Jiang You was jolted awake by the deafening noise next door, which sounded like a full-blown renovation. He had been working in this city for two years and hadn't moved once. Though he wasn't close to the family of three next door, they were at least acquainted. Logically, they shouldn't be undertaking such a massive renovation.
Jiang You glanced at his phone—it was already past 11 a.m. A renovation at this hour was normal enough. The real problem was yesterday's chaos: a lengthy main quest and a new contract to handle. This cursed game couldn't be paused; if he left it unattended for too long, the storyline would spiral out of control. Thankfully, it was the weekend, so he didn't have to work, or his perfect attendance bonus for the month would be ruined.
It's often the case that what you fear most comes to pass. Just as Jiang You was about to order some fancy takeout and settle in for a gaming marathon, his phone rang. The caller ID read "Baldy Zhang." His department leader, surnamed Zhang, had gone completely bald by his early forties, earning him this nickname among the staff. He was well aware that everyone in the department called him that behind his back, but he didn't mind at all, even refusing to wear a wig. In fact, he maintained decent relationships with his team.
A phone call from a company executive during vacation is never good news. Jiang You wanted to ignore it, but work isn't that simple. If the project wasn't completed, the entire department would face serious consequences. Reluctantly, he answered, "Hello, President Zhang. What's up?"
"Cut the crap, kid. The higher-ups are right here with me!"
Joking about "supercharging your title" might be harmless banter under normal circumstances, but if the top executives overheard, it could spell trouble. They might think you're dissatisfied with your current position and eager to climb the corporate ladder. If they liked you, they might even join in the joke. But if they didn't, it would only worsen their impression. At first glance, it sounds like nonsense, but everyone knows the consequences of leaving a very bad impression.
"Come to the office today. There's something urgent I need you to handle."
"Will it count as overtime?"
Jiang You only asked casually. He'd long since factored overtime pay into his earnings over the years and wasn't particularly worried about it. But this time, he got a different answer.
"No."
Jiang You's face darkened instantly. Thankfully, Baldy Zhang quickly added, "But I'll compensate you properly."
"I'll give you a compensatory day off on Monday, or any other time this week. Just make sure you take it before the week ends—don't go taking breaks when we're busy!"
"Fine by me."
Jiang You didn't have any other plans recently, so a compensatory day off would do. In this day and age, just keeping your vacation days from being swallowed up was a victory. "But we haven't been particularly busy lately, have we? The wrap-up work on the last project isn't much. Was it really necessary to rush me with this announcement?"
"Come over and you'll see."
Jiang You sensed a hint of mockery in Baldy Zhang's tone. "You still don't have a girlfriend, do you, kid? This is the best news you could ask for."
With the conversation going this far, Jiang You knew exactly what was up: either they were hosting a female colleague, or a new female colleague had arrived. Their department was already at full capacity, and for Leader Zhang to make a special trip in during the holidays meant this person likely had powerful connections. This wasn't exactly good news for Jiang You. It wasn't like their department lacked women; firstly, office romances were officially forbidden by the company. Secondly, he was already scrambling to grind games—every minute was money—he didn't have the time or energy to entertain a girl.
"Why don't you just ask one of the other female colleagues?" Jiang You murmured weakly, refusing the suggestion. If he spoke too loudly, the higher-ups might hear him, and neither he nor Baldy Zhang would fare well if they lost face.
"It would be more convenient if it were just girls, right?"
"Do you think I want to ask you?"
As if I don't understand that myself, Baldy Zhang thought. Why would I waste my time worrying about finding you a date? Half the seven or eight people in our department are single anyway. "But she specifically asked for you by name. You're not bad-looking, kid—that's probably why."
Jiang You was indeed quite presentable, partly because he hadn't been working long enough for his body to completely deteriorate. But even so, he wasn't handsome enough to possess the Unique Skill of Rosy-cheeked Youth, which would cause women to throw themselves at him. This whole situation seemed utterly bizarre. Judging by Baldy Zhang's tone, it didn't sound like he was planning to get rid of Jiang You to make room for a crony, making the whole thing even more baffling.
Could it be some leader's daughter who can't find a husband, and they're conscripting me?
While such things usually only happen in novels, there are real-life parallels, though they're rare. A young lady from a wealthy family never has trouble finding a husband; if she can't marry, there must be something wrong with her—her looks, personality, or even intelligence. This was terrifying. Jiang You suddenly felt an urge to flee. His game testing income was now higher than his regular job, enough to support himself for a while, though not indefinitely.
"What are you thinking, kid? I told you it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don't you trust your leader?" Baldy Zhang lowered his voice, "Don't let your eyes pop out there, or you'll embarrass both of us!"
"Hey, Manager Zhang, do you believe in free lunches?"
Even though Baldy Zhang didn't explicitly say it, his phrasing implied the woman was exceptionally beautiful, which made the situation even more alarming. If she was specifically requesting Jiang You, she must have ulterior motives. A woman with both money and looks wouldn't need to resort to such measures to find a partner. If it wasn't about romance, then what was it? Maybe she had her eye on his kidneys? Whatever the reason, it was terrifying.
"I don't believe in them either," Baldy Zhang replied, "but I do know that if you don't come, our year-end bonus assessment will likely be at the lowest tier."
Baldy Zhang made it clear that he didn't want to worry about all that—he only cared about money. He still had a family to support.
"…That's true."
The adult was easily persuaded. Jiang You decided it would be better to go meet them after all. Year-end evaluations like this were usually rotated through A, B, C, and D ratings, but in reality, it all depended on the evaluator's mood. As long as the higher-ups said the word, he'd probably be stuck with the lowest D rating—which was a far cry from an A. For the sake of his wallet, Jiang You decided to go alone. This was modern society, after all—the other party wasn't going to just eat him the moment they met, right?
"He agreed. He should be here in about twenty minutes. Would President Tong and Miss Tong like some tea first?"
Baldy Zhang wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. The black-haired girl sitting across from him—well, she was technically an adult, but she looked far too young, so he could only think of her that way—had been smiling the whole time. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that she was growing a bit impatient. Something else felt off too: her black hair didn't look entirely natural, almost like it had been dyed.
Baldy Zhang also tried hard to pull his gaze away from her chest—it was just too… prominent. For the sake of his position, he forced himself to suppress his instincts.