in an orphanage, she had a low sense of possessiveness. As she grew older, she was often accused of being emotionally apathetic, like a robot, soft-hearted, dull, and unsuitable for friendship. Yu Wan rarely argued against such claims, knowing that everyone grew up in different environments and experiences, and that no one necessarily understood her. She didn't need to force others' understanding, and that being overly concerned with others' opinions only created a prison for herself.
Therefore, when saying this, Yu Wan did not harbor any complaints at all, but simply spoke lightly, with a soft and gentle voice, like a quietly flowing stream, making the listeners dazed.
Fu Zhiyao said nothing and raised his hand to call the waiter to order.
After a while, the hot and exquisite dishes were served one after another. Yu Wan rinsed the bowl and chopsticks with hot water and handed them to Fu Zhiyao.
Fu Zhiyao had long been accustomed to Yu Wan's service and waited for her to place the washed dishes in front of him one by one. When the last dish was served, Yu Wan was stunned. She looked up at Fu Zhiyao and said in a somewhat hoarse voice: "...Boss."
Fu Zhiyao picked up the chopsticks, his expression normal, and nodded his chin at her, "Try it and see if there are any pearls in it."
A very ordinary sentence.
Yu Wan's eyes suddenly felt hot. She stared at the pearl glutinous rice balls in front of her, and an awkward smile appeared at the corner of her mouth, as if she was crying but not crying. Thousands of thoughts gathered in her mind, stirring like a whirlpool.
Finally, she just whispered, "Thank you, boss."
Thank you boss for your unconventional approach in selecting her to join the President's Office, thank you boss for giving her the opportunity to become a regular employee and a high salary, thank you boss for believing her after seeing the letter of complaint, and thank you boss for your guidance and support in her work.
Of course, if Fu Zhiyao gave her a promotion and a raise, then Fu Zhiyao would be the best boss in the world.
No doubt about it.
But Yu Wan didn't dare to say this directly. She only begged her boss to see her hard work and give her a bigger bonus at the end of the year so that she could have a prosperous year.
Fu Zhiyao's gaze fell on Yu Wan. Among her plain and calm facial features, Yu Wan's eyes were the most beautiful part. Her pupils were pure black, sparkling like gems when they moved. They were clear and clean. Her eyelashes were thick and dense, and the lines at the corners of her eyes drooped. When she looked at people, she always gave people a feeling of being trusted wholeheartedly, like a furry puppy wagging its tail.
It's irresistible.
Music was playing from speakers in the restaurant, transforming the indoor and outdoor areas into two different worlds. A female voice was tender and lingering, as she sang in Cantonese, slowly and softly, expressing the emotions and excitement contained in the lyrics.
Fu Zhiyao felt like he was going crazy. He seemed to see tears in Yu Wan's eyes, but they disappeared the next moment.
As they looked at each other, Fu Zhiyao's eyes moved and he lowered his head first.
"Secretary Yu, please don't talk while eating."
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