Financial Workplace Survival Guide – CH 078

Chapter 78 ☆, I Like You Very Much, But Don’t Overthink It.

In the years that followed, Xin Xin saw more facets of Zhao Xi, his weighing of pros and cons, his struggles, and how he subconsciously remembered every useful detail. She also saw him almost obsessively playing the role of an emotionally stable and perfect person.

But Han Guang was right.

Zhao Xi shared his work and life experiences with Xin Xin. He had shown kindness to many others in ways that were readily apparent, but the special attention he paid to Xin Xin was unique to him.

I did not know when it started, but Xin Xin no longer felt grateful for his indiscriminate thoughtfulness.

She would ask Zhao Xi, “How did I do today?” after finishing a task or meeting a new person.

Zhao Xi never said anything polite to Xin Xin. “It’s alright. This old man likes to ask about data. Next time, you should report more data that looks good in the financial report.”

Following Zhao Xi’s advice, Xin Xin gradually forged her own path. Anyone who knew Zhao Xi would remark that Xin Xin’s manner of speaking and acting was just like his.

Over the years, Xin Xin had also become exceptionally calm, able to find logical and well-founded clues in complex situations. She could interact with different people in various business dealings without letting emotions cloud her judgment.

For a moment, Xin Xin could not tell whether she was just naturally this way or whether it was because she had met Zhao Xi.

Zhao Xi changed her, or perhaps time changed her.

For some reason, Xin Xin suddenly wanted to ask Zhao Xi, “Are you not tired of living like this?”

The meal ended with everyone enjoying themselves. Amidst the clinking of glasses, there was a hazy, warm atmosphere.

When Xin Xin first graduated from university, she loathed drinking parties. She could not understand why drinking was necessary for a meal. But one day, she suddenly understood the effect of alcohol: its main function was to create the illusion that everyone was a close friend in a state of mental confusion.

A thousand cups of wine were not enough when drinking with a bosom friend.

Whether someone was a true friend or not was another matter, but alcohol was definitely a true friend. The most uncomfortable person at the dinner table was definitely not the drunk person but the one who was the most sober and had not been drinking.

As soon as they stepped out of the restaurant, a gust of wind blew away the previously harmonious atmosphere, and awkwardness and restraint returned.

Chen Ximi quickly arranged the cars according to the locations the group members had been holding and packed up the men and women and sent them away according to the route. Then, she called a designated driver for Zhao Xi and herself and said to Xin Xin with a slightly apologetic tone, “I originally wanted to take you, but my child called and said that there’s an assignment that needs my signature today.”

Before Xin Xin could refuse, she said to Zhao Xi, “Mr. Zhao, please make sure our people are delivered safely.”

Then, she left like a gust of wind.

Xin Xin felt it was not appropriate to let Zhao Xi drive her, so she politely said, “Mr. Zhao, I don’t live at the company. I will take the subway; it’s faster. It’s just a short walk; I can walk to the subway entrance.”

The winter chill crept up her neck, and Xin Xin shivered.

Zhao Xi naturally took off his scarf and wrapped it around her, saying, “Do not catch a cold.”

Xin Xin felt it was inappropriate. “It’s okay, I’m not cold; you can wear it yourself.”

Perhaps because he had drunk a little alcohol, Zhao Xi’s face was slightly flushed, and his faint smile made him seem quite content. He held Xin Xin’s hand firmly and said in an unquestionable tone, “You wear it first. I know you’re worried about others misunderstanding. Just give it back to me after we get off the bus.”

He pronounced the word “others” very softly, making the whole sentence sound humble and submissive.

Xin Xin compromised and accepted Zhao Xi’s offer.

While waiting for the bus, Zhao Xi kept tapping a small stone on the ground with his toe, kicking it back and forth.

Xin Xin felt obligated to break the awkward silence, so she chose a topic: “I feel that since I came here, the work pressure’s actually not as great as it was in the branch office.”

Zhao Xi looked up and smiled gently, “Your abilities will be put to good use wherever you go.”

This statement was a genuine affirmation.

Xin Xin, however, rediscovered the habits they used to had when they were together and subconsciously retorted, “You clearly said that I’m rigid, inflexible, and incapable of achieving great things.”

Zhao Xi chuckled and said, “That was in the past. Besides, you’ve already proven yourself on the Hanhai project.” As he spoke, he seemed to recall a distant past: “When I first went to Haining, you were still a child. So many years have passed, but sometimes I still think about what you looked like back then.”

Xin Xin did not understand what “still a child” meant, but she had heard this description from Chen Lisha.

“I was pretty silly when I first came here,” Xin Xin said, laughing as she recalled her silly words from back then.

Zhao Xi thought for a moment, “She’s a fair-skinned little girl who looks honest and thoughtful. She shows a slightly apprehensive expression when others speak.”

He looked at Xin Xin’s profile.

Xin Xin’s nose was a little red, and her fair skin appeared somewhat desolate and fragile against the backdrop of the black and gray scarf. Her former baby fat had disappeared, revealing pointed chins, and her lips were so pale that they always seemed to indicate a lack of energy.

At work, she always wore a professional smile, was gentle and kind but had a strong sense of boundaries, and handled everything in a very organized manner. She was a rare and outstanding talent.

