The next morning, Xia Xi went to the company and called Huang Shiyu to the office.
The project we discussed at yesterday's meeting was the renovation of a coffee shop, which required a strong rural feel, given its location by a small river in the suburbs. We're currently in the preliminary discussions stage, and haven't officially signed a contract yet.
"Sister Xi, you called me." Huang Shiyu closed the office door and walked to the desk.
Xia Xi held a press-touch pen in her hand, the end of which rested on the table. She pressed it repeatedly, making a clicking sound. "Do you have any ideas about the decoration of the coffee shop?"
Huang Shiyu: "Me?"
Xia Xi pushed a gray folder over, tapped it twice with her fingers, and got straight to the point: "You've been with me for almost a year, and I've seen your work ability. I mean, would you like to try this coffee shop project as a training exercise? The owner's requirements are relatively simple: a pastoral style that blends in with the surrounding scenery, nothing else."
Huang Shiyu pointed at the tip of his nose in disbelief and said the same word: "Me?"
Xia Xi was amused by her reaction and nodded: "Yes, it's you."
Huang Shiyu opened her mouth and didn't say anything for a long time. She needed some time to digest.
"Do you want to be my assistant forever? Have you ever considered a promotion or a raise?"
Xia Xi's words hit the heart.
Huang Shiyu was embarrassed to admit his ambition and muttered, "There's nothing wrong with being your assistant."
Xia Xi put down the pen and leaned back in her chair with her arms folded. "If that's the case, then I'll pass the project on to someone else. Pei Yichuan seems quite interested."
"Hey, I..." Huang Shiyu blushed anxiously before finally revealing his true thoughts, "I want to try it, but will the client agree?"
"This is my concern. I will communicate clearly with the other party."
Huang Shiyu was excited but also nervous: "But I'm worried that I won't do a good job and the customer might not be satisfied."
"Everything has a first time." Xia Xi could understand her feelings, having been there herself. To build her confidence, she softened her tone. "Besides, I'm here to help you. Just go ahead and do it. I'll check on the plan once it's ready."
Huang Shiyu no longer hesitated: "Thank you, Sister Xi." Her eyes were hot and she was so moved that she didn't know what to say.
Xia Xi stood up, walked out from behind the desk, and patted her shoulder: "Do well."
Huang Shiyu nodded vigorously: "Yeah."
"Okay, there's nothing else to do. Go down and get ready." Xia Xi walked to the bookshelf, pulled out a few books, and handed them to her. "Take a look when you have time. It might be helpful to you."
Huang Shiyu hugged the book in his arms, extremely happy. He shook his head and giggled twice, then walked out of the office backwards.
*
These days, Xia Xi has been going between the company, home, and Su Jinru's place.
She and Xia Yue took turns counseling her, and Xia Xuan's mood stabilized. She ate and rested on time every day and stopped locking herself in her room. She also asked Xia Xi to go home and bring her computer and tablet so that she could get back to work.
Xia Xuan said, "I promised to provide the publishing company with two cover images and four illustrations. I've already signed the contract. We're only halfway through, and I've already received the deposit, so I absolutely have to submit the manuscript on time."
After explaining to her two sisters, she put on her headphones and immersed herself in painting.
A draft quickly appeared on the computer screen. The lines were messy, but the general outline could be seen.
While working, Xia Xuan forgot all her worries. She blocked out Chen Songbai and Miao Yijiajia from the world. The only thing left in her mind was the painting on the screen. She was thinking about the next composition.
Xia Xi and Xia Yue exchanged glances and left the room.
Xia Yue asked quietly, "What exactly are Chen Songbai's plans? No divorce, no other moves, just a stalemate?"
"Don't worry about him." Xia Xi glanced at the closed door and said softly, "Just take good care of Xuanxuan."
She hadn't told Xia Xuan that Chen Songbai was most likely innocent, and nothing had ever happened between him and Miao Yijia. She couldn't give Xia Xuan hope until the matter was resolved.
Even if there is a one in ten thousand chance, if hope is dashed, it will only bring greater harm to Xia Xuan.
Xia Yue sighed, heartbroken for her younger sister's plight, yet powerless to do anything about it. Xia Xi could see it, and so could she. Xia Xuan still loved Chen Songbai, unwilling to part with him, unable to tolerate his mistakes. Even though she was feeling better now and didn't show it, she could imagine the pain she must be feeling inside.
"Mom is cooking. Do you want to stay and eat something?" Xia Yue said.
Xia Xi glanced at her watch. It was still early, so she only stayed for about twenty minutes. "No, I'm going home to eat. Ziheng and Xu Yanfeng are waiting for me at home."
Xia Yue sympathized with her hard work and said, "I'll keep an eye on Xuanxuan and won't let her get into trouble. As for you, you don't have to run back and forth all the time. You're so busy at work, so take care of yourself."
Xia Xi smiled and hugged her, patting her back gently: "I'm fine recently, not too busy."
Xia Yue walked her to the door. While waiting for the elevator, Xia Xi turned around, thought for a moment, and said to her, "Xu Yanfeng and I are going to get the certificate. Xuanxuan is in a bad mood, so we won't celebrate. Just let it go."
Xia Yue was stunned for a moment. She had been feeling depressed for days, and finally heard some good news. The corners of her lips curved up: "Congratulations."
It wasn't easy for Xia Xi to be able to get back together with Xu Yanfeng. Xia Yue was sincerely happy for her. The moment she turned around and walked in, her eyes were a little wet. Maybe it was because she had experienced too many bad things, so she was easily moved to tears by the slightest joy.
*
On Saturday, Xia Xi came to Su Jinru's house again and took Xia Xuan out shopping to relax.
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