The harvest always comes as a surprise

Two hours later, Xiao Jia finally emerged from Wen Yang's room. In the middle, Wen Yang came out once and went out alone for half an hour, seemingly to buy something. Xiao Jia stayed in Wen Yang's room the entire time, just as before, with no one knowing what the two were up to. Xia Xiang didn't think too much about it; he was preoccupied with trying to figure out Li Dingshan's purpose in inviting him to lunch. It must have been because of something he said yesterday that touched a nerve, or perhaps Li Dingshan had also heard rumors about Li Kailin's impending transfer. After work at noon, Wen Yang was the first to leave the company. As soon as Wen Yang left, Xiao Jia came out of his office, gently closing the door behind her, and tiptoed over to Xia Xiang. She pointed to Jia He's room with her index finger and whispered, "Still not awake?" Xia Xiang shook his head. Jia He only listened to Li Dingshan, and no one else in the company could control him. If Li Dingshan wasn't around, Jia He could sleep all day without anyone bothering him. Xiao Jia held an envelope in her hand, which was bulging with something inside. She waved the envelope in front of Xia Xiang, raised her nose, and said proudly, "The company seal! Let's go, while Wen Yang is away, we can find a place to get a duplicate made. Then we can secretly compile books. I've already thought it through. Wen Yang is compiling a book for the Industrial and Commercial Bank. We can do the same for the Agricultural Bank, Construction Bank, or any other bank!" Xia Xiang was shocked. He pressed down Xiao Jia's raised hand and whispered, "You're too bold. This is a crime. If we get caught, we'll end up in prison! I'm really scared for you. Put the seal back and pretend this never happened." In his urgency, Xia Xiang tightly held Xiao Jia's small hand and pushed it down, pressing it against her abdomen. Although there was a layer of clothing, it was thin and felt like nothing, and the area he touched was smooth and soft, radiating warmth. Feeling uncomfortable, he tried to pull his hand back, but Xiao Jia grabbed it. In the struggle, Xiao Jia's T-shirt lifted, revealing a section of her fair and delicate waist.

Xiao Jia's navel was very attractive, round and not flat, pink, like a baby's. Her waist was flat and smooth, so white it was almost blinding.

Xia Xiang broke free from Xiao Jia's grip with a little effort, placing his hands on the table, maintaining a calm expression, but avoiding looking at her body.

Xiao Jia pouted and said, "You're such a coward!" It was unclear if she was referring to the seal incident or something else.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward, and although Xia Xiang wanted to scold Xiao Jia, he couldn't bring himself to do it. He sighed inwardly, realizing that Xiao Jia was indeed skilled, always using her advantages to make it hard for others to be stern with her. However, no matter what, forging a company seal was a serious matter. After some thought, Xia Xiang decided to persuade Xiao Jia to let it go.

Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard Jia He's voice, "Xia Xiang, let's have lunch together. My treat... Hey, Xiao Jia, what are you and Xia Xiang whispering about? Why are both of you blushing? Something's definitely up."

Jia He appeared carefree and joked with everyone, but he was actually quite perceptive. In the company, he was closest to Xia Xiang, who was young and easygoing. Jia He's greatest virtue was his loyalty to Li Dingshan. If anyone did anything detrimental to Li Dingshan, Jia He would confront them, regardless of who they were.

Xiao Jia quickly hid the seal in front of her and, without turning around, said, "I'm leaving," and rushed out. Jia He watched her go, laughing, "Xia Xiang, did something happen between you and Xiao Jia? You embarrassed her so much, her face is as red as a tomato."

Xia Xiang was annoyed. Jia He's unexpected appearance allowed Xiao Jia to take the seal out of the company, and he couldn't expose her. He worried silently, hoping she would come to her senses and not do anything foolish.

Teased by Jia He, Xia Xiang deliberately used a joking tone, "Stop talking nonsense, Jia He. Xiao Jia wouldn't look at a poor guy like me. Haven't you seen, she's always with Wen Yang."

