“Where are you going? Not staying for breakfast?” Ji Yuqing called out just in time.
Tang Yan snapped out of her daze—she’d nearly walked right into a wall.
She felt like she was floating on clouds, so giddy she’d lost her sense of direction. Aunt Ji had kissed her. For the first time. Willingly. It was like walking on marshmallow clouds—soft and dreamy.
“Careful you don’t end up snorting your breakfast,” Ji Yuqing teased with a laugh.
“I won’t,” Tang Yan shook her head, her face glowing with joy as she dug enthusiastically into the breakfast Aunt Ji had made for her.
“What do you want for dinner?” Ji Yuqing asked suddenly.
“Hmm… your sweet and sour ribs. I haven’t had those in forever.” Tang Yan beamed.
“Alright. I’ll head out to the market for fresh ingredients once you leave.”
Tang Yan nodded, already looking forward to dinner.
After breakfast, Ji Yuqing got up and straightened Tang Yan’s collar before walking her to the door, standing quietly as she watched the car reverse out of the garage.
“I’m off to work,” Tang Yan said, sticking her head out the window.
“Drive safe, and don’t rush.”
“Got it!”
As the car cruised slowly through the neighborhood, Tang Yan peeked in the rearview mirror. Aunt Ji was still standing at the door, watching. That image filled her with a quiet kind of warmth and contentment. She loved this peaceful, happy life.
When she arrived at work, she clocked in and walked through the office to her department. A few colleagues had trickled in. She greeted them all, now much more open and outgoing than before.
“Whoa, good morning! You look like you’re in a fantastic mood today,” a male colleague said, spinning his chair to face her, noticing her radiant face.
“That obvious?” Tang Yan grinned.
“Oh, totally. It’s written all over you. Love really does transform people.”
“Hey hey hey, don’t jinx it,” another colleague chimed in. “Bad love can kill you. Like being dragged through hell.”
Tang Yan chuckled and sat at her desk, opening her computer. She pulled out her phone and looked at the lock screen—her and Aunt Ji in a selfie together. Smiling, she dove into her tasks.
“Hey, Tang Yan—has Chen always said anything about your full-time status yet?” the first guy asked.
Tang Yan looked up, stretching her neck toward him. “Nope, nothing yet. I’ve been busy with graduation stuff, and she hasn’t brought it up.”
“I bet it’s fine. She was already exceptional when she joined—Chen always valued her a lot.”
“True. Nothing to worry about, probably.”
“…”
They kept chatting—from her job status to crowded subways to lunch plans. But the moment they saw Director Chen walk into her office, the entire floor fell silent and got back to work.
Ten minutes passed.
“Tang Yan?”
The familiar voice came from a short distance away. Chen Yuyan looked as sharp and polished as ever, dressed in her typical powerful, executive style.
Tang Yan stood up. “Yes?”
“Come with me for a sec.” Chen spoke at the doorway and turned to walk in.
“Sure.” Tang Yan quickly straightened her clothes, left her workstation, and followed her in.
Inside the office, she closed the door behind her. Chen was already seated, fingers laced, her expression serious.
Tang Yan stood at attention, sensing what this might be about.
“First of all, congratulations on your graduation.” Chen paused, then added, “And secondly…”
Tang Yan stayed silent, standing respectfully.
“After discussion with the leadership team, we’ve decided to officially offer you a full-time position. You’re now officially one of us.” Chen finally smiled. “Congratulations—this is something to celebrate.”
Tang Yan blinked. “Wait, wasn’t there supposed to be a final evaluation?”
She’d been prepping for it for days.
“There was supposed to be one. Our company takes these things seriously—interns usually have to go through multiple rounds of assessments, and the final decision is signed off by the GM. But…” Chen gave her a sly look, “I pushed for you. They approved your full-time status without further tests.”
Tang Yan was stunned. Did that mean… she was now a regular employee, just like that?
“This past year, your work has been excellent. The higher-ups are impressed. Plus, you’re a top grad from Huadu. Your resume’s solid. Here’s your contract—check out the salary terms. If it’s not to your liking, we can discuss.”
Tang Yan stepped forward, glanced at the offer. “It’s… more than fine. I wouldn’t be here without the company’s support.”
