The Early Spring

In thе еаrlу sрring of that уеаr, Shаng Zhi Тao onсе again fеlt the difficultу оf hеr wоrk.

Shе sаt in the cоnference room аlоngside hеr cоllеаguеs from thе рlаnning dерartmеnt, particiраting in a сonferenсe cаll with Luan Nian, whо wаs in thе Unitеd Stаtеs.

Grаce sаid tо Shang Zhi Тао, "Florа, therе's nо need tо rush. Аlthough thе work in the plаnning departmеnt diffеrs frоm that in thе marketing deраrtmеnt, the еssеnсе аnd сorе оf the wоrk remаin unchangеd. You'vе built а sоlid foundаtiоn оvеr the past fеw years and will cаtch up quicklу."

Gracе was hеr nеw mentоr in the planning department.

Shang Zhi Tao liked Grace—she was rational, professional, and exceptionally talented. Ever since hearing Grace's performance review presentation, which earned her a million-dollar equity incentive, Grace had become something of an idol in Shang Zhi Tao's eyes.

At this time, Grace was six months pregnant, with faint spots appearing on her face, yet she still carried an intellectual beauty.

"Take notes on anything you don’t understand during the meeting and ask me afterward," Grace told her. Despite Grace's kindness, she also had a bit of self-interest. During the internal competition for positions in the planning department, Grace had given Shang Zhi Tao a high score because she was trustworthy. Grace was pregnant, and when it came time for her maternity leave, her projects would need to be handed over—a delicate matter. Everyone in the planning department was shrewd and ambitious, and once her projects were transferred, it would be difficult to reclaim them. Moreover, she would soon face the challenges of breastfeeding, and her career at Lingmei might very well come to an end.

So, she turned her attention to Shang Zhi Tao.

Shang Zhi Tao was reliable. Grace had observed her for a long time—she was upright, kind, and compassionate. Grace placed her bets on her.

Luan Nian asked from the other end, "Has the new colleague started today?"

Grace replied, "Flora started yesterday and is attending her first planning department meeting today. Another internal colleague is still in the process of handing over projects and will join remotely today. The externally hired colleague has postponed their start date due to a family bereavement. Additionally, the human resources department contacted me today—this year’s campus recruitment is expected to open two headcounts for the planning department, with a focus on overseas universities."

"Good. Let’s begin."

The pace of the planning department’s meetings was incredibly fast.

Despite having trained at Lingmei for several years, Shang Zhi Tao still found it somewhat challenging. Core responsibilities such as coordination with higher-level departments, industry associations, client management, consulting, special projects, and project management all converged in the planning department. In other words, Lingmei’s planning department was the brain of the company. The brain issued instructions, and the various departments executed them. If the brain made a mistake, the departments would suffer.

Shang Zhi Tao’s first task in the planning department was to take meeting minutes, which only needed to be sent to Grace. After the meeting, she organized the minutes and sent them to Grace, unexpectedly receiving detailed annotations in return. Grace circled every important point, provided explanations for professional terms, and even took her to the break room to explain the background of the current core projects—holding nothing back.

Grace was truly an excellent mentor. She spoke concisely, was approachable, yet remained goal-oriented. In the break room, she concluded by saying, "Don’t be afraid, it’s not difficult. Ask more questions. You’ll be fine."

Her speaking style was somewhat reminiscent of Luan Nian’s. Shang Zhi Tao suddenly understood why Luan Nian admired Grace—perhaps because, at their core, they were the same kind of people."I will, Grace." Shang Zhi Tao nodded.

Grace patted her chest. "Can't catch my breath. Come, accompany me downstairs for some fresh air. I'll take the chance to tell you about the company's strategic layout this year—it's all related to our core projects."

"Sure."

The two headed downstairs. Shang Zhi Tao had rarely interacted with pregnant colleagues before. There were a few in the company, but without overlapping work, it was hard to get to know them. As they descended, she asked Grace, "Is your belly... tiring?"

Grace laughed. "It's not too bad, actually. I hadn't planned on having a child these two years, but it happened unexpectedly. The doctor advised against terminating it, especially since I'm 33."

"What does the boss think? Don't they say bosses don't like female employees getting pregnant?"

"You mean Luke?"

Shang Zhi Tao nodded.

"Luke said: 'Take advantage of your youth and have it early. Work is just work—you've already got your shares, so what's there to fear?'" Grace chuckled. "Actually, Luke is a good person. I was afraid of him at first, but gradually I realized he just has a sharp tongue; his heart is soft. I don't think he has a capitalist mindset."

"Oh, oh, oh." Shang Zhi Tao murmured a few times. Luan Nian was about to return.

He had been gone for too long this time—Shang Zhi Tao hadn't seen him for over two months. She worked frantically until midnight, and when she got home, she saw a gift box on the bed. Inside was a very, very beautiful nightgown. Sun Yu's message arrived just in time: "A gift for you. Wear it for your boss—kill two birds with one stone."

