Chapter 30: Who Are You Trying to Seduce?

Lin Qian used the excuse of going to the restroom when she was getting water and left the break room. She walked to a quiet spot in the hallway, intending to text Yao Jia. However, she quickly remembered that during work hours, Customer Service Representatives were not allowed to take personal calls or send personal messages. So, there was no telling when Yao Jia would see the message.

After pondering for a moment, she decided to call Kunyu Electric’s customer service line directly. When the call connected, she softened her voice and asked to be transferred to representative 1112, which was Yao Jia’s employee number.

The person on the line informed her that representative 1112 was currently on another call. Lin Qian then said, “Please transfer me to representative 1111.”

The call was transferred to Meng Xingzhe.

Lin Qian spoke briefly, “Come to the hallway, bring your phone.”

She hung up immediately and dialed Meng Xingzhe’s cell phone.

Thank goodness, it was picked up after just two rings.

Speaking quickly, she told Meng Xingzhe, “Tell Yao Jia to turn off her extension and head to the multifunctional meeting room on the 28th floor immediately.”

Meng Xingzhe asked, “What’s going on?”

Lin Qian replied, “There’s no time to explain in detail, but if she doesn’t come right away, her achievement will be completely claimed by someone else.”

After a brief pause, Meng Xingzhe asked, “Should I come up with her?”

Lin Qian thought for a moment and said, “Yes, both of you come up.”

******

Yao Jia entered the meeting room, reclaiming her rightful place as the hero.

Flashlights once again created a sea of silver waves.

Meng Xingzhe stood outside the meeting room, leaning against the wall. Through the slightly open door, he heard a voice say:

“It’s you, it’s definitely you! I’m the one who called for help. My name is Qin Zhenxin. It’s thanks to you that my plea for help was deciphered! When I reached out to you, someone in our house was already sick, and he had infected two others. If we hadn’t been rescued, a dozen or so people in the house would have fallen ill. You saved us all!”

Meng Xingzhe turned his head to look at Tong Yumo, who was leaning against the wall, head down and sobbing.

She seemed to be waiting for someone to comfort her, but he was clearly not going to be that person.

In fact, what he had to say to her was quite the opposite.

“Tong Yumo.”

Meng Xingzhe spoke up. Tong Yumo immediately looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears, looking pitiful like a doe. Besides the tears, her eyes were filled with hope.

“Even though you’re crying sadly now, I feel it’s necessary to have a word with you.”

Meng Xingzhe’s tone was flat, much like when he reprimanded employees at company meetings for improper conduct.

“The temptation of credit is great, but not all credit can be falsely claimed. Lies can’t withstand scrutiny, and eventually, they will be exposed. When that happens, the one who lied will be the one embarrassed.”

The hope in Tong Yumo’s tear-filled eyes shattered instantly, replaced by grievance and unwillingness: “I didn’t! I didn’t claim any credit. I didn’t say anything to suggest I was the one who took the call!”

Her aggrieved demeanor and words could move any man with a tender heart.

But not a straightforward man.

And certainly not Meng Xingzhe, the king of straightforward men, who remained unmoved and stuck to his principles: “You didn’t claim to be the one, but you also didn’t clarify that you weren’t. You played on the edge, hoping that if you weren’t exposed, everything would be fine.”

But when is a lie ever not exposed?

Tears rolled down Tong Yumo’s cheeks as she choked out, “Usually, Yao Jia and Tian Huasheng bully me together, but now even you are siding with them to bully me? Meng Xingzhe, tell me, in what way am I inferior to Yao Jia? Why do you always take her side and not stand for what’s right?”

Meng Xingzhe hated seeing women cry; it annoyed him. He never found women’s tears endearing, only troublesome. In the past, when reprimanding female employees who made mistakes, they would start crying before he could finish speaking. As a ruthless boss, he had a heart of stone and was irritated by those who cried at the workplace. Because in the workplace, no one sympathizes with tears; they only respect strength.

Especially those who believe that a flood of tears can absolve their work mistakes.

Meng Xingzhe was irritated by Tong Yumo’s crying. Considering her question, he frowned and replied, “She’s strong and doesn’t cry at the drop of a hat. She’s also honest and never lies.”

Tong Yumo, still crying, choked out one last sentence: “I never lie either!” With that, she turned and ran away.

Meng Xingzhe turned his head, his gaze not following the heartbroken figure running away.

Inside the meeting room, reporters were interviewing Yao Jia. Someone walked out of the meeting room.

Meng Xingzhe looked up to see Lin Qian.

