Part 08 Lost my way in the plum blossom formation
"Isn't that someone pursuing you?" Cuisu said, lifting a large bouquet of fragrant lilies with one hand from under the end of the sofa, shaking her head and sighing, "Cheng Baozhu, are you still not a woman? Allergic to perfume, allergic to flowers, allergic to cosmetics in general, I see that your days of being a resentful couple with Lin Fengmian are not far off. You don't even need to break up with him; you are entirely like a little submissive, not a woman at all"
"Huh? No need, no need, I have already finished eating." I chuckled awkwardly as Lin Fengmian across from me began to sip her soup delicately, her demeanor graceful and full of poise.
I suddenly felt embarrassed and desperately tried to signal with my eyes, Manager Lin, do you think I am omnipotent? Accompanying you for meals and drinks, and also for laughter?
"Cui Si, have you ever heard of the name Xu Pinxin?" I asked Cui Si, my large pillow in front of me creaking as I spoke, persistently inquiring. Back then, she and I, along with another tough girl from our class, were collectively known as the Iron Women Trio. It is unreasonable that neither Cui Si nor I have any recollection of this person.
The table was enveloped in a persistent silence, and Lin Fengmian's eyes began to dart like small knives, which meant for me to continue speaking! I chuckled awkwardly and said, "Let's change it, let's change it; that joke was a bit too lowbrow."
He turned around sharply and glared at me, then turned away and ignored me.
I will pick you up for dinner that evening
"Manager Lin, is it fun?" With a turn of the face, my laughter froze in my throat; Lin Fengmian's gaze was extremely terrifying
"I helped you throw away the flowers, you go wash your face." Lin Fengmian walked over from behind the table, swatting my hand that was reaching for the bouquet. Smacking her lips, she shook her head and said, "Cheng Baozhu, you must not gain weight; if you get fat, you'll look like a steamed cake." While shaking her head, she looked at me with disdain.
This fellow's voice is as loud as a broken gong, startling me so much that I shuddered and stumbled. What on earth is going on? Now, even jumping into the Yellow River wouldn't clear my name! I quietly raised my head to look at Lin Fengmian. His face bore no expression, his body stood upright like a green bamboo, his eyes fixed intently on the elevator's display button, motionless. The only sign of tension was that his hand, gripping the briefcase, tightened slightly, and his lips were pressed tightly together.
I shrugged and shook my head: "I don't know either." In fact, at 10 o'clock, Lin Fengmian and I were sitting here, and the cafeteria had not yet opened.
I rolled my eyes at her, let out a loud sneeze, and then asked, "Cui, are there any other gentlemen with the surname Xu in our class?" I was not giving up; the ambiguity in this Xu's features was so pronounced, it was as if I had once had an affair with him.
Sitting on the sofa, Sister Cuis suddenly broke down, roaring with her mouth wide open: "Are you going to let me live, Cheng Baozhu! I've said it a hundred times, no, no, no!" The green facial mask on her face cracked into deep grooves, causing her to grimace in pain.
The corners of my mouth twitched as I silently adjusted my clothes. In contrast to his calm and composed demeanor, I felt as though my image was completely ruined. Sister Cress, you could at least give me a hint. Even if he is not a potential boyfriend, I shouldn't embarrass myself in front of a handsome guy.
It is only 10:40, what are you having for lunch
At 10:40, the cafeteria finally opened, and I sat across from Lin Fengmian, devouring my meal ravenously
Lin Fengmian raises his glass, and I raise my drink
"Baozhu, have a sip of soy milk first." Xu Pinxin saw me come out and took a bag of soy milk from the plastic bag on the table, handing it over to me
He raised his eyebrows, bared his teeth at me, and pointed at the door behind me with one finger, shouting: "Go, get out, Cheng Baozhu, don't you realize how terrifying you look right now? How dare you still grin at me!"
I pondered for a moment and hesitantly asked in a lowered voice, "Cui, are you really sure that there is no one by the name of Xu Pinxin?"
His tone was so cold that it made me shiver involuntarily. He turned to look at me and smiled slightly, saying: "There is one point I must reiterate..."
