Let's Go for Tea

The thirty-fifth floor of the office tower offered a sweeping, unobstructed view of the cityscape. Chen Qin stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the shimmering bay in the distance as she took a sip of coffee, lost in thought.

"Knock, knock."

"Come in."

The office door swung open, and her assistant stepped inside. "Director Chen, the planning department has finalized the meeting proposal. Please review it."

Chen Qin's expression remained calm as she returned to her seat. After carefully going through the document, she signed her name.

"Proceed with this plan. Also, notify Lisa to compile the financial report on last quarter’s investment losses—I need to see it."

"Understood, Director Chen." The assistant hesitated before adding, "Regarding the Longhu development project... we might need to allocate an additional 100 million yuan."

"Got it. You may leave."

"Yes."

As the assistant turned to go, Chen Qin suddenly called out, "Wait."

"Is there anything else, Director Chen?"

"What’s on my schedule for this afternoon?"

"Director Chen, you have no other commitments this afternoon, but Director Yang has requested to have dinner with you." The assistant smiled. "It might be nice to relax with Director Yang."

Chen Qin shot her a cool glance. "Since when do you schedule my personal time?"

Realizing her mistake, the assistant immediately lowered her head. "M-my apologies, Director Chen."

"Get out."

"Yes."

Once the door closed, Chen Qin leaned back in her chair, staring at the scenic wallpaper on her computer. With a quick keystroke, the image switched to a photo of a young man.

"I wonder what that guy is up to right now." A faint smile touched her lips as she cradled her coffee, gently swiveling her chair like a lovestruck girl.

After a moment’s hesitation, she glanced at her phone but wavered.

Would he think I’m clingy? Annoying?

Finally, she straightened up and tapped out a message:

Chen Qin: It’s past three—time for tea!

Chen Qin: Wanzi grinning stupidly.jpg

She stared at the chat window, but there was no "typing" indicator. Sighing, she rested her delicate fingers against her chin and set the phone aside.

Ding.

A notification chimed, and Chen Qin immediately snatched up her phone.

[Battery low: 20% remaining]

Chen Qin: "..."

Expressionless, she tossed it onto the wireless charger. Just then, another notification sounded.

She grabbed it again.

Ye Shuang: Aren’t you working?

Chen Qin couldn’t help but grin: I’m off today. So bored at home—come take me out, will you?

She deliberately avoided mentioning she was still at the office, not wanting to pressure Ye Shuang with the implication that all her free time was reserved for him.

Because she feared he’d find her irritating.

Ye Shuang: I’m on the clock. Next time.

Chen Qin’s cheeks puffed out.

Chen Qin: Take the day off. I’ll cover your wages~

Ye Shuang: And you call yourself a boss? Zero professional ethics.

Chen Qin: Meanie. Fine, I’ll find another guy!

Ye Shuang: Okay.

Chen Qin: I’m serious!

Ye Shuang: Mhm.

Chen Qin: Don’t you dare whine later—get out here!

Chen Qin: Confucius rolling up sleeves to flex muscles.jpg

Ye Shuang: ...

Ye Shuang: Come over for dinner tonight. Still dealing with a few girls here, and I just stuck it in.

Chen Qin: The hell??????

Ye Shuang: A thermometer. What did you think?

Chen Qin: Ugh, fine. Dinner at your place. Make my favorites—garlic scallops, a good soup, and sand ginger chicken.

Ye Shuang: You’re really not holding back, huh? Fine.

Chen Qin: Heh.

Setting down her phone, Chen Qin suddenly felt her nose tickle.

Achoo!

...

Hatchoo!

Meanwhile, in the school infirmary, Ye Shuang sneezed. Rubbing his nose, he figured the AC was set too low—despite the summer heat creeping in.

"Nurse~~ I’m so hot~"

"Nurse, do I have a fever~~?"

"Nurse, nurse~~ I don’t feel good~~~"

Three female students sat before him, their voices sickly sweet. Even without checking the thermometer, Ye Shuang could feel the heat radiating off them.

He sighed inwardly. The air in the infirmary was thick with hormones.

Soon, the results confirmed his suspicion—no actual fever.

After ushering the trio out, Ye Shuang returned to his seat. Being a school nurse was easier than expected; most "patients" these days were just lovesick girls.

"Out of gum."

Patting his pockets, he stood to visit the school store—though he knew chewing too much would square his jaw.

Quitting smoking was a marathon, battling not just physical cravings but psychological addiction.

After grabbing a pack of sour plum lozenges, he wandered onto the sports field for a stroll.

In the distance, a PE class was underway. Squinting under the tree shade, Ye Shuang couldn’t quite tell if it was Yu You’s class.

"Pervy old man, what are you doing out here?"

The sudden voice made him start. He glanced around but saw no one.

"Up here."

Looking up, he spotted a short-haired girl perched on a tree branch, legs dangling.

Ye Shuang: "..."

"Why are you up there?"

"Tired. Needed a seat." An Shiyu peered down, her bangs framing sharp eyes. Despite wearing a pleated skirt, she seemed unbothered by Ye Shuang’s upward gaze and lazily added,

"Don’t get any ideas, creeper. I’m wearing safety shorts."

Ye Shuang’s eye twitched. "I wasn’t looking! And since when did I go from ‘lecher’ to ‘pervy old man’?!"

"Also, who the hell sits on a tree branch to rest?!"

An Shiyu merely shrugged. "Says the gropey uncle. So nosy."

Then, to his shock, she leaned backward—hanging upside down from the branch until their faces were inches apart. "A ninja’s core skill is blending into any environment."

Ye Shuang gaped at her legs, still hooked securely on the branch, then at her inverted smirk. Damn impressive.

But as his gaze drifted lower, he remarked, "Your hairline’s receding?"

The words made An Shiyu jolt—and she plummeted.

Ye Shuang lunged forward, instinctively catching her.