Chapter Thirty-Five: Coercion

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In the end, Cheng Jia didn’t fleece me; she only ordered two homestyle dishes and a plate of appetizer soup, then told the waiter that was enough. Dissatisfied, I protested, “Why only these dishes? Altogether, it won’t even cost thirty yuan! Don’t try to save money for me—I’m sincerely here to thank you!”

Cheng Jia smiled, “There’s just the two of us, that’s plenty. Besides, I only like these simple dishes.” I didn’t believe her, snatched the menu, and ordered two pricier seafood dishes. Cheng Jia quickly interjected, “Alright, alright! Don’t order too much, or we’ll end up wasting food!” I finally relented, then ordered two hot drinks and signaled the waiter.

As soon as the waiter left, Cheng Jia asked, “You stopped coming to work after that day—I thought something had happened to you. Later, Manager Fan mentioned you and Hua Jingjing were on a business trip. By the way, you didn’t drink that medicinal wine, did you? What kind of medicine was it?”

I laughed, “It was a powerful laxative. If I’d drunk it, I’d be in the hospital now! I really have to thank you. If you hadn’t warned me in time, Hua Jingjing would’ve made me suffer terribly. I owe you a huge debt—one meal isn’t enough to repay your kindness. So, if you ever need anything from me, just say the word. I, Tang Qian, would go through fire and water for you without so much as a frown.”

Cheng Jia laughed lightly, “What kindness, what fire and water? It wasn’t that serious. I only gave you a heads-up. No need for any repayment! Why would Hua Jingjing want to drug you? Did you offend her?”

I sighed, “It’s a long story.”

Next door, Hua Jingjing suddenly realized the truth, her heart filled with resentment. “So that’s how Tang Qian knew about the medicine in the wine—this wretched girl tipped him off. Well done, Cheng Jia! You made me lose face in front of Tang Qian. I won’t let you off—I’ll get my revenge! I’ll… wait, I just thought of a great idea. Let’s see what you’ll do now, Tang Qian.”

At that moment, the waiter came to speak to her, so Hua Jingjing didn’t dare say anything or keep eavesdropping, lest the waiter grow suspicious. Shaking her head, she stood up and left.

The waiter was puzzled. “Strange, she sat for a moment and left, didn’t order anything, didn’t say a single word. Is she crazy? But her appearance doesn’t suggest it.”

I explained the cause of my feud with Hua Jingjing to Cheng Jia, though I glossed over what happened after I avoided the wine—it involved a woman’s privacy and dignity, and I wasn’t the type to expose someone’s wounds behind their back.

As we talked, drinks and dishes arrived one after another. I picked up my chopsticks and said, “Enough about these trivial matters. Let’s eat!”

We hadn’t been eating long when Cheng Jia took a sip of her hot drink and asked, “So, according to you, working as Hua Jingjing’s secretary means suffering her torment every day. What’s the point of such a job? Have you thought about switching positions or just resigning altogether?”

I lowered my head and ate in silence. Logically, I should quit—my superior is my enemy, and working under an enemy could only bring trouble.

Yet recently, when Hua Jingjing and I were together, the hostility between us seemed to have faded, especially on her part. Though she still bickered with me now and then, it felt less like opposition and more… like she was being playful.

I suddenly recalled yesterday morning, when I tried to leave the hospital room in anger. Hua Jingjing’s panic and vulnerability, even her tears—it didn’t fit her strong, competitive nature to show such weakness in front of an enemy.

Then there was the vow she made to me! I saw no trace of deceit in her eyes—it seemed utterly sincere. If that was a lie, she’d be worthy of an Oscar.

When did things change? I questioned myself. For a moment, I couldn’t answer, only knowing that before I took her to the hospital, she still hated me fiercely. Could it be that she was moved by seeing me work tirelessly to save her?

That’s the only explanation that makes sense. At least Hua Jingjing knows gratitude.

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Lost in thought, I suddenly heard Cheng Jia say, “What are you thinking about? Spacing out again?” Startled, I snapped back to reality and smiled, “I was savoring the taste of this dish. Hmm, it’s quite good.”

Cheng Jia laughed again, “Don’t tease me. You’re eating the garnish—what taste could there be?” She burst into giggles.

I curled my tongue, thinking, “Is that so? I was so distracted, I didn’t even notice what I picked up.” Seeing Cheng Jia trying not to laugh, I could only smile awkwardly.

After a while, Cheng Jia managed to compose herself, ate a few bites, and asked, “I asked you something earlier—why didn’t you answer? Haven’t thought about it?”

