[Urban] Crossdressing Beauty (Complete) - 7-9

Chapter 016, Ex-Lover

Before Chen Yiqian even reached the conference room, she heard an argument inside, or more precisely, a client speaking loudly. Chen Yiqian looked at the agitated client, with Xinhai's supervisor, Li Yongjun, beside him, looking helpless. After listening for a few moments, she understood what was going on.

“Ms. Chen, you’re being irresponsible! I agreed with Director Lu that these two items were included, but Supervisor Li says they aren’t. What’s this? You’re denying everything just because Director Lu left?”

“Mr. Zhang, I’m sorry. Li Jianjun is our supervisor. He’s always been with Director Lu. He’s very clear about the process. Wasn’t he present when you were talking?”

“But he wasn’t present every time. Does he really know everything? Look, I even took some notes. These two items are what I wrote down.”

“Then I’ll ask Director Lu to talk to you, okay?”

“Director Lu…Didn’t Director Lu leave?”

“Yes, he went to headquarters, but he’s still an employee of Chen’s Company! Xiao Mei, call Director Lu and ask him to come over so he can continue talking with Mr. Zhang.”

“Oh…no need, I’ll talk to Supervisor Li!”

This client, not understanding whether Director Lu had resigned or been transferred, used the opportunity to make new demands. Chen Yiqian saw through his trick and quickly calmed things down. But after it was over, her mood soured, and she couldn’t explain why.

Jiang Fang, seeing her expression, couldn’t help but feel worried. They'd been together for two years, and she'd watched Chen Yiqian change, from naive to mature, from the joy of love to the desolation of heartbreak. All of this shouldn't have happened to this young girl; her world needed more sunshine and laughter.

"Yiqian, you should find a boyfriend."

"Why? What's so great about men?"

"It's not that men are bad, it's just that you haven't found the right one! That guy on the tenth floor is pretty good, haven't you had coffee with him lately?"

Chen Yiqian smiled. "He must have heard from someone that I'm the company boss, and he ran away. Men these days don't have much courage; they're afraid of girlfriends who are stronger than them." Yes, Gao Xiang was the same. Even though my family didn't say anything, why couldn't he hold his head up?

"Yiqian, have you thought about joining a book club or a travel club? There are many organizations like that online, they hold events every month, it's both fun and a social event. My husband joined a photography club, and sometimes he even takes our son along."

Chen Yiqian blinked. "Forget it, so what if we know each other? Sometimes, a man's pride is more important than love, using dignity as an excuse!"

For Chen Yiqian, feelings had become a nameless pain. Although she tried hard to forget the man who hurt her, it wasn't easy. Perhaps I hurt him a lot too… she sometimes thought. But life goes on, she couldn't spend her whole life thinking about that distant man. Maybe she should change her way of life!

The office building remained the same, busy like a battleground, quiet enough to swat flies. Weekends arrived; those with dates looked sweet, while those without held meetings to plan activities, putting more effort into them than advertising. Xiaomei was always an active participant, even though she had a boyfriend, she was the organizer of these events. She liked to drag Chen Yiqian along, firstly because the young female boss was easygoing and generous, and had a car available for participation; secondly, it was obvious that Chen Yiqian always paid half the event expenses, with the remaining half pooled together by everyone else.

It was already 3 PM, and Xiaomei still hadn't come to tell her about the weekend plans. Chen Yiqian was getting impatient and was almost about to go over and ask Xiaomei when her phone rang.

"Hello, is this Yiqian?"

"..." Chen Yiqian froze, holding the phone without reacting. It was Gao Xiang, the man she both loved and hated, the man who said he loved her but left her. Perhaps it should be said that, like the admirer on the tenth floor, he was afraid of women stronger than himself. But this man's gentleness made her linger, made her heart flutter.

"Yiqian, how have you been lately?"

"Hmm, not bad, pretty busy at work, going on a picnic with friends this weekend!" Could it be that I made your photo into a dartboard and threw it for half an hour every day, which is why I won the darts championship at the bar?

"I have something to tell you, let's have dinner together tonight, okay?"

Was this an invitation? "Okay! Which restaurant?"

"Classic Coffee, 6:30!"

Chen Yiqian's eyes darted around. Why wasn't it the restaurant she always went to? But she didn't want to press him, so she said, "Okay, see you at 6:30!"

Thinking about meeting him soon, Chen Yiqian felt a little uneasy. What would he say? An apology? And then propose? That was unlikely. Even if he was just bored and looking for someone to talk to, complaining about his current girlfriend, it would at least show that she was important to him.

After a while, Jiang Fang heard a peculiar sound and came in to find Chen Yiqian whistling. Although it was off-key, she understood the expression. "Yiqian, what's wrong with you today? You seem very excited, you can't even sit still."

"Nothing!" Chen Yiqian was a little excited, but held back.

For the past six months, Jiang Fang had watched her become depressed and sometimes indulgent, and she worried and felt sad for this girl. "Yiqian, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters. I haven't seen you like this in a long time!"

"I'll tell you when I get back on Monday. Oh, you took the day off, so let's do it on Tuesday!"

"Okay, I'll wait for your good news!"

Chen Yiqian thought to herself: It must be good news. Finally, I have a date! Not playing games alone at home, nor going to that damn gay bar to let loose. Of course, she could finally hold her head high in front of her best friend Huang Yanmei, instead of always seeming to run away. Huang Yanmei was her best friend; they had known each other for seven years, since university, and talked about everything. Huang Yanmei was getting married soon, but she had been avoiding being asked to be a bridesmaid because the word "wedding" made her uncomfortable.

Suddenly, Xiao Mei rushed in. "Yi Qian, we have two plans for this weekend: one is to have a barbecue in Chongming, and the other is... Yi Qian, aren't you listening?"

"Ah, I was thinking about something else! Xiao Mei, I have an event this weekend, so I can't join your plans!"

"Oh!" Xiao Mei was extremely disappointed because the event was missing a major sponsor. Her eyes darted around a few times, and she asked, "Yi Qian, do you have a date?"

"What do you think?" Chen Yi Qian smiled.

"Of course!" Xiaomei, the clever girl, immediately giggled. "Yiqian, I hope you go on more dates. It doesn't matter if you participate in our activities or not, but it would be best if you continued to sponsor our activity expenses!"

"Haha!" Chen Yiqian laughed. "Xiaomei, you're really good at planning!"

"No, that's my sincere blessing for you!" Xiaomei said seriously. "Just like my dad said, a lower salary is acceptable, but you must have a job; life must have goals, even if those goals are set low; life can have less romance and less passion, but you must be down-to-earth!"

Chen Yiqian was stunned. She had never liked these kinds of grand principles before, but now, hearing them, she didn't feel any aversion. "Xiaomei, you and your dad must have a very good relationship, right?"

Xiaomei chuckled. "Of course, if he doesn't nag me, if he doesn't comment on my life!"

Chen Yiqian smiled too. Perhaps all fathers in the world have something in common. Why was she so awkward with her father? Oh well, forget about it. After work, I'll go buy a new dress and dress up.

When the phone on the table rang again, Chen Yiqian rushed over. As she tried to smile, thinking it was Gao Xiang calling, she heard a familiar voice instead.

"Yiqian, are you free this weekend?"

"Oh, sister!" Chen Yiqian replied disappointedly. "Is there some important instruction to convey?"

"Yiqian, I'm going home on Saturday. Are you coming too? It's not the busiest time of year. You've been away from home for half a year. Come home and have a meal with Mom and Dad!"

"I saw Dad a couple of days ago!"

"I know! You went to his house and yelled at him. You're really something! The Chen family can be proud to have such a formidable daughter..."

Chen Yiqian frowned and held the phone far away. Although she was always close to her sister, she was now afraid, especially since her sister had come to confront her several times in the past six months.

"Yiqian, I don't care what you do. Who you like is your business, but you can't make Mom and Dad the victims. They've always been proud of you. They value you the most, and they'll be handing over the Chen Group to you in the future. You can't embarrass them."

Chen Yiqian was impatient. "Stop talking! You're all so selfish. When have you ever considered my feelings? I'm doing my job very well. You don't need to worry about me. That's all. I have a meeting!"

Hanging up the phone didn't make Chen Yiqian feel any better. She understood that no matter how much she poured her heart into her work, she still had to face this biggest problem: her love life! So, tonight's dinner became her anticipated moment, perhaps the most important turning point of her life.

She left the company an hour early, bought a new dress, and rushed home. She changed out of her daily suit and into a cool purple jumpsuit, put on the platinum earrings she hadn't touched in six months, and even wore a deep purple lipstick—his favorite color. When she stepped out of the house, she was radiant and beautiful. She had always been the center of attention for both men and women; wherever she went, she attracted attention.

Normally, Chen Yiqian wouldn't arrive early for their appointment, but today was different. The thought of Gao Xiang apologizing and begging for her forgiveness made her a little excited. At the restaurant entrance, she stopped, trying to calm her racing heart. If he apologized, she would think about it for a while, but she would never say she forgave him. After dinner, they would have two whole days; this weekend should be very enjoyable.

Through the restaurant's large glass windows, she saw the familiar man sitting by the window. As she pushed open the glass door, she suddenly asked herself: If he proposed, would she say yes? With a gentle brush of her long hair behind her ear, Chen Yiqian walked gracefully over. "Gao Xiang, have you been waiting long?"

"Not even five minutes!" Gao Xiang stared at her, stunned, never expecting her to be so beautiful.

"What, first time seeing a beautiful woman? Why are you spacing out?" Chen Yiqian deliberately made a lighthearted, playful remark, then sat down.

Gao Xiang nodded. "Yes, you really are beautiful!"

"You know that!" Chen Yiqian blushed.

Gao Xiang lowered his head, his smile slowly fading. He was clearly a little nervous, whether from not seeing her for half a year or from the topic they were about to discuss. "Yiqian, I ordered you orange juice. I hope your taste hasn't changed!"

"No change, same as before!"

The following topic, however, was a little unexpected…

Chapter 017, Unexpected Encounter

Entering the restaurant, Zhao Ziwei felt a cool breeze, her whole body cooling down. The air-conditioned interior was a completely different world from the heat outside. Thank goodness girls could wear sundresses, not only to attract attention, but more importantly, for coolness and breathability. It was too hot. Today, she was wearing a light green floral sundress with an irregular, serrated hem, stylish dark sunglasses, and a linen handbag with ethnic characteristics slung over her shoulder—trendy, refreshing, yet demure.

Before she could even fold her parasol, her phone rang. Chen Yihui said, "Ziwei, I'll be five minutes late, there's traffic here!"

"You! You say five minutes, but it'll definitely be more than ten minutes! You're always late for dates!" Zhao Ziwei understood; this girl still treated it like a date with a man, so being late was perfectly acceptable.

Zhao Ziwei took off her sunglasses and followed the receptionist into the restaurant, ignoring the stares from other diners. With her height and high heels, she was always the center of attention; she was "used to" it. Sitting down at a table by the window, she almost wanted to take off her heels. Although she hadn't walked much, her feet weren't too sore, but the high heels made it uncomfortable to have her feet upright.

The restaurant was quite quiet; several large climbing plants adorned the pillars in the center of the hall. Although it was dinner time, there weren't many people. At the next table, a man kept glancing out the window, seemingly waiting for someone. After a while, a young woman in a purple dress walked in and sat down opposite the man. Zhao Ziwei didn't notice at first, but when she picked up her glass to examine the fruit, she inadvertently saw the girl in the purple dress opposite her and was suddenly startled. Good heavens, that girl in the purple dress was Chen Yiqian!

What to do? They were only three meters apart, and she could see each other's expressions clearly… If she really wanted to look… But Zhao Ziwei didn't dare to look. Half a minute later, she remembered that Chen Yiqian didn't know her, and her rapid heartbeat calmed down. Looking at Chen Yiqian's photos every day, she was now becoming paranoid, this was just scaring herself.

Zhao Ziwei picked up her glass again, using it as a cover to observe Chen Yiqian. This girl was completely different from the flat image in the photos. At this moment, she was just a girl driven by love, not a shrewd administrative professional. Her light makeup, clear eyes, fresh and pleasant, elegant and graceful. Because the man's back was turned, his face couldn't be seen. The two spoke in hushed tones, and Chen Yiqian seemed quite happy.

Zhao Ziwei was confused. This girl was clearly on a date, which meant her sexual orientation was normal. What was the point of her dressing up as a girl to attract her? Suddenly, Chen Yiqian's gaze swept over, lingering on Zhao Ziwei for about a second, and she even blinked a few times. This made Zhao Ziwei's heart jump into her throat, because she didn't understand why women were always interested in beautiful women. Chen Yiqian looked at this girl in the green dress like she would see a pleasing girl while shopping and couldn't help but glance at her a few more times.

Suddenly, Zhao Ziwei remembered that she was waiting for someone. It would be terrible if Chen Yihui walked in now. She immediately dialed Chen Yihui's number: "Where are you?"

"I'm already here, just finding a parking spot, it'll only take two minutes!"

Zhao Ziwei exclaimed anxiously, "What, another half hour? Then don't bother coming!"

"Ziwei, what's wrong with you?"

"What's wrong with you? You're never punctual for dates, don't you have any sense of time? What kind of man are you? You always make women wait for you on dates, it's not the first time. Tell me, you're good at that, but your work isn't going well, your life is a mess, you make no sense of security at all. Forget it, I'm not waiting!" Zhao Ziwei hung up the phone. She was amazed at herself for being able to make up such a statement in such a tense situation.

Chen Yiqian looked over, seemingly surprised, wondering why this refined girl was so angry. Zhao Ziwei felt extremely nervous as her gaze swept over her. Why was she looking at me like that? Did she look like a shrew?

Zhao Ziwei hurriedly paid the bill and left the restaurant, only then did her heart finally settle down. Unexpectedly, just as she stepped out of the restaurant, she witnessed a shocking scene through the glass window: Chen Yiqian stood up angrily, threw the entire cup of tea at the man, and then hurriedly left with her handbag. Zhao Ziwei was startled and dared not look any longer, quickly leaving. This girl has a very impulsive temper, just like her sister.

After walking a few steps, she remembered to make a phone call. Upon hearing the description, Chen Yihui exclaimed, "Oh my god, she must have gone to see Gao Xiang again. It seems she hasn't given up yet. This is a big problem."

"Why is it a problem?"

"I just heard that Gao Xiang is getting married. I didn't expect them to meet again!"

"Ah, isn't that terrible?" Zhao Ziwei covered her mouth in surprise. "I think I saw that man hand her an envelope. Could it be a wedding invitation?"

"My God, what is this! This man is so immature. Provoking her like this is too much. Alas, it seems even God isn't on Yiqian's side. Fate, fate!"

Zhao Ziwei felt a mix of emotions. Her previous understanding of Chen Yiqian was limited to photographs and descriptions of Chen Yihui. Meeting her in person today, she realized this living, breathing person was far richer and more real than any picture could portray. Yet, this reality was also painful. In the world of love, there are never happy endings; the idea of lovers being united is merely a wish.

After walking for a while, Zhao Ziwei stopped and sat on a bench by the street. Because she was worried that Chen Yihui might run into her sister, they didn't meet for the time being. Soon, Zhao Ziwei forgot about the restaurant, and the passing scenery on the street… the girls became her focus.

With the identity of a girl, Zhao Ziwei could look at beautiful women without restraint. These street scenes relaxed her and let her thoughts wander. One moment she thought how wonderful it would be to meet a girl with such气质 (qi zhi, a kind of refined elegance), and the next she thought that the dress would look good on her too. While she admired others, she also became part of their scenery, because in their eyes, she was a youthful and beautiful girl, wearing a pleasing dress. Thinking it over, Zhao Ziwei felt annoyed: If I wear a dress and try to outshine other girls, how will I get intimate with them?

Just then, a girl in a purple dress slowly approached, head down. She looked up and saw the girl in a green dress on the bench, and stopped. The girl in purple hesitated for a moment, then sat down next to the girl in green. Zhao Ziwei turned her head and saw the girl in purple, almost holding her breath, unsure what to do.

"Hey, hello!" Chen Yiqian greeted her, then explained, "I saw you on the phone at the restaurant earlier, I was at the table in front of you!"

"Oh!" Zhao Ziwei pretended to suddenly realize, "Right, right, weren't you having dinner with your boyfriend? You came out so quickly?"

"That's my ex-boyfriend, we broke up six months ago!" Chen Yiqian said casually, but her face couldn't hide her sorrow.

"Oh, then forget about it! Men are all the same, don't worry about them too much!" Zhao Ziwei said, even including herself in the insult. Then she smiled, "Actually, I should advise you, there are plenty of fish in the sea, good men are everywhere, wouldn't that be better?"

"Oh!" Chen Yiqian smiled bitterly and lowered her head. But her curiosity was also piqued, "You must have been hurt badly by men, right?"

"Sigh, which woman hasn't been hurt by men? Can you avoid it?" Zhao Ziwei looked like she had seen through the world.

"You're right, no one can avoid it." Chen Yiqian smiled bitterly, "I heard you on the phone just now, you seemed very angry, was it also related to men?"

Zhao Ziwei hesitated, unsure how to make up this story. Her mind raced, and with the help of Zhao Ziqiang's extraordinary creativity and genius inspiration, she immediately came up with several plans.

Seeing that she didn't speak, Chen Yiqian smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry into your privacy!"