Shang Zhi Tao slipped the nightgown on. The front had a semi-transparent deep V with lace embroidery, while the back was largely exposed. This was hardly a nightgown—it was more like a piece of cloth that barely covered anything. But it was truly beautiful. Shang Zhi Tao let her hair down, put it on, and took a selfie. After snapping the photo, she clicked her tongue in admiration.

That night, Luan Nian asked her, "Have you finished the materials?"

Shang Zhi Tao thought for a moment and sent him the photo of the nightgown.

Luan Nian opened the chat window, saw the photo, and cursed under his breath.

His face flushed red down to his neck. He quickly turned off his phone, afraid someone might see. After a long while, he replied, "Just this one?"

Shang Zhi Tao sent two more. The lighting was dim, and she sat in front of the dressing mirror, her clean, long legs crossed in front of her, the nightgown's straps slipped down, the lace pattern wrinkled, her red lips slightly parted. Not only that, but she also sent a reckless message: "So, what were you doing the past half hour?"

Luan Nian's Adam's apple bobbed. He replied, "Looking at the materials." Never expect a proud man to engage in blatant flirtation—he can't lower his guard.

"Oh, oh, oh. Then please take your time. I've sent the materials to your email, Luke."

Shang Zhi Tao had learned to be mischievous.

Lumi taught her. At noon, while accompanying Lumi for a manicure, Lumi raised her hand and said to Shang Zhi Tao, "Look at you, so plain and simple. Even if you find a boyfriend, it won't last long. Be more alluring."

"How do I be alluring?" Shang Zhi Tao sincerely sought advice.

Lumi whispered a few words in her ear. Shang Zhi Tao blushed. "Oh. I've learned." And learned she had—wasn't she putting it to use now?

Shang Zhi Tao imagined Luan Nian losing control and giggled alone in bed. Two days later, in the evening, she suddenly received a message from Luan Nian:

"Come over. Bring that nightgown of yours."

"? Weren't you returning next week?"

"I came back early."Two people who hadn't seen each other for a long time didn't even bother with pleasantries. Shang Zhi Tao heard the sound of fabric tearing as the violent Luan Nian ripped her nightgown. What did Lumi say? Don't ask if he likes it, just watch his reaction. Shang Zhi Tao felt she understood men a little better now. Look at Luan Nian—usually such a serious person, but when tearing her nightgown, he was anything but proper.

The next morning, she woke up to her alarm and saw Luan Nian was already up, getting dressed.

"Are you going out?" Shang Zhi Tao asked him.

"Yeah, meeting a friend. What about you today?" Luan Nian asked casually, waiting to see what ridiculous answer she'd come up with.

"I'm going to the library today!" Shang Zhi Tao smiled at him, threw on some clothes, and left. She had to go home to change. Sun Yu said today's event was for high-end members, many of whom were extremely wealthy. She hoped Shang Zhi Tao would work hard to get them to upgrade their services.

Shang Zhi Tao hurried home, changed into a black dress that reached just past her knees, paired it with black leather boots, applied light makeup and red lipstick, put on her coat, and headed out. The event was at a bar—cheaper to rent during the day when it was less crowded, and conveniently located. After arriving and signing in, Shang Zhi Tao took off her coat and hung it up. Turning around, she noticed men glancing her way.

Sun Yu hadn't lied—today really was a high-quality offline gathering.

She exchanged a glance with Sun Yu and found a less conspicuous spot to sit. As she looked up, she saw someone walk in. Before she could hide, he had already taken the seat opposite her, smiling at her. It wasn't a friendly smile. Why was Luan Nian here?

Shang Zhi Tao thought, "I'm done for." She took out her phone and texted Luan Nian: "I'm helping Sun Yu out."

"I rarely come to these things!" A blatant lie.

"Besides, I only attend these events for show—I never mess around!"

"Why are you here?"

But Luan Nian didn't even glance at his phone. Shang Zhi Tao looked at him and pointed to her phone, but Luan Nian acted as if he hadn't seen it. Dr. Liang had signed him up for the event—the registration fee was 888 yuan. Luan Nian said he wouldn't go, but Dr. Liang insisted, "Go on, go on! If you see the girl in the photo, take a picture for me. I want to see what she looks like in person."

Luan Nian almost sent Shang Zhi Tao's nightgown photo to Dr. Liang.

That morning, he had watched coldly as Shang Zhi Tao lied and decided not to waste the 888 yuan. But as it turned out, Shang Zhi Tao made sure his money wasn't wasted—she had even put on makeup and was wearing a damn miniskirt. Impressive. After knowing her for years, she always dressed plainly around him, like a nun, yet here she was at a high-end gathering as a plant.

When it was time to hand out profiles, Luan Nian looked at Shang Zhi Tao's information, which was slightly different from what was on the website: graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, worked at a foreign company, annual salary of 400,000 yuan, height 171 cm, weight 108 kg, enjoys scuba diving, skiing, and golf. Fluent in three languages. He suddenly let out a snort of laughter.

Hearing that laugh, Shang Zhi Tao vaguely felt that today was going to be a disaster. She texted Sun Yu: "Why is Luan Nian here?"

