Chapter Text
Xiao Zhan wants- needs to get married! He definitely needs to, by hook or by crook. If he’s not getting married soon, how else will he convince his ex that he’s perfectly fine without him for 3 years now? He has totally moved on, thank you very much. However, his cocksure of an ex wouldn’t leave him alone with the theory that Xiao Zhan has been living with grief and misery ever since their breakup.
It started when Xiao Zhan was shopping for his necessities and groceries with his mom at their neighbourhood shopping mart.
Xiao Zhan is a soon-to-be college graduate who is going for his internship in one of the most prestigious organisations in Beijing after his 3 dreadful years of study, cracking his brains over calculus. He suffered an awful heartbreak on his first year, getting dumped by his high-school sweetheart with “let’s focus on our study and not screw this up” as the basis. Xiao Zhan was admittedly fine with the reason, as he too, didn’t wish to disappoint his parents if he happens to lose focus on his study over relationship.
But all hell broke loose when he witnessed his (ex) sweetheart making out with a boy, seemingly of the same age as him, nearby an abandoned toilet in his faculty. Xiao Zhan stormed over to the pair, not caring if they looked like they had the shock of their lives, and demanded an explanation. Jia Yi, his boyfriend of 4 years, came to shield the boy and faced Xiao Zhan.
“I can no longer pretend, Xiao Zhan. The sparks are gone long ago.”
With that, he turned around and took the boy’s hand before they leave.
Xiao Zhan stayed, all the while like a statue. He felt like he needs a lifetime to fully digest the words.
“The sparks are gone long ago.”
That, is something Xiao Zhan would bring with him to the grave.
Xiao Zhan had a very hard time to set himself back on track after the incident. The pressure of being a first year student, loads of assignments with templates that are foreign for him, new environment and surroundings, also needless to mention the frustration of being dumped. To add to his burden, his no good of an ex just wouldn’t stop sending him texts with motivational quotes on “how to move on from your ex”. He’s pretty sure Jia Yi saw his pitiful state everyday since they are in the same faculty.
Xiao Zhan being Xiao Zhan, never had the heart to block Jia Yi’s number. Instead, he let the texts came in without bothering himself to open them. Jia Yi was consistent for almost a year, before the texts have gradually decreased. Now after 3 years, the texts still came in once in awhile, but Xiao Zhan has totally stopped paying attention to any of them.
Back to the shopping mart, Xiao Zhan was helping his mom to get the celeries weighted when he spotted Jia Yi and his boyfriend (the same damned boy that was caught making out with Jia Yi back then) walking passed the toiletries section. Xiao Zhan began to panic and requested for the staff to be quicker with weighting his celeries.
Once he has gotten the celeries, he turned to his mom.
“Ma, I think it should be enough for today. Let’s come again tomorrow!” He said with a nervous smile, hoping his mom would agree right away.
“What do you mean enough? You barely got anything for yourself yet, Zhan Zhan. Let’s go look for some shampoos and facial cleanser for you at least.” His mom then dragged him by the arm to the toiletries section. Xiao Zhan didn’t even get to protest before a familiar voice called out to him.
“Xiao Zhan?” The voice reached his ear. Xiao Zhan winces. He did not wish to hear that voice calling his name ever again since their ruthless breakup. He closed his eyes and mutters a silent prayer.
‘Please let this be the last one.’
Ever so slowly, Xiao Zhan turned around and forced himself to smile at the two.
“Ah… Jia Yi? Fancy seeing you here!” He greeted, totally disregard the other man beside Jia Yi. He had no business with said man anyway.
“Shopping with your mom? I thought I’d finally get to see you with a boyfriend. It’s been what, 4 years? Please, Xiao Zhan…” He sighed. The audacity.
Xiao Zhan inhaled and let out a sharp breath. His mom was about to say something to counter Jia Yi but he beats her to it.
“Oh we came together. The three of us. He went to fetch something from the car, will be back in awhile I think.” Xiao Zhan effortlessly lied.
“Who’s he?” Jia Yi raised an eyebrow.