"It's alright, it's fine to tell you, you don't know me anyway!" Zhao Ziwei decided to use the story she saw online last night. "Actually, he's a pretty good man. I've always loved him, at least until two months ago. We discussed marriage a while ago; I wanted a family, but he thought it wasn't the right time. After he found out about my marriage plans, he started avoiding me, which made me very sad. A few days ago, I told him I was pregnant and we should start preparing. He agreed to marry me, but his expression wasn't happy, and he even suspected I deliberately exposed his condom. I was so heartbroken when I heard that, but I still forgave him. After that, I focused on preparing for the wedding. Last month, I suddenly discovered he had another girlfriend. My head exploded; I never imagined that our years-long relationship would end like this. After arguing with him, I was heartbroken and disappointed, and I gritted my teeth and had an abortion!"

"Ah?" Chen Yiqian exclaimed, "How could you take it out on the child? It's innocent!"

"If you met a man like that, you would have done the same thing as me!" Zhao Ziwei smiled bitterly, looking miserable. Good heavens, once she puts on a dress and becomes a woman, she can make up any lie, without even thinking. This level of creativity is something Zhao Ziqiang could never have.

"That's true!" Chen Yiqian nodded. "My man was similar; he lacked the courage to take responsibility for marriage. He wanted to be with me, but he was afraid of not being financially capable enough. I didn't mind that his salary was lower than mine; I just wanted to get married sooner, so I lied to him that I was pregnant. Who knew that a few days later, he found out I wasn't pregnant, and he angrily berated me and broke up with me. Sigh, so this is what men call love—so fragile, like child's play."

Zhao Ziwei had heard these things from Chen Yihui, but hearing Chen Yiqian say them firsthand was completely different. She felt a pang of sympathy for the girl, because she herself had experienced heartbreak and knew how devastating relationships could be. "Weren't you with him just now? You two made up?"

Chen Yiqian smiled bitterly, her nose stinging with tears. "When I heard he asked me out, I thought so too. I even got my hair done, bought a new outfit, and dressed up beautifully. But just now, he pulled out a wedding invitation and said he's getting married!"

"Ah?" Zhao Ziwei covered her mouth in surprise. Although she had heard Chen Yihui say it earlier, she still couldn't suppress her astonishment. "It's such a pity that people who love each other can't be together!"

"Yes, 'lovers will eventually be together' is just a beautiful wish. It's precisely because it can't be realized that we have such a wish!"

Then they both fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Zhao Ziwei didn't know what to say, especially to a "stranger," and could only gently pat her hand. "When I said earlier that no man is good, that was just an angry outburst. I believe good men exist, we just haven't met them yet!"

Chen Yiqian said calmly, "Maybe, but not our man!"

Silence followed. Seeing couples walking by, arm in arm, only made the two newly heartbroken people feel even more hurt. Seeing the living, breathing Chen Yiqian, Zhao Ziwei's hidden aversion vanished. This girl was wonderful; her melancholy couldn't conceal her radiance and charm.

Finally, Chen Yiqian sighed, stood up, but immediately sat back down, asking, "Could you give me your phone number? Maybe we can chat sometime!"

Zhao Ziwei's heart pounded. Great, she liked me. She almost impulsively blurted out her phone number, but it wasn't the right occasion, so she could only shake her head and smile, "If fate allows, we'll meet!"

"Okay!" Chen Yiqian nodded and left.

Watching her departing figure, Zhao Ziwei whispered: We'll meet soon!

Chapter 018, Confusion

Although Chen Yiqian's purple figure had disappeared for a long time, Zhao Ziwei was still staring blankly in that direction. What a strange feeling! This girl's world was different from what Chen Yihui had described; she had a richer side, perhaps even the same essence as herself. Lost

in thought, Zhao Ziwei felt a tap on her shoulder, startling her so much she almost jumped. Oh God, I mustn't let anyone know I've become a woman, or I'm doomed. She was so nervous she didn't dare look back, her hand gripping the parasol trembling.

"What's wrong? Even your courage has shrunk since you became a girl?"

Hearing Chen Yihui's voice, Zhao Ziwei dared to lower her hand from her chest and turn to look at her. "Don't scare people like that again, you'll scare them to death!"

"You really have become a girl!" Chen Yihui chuckled. "Tell me quickly, how did you meet Yiqian? I saw you two chatting for several minutes from afar!"

Zhao Ziwei shook her head. "We haven't met yet, we don't even know each other's names!"

Hearing the part about "aborting the child," Chen Yihui burst into laughter, slapping her arm hard. "You rascal, why make up such a bizarre story?"

"Then what do you suggest?" Zhao Ziwei glared at her. "Should I say I was abandoned by my husband, or that I was raped?"

Chen Yihui paused, frowning. "Don't say things like that, it's uncomfortable to hear!"

“I didn’t have time to think at the time, I just blurted it out.” Zhao Ziwei was also unhappy. “But, I have to keep making up this story later, which is a bit troublesome.”

Chen Yihui said, “You’re right, this way you and Yiqian will have something in common. You and she are both victims of men!”

“Maybe!” Zhao Ziwei frowned. “But I guess she’ll pretend not to know me the next time she sees me!”

Chen Yihui laughed: “No, she’ll definitely ask you curiously what it feels like to be pregnant! Does it hurt when you have an abortion, hehe!”

“Hmph!” Zhao Ziwei shook her head, not going along with her crazy words. After a while, she calmly said, "Yihui, I think you might not really understand your sister!"

"How could that be? She always loved telling me her secrets—what men she dated, what relationships she had, even her first time having sex with a man. She told me everything." Chen Yihui paused, then suddenly stared at her. "You say I don't understand Yiqian? Do you understand her?"

Zhao Ziwei said calmly, "Long-term interaction doesn't necessarily mean understanding. A first meeting might actually lead to a deeper connection!"

Chen Yihui looked at her in surprise, a sense of misunderstanding washing over her. This misunderstanding wasn't because they had been separated for three years; perhaps they hadn't understood each other at all three years ago. She suddenly felt a little timid, less certain about her ex-boyfriend, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Zhao Ziwei didn't explain her doubts, only smiled faintly, like a quiet, elegant lady. Seeing that smile, Chen Yihui's heart suddenly skipped a beat. Three years ago, she had been captivated by Zhao Ziqiang's smile. But back then, Zhao Ziqiang's confidence wasn't clear enough, which made her feel insecure. But today, Zhao Ziqiang was expressing this confidence as a girl—what did that mean? Chen Yihui panicked, suddenly asking herself: This man is so arrogant and confident at work, why is he so easily controlled by me?

While eating at the restaurant, Chen Yihui kept glancing at her, seemingly trying to see the real Zhao Ziqiang beneath the makeup. Zhao Ziwei also felt something strange. Three years ago, regardless of whether she was dressed as a man or a woman, she knew Chen Yihui was her girlfriend. But now, even with intimate embraces, even as bed partners, the feeling was different; no amount of intimacy could bridge the gap between their hearts.

"Let's go shopping after dinner. I want to buy you two more dresses!"

"Yihui, I have enough dresses, I don't need so many!" Zhao Ziwei frowned. It wasn't because she felt guilty about spending someone else's money. She had always thought Chen Yihui understood her best, but after meeting her sister today, that view changed.

Chen Yihui pouted. “You’re the first girl who ever complains about having too many clothes!”

“There’s no need to spend so much! Besides, I’m not going to wear these for long anyway. My size is big, and they won’t fit you later.” Although Zhao Ziwei said this, she couldn’t explain why she always had so many fantasies about those new dresses whenever she passed by a shop window. Chen Yihui was right; no girl ever complains about having too many clothes, not even a fake girl like Zhao Ziwei.

Chen Yihui blinked. “Ziqiang, I noticed you were acting strange today!”

Zhao Ziwei looked up, wondering why she had changed to calling him by a man’s name. “Why?”

“Well, I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I’m a little scared!” Chen Yihui frowned. “I know this analogy isn’t quite right, but I can’t find a better one. We’re like a couple before marriage, getting married tomorrow, but today I have a feeling you’ll break up with me before the wedding!”

Zhao Ziwei looked at her quietly for a while before finally saying two words: “Nonsense!”

But Zhao Ziqiang/Ziwei were shocked because this girl really hit the nail on the head, even though the analogy was inappropriate. This is probably why Zhao Ziqiang can't forget this girl; even though she was bad and left him, she was still the person who understood him best.

"You already know Yiqian, saving you a step. Now you have common ground, so next time you're with her, just focus on criticizing men!"

Zhao Ziwei shook her head. "Today was just a meeting; it won't help our future interactions. I have a feeling that next time we meet, Yiqian will pretend she's never seen me before!"

"Why?"

"Because I'll pretend I've never seen her before!"

Chen Yihui was confused. She didn't understand how two "strangers" could become true "strangers" after sharing their innermost thoughts. But she was a smart girl with excellent comprehension skills, and she immediately understood. However, when she looked up again, she saw Zhao Ziwei's disappointed expression. A chill ran through Chen Yihui, and she couldn't help but tighten her grip on Zhao Ziqiang/Ziwei's hands, trying to get closer, but the distance between their hearts didn't close.

Zhao Ziwei realized she hadn't understood her words and couldn't hide her disappointment. Three years could change a person, and a lot at that. The two women exchanged a glance, both seemingly finding surprise and confusion in each other's eyes. Women's psychology is indeed unpredictable; whether it's inexplicable or emotional, that's just how it is.

Zhao Ziwei broke the silence. "Yihui, didn't you say you had something to tell me?"

"Yes!" Chen Yihui snapped out of her daze, pulling out an ID card and handing it to her.

"Ah! You really did it?" Zhao Ziwei was quite surprised; the ID card clearly bore her photo and name. She examined the new ID card several times; it didn't seem fake. Had the Chen family's money been used by the police? "Yihui, how did you change my age?"

"First of all, this is Zhao Ziwei's ID card, it has nothing to do with Zhao Ziqiang. Secondly, you only need to be one year older than Yiqian; that makes communication easier. Besides, isn't it better for a girl to be young?"

Zhao Ziwei frowned, thinking it made sense, although these things weren't important to men. “I can handle most situations with my ID card. I’m always worried about not having my ID when I need it!”

“No one will check your ID. You look very refined, not like a dangerous person!”

“It’s hard to say. These days, dangerous people might look like talented men or heartthrobs. Appearances are becoming increasingly unreliable!” Zhao Ziwei laughed. “If someone knew the pretty girl next to you was a man, they would definitely rip off her skirt and then snap away!”

“I didn’t expect anyone to think the same way as me. I’ve wanted to do that for a long time!” Chen Yihui giggled. “If someone is blind and tries to rob you of your money and your virtue, they’ll definitely be in trouble. At that time, who knows who will be robbing whom of their money and virtue!”

Zhao Ziwei was both angry and amused. After three years apart, this girl could still tell adult jokes without batting an eye. After dinner, Chen Yihui took her to a bar and explained at the entrance, "This is a gay bar, Yiqian often comes here. I don't dare to go in, but it's different today with you protecting me!"

"Yihui, what if there's a special situation? Like someone hitting on me, or a sexy woman pressing against me? Then I'll hug you, and kiss you if necessary, okay?"

"Then aren't we the same as the people in the bar?" Chen Yihui was unhappy. "No, that will be misunderstood! At home, you can kiss me however you want!"

"In the end, you still see me as a man!"

"Of course, whether you wear pants or a skirt, you're essentially a man! If a girl flirts with you, ignore her, and you're not allowed to flirt with her either. You can't look at her face for more than a second!"

Good heavens, the domineering girlfriend from three years ago is back. "Why? Aren't we lesbians? We should be here to have fun with girls!"

"No means no!" Chen Yihui glared at her fiercely. "In short, don't unleash the desires hidden under your skirt! Those belong to Zhao Ziqiang, not Zhao Ziwei!"

"Then how am I supposed to deal with my desires?"

"I'll help you!"

Zhao Ziwei was stunned. Chen Yihui ignored her reaction and pulled her into the bar.

Chapter 019, The Bar

The bar wasn't what they'd imagined; it was quiet, almost like a coffee shop. The lighting wasn't dim, and some young men and women were talking and laughing quietly, the scene more like a relaxed getaway for close friends. This surprised them, even making them wonder if they'd come to the wrong place.

"Yihui, are you really sure this is the place?"

"Yes, it was three months ago. Did it change owners? Why are you asking me? I'm here for the first time too!"

The bar wasn't yet bustling with activity, but their holding hands sparked speculation among those present. People naturally pay attention to young and beautiful girls, especially in a bar with such a somewhat unusual background.

"Those two girls are really pretty. Could they be lesbians?" "Probably not. Look at them, they're not being intimate, and they're dressed very femininely; they don't seem like a couple with a division of labor!" "It's hard to say. I've heard that these days, it's mostly high-class professionals who are into this kind of thing. It's not surprising that such elegant beauties are here. If they are, then the men will be disappointed!"

Hearing the comments, the two realized they had become the center of attention and immediately let go of each other's hands. Zhao Ziwei was a little worried. Knowing Chen Yihui's mischievous nature, trouble was brewing.

"Yihui, have you noticed we've become their target?"

"Ignore them. They're guessing if you and I are lesbians, especially those guys to my left. I heard them making a bet, haha!"

They sat down, wondering what Chen Yihui had done here. Their bodies pressed together, forgetting their original purpose, only remembering that the person beside them was someone they liked. Chen Yihui's fingers traced her arm, while Zhao Ziwei stroked her thigh. Both were a little excited, even wanting to do something more exciting, but they refrained.

"Yihui, I think it's very comfortable here. If you didn't say we were lesbians, I might come here often!"

"Then don't invite me here. If someone we know sees us, not even dish soap or bleach can wash it off!"

Hearing this, Zhao Ziwei had a wicked thought and gently kissed her cheek. Chen Yihui panicked. "Ziqiang, don't kiss me here! Kiss me at home!"

"So what if it's a bar? I don't care!" Zhao Ziwei's lips curled into a wicked smile. "Yihui, haven't you always liked it when I kiss you?"

After a while, Chen Yihui was kissed again. She was furious: "You... humph, you think only you dare? Do you think I wouldn't dare?" Then she returned the kiss fiercely.

A low gasp came from the next table: "So these two girls are lesbians!" "Ah, they're so pretty, what a pity, no men for them!" "Ah, no way, I was just about to go up and talk to them, maybe they couldn't wait for a man, so they took care of it themselves!"

Chen Yihui realized that her impulsiveness had caused trouble and ran out of the bar in a panic. Zhao Ziwei immediately paid the bill and followed her out. Actually, the lighting in the bar was dim, and it wasn't easy to see another person's face clearly, but they were both scared.

Seeing the panicked girl panting by the door, Zhao Ziwei found it laughable. It was a pleasure to frighten this girl possessed by evil spirits. It felt good to be possessed by Zhao Ziqiang for the first time; always playing the lady was too exhausting.

Chen Yihui glared at her angrily. "Zhao Ziqiang, what are you laughing at?"

"Yihui, not bad, right? Shall we continue kissing here?"

"Kiss your big head!" Chen Yihui wanted to cry. She stormed towards the street corner, furious. She could accept any crazy behavior, but she never wanted to give off a lesbian vibe.

Zhao Ziwei's high heels whizzed past her. "Yihui, now you're just like your sister! You can understand why she likes women now, you don't need to blame her anymore!"

"Bullshit, you bastard, you've ruined me!" Chen Yihui slapped her arm.

"Ruined you? How could I? I like you so much, you should be happy!"

Chen Yihui was both angry and anxious, suddenly turning around and grabbing the straps of her dress, ripping them off forcefully. "Zhao Ziwei, Zhao Ziqiang, tonight I'm going to expose you, you fake woman, and see how you embarrass yourself!"

Zhao Ziwei was terrified and immediately grabbed her hand. If the strap broke, she would be finished. She was stronger than Chen Yihui and quickly pried her hand off, but she was also drenched in a cold sweat. Although she knew that offending a woman would not end well, she couldn't help herself tonight.

Seeing that her sneak attack had failed, Chen Yihui's resentment was still not appeased, and she pointed her finger at Zhao Ziwei's chest. "I warned you not to let Zhao Ziqiang's true nature be revealed, but you didn't listen. You've ruined me tonight!" She poked at the soft breasts, then realized they were fake, so she changed the spot and poked again.

Zhao Ziwei felt pain in her chest and hurriedly dodged backward, but she stumbled, and her high heel went to the side, almost falling. She was also furious and grabbed Chen Yihui's hand. “Yi Hui, I am Zhao Ziqiang, how can I hide it forever? You've known me for a long time, Zhao Ziqiang has never been a blank slate, this slate already has a lot on it.”

“So what if it has something on it? You're older than me, you should control yourself, you shouldn't be teasing me!”

Zhao Ziwei was upset, she let go of her hand and said, “Yi Hui, you know, this dress is too oppressive, I need an outlet!”

“I know, we can go home and solve it, you shouldn't have kissed me in the bar!”

“So what? I touched you just now, and you didn't mind. After I became Zhao Ziwei, you liked to touch my thighs and seduce me.” Zhao Ziwei laughed, “I was thinking we could get a little more intimate in the bar, for example…”

“You…” Chen Yi Hui was really angry, she stomped her foot hard.

“Don't you like excitement? Now let's kiss in the street, let you show off, okay?” Zhao Ziwei got more and more excited as she spoke, she stepped forward and hugged her waist.

“Zhao Ziqiang, you… bastard!” Chen Yi Hui pushed her away forcefully and ran away.

The loud shout attracted the attention of passersby, but Zhao Ziwei didn't chase after her; she had achieved her goal of provoking her. Zhao Ziwei walked forward slowly, humming a song easily, and soon her steps turned into light dance steps. Zhao Ziqiang felt good about his return, a little bad, a little roguish. If he had been confined by his skirt for the past few months, he would not only have been stifled, but his mentality would probably have changed as well.