Xin Xin noticed Zhao Xi’s gaze and turned to look at him, only to be met with a pair of eyes filled with intense inquiry and emotion, which startled her.

“Mr. Zhao? What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?”

Zhao Xi shook his head. “I was just thinking, you’ve changed a lot over the years. Why did I not notice?”

Xin Xin smiled and said, “Because we are together every day, you cannot tell.”

Zhao Xi sighed with some emotion and said, “Yes, I could not have imagined it. But now it seems you’re my best disciple, almost my masterpiece.”

There was no doubt about that. Xin Xin had often heard people talk about mentors in the workplace, and Zhao Xi was definitely her mentor. If it were not for Zhao Xi, she might still be an ordinary manager in the finance department, or she might had already retreated in her struggle with Qianqian and switched to another company.

Just then, the designated driver brought the car over.

“I’ll take you; I cannot let you go back alone.” Zhao Xi gentlemanly opened the door, waiting for Xin Xin to get in the car.

Xin Xin hesitated for a moment but did not refuse and got into the car first.

Zhao Xi did not go to the passenger seat but sat next to Xin Xin. “Where are you going?”

Xin Xin gave him her address, and Zhao Xi casually remarked, “Coincidentally, I live in the next neighborhood, and the rent’s not cheap.”

It was not really a coincidence; as far as Xin Xin knew, there were probably quite a few people living in that area.

“I don’t pay rent; I live at my boyfriend’s house.”

Xin Xin was unsure of Zhao Xi’s attitude towards her or their relationship. She wanted to find an opportunity to tell Zhao Xi that it was Zheng Zaochuan’s house, but she felt it would be a bit deliberate.

While they were still hesitating, Zhao Xi spoke first, “Are you not going to ask me if I’m going to transfer you up?”

Here we go, finally getting to the main topic.

Xin Xin smiled. “Is it you?”

Zhao Xi readily admitted, “It was me.” He frowned and thought for a while, then suddenly smiled, “I really want to tell you that I wanted to get you out of Su Chengjie’s environment for your safety. But I have to admit, besides that reason, I need you.”

Xin Xin did not understand what level of concept Zhao Xi meant by “I need you.”

In the dim light of the back row, Zhao Xi looked very serious, and there was no trace of alcohol on his face. “I should be transferred to the Credit Business Department, and I hope you can help me. Xin Xin, please think about it.”

Xin Xin’s heart pounded. Once again, she sensed the joy her boss felt from making empty promises. “You said the same thing last time.”

Zhao Xi smiled and said, “I’m making up for it now, aren’t I? When Fu Meng left, I did not have the ability to fight Lin Chong’an. Now that Lin Chong’an has retired, I can’t say I have an absolute advantage, but I can build my own team to a certain extent. I trust very few people, but I trust you.”

This was Zhao Xi; all sentimental attachments to his children came after him.

Xin Xin’s previous worries vanished.

In fact, when Zhao Xi told her that if they were together, it would not sacrifice Xin Xin, and that he would resign, she almost believed him for a fleeting moment. But now, Zhao Xi clearly stated that he simply needed to build his own team. His meaning was also clear: Xin Xin should not overthink it and should focus solely on her work.

Xin Xin’s doubts vanished instantly, and she made a quick decision: “If you need me, I will do my best to go.”

Soon, Zhao Xi escorted Xin Xin.

Xin Xin thought about it, and although there was no need, and despite her obligation, she decided to abruptly tell him about her situation: “Mr. Zhao, I’m staying at Zheng Zaochuan’s house.”

Zhao Xi paused for a moment, then smiled, his attitude unreadable. “Are you serious about being with him?”

Xin Xin nodded emphatically. “Yes, we’ve been together for a while now.”

Zhao Xi smiled and said, “Not bad.”

Xin Xin took the scarf off and handed it to Zhao Xi. Zhao Xi did not mind at all that it smelled of her perfume and casually wrapped it around his neck.

“Go upstairs quickly; someone will take care of you.” With that, he turned around and took two steps, then stopped, turned back, and called to Xin Xin, “Xin Xin, I like you very much, but don’t overthink it.”

He left those words behind, smiled, and got into the car.

Xin Xin stood there, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. She had already stopped thinking about it, but the phrase “I like you very much” seemed like a clumsy and mischievous joke, leaving her with a hint of something unsaid.

She wanted to say, “It’s no use if you like me; I already have someone I like.” But Zhao Xi did not give her a chance; the car had already driven far away.

Xin Xin shook her head with a wry smile and turned to walk inside. However, after only a few steps, she saw a tall figure wearing a familiar trench coat under the streetlights.

She did not know how long Zheng Zaochuan had been standing there or whether he had heard what Zhao Xi said.

For no reason, Xin Xin felt a little guilty, so she quickly ran up to him and observed his expression.

Zheng Zaochuan, as always, reached out and ruffled Xin Xin’s hair. “Have you finished saying goodbye to your admirers?”

Xin Xin laughed and said, “Are you jealous?”

Zheng Zaochuan said nonchalantly, “There’s nothing to be jealous of. He’s not as handsome as me.”

Xin Xin clung to him, insisting that he carry her on his back. “You are too narcissistic. Nobody’s as handsome as you. Okay, okay?”

The streetlights cast long, overlapping shadows of the two people, resembling a strangely shaped little mountain.