Decided to Forgive You After Getting Drunk - Chapter 3

Xiao Yutong and Liu Qianwen had been together for two years. Their relationship wasn’t exactly earth-shattering, but it had been harmonious. While it wasn’t filled with passionate love, nor could it be called deeply affectionate, Xiao Yutong had genuinely envisioned spending the rest of her life with Liu Qianwen and had even planned for it.

She believed Liu Qianwen felt the same. After all, she acted like she was in love with her.

That was until Xiao Yutong went on a business trip to a neighboring city. During a celebration dinner, she stumbled upon Liu Qianwen’s engagement banquet. Both families were there, laughing and chatting it was a lively scene. Xiao Yutong had heard talk of the wedding even before entering the venue. When she stepped in and greeted them, Liu Qianwen reacted as if she’d seen a ghost, quickly dragging her outside and delivering some self-righteous explanation.

That’s when Xiao Yutong found out that, over the past two years, Liu Qianwen had continued going on blind dates arranged by her parents.

So, love really can blind people. Even someone as sharp as Xiao Yutong had been fooled by Liu Qianwen for two whole years.

When your ex gets engaged, you have to send them a big gift to celebrate  that’s only proper.

“Knock knock knock…” A sudden knock came from the door.

Xiao Yutong found it strange. Everyone had gone out for lunch who could it be? Maybe Zhou Yao?

“Come in,” she called out, not taking her eyes off the computer screen.

The door opened just a crack, revealing a head peeking in. Xiao Yutong looked over  it was Song Xian. What was she doing here?

Perhaps out of guilt, Xiao Yutong felt a little uneasy facing Song Xian. She avoided eye contact, though she kept up a calm facade.

Xiao Yutong: “What are you doing here?”

“Bringing you lunch!” Song Xian walked up to the desk and placed a takeaway box in front of her.

Xiao Yutong glanced at it, suppressing the urge to drool. She was hungry, but she absolutely refused to accept Song Xian’s goodwill. As the saying goes: “I’d rather starve than accept charity.”

With a cold front, she said, “I’m not eating. Take it away.”

Xiao Yutong always maintained a distant, aloof attitude with employees. She disliked getting too close it didn’t improve productivity and just encouraged overfamiliarity. Like with Song Xian, their previous relationship had made her think it was okay to be so casual with her boss.

Song Xian smiled. “Director Xiao, people need food to work. You can’t do your job well on an empty stomach!”

“Leave,” Xiao Yutong said more forcefully, her beautiful eyes now emitting an icy aura.

Realizing she’d genuinely upset her, Song Xian raised her hands in surrender. “Alright, alright! But at least try to eat something, okay?”

Xiao Yutong shot her a pointed look, and Song Xian quickly scurried out of the office.

Xiao Yutong was the definition of a cold beauty, with a naturally distant air. Even when calm, she gave off an unapproachable vibe. A slight frown doubled that feeling. She was also a workaholic, demanding perfection in everything she did. No wonder the design department was terrified of her.

If Song Xian hadn’t seen her in bed flushed and breathless  she might be intimidated too. Her mind wandered to the image of Director Xiao in her arms last night, her face red and gasping softly…

After a trip to the restroom, Song Xian returned to find Xiao Yutong gone. She dared not approach the office, but from her desk she could see both the woman and the lunchbox were missing.

She didn’t throw it away, did she?

What did the food ever do wrong?

Sleepiness began to weigh on her. She usually took a nap around this time. Though unsure if it was appropriate on her first day, she decided to head to the break room to make some coffee. But as she neared, voices echoed from inside.

Peeking around the corner, she saw  to her surprise  Xiao Yutong, eating the lunch she had brought.

Song Xian (thinking): Didn’t she say she wouldn’t eat it? Huh eating it quite happily too!

That turnaround was fast. Still, seeing her eat the meal she made sparked a strange joy in her heart.

Not wanting Xiao Yutong to see her and feel embarrassed, Song Xian retreated quietly. Exhaustion won out, and she slumped at her desk, setting a 30-minute alarm before closing her eyes.

After Song Xian left, Xiao Yutong had indeed intended not to eat. But her stomach kept growling, protesting loudly. Really, food had done nothing wrong. Wasting it would be shameful.

The office was cold with the air conditioning. She was only wearing a shirt and decided to grab a jacket from her car. On the way out, she passed the design department and noticed Song Xian sleeping at her desk right under the air vent, jacket draped over the chair.

Xiao Yutong scoffed inwardly: She’s not even worried about getting sick.

Still, what did it matter to her? She wasn’t some warm-hearted saint.

But before she could leave, she turned around and walked back.

After all, she was the department head. Showing concern for subordinates was normal, right? Besides, if Song Xian caught a cold and had to take leave or worse, infected others it would affect productivity.

Yes, that made perfect sense.

She picked up the jacket and gently draped it over Song Xian’s shoulders. But as soon as she touched her, the phone on the desk buzzed violently, followed by an annoyingly cheerful ringtone.

“Please don’t oversleep! Please don’t oversleep! Early to bed and early to rise keeps you healthy!”

Time flies when you’re napping. Song Xian groggily opened her eyes, fumbling to silence the alarm. The jacket slipped off her shoulders. Turning around, she saw someone behind her and instinctively flinched  then realized it was Xiao Yutong.

She looked a little flustered.

Song Xian had taken off her jacket earlier because she felt hot. Now it was back on her… did Xiao Yutong cover her?

So she does care.

After all, they’d shared a bed. Surely there’s at least some affection left from that night?

Before she could say anything, Xiao Yutong quickly explained, “Don’t get the wrong idea! I just didn’t want you getting sick and spreading it around.”