Chen Yihui turned back angrily, glaring at her. "Tell me honestly, what kind of person has Zhao Ziqiang been in these three years? Is he a bastard?"

Zhao Ziwei blinked and smiled, "I don't know if he is, but judging from your current nature, he's probably the same kind of person as you!"

"What, that bad?" Chen Yihui was shocked. She realized her words were inappropriate and covered her mouth, but immediately tried to argue, "Tell me quickly, what kind of thievery and prostitution have you done?" Zhao Ziwei was

even more shocked at what she had become in these three years. Chen Yihui's arrogance angered her, and she retorted, "Chen Yihui, what right do you have to call me bad! We broke up three years ago, and my affairs are none of your business. Do you want to claim you're pure? Dare you say you've never cheated on someone, never had a one-night stand, never had an office affair?"

Chen Yihui was genuinely stunned, and she shook her head dumbly. "I haven't tried it. I'm just good with words, all talk and no action!"

Zhao Ziwei was also stunned, but immediately smiled, "I haven't tried it either, but I want to try!" She tried to act joking, but it was no use. She had really lost her mind tonight. She had only intended to be angry with this girl, but she had ruined the refined image she had painstakingly cultivated.

Chen Yihui looked at her in surprise, as if she were a stranger. "Then why did you pretend to be pure in front of me? Why did you agree to dress up as a girl?"

"Because you were very rude from the beginning, not giving me a chance to explain, so I had to be pure; because I like wearing skirts, I agreed to dress up as a girl."

Chen Yihui became nervous. "Wasn't it for me?"

"That's a factor, but not the main one!" Zhao Ziwei said coldly. "As for saving your sister, to be honest, who cares about her life or death? I'm just enjoying the thrill of being a girl."

Chen Yihui froze, only reacting after a while. She started pacing around, glancing at the "stranger" Zhao Ziwei every now and then. Fear filled her heart. She thought that after three years, she could still easily control her ex-boyfriend, which was something to be proud of. But now, she realized she had not only misjudged him but also miscalculated.

"No, I can't hand Yiqian over to you. You'll ruin her!"

"You're too late. Once you turn me into a girl, there's no going back!" Zhao Ziwei's eyes were cold, her inner Zhao Ziqiang nature erupting, no longer considering anyone else's feelings.

"Ziqiang, are you joking? Tell me you're just joking!" Chen Yihui clung to her last hope.

"What do you think?"

Then, Zhao Ziwei turned gracefully and left, her skirt fluttering, leaving Chen Yihui dumbfounded.

Chapter 20, Best Friend

"Yiqian, what are you trying to say after all this beating around the bush?"

"What beating around the bush? I just wanted to say that I've been very busy lately and can't spend time with you. Of course, once or twice is fine!"

"Yiqian, you might as well just say, 'Yanmei, I'm sorry, I can't be your bridesmaid. I wish you happiness!'"

"No, I never want to say that. We've been best friends for seven years!"

For half an hour, Chen Yiqian racked her brains, trying to find a reason to decline, but Huang Yanmei saw through her excuse. Seven years of friendship since university, they talked about everything and were inseparable. Until yesterday, Chen Yiqian wanted one last chance to wear a bridesmaid dress for her best friend. However, meeting Gao Xiang shattered her fantasy. She couldn't bear to face the scene of a wedding dress because she always believed that she would walk down the aisle before Huang Yanmei.

Huang Yanmei stared at her and said, "Yiqian, you've always been so strong. Did that damn breakup really break you?"

"No, I'm still strong. All my colleagues can attest to that!"

"Yiqian, it's okay to be heartbroken, it's okay to be sad, but life goes on, and you'll meet other men in the future. You've always been stronger than me. It's been half a year; you should move on from that shadow, not hide it inside and show it on your face!"

"Yanmei, I'm not like that!" Chen Yiqian suddenly realized she wasn't strong at all. "Actually, I've been thinking, if love doesn't get hurt, will it always be sweet and last forever? Breaking up before marriage, or having problems accumulate and then explode after marriage—which one can I accept?"

"Maybe you should stop thinking about romantic relationships for now, so you won't get hurt!" Huang Yanmei said.

"Okay, I'll think about finding a woman for the rest of my life!"

"Haha, Yiqian, you're really joking!"

"Maybe it's not a joke!"

Huang Yanmei snorted. “Yiqian, although we’ve rarely been together lately, I understand you. Even if you experience ten more heartbreaks, you won’t change your personality and go looking for other women!”

“Okay, I’ll try!” Chen Yiqian’s eyes darted around, but she still didn’t mention Lingling. Perhaps some images don’t need to be changed, and some things don’t need to be said even to close friends. “Then I’ll put aside romantic feelings for now, and you don’t need to provoke me with marriage anymore!”

“Yiqian, I came here to share in the joy!”

“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t get married until you were thirty?”

“Sigh, that’s true, but twenty-five isn’t early!” Huang Yanmei finished speaking and glared at her fiercely, “It’s all your fault, saying we should have a competition to see who gets married first, and that those who get married later have to give big gifts. I don’t have as much money as you, so I had to get married first! Hehe, Yiqian, thank you for the washing machine and the vacuum cleaner!”

Chen Yiqian deliberately sighed loudly. "I'm really heartbroken. I was just thinking of giving a 200 yuan red envelope!"

Huang Yanmei said earnestly, "Actually, I'd be happy with whatever you give me, as long as you're with me and will always be my best friend!"

"Of course!" Chen Yiqian held her hand.

For seven years, they had shared every little detail of their lives, whether it was joy or sorrow. Although they had argued and disagreed, their bond had never wavered. It was only after Chen Yiqian took over Xinhai that they lived far apart and saw each other less often.

Then, Chen Yiqian slowly explained about meeting her ex-boyfriend yesterday; she needed someone to comfort her. She knew that the person who could comfort her wasn't Lingling, but Huang Yanmei. She had avoided being her bridesmaid, but some things couldn't be avoided.

Huang Yanmei sighed and held her hand. "Yiqian, if you want to cry, just cry. You're not in front of Xinhai's employees; you don't need to wear a mask!"

Chen Yiqian's nose tingled. “I already cried last night, I can’t cry anymore!”

“Being a daughter of the Chen family must be very difficult. Even if you want to slack off, the environment will force you to be strong. Yi Hui is so lucky, she just threw down all the burdens and left everything to you.” Huang Yanmei still held her hand.

Chen Yiqian felt a warmth in her heart. Although she sometimes thought that Huang Yanmei didn’t quite understand her, she didn’t think that way anymore. “Yes, if Yi Hui were to be the successor of the Chen family, I could just manage a small Xinhai. I would be truly content!”

“Yiqian, is this what you really think?”

“Yes!” Chen Yiqian thought for a moment, then shook her head. “Sometimes I really imagine myself taking over my father’s job, how I’ll be commanding the world and writing inspiring articles. But I don’t have that ability, at least not for the next two or three years. I’m self-aware. I have a bad feeling that I won’t be a good manager after I take over my father’s job. Because I can’t find a good assistant, someone to work with like a team, just like I can’t find a good man in life! Yes, you’re right, there are good men, but they’re not mine.”

Huang Yanmei stared blankly at her. “Yiqian, you’re living too hard. You don’t have to demand that you get 95 points every time. Sometimes you can tell yourself: 65 is not bad either!”

“That won’t do, I can’t do it, that’s self-deception!” Chen Yiqian said decisively, “Yes, I’m living a hard life, but I’m surnamed Chen, because I have Chen family blood in my veins!”

Huang Yanmei didn’t speak, just blinked at her. Perhaps they both vaguely felt that an invisible force was pulling them apart. It wasn’t that they didn’t trust each other, but the environment had changed, and the two could no longer be as close as they were in college.

Chen Yiqian patted her forehead and said, "Alright, I have to go see a client."

"Isn't it Sunday? You still have to see a client?"

"Yes, my life is my work, and my work is my life!" Chen Yiqian answered seriously, then started packing her things, preparing to leave. "Today, I'm prepared to make some sacrifices; taking a step back is for taking a hundred steps forward!"

Huang Yanmei asked, "What sacrifices? Are you going to cut corners drastically, or give us free advertising?"

"No!" Chen Yiqian said earnestly, "I'll allow him to touch my thigh!"

Huang Yanmei was taken aback, then immediately burst into laughter. "Yiqian, you can't joke like that!"

Chen Yiqian glanced at her. "How do you know I'm joking?"

"Isn't it?" Huang Yanmei was a little surprised, "In college, a guy touched your thigh, and you ended up hitting him on the head, requiring seven stitches."

Chen Yiqian laughed too; of course she remembered that. "Can't I change?"

"Will you become that kind of profit-driven person?"

“It’s possible. The Chen family has always been businessmen, and businessmen prioritize profit!” Chen Yiqian said calmly. “If one day you no longer want to associate with me, it means I’ve become that kind of person, and it means I’ll never have any friends in my life!”

Huang Yanmei suddenly shivered. “Yiqian, I hope that day never comes; it’s too terrifying!”

Chen Yiqian replied calmly, “I hope so too!”

As the car sped along the wide street, Chen Yiqian suddenly felt a chill. Yes, would she become that kind of person? Would she succeed her father, or follow in his footsteps? In Chen Yiqian’s eyes, the head of the Chen Group was a high and mighty position, unless one possessed her father’s authority, ability, and charisma. Even after her sister Chen Yihui gave up her position and she was designated by her father as his successor, she rarely imagined herself becoming the group’s president, because it was too far away.

As Chen Yiqian stepped out of the parking lot, a figure suddenly flashed through her mind. Yes, that stranger from yesterday was quite nice; being friends with her would be good, at least better than Lingling. Strange, I only saw her once at the restaurant, and we only chatted for a few minutes on the street, yet I've already decided to be friends. Although the woman was wearing a fashionable floral sundress, Chen Yiqian felt that the woman must be an administrative manager, someone like herself. That woman's aura was so special, something ordinary women didn't have, but what exactly it was, Chen Yiqian couldn't figure it out.

Sigh, whatever, Gao Xiang's influence is really strong. Chapter 1, New Job.

"Hello, is Ms. Chen Yiqian here?"

"May I ask who you are?"

"I'm Zhao Ziwei, here for work today!"

"You...you're the new director?" The receptionist's eyes widened, and she opened her mouth three times before finally speaking, "They...they said the new director is a man!"

"Oh, do I look like a man to you?" Zhao Ziwei smiled confidently, not worried about having any trace of masculinity on her. After two weeks of rehearsals, she exuded femininity, beautiful and charming.

"Of course not, I'm sorry, Ms. Zhao, I didn't expect the new director to be so young! Please come with me!" the girl immediately apologized. "My name is Liang Jing, they all call me Jingjing."

"Okay, Jingjing, you can just call me Ziwei!"

Okay, deep breath, don't be nervous, be like other girls… This Monday, Zhao Ziwei took up her new role as Creative Director of Xinhai Advertising Company. According to Chen Yihui, only this position allowed her the most contact with Chen Yiqian; in other words, only then could the two possibly fall in love. This reason sounded ridiculous to Zhao Ziwei, but if she could wear a dress and act like a woman, what could be more outrageous?

On her first day at work, Zhao Ziwei applied delicate light makeup and wore a light purple suit. It was a semi-casual Western-style suit with delicate lace at the hem, and small flowers embroidered on the left chest of the top and the right side of the skirt, adding softness and reducing seriousness. Although she had given up high heels, she was still taller than most girls. Two weeks of corseting had given her a good figure; not perfect, but attractive, even charming.

Following Liang Jing into the office building, Zhao Ziwei immediately received stares and whispers. Although she tried to keep her steps and voice down, she couldn't control the clatter of her heels on the floor. Thinking about seeing these people every day from now on, she felt a little nervous.

Liang Jing knocked on the manager's office door. "Ms. Chen, Ms. Zhao is here!"

"Okay, you can go back now!" Chen Yiqian's head was buried in a drawer, seemingly rummaging through something. "Ms. Zhao, please have a seat. I'm looking for some documents!"

"Okay!" Zhao Ziwei then strolled around, examining the room's layout.

The room was well-lit, but the furnishings were relatively simple. Besides a large display case, the most striking items were two oil paintings on the wall. The paintings depicted spring and autumn scenes respectively. The artist was clearly meticulous, depicting the leaves with great detail, but this detail somehow made the theme and atmosphere less clear; perhaps it wasn't the work of a famous artist.

“Miss Zhao, are you interested in oil painting?”

Zhao Ziwei turned around when she heard the voice behind her. Their eyes met, and both were surprised; the person in front of them was the “stranger” they had spoken to last weekend. However, Chen Yiqian was genuinely surprised, while Zhao Ziwei was feigning surprise.

“It’s you?” They both pointed at each other simultaneously, but didn’t continue the conversation.

Chen Yiqian then noticed the woman’s tall stature, which was rare among girls; she hadn’t noticed it last time when they were chatting. She extended her hand and said, “Miss Zhao, welcome to Xinhai!”

“Thank you, just call me Ziwei, it feels more natural and friendly!” Zhao Ziwei smiled; shaking hands with girls was something she enjoyed.

“Okay, you can call me Yiqian too, that’s what my colleagues call me! Yi, the Yi of 'content and carefree,' Qian, the Qian of 'beautiful figure'!” Chen Yiqian thought her hands were quite large, not slender enough.

“A very nice name, and you are as beautiful as your name!” Zhao Ziwei praised. This tone revealed Zhao Ziqiang’s true nature—he couldn’t help but praise a beautiful woman. Actually, she hadn't considered that if she were truly a girl, she wouldn't have said those words.

Chen Yiqian was surprised. Girls usually don't express themselves this way, but this girl was clearly different. Could it be that she was truly expressing admiration and sincerity? The new director was tall and slender, dressed in a professional woman's suit, her eyes sparkling with confidence. Strange, I was thinking about her yesterday, and I didn't expect to see her today.

Zhao Ziwei was also observing her. A light blue shirt and a gray skirt, her bright eyes were particularly expressive, a stark contrast to her dejected appearance that day. How could this girl be the kind of person her sister described? She was elegant, beautiful, and exuded shrewdness and competence.

"Ms. Zhao, oh, Ziwei, please tell me your opinion on this oil painting."

Zhao Ziwei came back to her senses. "Oh, the colors are nice, spring blossoms and autumn fruits, the beauty of spring, the vicissitudes of autumn. This should be the work of the same artist, with a good continuity."

Chen Yiqian was a little surprised. "Oh, so you seem to know a bit about your paintings!"

"Not really, I used to accompany friends to art exhibitions a lot, so I know a little bit!" Zhao Ziwei feigned modesty, but inwardly thought: If you knew Zhao Ziqiang, you'd know what arrogance really meant.

"Hmm!" Chen Yiqian blinked. This woman was too special. Hadn't she just broken up with her boyfriend? Yet today she was radiant. "Ms. Zhao, the headhunting company highly recommends you. You have rich work experience and can handle things independently..."

"Oh, don't believe everything the headhunting company says, just believe half of it!"

Chen Yiqian curled her lips. "That's true. I've met people like that before. I hope Ms. Zhao is different!"

Zhao Ziwei's expression changed slightly. This girl's mouth was a bit sharp. "The past only describes the past. What's important is the present and the future. I will integrate into Xinhai Company as soon as possible. I hope everyone will give me encouragement and help! Please rest assured, if I don't do well, I believe no one can do better than me!"

Chen Yiqian was stunned. This woman was really arrogant. "Um, Ms. Zhao, why did you leave your previous company?"

"I got fired by my boss!"

"Huh?" Chen Yiqian looked at her in surprise. This wasn't on her resume; headhunting companies really are unreliable.

"I was just kidding," Zhao Ziwei laughed. "On a project, I argued with my boss, and neither of us could convince the other. Maybe I said something a little irrational that upset him, so he said in front of everyone that he was going to fire me."

"And then?"

"A few days later, I handed him my resignation letter. He didn't even look at it, just tore it up, and then he apologized. But after thinking about it for a few days, I still left!"

Chen Yiqian blinked. "Do you often argue with your boss?"

Zhao Ziwei asked dismissively. "That's not arguing, it's a work-related dispute. But I was always right, so he was unhappy!"

"Really?" Chen Yiqian smiled strangely. "So, after we argue, will you leave a letter and run away?"

"If we argue, will you yell in the office building: 'I'm firing you!'"

Chen Yiqian laughed. That seemed like the best way to avoid embarrassment. What else could they do? Start arguing on the very first day? The new director was sharp-tongued and seemed unwilling to back down; she was definitely not someone to be trifled with. Zhao Ziwei smiled. She wasn't afraid of any boss. What she needed now was to understand and get closer to this girl. In the few minutes they spent together, she had already sensed that Chen Yiqian's attitude had changed from relaxed to wary. Why was that?

Suddenly, Chen Yiqian's eyes turned cold. "Ziwei, I believe you're a smart person. You should know very well what to say and what to do!"

"Yes, I understand!" Zhao Ziwei nodded seriously. This was very clear: the matter from their last meeting was not to be mentioned. If she were in that position, she would definitely want to do the same.

"Ring...ring..." Chen Yiqian picked up the phone. "Xiaoling, Miss Zhao has arrived and is in my room! It's alright, you'll be busy dealing with the board members and photocopying documents on Monday! Oh, okay... Dad, she's here, we were talking!"

Zhao Ziwei turned her head back to look at the oil painting. The brushwork wasn't very skillful, but it exuded a certain elegance. Could it be painted by Chen Yiqian? But Chen Yihui hadn't mentioned it.