Jia He shrugged, "Don't try to fool me, Xia Xiang. I'll tell you the truth. Xiao Jia may seem close to Wen Yang, but it's not what it looks like. She has her own thoughts and wouldn't be interested in a petty man like Wen Yang. I think Xiao Jia isn't intentionally flirting with Wen Yang; it's just her nature. Some women are naturally flirtatious, and it doesn't mean they are trying to seduce you. It's just their way of interacting."

Xia Xiang was impressed by Jia He's insight. He hadn't expected the seemingly rough Jia He to have such sharp eyes. After his rebirth and recent interactions with Xiao Jia, Xia Xiang realized she might be naturally flirtatious, not intentionally seductive. Jia He had seen this all along.

They had a casual lunch, and when they returned to work, Xiao Jia entered with a tote bag, smiling at Xia Xiang. Xia Xiang wondered what was behind her smile but decided not to ask. Their relationship wasn't close enough for him to influence her, and Xiao Jia was a determined person. Once she made up her mind, it was hard to change.

Perhaps her actions were driven by a desire to get back at Wen Yang for breaking his promises.

Wen Yang usually didn't come to the office, and when he did, he only worked half a day. Today, however, he returned in the afternoon and immediately called Xia Xiang to his office, saying, "Xia Xiang, come to my office. I need to talk to you."

With the company on the brink of collapse and Li Dingshan's authority diminished, Wen Yang, as the vice president, was even less respected. But they still had to be polite. Xia Xiang nodded and followed Wen Yang to his office.

Wen Yang gestured to the sofa and looked at Xia Xiang, noting his calm demeanor. He found it strange. Xia Xiang was still quiet, but he seemed different. Before, his silence was due to shyness, but now it was because he had something on his mind.

Xia Xiang sat down and asked directly, "What do you need, Vice President Wen?"

Wen Yang picked up a form from his desk and handed it to Xia Xiang, "A friend of mine is opening a supermarket at the intersection of Second Ring Road and Shanliang Street, called Jiagia Supermarket. They need a lot of staff, and I think you'd be a good fit for a mid-level management position. The company's future is uncertain, and you're young. Staying here isn't a good idea, right? What do you think?"

Xia Xiang's mind buzzed, almost unable to believe his ears. Did he hear correctly, Jiagia Supermarket?

He was overjoyed. He hadn't expected Wen Yang to know one of the founders of Jiagia Supermarket. It was a huge surprise. When Jiagia Supermarket was first established, it wasn't well-known in Yan City, but within a few years, it grew rapidly, opening several branches and becoming the most influential and profitable chain supermarket in the city. Even international brands couldn't compete with it, and Jiagia remained dominant until Walmart entered the market in 2010, slightly slowing its expansion.

In his previous life, Xia Xiang often shopped at Jiagia Supermarket and knew a mid-level manager there, so he was familiar with its history. Initially, Jiagia faced financial difficulties and almost halted construction due to lack of funds. If Xia Xiang's guess was correct, the supermarket wasn't yet built and still needed significant funding. An investment now could make someone a partner, ensuring future prosperity.

Of course, Jiagia was struggling, and Wen Yang's offer to help Xia Xiang find a job was likely a ploy to push him out. Xia Xiang tensed, suspecting Wen Yang's motives. Why was he suggesting this now? Had he discovered something about Xia Xiang and Xiao Jia, or did he have another reason? Perhaps Wen Yang knew about Li Dingshan's interest in the county party secretary position.

Wen Yang had known about Li Dingshan's opportunity for a long time but was aware that Li Dingshan wouldn't follow Song Chao Du's arrangement. He was concerned about whether Li Dingshan would become the county party secretary because, as a full-time cadre in the provincial Youth League, he could be appointed as a department head or office director in the county. This would give him more power than his current position.

But Li Dingshan showed no interest, and Wen Yang gave up. He then turned to making money through book publishing. However, after hearing from a classmate that Li Dingshan had expressed interest in politics during a dinner with Gao Hai, Wen Yang's hopes were rekindled.

Xia Xiang guessed correctly. Wen Yang wanted to push Xia Xiang aside, away from the company, so if Li Dingshan decided to become the county party secretary, he could follow him without Xia Xiang being in the way.

Although Xia Xiang posed no threat to Wen Yang, he wanted to be thorough. After careful consideration, he suggested the job to Xia Xiang.