For The Rest Of Our Life – Chapter 139

How about coming back with me?

Shi Jinglan is a person who separates her personal and professional life clearly. Even though she was slightly annoyed by Wen Tong’s obvious distraction after receiving the text message, when it came to company matters, she collected all her emotions and objectively discussed with Wen Tong.

Regarding Wen Tong’s recommendation of Xiao Wanqing, Shi Jinglan readily expressed her agreement without much thought. As for the issue of compensation, she also generously indicated that she could try to meet Xiao Wanqing’s requirements as much as possible.

She had considered poaching Xiao Wanqing before. She had come into contact with Xiao Wanqing, and her eloquence, cultivation, and abilities left a deep impression on her, which she greatly admired. In the business world of Anjiang City, everyone could see Xiao Wanqing’s outstanding writing and editorial planning abilities. The sales of the magazine she led far surpassed those of other magazines and also exceeded the industry standards by far. Over the years, there were quite a few companies that had considered poaching her. However, strangely enough, for several years, Xiao Wanqing had been willing to turn down other high-paying offers, choosing to remain at ZC Magazine. Over time, most people gave up on the idea of poaching Xiao Wanqing, assuming that she had a special relationship with ZC and couldn’t leave.

If Wen Tong could really convince Xiao Wanqing, that would naturally be as good as it gets.

“Do you have the confidence to convince Xiao Wanqing?” Shi Jinglan said in a low voice.

Wen Tong revealed a relaxed smile, with a warmth in her eyes that Shi Jinglan had never seen before, and replied, “President Shi should also know that Xiao Wanqing and I are not just alumni, but we also share the same mentor and have been good friends for many years.”

Shi Jinglan observed Wen Tong’s somewhat unusual expression and subtly furrowed her brows.

“So, I will do my best, and there is still a fairly good chance,” Wen Tong intentionally didn’t elaborate on her words, nor did she reveal Xiao Wanqing’s desire to resign. She wanted to maximize her efforts to secure the best possible terms for Xiao Wanqing.

Although Juxing Media is just getting started, Wen Tong is confident that if they can bring Xiao Wanqing on board, within two years, Shixing will surely become a leading new media outlet in Anjiang City.

“Then I look forward to Manager Wen’s good news,” Shi Jinglan had an official smile on her lips, and she raised her cup slightly as a gesture to Wen Tong.

After finishing the meal, and with the late hour, Wen Tong thought about the pleasant prospect of working together with Xiao Wanqing in the future. She wouldn’t have to waste her energy and endure the arrogance of the operating director, as she had to do in the past, leaving her feeling frustrated and powerless. Her mood improved and her mind became active.

She’s not a dull person. She understood the hints Shi Jinglan conveyed that night and this time. She knew them well. She couldn’t hold onto any hope regarding Xiao Wanqing. But from the night she actively engaged with Shi Jinglan, she had fully accepted the fact that there was no possibility for her and Xiao Wanqing.

Her logic had always told her that maintaining such an unclear and ambiguous relationship with her superior was bound to end in disaster. But everyone was single, mature adults. If they found compatibility and could benefit from each other, and part ways amicably, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all?

Satiated and warm, Wen Tong looked at the elegantly composed Shi Jinglan wiping her hands and thought of the humiliation from the unreported incident before the National Day. Her eyes flashed with determination, and she rarely, from the bottom of her heart, took the initiative and said, “Shall I take you home, President Shi?”

Shi Jinglan paused in her motion of wiping her hands, looked up at the woman with sharp and distinct features, but unexpectedly displaying a bright and gentle smile, and slightly curved her lips at her.

The next second, she calmly refused, “No need, I have asked the driver to pick me up.” Business is business, and personal matters are personal. The business had been concluded, and as for personal matters, she was not in the mood for them now.

Wen Tong was caught off guard by the rejection and visibly paused. Did she misread the situation? Wen Tong looked at the composed Shi Jinglan and felt doubtful in her heart. It was like being forced to swallow a mouthful of fish soup by Shi Jinglan, only to suddenly be choked by a fishbone.