I replied, “I have thought about it. But getting transferred to the Planning Department took a lot of effort from Manager Gu in the Marketing Department—she did me a big favor, and I promised her I’d work hard and achieve something in Planning. If I change positions or quit so soon, I’d feel I’d let her down, and it would put her in a difficult spot. So I haven’t decided yet.”

Cheng Jia said, “Oh, I see. I’ve heard of Gu Ruoyan—supposedly she’s a tiger, very harsh with her subordinates. But it seems she treats you well.”

I replied seriously, “Nonsense! Manager Gu is truly a good person. People say that only because they don’t know her. She may seem cold, but she’s very kind inside. As for me… well, there’s nothing more to say.”

Seeing my seriousness, Cheng Jia stopped talking and quietly sipped her drink. Noticing her discomfort, I smiled, “Of course, you’ve been good to me too. There aren’t many people at the company who treat me well—you’re one of the few. Cheng Jia, I think you’re lovely and kind—a good girl!”

Hearing this, Cheng Jia’s cheeks flushed, and she whispered, “How did the conversation turn to me? Who… treats you well?”

Seeing her embarrassment, I quickly said, “Let’s eat, before the food gets cold!”

After that, we avoided company talk and chatted about hobbies and interests. Unknowingly, the meal was nearly finished.

Cheng Jia said, “I’m full. That’s it for me. I promised my mother I’d go home early and watch TV with her.”

I said, “Alright, I’ll walk you home. Waiter, check please!” I waved to the server.

Cheng Jia said, “No need, I’ll take a taxi myself.”

I was taken aback, “Let me hail one for you, then.”

After paying, we walked out of the restaurant just as a taxi drove by. I flagged it down. Cheng Jia opened the door, got in, and said, “Thank you for dinner tonight. Goodbye!”

I waved, “No, thank you. If you need anything, just ask. Take care!” The taxi quickly drove off. I took out a cigarette, put it in my mouth, and as I lit it, turned to shield the flame from the wind.

Just as the flame caught, I saw a woman standing about three steps away, looking smug and fiddling with a small phone.

Wasn’t that Hua Jingjing? What was she doing here?

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Stunned, my mouth dropped open, and the unlit cigarette fell from my lips without my noticing.

Hua Jingjing sneered, “Quite reluctant to part, aren’t you? Why not escort your little sweetheart all the way home?”

It took all my effort to regain composure. “What sweetheart? Don’t speak nonsense. We’re just colleagues! What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for you.”

“Waiting for me? Why? How did you know I’d be here?”

“Hmph! Let me give you a piece of advice: if you want to keep something secret, don’t do it yourself. I was always puzzled—how did you discover my plan to drug the wine, when I was so careful? Turns out someone snitched. There’s a female spy in my company! Well, it’s time to reorganize the Planning Department.”

I snapped, “You eavesdropped on us? How could you? What do you want to do to Cheng Jia?”

Hua Jingjing said, “The Planning Department’s performance has been terrible this year. According to President Qi, someone leaked some of our planning content to competitors, putting us at a disadvantage in the market. We’ve been searching for this traitor, and now, it seems, we’ve found them.”

I retorted, “Nonsense! That’s a completely different matter. You’re just taking revenge! I warn you not to act rashly—stick to the facts!”

“Oh! Worried about your sweetheart, are you? You’re threatening me now? Well, I’m taking revenge—what can you do about it? I’m the boss; I decide everything in the company. Tomorrow, I’ll make sure that wretched girl packs her things and gets out!”

She turned to leave. Now I was truly anxious and rushed after her, shouting, “Hua Jingjing, don’t be so cruel! Cheng Jia did nothing wrong—it’s all my fault. If someone has to be fired, let it be me! Don’t punish an innocent person!”

Hua Jingjing shot me a sidelong glance, “Oh? Sacrificing yourself for others now? You really like that wretched girl? No! I won’t let you have your way. I’m firing her, just to make you suffer, just to make you feel guilty!” With that, she continued walking.

I stood there, trembling with rage, and shouted, “Hua Jingjing! You’re despicable! You’re shameless! You’re persecuting an innocent person just to vent your personal anger!”

Hua Jingjing ignored me and walked away. If Cheng Jia were fired for helping me, I’d feel guilty and miserable beyond words. That couldn’t happen—I’d rather suffer myself than let my benefactor be harmed in any way!

Watching Hua Jingjing walk away, powerless, I cried out in despair, “What will it take for you to leave Cheng Jia alone?”

To my surprise, Hua Jingjing stopped immediately, turned around, and I saw a smug smile on her face from ten paces away. She called out, “It’s simple—agree to be my fake boyfriend!”