"How should I know? I checked—he signed in under another member's name. He must have registered with someone else's account."

Damn it.

Shang Zhi Tao had no idea about any of this. She could only smile apologetically at Luan Nian, worried that he might ruin Sun Yu's event today.She got up and went outside for some fresh air. When she returned, she saw Luan Nian talking to a bartender. His gaze swept over her briefly, and he still ignored her. Shang Zhi Tao walked up to him and said, "Can we talk?" There was a hint of coquettishness in her tone.

"Sorry, the event doesn't allow private contact," Luan Nian forced a smile at Shang Zhi Tao and turned to walk inside.

Shang Zhi Tao quickened her pace, pulling him into a nearby private room. "It's fine here. Let's talk."

"I don't even know you."

...

"Are you angry?" Shang Zhi Tao asked him. "I didn't lie on purpose this morning. It's just that there's nothing to say about it..."

"Only this morning?"

Luan Nian was referring to every Saturday morning he left her place. Her bizarre excuses, and what annoyed him the most was how seriously she took it—even putting on makeup.

"There were a few times before..."

"Did I ever tell you? If you meet someone else, be honest with them. Don't treat them like fools."

"You did. But I haven't met anyone else, have I?" Shang Zhi Tao was starting to get annoyed. Why couldn't Luan Nian understand? She was just helping Sun Yu out, and earning a little extra money on the side.

"..." That really hit a nerve. As soon as Dr. Liang registered an account, she had pounced on him, initiating conversations and almost giving him her home address. During the holidays, Dr. Liang showed him chat logs with various girls every day, especially hers. Dr. Liang practically recited them with emotion! What did Dr. Liang say? His exact words were: "This girl is so sincere, she clearly seems desperate to find a partner. You better step up your game."

At the time, Luan Nian wasn't too angry and even mocked Dr. Liang for not understanding "system-managed accounts" and "virtual accounts."

But then, at the venue, seeing Shang Zhi Tao all made up—wonderful. It was him who didn't understand.

"Move aside."

"No. I'll move if you promise not to cause trouble."

Luan Nian narrowed his eyes and, after a long pause, said, "Fine, I won't cause trouble."

Luan Nian never kept his word.

When it was his turn to speak, he suddenly said, "Contestant No. 8 looks a lot like an employee at my company. But that employee isn't fluent in three languages, nor did she graduate from the University of Pennsylvania. Right?"

Damn.

You could never trust Luan Nian's mouth. Shang Zhi Tao thought, "I have a common face. What a coincidence."

"Hmm, the female employee at my company is also named Shang Zhi Tao."

The event participants began murmuring. Sun Yu started sweating beside them, thinking, "It's over." She had experienced Luan Nian's sharp tongue and his vindictive nature before. She quickly pulled up Luan Nian's account, thinking, "If it comes to it, I'll sacrifice you today. You don't look like your profile picture, so I'll just say you're here to cause trouble. No one has seen your company's Shang Zhi Tao, but we have evidence of your fake photo. This could even serve as a contingency plan for future events."

But Luan Nian didn't give her the chance. He said, "I'll withdraw from today's event. Seeing Contestant No. 8 reminds me of my subordinate. I can't get into the mood."

"Of course. What a coincidence," the host immediately chimed in. "We'll arrange a refund for you. You're welcome to join our next event."

Luan Nian glanced at Shang Zhi Tao and left.

He had wanted to ruin her earlier but held back a little. Sun Yu's startup wasn't easy, and it had just started turning around.

After leaving the bar to find his car, Shang Zhi Tao ran out and got into the passenger seat just as he opened the door.Luan Nian looked at her: "Not looking for a partner anymore? They're all diamond bachelors in there."

Shang Zhi Tao chuckled, fastening her seatbelt.

"Get out."

"No."

Luan Nian glanced at her: "Is marriage fraud fun? Did you enjoy chatting with my mom for two or three months?"

"Huh?"

"Didn’t expect that, did you? The marriage fraudster met an old fraudster."

Shang Zhi Tao had no idea which account belonged to Luan Nian’s mother. Her account was managed by someone else, and before each event, Sun Yu would send her the chat history for a quick review. She recognized the name of the account Luan Nian had signed up for—they had already chatted quite deeply.

"I’m telling you, my account is system-managed. You wouldn’t question that, would you?" Shang Zhi Tao said, then suddenly realized: "But how did Dr. Liang abroad know about Sun Yu’s website? Why did she register an account for you?"

The story behind it was quite fascinating, but Luan Nian wasn’t planning to tell Shang Zhi Tao.

"Get out of the car. I have a date."

"With whom?"

"Shang Zhi Tao, this is where I’m better than you. You ask, and I’ll tell you. Teacher Gōng Yuè. Get out of the car."

"When I meet someone else, I’ll tell them openly."

"How open am I? I’ll tell you before we sleep together."

"Fine. Okay. Thanks." Shang Zhi Tao delivered an infuriating triple response and got out of the car.

Luan Nian’s car kicked up a bit of dust as it sped away.