The night had descended like an invisible net over the entire city. Office lights flickered off one by one, and employees chatted and laughed in the lobby as they headed out.
Wei Yumeng lowered her gaze to her phone. The boss had sent a message in the group chat, suggesting a post-work dinner at a nearby restaurant to celebrate Jessica's appointment, a chance for everyone to relax after a strenuous period.
Wei Yumeng joined the chorus of "Received" replies. As she looked up, she met a pair of scrutinizing eyes – it was Jessica.
"Manager Wei, isn't it?" Jessica's gaze held a hint of animosity. She held a document in her hand, looking down at Wei Yumeng with disdain.
"Yes, that's me. Is there anything, Secretary Jessica?" Wei Yumeng nodded politely. Her gaze flickered briefly when it fell upon the document in Jessica's hand.
This document was the proposal she had submitted just that evening.
"Your proposal isn't quite up to par. Take it back and revise it." Jessica slapped the document into Wei Yumeng's hand, her smile unwavering.
Wei Yumeng raised her eyebrows in surprise. As Jessica let go, the document slipped from her grasp. Wei Yumeng's reflexes were quick, and she caught it.
Jessica had just taken office today. Was she already diving into work so quickly?
"I understand." Wei Yumeng nodded slightly. She tucked the document into her bag and was about to leave when Jessica blocked her path.
Wei Yumeng frowned and looked directly at the woman before her, standing still and waiting for Jessica to speak.
"This proposal is time-sensitive. Email it to me by tomorrow morning. Make sure it's done as soon as possible." Jessica patted Wei Yumeng on the shoulder, her eyes slanted upwards. "Thank you for your hard work, Manager Wei."
The words were meant to be encouraging, but they were laced with an unfathomable mockery.
Wei Yumeng met Jessica's gaze, and her lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile.
"It's my duty. On the other hand, Secretary Jessica has worked hard. You've taken on work on your very first day."
The gathering was scheduled for later, yet she was asked to submit the proposal by morning. This meant she would definitely have to work overtime tonight to finish it.
"I'm someone who returned from abroad. I pursue speed in my work. There are no 'buffer periods' with me." Jessica's smile faded slightly. She gave Wei Yumeng a deep look and then turned to leave, waving at her. "Let's go, Manager Wei. The dinner party is about to start."
The smile vanished from Wei Yumeng's face. She smoothed her hair and remained silent. The woman ahead had already disappeared into the elevator.
Was this the proverbial "new broom sweeps clean"?
Wei Yumeng squeezed her bag and gazed out at the brightly lit city landscape. She didn't dwell on it and walked straight out.
"Welcome, Jessica, to our company. Cheers!"
A group of employees cheerfully congratulated Jessica, raising their glasses to clink and then draining them in one go.
As soon as the group finished their drinks and sat down, someone eagerly questioned Jessica.
"Jessica, your arrival has certainly brought a great asset to our company!"
"We heard you just returned from abroad. Tell us about your experiences overseas!"
"Jessica, you're so beautiful. Do you have a boyfriend?"
The employees' questions were overwhelming. Jessica smiled and shook her head.
"Thank you for your compliments." Jessica's eyes darted around. She casually glanced at Wei Yumeng, who was not far away, and then changed the subject. "The women in our company are all very beautiful. I wonder if any of you have boyfriends? If I know any quality gentlemen, I'll introduce you."
Jessica's words caused a stir among the female employees. The circle of elite overseas returnees would surely consist of equally outstanding men. Who wouldn't want to find a good match?
"Jessica, you're so eloquent. We're nowhere near as beautiful as you." Some women covered their mouths and complimented her with feigned humility.
"I'm speaking the truth. For example, Manager Wei is very good-looking." Jessica said, smiling at Wei Yumeng with a pointed remark that thrust her into the spotlight.
Some of the women immediately scowled. Jessica's words implied that Wei Yumeng was the most beautiful woman in the company, even though they themselves were not unattractive. Furthermore, Wei Yumeng already had a child!
Suddenly called out, Wei Yumeng raised her watery eyes and saw that several women looked displeased. She put down her chopsticks and smiled faintly.
"Jessica, you're joking. A few days ago, a partner company was chasing me for the phone numbers of other girls in our company. They were acting like they were pursuing fairies."
Wei Yumeng's eyes crinkled, and she gestured with her hands, speaking humorously.
"They even promised to buy me coffee if they succeeded. But they've been so sweet and inseparable since then that they've completely forgotten about it. No wonder there's an old saying: 'Once you have a wife, you forget your mother.'"
Wei Yumeng sighed regretfully and clapped her hands, as if recounting a true story.
The others were amused by her antics and burst into laughter, instantly forgetting Jessica's earlier remark. Some male colleagues even implored Wei Yumeng to elaborate.
"Manager Wei, which couple is it? Tell us, and we promise to get back the coffee you were owed as a matchmaker!"
"Shameless! You guys are just as gossipy!"
If she revealed it, the entire company would know. Some younger women blushed and playfully threatened to hit them.
"No, no. I'm a friend to women. I can't possibly expose people." Wei Yumeng winked and joined in the playful banter, the atmosphere becoming lively.
Jessica watched Wei Yumeng intently throughout, letting out a silent hmph and slowly sipping her wine.
"Jessica, Yumeng is already married. Her husband is from the Zhan family," a man beside Jessica said, seeing her look bored. He was trying to ingratiate himself with the beautiful newcomer and his superior.
Jessica gave a perfunctory "Mm-hmm," not even glancing at him.
She knew everything about Wei Yumeng's affairs; there was no need for anyone else to elaborate.
"I didn't expect Manager Wei to be married so young, and to such a good family!" Jessica's voice rose as she swirled the liquid in her wine glass. "If I had a husband like that, wouldn't everything be easier?"
Jessica's words easily stirred up envy in some. It was the Zhan family, after all. Who wouldn't want to marry into a wealthy family and become a rich young lady?
"Indeed. But we can't envy it. We don't have that kind of luck."
"If only we could meet a rich second-generation heir, who would still be a corporate slave?"
"With servants at home and a rich, handsome husband, Manager Wei really struck gold!"
Sour remarks flowed endlessly, one after another, all directed at Wei Yumeng.
A subtle glint flashed in Wei Yumeng's eyes. Her gaze pierced through the crowd to Jessica. She saw the latter leisurely swirling her wine glass, meeting Wei Yumeng's eyes without any hesitation.
"Manager Wei, I've just returned from abroad and tend to speak directly. I hope you don't mind."
Jessica raised her wine glass to Wei Yumeng and downed it with a bold gulp.
"Of course not," Wei Yumeng replied, her lips curving upward. She slightly raised her eyelids, then refilled her glass and also drank it down with gusto.