“My husband!” Xiao Zhan chirped. His mom at the side looked like she’s about to get her eyes popped out of the sockets.
“Husband? As in married?” Jia Yi probes more. Xiao Zhan aggressively nodded.
It took Jia Yi a few seconds before he bursts into laughter. He laughed so hard to the point that he had to hold his stomach to avoid getting out of breath.
“Husband? Married? Who are you trying to fool, Xiao Zhan? We were literally in the same faculty for the whole 3 years, if you were married anytime during your study, people in the faculty would’ve talked about it!” Jia Yi couldn’t help himself but to laugh again.
Xiao Zhan opened his mouth, ready for another lie when his mom suddenly speaks up.
“It was a private ceremony. Exclusively for family members only. Zhan Zhan’s husband and his in-laws didn’t wish to get him distracted from his study, so we planned a simple one for their wedding. Now that he’s done with his studies, we’re glad to finally announce it properly. Congrats for being the first to know, A-yi.” Xiao Zhan’s mom finished off with a smile. A totally sincere smile, for the one who had mercilessly dumped his baby son after such a promising relationship. She couldn’t stop regretting herself for allowing the bastard to have her son back then.
Jia Yi’s mouth was completely shut. His eyes gradually widened.
“A-yi* wouldn’t joke about this right? If anything, you are the person who cared for Zhan- Xiao Zhan the most. A-yi wouldn’t joke about him being married to just anyone right?” Jia Yi stammered. The boy beside him had to hold him to stabilize the man.
(a/n: The word “a-yi” was used in 2 contexts: First is to refer to Jia Yi’s name in a familiar way – “ 阿怡 ” and the second one is “ 阿姨 ”, to refer to an elderly woman)
“Why would I joke about my only son’s love life? Just because you did it so easily, doesn’t mean I would, especially as his mother.” Xiao Zhan’s mother was ready to snap. Xiao Zhan began to run his palm over her back in attempt to avoid her from creating any uncalled commotion.
Jia Yi remained silent.
“As much as I want to lash out at you for dumping my son, whom you used to promise that you will take care of with your whole life, I don’t see the reason to anymore now. He’s far off better without you. His current husband is taking care of him way better than you did for those past years. And to think that they’ve only been married for a year… I couldn’t have wished a better life for my Zhan-Zhan.” Xiao Zhan’s mother exhaled, seem to be genuinely pleased.
A silent minute went by before Jia Yi let out a defeated sigh.
“Well then… I’m happy for you Xiao Zhan. I really do, I hope this will be your happiness of a lifetime. Also a-yi, it was a regretful decision, but I guess we are really not meant to be. I apologize for the promises that I failed to keep, and I’m aware that I deserve to be called out for that.” Jia Yi has never been barer with his words.
Xiao Zhan’s mother didn’t have any reply to Jia Yi, so she kept quiet and it took her awhile to nod as a response. Xiao Zhan then let out a sigh of relief and finally smiles. A pure, sincere smile. This has officially comes to an official closure. A proper one.
Jia Yi will no longer annoy him with his ridiculous theory anymore.
But then, Jia Yi continued.
“Since we’ve reached to this point now, I guess I’ll just say it. My boyfriend and I are planning to tie the knot in the next 2 months. It would be an honour if you can attend the reception with your husband. I’ll send out the official invitation in our faculty’s group chat soon.” Jia Yi declared, wrapping his arm around the said boyfriend.
Xiao Zhan’s smile dropped.
His mom coughed.
Xiao Zhan’s eyes met his mom’s in mild panic for a few seconds before his mom cleared her throat.
“Sure, Zhan-Zhan will definitely attend.” His mother confirmed.
“With his husband?” Jia Yi asked.
“Yes, with his husband. I’m sorry but we need to leave now. There are still so many things to buy since Zhan-Zhan is starting his internship next week. Glad to see you, hope this is our last time though. Bye, Jia Yi” Xiao Zhan’s mother didn’t even bother with familiarity anymore. She left no more room for discussion and dragged Xiao Zhan with her.
