"Work, work... I really don’t want to work."

Ling Ning sat in the back of a cab, staring out at the passing scenery. It was a weekend, yet here she was on her way to the company. Still, she didn’t have much choice—being a college student, weekends were often the only time she could work.

For the sake of earning some extra money, sacrificing her free time seemed worth it.

When she arrived at the company building, she took the elevator up and made her way to Qin Qing’s office. Even on weekends, the company buzzed with activity, giving off a lively energy.

Oddly enough, everyone working seemed completely content, as if weekend overtime was just a natural part of life. Ling Ning couldn’t help but shake her head at the workaholic atmosphere.

After knocking and receiving permission to enter, Ling Ning stepped inside Qin Qing’s office. To her surprise, she found Su Ya there as well.

Ling Ning blinked. She had asked Su Ya earlier if she was free this weekend, and Su Ya had said she wasn’t. Yet here she was—at the company, no less.

"Good morning, Ling Ning," Su Ya greeted her with a faint smile.

"Uh... good morning."

"Ling Ning, you’re late today. Don’t tell me you overslept again?" Qin Qing teased, her gaze playful.

Rolling her eyes, Ling Ning replied, "I asked if I should come early, and you said no. So I came on time. Any issues with that?"

"None at all. As long as it works for you," Qin Qing said with a chuckle before adding, "Today we’ll be shooting the summer collection, and we also need to prepare for tomorrow’s runway show. Shouldn’t be a problem, right?"

"Not at all," Ling Ning replied casually. Runway shows had become second nature to her by now.

"Great. Head over to the studio, then. Xiao Ya, you can go with her if you like."

As they left the office, Su Ya sidled up to Ling Ning with a smile. "You’re walking in the runway show tomorrow, right? Do you think I could come and watch?"

"Shouldn’t be an issue. Just let Sister Qin Qing know, and I’m sure it’ll be fine. By the way, didn’t you say you were busy today? What brings you here?"

"I wanted to surprise you," Su Ya said earnestly, her gaze fixed on Ling Ning.

Her words caught Ling Ning off guard. Since when was Su Ya this direct? It didn’t seem like her usual self.

Noticing Ling Ning’s puzzled expression, Su Ya simply smiled and walked ahead toward the studio.

Her sudden assertiveness wasn’t without reason. Lately, Su Ya had felt an urgent need to act. If she didn’t make a move, she feared Ling Ning might slip away, taken by someone else.

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"Alright, that’s a wrap. Great work, everyone!"

Hearing the director’s announcement, Ling Ning finally let out a long breath.

"Here, have some water," Su Ya offered, handing her a bottle.

Just as Ling Ning was about to drink, Su Ya added, "I’ve already taken a sip. Hope that’s okay?"

"Not a problem. In fact, I like it even better this way," Ling Ning said with a chuckle before finishing the water in one go.

After stretching lazily, she glanced at Su Ya. "What time is it now?"

"Almost lunchtime. Want to grab something to eat?"

"Sure. Let me change first. Could you ask Sister Qin Qing if she wants to join us?"

Ling Ning headed to the dressing room to change back into her casual clothes. She didn’t bother removing her light makeup—it wasn’t too heavy anyway.

When she returned to the office, Qin Qing had finished her tasks and was ready to head out with them for lunch.

As they walked, Ling Ning asked, "Sister Qin Qing, is the company particularly busy these days?"

"Of course. It’s always busy. I’ve been waiting for my secretary to help out, but she’s constantly tied up with other things. What choice do I have but to handle it myself?" Qin Qing replied, her tone carrying a hint of mischief as she glanced at Ling Ning.

"Wait, you have a secretary?" Su Ya asked, surprised.

"Yes, and she’s fantastic—efficient, organized, and even fun to have around during downtime—"

Before Qin Qing could say something incriminating, Ling Ning clamped a hand over her mouth.

"Yes, yes. Just a part-time role when I’m free," Ling Ning explained awkwardly.

"Hmm..."

Su Ya seemed to catch on but chose not to press further.

As the elevator doors opened, a group of employees piled in. In the crowded space, Ling Ning suddenly felt a hand slide up her skirt.

Turning slightly, she saw Qin Qing winking at her.

Ling Ning blinked, wondering why both Qin Qing and Ye Xuan shared the same bold habit of pulling stunts like this in public. What would happen if someone noticed?

Then again, most of the people in the elevator were Qin Qing’s subordinates. Even if they noticed, they’d likely pretend not to. In such a cramped space, Ling Ning had no choice but to endure.

"Ling Ning, your face looks a bit flushed."

"It’s nothing. Probably just the heat from being crammed in here."

"Is that so?"

After what felt like an eternity, the elevator finally reached the lobby. Once they stepped out, Ling Ning shot Qin Qing a glare—a look she intended to be fierce but that Qin Qing interpreted as tinged with frustration and... desire?

Su Ya, meanwhile, looked curiously at the two of them, completely unaware of what had just transpired. Before she could ask, Ling Ning grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the exit.

Qin Qing licked her lips, her gaze following them as she walked behind.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com