The Marriage Harbor CH9
Chapter 9: I Forgot to Mention; My Wife, I Have a Pollen Allergy...
Amidst the bustling flow of traffic, a custom Cullinan came to a halt. The driver had already stepped out to hold the door open for Tang Zhisong.
Jiang Bin looked down, swiping through her call logs to ring Uncle Liu. From her side came Tang Zhisong’s deep, crisp voice.
"I’ll take you home."
Jiang Bin looked up. He was already standing there with a gentlemanly hand shielding the top of the door frame, waiting for her to enter. She didn't stand on ceremony, she thanked him and stepped inside. Tang Zhisong closed the door and circled around to the other side.
The car glided forward. The air conditioning was set quite low.
The back seat was undeniably spacious, featuring a built-in workstation in the center. Tang Zhisong’s discarded suit jacket lay on the console.
As the driver merged into traffic, he asked, "Young Master, where to?"
Tang Zhisong looked at Jiang Bin.
"Zhouyue International." Jiang Bin provided the address.
"Understood, Young Madam."
Tang Zhisong paused upon hearing the address. Zhouyue International was barely ten minutes from the Ningsheng Tech building. Conversely, his own luxury penthouse was adjacent to the Jiang Group headquarters, within walking distance. The two residences faced each other from opposite sides of the river.
The estates his grandfather wanted to give them were vast and opulent but they were far too distant from their respective offices. Tang Zhisong didn't care for any of them. If Jiang Bin wanted a house, he figured he could just give her his current apartment.
"Would you like some water?" Tang Zhisong asked. There was bottled mineral water prepared in the car.
Jiang Bin had been drinking. Her limbs felt flushed and warm. Drinking cold water now would be bad for her system.
"No, thank you."
She still hadn’t found a natural ease while sitting in her husband’s car, maintaining her polished social poise instead. This was her first time sharing such a confined space with him. His scent lingered in the air, a cold and light pine that made her wonder if his clothes were specially scented.
Tang Zhisong noticed her arms slightly crossed over her elbows as she leaned back. Her thick black hair covered half of her shoulders, revealing a patch of porcelain skin and the faint outline of her delicate shoulder blades.
Tang Zhishong never made a habit of scrutinizing women but since she was his wife, he let his gaze linger, quietly taking her in. Sensing she was cold, he instructed the driver to raise the temperature and handed his jacket over once more.
"Would you like to wear this?" His voice was magnetic and gentle.
Jiang Bin took it and draped it over herself again. The sensation of being enveloped by his scent grew stronger.
"Thank you."
Just then, Tang Zhisong’s phone rang. He was adjusting his watch strap and, seeing it was a common supply chain client, he simply put it on speaker.
"President Tang, I arrived late. I heard you’ve already headed back?"
Jiang Bin recognized the voice as President Feng of Changhong Electric Manufacturing. Beyond their own brand, Changhong did OEM manufacturing. Ningsheng Tech’s smart home division was an industry leader and if she guessed correctly, President Feng wanted to become an OEM factory for Ningsheng.
Having maintained some rapport with President Feng, she was sent a massive red envelope after her marriage to Tang Zhishong, though she turned the gesture down.
In this private space, the sharp edge in Tang Zhisong’s eyes softened slightly as he looked down at his phone.
"Apologies, I had to take my wife home."
The man on the other end was clearly eager to please.
"Oh, the little President Jiang of the Jiang Group, right? I know her! We signed several consulting projects with her recently. President Jiang is truly a straightforward and generous person. She’s very polite to us big clients. Every holiday, she sends either a gift or flowers..."
Tang Zhisong’s long fingers paused.
He was incredibly sharp. The memory of the two separate bouquets on Qixi flashed through his mind and he suddenly connected the dots.
Jiang Bin had been sitting there composed but hearing this, she nearly lost her poker face.
Which deity had she offended today? Why was everyone making things difficult for her?
Tang Zhisong could sense her breathing grow heavy. His dark pupils narrowed slightly yet he maintained his forward gaze.
"She is indeed thoughtful, meticulous, and well-versed in social graces." He said evenly.