Xiao Zhan managed to lift up a hand to bid his goodbye to the couple before getting his feet dragged off by his mother.
As soon as they reached another wing of the supermarket building, Xiao Zhan stopped his mother from walking. She has been walking so fast ever since they left Jia Yi and his boyfriend.
“Ma, what now?” Xiao Zhan looked into his mother’s eyes, pleading for a solution. Xiao Zhan’s mother obviously looked guilty with her little stunt, yet the confidence is still as clear as the day.
“What else do you think, you’re getting a husband. Real soon.” His mother finalized.
-
It’s Monday. Xiao Zhan is standing in front of the mirror, making sure that no crease is making an appearance on his tie and brand new dress shirt which he had painstakingly ironed the night before. As he landed a last touch on his hair, Xiao Zhan grabbed his laptop bag and leaves his room.
His mother has prepared a full course breakfast and was in the midst of making a pot of tea when Xiao Zhan came into her view.
“Ah Zhan-Zhan! Good morning, come come sit down and eat! I’ve prepared a lot! It’s your first day of internship anyway, must eat a lot to start the day!” His mom enthused and gestured Xiao Zhan to sit. Xiao Zhan eyed all the meal and let out an amused laugh while shaking his head.
“Maaaaa! What’s with this feast? I’m only going for an internship, it’s not like I’m getting married or anything!” He joked as he took a seat beside his dad, who has started digging in. It’s not an everyday thing to see both Xiao Zhan and his dad at the breakfast table as his dad always leave very early to work. However, Xiao Zhan thought that he should be extra early for his first day too, so here he is.
“That’s the thing. It’s both for you.” His mom nonchalantly said while ladling out some soup into his bowl.
Xiao Zhan froze.
“What are you saying, ma?”
“Eat your food first”, his mom demanded.
Xiao Zhan reluctantly lifts up his spoon and scooped some rice into his mouth, eyes not leaving his mother’s.
As she was done with serving breakfast for her son, Mrs Xiao took a seat in front of him. She looked deeply into her son’s eyes and heaved a sigh.
“Zhan-Zhan… all your life, you’ve never disappoint me and your dad even once. You’ve been such a good child and made us proud of every little thing you do.” His mother began.
Xiao Zhan couldn’t foresee where this is leading to.
“If there is one thing that I could wish in exchange of my life, it is your happiness. I would trade the world to see you happy, son.” His mother continued. Xiao Zhan began to fidget and keep looking at his dad, wish to find some clues.
His dad kept on eating.
“Ma… don’t scare me like this. What is it?” He pried.
“What I’m trying to say is… I wish for you to settle down.” His mom confessed.
Clank.
The spoon fell down from Xiao Zhan’s hold.
It took him a whole minute to register his mother’s words. Then, he laughed.
“Ma, if this is still about what Jia Yi said last time, you can just let it pass. I’ll just attend his wedding alone and make up some excuses about my non-existent husband being sick or anything. It’s not a big deal, don’t worry!” Xiao Zhan convinced.
His mother then shook her head vigorously.
“No! I mean, this is not about that alone. But it is because I’ve found someone who is really suitable for you!” His mother looked guilty, but very resolute.
Xiao Zhan’s father’s sigh was heard as he put down his utensils and began reaching out for his briefcase.
“Thanks for the meal. I’ll be leaving. See you, honey. And son, I’ll talk to you after work. Just… trust your mother. Good luck on your first day.” His father pats Xiao Zhan’s back a few times before he left.
As the main door closed, Xiao Zhan turned his attention back on his mother.
“Ma… I still don’t understand.”
“Look, be honest with me. Are you okay with the idea of being married?” His mother probed.
Xiao Zhan gulped.
“Well… it’s not like I’m opposed to it but how would I support someone’s daughter when I’m only an intern?” He pouts.
“Now this is the best part, you won’t be supporting anyone’s daughter. Instead, someone’s son will be the one to take care of you.” His mother winked.