“If everything looks good, go ahead and sign.” Chen handed her a pen with a smile.
Still a little dazed, Tang Yan signed. She couldn’t believe how lucky her day was turning out.
“Swing by HR later this morning to complete the formalities.”
Tang Yan nodded. “Thank you, Director Chen.”
“No need to thank me. Good luck—and again, congratulations.”
She nodded again, then left the office.
Everyone outside had been waiting.
“Well??”
Tang Yan pressed her lips together and whispered, “Chen said… I’m official now.”
“Holy crap, congrats!!”
“Ugh, I’m so jealous! I nearly didn’t survive my last evaluation round.”
“You’re buying lunch! No excuses!”
“…”
Everyone cheered, even more excited than she was.
During lunch break, after eating, Tang Yan called Aunt Ji on her way back to the office.
“What’s up?” she asked, smiling uncontrollably.
“Having a spa day with Zhang Miya. Judging by your timing… this better be good news.”
Of course Aunt Ji would know. She used to be a senior exec herself—she knew how this stuff worked. Tang Yan could never hide anything from her.
“Yeah! My boss told me I’m officially full-time now. My salary’s five figures!”
“Congrats! We’ll celebrate properly tonight,” Ji Yuqing said, laughing.
“You enjoy your spa. I’m heading back to work—I’ve got to be at my best.” Tang Yan said with fresh determination.
“Go on then. See you tonight.”
“See you~” Tang Yan blew a kiss into the phone before hanging up.
From the next bed, Zhang Miya groaned dramatically. “Ugh, so sappy. I could hear that from over here.”
Ji Yuqing smiled sheepishly and tucked her phone away. “Young people.”
“I’m so jealous. If I weren’t married, I’d go hunt myself a young hottie too,” Zhang Miya said shamelessly.
“Careful. If Doudou hears you, she’ll pick up all your bad habits,” Ji Yuqing teased.
Back at the office, Tang Yan gave 120% to her work. Every task was finished ahead of schedule. Though her seniors joked that her energy would fade in a year, Tang Yan didn’t care. She had goals—she wanted promotions, a better salary. She wanted to build a good life for Aunt Ji with her own hands—not live off hers.
Soon it was almost time to go home. Time flew when you were focused. Ten minutes left on the clock.
She finally stood up to get a cup of water, already thinking about asking for another kiss when she got home—and those sweet and sour ribs.
Just then, Director Chen’s secretary appeared at her desk.
“Tang Yan, Director Chen wants to see you.”
“Huh? Okay, I’m coming.”
When she entered, Director Chen was putting on lipstick in front of the mirror.
“I’ve reserved a restaurant for tonight,” she said. “The whole department’s invited. A dinner to celebrate your graduation and full-time hire.”
“…Ah, but Director Chen, I—”
She was cut off. “What, you don’t want to go? Got a hot date or something?”
Tang Yan looked down, effectively confirming it.
“I won’t push you. But I hope you’ll come. It’s a great chance to bond with the team.”
Tang Yan asked, “Can I make a quick call first?”
“Of course.” Chen gestured casually.
Tang Yan pulled out her phone and called Aunt Ji. At that moment, Ji Yuqing was at home in an apron, sweating over a pile of pork ribs.
“Yanyan? Done for the day?”
“Aunt Ji… there’s something I want to ask.”
“What is it?” Ji Yuqing asked, smiling.
“There’s a dinner tonight with my department, to celebrate my official hire. If you say yes, I’ll go. If you say no, I’ll come straight home.”
Ji Yuqing froze for a second, then quickly said, “Of course you should go. It’s a great chance to bond with your coworkers. Dinner at home can wait. We’ve got tomorrow, or the day after.”
“Really? You’re sure?” Tang Yan asked again.
“Yes, go. I’m giving you permission. Have fun—but don’t drink, okay?”
“Okay! I’ll try to come home early.”
“Mm!”
After hanging up, Ji Yuqing’s smile faded slightly. She turned back to the kitchen she’d been so busy prepping. A little disappointment lingered—but it was fine. She was genuinely happy for Yanyan. Work dinners were part of adult life. She didn’t want her to seem out of place.
“So?” Director Chen asked with a smile.
Tang Yan nodded, gripping her phone tightly.