But they were both adept at socializing and being adaptable. Soon, Wen Tong managed her expression and, like a considerate subordinate, draped her overcoat that had been set aside over her elbow, stood up gracefully, and responded, “Be careful on the way, President Shi. It’s late, I’ll accompany you outside to wait for your car.”

Shi Jinglan did not refuse and nodded calmly. She walked ahead of her in a composed manner.

After seeing off Shi Jinglan, Wen Tong returned to her car and sat there blankly. She seemed to remember something, opened her glove compartment, glanced at the unopened set of silk stockings and garter belt inside, and suddenly, with a sense of shame, closed it with a snap. (LP: Kinky)

Who knows when she bought them, and why she put them in? Wen Tong thought that she must have been in a daze when she received the medicine from Shi Jinglan, otherwise, why would she have absentmindedly ordered them online? After some contemplation, she opened the glove compartment again and stuffed the medicine that Shi Jinglan had given her and that she hadn’t finished taking back inside.

She probably wouldn’t need them in the future. Wen Tong felt a sense of inexplicable loss. She forced a smile, started the car, and drove home.

Having obtained Shi Jinglan’s approval, the next evening, Wen Tong made plans to have dinner with Xiao Wanqing to convey the invitation from Shixing.

However, having not seen Xiao Wanqing for nearly half a month, Wen Tong couldn’t help but marvel at the magical power of love. Xiao Wanqing looked radiant, exuding an increasingly gentle and charming aura that caught everyone’s attention. Wen Tong belatedly realized the significance of Xiao Wanqing’s remark to her about wanting to “live once more for Lin Xian.”

“How come you suddenly decided to move your nest?” Wen Tong teased Xiao Wanqing as she poured her a cup of tea.

Xiao Wanqing took a sip of water, raised her hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, and looked at Wen Tong slightly shyly, arching her eyebrows.

Wen Tong suddenly understood.

Indeed, Xiao Wanqing spoke softly, “Because now I have a future that requires my efforts, I feel it’s time to move forward. I want to create a better future for Xianxian, a better life. Also, Zhou Qin isn’t quite happy with my current job, I want to change her perception of my life starting from my work.”

It had been many years since Wen Tong had heard Xiao Wanqing talk about the future with such anticipation. She felt a mix of emotions at that moment—some bittersweet, some comforting, and mostly, she was happy for Xiao Wanqing.

If the person helping Xiao Wanqing to move on wasn’t Lin Xian, but someone simpler, of similar age, and with a less complex relationship, that would have been better. Watching Xiao Wanqing, now full of vitality and rejuvenation, she couldn’t help feeling a bit worried, afraid that the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.

But this was Xiao Wanqing’s choice, and all Wen Tong could do was to fulfill her duties as a friend to the best of her ability. Regaining her focus, Wen Tong changed the subject and spoke with Xiao Wanqing about work matters.

Xiao Wanqing naturally trusted Wen Tong, and the initial treatment provided by Shixing could already be considered conscientious. Moreover, once inside, she would be working alongside Wen Tong, with Wen Tong responsible for overall management and external operations, while she would take care of content details and operations. Given her expertise and familiarity with the job, this alone was a significant attraction for Xiao Wanqing compared to other unfamiliar environments.

“There’s just one thing, the workload might be much higher than what you’re used to now. Also, due to the real-time nature of new media communication, we might need to follow hot topics in real-time, so overtime could happen at any moment. Can you handle that?”

Xiao Wanqing nodded calmly, saying, “No problem, I’ve mentally prepared myself for it when I decided to switch jobs.” She humorously self-deprecatingly added, “You used to tease me about entering old age early. Perhaps it’s time to stretch my muscles and bones after living a retired life for so long, isn’t it?”

Wen Tong couldn’t help but chuckle.

However, Xiao Wanqing didn’t immediately agree, leaving some room for herself: “Give me two days to consider, okay? I haven’t talked to Xianxian about changing jobs yet. I’ll ask for her opinion when I get back and discuss it with her.”

Wen Tong was taken aback for a moment and subconsciously thought, “What would Lin Xian, a child who hasn’t even entered the workforce, know?” But in the next moment, she looked at Xiao Wanqing’s serious expression and suddenly understood.