Xiao Zhan widened his eyes, silently urging his mother to continue. So she did.
“He is a son of my best friend. Wang Yibo. He’s a few years older than you, so he’ll definitely be able to take a good care of you in all aspect! I have known him since he was a baby, even way before I married your dad! He has grown up to be a very respectful young man now.” His mother grinned. Xiao Zhan swears he has never seen his mother being this happy speaking about other people’s son.
“Wang Yibo? Why did I never know of him, then?” He inquired.
“Yibo and his family has been living in another district since the last 13 years, only came back here for a short summer vacation sometimes. But even so, they would be extremely busy dealing with a lot of people regarding their family business. I didn’t even get to meet my best friend in person during those vacations of theirs. But now, they have apparently settled down for good here since the New Year and I have finally caught up with the family last month.” His mother excitedly chattered.
Xiao Zhan nodded in acknowledgement, had a feeling that the most awaited part is about to come.
“Now that both my best friend and her husband are retiring, they are planning to hand over one of their longest running organisations to Yibo. However since it’s a family business, they need to ensure that Yibo will have an heir to continue the lineage. Now here’s where you come into the picture! Mrs Wang was looking for a fitting candidate for his son, as Yibo is- I don’t know, showing very less interest in this stuff. So Mrs Wang is taking this matter in her own hands.” His mother explained.
Xiao Zhan raised one of his eyebrows.
“I swear Zhan-Zhan, I did NOT bring up your name! But Mrs Wang just happened to remember my baby son that she only got to see twice before loads of work came in her way back then. We did not even get to bid a proper goodbye when the Wang family moved out. She wondered if you are doing well now and so I told her everything about you, I even showed her your pictures!” Mrs Xiao waved her phone enthusiastically.
“What did she say then?” Xiao Zhan couldn’t help but get curious.
“Oh Zhan-Zhan… she ADORES you! She even requested me to send her one of your pictures, I chose the one with you in the white jumper! You looked the cutest in that one.” She grinned.
She then added, “She’s very confident that you will be the perfect complement to her only son. On the other hand, I am also so sure that Yibo will be the best for you. I’ve watched his growth for a good few years, and I’ve even met his grown-up self. You will be perfect for each other, Zhan-Zhan! Ah, it’s also a bonus for you!”
“What kind of bonus?”
“To show him off to Jia Yi, of course! You can bring Yibo to the wedding reception, and congratulate them with your head held high!” Mrs Xiao seems to be in an utter euphoria that Xiao Zhan began to wonder if this is really his mother.
But then, he gave it a brief thought.
Yibo sounds like a wonderful person. If Jia Yi found out that Xiao Zhan managed to score such a man, he would definitely admit defeat and completely leave Xiao Zhan alone after this. Perhaps his mother’s suggestion is not too bad after all.
He cleared his throat, “So… you’ve given my picture to Y-Yibo’s mother… now do I get to see how this Wang Yibo looks like at least?”
His mother did not respond. She kept staring at him until she suddenly realized that it’s getting late for him.
“Oh would you look at the time! It’s almost 7:30! Come on, finish your soup and get to work! Hurry, hurry!” His mother began to fuss around and shoved his bag into his lap.
Xiao Zhan frowned but rushed to drink the soup clean anyway. He slings his bag over his shoulder and looked at his mother again.
“Ma! I want to see his face!” He whined.
His mother only chuckled and pushes him towards the door.
“Get to your office first! Priorities! Go go, out now!”
“You’re chasing me out now? I’m not even married yet!” He whined even more loudly.
“Goodbye, my precious Zhan-Zhan! Wishing you tons of luck on your first day! Mama will cheer for you!” Mrs Xiao gestured her hand for Xiao Zhan to hurry before giving him some flying kisses.
Still grumbling, Xiao Zhan turned around and strides over to the elevator.
-
If Xiao Zhan was upset at his mother throughout his way to work, he wished for nothing more than to just be with his mother now that he actually reached the building he’s supposed to work in. Nervous is an understatement, Xiao Zhan is extremely fearful! This building is nothing like how it is featured on Google.