Ah? Is that so? The person on the other end of the phone was utterly astonished, "So, you mean to say, I made a mistake with good intentions, Baozhu, you are not angry, are you?" His tone carried a hint of coquetry and a strong sense of childishness, which sent a chill down my spine
I also let out a sigh and said, "Once upon a time, there was a bar of soap... It took a bath, and as it washed, it gradually became smaller..."
Special car, I opened the door, stumbled a bit, and with a dazed gaze followed the direction pointed by Cici, screaming in disbelief: "Xu Pinxin, why are you in my house?" This question is not the most important; what matters is that I am currently wearing a cotton pajamas featuring a rogue rabbit, with the collar hanging down below my shoulders, utterly embarrassing.
I forced a smile and then said: "Later, the match went to the hospital, and after the doctor bandaged it, it turned into a cotton swab." Hahahahaha, I laughed so hard that I had to hold my stomach, tears streaming down my face...
Why? I opened my mouth wide; I am not Li Lianying, retreating to meet the emperor. Xu Pinxin on the sofa simultaneously looked puzzled and glanced at Cuis.
He slapped my forehead with his palm, let out a cold snort, and said mockingly: "You are not late today, but you also do not have perfect attendance this month."
"Ah May? What is it?" I walked over.
"Let's not talk about this anymore. In half an hour, I'll come to your company to take you out for a meal, okay?" The tone on the phone clearly became cheerful again.
I nodded, opened my mouth and silently smiled at him, my swollen face feeling itchy, yet I still managed to show a big smile and said: "Manager Lin, you are truly wonderful!" Little did he know, it was just my sharp tongue at play.
I continued to scratch my head, pointing at the glass door: "Manager Lin, there are three minutes left. If you are late, there will be no perfect attendance bonus"
8:40? I screamed and jumped up, grabbing my head, spinning around four or five times, thinking I was going to die, I overslept, and now I have to go back to the company, not knowing how Lin Fengmian will mock me
Lin Fengmian cast a glance: Cheng Baozhu, I regard you as a substandard product, unable to drink, unable to drive, unable to tell a joke, just snap! He used his eyes, but I understood.
I remained silent, pondering deeply for a long time, before finally looking up and asking: "Where has Sister Xu been hanging out lately?" Surely she can't be with relatives, as she doesn't seem to fit that description at all. Sister Xu is so robust, with a strong build.
At this point, Lin Fengmian was finally enraged. He jumped up, and the smile could no longer conceal the twitching of his face, and said to me: "Cheng Baozhu, the time for jokes is over, go get another bottle of this brand of wine."
He did not respond, his face beaming with a smile, as he raised his wrist and said, "I don't mind developing a relationship with you, but it is almost nine o'clock."
I reached out and touched my backside, and indeed there was a hole, not small at all, about the size of a ping pong ball. "Boom," my blood surged, and I retreated while slamming the door. Sister Cuis, you are ruthless, making me embarrass myself in front of the handsome guy.
Once upon a time ... ... I nervously scratched my head, wondering what joke to tell? What should I say? The table was silent, with twenty-two pairs of eyes staring at me intently. I forced a laugh and said, "There was a matchstick that, while walking, felt itchy on its head, so it scratched a couple of times. While scratching, it caught fire ... ... Hehehe ... ... " I laughed so hard I could hardly catch my breath and asked, "Was it funny?" "There was a matchstick that, while walking, felt itchy on its head, so it scratched a couple of times. While scratching, it caught fire ... ... Hehehe ... ... " I laughed so hard I could hardly catch my breath and asked, "Was it funny?"
You need not explain this to me! His voice was cold enough to freeze, and the pen in his hand kept tapping against the corner of the table, thud thud thud, making my heart race. After a while, seeing my tearful expression, he slightly softened his tone and said: "If I were you, I would throw away this flower and then wash my face properly"
Assistant Cheng? A round head poked out from the doorway, with round eyes rolling about. Upon seeing me stand up, it grinned widely, looking exceptionally happy.
The car was parked under the company's office building. I looked at my watch, drenched in cold sweat, and saw it was three minutes to nine, which left me with plenty of time. I kicked the car door open and jogged while scratching my head, with strands of hair standing up on top of my head like flagpoles.