Perhaps in everyone else’s eyes, Lin Xian was still just a half-grown child. It was a fixed mindset. However, in Xiao Wanqing’s eyes, Lin Xian was her equal and respected partner, someone to rely on and share mutual support and care.

Wen Tong seemed to realize something and couldn’t help but sigh helplessly.

It started to drizzle outside, and Xiao Wanqing hurried to pick up Lin Xian after the meeting at school, deciding to leave first. There were still desserts left, and Wen Tong complained about Xiao Wanqing prioritizing romance over friendship, saying she would stubbornly finish them alone.

She sat in the restaurant, watching Xiao Wanqing’s elegant figure push open the door and stand outside by the glass window, making a phone call. There was tenderness in her eyes and at the corners of her mouth. Then, she turned back and gave her a faint smile, waving goodbye…

During her time alone in Changze City, Wen Tong had once listened to a girl’s prayer in the middle of the night, “Pray to the Lord to be a good person for ten minutes, give me his kiss, like showing mercy to a sinner,” and it had brought tears to her eyes. Now, as she watched Xiao Wanqing’s fading but still joyous figure, she silently prayed in her heart, “Pray for the world to spare this pair of lovers, may they never face what they fear.”

As Xiao Wanqing arrived at Jingnan University, the heavy rain gradually subsided. Due to the previous reporting incident, Xiao Wanqing was afraid of complications, so when the rain completely stopped, she didn’t drive into the campus. Instead, she cautiously parked on the opposite side of the road from the gate, then sent a text message to Lin Xian.

Before long, she saw a tall figure walking out from the school gate. The young girl had a backpack slung over one shoulder, and her hand was in the pocket of her coat. Her long hair was gently blown by the night breeze as she walked casually toward Xiao Wanqing, exuding a graceful charm.

Xiao Wanqing couldn’t help but roll down the car window, her gaze fixed firmly on the approaching figure.

Lin Xian stood in front of the car window, bent down to meet Xiao Wanqing’s eyes, and raised her lips, playfully saying, “Wasn’t I super handsome and good-looking just now?!”

“No.” Xiao Wanqing suppressed a smile and denied insincerely.

“Xiao Panpan, you’re not being honest!” Lin Xian walked around to the passenger side, opened the door, and complained, “Who was staring at me intently just now?”

“Could you see from that far away?”

“Of course I could see, I saw you only rolled down the window halfway. Just admit it, I’m super charming, right?” Lin Xian pouted, with a hint of smugness and cuteness in her coquettish manner.

Xiao Wanqing was amused by Lin Xian’s self-love and leaned in to help her fasten the seatbelt, not arguing with her, which could be considered as an acquiescence.

Lin Xian then happily pecked Xiao Wanqing’s face.

As they drove halfway, Xiao Wanqing was about to bring up the job change with Lin Xian, but Lin Xian beat her to it, hesitantly saying, “Xiao Xiaowan, I have something I want to discuss with you.”

“Oh?”

“My mom called me today and mentioned my birthday this year. My birthday falls on the same day as the Lunar calendar, so I can only celebrate once. She hopes I can come back to celebrate with them, and I haven’t given her an answer yet.”

Xiao Wanqing was taken aback for a moment, understandingly saying, “Why not agree? Silly, your birthday is the anniversary of your mother’s suffering. Go and accompany her. You can celebrate with me and our friends later.”

“But I want to celebrate with you.” Lin Xian pursed her lips, hesitated slightly, and tentatively asked, “Xiao Panpan, would you come back with me?”

She gazed at Xiao Wanqing with some anticipation, but deep down, she didn’t really hold much hope.

However, to her surprise, Xiao Wanqing glanced at her, remained silent for two seconds, and suddenly softly agreed, “Okay.”

The author has something to say:

Haha, I don’t know if cuties have noticed this point. When they turn 19, their birthdays will coincide, almost happening once every 19 years.

LP: “your birthday is the anniversary of your mother’s suffering”

What a way to say her childbirth is painful