Chen Jin was overwhelmed with work at the company, and his cell phone kept ringing nonstop, one call after another.
When he answered, a roaring voice came pouring through the receiver, immediately harvesting a variety of astonished expressions and looks from his colleagues and subordinates.
He felt incredibly embarrassed, but since the person scolding him on the other end was his father, he could only cover the phone and quickly return to his office before he helplessly asked, "Dad, I'm busy at work. Why are you calling me at this time?"
Father Chen's strong, forceful voice came through the phone, "What on earth is going on with the Old Su Family's daughter, your wife?"
"I've called her mobile phone more than ten times, and she doesn't answer..."
"Does she not care about her son and daughter anymore? Look what time it is now..."
Father Chen's words reminded Chen Jin of what Su Li had said before, asking him to pick up the kids today.
He thought she was just joking. She had always been more concerned about child-related matters than anyone.
"I'm about to get off work, I'll come pick up Dou Ya and the rest soon," Chen Jin said in a soothing tone.
Father Chen frowned on the other end of the phone, clearly dissatisfied, "Where's Su Li?"
"Why do you have to pick them up? You're busy with your work, and she doesn't have any consideration for you... She isn't working, is it that difficult for her to pick up the kids?"
If it were before, Father Chen wouldn't have thrown a fit just because Su Li didn't come to pick up the kids. The main reason this time was due to what Chen Jin had previously told him – that Su Li had other thoughts in her mind.
In his view, a woman should stay at home and take care of her husband and children. He had disagreed with Su Li even when she wanted to find a relaxing job previously, but he couldn't stand against his son, who tirelessly spoke highly of her.
Now that his son had been promoted and was moving to another city, as parents, they were naturally worried. Logically, Su Li should be fully supporting her husband and settling the home front.
Chen Jin's mind raced, and he quickly understood the crux of Father Chen's concern.
Moreover, this situation was his own doing.
How could he have imagined that Su Li would be as resolute as a counterweight this time...
He thought the problem could easily be resolved if his in-laws just said a word in his favor.
It had always been the case before...
But this time, not even Su Li's parents could influence her, and Chen Jin could not think of a better way to persuade Su Li to change her mind.
If Su Li were here to comment, she would say that the way others treat you is what you have agreed to.
Whether it was Chen Jin or Su Li's parents, they all relied on Su Li's soft-heartedness and willingness to compromise.
Father Chen continued to prattle on through the phone, criticizing his daughter-in-law nonstop, which left Chen Jin feeling extremely irritated. He raised his voice without realizing it, "Dad, stop talking about it. Su Li had something to do today; it's all the same if I go pick them up."
As soon as the words were out, Chen Jin realized that there was a problem with the way he was speaking to his parents. He immediately softened his tone, saying, "Wouldn't it be nice if I also went home to see you and Mom?"
Fortunately, Father Chen fell silent and didn't dwell on the matter endlessly. He replied in a subdued tone, "Then come over after work, and I'll have your mother cook some dishes you like."
"Alright."
After hanging up with Father Chen, Chen Jin let out a deep sigh of frustration. He then pressed the button to call Su Li.
"Doo-doo-doo-doo..."
The phone rang for a long time, but no one answered on the other end. Chen Jin, feeling exasperated, carelessly stuffed his phone back into his pocket and picked up his briefcase, ready to leave work.
"Knock, knock, knock..."
Someone knocked on the office door, and then a fluffy little head popped through the gap.
"Boss, are we heading the same way? I don't know what happened to my little electric scooter; it broke down on the way to the company this morning..."
Liu Yin's pitiful voice matched with her comical expression instantly relaxed Chen Jin, who had been frowning just moments earlier.
Chen Jin still had a serious expression on his face at this moment, but those who knew him could tell that his mood wasn't too bad.
"Let's go. I'll drop you off at home on the way."
Following behind Chen Jin, Liu Yin couldn't help but make a 'V' sign behind her back with her hands.
"Liu Yin, you're hitching a ride with the Vice President again?"
"Yeah, the boss is nice and takes good care of me," Liu Yin said with pride in her voice.
"Hmph, don't think that no one sees right through her..."
"So true, but the Vice President is a married man..."
"What does being married have to do with anything? If she could hook up with someone like him, she'd probably be willing to be a mistress, and besides, there are people who get divorced these days..."
The odds and ends of gossip from the company ladies occasionally reached Liu Yin's ears. She guiltily glanced at the man walking in front of her and then pursed her lips and smiled, quickening her pace to follow.
Let them have their chatter. It didn't matter; in a few days, she would be heading to Shanghai with the boss.
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"Boss, I really want to thank you for today..."
After getting out of the car, Liu Yin didn't leave immediately. Instead, she bent over, waved to Chen Jin through the half-open window, and grinned infectiously, looking like a blooming rose.
For a moment, Chen Jin was somewhat dazzled.
The woman in front of him was so lovely that it was heartbreaking.
Chen Jin's eyes flickered, then quickly returned to calm. The ripple that briefly stirred in his heart went unnoticed by Liu Yin, who was closest to him at that moment.
"Then you should head back and rest well. We'll be heading to Shanghai in a couple of days. Are you all prepared?"
"This time we're going there, there's a tough battle to fight. If you encounter any difficulties, you must tell me. I will help you solve them."
Chen Jin's gentle and considerate voice intoxicated Liu Yin, "I'm all prepared. Once we get to Shanghai, you can count on me, boss. I definitely won't drag you down."
The energetic voice of the girl made Chen Jin chuckle, "Then go for it..."
Chen Jin himself didn't know why he had chosen Liu Yin to accompany him to Shanghai.
Liu Yin was actually not the best candidate; she wasn't tactful enough, not attentive enough... but her daily vibrant demeanor always reminded him of his college days with Su Li.
Inadvertently, he ended up giving her a bit more attention at work.
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When Chen Jin arrived at his parents' house, the delicious-smelling meal was already on the table, and his stomach growled uncontrollably.
Today he had eaten nothing but a bowl of plain porridge.
The dinner he had outside yesterday had upset his stomach, making him feel uncomfortable all day.
Homemade meals were always best.
Chen Jin's arrival didn't attract much attention from Doudou and Yaya, who were playing nearby.
Doudou and Yaya just glanced at Chen Jin and were quickly immersed in their own world of toys again.
"You're here, go wash your hands, the food is all ready," Mrs. Chen said as she placed the last dish, a steamed bass, on the table, urging Chen Jin to wash his hands.
Father Chen, who had been sitting on the sofa, also put down his newspaper and slowly walked over, "Later, call your in-laws from across the door over to eat with us."