Ordinary Friends - Chapter 7

I was in a very stable mood that day at dinner.

In the private room, the heads of the Marketing Department, Administration Department, Human Resources, Finance, and Business Lines… all gathered together.

The Chairman, Li Nie, sat at the main seat. Li Qingqing was on his left, and Qin Zheng sat beside Li Qingqing.

The moment everyone saw Li Qingqing, they exchanged subtle glances. After all, it had only been a rumor before, but now, with her-a mere Intern-sitting next to Li Nie, it was clear the rumor was true.

However, since Li Nie didn’t introduce her, everyone pretended not to know and no one asked.

I sat properly next to Sister Fen from the Finance Department, eating and drinking as appropriate, socializing when necessary, and remaining silent when it was time to be quiet.

No one talked about business. The main character of this dinner was Albert. The theme, besides reviewing his contributions to the company, was to wish him great success and a triumphant start at the Nanjing Branch.

Not until after several rounds of food and drinks, when the pleasantries were almost done, did Li Nie finally put down his chopsticks and bring up the main topic of the dinner.

He was just over fifty, but well-maintained, looking energetic as if he were forty. His gaze, sharp as a torch, swept over everyone at the table. Then he picked up his napkin, wiped his mouth, and said, “Besides sending Albert off this time, there’s actually one more thing I want to talk about.”

I put down my chopsticks and looked up at him. Out of the corner of my eye, I accidentally saw Qin Zheng beside me. He had a faint smile on his lips-young, talented, poised, and steady. He looked quite a match for the smiling Li Qingqing next to him.

I withdrew my gaze, lowered my eyes, and calmly picked up the towel to wipe my hands.

Li Nie’s voice was deep and gentle: “As you all know, I have only one daughter. When she graduated, I arranged for her to work at the company. My daughter is strong-willed and didn’t want people in the company to know her identity. She just wanted to work her way up from the bottom.”

“These years, she’s done well. I’ve heard you praise her in front of me more than once. I’m very pleased. Now, the timing is about right, and since Albert is going to Nanjing, I think it’s time to introduce her to you all.”

His gaze quietly settled on me among the many seats, carrying a smile and a hint of pride. He reached out to me and said gently, “Shiyue, come here to Dad. It’s time for everyone to get to know you.”

I calmly put down my napkin and smiled.

In the dead silence, the only sound was Qin Zheng’s water glass being knocked over.

I looked over. He still appeared calm, apologizing with a smile as he wiped the table with a tissue-unhurried and not at all flustered. Then he looked up at me, his face slightly pale, his eyes unreadable.

I withdrew my gaze, not even glancing at him from the corner of my eye. I simply stood up and, under the shocked and varied expressions of everyone, walked toward the main seat. Placing my hand on the back of Li Qingqing’s chair, whose face was pale, I said politely and softly, “Miss Li, could you please make way?”

I heard someone gasp sharply.

Once the dinner had achieved its intended purpose, it quickly dispersed. I could imagine how much of a stir tonight’s events would cause in the company.

But what intrigued me more was Qin Zheng.

He once told me, “Shiyue, people always want to climb higher.”

I wonder if now, he’s on his way up.

I didn’t turn to look at him-not even a glance.

It was only when the dinner ended and he and the devastated Li Qingqing came over to say goodbye to my father that I heard his restrained, low voice: “Manager Li, Miss Xiao, we’ll be leaving now.”

I said nothing. My father’s probing gaze landed on Qin Zheng’s face, then glanced at Li Qingqing beside him. After a moment, he smiled, looking easygoing: “Alright, alright.”

After everyone had left the private room, the smile on his face gradually faded. He looked at me and asked, “What’s going on between you and Qin Zheng?”

Yes, I had mentioned Qin Zheng to him-right after graduation. But I hadn’t told him that Qin Zheng and I were dating. Still, with his experience, he probably guessed.

I smiled, meeting Li Nie’s scrutinizing gaze, and replied coldly, “Didn’t you see? He was taken by Li Qingqing. Her mother is good at interfering in other people’s relationships, so naturally, her daughter follows in her footsteps.”

I paused, then emphasized each word: “Dad.”