Chapter 51

When the workday ended and everyone was gathering their things to head home, Xiao Yangjia suddenly appeared, hugging a pack of AD calcium milk drinks and sipping away contentedly. Behind her, a little girl of about five or six walked into the General Office. The moment she entered, Liu Jiulong immediately rose to his feet, a look of tender affection on his face as he approached to lift the little girl. But the child wasn't having it—she clung shyly to Yangjia's stockinged leg, calling out in a soft, timid voice, "Grandpa," but refusing to let go.

Han Qian's curiosity was piqued. He looked from Yangjia to the little girl, noting their resemblance. Could it be…

"Yangjia, is this your daughter?"

"Pfft!"

Yangjia stuck out her tongue and scoffed,

"No wonder President Yan spent all afternoon yelling at you—your eyes must really be broken! Your Yang-jie here is still a delicate flower, not even fully bloomed. This little one's my niece!"

Su Liang interjected with a chuckle,

"Yangjia, but you're so flat—"

Before he could finish, Han Qian elbowed him sharply, frowning.

"There's a child here—watch your mouth."

He crouched down, opening his arms and squinting as he grinned.

"Xiao Beibei, come here—let uncle hold you."

Little Beibei had already finished her drink, looking up at her aunt with wide, pleading eyes, one small hand gripping Yangjia's sleeve. When Han Qian saw she was ignoring him, he strode over and snatched another AD calcium milk from Yangjia's hands, ignoring the murderous look she gave him as he dangled the drink enticingly.

"Come on, Beibei—let uncle hold you, and I'll buy you some tasty treats."

Beibei was impossibly cute: a chubby little face, big dark eyes like polished onyx, and a small, wrinkled nose that only made her more adorable. Yangjia herself never fussed over her looks, but this child was clearly a canvas for her impeccable taste—blue denim overalls, a hat with tiny antlers—Beibei was a picture of sweet charm.

But the little girl didn't budge, still clinging to Yangjia's leg, her soft voice asking,

"Are you one of Daddy's family?"

Han Qian was taken aback, then shook his head with a smile.

"No, I'm a friend of Mommy's."

"Then you're an uncle. You can only hug me once, or else Mommy will be mad."

Step by step, she inched toward Han Qian, arms stretching out to wrap around his neck. Just as he was about to lift her, Beibei spoke again.

"Uncle…"

Han Qian quickly handed her the AD calcium milk, but the little girl just spun on her heel and scampered back to hide behind Yangjia, crouching down and sipping her drink as if nothing had happened. Han Qian couldn't help but laugh helplessly. Looks like he'd been outsmarted by a child!

Yangjia shrugged at him with a smirk.

"She's got a cowardly little heart—she'll trick you for snacks and then bolt. If you buy me something delicious, maybe I'll let you hold her for real."

Han Qian straightened up, shaking his head firmly.

"No way—she's too heavy. Besides, she's not even my niece."

Su Liang, however, looked eager, rubbing his hands together with a grin.

"Yangjia, I can handle it!"

"You're no kind of uncle to her. Buzz off," she retorted.

Qian Wan wandered over, laughing as she offered to let Su Liang hold her instead, but he quickly shook his head, muttering about how last time he'd asked her to bring him water, she'd roped him into an entire afternoon of gaming as repayment.

Girls were nice, but Su Liang had no interest in that sort of brain-numbing task—especially since the game was all in English and a nightmare to play. Qian Wan just smirked, producing an array of snacks from her pockets like some conjuring trick, which made Yangjia finally put down her calcium milk. But the treats weren't for her—they were for coaxing little Beibei.

Qian Wan scooped up the little girl and carried her back to her desk, cheerfully claiming that gaming skills should be nurtured from childhood.

Ten minutes later, Beibei managed to wriggle free of Qian Wan's clutches—because Yang Lan had returned. She frowned at the little girl, then scolded Yangjia for bringing her here instead of leaving her at home as promised. Yangjia just pouted, saying she was off work and wanted to fetch her niece. Yang Lan sighed but said nothing more, instead turning to the General Office team and clapping her hands.

"Everyone, hold off on leaving. In our meeting just now, upper management expressed serious concerns about the General Office's performance. They've given us several new tasks—mainly to assist the Market and Project departments with plans for the airport site. Starting next week, you'll also be working in teams of three to survey renovation companies and developing communities to gauge their material needs."

A chorus of groans and complaints rose at once. Li Dongsheng, who'd already been slouching in his chair and packing up to leave, frowned deeply.

"Yang-jie, we're here every day, and Siwan and the rest are constantly running around. That's our job—fine. But I don't see why Han Qian gets to vanish whenever he wants and then waltz back in like nothing happened. He doesn't lift a finger—your favoritism is getting a little obvious, isn't it?"

Yang Lan was momentarily at a loss for words. She *had* been too lenient with Han Qian lately—his absences, his tardiness—but she didn't know how to respond. Before Han Qian could say anything, Wu Siwan—usually so quiet, like the office maid—spoke up.

"Dongsheng, Han Qian was the one who created this plan. He didn't ask us to help with any of the work. Besides, these are orders from above, given to Yang-jie. If you're unhappy, I'll take over your tasks myself—just don't make this harder on her."

Li Dongsheng's frown only deepened as he shot Han Qian an icy glare, then rose and stalked out. As he passed Beibei, he stomped his foot hard, startling the little girl so much she dropped her drink.

Han Qian and Yangjia both bristled at the sight. Han Qian's usually calm expression darkened as he took a step forward. He'd heard more than enough warnings that Li Dongsheng was someone best avoided—but he couldn't hold back when it came to people he cared about.

A hand landed on his shoulder. He turned to see Liu Jiulong shaking his head gravely. At the same time, Yang Lan stepped in front of him.

There were some people you just couldn't afford to provoke.

Han Qian let out a cold snort, then bent down and gently scooped up Beibei, his voice soft and soothing.

"Come on, Beibei—uncle will take you to the supermarket. Don't let that jerk get to you."

For once, he didn't care if the child heard his cursing. Li Dongsheng turned back, sneering,

"Poor wretch."

But Han Qian just cradled Beibei close and left the General Office, joined by a few others. As they stepped into the elevator, Wu Siwan whispered,

"Han-ge, don't let Li Dongsheng get under your skin. His mother spoils him rotten—he doesn't know any better."

"Thanks," Han Qian murmured.

He wasn't in the mood to care about Li Dongsheng's family issues. Little Beibei's small arms clung tightly around his neck, her head tucked shyly under his chin. She'd been startled, but she was calm now. As they left the elevator, Qian Wan came skipping up, teasing,

"Han-ge, if you'll help me power-level in my game, I'll beat up Li Dongsheng for you, how about it?"

"No need," Han Qian said with a soft laugh.