Lin Qian smiled at him and said, “I think I owe you a thank you.”

“?” Meng Xingzhe responded with confusion.

“If it hadn’t been you who spoke up and pushed Yao Jia out there, it would have had to be me. We both know that whoever pushed Yao Jia out there would be marked by Manager Li.”

Because it was like publicly slapping him in the face. So, this person would have to be careful in the future, or they might easily get caught and eliminated.

Meng Xingzhe curled his lips into a faint, mocking smile, “I’m no living Lei Feng. I didn’t intentionally help you. It was just a coincidence.”

Lin Qian laughed again. “But you just intentionally helped Yao Jia.”

Meng Xingzhe wanted to argue, but found himself at a loss for words. His actions left him with no grounds for rebuttal.

Lin Qian returned to the meeting room, while Meng Xingzhe leaned against the wall, reflecting on those two sentences.

Yao Jia had asked him that day:

“What if it’s true? What if this really is a cry for help, and because we’re worried about meddling, we don’t report it, causing him to miss his chance at survival? If there’s even the slightest possibility, can you live with yourself for the rest of your life?”

“How did you grow up? Why don’t you have any inclination to help others? Why do you always think about returns and costs? Life isn’t a transaction. Do you have scales in your veins along with dry ice? Do you always have to weigh the returns and costs before doing anything?”

These words echoed in his mind, striking at the heart that had long lost the ability to help others.

******

The next day, news about Qin Zhenxin being rescued from a pyramid scheme by calling Kunyu Electric’s customer service spread across major media outlets.

At Yao Jia’s request, her face was blurred in photos and interview videos, and her name was changed.

Yao Jia was recommended by Vice President Qiu and received recognition within the company. The finance department even awarded her a bravery bonus.

More than the money, what truly comforted Yao Jia was the realization of her self-worth. Knowing that someone was saved because of her filled her with a bright and fervent sense of purpose, making her feel valuable.

For the first time, she felt that her job as a Customer Service Representative was meaningful and that she had value.

She recalled what Tian Huasheng had once told her:

“With time, you’ll find that our work is rewarding and fulfilling!”

Now she thought, Tian Huasheng was right. Although this job is at the bottom of the workplace hierarchy and often marginalized by other departments, it is actually very important and noble. You never know when it might help someone greatly, or even save a life.

Yao Jia suddenly became a hot topic, with everyone in the company curious about which Customer Service Department representative had cracked the emergency call.

Eventually, the curiosity evolved into speculation:

“Is she pretty? Does she have a boyfriend? How’s her work performance?”

“What? Twice ranked last? Facing elimination?”

“So her work ability isn’t great, huh? Was it just luck? If it were another employee, they might have cracked it even faster!”

Yao Jia realized from this incident that the workplace is incredibly complex, with no clear waters, as someone is always stirring things up.

Rising to fame too quickly isn’t necessarily a good thing, as it inevitably brings along various criticisms that seem well-founded.

She thought that once people leave the ivory tower of university, many idealistic dreams are bound to shatter. Entering the workforce is another phase of life that forces transformation.

Yao Jia suddenly felt that after this event, her mindset had changed a bit. She seemed to understand more than before.

The news dominated for three days, reaching its peak before starting to fade. After experiencing the joy of saving someone, the satisfaction of being thanked, and the speechlessness from hearing all the gossip, Yao Jia still harbored a hidden anticipation.

Her parents must have heard about this by now. She wondered how they would react. Their daughter, who had never been outstanding, saved dozens of people at work this time. Would they feel a bit proud or satisfied?

On the third day, as the event’s buzz began to wane, Yao Jia went to work as usual.

During her break, Yao Bingkun finally called her.

Seeing the caller ID, Yao Jia’s heart raced, her hidden anticipation bubbling up from her heart to her throat.

She ran to a secluded spot in the hallway to answer the call. When she said “Dad,” her voice was slightly hoarse with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

She wondered if she might finally hear a word of affirmation.

Instead, the first words from the other end were a rebuke: “Why did you have to be so high-profile?”

Yao Jia’s excitement and anticipation quickly cooled.

“You did what you should have done. Is it really worth going to the media for recognition?”

But didn’t she bring glory to the company? Didn’t she positively impact Kunyu Electric and boost product sales?

“You’re not an ordinary person. You’re the Chairman’s daughter. No one knows your identity now, and you can’t let them know. So why can’t you be more low-key? There are all sorts of rumors within the company, and everyone knows you ranked last twice. How does that benefit you?”

