Rising early, Han Qian bore the weight of two dark circles beneath his eyes. He had planned to stay up until midnight before sleeping, yet Wen Nuan had been so rambunctious until nearly eleven. Heaven knew where she summoned such boundless energy. Having barely managed two hours of rest, Han Qian lacked the strength to prepare breakfast. He knocked on Wen Nuan's door; when no reply came after some time, he entered only to find she had already left for work. Casting a puzzled glance at her phone on the nightstand, he hastily dressed and dashed out the door.
It was nearly nine o'clock.
He hadn't merely slept two hours — he had managed four.
In an unusual indulgence, he hailed a cab to work, but it was in vain — he was late regardless. Rongyao Group's check-in time was 8:50 a.m. As he disembarked, he saw Yan Qingqing's formidable Raptor already parked at the company's entrance. His heart sank, and he broke into a sprint. But as he reached the doorway and caught sight of President Yan standing with arms crossed in a form-fitting pencil skirt, he knew all hope was lost.
"Apologies, President Yan, I overslept," he said, breathless.
Her gaze flitted to the folder in his hand, her expression softening slightly.
"Burning the midnight oil reviewing documents? Or caught in traffic?" she asked coolly. "You could at least offer an excuse that made you sound industrious. I might've been moved to award you a bonus."
Han Qian scratched his head, awkwardly.
"No excuses — I simply overslept. But President Yan, you've already promised me a bonus. A man must be honest; that's how my father raised me."
"Pity your honesty doesn't move me," she replied. "An hour and a half late. You'll stay that much longer tonight. It's Tuesday — on Thursday morning, I expect you to make me leave the office smiling."
"Yes, President Yan... uh... may I go upstairs now?"
He dashed into the elevator, not even noticing who else was inside. Reaching the eleventh floor, he burst out and ran into Su Liang, sipping coffee in the corridor. They tilted their heads at one another.
"Something wrong?" Han Qian asked.
"You came up via the executive elevator?" Su Liang replied.
Realizing Su Liang might be right, Han Qian turned back, indeed noticing he hadn't taken the same lift as the previous day. He slung an arm around Su Liang's shoulders and strode off toward the General Affairs Department.
"Forget the elevator. Can you find someone skilled in 3D modeling? I've got a sketch that needs to be rendered. Also, I'll need you to visit some reputable interior design firms today — ask about their material demands and what kind of prices homeowners in our new development can reasonably accept. Keep the receipts — treat yourself well. Reimburse with Finance."
He handed Su Liang the folder.
"Inside you'll find a rough outline of the initial plan. I'd like the intel back tonight if possible. If the proposal flies, you're looking at a bonus around twenty thousand. Now go — I need to find Sister Yang."
Without giving Su Liang a chance to respond, Han Qian bolted, leaving the latter momentarily stunned. Su Liang began to realize that perhaps he wasn't suited for a life of idle ease. Busy or idle, a workday was a workday — and this felt like a true opportunity.
Su Liang left to fulfill his tasks. As Han Qian entered the General Affairs Department, he could feel the hostile glances thrown his way. Su Liang's warning from the day before had proven true — he'd disrupted the department's usual pace. These people disliked the disruption of busyness, and loathed even more to witness someone else's industry.
Han Qian didn't bother responding. He had never cared much for others' opinions — he lived for no one but himself. Carrying his documents, he stepped into Yang Lan's private office, causing one particularly sharp gaze to harden further.
Inside, Yang Lan was on a call. From her conversation, it seemed she was speaking with a teacher — school-related. Han Qian was mildly surprised; she looked barely thirty, yet her child was already school-aged?
When she hung up, she gave Han Qian a tight smile.
"Little Qian, it's only your second day and already you're late — that's not a habit you want to form. President Yan came looking for you this morning. I told her I'd sent you to pick up supplies. Don't slip up, alright?"
Han Qian's face fell as he sank into the chair opposite her.
"Oh Sister Yang, I've failed your goodwill. President Yan caught me at the entrance — I confessed everything. Now I've dragged you into it too!"
Yang Lan blinked, then rose and tapped his forehead with a slender finger, sighing.
"You really could stand to be more tactful. I heard President Yan gave you the project that wiped out the entire planning department?"
"Yeah," he nodded. "She said it technically falls within General Affairs' scope. I accepted without much thought, but after reviewing the materials last night, I realized I'd bitten off more than I could chew. I got Su Liang helping with the grunt work. Can those expenses be reimbursed?"
"If they're reasonable, yes."
"Good. Here's my draft from last night. If you have time, I'd love for you to take a look — guide this newbie a bit. Consider it a departmental project. I'm just a newcomer and technically overstepping. If I want to stay here long-term, I'll need your support."
He was humble. Regardless of who'd assigned the task, he now reported to General Affairs — he wouldn't let his actions reflect poorly on his direct superior. Nor would he appear to be a threat.
Yang Lan didn't immediately reach for the folder. She leaned forward, her ample figure resting lightly on the desk — but Han Qian kept his gaze lowered. Politeness dictated restraint. Besides, a woman in her position and age had seen far more than mere youthful charm. She wasn't just a pretty face. Unless he intended to seduce her — which he didn't — best to remain focused. He needed money, not complications.
"You want to drag me into this?" she said lightly. "Looking for someone to share the blame? Su Liang doesn't have the standing, so you chose me instead? Or maybe you're sensing the others' resentment?"
Han Qian lifted his head and smiled.
"Sister Yang, if this plan works, the bonus will be... substantial. Beyond your expectations."
She nodded with a wry smile.
"I know. I also know the task that leveled the planning department wasn't a joke. They draw salaries, but whether the company profits or not isn't their concern. If President Yan wants a plan made with heart, she'll have to pay for it. Now tell me — how confident are you in your success?"
"One hundred percent."
His smile was dazzling, unmarred by tension or embarrassment. His confidence startled her. She didn't exactly admire it — more likely, she found it audacious. Still, she didn't turn him down.
"If there's anything you don't understand, come to me. Need help? Ask. You've already acted without approval — I won't be petty and make life difficult just to assert authority. But you were late by an hour and a half. Tonight, you're staying. And since Su Liang's in on this, he's staying too. I'll be watching. Off you go."
Han Qian bowed in gratitude. As he opened the office door, Yang Lan called after him:
"Han Qian — just do what you're meant to. Ignore the noise."
"I understand, Sister."
After he left, Yang Lan finally reached for the folder, muttering under her breath with a chuckle:
"Crafty devil."