The Secretary - Chapter 2

Thanks to Zhu Jie’s enthusiastic spreading, everyone knew that the new rising star had been scooped up by Wei Wan.

Amidst the teasing and laughter, Zhang Cheng felt particularly embarrassed, even a touch indignant. “This is our private matter, why do you always bring it up?”

Wei Wan, who hadn’t intended to speak at all, was forced to step in to quell the situation. She promised to treat everyone to dinner another day, then pulled Zhang Cheng away to a quieter corner.

Zhang Cheng, tall and handsome with thick eyebrows and sharp eyes, possessed the typical features of a northern man. Wei Wan comforted him, “They were just having some fun, nothing malicious. Don’t take it to heart.”

His expression softened slightly, but he still looked a bit embarrassed. He observed her face thoughtfully, “Am I too quick-tempered?”

More than quick-tempered, he was downright explosive.

To be honest, Zhang Cheng didn’t come from a wealthy background. A few years ago, he had crossed paths with Xie Ting, the current head of the department, during a particular project.  It seemed the department was undergoing a talent reform, and Xie Ting likely saw potential in him – the young, promising academic.

“It’s nothing,” Wei Wan said casually. “Everyone’s under a lot of pressure at work. It’s normal to find amusement in little things.”

Zhang Cheng glanced at her, then looked out towards the bustling street, his gaze shifting subtly. His Adam’s apple bobbed nervously.

“What do you want to eat later? I know this place that makes authentic Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles.”

Zhang Cheng ate a whole bowl of noodles, followed by a plate of dumplings, and even managed to finish most of the beef with three strands of vegetables. 

After paying the bill, he said, “Eating out isn’t as cost-effective. My cooking is actually pretty good. Next time, you can come…to my place, I’ll make something for you.”

Wei Wan felt a mixture of emotions, but she tried to focus on the positive. Saving money wasn’t a bad thing. At least this showed he was practical, a man who cared about providing.

As they walked over a bridge, they encountered a disabled beggar. Zhang Cheng couldn’t bear to see him struggling and rummaged through his pockets for change, but came up empty-handed.

The beggar pulled out a green QR code from under his tattered cloth. “Kind sir,” he said, “you can help by scanning this.”

Zhang Cheng scanned twenty yuan and grumbled as they got back in the car, “What’s wrong with people nowadays? Even disabled individuals are begging now. They even have QR codes! He must have been prepared for this!”

From his tone, Wei Wan could sense a bitterness, an injustice. Zhang Cheng believed his good intentions were being exploited. 

Wei Wan began to doubt her decision – had she chosen the right boyfriend after all?

But then she thought, at least Zhang Cheng was sincere. He meant well, and he was responsible and dedicated in everything he did.  He just couldn’t stand injustice.

With time, he would understand.

Relationships were all about give and take, Wei Wan thought. It was time for him to meet her family. If he couldn’t accept them, it would be better to part ways sooner rather than later. 

Zhang Cheng stood nervously at the door, carrying two bags of nutritional supplements and a bag of fruit. He kept asking, “Is this alright? Have I messed up my hair? Does your mom have any particular dislikes?”

Wei Wan looked at him seriously then, a long-forgotten warmth blossoming in her heart.

Her mother opened the door, wearing an apron, and greeted them with surprise. “Welcome! Come in, come in. You must be Xiao Zhang, right?”

Their home was an old-style apartment building unit, two bedrooms and a living room. If you looked closely, traces of its former grandeur remained – antique rosewood furniture that would fetch a good price even today.

Zhang Cheng proactively inquired about their well-being, while her mother settled next to Wei Wan, stroking her hand gently.

Wei Wan asked, “Where’s Jiang? Isn’t he home from school yet?”

As if on cue, a boy of about ten years old emerged from the room. He wore a neat blue and white school uniform and approached them with a bright smile.

“This is Brother Zhang,” he said, but remained silent.

Zhang Cheng slowly began to understand, and the atmosphere in the room noticeably cooled.

Later, as they walked outside, Zhang Cheng’s face was grim. Wei Wan felt a sense of relief. “Jiang is mute. He wasn’t born that way. Our family went through a car accident a few years ago. My dad passed away then, and Jiang’s vocal cords were damaged, so he can’t speak.”

Zhang Cheng was speechless for several minutes before kicking a stone on the ground in frustration. Then, he turned to her with determination and pulled her into a tight embrace. “Wei Wan, you’ve worked so hard all these years. You’ve been the one holding this family together.”

He said, “Don’t worry, I’m not that shallow. I won’t look down on you just because you have responsibilities at home.  I will help you take care of them.”