“Don’t lie. Everyone at the ballroom the other night could see there’s something between you two. You’ve been off-duty for the New Year, but rumors are flying around the hotel. Some are even saying outrageous things, like you’re his mistress…”
She nearly choked again, coughing violently. “He’s just my first love. Does that clear it up?”
Xu Xiang Ya’s eyes widened. “Wow, your first love is rich now—oh, wait, what I meant was that he’s really out of line!”
Setting down her spoon, Shen Xi Fan sighed. “I don’t want to discuss Yan Heng. All I care about right now is studying abroad. My future is the priority. Everything else is secondary.”
After a moment of deliberation, Xu Xiang Ya spoke earnestly. “Xi Fan, you need to be careful. Rumors can be dangerous. Working in a hotel is like walking on thin ice. Don’t forget, our previous housekeeping manager was fired for getting too close to a guest. You and I both know how strict the rules are. The world isn’t full of good people—there are plenty who’d seize any opportunity to stir up trouble. Even if you’re leaving, a scandal could damage your future career prospects.”
A warm feeling filled Shen Xi Fan’s heart. She replied sincerely, “Thank you.”
* * *
Time passed slowly. March was no longer bitterly cold, and the faint touch of spring began to linger in the air. The hotel entered its low season, and as planned, the new wing of Gu Nan Hua was renovated to include the latest executive suite designs from Singapore. Shen Xi Fan thought this might be her final major project.
On the day of completion, General Manager Cheng personally brought several industry colleagues for a tour, which was met with unanimous praise. During the celebratory dinner, Shen Xi Fan drank more than usual. When she returned to her office, she felt dizzy. Thankfully, she had already prepared for her departure, and her routine responsibilities had been delegated to her subordinates.
Carried by the buzz of alcohol, she lay on the office sofa and dozed off. Her sleep was restless. In her half-dream, half-awake state, she thought she heard someone calling her name. Listening more closely, it was Yan Heng’s voice.
The way he called her sounded like a farewell—a final goodbye, with no promise of meeting again.
She was startled awake by her phone ringing. The cheerful tune of “Two Tigers” instantly brought her back to reality. She immediately knew who it was—Li Jie.
Only Li Jie would choose such a cute yet slightly childish ringtone.
* * *
Today, Li Jie sounded unusually hesitant. After stammering for a while, he finally said, “Shen Xi Fan, today’s my birthday. I was wondering if you’d do me the honor of coming?”
She laughed. “Of course! Why? Afraid I’d say no?”
Li Jie let out a sigh of relief. “Actually, I decided to introduce my girlfriend to everyone. You were, after all, my last blind date, and I’m worried you’ll stage some melodramatic soap opera!”
Shen Xi Fan burst into laughter. “Li Jie, that’s so unfair of you. What, mixing old flames with new loves?”
Li Jie replied smoothly, “Yep, exactly. If my wife doesn’t mind, I could consider making you my ‘second wife.’”
“Pfft!” Shen Xi Fan pretended to spit at him. “Keep dreaming!”
* * *
Birthdays are a big deal—only once a year for each person. Shen Xi Fan wandered through the mall, eventually spotting a discounted jade collection at Chow Tai Fook. She decided on a pair of jade pendants, thinking they’d make a perfect gift—both a birthday present and a gesture of goodwill for the couple.
On her way, her mind drifted to He Su Ye. I’ve known him for so long, yet I don’t even know his birthday.
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