In the future, please call me Manager Lin at the company! We are not close enough for you to call me by my name!" Just after he finished speaking, with a "ding," the elevator door suddenly opened, and he stepped in, raising an eyebrow at me, who was in a daze, and said, "Aren't you coming?"
The prolonged silence on the phone made me almost think the call was about to disconnect, when suddenly, a muffled voice of Xu Pinxin came through, sounding frustrated: "Baozhu, you are indeed heartless! You actually forgot about me."
"The flowers are for you, delivered by the security guard downstairs." Ah May waved a bouquet of fragrant lilies from behind, sniffing with her little nose, "So fragrant, who sent them, Assistant Cheng?" As she spoke, she cast a glance with her round, bright eyes at Lin Fengmian inside.
Oh, oh, oh, I began to speak and then told a joke: Once there was a gummy candy that walked on the street for a long time, and suddenly said, 'My feet are so soft'
Living like oneself is truly wonderful
I sighed, Lin Fengmian, your words are indeed venomous, provoking a surge of anger within me. I clenched my fists tightly, took a deep breath, opened the door, and walked towards the restroom
"No, sister, really not," said Cress sitting on the opposite sofa, her face covered in a green mask, her lips pouting like a chicken's rear, angrily mumbling, "I said, Cheng Baozhu, how many times do you need to ask?"
"Can you come out, Cheng Baozhu? There is a special car waiting..." Cui Si spoke with great vigor
I nodded, tears streaming down my face, and said, "I think so too." My attitude was exceedingly sincere, even tinged with a hint of resentment. This flower-giver was no simple character; not only did he sow discord between me and my boss's pure and unblemished colleague relationship, but he also left me in a state of unbearable itchiness. Truly venomous!
I don't know, she didn't even lift her eyelids, just reached out to slap her own face. After entering high school, we wouldn't be in contact anymore. Besides, at that time, you had to make up for every subject, and all your time was spent on extra classes. You couldn't even engage in wrongdoing, so what was the point of keeping in touch with her
Passing by A May's desk, the young girl was animatedly chatting with her friend: "I am furious for the sake of my beloved, how stylish! I am so adorable..." Her eyes habitually sparkled like stars
As soon as I finished speaking, everyone at the table let out a big sigh, staring at me, waiting for the next joke
Cheng Baozhu, it is 8:40...
"Um, I am listening," I replied, making an effort to swallow the food in my mouth. "Mr. Xu, please do not send any more, I have, uh, a pollen allergy."
The Shandong clients at the table all applauded and said, "Assistant Cheng, tell us a joke"
"In the evening, accompany me to receive clients." Lin Fengmian across the table finally finished her last sip of soup with grace, took a napkin to wipe her mouth, and seemingly realized something, saying, "By the way, does it affect your date? However— I advise you to prioritize your career! If you do not work hard today, you will have to work hard to find a job tomorrow!"
Hmm? My body leaned forward, "What?"
My heart felt a slight disappointment, and the saliva in my mouth was bitter. After a brief moment of awkwardness, I instinctively became polite, smiling gracefully as I said, "Of course, thank you, Manager Lin." I stepped into the elevator, keeping my gaze straight ahead.
Lin Fengmian's face flushed even more, making it difficult to discern whether it was due to intoxication or anger
"Well, Feng Mian, I am not actually familiar with General Xu." I licked my lips, and for some reason, I felt a strong urge to explain.
While speaking, I raised the bottle of wine in my hand, and I suddenly felt a sense of relief. I nodded and bowed as I hurried out, hiding behind the door and letting out a deep sigh of relief
"Baozhu? Are you listening?" The sound from the phone was incredibly loud, causing Lin Fengmian, sitting across the table, to frown repeatedly.
Do not mention men; among women with the surname Xu, apart from our trio of iron men, there is no other woman with the surname Xu except for Sister Xu Zhihui
"Why are you suddenly being so nice to me?" I took the soy milk, filled with questions, "Mr. Xu, it seems we are not very familiar with each other."
