Chapter 24 Gao Youhe Understood—Her Brother and Sister-in-law’s Relationship Was Slowly…

Chapter 24: Gao Youhe understood that the relationship between her brother and sister-in-law was gradually...

The South City project team's office was on the 20th floor. After helping Tian Tian move her office supplies downstairs, the secretariat returned to normal, with everyone focused on their own tasks.

Given Lu Yingxiao's outstanding performance the day before, she had smoothly completed all the assignments from Wan Hui.

Before giving Lu Yingxiao new work, Wan Hui took her to a small adjacent meeting room for a career chat. "I get the sense you're not the type to be content staying in our secretariat forever. Your ability is strong, and I'd hate to see your talent go to waste. Tell me about your career plans. If opportunities come up down the road, I can try to help you secure them."

Although Lu Yingxiao had only worked at Shengzao Construction Company for a day, she had already clearly seen that the company genuinely cared for its employees, treating everyone equally, with no skimping on benefits, and it was truly fair and just, especially where employee futures were concerned.

As long as you had ability, no matter your current position, everyone had a shot at moving up.

This opportunity was also open and transparent.

Thus, Lu Yingxiao didn't hide her ambition from Wan Hui. She said, "My career aspirations might be a bit loftier than Tian Tian's."

Tian Tian's goal was to become a Project Manager.

Above project manager were the various deputy and general managers of the branch and head offices.

Yesterday, Lu Yingxiao had told Xia Huaimeng she wanted to replace President Gao.

But Xia Huaimeng hadn't taken her seriously.

Even though telling Wan Hui this, Wan Hui wouldn't treat it as a joke, aiming too high too fast could easily leave an impression of being unrealistic or biting off more than she could chew.

So, Lu Yingxiao kept her answer vague.

Wan Hui nodded, "Good, you've got the same drive I had at your age. Keep it up!"

Lu Yingxiao: "Okay."

Back in the office, Wan Hui assigned Lu Yingxiao tasks such as following up on and reporting on some of the company's smaller projects.

Wan Hui: "First, get familiar with the specific project workflows. Once the South City project officially launches, I'll arrange for you to follow up on the major projects there."

Lu Yingxiao: "Okay, thank you, Sister Wan."

Time always flies when you're busy.

Lu Yingxiao had just finished organizing the reports for three small projects when she saw it was already noon. Xia Huaimeng beside her was already saying she was starving.

Xia Huaimeng: "How come Tian Tian isn't here yet? She didn't get so caught up in work she forgot she's treating us to lunch, did she?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Tian Tian walked in from outside. "You hold a grudge; how could I dare forget? The minute it was lunchtime, I came straight up to get you all." She also invited Wan Hui and the others, "I said I'd treat everyone. I've already arranged with the cafeteria to reserve a large private dining area for us. Everyone, put your work aside and come downstairs with me to eat."

After Tian Tian transferred to the South City project team, she likely wouldn't return to the secretariat again.

Her colleagues cherished this send-off gathering.

Even with pressing work, they all set it aside temporarily and followed Tian Tian downstairs.

They made quite a crowd, packed into the elevator.

Emerging from the elevator, they again formed a boisterous group.

Xia Huaimeng, afraid Lu Yingxiao might lag behind, kept her arm linked with hers.

On the way, they bumped into Gao Yan and Manager Zhang, who were also heading to the cafeteria.

Manager Zhang asked, "What's the occasion? The whole secretariat heading to lunch together?"

Wan Hui: "Yes, Tian Tian's treating."

Manager Zhang glanced at Gao Yan beside him. "Any chance Manager Gao and I could crash the party?"

Generally, when employees gather for a meal, the boss's presence inevitably brings some restraint.

Gao Yan had a rather intimidating look and air about him. Even if he didn't impose constraints, the atmosphere would be far less relaxed without him.

Gao Yan was also very self-aware.

Aside from necessary business meals, he usually steered clear of these casual employee get-togethers.

As for Manager Zhang, sure, he brown-nosed the bosses, but he wasn't a bully to his subordinates. Gao Yan figured he was just kidding around.

The employees of Shengzao, though they griped in private about Manager Zhang being such a kiss-up, because when real issues arose, Manager Zhang would step up like a man and take charge, not pushing blame onto innocent subordinates, held no real grudge against him.

Tian Tian replied with a smile, "Actually, I was going to invite you and President Gao, but I thought you were both busy, so I didn't want to bother you."

Manager Zhang: "We're usually busy, but it's lunchtime now, so naturally we're free."

Tian Tian: "The honor is ours. I happen to have reserved a large room with the cafeteria."

She gestured for them to go ahead toward the private dining area.

Put on the spot like that, Gao Yan had little choice but to accept.

Inside the room, Tian Tian asked Gao Yan to take the head of the table. Manager Zhang sat to Gao Yan's left, and Wan Hui sat next to Manager Zhang. Apart from Tian Tian sitting directly opposite Gao Yan, the remaining colleagues were seated in order of position and seniority from Manager Zhang and Wan Hui's side. Since Lu Yingxiao had just joined the company the previous day, she naturally wound up sitting to Gao Yan's right.

Manager Zhang had already anticipated this seating arrangement, and he couldn't suppress a slight smile.

Gao Yan looked over.

The smile on Manager Zhang's face didn't fade; instead, it seemed to widen.

Gao Yan immediately understood.

Manager Zhang was testing the waters regarding his relationship with Lu Yingxiao.