The phrase "well-versed in social graces" felt like a slap to Jiang Bin’s cheek. She slightly bit her lip and rubbed her brow, wondering how she was going to explain this to him.
The pleasantries ended and the call disconnected. Tang Zhishong fell into a long silence, his thin lips pursed. He unbuttoned the top of his collar to reveal the firm lines of his throat. With his jaw set and his sharp gaze fixed ahead, he exuded an inexplicable tension.
He wasn't exactly angry since it hadn't reached that level and they had agreed not to interfere with each other. He was just inexplicably annoyed.
Tang Zhisong had been at the top of the pyramid since birth. In his world, people were always begging for his favor. He had seen plenty of politeness. Usually, it was cautious and calculated to appease him. Jiang Bin was the first and only person to give him such a half-hearted, "standardized" courtesy.
The lowest treatment he had received in his life was Jiang Bin’s "VIP Client" treatment.
The air inside the car felt thin. Jiang Bin stared awkwardly out the window, struck by the shift in their dynamic. She had expected only social business with Tang Zhishong yet here she was being personally escorted home in his car.
She was someone who had seen it all, so she quickly turned to him with a sincere explanation.
"What happened last time was my assistant’s doing. The bouquet that came later was the one I personally sent."
Her expression remained remarkably steady.
With a soft click, Tang Zhisong finally buckled his watch strap. He leaned back in a relaxed posture, the warmth fading from his dark eyes to be replaced by an unreadable edge.
"We are husband and wife. There’s no need for you to be so 'creative' as to treat me like a client you're entertaining."
"By the way, the gifts for my company’s major clients are custom-made to each one, not wholesale."
"And I forgot to mention; My wife, I have a pollen allergy."
A triple critical hit!
Jiang Bin was at such a loss she almost laughed. Tang Zhishong’s face was so calm and serious that she couldn't find a trace of mockery. Yet this one blunder had shredded the delicate mask of politeness between them.
* * *
The car pulled through the main gates of Zhouyue International, circling the garden to arrive at the lobby of the central tower. The concierge immediately opened the door. Jiang Bin stepped out first.
Tang Zhishong followed from the other side. He maintained his usual elegant composure, as if he hadn't just spent the last few minutes riling her up on purpose.
Jiang Bin stood still for a moment, lightly biting her inner cheek as she narrowed her eyes at the man before her. She rarely encountered anyone she found difficult to handle, yet Tang Zhishong was proving to be the exception. Still thanked him calmly.
"Thank you for the ride."
She didn't invite him up. Tang Zhisong, for his part, never entered a woman’s private space. His gaze lingered on her, the black suit jacket draped over her shoulders paired with the elegant evening gown made her look like she was on a runway. He didn't remind her to return the jacket.
"Get some rest." He said, then got back into the car and left.
Jiang Bin waited for the car to glide down the driveway before realizing his jacket was still on her. She couldn't call him back now, so she wore it into her apartment.
After a shower and changing into a casual slip dress, she returned to the living room and looked at the finely tailored suit with a headache. Recalling his words made it worse.
Especially that "custom-made" part... Was it mockery or something deeper?
She felt like she had encountered a very high-level hunter.
The river breeze was gentle. The comfortable silk of her dress clung tightly to her frame. Jiang Bin picked up a glass of red wine and stepped onto the terrace. Tang Zhisong was a handful but he was intriguing. Whether or not she should take the bait was up to her.
Her phone chimed with a WeChat message. Tang Zhisong was a man of his word, he had sent over his confirmed itinerary for the next few days.
Jiang Bin scrolled through the screen and replied:
[I’ll be busy at the office all next week with the Changjing Film project.]
[By the way, your suit is still here. When are you free so I can return it?]
Tang Zhisong was already back at his penthouse working in the study. Seeing the message, his gaze lingered. She hadn't specified who would return it or how. He didn't know what she was playing at.
[I’m free any time before Saturday.] He replied, narrowing the window to this week.
Jiang Bin checked his schedule again. He was only in Shanghai for two days this week before flying to San Francisco on Saturday. Thinking of that priceless watch, she replied:
[I’m sorry about what happened on Qixi. How about I treat you to dinner Friday night as an apology? I can return the suit then.]