But even if people knew the person who did this was the Chairman’s daughter, would it really embarrass you, Chairman?

Do you really not want anyone to know I’m your daughter, even when I’ve done something worthy of encouragement and recognition from you?

Yao Jia’s anticipation fell, cooling inch by inch. She wondered why she was so useless, always ending up with the same result, yet still hoping for encouragement and recognition.

“Sigh,” she reverted to her usual rebellious tone and attitude, “Didn’t I guess that doing this would irritate you? How could I miss any chance to annoy you, right?”

Yao Bingkun, predictably irritated, said, “When will you learn from your sister and show some sense?” and hung up.

Yao Jia held the disconnected phone, leaning powerlessly against the wall.

Outside the window lay an expanse of autumn. Flocks of geese were heading south to warmth, leaving humans behind in this city that was beginning to cool.

What joy from saving a life? What sense of accomplishment from work? In this moment, all of it was torn to shreds by that phone call, along with the bit of ambition that had just been built up.

******

It was supposed to be a weekend. Yao Jia had planned to go home after work, stay for a couple of nights, and then return to the dorm. But because of Yao Bingkun’s call, she decided it was better to stay at the dorm.

After work, Tian Huasheng crossed the hallway to find her, pulling her along to the market.

“Let’s have hot pot tonight! It’s been ages since we last had it, and it can be a post-celebration for your life-saving deed!” Tian Huasheng said, rubbing his large hands together.

If she had heard this before Yao Bingkun’s call, Yao Jia would have eagerly agreed. But now, she felt uninterested.

Then again, what could be more comforting than hot pot and alcohol when feeling down?

Yao Jia agreed to Tian Huasheng’s suggestion.

Tian Huasheng, familiar with the routine, hooked Meng Xingzhe’s arm. “Bro, come on, let’s buy groceries. We’re having hot pot tonight!”

Meng Xingzhe looked displeased. “No hot pot at home, it stinks up the place!”

Tian Huasheng quickly said, “This time, I’ll move the dining table to the kitchen. We’ll eat with the door closed and the exhaust fan on. There won’t be any smell in the house!”

Meng Xingzhe insisted it wouldn’t work, saying the smell would seep through the door cracks.

Yao Jia disliked when people were obstinate. The more Meng Xingzhe refused, the more rebellious she felt.

“Why not? You’ve eaten at home before!”

The three of them took turns clocking out at the machine.

“Last time was an accident,” Meng Xingzhe said after clocking out. “Just because I ate doesn’t mean I enjoyed it.”

At that moment, Yao Jia thought Meng Xingzhe was being such a jerk.

His attitude almost made her forget the frustration brought on by Yao Bingkun’s call.

The elevator was crowded. The three of them, in unspoken agreement, didn’t join the throng. They moved to the side of the corridor, planning to wait until the crowd dispersed before taking the elevator.

“How about this,” Yao Jia suggested while they waited, “let’s use a scientific, democratic, and fair method to decide whether or not to have hot pot at home.”

The words “scientific, democratic, and fair” lulled Meng Xingzhe into agreement.

Yao Jia then said, “Let’s vote by raising hands to decide if we can have hot pot at home.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she raised her hand. Tian Huasheng almost simultaneously raised his large hand.

Without giving Meng Xingzhe a chance to object, Yao Jia declared, “Two to one, majority rules. So we can have hot pot at home. Let’s go buy groceries.”

She made the final decision.

Meng Xingzhe frowned. “Wait a minute! You two are in cahoots. How can you call this method scientific, democratic, and fair?”

Yao Jia lifted her chin. “Isn’t this how public companies make decisions? Ordinary matters require the approval of more than half of the shareholders present. Major matters need two-thirds. Even if you consider hot pot a major matter, our votes still make up two-thirds. Why not? Even the law recognizes this voting method as reasonable and legal. Are you saying you’re above the law?”

Meng Xingzhe was a bit surprised. “Wow, you actually know how public companies vote?” But then he changed his tone, “But the three of us aren’t a public company. I don’t recognize these rules.”

Yao Jia retorted, “Oh, whether you recognize them or not, you’re in the minority.” She directly shot back.

Meng Xingzhe took a deep breath in frustration. “Did you graduate from Stubborn University? Do you have a level ten certificate in stubbornness? How can you be so obstinate?”

Yao Jia wanted to say, aren’t you the same? Maybe you’re a graduate student in stubbornness.

At this moment, Tong Yumo finished clocking out and saw them chatting in the corridor, so she joined them.