‘What the hell is this’, Xiao Zhan gulped.
Looking up to at least 400 feet above the ground, Xiao Zhan’s eyes light up with pure admiration upon setting his view on the strikingly lavish structure. The way it was proudly jutting out over the heart of Beijing, Xiao Zhan began to contemplate if he’s assigned to the correct destination. This is way too extravagant for people like him, much less the position that he’s about to carry.
Xiao Zhan then took out his phone to re-read the email. He’s pretty sure he got the place wrong. Yet as he scrolled though, Xiao Zhan swears his eyes were getting teary at the reality.
‘IO Wang Industries’
Same name, same entrance view from Google, and definitely the same address from both Xiao Zhan’s email and the one before him.
Forcing himself to shrug it off, Xiao Zhan inhaled and started making his way into the massive building.
He was greeted with a polite smile by the guard in-charge, which he was absolutely grateful for. Xiao Zhan was afraid if everyone in the building would be stuck-up and uptight given the high-end workplace they are in, like most of the society do.
Xiao Zhan felt even more grateful when he was welcomed warmly by the receptionist. He started to think that he could get used being inside of this building for the upcoming 6 months.
As the receptionist requested for his documents, Xiao Zhan let out a small ‘ah’ and hand over the file that he has been keeping close in his hold since he first stepped out of his home. While the receptionist is flipping over his file, Xiao Zhan managed to take a glimpse of her name on the nametag.
‘Ying Jun’
“You have a sweet name”, Xiao Zhan complimented. He has always been very generous with praises, yet none of them are insincere.
“Oh, you! It’s only your first day and already flattered me this much!” The receptionist gave him a genuine smile as she felt her cheeks flushed pink.
“It’s true, I’m not flattering”, Xiao Zhan defended himself.
“Alright, alright. Thank you I guess, now will you come with me please. I’ll bring you to your supervisor.” The receptionist chuckled and motioned for Xiao Zhan to follow her. Xiao Zhan noticed that Ying Jun’s partner nodded to her, hinting that she would be in charge of the front desk for a while.
Xiao Zhan followed Ying Jun’s footsteps while gulping every now and then. He needed to bring his hand up to palm his heart in attempt to calm it down. Every step towards the elevator is taking a huge toll on him. Xiao Zhan is confused too of why he is so terribly nervous.
After all, it’s just a first day of work. Nothing he supposedly could not handle.
As they arrived at the department Xiao Zhan is placed in, to which he noted is on the 25th floor, Ying Jun began to call out a name.
“A-Mei!”, She called out in a hushed voice, as to not disturb other staffs who have started working on their task that morning.
A particular lady then turned her head and began to jog towards them. Xiao Zhan figured that this is ‘A-Mei’.
“Oh what’s up?” ‘A-Mei’ asked, her eyes were totally on Ying Jun before she noticed his presence a few seconds later. She then gave him a polite nod. She has quite a pleasant demeanour, Xiao Zhan thinks, judging by the way she greeted the both of them.
“Introducing your new ‘little brother’!” Ying Jun chirps as she proudly pats Xiao Zhan’s shoulder.
‘A-Mei’ took awhile before responding with widened eyes.
“Ohhhhhhh is he the one…???!” A-Mei gushed. She truly sounds excited. Ying Jun nodded, a smile never fades from her face.
Not wanting to appear as impolite, Xiao Zhan butted in and introduced himself.
“Good morning, ma’am. I am Xiao Zhan, and I will undergo my internship here until December. I am looking forward to new exposures as your supervisee and I hope you will take care of me!” He said in one breath. He hoped his poor self-introductory session did not disappoint his supervisor.
Both of the ladies looked at each other and burst into laughter. Xiao Zhan gulped again and let out a nervous smile. Did he already screw something up?
“Oh you cutie! I’m not your supervisor! Well, I’ll be your senior though, but definitely not supervisor. You’ll have someone else to “take care” of you. Come with me!” ‘A-Mei’ winked and told Ying Jun that she will take it from there. Ying Jun nods as she whispers “jiayou!” to Xiao Zhan.