Chen Yiqian was on the phone while observing Zhao Ziwei's profile. The new director's appearance surprised her. She had a good temperament and seemed confident, or perhaps arrogant, which indicated a stronger ability to manage than other women. But she felt uneasy because this woman knew her private matters from the beginning. She knew how good women were at keeping secrets.

"Ziwei, I'm not used to being so polite with colleagues. Too much politeness makes it hard to get things done! Here's the key to the director's office. As for the main door key, Fangjie and Xiaomei each take one. Fangjie is my secretary, her name is Jiang Fang, and Xiaomei is your new assistant."

Zhao Ziwei thought to herself: I'll be leaving in a month at most, what do I need those keys for?

Chapter 22, Provocation

"Clap clap!" Chen Yiqian clapped her hands forcefully. "Everyone, no need to guess, this is our new director, Ms. Zhao Ziwei! Starting today, she will be working with us. I hope everyone will continue to work hard!"

Zhao Ziwei bowed to everyone and said, "Thank you, Ms. Chen and the head office, for giving me this opportunity to work with you all. Before I came, I heard that there are many talented people here, and I am willing to do my best to work with everyone to make the company better!"

The polite applause was somewhat sparse. Apart from two or three young girls who showed happy expressions, there was more surprise, doubt, and even indifference. Zhao Ziwei understood that men didn't like having a woman as their boss, because she had felt the same way before.

Chen Yiqian began to introduce the new colleagues. "This is Xiaomei, your new assistant. Be careful, she has a big appetite and might eat all your snacks!"

Xiaomei blushed. "Yiqian, you are the boss. How can you say such things to me? How can I save face?"

Zhao Ziwei felt that the atmosphere here was good, which was exactly what she needed. "Xiaomei, don't worry, I'll keep extra snacks in my drawer!"

Xiaomei's face flushed again. "You're laughing at me like Yiqian did!"

"Hehe!" Everyone laughed. Xinhai had two supervisors. The male supervisor, Li Yongjun, was in his thirties, with sharp features and a very capable demeanor. The female supervisor, Zhang Li, was also in her thirties, a bit flirtatious, and wore heavy makeup. She wore a dark blue suit, but her top was unbuttoned, revealing a tight white tank top underneath, her full breasts almost spilling out.

Upon catching a glimpse of Zhang Li's prominent breasts, Zhao Ziwei's heart tightened, her body trembled, and she felt a strange reaction under her skirt. She had no choice but to look away, maintaining her smile. No matter how her appearance changed, her body structure remained the same, exhibiting the most primal male reaction. Sensing the other's hostile gaze, Zhao Ziwei spoke first: "Before I came, I had heard about the talents of both supervisors. I feel honored to be able to work with you both in the future!"

Zhang Li stared intently at her breasts, seemingly comparing whose were bigger, clearly feeling inferior. Her face showed displeasure, and the new boss's height also made her feel a kind of invisible pressure. So, she said with a forced smile, "Ms. Zhao, we heard the other day that the head office hired an elite for us. We are all very happy to see your talent and outstanding work ability!"

"Really? They said that?" Zhao Ziwei feigned ignorance. "It seems that even the HR manager can't be trusted. When they were lowering my salary, they didn't praise me like you do!"

"Oh!" Zhang Li was a little surprised by her reaction. The new boss understood the implication in her words but didn't retaliate. "Is that really the case? Then Ms. Zhao must have won among the many competitors?"

"Not at all!" Zhao Ziwei smiled, knowing that she was trying to embarrass her. "The manager said that if I clearly refuse, he will consider other candidates!"

Zhang Li's face darkened even more upon hearing this. Clearly, the director position was not hers no matter how many people lined up. But she was not giving up: "Ms. Zhao, we all hope that your talent is as outstanding as your figure, especially your chest!"

"Oh, really?" Zhao Ziwei was startled, not expecting this challenge to come so immediately. This stimulation caused her breasts, which had just flattened under her skirt, to swell again, making her feel uncomfortable and her expression unnatural. She couldn't find a suitable retort, so she could only say, "If you have time, we can discuss it—fitness, skincare, makeup, anything!"

Seeing her expression, Zhang Li glanced at the others and, finding them all watching with amusement, immediately became smug and pressed her advantage: "Ms. Zhao, why don't you tell us in a few words, for example, how you made your breasts so full? Was it through external aids or modern technology? We're all women, and we'd love to learn."

The people around were startled; treating their new boss like this was going too far. The women were all watching intently, regardless of who won or lost, they were sure to see a spectacle. The male colleague walked away embarrassedly, but stopped after a few steps and turned back to look. Of course, gossip wasn't just a woman's prerogative; men had the same inclination.

Zhao Ziwei was taken aback; this wasn't a fight, it was a provocation! She immediately became serious, setting aside her burgeoning desires and focusing on dealing with the "enemy." She smiled and said, "That's not difficult. Every night before bed, have your husband massage you for twenty minutes. It's best to do it every day, and be consistent; that way, the effect will be better. I don't know if you're married? Or you can have your boyfriend do it. If not, or if they're unwilling, you can do it yourself!"

The girls next to her giggled, Xiaomei laughing especially loudly, while the men turned their faces away, covering their mouths to laugh. Everyone understood the meaning behind her words, so everyone laughed, laughing a little too wildly. Even Chen Yiqian was biting her lip, trying hard to keep her mouth shut, not letting it stretch too much. But she couldn't hold it in any longer and turned away to cough.

Zhang Li's face turned bright red. "I have a husband, so naturally he massages me every day. I don't need you to tell me!"

"Is that so?" Zhao Ziwei smiled knowingly, her expression as if to say: You massage yourself, don't you?

Zhang Li was annoyed and was about to explode when Chen Yiqian held back her laughter and pulled her away. "Alright, alright, let's go back to work. I'll take Ziwei to meet the other colleagues!"

Chen Yiqian had been watching the commotion from the sidelines until the adult topics came up, at which point she intervened to prevent the situation from escalating. She couldn't get any information about the new director's background from her father, and the HR manager was evasive when she asked her questions. Chen Yiqian suspected that this person was either the daughter of her father's old friend or a relative of some shareholder.

Zhao Ziwei breathed a sigh of relief, glancing gratefully at Chen Yiqian, while also blaming her for being too late in intervening. She sighed inwardly; making enemies on the very first day, especially offending a woman, seemed like there would be a lot of trouble later. But she couldn't just let her subordinates bully her on her first day at work.

While her colleagues around her were still chuckling, Zhang Li glared fiercely at the purple-clad figure, muttered a curse, and sullenly walked towards her seat. She thought she was the candidate for the new director, but unexpectedly, Zhao Ziwei appeared out of nowhere. This woman was headhunted; was she really that capable? Seeing Zhang Li stumble, her colleagues even looked at her with a hint of pity, but there was still a long road ahead, and anything could happen. People are always like this; they don't remember those who start conflicts, but they habitually sympathize with the losers.

A phone call summoned Chen Yiqian back to the manager's office, while Zhao Ziwei was led by Xiao Mei to meet the colleagues in the accounting department. After finishing the call, Chen Yiqian stood at the manager's door. The new director in the purple suit was indeed different, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. She was conflicted. According to the boss, she didn't want any conflicts among colleagues. If it was a challenging work problem, she would prefer more "arguments," but not this kind of personal matter.

Jiang Fang suddenly said, "Yiqian, the new director is quite special!"

"Really? What do you think is special about her?"

Jiang Fang frowned. “It’s not her height, nor her beauty, but a special aura about her, something others don’t have. I can’t quite put my finger on it right now; I’ll probably only know after spending some time with her!”

Chen Yiqian exclaimed in surprise, realizing she shared the same thought. “Honestly, I want to know too!”

Jiang Fang blinked. “Yiqian, what’s her background? Usually, people this arrogant only seem to fall into two categories: one, they have a very powerful backer…”

“And the other?”

Jiang Fang’s face showed a strange expression. “The other is someone incredibly confident. These people are exceptionally talented and usually don’t even respect the boss. But I don’t think she’s that kind of person. She’s very easygoing, yet she’s firm beneath her gentleness. Yiqian, what is her background? Could she be a relative of some major shareholder or board member?”

Chen Yiqian smiled, because this was exactly what she wanted to know.

She vaguely sensed that the new director was not simple, perhaps even more special than she imagined.

Chapter 23: Suspicion

With the arrival of the new director, Xinhai became lively, with everyone inquiring about Zhao Ziwei. Xiao Mei was the most enthusiastic, making no attempt to hide her joy. Chen Yiqian looked out the manager's office window at the center of the office building. Even the appointment of the previous director hadn't caused such a stir. But this woman was only twenty-six; how capable could she be? Did this woman possess extraordinary talent beyond her outstanding resume and height?

If this new director hadn't met with her over the weekend, if she hadn't witnessed her "breakup" with Gao Xiang, Chen Yiqian wouldn't have paid so much attention to her. She really shouldn't have told this "stranger" about her experiences that day. She had even wanted to be friends with her then, but now that the woman was her subordinate, that incident had become a thorn in her side, and she definitely needed to reconsider.

Zhang Li strode in, her expression annoyed. "Yiqian, how come I've never heard you mention she's such a young woman?"

"I only paid attention to which companies she worked for and what experience she had. I forgot her age!" Chen Yiqian could only reply like this, because Zhang Li's jealousy was overwhelming.

But Zhang Li's anger only intensified. "Yiqian, how can you let her be so presumptuous?"

"What now?" Chen Yiqian could only feign ignorance.

“You heard what she said, right? She was so smug, like she was the only one who'd ever slept with a man, and everyone else was a virgin! Humph, I think everyone can see that a woman like her must be very promiscuous. If what she said is true, then she must have slept with at least three men a night to get that size!”

“Zhang Li, don’t talk nonsense!” Chen Yiqian hissed. Although she didn’t particularly like Zhao Ziwei, her position as boss didn’t allow her subordinates to criticize others. “Zhang Li, it’s Ms. Zhao’s first day at work. From both a polite and respectful standpoint, we should welcome her. As for her character, I don’t know; I only care about her work!”

Zhang Li wanted to say something more, but seeing Chen Yiqian’s stern expression, she swallowed her anger. She glared resentfully at the center of the office building, where Zhao Ziwei, with a beaming smile, was still chatting with her colleagues, seemingly quite amicable. She asked, “What advertisements has Zhao Ziwei planned?”

Chen Yiqian glanced at her. "Hmm, Jingcheng Real Estate ads, TTL TVs, Lefantian beverages, and I think some brand of purified water too, I don't remember anything else!"

"She did all of these?" Zhang Li's face changed, her confidence immediately wilted by half, because these ads were household names. She hesitated; her opponent was so strong, how could she possibly overpower them?

Chen Yiqian saw this, conflicted. On one hand, she hoped Zhang Li would challenge the new director, but on the other hand, she didn't want it to escalate into a war. "Zhang Li, no one is a genius. I reckon she must have put in a lot of effort to achieve this. If you work hard, you can do the same. Doing your job well is the best proof!"

"Yiqian, don't worry, I won't start a war!" Zhang Li, unable to get her support, could only suppress her resentment.

"That's good!" Chen Yiqian nodded, but she didn't believe Zhang Li's words.

Creating such a relaxed working environment at Xinhai was one of Chen Yiqian's proudest achievements, but she wasn't satisfied. She understood that Xinhai wasn't ready for an IPO in this state. She was even considering whether to hire a consulting firm to help improve the situation, or bring in a professional manager, but if it was the latter, she would have to back down.

Watching Zhao Ziwei steal the spotlight, Chen Yiqian felt a little confused. Last weekend she had wanted to befriend this "strange woman," but now she had no desire at all. Jiang Fang was off work today, and there wasn't much to do, so Chen Yiqian had time to overthink. Finally, she couldn't resist calling her father, because she had too many questions about this woman.

"Dad, the new director you put in charge of has taken office. She's definitely a remarkable person, I mean in terms of height. Now you can tell me, who exactly is she?"

"Yiqian, I've already told you, she was introduced by a headhunting company. I've only met her once, and I don't even remember what she looks like!"

"Then why did you give her such a high salary? Higher than mine, that's outrageous! I don't see what makes her worth that much. Did you decide based on her height?"

"Yiqian, a person's ability is related to their salary. Don't mind if someone earns more than you. You know, the chief designer at Chen's Real Estate earns more than his manager, and the chief researcher in the research department earns more than his department manager. What you should care about is whether she can bring you results and benefits, not about any particular aspect."

"Fine, I'll just say it's normal!" Chen Yiqian was unhappy, wondering why her father compared the new director to a chief designer and chief researcher. She said fiercely, "However, let me make one thing clear first: if she's not worth this price, then when I fire her, I'll humiliate her thoroughly, make her lose all face, and leave her with no place in this industry."

"Yiqian, you've only just met her, how can you hate her so much?" Chen Mu was taken aback. "Don't act rashly; your impulsiveness will ruin Xinhai's reputation and Chen's honor!"

"Dad, I know, I was just joking!" Chen Yiqian immediately changed her tune. Of course, she knew that even if she harbored resentment, she couldn't retaliate; that was the magnanimity of a "boss." She pouted and said, "Oh, Dad, why didn't you tell me the new director is so beautiful?"

Chen Mu hadn't expected her to ask such a question. "Does that matter?"

"Of course it does! She's so beautiful, she's bound to attract men, and then she gets distracted, thinking about dates all the time, ignoring even overtime, often being late, and making personal phone calls all the time... Dad, what I mean is, she's too beautiful. No matter how capable she is, she won't last long! Then I'll have to find a new director again, what a hassle!"

"Yiqian, you're beautiful too, are you like that in your work?"

“I am beautiful, but I am different. You know my background! But Zhao Ziwei is not. Maybe she will run away as soon as she catches a rich man, and then I will have to clean up this mess again. Dad, why don’t you think about me?” Chen Yiqian belittled Zhao Ziwei to the point of worthlessness as a strategy to deal with her father, because she needed some leverage to negotiate with him in the future.

"Silly girl, I hired the new director precisely for you. She can share your workload."

"Forget it, she looks so ambitious, all talk and no action. Dad, tell me the truth, isn't she Uncle Zhao's daughter from the board?" "

Haha, Yiqian, don't overthink it. Just get along well with the new director. No matter what kind of person she is, you have to cooperate with her, otherwise you won't see her abilities!" "

I don't believe she's capable. Trying to compare herself to Director Lu? You must be bragging, no, the headhunting company is bragging. She's too young, only a year older than me. Ten years older would be more believable!"

After venting her frustrations, Chen Yiqian calmed down. Because of the Chen family lineage, she had always clung to Xinhai. Her older sister, Chen Yihui, refused to join the Chen Group, so she became the successor. Two years ago, upon taking over Xinhai, she immediately moved the company out of the Chen Group building, escaping her father's watchful eye. In the past two years, although the company hadn't made a huge profit, it had seen a slight increase.

Next, she opened the hidden directory on her computer and deleted the photos of her and Gao Xiang. She thought, this man would never be again, never. Then she picked up the phone and called Lingling: "Where's the weekend party you mentioned last time?"

"You said you weren't going again? Don't you have to work overtime every day?" Lingling was very suspicious of her. A few days ago, she told Chen Yiqian that there was a ladies' party this weekend, a bit wild.

"Yeah, a new director came, I can relax a bit!"

Lingling reminded her, "Yiqian, I'm afraid you can't handle it! The first time I went, I was almost scared away, but I gradually got used to it!"

"Then let me be scared the first time!" Chen Yiqian, of course, didn't believe her exaggeration. "Didn't you say they were all high-quality white-collar workers? It won't be too outrageous, will it?"

Finally, the weekend activities were arranged, and she didn't have to sit alone in front of the TV. During this time, she refused to go on dates with men because sitting down with a man would remind her of Gao Xiang, and the atmosphere of every date was not good.

At noon, Zhang Li asked her to come downstairs for lunch. Chen Yiqian thought for a moment and decided to invite Zhao Ziwei along, since she was new and it was only right to show her

appreciation. Zhang Li was unhappy to hear this, but dared not object, as she knew it was the proper formality. When they entered the director's office, Zhao Ziwei was looking at documents. She was quite pleased to hear the invitation, but her interest vanished when she saw Zhang Li behind her. "Yiqian, I'm sorry, I just asked Xiaomei to order takeout!"

Zhang Li smiled at her when she saw her looking over, without saying a word, as the "humiliation" from that morning was still fresh in her mind. Chen Yiqian walked over and saw that she was looking at Xinhai's old proposals, and nodded. She understood that the two women had animosity towards each other, and it wasn't appropriate to put them together, so she said, "Okay then, let's eat together tomorrow. Remember to leave time for me!"

"Okay, definitely!" Zhao Ziwei smiled.

Chen Yiqian turned and left, but felt a little disappointed, though she couldn't quite put her finger on why.

Chapter 24.

The soft music playing in the office building surprised Zhao Ziwei on her first day at work. She had initially assumed Xinhai was a second-rate company, far inferior to Shihao Advertising. Now, the relaxed atmosphere seemed pleasant, unlike the cutthroat work environment of her previous company.

The director's office was nice, with a large filing cabinet, a sofa, and bright, airy windows facing the street. Zhao Ziwei put her personal belongings into a drawer: a makeup bag, tissues, a headband and hair clips, a parasol, and even two packs of sanitary napkins. This last item was insisted upon by Chen Yihui, even though Zhao Ziwei had no use for it.

Her assistant, Xiaomei, used to dealing with male superiors, was particularly enthusiastic this time with a female boss: "The room across the street is the finance office, next door is the tea room, and the restroom is outside, just ten meters to the right after you go out, between the two rows of elevators!"