She first said softly to Yao Jia, “Yao Jia, I just want to say, I didn’t mean to take credit for your work that day. It was Manager Li who called me into the meeting room…”

Yao Jia raised an eyebrow.

So what? Apparently, you didn’t clarify at the time. If Qin Zhenxin hadn’t noticed the voice difference, you would have mistakenly taken the credit.

She smiled without warmth. “Alright, I’ll ask Manager Li to apologize to you later. It’s all his fault, causing not just me but everyone to misunderstand you.”

Tong Yumo bit her lower lip and murmured, “Don’t be so unforgiving…”

Yao Jia was too lazy to respond. Replying would be falling into a trap, especially now when people were coming and going after work. It would look like she was bullying an innocent, delicate little white rabbit.

Seeing Yao Jia not responding, Tong Yumo turned to talk to Tian Huasheng. “I heard you guys talking about having hot pot in the dorm again. I just wanted to say, maybe you shouldn’t. You eat for hours, laughing and talking, and I… I’ll feel left out…”

Yao Jia and Tian Huasheng were speechless.

They dared not open their mouths, as words of retort were already at the tip of their tongues. If they opened their mouths, they wouldn’t be able to stop themselves from verbally tearing Tong Yumo apart.

Suddenly, Meng Xingzhe spoke up. “How about this, let’s use a scientific, democratic, and fair method. Let’s vote by raising hands.”

“??” Yao Jia stared at Meng Xingzhe’s smug face. Even though he was still handsome, she had an urge to tear it apart.

Was he blatantly pulling Tong Yumo into a rebellious alliance?

She wanted to oppose, but Tong Yumo quickly interjected, “That’s great! Then I’ll be the first to object!” She raised her right hand.

Then she looked expectantly at Meng Xingzhe, her eyes bright, waiting for him to cast his vote against as well.

She watched and watched until her hand started to ache slightly, but nothing happened.

She widened her eyes in confusion and asked, “Meng Xingzhe, you…”

Meng Xingzhe simply said, “Oh, I agree to have hotpot.”

“?” Yao Jia almost choked on her own saliva.

What kind of person was this? Changing his stance faster than a fart, treating principles and positions like dirt!

Tong Yumo felt utterly deceived. “When I clocked in, I clearly heard you say they weren’t allowed to have hotpot. How can you change your mind just like that?”

Meng Xingzhe, with a straight face, lied through his teeth, “Oh, I just opposed them earlier for fun. It’s more entertaining that way.”

Yao Jia: “…” Meng Xingzhe, you jerk!

Tian Huasheng: “…” My big brother is still my big brother!

Tong Yumo was so aggrieved that she accused Meng Xingzhe, “Meng Xingzhe, why are you always targeting me? Are you in elementary school? Do you have to go against someone just to get their attention?”

After saying that, she stomped her foot and turned to leave, so upset that she didn’t even return to the dorm, heading straight home for the weekend.

Meng Xingzhe was left with a puzzled expression. “Wait, what did she mean by that? I didn’t understand.”

Yao Jia stifled a laugh. “She means you obviously like her, but instead of expressing it directly, you act like a schoolboy, taking pleasure in teasing her to get her attention.”

Meng Xingzhe furrowed his brow deeply. “Yao Jia, I need to ask you a favor.”

Yao Jia didn’t respond, suspecting it wouldn’t be anything good.

Tian Huasheng, the cheeky one, didn’t let any question go unanswered. He picked up the conversation. “Bro, go ahead, what is it? Jia is listening!”

Yao Jia: “…”

Meng Xingzhe spoke with grave seriousness, “Yao Jia, the next time you see Tong Yumo, make sure to emphasize my criteria for a partner. Make her understand that I’m not interested in some middle-class pretty girl. I’m looking for a super-rich, wealthy beauty.”

Yao Jia: “…”

This was the first time she’d ever heard someone so openly declare their ambition to live off someone else. And what’s more, he sincerely entrusted her with spreading this ambition! Was he crazy?

“Why don’t you tell her yourself?” Yao Jia snapped.

Meng Xingzhe had a reasoned response. “With her way of thinking, if I tell her myself, she might think I’m playing hard to get.”

“…” Yao Jia felt like she was losing her mind.

Tian Huasheng suddenly sighed, “I also want to find a super-rich beauty! But unfortunately, I don’t have the face for it.”

“…”

Yao Jia was defeated. Great, another one had gone mad.

***

The three of them went out to buy vegetables, meat, and beer, then returned to the dorm to set up a hotpot.