Xiao Zhan thanked her with an equally sweet smile and let himself be dragged by ‘A-Mei’ further inside the department. It’s totally packed with cubicle workstations and Xiao Zhan could not help but to wonder which one would be his.
His curiosity went to a stop as they arrived in front of another office. It was built in the same department, yet secluded from other cubicles. From the look of it, this office shall belong to someone of a higher position.
“Here we are! Let’s meet your rightful supervisor.”, ‘A-Mei’ grinned and put her fist on the office door to knock.
“Yes”, Xiao Zhan heard a curt reply from inside the office. The voice was deep but nowhere unfriendly. He felt himself sweating even more than he did before he came inside the building this morning. He rubbed his hands together and followed closely to ‘A-Mei’ as they stepped inside of the office.
“Good morning, Sir! This is the new intern, Xiao Zhan.” ‘A-Mei’ began to introduce him.
“Xiao Zhan, meet your supervisor. Mr. Wang Yibo.” ‘A-Mei’ then let out a satisfied smile, as if she had just accomplished a big mission.
Xiao Zhan’s heart came to a halt.
‘Wang Yibo…. Wang Yibo… could this be… THAT Wang Yibo??’ Xiao Zhan’s mind goes frantic. His sweaty palms got even sweatier. He tried so hard to control his breath, or else he would make it in the world’s record of an intern being hospitalized on his first day of work.
Wang Yibo’s voice managed brings him out of his little reverie.
“Oh, you’re finally here.”
Xiao Zhan almost choked on his spit as he listened to Yibo’s deep voice again, especially when it’s directed to him this time around. He straightened his posture and greets Yibo the same way he did to ‘A-Mei’ earlier.
“Good morning, sir. I am Xiao Zhan, and it’s an honour to report duty as my first day of internship in this organisation today. I look forward to learn a lot here and I hope you will take care of me well as your supervisee.”, he finished it in one breath, just exactly like he did earlier.
Wang Yibo’s eyes are now fully on him. He noticed Wang Yibo put down the pen that he’s been holding since Xiao Zhan and ‘A-Mei’ came inside on the table, before leaning back into his chair. The way Yibo explicitly gazed at Xiao Zhan is frightening the hell out of him. That man had nerves, shamelessly eyeing a new intern from head to toe like that. Not to mention that another staff was currently present too. It was almost a minute later that Yibo nodded in acknowledgement.
“Mm. Did you bring your documents?”
“Oh, here it is, Sir!” ‘A-Mei’ handed out Xiao Zhan’s file into Yibo’s waiting palm. Yibo took the file and began to flip through the pages. He nodded in approval as his eyes scanned Xiao Zhan’s final result transcript. Yibo then took out a few documents that required his signature from the file and put them aside. He flips the pages back to the first one, to read through Xiao Zhan’s resume again.
“It seems like you’ve never actually worked in a corporate office before?” Yibo enquired, as he saw Xiao Zhan’s previous working experiences only consist of “245 Convenience Store – part-time cashier”, “GBV Cinemas – part-time crew”, and “City Lite Shopping Centre – part-time promoter”.
Xiao Zhan sheepishly smile and gave a brief nod before responding,
“Yes, sir. I did not manage to apply for part-time in any office-based job before, mostly because there were limited opportunities and I was… a bit desperate to earn money as a student so I just went with whatever available.”
Xiao Zhan would rather k-word himself than to reveal that his mom once forbade him to accept that one office-based job offer just because the location is far from home and she refused to let her only son travel so far every day.
Xiao Zhan is his mother’s precious baby, fight him.
“I see, so this will be your first time,” Yibo hummed.
“Yes, sir”
“Alright then, have a sit. I’ll explain your position and job scopes.” Yibo gestured Xiao Zhan to the chair in front of him. ‘A-Mei’ helpfully pulls the chair out for Xiao Zhan to sit. She then turned to Yibo and pulled off a very knowing smile.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be getting back to my cubicle sir!” She chirped. Xiao Zhan had to admit that ‘A-Mei’ is really so energetic and… loud. But Yibo did not seem bothered by it anyway, so he simply let it pass.