She couldn't bring herself to deliver the suit to his front door personally just yet. As for the Changjing Film matter, she owed him one. It was only right to treat him to a meal.
Tang Zhisong gripped his phone, his brow smoothing over. He sent back a crisp [Okay.]
With the stiff formalities between them finally broken, Jiang Bin spoke with much more ease.
[Are you picky with your food? Any preference?]
Since she was hosting, Tang Zhisong wouldn't be demanding.
[I’m not picky. Pick whatever you like.]
Jiang Bin gave a cold laugh and replied:
[Your company’s major clients get 'custom-made' gifts. If I don't ask about your preferences, I’m afraid you'll accuse me of being perfunctory again.]
Tang Zhishong pressed his tongue against his teeth, letting out a low, magnetic chuckle that sounded more like a short breath. She really refused to lose. It was clear she’d caught the subtext of his words and the realization felt like meeting a worthy opponent. He had always appreciated a quick mind.
[I’m fine with anything. Whatever you like.] He insisted.
Having poked back at him, Jiang Bin felt much better. She replied: [Xijiangyue.]
Tang Zhisong sent back an OK emoji and Jiang Bin didn't reply further.
Tang Zhisong exited WeChat and called Assistant Li.
"Order a bouquet of Juliet roses for Friday."
Since he hadn't personally sent her flowers on Qixi, he would make up for it on Friday.
* * *
After a good night’s sleep, Jiang Bin arrived at the office at 8:30 AM sharp. In the four years since she returned to China, she had never been late. Her high standards had created a team of hardworking "corporate demons", her staff was efficient, diligent, and never idle.
The morning was spent in routine meetings. News of her taking over Changjing Film had spread and film projects were already knocking at her door. Her phone buzzed constantly with messages which she handled one by one.
Around 10:00 AM, she went to get coffee. Passing Tao Xing’s desk, she noticed the girl staring at her phone, eagerly replying to messages. Clearly, she was slacking off. While Jiang Bin was never harsh, she had no patience for "fishing" during office hours. She passed by and gave the desk a light tap to bring their focus back to the task.
Tao Xing noticed and immediately turned bright red.
During the lunch break, Li Yang brought Jiang Bin her meal. Tao Xing took the opportunity to come in and apologize.
"Sorry, Boss. I slacked off a bit this morning."
During work hours, Jiang Bin never chatted but privately she was willing to care for her subordinates.
"So what's up?"
Tao Xing was shy and grinned awkwardly. Li Yang spoke for her.
"The blind date from Qixi. Seems like there's a spark."
"Oh?" Jiang Bin’s interest was piqued. She motioned for them to sit and eat.
"What kind of guy? Tell me, I’ll help you evaluate."
Tao Xing introduced him enthusiastically.
"He's a software engineer. 178cm tall. Annual salary around 400,000. His family is from a county town. He has a younger brother in high school and his parents run a small business and don't ask him for money. They said they could even help a bit with a house down payment. He wears glasses and has a very cheerful personality..."
Hearing the salary figure, Jiang Bin rubbed her forehead. Having studied abroad, she wasn't used to people talking about these things so bluntly.
"You've only met a few times and you already know his annual salary?" She asked incredulously.
"He told me the first day we met." Tao Xing replied.
Jiang Bin felt a silent cold sweat. When she and Tang Zhisong got their certificate, she knew his company’s market cap and his Forbes ranking but she knew nothing of his personal finances. Of course, her situation was different from Tao Xing’s.
"How many times have you met?"
"Twice. We had dinner and walked by the river on Qixi and the night before last, he took me to a movie. Just those two times."
"Two meetings and she’s already head over heels." Li Yang chimed in.
"Is it that exaggerated?" Tao Xing shoved her.
"Why wouldn't it be? You're usually so serious yet today you got caught red-handed by President Jiang."
Tao Xing was both embarrassed and annoyed. She glanced at Jiang Bin and whispered her complaint to Li Yang.
"You didn't even warn me. You let the Boss catch me!"