Meng Xingzhe didn’t insist on Tian Huasheng moving the hotpot to the kitchen; they still ate in the dining room. Yao Jia began to think that Meng Xingzhe’s earlier claim of opposing just for fun might actually be true.

She wondered why this person had nothing better to do than to stir things up.

Meng Xingzhe continued to criticize the beer as low-grade and awful, yet he didn’t hesitate to drink it.

From his drinking pace and his recent somber demeanor, Yao Jia keenly sensed that she wasn’t the only one unhappy in the room. For instance, the usually arrogant and flamboyant peacock king, Meng Xingzhe, seemed a bit deflated lately.

He actually had something on his mind.

Yao Jia recalled when his mood started to shift. She realized it was after Lin Qian confirmed that her guess was correct, that the phone call was indeed a distress call.

So, was Meng Xingzhe feeling guilty for almost missing the chance to save someone because he insisted on not meddling?

“Are you feeling down because you’re guilty?” Yao Jia directly asked Meng Xingzhe.

Tian Huasheng chimed in, “Yeah, I’ve also noticed that you don’t seem very happy lately, bro.”

Meng Xingzhe put on an arrogant facade, raising his chin. “The word ‘guilt’ doesn’t exist in my dictionary.”

Yao Jia retorted, “Ha, sure, your dictionary only has four words: show-off and self-interest.”

Meng Xingzhe admitted, “But I do feel a bit guilty this time.”

Yao Jia: “…”

She felt like hitting someone! She had never met anyone who spoke so contradictorily and frustratingly!

Yao Jia opened a can of beer and shoved it into his hand, then opened one for Tian Huasheng and herself. She tapped the can lightly on the table, causing foam to spill over her fingers, but she didn’t care.

Meng Xingzhe looked at her and shook his head. “So rough.”

“This is how we pass the current! It’s a substitute for clinking glasses, don’t you get it? Enough with the nonsense, just drink!”

Since everyone wasn’t feeling great, they might as well drown their sorrows together.

The three of them emptied a pile of cans.

With their tongues loosened by alcohol, they began to speak more freely.

Tian Huasheng shared his troubles, “My family is in a bit of a mess, we need money.”

Yao Jia revealed her own frustrations, “No matter what I do, my family is never satisfied.”

Meng Xingzhe also expressed his discontent, surprisingly speaking more than usual.

Yao Jia’s attempt to call for help must have struck a chord with him; otherwise, he wouldn’t have opened up to her even a quarter as much as he did.

“I once helped someone, but in the end, I was dragged down by them. I suffered because of it. Later, when I desperately needed help, those I reached out to ignored me, fearing trouble.”

Meng Xingzhe spoke slowly, his gaze fixed on Yao Jia.

His face wore an expression Yao Jia had never seen before. There was no defiance, no sarcasm, only a calm seriousness.

The alcohol made his eyes dark and bright, and the overhead fluorescent light highlighted his features, making his nose look as prominent as a mountain peak. His thin lips moved slightly, his voice a bit hoarse as he spoke heartfelt words.

He leaned closer to Yao Jia, looking into her eyes, and said, “Since then, I’ve felt that if you don’t look out for yourself, you’ll be doomed. There’s no kindness without cost, and someone always has to pay the price for being kind. So, when you said it was a call for help, I insisted on staying detached. But then Qin Zhenxin mentioned there was a patient in the house. If we had delayed any longer, everyone might have fallen ill, and if we dragged it out even more, they might all have ended up dead.”

He looked at Yao Jia, frowning slightly. His eyes, clouded by alcohol and a touch of self-reflection, were unfocused, and when he stared at someone, it made their heart race.

He continued to stare at Yao Jia and said, “I’ve been thinking these past few days, am I becoming the kind of person I once sought help from, who ultimately disappointed me? Am I turning into the person I despise the most?”

His eyes were filled with confusion as he looked at Yao Jia and asked.

In this moment of emotional exchange, Tian Huasheng stood by, not daring to make a sound.

Yao Jia took a deep breath and said, “Then change yourself, so you don’t become the person you hate the most! And—”

She suddenly raised her hand and slapped Meng Xingzhe’s face, turning it to the side. “Don’t start acting flirty after a few drinks. Who are you trying to seduce?!”

— Translator’s Notes —

– living Lei Feng: Lei Feng (1940–1962) was a Chinese soldier in the People’s Liberation Army who became a cultural icon after his death, promoted by Mao Zedong as a model of selfless altruism and dedication to others. A ‘living Lei Feng’ refers to someone who performs good deeds without seeking personal gain or recognition, often used ironically or self-deprecatingly.