Chapter 26
Chapter 26: Dirty Ideas
“Mmph—!”
Before Zhao Jianing could finish speaking, Qin Yuenan immediately stood up and covered her mouth with one hand, looking around nervously. Only after confirming that no one was paying attention to them did she breathe a sigh of relief.
“Stop talking!”
Qin Yuenan said coldly, warning Zhao Jianing with her eyes.
After all, she knew very well just how good her best friend was at making dirty jokes.
If she didn’t shut her up, she could probably make even men blush with embarrassment.
“Anyway, I’m just stating facts. Believe it or not, it’s up to you.”
Zhao Jianing shrugged.
“If you find a good man who can help you advance in your career, love is about mutual complementation.”
“You can’t handle everything by yourself, right? In the past twenty-eight years, haven’t you ever had even the slightest thought of relying on someone else?”
“…”
Qin Yuenan fell silent again.
Indeed, as Zhao Jianing said, her path to becoming marketing director at Chongyou in just three years definitely hadn’t been smooth sailing.
Only she knew the hardships and exhaustion involved.
She had felt physically and mentally drained more than once, wanting to stop and rest properly.
But she couldn’t.
Qin Yuenan’s biggest dream was to buy a house in Shanghai and settle down, then bring her parents from her hometown to live with her.
This was her only way to cross class boundaries!
So she couldn’t rest—she had to work twice as hard!
But…
Qin Yuenan slumped into the sofa, rubbing her temples and closing her eyes.
Feeling utterly exhausted, what came to mind now was surprisingly the scene of hiking with Lin Shen.
That weekend had been her happiest time in nearly a year.
Clearing her mind, carefree, not having to think about anything, just enjoying freedom.
Qin Yuenan suddenly started seriously considering what Zhao Jianing had said.
“Helpful to you at work,” “you’ll be influenced by his personality”…
These characteristics all seemed to describe Lin Shen!
Qin Yuenan’s eyes suddenly widened, her lips pressed tightly together. After struggling internally for a long time, she finally said hesitantly:
“I… hired an assistant.”
“Male or female?”
“Male.”
!?
The moment “male” came out of Qin Yuenan’s mouth, Zhao Jianing immediately perked up her ears and widened her eyes, staring at her intently.
“Who is he?!”
“Let me be clear first—I don’t have any romantic feelings for him or anything like that. I simply appreciate his talent.”
Qin Yuenan made this disclaimer first, then slowly began to explain.
“He’s one of my subordinates, named Lin Shen.”
“Do you have any photos?”
Photos…
Qin Yuenan suddenly remembered that she had taken photos with Lin Shen during their hike.
Without thinking too much about it, she took out her phone and showed the photos to Zhao Jianing.
“Holy shit! So handsome!”
After seeing Lin Shen’s selfie, Zhao Jianing was completely stunned, grabbing the phone and commenting enthusiastically.
“Whether it’s his facial proportions or facial contours, he’s totally a male god! And his skin is so well-maintained—that’s so rare among guys!”
“And look! His eyes sparkle!”
“That’s because he’s wearing contact lenses.”
“Oh, sorry…”
Zhao Jianing stuck out her tongue, then looked curious.
“Nannan, how come you never mentioned before that you had such a handsome guy among your subordinates?”
“He recently lost weight.”
Qin Yuenan explained softly.
“Half a month ago, he was quite ordinary-looking. He underwent such a big transformation recently because of romantic setbacks.”
“That proves he has patience, a strong character, and can endure hardship. He’s a good person.”
Zhao Jianing suddenly sighed softly.
“He probably just doesn’t have much money.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
Qin Yuenan frowned slightly. Hearing Zhao Jianing talk about Lin Shen like this made her feel uncomfortable.
“Money doesn’t represent everything.”
“But it can support everything.”
Zhao Jianing returned the phone to Qin Yuenan with a smile.
“But fortunately, you have money. Supporting him wouldn’t be a problem.”
“I’m employing him, not supporting him.”
Qin Yuenan emphasized coldly.
“His analysis of the pet industry is very insightful, his business sense is very sharp, and he’s given me many suggestions about operations.”
“So what have you done for him?”
?
Zhao Jianing’s counter-question left Qin Yuenan stunned.
That’s right!
Lin Shen had helped her so much, and even took care of her when she was injured during the hike.
But what had she given him in return?
A monthly salary of just over four thousand?
That was simply what he deserved!
“What do you suggest?”
Qin Yuenan asked tentatively.
“You should understand gifts for men.”
“Isn’t that simple?”
Zhao Jianing smiled seductively.
“Put on Balenciaga logo stockings and Valentino diamond-studded heels, then toss him a room key to the Bulgari Hotel and lean over to whisper in his ear…”
Zhao Jianing suddenly got up and breathed softly in Qin Yuenan’s ear.
“Sister is in her safe period today, little brother, you better not disappoint me.”
“Get lost!”
Qin Yuenan really couldn’t stand her best friend’s ability to make dirty jokes anytime, anywhere, and pushed her grinning face aside.
“Be serious!”
“Then see what he likes.”
Zhao Jianing sat back down in her seat, counting on her fingers.
“Gaming peripherals, computer graphics cards, game skins, or phones, clothes, bags, belts—it’s up to you.”
“I…”
Qin Yuenan was momentarily speechless.
After getting along with Lin Shen for half a month, she didn’t even know what he liked.
Besides outdoor activities, what other hobbies did he have?
Qin Yuenan felt that considering such things was more troublesome than her daily work. Supporting her forehead, her expression was conflicted.
“It seems you don’t understand him well enough.”
Zhao Jianing teased.
“Don’t tell me your conversations are always about work?”
“Mm.”
“And you’re nodding? You workaholic!”
Zhao Jianing complained harshly.
“What you should do now is talk about life with him! Understand?”
“How do I talk about that?”
This touched on Qin Yuenan’s blind spot. Her eyes were incredibly clear and confused.
Seeing this, Zhao Jianing began teaching her best friend various chatting techniques.
As for how much Qin Yuenan learned, only she knew.
“Here we go!”
Min’an Community, Building 5, Room 403.
When Gu Wanqing brought the last dish—tomato beef brisket—from the kitchen to the dining table, Lin Shen realized that her ability to cook wasn’t just empty talk.
Steamed eggs, spicy chicken.
Although they were ordinary home-cooked dishes and didn’t look that impressive.
The aroma that wafted out made Lin Shen’s mouth water. After taking a deep breath, he couldn’t help but praise:
“Smells so good!”
“Hehe.”
Gu Wanqing handed Lin Shen a bowl of rice, hung her apron back in its place, then sat across from him with her chin propped on her hands, smiling.
“These are all my specialties! Try them quickly.”
“Okay.”
Lin Shen picked up his chopsticks and casually took a piece of beef brisket.
Infused with tomato, the beef brisket carried a hint of sourness that perfectly stimulated his taste buds, leaving a lasting aftertaste.
“Delicious.”
Lin Shen suddenly felt like crying.
The happiest thing in life is eating a mouthful of fragrant hot food!