Zhao Ziwei went to the restroom, not because she urgently needed to use the restroom, but because her skirt was too tight and she needed to relax. If it were the old Zhao Ziqiang, he wouldn't have to worry about what others thought. But Zhao Ziwei's situation was different, especially after experiencing Zhang Li's provocation. She had a feeling that work-related matters weren't the problem; it was women's issues that were the most troublesome.

Zhao Ziwei sat on the toilet seat, lost in thought, when she heard voices outside:

"Are you working overtime tonight?"

"I bet not, look at Zhang Li's face, she probably isn't in the mood for overtime either!"

"Hehe, she was really upset by the new director today, looks like there's going to be some drama! Her name is Zhao Ziwei, right?"

"Hehe, she said Zhang Li's husband doesn't give her massages, she does it all herself! I laughed so hard, it was hilarious, I've never seen a woman like that before. I think Zhang Li almost wanted to fight, she always thought her breasts were the biggest, now she finally has a rival!"

"Do you believe what she said about caressing? My boyfriend only caresses me in bed, sometimes I really wish he would caress me all the time, like when we're watching TV or talking."

"Hehe, you're so slutty, you want to get as big as the new director's too!"

"Hmph, no way, I think you're the one who wants that!"

The two girls laughed and left the restroom, Zhao Ziwei was still in a daze, she didn't know who they were talking to, anyway, she couldn't remember these new colleagues. She understood that a woman's appearance alone was far from enough; there was still a long way to go before truly integrating into women's lives.

After a while, Zhao Ziwei came out and examined herself in the large mirror, making sure her makeup was perfect. A girl walked in, took out a makeup box from her handbag to touch up her makeup, and applied red lipstick. Zhao Ziwei thought to herself, "I'll be spending a lot of time in front of the mirror these days. How will I express my masculine nature? Will this repressed desire explode?"

The former Zhao Ziqiang was carefree, spirited, and full of creative ideas. He would point out his subordinates' mistakes and occasionally argue with his boss. But as Zhao Ziwei, besides being beautiful and mature, she was cautious in everything she did, always smiling, and even trying to be a lady.

Next, Zhao Ziwei mostly reviewed the company's case studies, asking Xiaomei about the operations, the personalities and division of labor of the two managers, their usual communication methods with clients, and the company's main clients. Xiaomei was surprised by the number of questions she had, but she was happy to answer them because she had a strange fondness for her new boss.

"Sister Ziwei, you laugh so much, you must have a lot of male friends, right?"

Zhao Ziwei was taken aback. "Does that matter?"

"Of course, because I do too!" Xiaomei made a face.

"Haha!" Zhao Ziwei laughed, then suddenly realized something and covered her mouth.

"I want to ask you a question!" Xiaomei hesitated, more embarrassed than anything, "You just said that massage can help with growth, is it really that effective?"

Zhao Ziwei wanted to laugh but didn't dare, looking up at the cute girl and nodding seriously. "Yes, that's how my breasts came about!" She realized she was a genius, lying as easily as eating lettuce, probably because of her girlish status. This profound theory about breast massage came from her girlfriend Zhenzhen, who used to massage her before bed.

Xiaomei asked softly, "Is there anything I should be careful about?"

Zhao Ziwei rubbed her stomach to avoid emitting the laughing gas, but she was holding it in so hard that her smile became distorted. Seeing Xiaomei's sincerity, treating her like an older sister, she couldn't be perfunctory and said seriously, "Actually, there's nothing special about it. Generally speaking, self-massage isn't very effective; it's better if your boyfriend massages you. Men's and women's hormones are different. If you're with your boyfriend, his testosterone can stimulate your desire, which naturally stimulates the secretion of your estrogen. This is a positive promotion for breast development!"

"Oh, I see!" Xiaomei nodded.

Zhao Ziwei liked this girl and couldn't bear to laugh at her, so she explained things very seriously. Having witnessed the "battle" with Zhang Li that morning, Xiaomei admired her new boss, thinking she was a capable woman who must know a lot.

Xiaomei explained that most of Xinhai's advertisements were produced and filmed by Tianhui Multimedia Company, with a small portion going to Baolai Image Production Company. “Director Zhang from Tianhui is really strange. Once he's made up his mind, he won't change it. He's very stubborn. Yiqian has argued with him several times, but she can't do anything about it!”

“Oh, I'm going to visit them in a couple of days. If I don't communicate with them first, we might end up arguing again at the meeting!” Zhao Ziwei knew she needed to get to know them as soon as possible to get started on the job.

“Sister Ziwei, should I call them first and let them know that our new director is at work? Should I send them some nice photos so they can admire them and prepare themselves for being scolded by a pretty girl?”

“Hehe!” Zhao Ziwei couldn't help but pat her arm. This girl was quite amusing. “Xiaomei, just call me Ziwei, no need to add ‘sister’!”

“I like calling you Sister Ziwei, it's more intimate! I don't call Yiqian that. She seems easygoing, although she's quite arrogant!”

“Oh, whatever you want!” Zhao Ziwei laughed. From this girl, she learned more about Chen Yiqian's situation.

On her first day working as a woman, Zhao Ziwei was excited all day. Looking at her young and beautiful female colleagues, she no longer avoided them like Zhao Ziqiang had before, and even gently patted Xiao Mei on the shoulder. This gesture made Xiao Mei feel welcome, as if it instantly bridged the gap between superior and subordinate, and Xiao Mei would occasionally come in for a chat. However, being the center of attention, Zhao Ziwei didn't know if it was a blessing or a curse. The gazes of her male colleagues made her nervous. Thankfully, she hadn't come in as a regular employee, otherwise she might become a target for men to flirt with. She finally realized that living as a girl was a huge challenge.

Before leaving work, she didn't see Chen Yiqian, and she was a little disappointed. She hoped to have some interaction with this girl soon, not just at work, but also in life. She sent some materials to her email, planning to look at them later that evening, and then left the company. Having experienced the fierceness of office politics on her first day, Zhao Ziwei had mixed feelings. This kind of struggle was different from that of men. Although she had gained the upper hand in the first round with Zhang Li, she felt no sense of triumph, because women were too formidable.

Before entering the subway station, she received a call from Chen Yihui. "Congratulations, Director Zhao, on your first day of work! I really wanted to call you today, but I was worried about interfering with your work!"

"Oh, you savage girlfriend, you've finally learned to think of others, that's progress!"

"Hey, don't say that about me, I'm not that kind of person, I'm just a little domineering in front of you. You know, women are only shameless in front of the men they like!"

Knowing that nine out of ten of her words were untrue, Zhao Ziwei was still quite pleased. Vanity doesn't only apply to women, men are the same. "...My new assistant is lovely and seems to like me quite a bit. But some colleagues are hostile, sigh, Yiqian is too!"

"That's normal. A young girl becoming their boss is questionable in terms of ability. If I were there, I'd certainly comment on it too! As for Yiqian, she's even more so. My dad gave her a new director position without her consent, and she's furious with you. The other day she was yelling about sending you back to headquarters! Zhao Ziwei is so young, how could she possibly have any real skills? She wasn't introduced by a headhunting firm. If she's not the daughter of some board member, she might be having an affair with some high-ranking company executive!"

"Yihui, you're being too harsh. You think so badly of your sister!" Zhao Ziwei frowned.

"No, it has nothing to do with sisterhood. It's just a girl's psychology, haha! Don't assume she considers you a friend just because you've met her once. You don't understand women."

Zhao Ziwei immediately realized she had a preconceived notion. "Yihui, if you suddenly had a young female boss, what would you talk about?"

"It's simple, um, how old is she? Is she married? Does she have a boyfriend? Is she just a pretty face? Her breasts are so full, has she had plastic surgery? Are those designer clothes she wears counterfeit? She got to this position at such a young age by sucking up to superiors, or by sleeping with higher-ups…"

Zhao Ziwei was horrified. "Yihui, is that really what girls think?"

Chen Yihui laughed. "Of course, that's just how girls are! Let me tell you, you'll soon hear a lot of unexpected things in the break room and restroom, usually not good things, some of which might make you furious and want to rush over and beat her up!"

"Oh!" Zhao Ziwei had already experienced it in the restroom, but she always disliked gossiping. "Then I'll try to go to the restroom less often in the future, to avoid hearing those nasty things!"

"That's unavoidable, but I want to warn you, don't let Zhao Ziqiang's secret come out from under your skirt. That's the restroom, not a place for you to have wild thoughts! In most companies, rumors start in the break room and in front of the vanity mirror in the restroom. You don't have to join that group, but you should be prepared that this kind of stimulation will soon befall you!"

Zhao Ziwei's heart sank. "I wouldn't dare do anything reckless! My reputation is more important than anything! Yi Hui, you've made it sound so terrifying, I'm losing confidence!"

"Don't worry too much. Even if you do something that's not typical of a girl, they might find it strange, but they'll think you have a unique style. Remember, you're a girl now, and you have to be wary of slander. Every part of your body, every detail of your work, can become an excuse, and in some cases, they can slander you without any basis."

"For example?"

"Besides what I just mentioned, you're so young to be a director, your background is very suspicious! You always wear designer clothes and use designer cosmetics, there must be a man you treat like an ATM, sounds very ambiguous, right? Another point, your breasts are so big, if you haven't had plastic surgery, you must be very promiscuous, maybe ten men couldn't satisfy you!"

Zhao Ziwei's mouth dropped open in surprise. "Yi Hui, are all women this scary?"

"Hehe, I'm just telling you, it's possible, so be careful! Also, if Yi Qian is hostile towards you, that could become a reason for her to attack you. Don't naively think that every company has a good boss!" Chen Yi Hui said seriously, "Zi Wei, remember, you're a new employee at Xin Hai. You didn't know these people before, nor did you know this boss!"

Making women sound so terrifying, how could Zhao Zi Wei feel at ease being a woman? Should she be grateful for Chen Yi Hui's reminder, or scold her? However, given Zhao Zi Qiang's competitive nature, if he didn't achieve results, it would not only be immoral but also a waste of his talent.

That evening, Zhao Zi Wei kept reviewing Xin Hai's information. Although the TV was on, it didn't attract her; the sounds only added a little "life" to the room. But the intimate scenes on TV made her restless and agitated. The short skirt couldn't cover her body, nor could it cover the desire in her heart. What she needed was a girl's hand to caress her.

To avoid deepening her wild thoughts, Zhao Zi Wei went to the balcony and looked at the lights in the distance. A cool breeze blew, causing her long hair and skirt to flutter, and her thoughts drifted. Only when she noticed the gazes from afar did she return to the living room, but she knew this kind of life as a woman wouldn't end anytime soon, and she had to adapt.

Seeing the real estate analysis report she had written some time ago on the computer, the Zhao Ziqiang within her rekindled. This was a good topic, wasn't it? Thunder Investment had asked her for a plan, so perfecting it should be feasible. She needed some supplementary information and Yuan Jia's help; they had a lot of internal data.

Upon hearing his voice, Yuan Jia immediately shouted, "Hey, Ziqiang, where have you been? You didn't even turn on your phone? Tell me honestly, were you avoiding Zhenzhen?"

"Oh, I lost my phone while traveling. I only turned it back on when I got back to Shanghai." Zhao Ziqiang/Ziwei stared at her skirt; it felt strange coming from this body with a male voice. "Yuan Jia, how's your research on the real estate analysis report we discussed last time?"

"You're still writing it? I thought you'd given up!" Yuan Jia was a little surprised. "Since you're interested, let's go out for a meal. I'll get you some materials!"

"I never give up on things I've decided on, and I've made a new discovery." Zhao Ziqiang/Ziwei suddenly thought of something. "I'm about to start working at a new company. Isn't Huajian's advertising contract about to expire? Don't sign the contract with Shihua Luxury so quickly; leave it for me!"

After hanging up, Zhao Ziqiang/Ziwei found several text messages on their phones. They hadn't turned their phones on for days, but none of them were from Zhenzhen. Was this the end of their relationship? Forget about romance; work comes first. At that moment, Zhao Ziqiang/Ziwei had a premonition that this real estate report would hold unexpected surprises.

Besides Yuan Jia, Zhao Ziqiang's good friend was Zhang Quan, a manager at a securities company. Yuan Jia was married, Zhang Quan was unmarried. They often got together and occasionally did some outrageous things. In some ways, they were even more important than Zhenzhen. But what identity should she use to meet her two good friends? Would her feminine attire scare them?

Chapter 25, Coffee Lover.

At noon, everyone went out for lunch, but Chen Yiqian was still lost in thought in her room. The employees who brought lunch from home were heating it up in the microwave, Jiang Fang being one of them.

"Yiqian, aren't you going to eat? Do you want me to order you some?"

"No, thank you, I'll go downstairs now!" Chen Yiqian turned off her computer.

"What are you thinking about, Yiqian? Are you unhappy?"

"Nothing, I just have a few days every month when I'm absent-minded! Oh, I'm not talking about my period, I just feel down, like it's about to rain!"

"Oh!" Jiang Fang knew she wasn't in a good mood, but she couldn't comfort her. The age gap was one reason, but more importantly, Chen Yiqian didn't confide in anyone. "Yiqian, you should be in a relationship. Don't easily reject men, give others a chance, and give yourself a chance too!"

Chen Yiqian smiled and picked up the phone. "Yanmei, it's Yiqian. What have you been up to lately?"

"Damn you, Yiqian, you still remember to call me? Where have you been all this time? Seduce a guy?" Huang Yanmei was her best friend. They had lived together in the dorm for four years in college and remained inseparable even after graduation. "I really want to rush to your company and slap you! You used to announce to the whole world that we were best friends!"

"Of course it won't change. We'll always be best friends!" Chen Yiqian felt a chill run down her spine. She knew she was too selfish, throwing everything when she needed a friend and hiding when she didn't.

"Okay, come over Saturday night. Bring a change of clothes, and we'll chat all night! If you don't come, it means you don't consider me a friend!"

"Can't we talk on the phone?" Chen Yiqian thought of the party on Saturday. "Don't you have to be with your boyfriend? I have something to do on Saturday, how about Sunday?"

"Yiqian, you've always been so optimistic. Did that damn breakup really break you?"

Chen Yiqian shuddered and fell silent. Because this was her heartache, the reason she went from cheerful to somber. She understood that people had to experience such failures to grow, but actually experiencing it was incredibly painful.

"Yiqian, come on! We used to talk about everything, supporting each other for six and a half years. We might not be best friends forever, but I don't want to lose you now!"

"How about this? I'll see if I can postpone Saturday's plans and give you an answer on Friday. I also want to see you; we haven't seen each other in so long, I want to talk to you more."

"Yiqian, you have to come! I washed your pajamas!"

Chen Yiqian felt a warmth in her heart. This strong bond, even after being neglected and given the cold shoulder, could still be maintained. They had once planned to have a competition to see who would get married first after turning twenty-five. It was impossible for her, so she wished her good friend well.

Leaving the room, she habitually looked for Zhang Li to have lunch, but she was gone. Passing the director's office, she saw Zhao Ziwei eating while staring at the computer. She wanted to ask Xiaomei about Zhao Ziwei's situation several times, but she held back. Testing a manager was easy—it was easy to cause trouble, but achieving results in a short time was impossible.

Today, Zhao Ziwei didn't wear the suits of the previous two days, but instead changed into a red floral dress, instantly giving off a different vibe. Even in the flowing floral dress, she still exuded maturity and poise, which surprised Chen Yiqian. She had initially assumed Zhao Ziwei was the same type of person as herself, wearing suits as work attire. But Zhao Ziwei had opted for a casual floral dress, yet the change didn't feel jarring; it was still pleasing to the eye.

For the past few days, Zhao Ziwei hadn't shown anything particularly unusual, simply gathering information and observing meetings without speaking. She chatted and joked with colleagues, sometimes telling jokes more readily than her male colleagues, but she easily steered the conversation to work, dominating and controlling the situation—a fact that greatly surprised Chen Yiqian.

******

The elevator descended to the tenth floor, and two young men entered, talking and laughing. But as soon as they saw Chen Yiqian, they stopped talking, and the atmosphere became somewhat tense.

"Hello, Yiqian!" one of the men said.

"Hello!" Chen Yiqian replied softly.

Then they fell silent. Chen Yiqian was a little excited. She had an indescribable feeling for this man; sometimes she did miss him, but mostly it only came to mind when she saw him. As the elevator approached the first floor, she said, "Zhiming, come with me for a coffee!"

The young man hesitated, glanced at his companion, and then nodded to her. The young man's name was Feng Zhiming, a supervisor at an engineering company on the tenth floor. He had fallen for the pretty girl because he often saw her in the elevator.

Not long after her breakup, Chen Yiqian accepted the man's invitation to coffee. For the first two weeks, they chatted happily, and Chen Yiqian almost thought she had found a soulmate. But soon she realized that a passion had faded between them. On their third coffee date, she insisted on splitting the bill, as it was a considerable expense. Soon, Feng Zhiming learned from others that the young woman was the owner of an advertising company. The feeling immediately soured; it was as if the sweetened coffee had suddenly become plain. He dared not ask Chen Yiqian out again, and their meetings returned to the level of nodding acquaintances.

Sitting down in the restaurant, Chen Yiqian asked, "I heard you made a new friend. How is she?"

"Just a friend!" Feng Zhiming was somewhat surprised, thinking she didn't care about him. "She works as a clerk in a trading company, very ordinary."

Chen Yiqian knew in her heart that it was this ordinariness that had stolen this man away. Although she hadn't fallen in love with Feng Zhiming, she still hoped he would love her. She smiled and said, "As long as she's happy, it doesn't matter what kind of girl she is!"

