Although Ma Weiwei was not short of tens of thousands of yuan, Tong An'an was not someone without shame who could accept favors without any conditions.
She refused, "If you're not staying, then I won't either. I'll find a place and move out as soon as possible. You can talk to the landlord about breaking the lease when you have time."
Ma Weiwei understood Tong An'an's personality and knew she had a strong sense of pride, so she didn't insist.
She simply offered a way out, "My family hasn't been letting me go out lately, and I'm not in a good mood myself, so I'll be lazy for a few more days. You stay for now, and I'll let you know in advance when I decide to break the lease."
After sending a string of WeChat messages, Tong An'an put her phone on the table. Her appetite for dinner had diminished.
Jiang Jingyu observed her every move and facial expression, keenly sensing that she had encountered a problem.
"What's wrong? Why are you suddenly unhappy?"
How could she tell her boss about something like this? Tong An'an could only pretend to be strong.
"I'm fine, it's about my best friend. She said her family wants her to go on blind dates."
On the way back after dinner, Tong An'an had lost her interest in chatting.
Life required money at every turn, but she was just an intern who hadn't been made permanent. The immense pressure of life made her breathless.
The car window was slightly ajar, and a cool breeze blew in, ruffling her hair.
She gazed out the window blankly. In Jiang Jingyu's eyes, she was a beautiful, melancholic picture.
However, some things were better left unasked if the other person didn't mention them.
He respected her greatly and didn't disturb her.
They arrived at the apartment building. Tong An'an said goodbye to him. Jiang Jingyu didn't rush to leave. He stared at the streetlights of the complex for a few seconds before slowly turning his head.
"Tong An'an, can I discuss something with you?"
If the boss had instructions, he should just give them. Why the need to discuss? Tong An'an quickly nodded.
"From now on, you'll have breakfast with me every morning."
"I live alone, and no one cooks for me. I used to have bread and milk every morning, and I'm tired of it."
"From now on, you'll come to the company an hour earlier every day, and I'll give you overtime pay."
Coming to the company an hour earlier wasn't difficult. Why the subsidy?
Tong An'an quickly waved her hands, "No, no, it's not necessary. I have to eat breakfast anyway. If we eat together, why do I need a subsidy?"
Actually, Jiang Jingyu felt a bit awkward bringing up money between them all the time.
Seeing her say that, he changed his strategy.
"Then, I'll drive to pick you up from now on, and we can have breakfast on the way."
"Ah?"
"I can't have you accompany me for nothing. Didn't you say that sleeping early and waking up early is good for your health? Then it's settled. Tomorrow morning at seven, I'll pick you up here."
After speaking, Jiang Jingyu unbuckled her seatbelt for her, "Go back. Get some rest early."
Tong An'an knew that powerful figures were often lonely at the top, and their inner worlds could lead to unusual habits.
She knew of many historical figures like that.
It was her first time encountering a big shot like Jiang Jingyu in real life, and she finally understood that such things were not just legends; they were real.
To feel at ease while eating, he actually found a meal companion in a mere employee...
Money doesn't fall from the sky. Worrying is useless. She should focus on familiarizing herself with the business first.
Back home, she studied vocabulary while cleaning and showering, and even before sleeping.
She woke up with vocabulary on her mind every minute and second.
Until Jiang Jingyu appeared, she was still standing by the roadside, holding a dictionary and studying words.
After getting into the car, they greeted each other. Jiang Jingyu saw that she was still holding her dictionary and said,
"You study your words. I'll call you when I see a suitable breakfast place and stop."
She didn't refuse and continued studying.
After driving for a while, Jiang Jingyu stopped by the roadside, got out to buy two breakfast meals, and they ate in the car.
Tong An'an asked him, "Aren't you afraid of the smell?"
"A car is meant to serve people. Should I worship it like a deity? I'm not that particular. Eat up."
They ate in silence. Tong An'an was still studying vocabulary while eating.
They arrived early today, during rush hour. The parking garage was crowded.
If anyone saw her getting out of the CEO's car, who knew what rumors would spread.
Jiang Jingyu didn't fear damage to his reputation, but he worried about her.
So, the car stopped long before it reached the parking spot.
"You go up first. I have something to attend to and need to go out."
Tong An'an felt extremely embarrassed, "You're taking me to the company even though you have something to do? That's too much trouble. You don't need to do this in the future. Just tell me directly if you have something to do, and I can go by myself."
Jiang Jingyu thought to himself: She's so incredibly naive. Has she never been in love before? So clueless!
Back in his office, the more he thought about it, the more interesting he found her.
Since Zhang Yang had already figured everything out, he didn't hide it and asked him to get Tong An'an's information.
Soon, the file was delivered. He discovered that this girl was pretty much as her mother had described.
She had always studied well since childhood, had a good reputation during university, and had never been in a relationship.
It made sense. As a liberal arts student with few boys in her class, and with her introverted personality, it was no wonder she hadn't had a boyfriend.
Zhang Yang was also smitten. Fearing that Zhang Yang might feel uncomfortable if he intervened, Jiang Jingyu confessed to him.
He showed him a photo of Lu Jiaying.
"This was my first girlfriend. The moment I first saw Tong An'an, I felt an instant connection. So, I apologize, Zhang Yang. If you need anything, I can have someone introduce you to someone else. But not her."
Zhang Yang was also stunned when he saw Lu Jiaying's photo.
How could two people be so alike in the world?
It seemed the boss had taken an interest in her the first time he saw her. He had been so foolish...
"Mr. Jiang, you're too kind. I understand everything. No need, no need."
"It's good that you understand. Then I have a task for you."
Jiang Jingyu stated directly, "I'm not young anymore. Since I think she's suitable, I'll try to get to know her better."
"You've been with me for several years, and you know I lack experience in this area. I don't know how to express many things and fear scaring her. I can only work behind the scenes."
"You should go to her department more often and gather some gossip, so I have a direction to approach her."
Zhang Yang truly admired the workings of fate.
Tong An'an, Tong An'an, you never imagined you'd become the boss's wife at Zhan Group, did you?
The boss decided to pursue you as soon as you joined. What incredible luck!
"Understood, Mr. Jiang."
They continued their routine as meal companions, chatting casually. Soon, Friday afternoon arrived.
With no overtime scheduled for the weekend, Jiang Jingyu planned to go home after work to buy some groceries and have Tong An'an come over tomorrow.
At this moment, Zhang Yang brought more good news: Tong An'an was looking for a new place to live. She was reportedly planning to move.
"Elaborate."
Zhang Yang said, "I heard from Anna that her roommate's family had some issues, so they moved out. She can't afford the current rent alone and wants to find a smaller place."