At three in the afternoon, Han Qian could no longer bear the stifling atmosphere of the General Affairs Department. The clatter of mundane tasks grated on his nerves. Rising abruptly, he left the department and strolled toward the main entrance to smoke while waiting for the end of the workday. Just as he stepped out, he caught the sound of Liu Jiulong scolding someone inside — clearly, he too was discontented with their colleagues, though likely for Yang Lan's sake.
At the reception downstairs, Han Qian exchanged idle chatter with a young woman. She was cautious, clearly reluctant to be seen too close to him — Han Qian, after all, was someone under Yan's special protection.
As he stood at the grand entrance of Rongyao, reaching for a cigarette, one appeared before him. He turned slightly and blinked in mild surprise, then accepted it with a smile. Producing his lighter, he lit the other's cigarette before lighting his own. A deep inhale filled his lungs with the rich aroma of tobacco, and he exhaled slowly, as though releasing the pressure bottled within him.
Beside him, Gao Lüxing stared out at the street with an amused expression. His smile was peculiar — lips parted, yet his teeth remained clenched, an odd habit his father used to mock. But Han Qian saw no trace of foolishness in Gao; instead, there was a rakish charm to him.
"Getting used to these?" Gao asked casually, eyes still trained on the street as if the passing cars were more intriguing than his conversation partner.
Han Qian chuckled. "Luxury is easy to adapt to; unfortunately, my wallet isn't as accommodating."
Gao took a long drag and let the smoke curl from his lips. A self-deprecating smile played across his face.
"I used to think just like you — toiling all day for a hundred yuan, watching others smoke hundred-yuan cigarettes. I used to wonder how much they must be making. I didn't envy them though. I always believed I'd be one of them someday. Confidence is a privilege of youth."
"You speak the truth, President Gao," Han Qian replied with a noncommittal laugh. He knew little of Gao's background and chose not to probe further. Gao, unfazed, smiled again.
"You're Han Qian, yes? Been here a few days now. Rongyao's a bit more humane than other companies — I imagine you're settling in? President Yan is spirited, raised in the countryside, not quite your polished city heiress. Bear with her, if you can."
"She's not so bad," Han Qian replied cautiously, "everything she does is for the company's good."
He eyed Gao Lüxing as he spoke. Yang Lan had told him Gao and Yan Qingqing were anything but amicable. The company itself was divided into factions — Yan, the youthful outsider who had risen rapidly, and Gao, the brother-in-law of Rongyao's largest shareholder, a veteran since the company's inception. And now, this man was defending Yan?
Gao didn't respond directly. He flicked away a half-smoked cigarette and said with a grin,
"The airport project is promising. I'm just puzzled — why would someone like you end up in the General Affairs Department? Planning, Projects — even Marketing or Sales would better suit you. That place is a graveyard for ambition."
"You're not wrong, President Gao. I initially interviewed for the Planning Department, but they switched my contract last minute. Still, wherever I'm placed, as long as it earns money, I'll follow fate's lead."
"Oh? So you're betting on President Yan? Interesting. Well, if you liked that cigarette, stop by my office. I'm generous to talent. And between us — the General Affairs Department won't last much longer."
Gao gestured toward the street. "Know who drives the Porsche in our company? Apart from Yan's flashy Raptor, most cars around here are discreet."
Han Qian was still digesting Gao's words when he followed his gaze — and his expression froze. Why was Li Jinhe's car pulling up to Rongyao's main gate?
Just then, a red BMW 320 came to a halt, and Sun Ya stepped out, dressed to impress in a tailored white suit. She had come to fetch Gao. Upon seeing Han Qian beside him, she hesitated — she disliked Han Qian, that much was clear. Yet her gaze didn't hold their attention for long.
A sleek white Porsche Panamera glided to a stop in front of the BMW. Han Qian panicked. Should he rush down and keep Wen Nuan from stepping out? That would mean abandoning Gao. But if he didn't act, her presence would draw too much attention.
Before he could decide, Gao spoke again.
"Li Jinhe's Porsche? Tch. The Wen family's influence runs deep. 1234 plates — is she here for business?"
Sweat beaded on Han Qian's forehead. Li Jinhe rarely drove — she preferred her electric scooter or, at most, the old A6. What if it wasn't Wen Nuan inside but Li Jinhe herself?
His phone buzzed. The caller ID made him pause: Yan Qingqing.
"President Yan," he answered softly.
Gao frowned slightly at the name. On the line, Yan's voice was hushed.
"Is Gao Lüxing courting you?"
"I just stepped out for some air," Han Qian murmured. "I'll head back shortly."
"No rush. Ask your mother-in-law what she's doing at Rongyao. I saw her car."
Han Qian inhaled sharply. So she knew about his relationship with Wen Nuan. Ending the call, he turned to Gao with a smile.
"President Yan wants me to—"
Before he could finish, his phone rang again — this time, it was Wen Nuan. Offering Gao a quick, apologetic smile, he descended the steps just as the car door opened and Wen Nuan emerged.
She, too, wore a white suit — a coincidental clash with Sun Ya, yet each woman wore it with a different aura. Han Qian had no time to appreciate the contrast.
"Nuan, are you trying to make my life even more complicated?" he muttered as he approached.
Wen Nuan, sensing his frustration, shrugged nonchalantly.
"My car's in the shop. Li Jinhe told me to pick you up — dinner at her place tonight. And what? Am I ruining a date with Yan Qingqing? You were with Gao Lüxing, weren't you? Stay away from that man, Han Qian — I'm saying this for your own good."
"You came all the way here just for that?"
"I told you this morning I'd pick you up. Did you forget?"
"Fine, we'll talk later. Still an hour and a half till I'm off. How about buying groceries first?"
"No. I'll wait here."
She pouted and turned back toward her car — then caught sight of Sun Ya. Her expression darkened instantly. That woman's eyes, filled with disdain and veiled hostility, had not gone unnoticed.
Women know women best.
With a deliberate breath, Wen Nuan spoke in a voice just loud enough for those nearby to hear.
"If this is the kind of woman Rongyao has to offer, then I suppose I really do need to come fetch you."
Sun Ya's face flushed with fury. Wen Nuan, unfazed, shut the car door with a bang and revved the engine, parking nearby. Han Qian offered Sun Ya an awkward smile, then turned — only to see Gao Lüxing grinning and giving him a thumbs-up.
"Go on," he smirked. "Don't keep President Wen waiting. You're today's hero — I'll let you clock out two hours early."
Han Qian felt a chill settle in his chest. He realized, with a sinking heart, that he might be getting pulled into a much deeper storm than he'd anticipated.