Feng Zhiming said softly, "Yiqian, you should have a boyfriend!"

"There are too many things I should have!"

Then they fell silent. After a while, they both looked up and met each other's eyes. Chen Yiqian's heart pounded fiercely. She felt this man was acting strangely. Before he knew her identity, Feng Zhiming had only shown this intense gaze; she hadn't seen it since.

Feng Zhiming suddenly grasped her hand and said, "Yiqian, you're so beautiful!"

Chen Yiqian didn't pull her hand away, and asked in a low voice, "How far have you and she gone?"

"I want to make love with you!"

Chen Yiqian's body trembled, and she pulled her hand back. How had this man suddenly become so brave? He used to be too timid to say it. "Were you unhappy with her?"

"No, I haven't made love with her yet. I want to offer myself to you first. Do you want me?"

Chen Yiqian's chest heaved violently. She looked up at the man who liked her and suddenly said, "If you dare to do it in the office, I'll take you!"

Hearing these shocking words, Feng Zhiming hesitated.

"What, you're afraid?" Chen Yiqian glanced at him sideways, a hint of wickedness in her smile.

Feng Zhiming was aroused. "Of course not! I'll call you before I leave work!"

Chen Yiqian was stunned. She wanted to scare him away with the idea of having sex in the office, but she didn't expect this man to actually agree. She didn't dare look up again, only asking softly, "Zhiming, have you been busy with work lately?"

"Just finished, a bit more relaxed these past few days."

"Oh, then focus on spending time with your girlfriend!"

Feng Zhiming said, "Yiqian, I miss you!"

"Oh!" Chen Yiqian thought to herself: If you miss her, why don't you call? They both understood that this wasn't a real, complete relationship; neither of them was interested. She hadn't experienced the pleasures of lovemaking for six months. Her words to Feng Zhiming were half a joke, half an expression of desire, but could desire alone lead to action?

"Zhiming, does your girlfriend also work in this building?"

"She doesn't live far from here, just between here and my house."

"Oh, then you can take the same bus home?" Chen Yiqian tried to steer the conversation away from the joke, hoping to awaken the man's feelings with another girl.

Feng Zhiming blinked. "Yiqian, you know, the person I like is you!"

"I know!"

"Hehe, you know and you still ask, you're so strange!"

Chen Yiqian raised her head and smiled: "I just wanted to hear you say it!"

Feng Zhiming then realized that girls have too many psychological tricks, and he really didn't understand them. However, he still believed that people don't need to understand each other too much; this way, they can get along more harmoniously.

Men often have some misunderstandings. They use the methods they use to interpret work to interpret women, which usually has two results: one is to keep hitting walls and then understanding women through repeated hurt, but women's changes are always endless, making it difficult for him to cope; the other is that women change themselves to accommodate him, and this accommodation is usually limited unless the man has endless charm and superb control skills. However, the second type of woman is rare, and the second type of man is even rarer. 07-11
Chapter 026, Fear

In the meeting room, Chen Yiqian absentmindedly watched her colleagues' discussion, her mind constantly thinking about the intimacy after work. However, Zhao Ziwei kept moving around, and the swaying of her red dress made her feel a little dizzy.

Zhao Ziwei and Li Yongjun were discussing a new plan. She would instruct Xiaomei to revise the computer renderings, and then explain the key changes to Li Yongjun. She glanced at Chen Yiqian several times, wondering why the girl was sitting silently.

Thinking of Feng Zhiming's agreement, Chen Yiqian began to fidget, feeling both excited and afraid. She could accept a hug or a kiss, but that should be a private date outside, not in an office building.

Finally, Zhao Ziwei couldn't help but ask, "Yiqian, is there anything else?"

"No, why do you ask?"

Zhao Ziwei smiled. "I thought you had an appointment for afternoon tea? Aren't you going when it's time?"

Chen Yiqian was startled; this woman was very direct. This new director had a unique air about her, unlike any woman she had ever met, yet she couldn't quite describe it. "It's nothing, I was just thinking about some things. You two do your own thing!"

Xiaomei's eyes darted around, seemingly trying to discern the connection between her two superiors. Chen Yiqian sat in her chair, her thoughts returning from Feng Zhiming to the conference room. She stared at Zhao Ziwei's profile, wondering who this woman really was.

Zhao Ziwei stopped her and said, "Yiqian, if you have something to do, go take care of it!"

Chen Yiqian looked up. "Watching you discuss things here is also part of my job!"

"No, you're disrupting us." Zhao Ziwei stared at her, then suddenly smiled, "Because at this time, in this room, you're superfluous!"

Li Yongjun and Xiao Mei were both stunned. Such directness was too much, even for the most easygoing boss. Unexpectedly, Chen Yiqian nodded and stood up with an "Oh," but she didn't leave. Instead, she went to the scattered blueprints and began to study them intently.

Zhao Ziwei gently patted her waist and said, "Yiqian, go on. Whether you take a nap or go for a walk outside, you'll feel more refreshed."

Chen Yiqian felt a little uncomfortable. These words sounded like an older sister lecturing her younger sister, but she couldn't deny that this woman seemed to see right through her. But she wasn't in the mood to be angry, because something else was on her mind, so she went back to the manager's office. After drinking a glass of water, her excitement turned to worry, and she paced back and forth in the room. Although she had heard stories of office romances, she never imagined it would happen to her.

Jiang Fang noticed her shifty gaze and asked, "Yiqian, what's wrong? What happened?"

"Nothing," Chen Yiqian suddenly remembered something and said, "Fang-jie, if anyone calls, just say I'm not here!"

Jiang Fang didn't understand, but didn't ask, knowing she wouldn't get an answer. As the time drew closer to the end of the workday, Chen Yiqian's heart pounded faster and faster. She pressed her hand to her chest and finally said to herself: Okay, I'll just go crazy this once!

She opened the locked drawer, took out a condom, and put it in her handbag. For some reason, she felt that Feng Zhiming, who was usually a bit timid in relationships, was acting strangely this time. Hearing the phone ring, Chen Yiqian immediately shouted, "Fang-jie, didn't I tell you not to answer the phone?"

But there was no answer. She went to the door and didn't see Jiang Fang; she had probably gone to the restroom. She had no choice but to answer the phone. It turned out to be from the company headquarters, and she breathed a sigh of relief. But three minutes later, when she hung up, her initial excitement had turned to fear. She thought about calling Feng Zhiming to cancel the appointment, but she didn't have the courage. Seeing that it was almost 5:30, she began to plan her escape, hurriedly putting her things into her handbag and typing a text message on her phone: "I'm sorry, I have something urgent..."

But before she could finish typing, Feng Zhiming called. She was startled and hesitated for a moment, wondering whether she should answer. Just then, Jiang Fang came in and found Chen Yiqian pale-faced, staring at the phone without answering. Before she could speak, Chen Yiqian waved her hand and answered the phone.

"Yiqian, um, I think..."

She watched Jiang Fang walk out before speaking into the receiver, "Are you scared?"

"It's not that I'm scared, I just want to tell you that I'm sorry, I can't keep our promise at noon! I like you a lot, but I can't do that!"

"Oh..."

"Do you think I'm cowardly?"

"No, courage isn't measured by that!"

"I understand, but I'm still a little worried that you'll laugh at me. In your eyes, I'm a cowardly man. Maybe I'm really not right for you..."

"Zhiming, don't say those things!" Chen Yiqian interrupted her, "As long as you're willing, I'll still be your friend!"

"Really?" Feng Zhiming couldn't believe it.

"Of course it's true!" Chen Yiqian sighed inwardly, thinking: Yes, we're friends, and only friends. We can't take it any further.

"Oh, okay, let's have coffee together sometime!"

"Okay, I'm waiting for the next cup of coffee!"

After finishing the call, Chen Yiqian tried to stand up, but her legs gave way, and she slumped back down. She understood that she had just escaped a dangerous situation. Fortunately, Feng Zhiming was a gentleman; if another man had come to harass her, that would have been real trouble. She opened her handbag, took out the condoms she had just put in, and put them back in the drawer, locking them away. She knew that there was no possibility of a future with Feng Zhiming, but she still hoped that he would take the initiative. This was a woman's vanity, unrelated to love or marriage.

Just as she was lost in thought, Zhao Ziwei knocked on the door and came in. "Yiqian, your face is so pale. Are you feeling unwell?"

"I'm fine!" Chen Yiqian immediately suppressed her nervousness, but this time she didn't do it well.

Zhao Ziwei frowned slightly; clearly, she didn't believe her. "Yiqian, are you really alright? Should we get checked out? You look really pale."

"I'm really fine!" Chen Yiqian shook her head, letting out a long sigh. Suddenly, she stared at Zhao Ziwei's dress, a little confused. She hadn't worn such a floral dress in a long time, only occasionally on weekends. She wondered to herself: Why does it seem normal for her to wear it, but I rarely think of wearing one myself?

Zhao Ziwei blushed when she saw Yiqian staring at her. She wasn't a true woman; no matter how beautiful or flawless she appeared, her inner thoughts were different. "Yiqian, this is the plan we just discussed. Do you want to take another look?"

"Oh, I'll look at it tomorrow!" Chen Yiqian's legs were still weak; she didn't dare stand up.

"Okay then, tell me your thoughts tomorrow!" Zhao Ziwei didn't know what she was thinking, but she could tell she seemed distracted. Zhao Ziwei turned to leave, but couldn't help turning back to say, "Yiqian, you look really bad. You should get checked out. If you're worried about the hassle, I can go with you!"

Chen Yiqian was taken aback, but still said, "No need, I'll just go home and rest!"

Watching Zhao Ziwei disappear in her red outfit, Chen Yiqian was a little puzzled. This woman was really strange, but what exactly was strange about her? Besides her taller and larger figure, she seemed to possess an indescribable charm, perhaps an allure to men. Should she overcome her repulsion and become friends with her, or wait until she had seen through her true nature?

After confirming that her legs weren't weak anymore, Chen Yiqian stood up, walked around the office building, and chatted casually for a bit. However, she still couldn't concentrate, so she left work early, not wanting to run into Feng Zhiming in the elevator. The moment she entered the parking lot, she felt lost. How had she spent the past six months? This wasn't the life she wanted at all. She had once cursed all the men in the world, wishing they would never find wives and never experience intimacy with women. But today, she was almost about to have sex with a man she didn't love. What was this if not indulgence?

The moment she got into the car, Chen Yiqian cried, cried bitterly. Perhaps she really should give up on men; they only bring heartache.

Life itself is like this: what you want is always out of reach, and what you can easily obtain is not what you desire. Most people actually know this principle, but when faced with it, they still can't remain clear-headed and calm.

Chapter 027, The Stranger

After working at Xinhai for a few days, Zhao Ziwei finally breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn't expected to adapt, and even better than anticipated. Her interactions with colleagues and conversations with clients revealed no flaws. Her occasional masculine tone didn't offend anyone; they just found her special. Her feminine movements and voice seemed perfectly natural. She felt she had truly fallen in love with the life of a woman.

"Sister Ziwei, aren't you leaving?"

"Oh, no one's home today. I'll go back a little later!"

Xiaomei handed her the company keys and left first. For Zhao Ziwei, that empty apartment wasn't home at all. Zhao Ziqiang used to prioritize work, and he still does now. Luckily, he enjoys his job, otherwise he'd be bored to death.

Having experienced the subway's crowds firsthand—a terrifying spectacle—Zhao Ziwei still felt a bit apprehensive. Although no lewd hands had been seen, the fact that men could so openly be intimate with girls was what frightened her, especially since she was just a fake girl. These past few days, she'd taken a taxi to work, avoiding the rush hour, and then taken the subway home. Although the fare of over thirty yuan was a bit extravagant, she could afford it. She'd take the subway to work once she got used to it.

Leaving the company and entering the elevator, she saw only one man inside, around thirty years old, somewhat thin and tall. The reflection from the smooth elevator wall confirmed that the man was staring at her. She felt a little flustered, tightening her purse to hide her nervousness. The red dress she was wearing today was a bit conspicuous. At the company, people respected her as her superior and wouldn't stare directly, but furtive glances were inevitable. She had already been invaded by her feminine urges, wanting to wear brightly colored clothes and flaunt herself like a young girl.

Just as Zhao Ziwei was wondering if the man would try to pick her up, a few more people entered the elevator. She breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed her grip on her handbag. What was going on? She'd been used to girls having sex for the past two weeks, yet she was still so flustered.

The elevator reached the first floor, but the people from before didn't get off; they were obviously going to the underground parking lot. Zhao Ziwei was the first to exit. Hearing the sound of her own high heels, she relaxed and couldn't help but look down at her swaying skirt. She suddenly remembered Chen Yihui's instructions and changed from large strides to small steps, her skirt fluttering beautifully with each step.

"Miss, you dropped something!"

Hearing a man's voice behind her, Zhao Ziwei glanced around; there were no other girls. A man and a woman in front of her glanced back and continued walking. She didn't realize the voice was directed at her; only in the past two weeks, when dining out or shopping, had people addressed her as "Miss.

" A man hurried over and stood in front of her. "Miss, you dropped something!"

Zhao Ziwei was startled; it was the young man from the elevator earlier. She immediately became alert, her nerves on edge. A few days ago, people whistled at her on the street, and some stared at her legs, but no one had approached her to speak.

A young man handed her a small paper bag and smiled, "You were walking so fast, you even dropped something!"

"This isn't mine, you must be mistaken!" Zhao Ziwei clutched the bag tightly. It was the first time a man had approached her, and she couldn't help but be nervous.

The young man said, "No, it's yours, it's a gift from me!"

"Why did you give it to me?" Zhao Ziwei was a little surprised. Of course, she understood what it meant when a man gave something to a woman, especially a stranger. Thinking of this, she suddenly felt a little proud. Even a stranger had approached her, which meant her cross-dressing was quite good.

The young man said, "Because you're worth it!"

"You don't even know me, how do you know I'm worth it?" Zhao Ziwei blinked. Although he was a nice man, Zhao Ziwei only liked women, not men. This was determined by hormones, not appearance.

"I don't know, it's just a feeling!" The young man looked at her earnestly, "You're very beautiful, with a good temperament, and your clothes are very pleasing to the eye!"

"Oh, thank you for your appreciation!" Zhao Ziwei smiled. Unexpectedly, she found herself incredibly alluring. Well, finally, a man was appreciating her. If she wore a sundress next time, this man would probably want to kiss her. Looks like she could brag about it to Chen Yihui. Using her handbag as cover, she lightly rubbed her stomach, worried about emitting nitrous oxide.

But her laughter only boosted the young man's confidence; even the slight sway of her body and the movement of her skirt captivated him. He shoved the box into Zhao Ziwei's hands, saying, "Then you can accept my gift, right?"

"I won't accept your gift!" Zhao Ziwei shook her head and walked away.

The young man followed her. “Why not? It’s not a valuable item, just a little trinket. I didn’t say you have to have dinner with me if you accept it!”

“Sorry, I don’t know you, and you don’t know me!” Zhao Ziwei continued walking, pressing her handbag against her stomach harder. She wanted to laugh but dared not.

The young man seemed surprised by her high heels and walking speed. “It’s alright, once you open the gift box, you’ll know me!”

“Sir, you have no sincerity at all! You see a pretty girl, and you just say she’s beautiful and give her a gift! If you use this method a few more times, you can give away ten or eight gifts in a month!”

“I’m not that kind of person. This is the first time. This gift was given to me by a client.”

“Then you have even less sincerity, giving it away so casually! Reflect on your actions and go find another girlfriend!” Zhao Ziwei said, laughing as if she were truly a woman lecturing a man.

"Please don't misunderstand, I'm not that kind of person. Actually, I've seen you twice before!" the young man explained. "I'm not a very outgoing person, and it takes a lot of courage for me to talk to you, but when I saw you in the elevator just now, I found you pleasing to the eye and couldn't help but want to do something for you!"

"Really?" Zhao Ziwei glanced at him, suddenly feeling that he really resembled the old Zhao Ziqiang, possessing a tenacious, roguish charm when it came to pretty girls. She suppressed a laugh and said, "Men only know how to use sweet talk, assuming all girls fall for it!"

"This isn't sweet talk!" the young man laughed. "We'll see each other often in the future; I work on the twentieth floor! I think it's only natural for men to appreciate women; you should feel proud!"

"Oh, what kind of woman am I in your eyes?" Zhao Ziwei slowed her pace, her stomach churning with suppressed laughter, her smile slightly distorted.

"You have a very good temperament, an elegance and maturity that ordinary girls don't have..."

Zhao Ziwei gently bit her lip to avoid laughing out loud; it seemed having a man pursuing her wasn't so bad. “Sir, thank you for your appreciation. Since you say so, then I'll accept!”

“Okay!” The young man was delighted and immediately handed over the small paper bag.

Zhao Ziwei took the bag, turned, and walked towards the trash can, about to throw it in.

“Ah!” the young man exclaimed. “No, don’t throw it in!”

Zhao Ziwei hesitated for a moment, immediately thinking of her past embarrassment. She was a man too. If every girl treated men like this, then men would hate girls. She shouldn’t have acted this way. With that thought, she placed the small box on the trash can lid and quickly walked forward.

The young man stopped, staring blankly at the red dress drifting away, before taking the small box. Then he shook his head and smiled, “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely make sure you sit down and have dinner with me within a week!”

After walking for a while, Zhao Ziwei made sure the strange man wasn’t following her before slowing down. She gently pressed her chest, trying to calm her rapid heartbeat. If she were a real girl, she probably wouldn’t be afraid of this situation. As she hurried along, she realized she had passed the intersection leading to the subway station. "Forget it, let's keep walking, consider it shopping."