Yibo let out a “hm” and soon after there were only the two of them in Yibo’s office.
Awkward is an understatement.
Xiao Zhan wants to flee himself out of the window or just scream for ‘A-Mei’ to come back. Wang Yibo’s cold aura is really making him nauseous. Still, he tried his hardest to not fidget as to avoid being seen as rude.
“Xiao Zhan.”
Said man slightly jolted and responded a quiet “yes” to his supervisor. His already straightened sitting posture got even straighter.
“Since you’re placed under my care, I reckon you’re already aware that you will be dealing with calculations and financial management most of the time.” Yibo starts explaining.
“Yes, I do.” Xiao Zhan answered, internally cursing at himself when he felt blush rising up his cheeks at Yibo’s mention of “under my care”.
“Alright, so based on your most recent result transcript, it appears that you did well in most subjects. I hope you’ll be able to adapt to your upcoming tasks just fine. Aside from finance, the interns are expected to give a hand to the administration team too if desperate time calls. Nothing’s too major, though. Only some clerical tasks, which I’m sure you can manage.” Yibo explained.
Xiao Zhan listened with interest, nodding his head while jotting the details down in his little notebook.
“Our company practices the standard 8 hours of working, starting from 8 AM to 5 PM. You may take time-offs maximum of 3 days per month, make sure to refer to the HR team for that. Lunch break is at 12 PM to 1 PM.” Yibo added.
“Will you introduce me to the HR team?” Xiao Zhan asked, nervous. He wouldn’t want to imagine wandering alone in the massive building to search for the Human Resource department.
“Yes, I’ll introduce you to the rest of the staff too after this. I have a meeting to attend at 9, if we couldn’t make it, ‘A-Mei’ will bring you instead.” Yibo promised.
Xiao Zhan smiles in appreciation and hummed in delight.
“Anything else to ask?”
“Um… may I know if I’ll be placed at one of those cubicles?” Xiao Zhan bashfully directed his finger at the cubicles outside of Yibo’s office. Yibo’s eyes followed his finger, which is pointing towards the transparent glass.
The eyes then were directed back on him.
“Would you like that?” Yibo asked.
Xiao Zhan’s eyes grew wider and he immediately waves both of his palms in defence.
“Ah no! I mean, I can sit anywhere! I was just wondering since I’ll be in this department. But I’m totally okay with sitting anywhere! Really!” He sputtered.
“Good. Because you’re supposed to be here, in this office. With me.” Yibo told him, brazen.
Xiao Zhan felt himself gaped. No words left his mouth.
“A few staff from the maintenance will come to set up your workstation here in my office latest by this week. For the time being, you can sit at the cubicle outside if you want. I’ll ask ‘A-Mei’ to find you a vacant cubicle.” Yibo decided.
Xiao Zhan really couldn’t find himself to react. It never crossed his mind that an intern could possibly be in the same office space as his superior. As if on cue, his eyes then landed on the silver name plate on Yibo’s desk.
Wang Yibo
Finance Executive
Great. An intern, together with an executive. Xiao Zhan can only hope that this will not bring any uncalled gossips in the company.
“If there’s nothing else, we shall go and greet other staff now.” Yibo suggested as he looks at his watch.
Xiao Zhan looked up at him and nodded determinedly. The thought of making friends with the other staff fuelled him up.
As Xiao Zhan got up from the chair and turned towards the door, Yibo’s voice from the back made his steps came to a halt.
“Lunch time is at 12 PM.” Yibo reminded.
Xiao Zhan turned again to look at Yibo, confusion is all over his face.
“Lunch time is at 12 PM. We’ll talk then.”
Both eyes are on each other.
“About us.” Yibo continued.
Yup. It’s him. He is THAT Wang Yibo. Xiao Zhan thought gravely.