Love was truly a distraction.
Jiang Bin took a sip of soup.
"What’s he like? I mean his character."
Tao Xing’s eyes curved into smiles.
"I think he’s good. He was very honest about his situation from the start. He's attentive to me when we're out. When we had dinner, I suggested splitting the bill but he refused and insisted on paying. Since the temperature dropped today, he even messaged me to tell me to wear more clothes."
"He does seem good. The problem is you're an only child and a local. I’m worried your parents might not agree." Li Yang nodded.
This was also Tao Xing’s biggest concern.
"I’ll just see how it goes for now."
It was rare for her to like a guy and she respected Jiang Bin and her opinion immensely.
"Boss, what do you think?"
Jiang Bin looked at her lazily and took another sip of soup.
"I don't think he's really that good."
"Huh?" Tao Xing’s face fell instantly. "Why?"
"The fact that he’s neglecting his duties to message you suggests he isn't exactly a dedicated employee. If he isn't ambitious in his career, how can he be expected to be reliable in life?" Jiang Bin replied leisurely.
"Pfft!"
"Boss, not everyone is like you. Nothing but work, work and more work." Tao Xing was practically in tears. Communicating with a workaholic was truly exhausting.
"10:00 AM is the golden hour for work. Instead of writing code, he's flirting with you. Is that appropriate?" Jiang Bin asked.
Tao Xing bit her lip, thinking: Boss, I hope you keep feeling that way forever.
As they left, Tao Xing whispered to Li Yang, "President Tang is such a charismatic man. How has he not conquered our Boss yet?"
Perhaps only when Jiang Bin started dating would their lives become easier.
Friday arrived in the blink of an eye.
Translator's Notes:
Amidst the bustling flow of traffic, a custom Cullinan came to a halt. The driver had already stepped out to hold the door open for Tang Zhisong.
Jiang Bin looked down, swiping through her call logs to ring Uncle Liu. From her side came Tang Zhisong’s deep, crisp voice.
"I’ll take you home."
Jiang Bin looked up. He was already standing there with a gentlemanly hand shielding the top of the door frame, waiting for her to enter. She didn't stand on ceremony, she thanked him and stepped inside. Tang Zhisong closed the door and circled around to the other side.
The car glided forward. The air conditioning was set quite low.
The back seat was undeniably spacious, featuring a built-in workstation in the center. Tang Zhisong’s discarded suit jacket lay on the console.
As the driver merged into traffic, he asked, "Young Master, where to?"
Tang Zhisong looked at Jiang Bin.
"Zhouyue International." Jiang Bin provided the address.
"Understood, Young Madam."
Tang Zhisong paused upon hearing the address. Zhouyue International was barely ten minutes from the Ningsheng Tech building. Conversely, his own luxury penthouse was adjacent to the Jiang Group headquarters, within walking distance. The two residences faced each other from opposite sides of the river.
The estates his grandfather wanted to give them were vast and opulent but they were far too distant from their respective offices. Tang Zhisong didn't care for any of them. If Jiang Bin wanted a house, he figured he could just give her his current apartment.
"Would you like some water?" Tang Zhisong asked. There was bottled mineral water prepared in the car.
Jiang Bin had been drinking. Her limbs felt flushed and warm. Drinking cold water now would be bad for her system.
"No, thank you."
She still hadn’t found a natural ease while sitting in her husband’s car, maintaining her polished social poise instead. This was her first time sharing such a confined space with him. His scent lingered in the air, a cold and light pine that made her wonder if his clothes were specially scented.
Tang Zhisong noticed her arms slightly crossed over her elbows as she leaned back. Her thick black hair covered half of her shoulders, revealing a patch of porcelain skin and the faint outline of her delicate shoulder blades.
Tang Zhishong never made a habit of scrutinizing women but since she was his wife, he let his gaze linger, quietly taking her in. Sensing she was cold, he instructed the driver to raise the temperature and handed his jacket over once more.
"Would you like to wear this?" His voice was magnetic and gentle.
Jiang Bin took it and draped it over herself again. The sensation of being enveloped by his scent grew stronger.