Song Xian (thinking): Look at that proud little expression.

“Director Xiao,” she teased, “If you care about me, just say so. I won’t laugh at you.”

“I suggest you don’t overthink. It’ll make you anxious,” Xiao Yutong replied coolly, frowning slightly, her chill aura making the air conditioner redundant.

Song Xian stood up, stepping closer and shrinking the distance between them. “So? How was lunch? Was it to your taste?”

“I only ate it to avoid wasting resources,” Xiao Yutong declared proudly  like she was saving the planet.

But Song Xian could see through her act. She was clearly just hungry but had to invent excuses. Still, she found this side of her strangely adorable.

So cold, yet so cute… Was she some kind of walking contradiction? Or did she have a switch inside her that made her flip moods at will?

Song Xian grinned. “Sure, sure. Whatever Director Xiao says.”

Just then, laughter and chatter drifted in from outside coworkers returning from lunch. A group from the guest services department walked in, but when they saw Xiao Yutong, they instantly fell silent.

“Director Xiao,” they greeted quickly, then rushed back to their desks.

Song Xian turned to look at Xiao Yutong. She had already returned to her usual cold, unapproachable self even colder than her previous “saving the Earth” attitude. It didn’t matter if you were a stranger or someone close; her icy demeanor didn’t waver.

No wonder she had the nickname “The She-Devil Director”. Even other departments were terrified of her.

It was nearly 2:30 PM. Colleagues had returned and were buried in their work. With the department head watching like a hawk, no one dared to chat. Even bathroom breaks were taken hurriedly, lest they be caught away from their desks.

Zhou Yao, the team leader of Group 3, was the typical friendly type. She’d been particularly kind to Song Xian as a newcomer.

“Song, take a look at these documents. I’ve highlighted the important parts. Be sure to memorize them  if Director Xiao quizzes you and you can’t answer, it’ll be awkward.”

“Also, feel free to make your own coffee!”

“Oh, by the way, where do you live? If it’s on my way, I can drop you off after work.”

“No need, Sister Zhou. I” Song Xian paused. As a recent grad, taking taxis over such a long distance felt wasteful. She changed her mind. “I’ll just take the bus.”

“Is your place far?” asked a colleague from the same group.

“Not too bad.” It was a 40-minute drive, which did seem a bit far. By bus, it would take even longer.

“You should consider moving closer. I commuted for a whole year. It was exhausting,” the colleague advised sincerely.

“Move?” Song Xian thought about it afterward. It made sense she could sleep an extra half-hour every morning.

Jiang Chen, her friend, worked in real estate and knew a lot about housing. She immediately called her.

“You traitor! Abandoning your friend for some fling,” Jiang Chen answered lazily.

“Still not over the last one?” Song Xian asked.

“Cut the crap. What do you want?”

“I want you to help me find a place near Jincheng.”

“Buying or renting?”

“Either’s fine, as long as it’s close.”

“I’ll ask around. Hanging up now.”

Just before the call ended, Song Xian heard a distant voice on Jiang Chen’s side: “Babe, hurry up!”

Yup, she’d already found a new fling. And she was the one being called disloyal? Song Xian shook her head. That’s exactly why she didn’t console her friend when she was heartbroken  her heartbreaks came too often.

After hanging up, she grabbed her bag and got ready to leave. Before walking out, she glanced back at Director Xiao’s office. She was still there, in the exact same spot, working non-stop.

Workday had ended half an hour ago, but since there wasn’t much to do today, Director Xiao had let everyone leave on time. The entire office was now empty except for the two of them.

The sight of Xiao Yutong so focused  utterly captivating.

She was the only person Song Xian had ever seen who could be alluring without even trying  no flirting, no theatrics, just pure charm.

Director Xiao, how could someone like you exist? A true goddess among mortals.

She figured: Well, I’ve got nowhere else to be. Might as well keep her company. Who knows when night falls and emotions run high maybe something will happen again…

“Song Xian, you’re still here?” Zhang Xin’s voice broke her daydream. “I went to the bathroom and thought everyone had left. Come on, let’s head out together.”

Already packed, Song Xian had no excuse to stay and followed her downstairs.

As they walked toward the bus stop, Zhang Xin, around the same age, chatted easily. When the topic turned to Xiao Yutong, Song Xian asked playfully, “Does Director Xiao have a partner?”

“I think so. I saw a really pretty girl come visit her once,” Zhang Xin said. “Not totally sure, though.”

Pretty girl? Song Xian repeated inwardly. She asked, “Prettier than me?”

Zhang Xin didn’t find her narcissistic. She answered sincerely, “Of course not! Wait… are you trying to pursue Director Xiao?”

Song Xian nodded. “Yup!”

“Seriously? I mean, she is gorgeous and capable, but don’t you think it’d be hard to breathe around her?”

Song Xian fell silent. Then again… last night, during that moment, she had almost lost her breath.

She barely held back a laugh.

Seeing Song Xian’s confusion, Zhang Xin explained patiently, “She just gives off this oppressive vibe. It’s hard to even breathe near her, let alone live with her.”

Then she added with a sigh, “But her looks really are top-tier.”

The bus stop was less than 800 meters from the company. They chatted all the way there. Zhang Xin got on one bus, Song Xian on another.

She was testing the commute: taking the bus home required three transfers and at least an hour and a half. Even driving during rush hour took forty minutes.

Moving closer really was the smart move.

On the way back, she kept replaying Zhang Xin’s words. So a beautiful girl had visited Director Xiao. And last night, at the bar, Xiao Yutong had looked heartbroken.

So she’d recently been dumped.

Well then  that’s perfect. Thank you, ex, for letting go.

Now, it’s her turn.