Gradually, her thoughts returned to Chen Yiqian. Chen Yiqian was really strange this afternoon; she clearly had something on her mind but wouldn't say anything, and she had no idea what she was thinking. It seemed she needed to find out about her from Xiaomei and Jiang Fang, otherwise she really wouldn't understand this girl.

In front of a large shop window, Zhao Ziwei stopped and examined her clothes and hair through the glass. A gentle face, smooth long hair, and a white dress with red flowers—she was still a beautiful girl.

Suddenly, a screeching sound of brakes rang out behind her, startling Zhao Ziwei. She couldn't help but turn around, and was shocked...

Chapter 028, Surprise

After a screeching sound of brakes on the street, a harsh female voice said, "Do you want to die? Dating in the street? Go back to your doghouse!"

The woman's voice sounded familiar. Zhao Ziwei looked closely and saw a red car not far away, with Chen Yiqian pointing at a couple and yelling at them through the car window. The couple stood bewildered on the sidewalk, clearly startled by the screech of brakes. The girl reacted first, retorting, "You can't drive, can you? You just got your license and you're already like this? Go back to driving school and practice for another six months, you freak!"

Chen Yiqian snapped, "I wish I had just killed you! I have insurance, I can handle your funeral arrangements without you spending a penny."

The girl was enraged by this. "You're so despicable! You can't drive and you're cursing others? Were you dumped by your husband or boyfriend?" "

You bastard!" Chen Yiqian was even angrier, opening the car door to confront her. But the horns of cars behind her kept blaring, so she had to pull back her foot, glaring angrily at the young couple, continuing to curse.

The boy quickly pulled the girl away. "That's enough, stop arguing, we were wrong too!"

"Even if we were wrong, she shouldn't have acted like that! What if she had really hurt you? She's so unreasonable, why are you taking her side? I'm your girlfriend!"

At this point, car horns blared, and Chen Yiqian muttered under her breath, only able to start the car and drive away. Zhao Ziwei stared, stunned. This girl was truly wild; perhaps this straightforward personality suited her better. She'd only ever seen her serious side in the office building; this was a completely different story. Although the scene was disappointing, this must be her true self.

The couple walked away, arguing quietly. The girl was furious, refusing to let the boy hold her hand. "You have no guts! She insults me and you don't even help me, just letting her insult me!"

"Don't bother with her. That kind of girl, so fierce, didn't you see? She's just jealous you have a boyfriend, that's why she insults you like that!" "

Pah! You think you're so great, that people envy you? Don't be delusional. You won't even help me, and you expect me to marry you? Don't dream."

The couple walked away arguing, but their hands remained clasped together.

Zhao Ziwei's heart was filled with turmoil. Which one is the real Chen Yiqian? Is it the shrewd and capable manager in the office building, or the girl on the street who speaks rudely to her? Is it the easygoing boss in the company who likes to joke with colleagues, or the girl in the restaurant who was hurt in her pursuit of love? What happened this afternoon that caused her to lose her temper and curse like that?

The thought of still being alone made Zhao Ziwei feel even worse. Wearing a skirt and high heels, she obviously couldn't chase after girls. Was she really going to spend the next few months like this? If she were to love Chen Yiqian as a woman, wouldn't that just be another form of hurt?

Feeling hungry, Zhao Ziwei realized she hadn't eaten. Before going into the restaurant, she called Chen Yihui to ask for advice on how to deal with men. "I don't think I have any feminine charm, but men are actually hitting on me and giving me gifts! I can't handle it!"

"Haha, you say you have no charm? Men are already rushing to you! It's earlier than I expected! This means you have quite a bit of feminine charm. You don't need to worry about not looking like a girl anymore; men are the best proof! What, you want my opinion? You're a man, you know those little tricks best. You must have done this kind of thing before, right?" Chen Yihui laughed non-stop. As far as she was concerned, as long as Zhao Ziwei wasn't getting close to some girl, she wasn't too worried.

"Yihui, I know what he's thinking, but how am I supposed to deal with it? Because he works in the same building, we'll definitely see each other again."

"Strange, what kind of dress are you wearing today? So attractive!"

"A white dress with red flowers, and a decorative belt at the waist. It's the one I wore when we went to the Shaoxing restaurant last time!" Zhao Ziwei looked down at her outfit; it was quite nice.

"My God, you're not wearing a skirt suit? You're a white-collar worker! You're dressed so brightly, men are definitely going to stare at you! I bet, besides wanting to outshine other women, you're also trying to attract men, right?"

Zhao Ziwei blushed. She did have those thoughts in her mind, but she couldn't admit it. "Yihui, no, it's just that the atmosphere at the company is quite casual; you can wear whatever you want."

"I don't believe you. Okay, tell me, is he a really annoying man? Tell me the truth, from a girl's perspective, not a man's!"

"Hmm, he's alright! He's good-looking, quite tall, and has sharp features!"

"That's good then. Have a meal with him sometime, chat a bit. A normal, attractive woman should have male friends, good friends or confidants. Occasionally hold his hand, hug him, kiss him, just don't sleep with him, haha!"

"Yihui, you scoundrel! I'm not talking to you anymore, you're always gloating."

Chen Yihui finally spoke seriously, "If you don't want to get too close to him, just talking to him is fine, having a meal is okay too. One thing is very important: you absolutely cannot accept his gifts, otherwise he'll take advantage of you! Ziwei, don't worry, charming women always have men pursuing them, that's not a bad thing. A blunt rejection isn't the best method, just find the right balance, don't let him have fantasies, but still let him have feelings for you, that is, maintain a proper distance."

"Yihui, you're making it too simple. You're a real woman, it's naturally easy for you. I'm afraid I won't do it well, if I reveal my flaws I'm finished!"

Zhao Ziwei understood that living as a girl meant inevitably interacting with men. But men usually have fantasies about women, and she, being an experienced woman, naturally knew this. She was both afraid and excited, but the desire in her heart made her want to try living as a girl. After hanging up the phone, she realized she hadn't mentioned Chen Yiqian. She had a peculiar feeling that perhaps Chen Yihui didn't understand what her sister was hiding. What she saw today, though not the good side of Chen Yiqian, made her feel more real.

Zhao Ziwei casually ordered a set meal and ate slowly, lost in thought. Two men were talking behind her; she didn't pay attention at first, but after hearing "Chen's Enterprise," she took a closer look. She pulled out a small mirror and saw two men at the second table behind her, one in his thirties and the other in his forties.

The middle-aged man said, "Chen's shell is too beautiful, but it won't be easy to devour it. That old fox won't easily pluck a single hair from its body!"

The young man said, "I've thought about it for a long time, and I think we should start with Chen's Real Estate's stock. What do you think?"

The middle-aged man said, "What's your idea? Spread some rumors that it has financial problems, get someone to write articles to discredit it, and make its stock drop by 30%. Then we'll be confident."

"That won't be easy. Its foundation is very solid; I doubt many people will believe it."

"Aren't you cooperating with Chen Mu? Take this opportunity to make a killing on him and squeeze him dry."

"Come on, let's drink. We'll talk more in detail in a couple of days!"

After that, the two men didn't mention Chen's again. Zhao Ziwei was somewhat disappointed. Someone wanting to become a major shareholder of Chen's was nothing in the business world. Zhao Ziqiang often talked about these things with his friend Zhang Quan from the securities company; company acquisitions were too common. Chen's Real Estate had a prestigious reputation, and it wouldn't be easy to shake it. This wasn't something she needed to consider.

That evening, Zhao Ziwei continued studying Xinhai's materials, preparing to compile a manual based on the company's situation. Although she hadn't fully grasped Xinhai yet, she was certain it was far from being a large-scale enterprise, and its path to listing was long.

The real estate analysis report was almost finished; should she risk using its conclusions? Perhaps she should ask Zhang Quan, the manager of the securities company, who could provide some information. Having spoken in a female voice for days, she practiced switching back to Zhao Ziqiang's tone for several minutes.

"Hey, Ziqiang, Zhenzhen has called you several times, and you didn't even say anything. I don't know how to cover for you."

"Oh, it's nothing!" Zhao Ziqiang/Ziwei was puzzled. Had Zhenzhen changed her personality? After a few perfunctory explanations, she got straight to the point, "Zhang Quan, I'm bullish on two real estate stocks, can you analyze them for me?"

"Ziqiang, don't touch real estate stocks, the policies are about to change, who knows when they'll plummet!"

"I know, Yuan Jia said the same thing, so I wanted to ask for your opinion!"

"How about this, let's find some time to have dinner, then we can talk!"

"Okay... um, Zhang Quan, I look a bit different lately, I hope it won't scare you when we meet?"

"Changed what? Did you get plastic surgery, or did you become a woman?"

"Haha!"

Zhao Ziwei put down the phone, gave a wry smile. She had become a woman, and a beautiful one at that! Perhaps, she really would have to appear like this; isolating herself from all her friends, including Zhenzhen, was impossible.

Chapter 29, Troubles

Today's mood was truly terrible. Leaving work early didn't make Chen Yiqian feel any better. At noon, she and Feng Zhigang had a passionate encounter, but it ended before they could get into it. She didn't feel regret, but an uneasy feeling lingered, so she drove to the riverside.

Her sister, Chen Yihui, called. "Yiqian, Mom has something to give you. Do you want to go home to get it, or should Mom bring it over?"

"Don't come over!" Chen Yiqian panicked. She was most afraid of her parents coming to her company, because it would undoubtedly expose family conflicts. "What is it that you have to bring over?"

"It's some nutritional supplements. Mom is worried that you're ruining your health. She said you often work overtime and don't get regular rest. You don't cook or drink soup by yourself. How about we have dinner together tomorrow? You can make a reservation!"

"Tomorrow won't work, I have something to do!" Chen Yiqian thought, she was going to a party with Lingling tomorrow, and she had arranged to meet Huang Yanmei the day after. "I also have something to do the day after tomorrow. How about Sunday? If you don't have any problems, then don't make plans with anyone else!"

"Okay! Yiqian, I'm warning you. If you run away again, I'll drag Mom to your company. I know you don't like this. If you break your promise, I'll make you regret it!"

This situation was a bit like her school days, where her mother not only called to check on her but also sent her older sister to school to find out about her situation. Although her sister was more like a delinquent, she was three years older, and her sister would always be her sister. “Yihui, just give me those things. I don’t want to go back yet. Let’s do it later!”

“Of course I’ll give them to you, but how long do you want to avoid your parents? They are your parents, they gave you life and raised you, and you’ve always been more filial to them than I am.”

“Sister, please don’t say anymore, okay?”

“Sigh…” Chen Yihui sighed and hung up the phone.

Chen Yiqian also sighed inwardly. But she didn’t understand how life would unfold. Currently, she dared not see her family, just as her hatred for Gao Xiang couldn’t be eliminated. She was almost twenty-five, and still causing her family worry—did that mean she was immature?

She drove absentmindedly, almost hitting a couple crossing the street without looking. In her panic, anger surged within her. She yelled at the couple, uttering vulgarities she’d never used before.

She really didn’t want to spend the night at home playing games; she needed to find someone to talk to. So she called Huang Yanmei: "Yanmei, do you want to spend this afternoon with your husband?"

"I'm not married yet, don't use the word 'husband'."

"Oh, Miss Huang, do you want to sleep with a man tonight?"

"Yiqian, you speak so rudely, not at all like a refined girl. You've always been a model lady, our role model, but lately you've been even ruder than me!"

"What do you want me to say?" Chen Yiqian snorted, "Like this: Yanmei, could you spare two hours for me tonight? I'm bored and want to talk to someone!"

"I'm sorry, Miss Chen!" Huang Yanmei mimicked her tone, speaking softly, "I'm not free tonight, I have to spend time with my man, because he's going to marry me!"

"Bullshit!" Chen Yiqian snapped. "We've been talking for so long, and you're only now saying you're busy!"

Huang Yanmei laughed loudly on the phone. "Yiqian, I was just teasing you. What's wrong with you? Your temper is getting worse and worse. What's bothering you

now?" "I almost hit someone with my car!" Chen Yiqian said irritably. "I'll tell you when we eat. Wait for me downstairs at the company."

When the car arrived, Huang Yanmei was already standing at the intersection. She was wearing a brown dress and was slightly taller and heavier than Chen Yiqian. She was a typical northerner, a bit quick-tempered and straightforward.

After getting into the car, Huang Yanmei said, "Yiqian, you look terrible. Did you take the wrong medicine today, or have you not taken your medicine yet?"

"Pah, why aren't you saying anything nice?"

"Good friends, what's the point of saying nice things? We're saying the truth! Nice things are for men!" Huang Yanmei wasn't going to be polite to her.

Chen Yiqian snorted. "So you mean your man is great?"

Huang Yanmei glanced at her. "Yiqian, you really have a problem. You should see a psychologist. Don't think that just because you met one jerk, all men in the world are jerks!"

"You're the one who needs to see a psychologist!" "

Yiqian, seeing a psychologist isn't a bad thing. Actually, it's because our material standard isn't high enough. Seeing a psychologist is just about finding someone to vent to, to release your feelings. There's no harm in it! It's not an illness. If my wallet were as full as yours, I'd be venting to a doctor all the time!"

Chen Yiqian smiled. Of course, she knew this, but truly accepting it wasn't easy. "Do you have some kind of premarital depression? Tell me, I'll help you understand!"

"Yes, I was just about to talk to you about this. I called several times, but you didn't answer. It's so infuriating. I thought you were busy seducing men lately!"

"I don't need to seduce. If I wanted, men would come to me automatically!" Chen Yiqian suddenly thought of the bar, the man she had bullied.

"Really? What are you planning to do?"

"Isn't it easy?" Chen Yiqian pouted. "I just need to give him a flirty wink, and a man will come running. I'll pull up my skirt, and he'll be completely disoriented. If I touch him, he'll be at my mercy all night!"

"Heh, easier said than done. Have you ever done it? You've got the desire but not the guts!"

"If you're with me, I'll dare!"

"Sigh, I'm getting married soon, I don't dare to play these kinds of exciting games with you!"

Soon, they sat down in the restaurant.

“Yiqian, forget it, accept your fate. Success in one's career inevitably comes at a cost in another. It's always been this way, no one can avoid it!”

“You mean you're willing to sacrifice yourself for your husband?”

“Yes!” Huang Yanmei nodded. “But to be honest, I don't have the ability to succeed like you!”

“People think I'm just sitting on the Chen family's coattails, not planting my own tree!” Chen Yiqian smiled. “I'm used to it; being misunderstood isn't a big deal!”

“Yiqian, you've never been such a pessimist, and you really are capable!” Huang Yanmei said seriously. “However, because this is still a male-dominated society, you can be strong in some areas, but you can't be stronger than men in the main areas! Sometimes, you really need to show weakness, even if it's just an act, otherwise it won't be easy to find a good man!”

Chen Yiqian said defiantly, “If I can't find one, so be it. I'll live alone for the rest of my life!”

Huang Yanmei had heard her say this defiantly a few times before. Six months ago, Chen Yiqian considered making some sacrifices for marriage and family, building a love nest with Gao Xiang. However, before she could even do that, she had already fallen into an abyss. Huang Yanmei tried her best to comfort and accompany her, but this ultimately couldn't solve the problem because Chen Yiqian had to actively change herself.

The two had different views on marriage, and after Chen Yiqian made some dreadful remarks about marriage, Huang Yanmei also became worried. Chen Yiqian said, "The divorce rate in Shanghai is nearly 20%. If we calculate based on the child reaching 18 years old, less than half of the biological parents still live together."

"Then I will try my best to make my family a complete family, like our parents' generation! I believe that as long as there is love, miracles will happen!"

Chen Yiqian was somewhat envious of her; at least she still longed for marriage. "Huang Mei, we are opposite examples. I used to believe in love, but you didn't! Now, you believe in marriage, but I don't!"

This old classmate had always been inferior to her, whether in studies, work, dressing, or even her attractiveness to men. But she was envisioning a happy life and looking forward to the future. If Huang Yanmei got married, she might have even less time to spend with her. Hearing Huang Yanmei talk about wedding preparations, Chen Yiqian felt a pang of jealousy.

She decided to find her own entertainment and attend the weekend party Lingling mentioned. Occasionally, she recalled the pleasure she felt from touching Lingling and felt a surge of excitement. The feelings between women were purer and more beautiful. Although she didn't agree that two women could love each other and stay together for life, having a close girlfriend was just as indispensable as having a close man.

Chapter 30: Office Politics

Weekends are something office workers look forward to, but not for Zhao Ziwei. For her, a "single woman," weekends were a dreaded time because she had no dates and no other activities.

A week passed, and Zhao Ziwei had a clear understanding of Xinhai's situation. She had to weigh the pros and cons before making any changes, because changes inevitably involve people, and work conflicts are essentially conflicts between people. Her colleagues were surprised by her casualness; her self-deprecating jokes were refreshing, making them feel that their new boss wasn't too strict. They breathed a sigh of relief, although their doubts hadn't lessened.

Xiaomei has a strange fondness for her new boss. She gives a detailed introduction to the company, the employees' preferences, including Chen Yiqian's personality and the story of Zhang Li and the former director, Lu. “Sister Ziwei, you’re different from Yiqian and Zhang Li. They like to wear suits, as if they have to meet with clients every day. I like seeing you in floral dresses; they’re casual yet elegant.”

“Respecting clients is important, but we’re an advertising company, so a more casual style is better. I think floral dresses bring out a woman’s femininity better. Xiaomei, you’re better suited for it than I am!”