"Thank you."
Just then, Tang Zhisong’s phone rang. He was adjusting his watch strap and, seeing it was a common supply chain client, he simply put it on speaker.
"President Tang, I arrived late. I heard you’ve already headed back?"
Jiang Bin recognized the voice as President Feng of Changhong Electric Manufacturing. Beyond their own brand, Changhong did OEM manufacturing. Ningsheng Tech’s smart home division was an industry leader and if she guessed correctly, President Feng wanted to become an OEM factory for Ningsheng.
Having maintained some rapport with President Feng, she was sent a massive red envelope after her marriage to Tang Zhishong, though she turned the gesture down.
In this private space, the sharp edge in Tang Zhisong’s eyes softened slightly as he looked down at his phone.
"Apologies, I had to take my wife home."
The man on the other end was clearly eager to please.
"Oh, the little President Jiang of the Jiang Group, right? I know her! We signed several consulting projects with her recently. President Jiang is truly a straightforward and generous person. She’s very polite to us big clients. Every holiday, she sends either a gift or flowers..."
Tang Zhisong’s long fingers paused.
He was incredibly sharp. The memory of the two separate bouquets on Qixi flashed through his mind and he suddenly connected the dots.
Jiang Bin had been sitting there composed but hearing this, she nearly lost her poker face.
Which deity had she offended today? Why was everyone making things difficult for her?
Tang Zhisong could sense her breathing grow heavy. His dark pupils narrowed slightly yet he maintained his forward gaze.
"She is indeed thoughtful, meticulous, and well-versed in social graces." He said evenly.
The phrase "well-versed in social graces" felt like a slap to Jiang Bin’s cheek. She slightly bit her lip and rubbed her brow, wondering how she was going to explain this to him.
The pleasantries ended and the call disconnected. Tang Zhishong fell into a long silence, his thin lips pursed. He unbuttoned the top of his collar to reveal the firm lines of his throat. With his jaw set and his sharp gaze fixed ahead, he exuded an inexplicable tension.
He wasn't exactly angry since it hadn't reached that level and they had agreed not to interfere with each other. He was just inexplicably annoyed.
Tang Zhisong had been at the top of the pyramid since birth. In his world, people were always begging for his favor. He had seen plenty of politeness. Usually, it was cautious and calculated to appease him. Jiang Bin was the first and only person to give him such a half-hearted, "standardized" courtesy.
The lowest treatment he had received in his life was Jiang Bin’s "VIP Client" treatment.
The air inside the car felt thin. Jiang Bin stared awkwardly out the window, struck by the shift in their dynamic. She had expected only social business with Tang Zhishong yet here she was being personally escorted home in his car.
She was someone who had seen it all, so she quickly turned to him with a sincere explanation.
"What happened last time was my assistant’s doing. The bouquet that came later was the one I personally sent."
Her expression remained remarkably steady.
With a soft click, Tang Zhisong finally buckled his watch strap. He leaned back in a relaxed posture, the warmth fading from his dark eyes to be replaced by an unreadable edge.
"We are husband and wife. There’s no need for you to be so 'creative' as to treat me like a client you're entertaining."
"By the way, the gifts for my company’s major clients are custom-made to each one, not wholesale."
"And I forgot to mention; My wife, I have a pollen allergy."
A triple critical hit!
Jiang Bin was at such a loss she almost laughed. Tang Zhishong’s face was so calm and serious that she couldn't find a trace of mockery. Yet this one blunder had shredded the delicate mask of politeness between them.
* * *
The car pulled through the main gates of Zhouyue International, circling the garden to arrive at the lobby of the central tower. The concierge immediately opened the door. Jiang Bin stepped out first.
Tang Zhishong followed from the other side. He maintained his usual elegant composure, as if he hadn't just spent the last few minutes riling her up on purpose.
Jiang Bin stood still for a moment, lightly biting her inner cheek as she narrowed her eyes at the man before her. She rarely encountered anyone she found difficult to handle, yet Tang Zhishong was proving to be the exception. Still thanked him calmly.
"Thank you for the ride."