I glanced at the person across the table, who was leaning back in the chair, turning their head away, pretending to survey the cafeteria. I chuckled awkwardly and said, "Mr. Xu, thank you for the flowers, but let's leave it at that. I don't have the energy to play such games anymore." It's not like I'm seventeen or eighteen; even in my youth, I never had a fondness for flowers.
Private life? How could such a vulgar term be used to describe someone as pure as I am! With tears in my eyes and sneezing, I timidly held the lily perfume, resembling a deeply wronged little dog, silently gazing at him. He glared back at me, while May beside him stuck out her tongue and quietly retreated from the office, closing the door behind her.
Ah, I suddenly had an epiphany. Indeed, I have worked four days and was late for three of them. At this point, no matter how hard I try, I cannot achieve perfect attendance. I glanced at Lin Fengmian and forced a smile.
His tone was incredibly distant, like that of a wronged woman who has just been abandoned by her beloved
The table remained silent, and twenty-two eyes continued to stare at me intently. Among them, two shot out piercing sparks. I understood what Comrade Lin Fengmian's eyes were saying: Cheng Baozhu, if you don't liven up the atmosphere for me, I will snap you!
For the entire morning, Lin Fengmian did not even glance at me. I was unsure whether this could be considered a cold war, as I sat at my desk like a puppet, feeling helpless. While organizing the materials, I occasionally stole glances at Lin Fengmian, who was in a foul mood. Every employee reporting the situation was met with various criticisms from him, and the entire marketing department was shrouded in a gloomy atmosphere, with the pressure so low it was suffocating.
I am speechless, holding the phone in a daze, heartless, am I heartless? Comrade Xu, the key question is, who exactly do you think you are?
Xu Pinxin, dressed in a royal blue casual suit, was sitting on the sofa. Upon hearing my scream, he slightly turned his face, smiling broadly as he said: "Baozhu, is it not good for me to take you to work?"
"Cecilia, do not be so irritable," I shook my head, stood up, and said to her, "the face mask has cracked." I slammed the door in front of her.
It has been proven that the more one restrains oneself from thinking about a certain matter or person, the more that person or matter will occupy one's thoughts. After a sleepless night, I got out of bed before 5 a.m., sighing deeply while gazing at the noisy construction site outside the window. It is said that a sign of aging prematurely is insomnia. I, in distress, rubbed my dark circles in front of the mirror and began to daydream.
I smacked my lips and shook my head, saying: "I still don't believe it. If I didn't know him, why would he frame me?" I scratched my face while sneezing.
My mouth was stuffed with food, my face pressed against the phone, yet I couldn't squeeze out a single word
I wipe away the cold sweat and begin to tell jokes
Is the flower beautiful
If there were another segment of love that belonged to me, it would be even more fulfilling I lay in bed, sighing with satisfaction and happiness, inadvertently, the figure of Lin Fengmian gradually emerged in my mind, becoming clearer and clearer, with her charming and alluring eyes, and a faint dimple on her cheek, stop, enough! I suddenly realized, hurriedly shaking my head, my hands grasping and releasing the blanket, it must be that I am too tired today, I am self-hypnotizing, exhausted to the point of daydreaming, I tightly closed my eyes and began to count sheep
After a long period of time, my eyes felt strained, so I continued to lie down and sleep without any distractions in my mind
I rolled my eyes heavenward, wondering what on earth is going on in the minds of today's young girls
Manager Lin, that is swelling, not fat, alright? Such a lack of common sense. I tugged at the corner of my mouth, my face full of swollen itchiness, making it hard to resist the urge to scratch.
He slightly turned his head and smiled distantly and coldly, saying: "Cheng Baozhu, you do not need to report to me about who you associate with, as long as it does not affect your work."
This is just the beginning, how could it end here? Baizhu, I like you, I liked you since elementary school. The voice on the phone rose by ten decibels, almost in a tone of declaration.
You must wash with cold water if you have a pollen allergy!" He said this while once again slapping my hand away with a "smack." "Remember, do not use warm water, and also, do not scratch; it makes me feel itchy.
