After Stealing a Kiss from My Sponsor Sister - Chapter 35

Jiang Ya had made up her mind.

She had never been one to shy away from challenges, yet the mere thought of it still sent a subtle flutter through her chest, making it hard to breathe.

But it seemed there was no more room for delay.

–

Distracted all day, Jiang Ya exhaled deeply as she stared at her computer in the evening. She poured herself a cup of coffee, planning to finish it and call it a day.

No motivation—better to rest than force herself to work.

Just then, a message from her senior at He Corporation flashed on the screen.

It wasn’t related to their lab project but rather an outsourcing job.

No one here is familiar with this programming system. Did the boss introduce it yet?

Jiang Ya skimmed the message. It’s pretty new. The boss bought it earlier this year to study for the new project.

Senior: Did you learn it?

Her fingers tapped lightly on the desk. She kept her answer vague. I know a bit.

The boss had walked her through it back then, relying on her exceptional memory for future code calibration.

Her senior immediately sent over a bundle of files.

Jiang Ya sent a question mark in response, but he just told her to take a look. She opened the files and scanned a couple of pages. Since when did you guys get into lighting system programming? And it’s this complex—what needs five, six, seven, eight lights pointed at it?

Thank heavens, I knew you’d be the right person to ask!

Another outsourcing job.

And another one tied to He Corporation.

Jiang Ya wasn’t keen on taking it.

Especially since it would involve coordinating with different artists for their exhibits and making on-site adjustments to dynamic effects.

But the pay was good.

She said she’d think about it.

The next day, money won her over. She agreed.

It happened to align with her summer break. Once she wrapped up her current tasks, she could manage the timing.

Besides, keeping busy would help fill her days and quiet the restless thoughts swirling in her mind.

And earning more wouldn’t hurt—just in case one day, she got kicked out.

The thought made her press her lips together.

Would that happen?

Her mind always stalled at this point.

In the end, it dissolved into four indifferent words: Who knows?

Unwilling to dwell on it, Jiang Ya threw herself deeper into work.

Coincidentally, Miss Yu had been complaining that she was too clingy. Putting some distance between them might… make Miss Yu happy?

Probably.

–

Yu Shuang had sorted out the recent workload at her studio, delegating what she could and making decisions where necessary. After a few days of handling things, she found herself with time to spare and took up some leisurely self-care.

She was free, but Jiang Ya was busier than ever.

For once, Yu Shuang was the one replying instantly, while Jiang Ya took half a day to respond.

Then one day, Jiang Ya said she wouldn’t be coming back. After walking the dog and preparing Xiao Huang’s dinner—which the pup devoured without looking up—Yu Shuang propped her chin on her hand, feeling an unfamiliar discomfort.

Not that she couldn’t stand being idle…

Well, maybe a little.

After years of high-intensity work, with Jiang Ya chattering in her ear every day, the sudden quiet felt strange. When she first took a break and traveled with Tan Xiao and her partner, she hadn’t noticed. But now, truly relaxed, she felt something was missing. Unsettling.

“Wow, is this really the same Miss Yu who mooched off her parents for a year after graduation?” Tan Xiao teased from across the Pacific, her voice ringing through the headphones.

Yu Shuang thought back, the memories already hazy. She could barely recall that time.

Still, she had to correct her. “I was traveling the world back then, not mooching!”

Tan Xiao didn’t argue. After all, for people like them—second or third-generation heirs—not starting their own businesses was already a relief to their families. Their parents would probably be thrilled if they just lazed around forever.

Tan Xiao asked, “Going to see my teacher, your esteemed mother?”

Yu Shuang declined. “She just got a new boyfriend this time—really likes him, might even get married. Best not to disturb her for now.”

“How about visiting your biological father?”

“I may be free, but I haven’t lost my mind.”

Tan Xiao burst into laughter.

“What about your kid?”

Yu Shuang replied, “She’s in grad school now. Officially started working for her advisor this semester, so she’s staying on campus most of the time.” She paused, then murmured, “Do you think she should start dating? What kind of person would she bring home?”

Yu Shuang tried to imagine Jiang Ya’s personality but couldn’t picture what type she’d be into.

“Ms. Yu, you’re automatically slipping into the parent role, worrying about your kid’s love life now.”

Not really. It was just a passing thought, more out of curiosity.

A bit of gossip, really.

As for slipping into the parent role—probably not. Yu Shuang muttered, “At most, it’s just sisterly concern.”

Tan Xiao teased, “Don’t even mention that word. You know how loaded it is for me.”

“…”

Yu Shuang shot back, “Say that again, and I’ll record it for Professor Shu as ammunition for your next argument.”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Try me.”

“Do I look stupid?”

“Hahahaha.”

Just as their banter heated up, another call came in. Worried it might be important, Yu Shuang answered.

Before she could even process that call, another unfamiliar number flashed on her screen. Thinking it might be a delivery, she picked up almost instantly.

But the voice on the other end was one she hadn’t heard in a long time: “Ningning?”

Yu Shuang’s wrist stiffened for a second.

When she finally reconnected with Tan Xiao, she cut straight to the chase: “I think I just did something stupid.”

“What, didn’t pick up your package in time, and it got returned?”

“He Minqian asked me out to dinner, and I agreed.”

“Oh.” Tan Xiao rubbed her chin, objectively assessing, “You should. His family hasn’t given our little studio any trouble these past two years, thanks to his mediation. The fact that he waited this long to invite you means you owe him the courtesy.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“But I have a feeling… he might not see it that way.”

“Then Su Shu called me.”

Tan Xiao faltered.

Yu Shuang’s voice was calm, betraying no emotion. “She also asked me out to dinner, and I agreed.”

“Hmm… She’s back in the country for an art exhibition, probably wants to get a feel for the domestic art scene. It might not be her only show, and she’s your mom’s prized student. Having a meal together isn’t weird.”

Yu Shuang closed her eyes. “I agreed too quickly. Just checked—it’s the same day.”

“What?”

“Not the same meal. One’s lunch, the other’s dinner.”

“That’s not so bad…”

“But Su Shu booked a restaurant near He Corp.”

Tan Xiao was truly speechless.

After a moment of contemplation, she voiced her thoughts: “I want to come back. I can’t miss this drama.”

Yu Shuang: “…”

It wasn’t really a big deal.

But if she thought about it, it was a little awkward.

Hard to explain.

After some hesitation, Yu Shuang ultimately didn’t reschedule either meeting.

Fine. Whatever.

At least her conscience was clear.

What she didn’t expect, though, was running into Jiang Ya at He Corp’s building that day.

“?”

Wasn’t she supposed to be busy in the lab?