She didn't invite him up. Tang Zhisong, for his part, never entered a woman’s private space. His gaze lingered on her, the black suit jacket draped over her shoulders paired with the elegant evening gown made her look like she was on a runway. He didn't remind her to return the jacket.
"Get some rest." He said, then got back into the car and left.
Jiang Bin waited for the car to glide down the driveway before realizing his jacket was still on her. She couldn't call him back now, so she wore it into her apartment.
After a shower and changing into a casual slip dress, she returned to the living room and looked at the finely tailored suit with a headache. Recalling his words made it worse.
Especially that "custom-made" part... Was it mockery or something deeper?
She felt like she had encountered a very high-level hunter.
The river breeze was gentle. The comfortable silk of her dress clung tightly to her frame. Jiang Bin picked up a glass of red wine and stepped onto the terrace. Tang Zhisong was a handful but he was intriguing. Whether or not she should take the bait was up to her.
Her phone chimed with a WeChat message. Tang Zhisong was a man of his word, he had sent over his confirmed itinerary for the next few days.
Jiang Bin scrolled through the screen and replied:
[I’ll be busy at the office all next week with the Changjing Film project.]
[By the way, your suit is still here. When are you free so I can return it?]
Tang Zhisong was already back at his penthouse working in the study. Seeing the message, his gaze lingered. She hadn't specified who would return it or how. He didn't know what she was playing at.
[I’m free any time before Saturday.] He replied, narrowing the window to this week.
Jiang Bin checked his schedule again. He was only in Shanghai for two days this week before flying to San Francisco on Saturday. Thinking of that priceless watch, she replied:
[I’m sorry about what happened on Qixi. How about I treat you to dinner Friday night as an apology? I can return the suit then.]
She couldn't bring herself to deliver the suit to his front door personally just yet. As for the Changjing Film matter, she owed him one. It was only right to treat him to a meal.
Tang Zhisong gripped his phone, his brow smoothing over. He sent back a crisp [Okay.]
With the stiff formalities between them finally broken, Jiang Bin spoke with much more ease.
[Are you picky with your food? Any preference?]
Since she was hosting, Tang Zhisong wouldn't be demanding.
[I’m not picky. Pick whatever you like.]
Jiang Bin gave a cold laugh and replied:
[Your company’s major clients get 'custom-made' gifts. If I don't ask about your preferences, I’m afraid you'll accuse me of being perfunctory again.]
Tang Zhishong pressed his tongue against his teeth, letting out a low, magnetic chuckle that sounded more like a short breath. She really refused to lose. It was clear she’d caught the subtext of his words and the realization felt like meeting a worthy opponent. He had always appreciated a quick mind.
[I’m fine with anything. Whatever you like.] He insisted.
Having poked back at him, Jiang Bin felt much better. She replied: [Xijiangyue.]
Tang Zhisong sent back an OK emoji and Jiang Bin didn't reply further.
Tang Zhisong exited WeChat and called Assistant Li.
"Order a bouquet of Juliet roses for Friday."
Since he hadn't personally sent her flowers on Qixi, he would make up for it on Friday.
* * *
After a good night’s sleep, Jiang Bin arrived at the office at 8:30 AM sharp. In the four years since she returned to China, she had never been late. Her high standards had created a team of hardworking "corporate demons", her staff was efficient, diligent, and never idle.
The morning was spent in routine meetings. News of her taking over Changjing Film had spread and film projects were already knocking at her door. Her phone buzzed constantly with messages which she handled one by one.
Around 10:00 AM, she went to get coffee. Passing Tao Xing’s desk, she noticed the girl staring at her phone, eagerly replying to messages. Clearly, she was slacking off. While Jiang Bin was never harsh, she had no patience for "fishing" during office hours. She passed by and gave the desk a light tap to bring their focus back to the task.
Tao Xing noticed and immediately turned bright red.
During the lunch break, Li Yang brought Jiang Bin her meal. Tao Xing took the opportunity to come in and apologize.
"Sorry, Boss. I slacked off a bit this morning."
During work hours, Jiang Bin never chatted but privately she was willing to care for her subordinates.
"So what's up?"