"Baozhu, I will pick you up for lunch at noon." Xu Pinxin poked his head out of the car, but his eyes were directed at Lin Fengmian. Seeing that Lin's gaze also returned, he extended two fingers together and made a salute gesture at his bangs, smiling broadly as he said to Lin Fengmian: "Manager Lin... please take good care of my Baozhu." The way he called out 'Manager Lin' was so tender and lingering, with a prolonged 'ah' that sent shivers down my spine. He smiled broadly as he said to Lin Fengmian: "Manager Lin... please take good care of my Baozhu." The way he called out 'Manager Lin' was so tender and lingering, with a prolonged 'ah' that sent shivers down my spine.
The air pressure in the elevator is unprecedentedly low, and I shrink my neck, adopting a turtle-like posture. Do not attempt to guess your superior's thoughts; over-guessing will only lead to premature aging.
I continued to think, grabbing my face, my hands, and even my neck, it was impossible, there were only so few people in the school, could it be that Xu Pinxin mistook the person?
9 o'clock? Late? Like a thunderbolt, I pulled Xu Pinxin over and shouted: "Hurry, let's get in the car!"
As expected, this woman has completely lost her composure, her voice louder than a loudspeaker: "The 150 yuan face mask has cracked like a tortoise shell, Cheng Baozhu, I really want to slap you!"
Achoo, achoo, I sneezed twice in a row, pulling the sleeves of my suit down to cover my palms, with a bitter smile on my face. I received a large bouquet, which felt quite heavy when I lifted it, and I couldn't help but sneeze twice more.
"Cheng Baozhu, why don't you tell everyone a joke?" Lin Fengmian said with a slight blush, turning her face to me with a smile, her dimples flashing. She then addressed everyone at the dining table, saying, "Our Assistant Cheng is very humorous." As she spoke, she patted my shoulder.
I do not know who sent it. I continued to sneeze uncontrollably, starting to drop the bouquet while scratching my hands and face.
"Baizhu, you may go back to your room and change your clothes," Sister Cuis said with a furrowed brow
Thus, at a quarter past nine in the evening, I was still engaged in battle at the dining table
"Cheng Baozhu, did you crawl out from Mawangdui?" Standing on the steps of the company and pulling the door, Lin Fengmian turned around and, upon seeing my appearance, couldn't help but frown in reproach, "Look at you, from head to toe, you can only be described in one word, and that is... messy."
I stuck out my tongue, fell onto the bed without taking off my shoes, and laughed heartily while covering myself with the blanket. It felt wonderful to hear Sister Cress roar, as if vitality were being continuously infused into my veins. I enjoy this pure and joyful feeling. Indeed, I have moved on from the suffocating one-sided love I had for Ye Xun; life is like fragrant and juicy cherries, gradually emanating a charming aroma towards me.
Ah? I—'' I was just about to refuse when Xu Pinxin's voice cut in ahead of me, ``Alright, it's settled then.'' The person on the other end of the phone decisively hung up.
I shook my head in silence, Manager Lin, since the conversation has reached this point, how can I have my own private life
Lin Fengmian's face turned pale in an instant. He glanced at me and then at Xu Pinxin, his expression complex, yet he tightly shut his mouth. He swung open the glass door and slipped inside. I awkwardly followed behind him, and after we had walked quite a distance, Xu Pinxin at the door suddenly raised his voice and shouted: "Baozhu, it’s fine to follow Manager Lin, just remember not to fall for someone else."
Hmph! A soft cold snort came from behind. I slowly and quietly turned my head, and Lin Fengmian's eyes were fixed intently on the flowers in my hand. Seeing me turn around, she simply slammed the folder in her hand onto the table. "Cheng Baozhu, I really dislike employees who drag their personal lives into the work environment"
I was so shocked that I almost dropped my phone, and I exclaimed in panic: "Ah? Xu Pinxin, do I know you? Were you my classmate in elementary school?"
I hurriedly changed into my work uniform, opened the door, and found Sister Cuis and Comrade Xu already quite familiar with each other, like brothers, calling each other "brother" with great joy.
I am doing this for your own good. "Cui Si said with a worried expression, after hesitating for a moment, she finally mustered the courage to say, "There is a small hole in the position of your butt—no, in the area of your hips, in your pajamas.