“Hehe, I’d like to, but I’m a little hesitant. My former boss said that you should dress formally for office work, and Director Lu also requires it, so I can’t change. Okay, Sister Ziwei, now that I have you as an example, I can dress casually too.”

“You can’t dress casually, though. How could I stand it if you wore a crop top?”

“Hehe, you’re not a man, how could you not stand it!” Xiaomei giggled. “Don’t worry, Sister Ziwei, I won’t be that outrageous! I have many tank tops and skirts; I’ll wear them on weekends, otherwise, those male colleagues… hehe.”

Zhao Ziwei thought to herself: The more revealing your clothes, the better I like it. She said, feigning indifference, "In men's eyes, a girl's revealing outfit is a sight to behold, and also an allure. Sexy girls are actually quite cute. At my previous company, I often wore suits too. A person's attire, besides reflecting themselves, can also represent company culture and respect for clients. At Xinhai, you only need to consider being comfortable, pleasing to others, not revealing, not exaggerated, that's all!"

"I know, Sister Ziwei, with you here, I won't cross the line!" Xiaomei chuckled. "At most, my skirt will be a little shorter than yours, and my tank top a little thinner."

"Okay, I love seeing girls in tank top dresses, they're a sight to behold!" After saying this, Zhao Ziwei immediately realized the problem—it sounded completely like a man's tone—but quickly added, "I wear them often myself!"

Xiaomei was puzzled. "Ziwei, you're so funny, just like my boyfriend says, haha!"

“Isn’t that good? Both men and women appreciate beauty equally. I think it’s a wonderful thing that girls can appreciate other girls. I don’t believe there’s only jealousy and gossip among girls; liking, caring, and appreciating each other is much more pleasant.”

Xiaomei was surprised: “Sister Ziwei, you’re so special! None of the girls I know are like you. How many years would it take me to become like you? Three years? Five?”

“Hehe! I only recently realized this myself. Before, I was like a boy, without any guile. Last month, my life changed, many things became different, and I realized that if I were serious, I could be a good woman too!” Zhao Ziwei spoke with great feeling. In just three weeks, she had transformed from a man to a woman, not only in appearance but also in her heart.

Xiaomei blinked, seemingly understanding but filled with admiration. Zhao Ziwei liked hearing Xiaomei call her “Sister Ziwei”; it was quite affectionate, much better than “Miss Zhao.” It felt more like a friend than a superior-subordinate relationship.

To prepare for unexpected situations, Zhao Ziwei followed Chen Yihui’s advice and kept two spare dresses in the office. The company dress code is relatively casual; only supervisors and employees who frequently deal with clients dress more formally and seriously. After wearing suits for a few days, Zhao Ziwei switched to floral skirts, not only to add a touch of femininity but also to avoid her colleagues associating her with suits. If she wasn't going out, she would dress more casually, pairing solid-colored tops with red or green floral skirts, sundresses with light jackets, or sometimes solid-color vest dresses—elegant yet dignified.

In the afternoon, Li Yongjun and Zhang Li entered the director's office to introduce several recent advertisements and, incidentally, to ask her for advice. Zhao Ziwei felt this was a competition, but she didn't care; she knew these two opponents were not at her level.

Li Yongjun said sincerely, "Ms. Zhao looks younger than us, but she is very experienced; we greatly admire her!"

Zhao Ziwei thought to herself: I'm new here, how do you know I'm experienced? “Oh, I know these hats are just polite; everyone wears one! But I don’t need them. Let’s be honest, I’ll need your help to do my job well in the future.”

Zhang Li said with a half-smile, “Miss Zhao is young and beautiful, with a great temperament, and her attire is pleasing to the eye. She’s a role model for us women!”

“Hehe! I can’t accept that. Sitting in this position is purely by chance. Actually, there are many people more capable than me!” Zhao Ziwei chuckled inwardly. She had actually become a role model for women, as long as they didn’t discuss having children. “But don’t call me Miss Zhao, just call me Ziwei.”

“Okay, Ziwei.” Zhang Li nodded. “We haven’t worked in multinational companies before, and we’ve heard that many management philosophies are different. We hope you can bring some advanced experience!”

After a few polite exchanges, the two began firing off a barrage of questions, or rather, a barrage of questions, their tone shifting from calm to sharp. At first, Zhao Ziwei was still modest and polite, but in less than five minutes, she realized they were practically challenging her, and she couldn’t help but feel angry. So, she didn't hold back, rattling off a string of technical terms, mixing in English and French regardless of whether they understood.

Zhao Ziwei rattled off a string of words, not giving them a chance to interrupt, and offering no explanation for the words that left them bewildered. "Alright, you're experts, you naturally understand, all principles and experiences lead to the same conclusion, right?"

"Yes!" Li Yongjun nodded, but he exchanged a glance with Zhang Li.

Zhang Li echoed, "Yes, it's roughly the same as our usual methods! All methods and experiences are interconnected, so managers from other companies can also learn from them!"

Zhao Ziwei suppressed a laugh; these two were clearly pretending to know everything, since almost half of what she said was unrelated to advertising. On a whim, she unloaded a new article she'd seen online the night before. She feigned delight, saying, "That's wonderful! You two are truly kindred spirits. With such talented management personnel at Xinhai, there's great potential for the future. It seems we'll definitely be able to cooperate successfully in the future. With the help of two experts like you, things will be much easier for me."

Li Yongjun seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then spoke. "Ziwei, we'd love to work with you, have more exchanges and communication, learn from each other, and make even greater progress in the future!"

"I think so too! I saw the design and implementation elements of the plan you mentioned in your proposal; it's quite good." Zhao Ziwei nodded, realizing she couldn't just criticize without praising. "However, the writing could be improved a bit. Although these don't affect our communication with clients, to reach a higher level, we need to strengthen our own skills. I'm also learning in this area; if we have time, we can continue to discuss it!"

Zhang Li understood the challenge couldn't continue, gave Li Yongjun a wink, and the two left the director's office. Zhao Ziwei saw that the two men were clearly pale, but they were still putting on a brave face. After they closed the door and left, she finally laughed. "Hmph, trying to deal with me? Not so easy." But she quickly realized that showing off like this was detrimental to her future and the company.

Xiao Mei jumped in. "Sister Ziwei, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, we were having a good talk just now!"

"No way, they were ordered to deal with you...!" Xiaomei suddenly covered her mouth in surprise, after all, she was a young girl, and it wasn't easy for her to hide her true feelings.

Zhao Ziwei was stunned. Although she guessed there was an ulterior motive, she didn't expect it to be related to Chen Yiqian. She deliberately darkened her face and drew out her voice, "Xiaomei, tell me quickly...!"

It was too late for Xiaomei to regret it, so she had no choice but to confess. "I went to make copies just now and overheard outside Yiqian's door that she wanted two supervisors to come and chat with you, to ask some tricky questions, the more embarrassing the better! Ziwei, please, don't tell anyone I told you, or I'm dead."

Zhao Ziwei snorted inwardly, Chen Yiqian was going too far. But she smiled at Xiaomei and said, "Don't worry, Xiaomei, my mouth is very tight, like a man's."

Xiaomei blinked a few times. "Ziwei, what did you just say to them?" Zhang Li asked Li Yongjun from outside the door. "Did you understand what you said?" Li Yongjun said, "No, what about you?"

Zhao Ziwei was a little surprised. She hadn't expected that those words, which even she herself only vaguely understood, had actually fooled them. Although Xiao Mei didn't see her smug expression, she knew that Zhao Ziwei had the upper hand and couldn't help but admire her new boss more.

The first week was coming to an end, and Zhao Ziwei was a little disappointed. These past few days, not only had she failed to get close to Chen Yiqian, but she had also been questioned and tested by her.

Chapter 031,

After lunch on the weekend, Chen Yiqian and Zhang Li prepared to take the elevator upstairs. She stared blankly at the elevator numbers, truly hating the weekend. Although there were activities, it wasn't as fulfilling as before. But she didn't want to participate in the activities organized by Xiao Mei, as that would be tantamount to letting her subordinates know that she was actually very bored.

At this moment, Feng Zhiming and his colleague walked over. Seeing them at the elevator entrance, they hesitated and didn't approach. The male colleague looked at their actions and found it strange, but didn't ask.

"Hello!" Chen Yiqian spoke first, feeling that if she didn't speak, Feng Zhiming might become even more worried.

"Hello!" Feng Zhiming replied softly.

Zhang Li, naturally aware of their delicate relationship, immediately excused herself to buy something and left. Feng Zhiming's colleagues, seeing this, smiled and went to the other side, a move that made them feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Chen Yiqian smiled and said, "I heard your company is going to reorganize. Are you okay?"

Feng Zhiming was a little surprised: "Oh, you heard about it too?"

"Of course, you're my friend, of course I care!"

"Oh! There will be some changes in the company, but it's still unclear. Some people might be transferred to the Hangzhou branch."

Chen Yiqian had a bad feeling; this man might be leaving. She felt a little sad, after all, he was her good friend. A couple of days ago, they almost went crazy, but in the end, they both backed down. Not only did Feng Zhiming lack the courage, but she didn't dare either. Even so, Chen Yiqian didn't think he was bad, because this was a normal man's reaction.

Chen Yiqian said softly, "Zhiming, when are you going to bring a picture of your girlfriend so I can see her? Last time you said she was from Hangzhou, right?"

"Actually, she's not really my girlfriend yet!" Feng Zhiming explained. He really wanted to develop a deeper relationship with this girl, but he lacked confidence, so their interactions ended before they even reached their climax.

Entering the elevator, they stood near the wall. Suddenly, Chen Yiqian's hand was grasped. She was startled, then couldn't help but feel a surge of joy, and gripped Feng Zhiming's hand tightly in return. Of course, she knew that this man had always held her in his heart, but they couldn't take it any further. It wasn't that the man was bad, nor that she couldn't let go of Gao Xiang, but rather that they lacked a certain unspoken understanding. As for Feng Zhiming's timidity, she didn't care much; one should be content, right? Perhaps the timidity that distorted the feeling was their real obstacle.

The elevator reached the tenth floor. Feng Zhiming released her hand, smiled at her, and left. This wasn't the first time Chen Yiqian had shaken his hand, but this time she felt very comfortable, even a little reluctant, because she knew that she might not have the chance again. Relationships are like work; if you let go and stop insisting on a certain outcome, you'll feel more at ease.

Entering the office building, she saw Zhao Ziwei and Xiaomei chatting and laughing. She noticed that Zhao Ziwei had changed into a green floral sundress with a white cardigan, looking relaxed and elegant. This color was much more understated, not as eye-catching as the red dress she wore a few days ago. She was preoccupied and didn't stop, only patting Xiaomei on the shoulder before heading to her room. For the past few days, she had been trying to find an opportunity to talk to Zhao Ziwei, but every time she passed the director's office, she saw her talking to colleagues, and when she actually had free time, she wasn't in the mood.

Before entering the manager's office, she glanced back and their eyes met. They smiled at each other. She couldn't explain why, despite being full of curiosity about this woman, she didn't go over to talk to her. She could even read the longing for communication in Zhao Ziwei's eyes, yet she hesitated. That day outside the restaurant, when we first spoke, I clearly had feelings for her. Why have my feelings changed now? Have I become so upset?

The wait for the end of the workday was agonizing; for the first time, Chen Yiqian felt a strange longing for the evening. She wondered what kind of party Lingling was having and what to wear.

A knock sounded at the door, followed by a voice: "Yiqian, you're off work!"

"Oh, Ziwei, still here?" Chen Yiqian suddenly realized that it wasn't that she didn't want to talk to her, but rather that she was too lazy and needed the other person to take the initiative, whether in life or at work.

Zhao Ziwei brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled, "I was thinking, if you don't have any plans for tonight, would you like to go bowling with me?"

"Ah, you like bowling too?" Chen Yiqian was a little surprised. "Unfortunately, I already have plans tonight. We can have a match sometime!"

Zhao Ziwei blinked, seemingly trying to guess whether this response was a polite refusal or the truth. "Well…" she began, but Chen Yiqian answered her phone on the table.

“No, I’m not driving. If I’ve been drinking, I can’t drive back. It’s too much trouble to go back to get the car the next day.” Chen Yiqian answered while glancing at Zhao Ziwei. She wanted to end the call quickly; arranging bowling tomorrow shouldn’t be a problem. However, she saw Zhao Ziwei spread her hands in a regretful gesture, followed by a goodbye.

Watching her leave, Chen Yiqian jumped up to call her back, but in her haste, her coat got caught in the drawer. This delay meant Zhao Ziwei had already disappeared from sight. Chen Yiqian was a little angry, silently scolding in her heart: “Why are you in such a hurry? I’m not rejecting you, why are you running away like a man?”

Lingling said, “Since you’re not driving, I’ll come pick you up. Tell me your address!”

“I’ll wait for you at the intersection. You can see me when you come over. No need to drive in, it’ll save you parking.” Chen Yiqian hesitated; she didn’t want others to know her address.

"Yiqian, your address is so mysterious! How many men or women are you hiding with?"

"No, my apartment is too messy, not suitable for normal people!" Chen Yiqian was a little absent-minded, still thinking about Zhao Ziwei's matter earlier. Oh well, if she can get through the dangerous probation period, there will be many more opportunities in the future.

"Haha, you mean you're not normal?"

"Yes, I'm a little abnormal!"

Although Lingling said that she didn't need to dress up, that the occasion was very casual, Chen Yiqian still went home to shower, changed into a black suspender dress, did some simple makeup, added a necklace and a pair of platinum earrings, simple yet exquisite.

As soon as Lingling saw her, she immediately exclaimed, "Yiqian, you're dressed so formally! It's not a hotel dinner, it's just a casual party."

"Am I dressed so formally? I think you're the one trying to seduce men tonight?" Chen Yiqian looked at her sideways and pinched her cheek. "Lingling, are you dressed like this for a blind date?"

"Haha!" Lingling laughed loudly. She wore a white chiffon blouse over a dark red knee-length skirt, and even anklets. They jingled crisply with every swing. "But you can arrange a blind date, if I find the right one, I'll have someone to rely on for the rest of my life."

"Pah!" Chen Yiqian spat. "I don't believe you can live without a man. Without a man, you'd be a gigolo? With your slutty nature, how could you possibly resist?"

Lingling gasped in surprise, almost swerving and hitting another car. "Yiqian, don't talk nonsense, I never called a male escort!"

"Really?" Chen Yiqian glanced at her, and after she straightened up, she said, "That time I heard you on the phone, you were clearly talking to a man: You've gone too far, I've already given you three hundred, what more do you want? With your skills, you could have finished in less than half an hour, what more do you want?"

Lingling asked curiously, "Yiqian, when did you hear that?"

Chen Yiqian was a little dissatisfied: "That time when we left the bar, you received a phone call at the door! Did you forget, or are you pretending to be confused?"

Lingling was stunned for a moment, then immediately burst into laughter: "Haha, it was a computer repairman, I said he was charging too much."

"Really?" Chen Yiqian's eyes were still suspicious. "But what I heard you say, pulling it out and then putting it back in, isn't that right?"

"Yiqian, there's something wrong with your head. You're always thinking about these things. No wonder you guess others are like this too. You really have a problem. I think you should find a man quickly, regardless of feelings, just solve your physical needs first!"

"Hmph, I'm not as cheap as you!"

Although she said that, Chen Yiqian couldn't help but think about it. She knew many men liked her, but she counted them all and couldn't think of anyone suitable for a one-night stand. Feng Zhiming? Forget it, he's too timid; that old classmate she liked? Seems bad too; then, that playboy Zhang Jun? Of course not, giving him away would be giving him a bargain; even that man she touched in the bar...

"Yiqian, what are you thinking about?"

"Nothing?" Chen Yiqian's face turned red for no reason, even she herself felt something was wrong.

"Hmph!" Lingling glanced at her. "Why are you blushing? A teenage girl in love? Come on, you're not eighteen anymore. Just say what you want to say. I can introduce you to a men's club. If you need a one-night stand, you can find plenty there!"

"Really?" Chen Yiqian asked, but immediately realized something was wrong and asked, "Have you already tried it?"

"Yes! I was afraid you wouldn't be able to handle it, so I didn't tell you!" Lingling didn't flinch at all.

Chen Yiqian was unconvinced. "It's no big deal, we're adults!" Although she said that, she wasn't very brave. Would she really go to that point, needing a strange man to cure her sexual frustration?

Lingling patted her arm. "Yiqian, physical needs aren't a sin, it's like being hungry and needing to eat. The first time you need to overcome a psychological hurdle. Once you get past that first step, the rest is easy. Let me tell you, my hands were shaking when I paid the first time!"

"What? You have to pay for a one-night stand? What a load of rubbish! And what's with the computer repair stuff?!" Chen Yiqian slapped her hard. "Lingling, you're going too far! Don't think I'm a computer illiterate. I've done those things before, unplugging and plugging in parts. It's completely different from what you're doing!"

"Haha, you caught me red-handed!" Lingling giggled.

The party was held at a villa in the suburbs. There weren't any special string lights hanging outside, perhaps to keep a low profile. They weren't late, but they still had to find a parking spot, so there must be quite a few people attending. At the villa's entrance, a middle-aged woman was collecting invitations and pointing them in the direction to enter.

Before entering the house, Chen Yiqian asked, "Lingling, aren't you afraid I'll meet someone else and abandon you?"

"It's okay, because I'll definitely abandon you first!" Lingling smiled slyly. "You might be better at seducing men than I am, but with women, you're definitely no match for me!"

Chen Yiqian angrily slapped her arm, then laughed and went inside.

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