Tao Xing was shy and grinned awkwardly. Li Yang spoke for her.
"The blind date from Qixi. Seems like there's a spark."
"Oh?" Jiang Bin’s interest was piqued. She motioned for them to sit and eat.
"What kind of guy? Tell me, I’ll help you evaluate."
Tao Xing introduced him enthusiastically.
"He's a software engineer. 178cm tall. Annual salary around 400,000. His family is from a county town. He has a younger brother in high school and his parents run a small business and don't ask him for money. They said they could even help a bit with a house down payment. He wears glasses and has a very cheerful personality..."
Hearing the salary figure, Jiang Bin rubbed her forehead. Having studied abroad, she wasn't used to people talking about these things so bluntly.
"You've only met a few times and you already know his annual salary?" She asked incredulously.
"He told me the first day we met." Tao Xing replied.
Jiang Bin felt a silent cold sweat. When she and Tang Zhisong got their certificate, she knew his company’s market cap and his Forbes ranking but she knew nothing of his personal finances. Of course, her situation was different from Tao Xing’s.
"How many times have you met?"
"Twice. We had dinner and walked by the river on Qixi and the night before last, he took me to a movie. Just those two times."
"Two meetings and she’s already head over heels." Li Yang chimed in.
"Is it that exaggerated?" Tao Xing shoved her.
"Why wouldn't it be? You're usually so serious yet today you got caught red-handed by President Jiang."
Tao Xing was both embarrassed and annoyed. She glanced at Jiang Bin and whispered her complaint to Li Yang.
"You didn't even warn me. You let the Boss catch me!"
Love was truly a distraction.
Jiang Bin took a sip of soup.
"What’s he like? I mean his character."
Tao Xing’s eyes curved into smiles.
"I think he’s good. He was very honest about his situation from the start. He's attentive to me when we're out. When we had dinner, I suggested splitting the bill but he refused and insisted on paying. Since the temperature dropped today, he even messaged me to tell me to wear more clothes."
"He does seem good. The problem is you're an only child and a local. I’m worried your parents might not agree." Li Yang nodded.
This was also Tao Xing’s biggest concern.
"I’ll just see how it goes for now."
It was rare for her to like a guy and she respected Jiang Bin and her opinion immensely.
"Boss, what do you think?"
Jiang Bin looked at her lazily and took another sip of soup.
"I don't think he's really that good."
"Huh?" Tao Xing’s face fell instantly. "Why?"
"The fact that he’s neglecting his duties to message you suggests he isn't exactly a dedicated employee. If he isn't ambitious in his career, how can he be expected to be reliable in life?" Jiang Bin replied leisurely.
"Pfft!"
"Boss, not everyone is like you. Nothing but work, work and more work." Tao Xing was practically in tears. Communicating with a workaholic was truly exhausting.
"10:00 AM is the golden hour for work. Instead of writing code, he's flirting with you. Is that appropriate?" Jiang Bin asked.
Tao Xing bit her lip, thinking: Boss, I hope you keep feeling that way forever.
As they left, Tao Xing whispered to Li Yang, "President Tang is such a charismatic man. How has he not conquered our Boss yet?"
Perhaps only when Jiang Bin started dating would their lives become easier.
Friday arrived in the blink of an eye.
Translator's Notes:
- Cullinan: The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the first all-terrain SUV produced by the British luxury carmaker Rolls-Royce. Named after the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered, it is an ultra-luxury "high-bodied vehicle" designed to provide the brand’s signature "magic carpet ride" on both paved roads and rough terrain.
- Juliet Roses: One of the most expensive and prestigious rose breeds in the world.
- "fishing" (摸鱼): It’s short for the idiom "catching fish in troubled waters". In a workplace context, "fishing" means slacking off or shirking work. It refers to the act of looking busy while actually doing something else. Like browsing social media, reading novels, or chatting, especially when the boss isn't looking.
- Code Farmer (码农): Tao Xing's words were originally "A coder in CS" or Code Farmer 码农. It’s a self-deprecating way to describe someone in tech. I just changed it to 'software engineer' to make it easier to understand.
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