Wan Hui, sitting beside Manager Zhang, noticed his undisguised smile and asked, "Manager Zhang, what has you so happy?"

Manager Zhang first glanced at Tian Tian, then seemingly casually swept his gaze over Lu Yingxiao, finally settling on Gao Yan. "With Tian Tian treating and President Gao joining us, of course I'm happy."

Hearing this, Xia Huaimeng covered her mouth, leaned close to Lu Yingxiao, and whispered, "Look at Manager Zhang; he really knows how to talk."

Lu Yingxiao smiled.

Some people are naturally eloquent; Manager Zhang might just be one of them.

Tian Tian had been colleagues with Wan Hui and the others for years and knew their favorite dishes. As for Gao Yan and Manager Zhang, as executive assistants, she was aware of some executive preferences, but since they were leadership, she still had to ask before ordering. And for Lu Yingxiao, who had just arrived yesterday, Tian Tian didn't know her tastes.

So, Tian Tian took the menu and first offered it to Gao Yan.

After Gao Yan and Manager Zhang ordered, she would then give it to Lu Yingxiao.

After Gao Yan took the menu, he didn't open it. Instead, he passed it directly to Lu Yingxiao.

Manager Zhang watched with keen interest.

Gao Yan: "After you, ladies."

Manager Zhang gave an inscrutable smile.

Wan Hui and the others didn't find anything unusual, as Gao Yan had always been like this—he looked tough but was a softie deep down, so Lu Yingxiao wasn't surprised either.

The more she interacted with Gao Yan, the more she realized how different he was from the other men she'd known.

After ordering a mild dish, Lu Yingxiao handed the menu back to Gao Yan.

Gao Yan glanced at the ticked items. Tian Tian had already ordered most of the dishes, which were mostly spicy and savory. He then looked at the dish Lu Yingxiao had just ordered—as expected, it was relatively light. From their interactions over the past two days, Gao Yan knew Lu Yingxiao ate lightly and sparingly.

He ordered a steamed sea bass.

It was light, provided protein, and, based on his observations, Lu Yingxiao preferred fish over other meats, especially boneless varieties.

When Manager Zhang received the menu, he eagerly checked what Gao Yan had ordered.

Seeing the steamed sea bass and noting that Lu Yingxiao had also chosen light dishes, he got the picture.

Mr. Gao disliked fish the most.

Yet now he had ordered steamed sea bass—who else could it be for?

Manager Zhang chuckled as he picked up the pen and added a dish for himself.

Wan Hui, sitting beside him, noticed Manager Zhang's unusually mild choice and asked curiously, "Manager Zhang, have you changed your taste? Weren't you all about spicy food before?"

Manager Zhang patted his round belly. "Getting older, dealing with the 'three highs.' My wife insists I eat lighter."

Wan Hui: "It's rare you show such restraint."

Manager Zhang: "It's called osmosis."

Wan Hui: "It seems your wife's reminders are effective."

Manager Zhang smiled without explaining further—his "osmosis" had a deeper meaning.

Once the orders were set, Tian Tian handed the menu to the cafeteria cook.

While waiting for the food, Lu Yingxiao remembered the "Youhe Supervision Group" she had created yesterday. She took out her phone, intending to report on her lunch to Gao Youhe.

Lu Yingxiao: "Reporting to Monitor Youhe, there's a department lunch today, so it's awkward to take photos. I won't be sending any, but I promise to eat well."

Gao Youhe: "Received. Wishing Sister-in-law a pleasant meal."

Lu Yingxiao: "Mhm."

Just as she was about to put her phone away, Lu Yingxiao's gaze met Gao Yan's beside her.

Gao Yan tapped his own phone and then glanced at Lu Yingxiao's.

Lu Yingxiao got it right away.

He couldn't send a message in the group right now and wanted her to help inform Youhe about his meal as well.

It was a small favor.

Since Gao Yan had diligently acted as her gym teacher that morning, putting off his own workout, Lu Yingxiao didn't refuse. She took her phone back out, opened the group chat, and sent another message: "Reporting to Monitor Youhe, your brother is also attending the department lunch. He can't send a message right now, so I'm informing you on his behalf."

Gao Youhe was eating with her classmates in the school cafeteria.

During class, Gao Youhe set her smartwatch to silent mode.

After class, she switched it back to ringtone mode.

Now, during mealtime, she could immediately hear and respond to any calls or messages.

Having just replied to Lu Yingxiao's message, she saw another notification in the group and assumed it was from Gao Yan.

She calmly put down her chopsticks and picked up her smartwatch to check.

To her surprise, it was from Lu Yingxiao, and the content revealed that Lu Yingxiao was sending the message on Gao Yan's behalf. Overwhelmed with excitement and shock, Gao Youhe choked on her own saliva.

The classmate sitting beside her quickly patted Gao Youhe's back. "Monitor, what did you see that got you so excited?"

Gao Youhe coughed until her entire face turned red.

After calming her excitement, she pointed to her smartwatch and said, "My sister-in-law! My sister-in-law actually sent me a message on behalf of my brother!"

The classmate was puzzled. "Is that so strange? My cousin's wife often does that—not only sending messages or making calls on his behalf but also making all the decisions at home, big or small."

Gao Youhe: "Are your cousin and his wife very affectionate?"

Classmate: "Of course! If they weren't, why would my cousin let his wife take charge of everything?"

Gao Youhe: "Exactly!"

The classmate still didn't understand.

But Gao Youhe didn't explain further—as long as she understood, that was enough.

Her brother and sister-in-law's relationship was gradually growing closer!