Chapter 68 She Would Remember This Debt

Xu An’an had always trusted her instincts, and ever since coming into contact with Tang Jin, she became even more convinced that he was unreliable. She hoped Xue Shengnan would keep her eyes open. She even told Xue Shengnan about Tang Jin driving a female client home.

"Why don’t you give him a call and ask?" she suggested.

When Xue Shengnan learned that her fiancé had brought Xu An’an over in the morning and even mentioned bringing something for her, she was both surprised and delighted, and immediately called Tang Jin.

Watching Xue Shengnan’s lips curve into a sweet smile, Xu An’an recalled a post she’d read online about love: no matter how strong a woman was, when she met the man she loved, she’d turn into a gentle, soft-hearted girl.

Love could transform a person.

Marriage was like a woman’s second life.

Xu An’an couldn’t help but size up Xue Shengnan.

She noticed that Xue Shengnan, who used to keep her hair short and efficient, now wore it to her shoulders, as if she intended to grow it all the way down her back. Yet Xue Shengnan had always claimed to hate long hair, complaining it was inconvenient to wash and dry.

Her style of dress had also shifted, from androgynous to increasingly feminine.

In fact, Xu An’an hadn’t noticed these changes on Xue Shengnan’s first day back—it was only today that she became aware of them. Xue Shengnan hadn’t wanted her subordinates to see her as having changed abruptly, so she’d taken some time to gradually transition her image before them.

"He really did have something for me, but he got too busy and forgot. He said he’d bring it when he picks me up after work tonight, and he also wants to treat you to dinner to thank you for reminding me," Xue Shengnan replied, beaming.

Xu An’an forced a smile. "Director Xue, I remember you once said you’d never grow your hair out."

At the mention, Xue Shengnan looked a little shy, tucking a stray lock behind her ear.

"Tang Jin likes long hair, and I wanted to give it a try."

"Director Xue, your dress today is beautiful—it really suits you."

"Really? That’s what Tang Jin said, too."

Now Xu An’an was certain: all of Xue Shengnan’s changes were because of Tang Jin. It was as if she’d fallen under the spell of love.

After a pause, she asked, "Director Xue, how did you and your fiancé meet?"

"Do you remember the month before I took leave? I had to go on a business trip to a neighboring city, but the driver had an upset stomach, so I had to wait by the roadside. Suddenly it started to rain and I was soaked, and that’s when Tang Jin appeared and took me to the hotel I’d booked in the next city."

As she recalled their first meeting, Xue Shengnan’s eyes sparkled. "Later, Tang Jin told me it was love at first sight for him, and otherwise he would never have gone out of his way to help me."

Clearly, it was because of Tang Jin that the workaholic Xue Shengnan had taken a vacation.

For a moment, Xu An’an didn’t know how to comment.

But what she really wanted to criticize was what Tang Jin had said to Xue Shengnan.

By normal standards, if someone needed help, most people would lend a hand. If he hadn’t liked her appearance, would he have just left her stranded? Was being unattractive a crime?

Is it truly kind to only help the beautiful?

Xu An’an kept these thoughts to herself, not wanting to cause a rift with Xue Shengnan—especially since the latter saw nothing wrong with it. Perhaps those in the throes of love automatically idealized everything about their beloved.

Noticing Xu An’an seemed to have more to say, Xue Shengnan changed the topic. "Oh, I almost forgot, I heard about what happened yesterday."

"I’m sorry, I had an emergency yesterday and couldn’t make it," Xu An’an apologized.

Otherwise, if she’d been there, she would never have let the editor-in-chief bully Xu An’an. She hadn’t expected the editor-in-chief to be so shameless and outrageous!

Just then, the editor-in-chief’s assistant knocked on the door.

"Director Xue, the editor-in-chief wants you to come to a meeting."

Xu An’an and Xue Shengnan exchanged a look, both guessing what it was about.

Sure enough, Xue Shengnan was called in to discuss the situation with Xu An’an and Fang Nini, saying that the higher-ups had agreed to give Fang Nini part of the credit.

They wanted to add Fang Nini’s name to the report Xu An’an had written.

And not just add it—her name would come first!

Xue Shengnan had fought hard for Xu An’an, but in the end, the only concession she could win was a doubled bonus for Xu An’an. Everything else was unchangeable.

Xu An’an didn’t mind.

"Director Xue, I already got the most attention—the bonus is doubled, so if you do the math, I still come out ahead."

Still, she made a mental note of this slight.

Seeing Xu An’an so optimistic, Xue Shengnan felt relieved.

To make it up to her, Xue Shengnan invited Xu An’an to dinner after work. "It’s a private kitchen with amazing food. I’m sure you’ll love it."

"It’s members-only and extremely private."

Number One Private Kitchen.

Xu An’an arrived in Xue Shengnan’s Porsche. The parking lot was filled with luxury cars, each worth millions, dazzling the eyes.

After parking, Xue Shengnan led Xu An’an inside with practiced ease.

The moment they entered, Xu An’an recognized two recently awarded Best Actor and Actress winners, surprised that the two were such close friends in private.

At a nearby table sat several famous directors, apparently having a dinner gathering.

Even business tycoons seemed to favor this place.

Would Jiang Li like coming here too?

The thought had barely crossed her mind before Xu An’an startled herself. Why was Jiang Li on her mind again? That scoundrel hadn’t contacted her since leaving the hospital.

Who knew if he was truly busy or just pretending?

Or perhaps he was enjoying himself with some lover?

"Sorry I’m late."

At the sound of that voice, Xu An’an looked up, her pupils quivering in surprise to find that Xue Shengnan had invited Tang Jin as well.

After giving Xue Shengnan a cheek kiss, Tang Jin turned to Xu An’an with a smile.

"Good evening, Miss Xu."

"Hello," Xu An’an replied, forcing a smile.

If she’d known Tang Jin would be here, she certainly wouldn’t have come. It wasn’t just that she disliked him—she simply didn’t want to play third wheel to the couple.

"Shengnan, see if there’s anything you’d like to eat," Tang Jin said considerately, handing the menu to Xue Shengnan.

He passed another menu to Xu An’an. "Please don’t hold back, Miss Xu—tonight’s on me."

Xu An’an had to admit, Tang Jin was always particularly gentle and attentive in front of Xue Shengnan, even gentlemanly, making her wonder if she’d misunderstood him.

She decided to observe quietly for now.

At Xue Shengnan’s recommendation, Tang Jin ordered three Wellington steaks and a few other specialties.

When the steaks arrived, Tang Jin cut Xue Shengnan’s into small pieces before handing her the plate.

Xue Shengnan blushed and protested lightly, "I’m not a child—I can do it myself."

"In my eyes, you’ll always be my little girl, someone who can always rely on me," Tang Jin replied, his gaze tender as he stroked her hair.

For some reason, though, Xu An’an found Tang Jin incredibly smarmy at that moment.

Perhaps he just wasn’t handsome enough?

If it were Jiang Li instead…

No, no, no! Xu An’an shook her head vigorously. Why was she thinking about Jiang Li again?