The Secretary - Chapter 3

The air at the bustling night market buzzed with energy. Geng Zhenzhen kicked over a stool in frustration and leaned back against it with a groan. “What kind of crap is this? What does he mean ‘not materialistic,’ what does he mean ‘burden’? 

“He’s full of hot air!  Thinks he’s some savior, the world revolves around him! He’s just a broke nobody!”

Wei Wan laughed along with her. She felt relaxed, genuinely happy to shed the weight of protocols and formalities she usually carried. 

They had made plans to meet for late-night snacks with their friends. Wei Wan was dressed casually in a beige tank top layered over a light blue denim shirt.  Leaning her hand on her forehead, she clinked glasses with Zhenzhen. “Your mouth is a weapon,” she teased.

Lai Changlong, sitting opposite her, looked at her with concern and kicked Geng Zhenzhen under the table. “If you can’t say something nice, just shut up,” he grumbled. 

Geng Zhenzhen was from a wealthy family, Lai Changlong’s father held a government position, and the three had been close friends since high school.  If Wei Wan’s father hadn’t passed away, she too would have been considered a second-generation official.

Zhenzhen kicked back with a retort, and Lai Changlong cried out in mock agony. They were just putting on a show for Wei Wan. 

“Well,” Wei Wan started, “He’s typical of the worldly types you find in your department. A high-achieving student being groomed for success. He seems promising, intelligent, and decent enough… but as for responsibility…” She trailed off, leaving her words hanging in the air.

Lai Changlong took a swig of beer and picked up a skewer of meat without really eating it. “Just give him time,” he mumbled, trying to defend Wei Wan’s new boyfriend.

Geng Zhenzhen scoffed. “Are you serious? Is that what you call good enough for our Ah Wan? He’s just trying to make himself feel better after being scared off by Xu Huai…”

Realizing she had gone too far, she clamped her hand over her mouth.

Wei Wan lit a cigarette and took a drag. “It’s fine,” she said calmly. “The more you can’t say, the deeper it goes. Just talk freely; I’ve gotten past all that.”

Lai Changlong sighed and rubbed her hair. “You’re naive,” he murmured.

They had opposed Wei Wan dating Xu Huai from the start. It wasn’t out of spite; Xu Huai was simply too beautiful, possessing a beauty that was both alluring and dangerous –  a kind of beauty that felt like a poisoned chalice.

Xu Huai had been pursuing Wei Wan since high school for three years, finally winning her over in university. After graduation, their relationship lasted another two years, totaling five years together.

Xu Huai treated Wei Wan’s friends with contempt, but his devotion to her was unwavering.  Wei Wan believed they would marry, have children, and live happily ever after. 

However, three years ago, Xu Huai married the niece of a vice minister in the Ministry of Finance. He had since been promoted to deputy mayor.

In the blink of an eye, six months had passed since Zhang Cheng arrived at the Health Bureau. The initial admiration for him had slowly transformed into whispers and disapproval amongst the staff.

His relationship with Wei Wan was also rocky. After a few months together, they hadn’t even kissed.

Zhang Cheng sent Wei Wan a text message asking her to meet him in the fire escape.

Wei Wan went there as soon as she could. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

Zhang Cheng reeked of cigarette smoke and ran his hand through his messy hair. “I want to leave,” he said, his voice laced with frustration. “I was assigned here to work on the second-level unit’s business, which aligns perfectly with my expertise. But now…”

Wei Wan straightened his tangled hair. “Now what?”

Zhang Cheng sighed heavily. “There’s nothing substantial going on in this place! It’s all paperwork and reports, just waiting for the clock to strike five. What’s the point?”

Wei Wan’s patience, usually inexhaustible, started to fray.  “You should be patient, you know. Everyone wants to climb the ladder; you want to go the other way? How will people perceive you?”

Zhang Cheng cared deeply about appearances. He nodded slowly, unable to refute her logic. 

“The performance evaluation is coming up soon. What are your plans?” Wei Wan asked.

Zhang Cheng snapped. “What plans? Those petty power struggles? Why should I waste my time on that?”

He walked away without another word.

Wei Wan leaned against the wall, feeling a headache brewing. She realized their relationship might be reaching its end.

She needed someone reliable, someone who would stand by her side. But Zhang Cheng still seemed stuck in his cynical world view. 

Zhang Cheng had left his cigarette burning on the stairwell floor. Wei Wan absentmindedly lit another one but didn’t have a lighter.

A bright orange flame flickered from the side of her face, followed by a long, slender hand holding it aloft.

Wei Wan jolted back, her mind momentarily blank.

She scrambled to her feet, stammering nervously as she greeted him with a hesitant “Xie…”  

The name died on her lips before it could fully form. She was too startled to speak.

The man’s face was illuminated by the orange glow, a mask of calm serenity behind his piercing gaze.  He smiled faintly, a smile that held an undeniable authority. 

Wei Wan felt a blush creep up her neck. “I… I don’t usually smoke,” she mumbled.

Xie Ning nodded, a long, pregnant silence hanging in the air for what felt like forever. Then he said softly, “It’s fine. You can.”

He held out the flame again. Wei Wan hesitantly took it, feeling the warmth of the fire against her fingertips. As the cigarette smoked, the sound of its burning filled the otherwise silent stairwell.