Yu Wan had been feeling quite pleased with herself these past few days, all thanks to the matter of the accompanying staff for the research trip.
She had always been one to make a show of things, and coupled with her aunt's husband's connections, she practically ruled the roost at the station.
The station was already full of people with connections, so everyone was used to it, and no one dared to cross her.
Yet, she insisted on stirring up trouble for others.
Since Qiao Yimian arrived, Yu Wan had been taking every opportunity to needle her.
Especially after hearing this good news, she was even more eager to seize the chance.
"A small fry is just a small fry. So what if she came to the TV station? She's just here to be a workhorse. How could she possibly get an opportunity like this, to show her face?"
"If I were you, I'd have gone back to where I came from long ago! You can't turn into a phoenix just because you climb onto a branch!"
Qiao Yimian initially didn't want to bother with Yu Wan's provocations, but this person just kept coming back for more.
Finally, unable to endure it any longer, she tossed a printed manuscript in front of Yu Wan.
"I heard the Governor is very learned and has a graceful writing style. You'd better improve your writing skills before he conducts his research with you. Look at the misused words and grammatical errors in this manuscript. I really can't correct them anymore."
Qiao Yimian crossed her arms, looking puzzled. "It's strange, you had good grades in Chinese in college. How is it that after only a year of graduation, you've forgotten everything? Or is it that you've been too busy this year to think, and your brain is rapidly deteriorating?"
"Who are you calling names!" Yu Wan's face immediately darkened, but Qiao Yimian tapped the manuscript on the table with her finger. "Finish correcting this first, then we can argue."
After saying that, she gave her a mischievous smile and turned to leave.
Yu Wan was so angry her teeth itched. She lowered her eyes and glanced at the various markings on the manuscript after it had been corrected, so angry that she threw it directly into the trash can.
"Acting all high and mighty! Little noob!"
Qiao Yimian didn't pay any attention to Yu Wan's low mood. She happily packed up her things and left work.
Song Nanxing said that her car was fixed, but he really didn't dare to go pick it up. He could only trouble her to get it herself.
"Sister Yimian, I have a news report to finish tonight, so I can't go with you. How about I treat you to a big meal tonight?"
Song Nanxing clasped his hands together, looking apologetic.
Qiao Yimian couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, then I'll have to swindle you! We can't order takeout this time!"
Song Nanxing chuckled, "Any restaurant in Linchuan City is fine, you can pick!"
Seeing that it was rush hour, Qiao Yimian didn't continue joking with him. She quickly left the office.
She had just walked out of the television station building and was about to walk to the intersection to hail a taxi when she saw a black Hongqi parked by the side of the road.
At first, she didn't pay much attention. Then, the passenger-side window rolled down, and Zhou Heng greeted her with a smile.
"Reporter Qiao! Where are you headed?"
Qiao Yimian quickly took a few steps forward, her eyes curving with a smile. "Secretary Zhou, hello. I'm just about to go to the 4S store to pick up my car."
Ever since she learned that Zhou Heng was the Governor's secretary, Qiao Yimian didn't dare to call him "Brother Zhou" anymore. She knew that this man, who seemed approachable and amiable, held a position that was half a level higher than the biggest leader in Linchuan City...
Zhou Heng didn't mind what she called him. He smiled and said, "It's rush hour right now, and it's not easy to hail a taxi. We can give you a ride since it's not far."
"No, no... thank you for the offer!"
What a joke. How could she, of all people, just hop into the car of a big shot?
Even if she had eight times the courage, she wouldn't dare to get in again.
Zhou Heng was insistent. "Get in the car quickly. It's not safe to stop here for long."
Qiao Yimian was about to decline when the rear window rolled down, and Li Yao's overly handsome profile came into view.
He gazed at Qiao Yimian with a deep look in his eyes, his voice low. "Get in the car. I have something I want to talk to you about."
Qiao Yimian opened her mouth, but under that intimidating gaze, as still as a deep pool, she finally admitted defeat and closed it.
Alright then.
Refusing again would seem a bit affected.
Qiao Yimian hopped into the car in a flash, and the Hongqi slowly drove away.
To break the awkward silence in the car, Qiao Yimian deliberately started a conversation, speaking first. "That... you really can't stop here on the grid lines. A few days ago, a car was towed away for illegal parking."
Zhou Heng, sitting in the front row, blinked, instinctively glancing at the rearview mirror. He saw the "instigator," the Governor, remain unfazed, even giving an affirmative "hmm," and calmly responding:
"Obeying traffic laws is the legal responsibility and obligation of every citizen."
Zhou Heng: "..."
So, reporting violations of order at will is also the duty of every citizen, eh?
He didn't dare say it out loud, only grumbling inwardly.
Qiao Yimian responded with a chuckle, and the car fell silent again.
The car drove for a distance. Qiao Yimian suddenly remembered what Li Yao had said before getting in the car and couldn't help but ask:
"Governor, you said you had something to tell me earlier?"
Li Yao looked ahead, silent for a few seconds before turning to her and asking,
"How's work at the TV station?"
Qiao Yimian was taken aback for a moment, then answered seriously, "The city-level TV station deals with more interview events, covering a wider range, and the knowledge I can learn is also different..."
She briefly explained the breadth and depth of the interviews, her eyes clear and earnest, her demeanor neither servile nor arrogant.
Li Yao listened quietly to her answer, his gaze falling on her bright eyes, and for a moment, he was drawn in.
It wasn't until Qiao Yimian finished speaking that he belatedly retracted his gaze and asked about other things.
"Are you used to living in Linchuan?"
Qiao Yimian nodded, "It's okay. The food and climate here are similar to those in Chu City, and we usually eat in the cafeteria or order takeout, so it's not much different from working at the newspaper."
"You should eat less takeout," Li Yao reminded her earnestly. "It's not good for your health."
Qiao Yimian was a little flattered by the sudden concern and responded with a smile, "Yes, sir. Thank you for your concern, sir."
She had naturally smiling eyes; even when she wasn't smiling, the corners of her eyes curved slightly upwards, creating a charming effect. Once her eyes were filled with mirth, her face became as radiant as peach blossoms in March, lively, vivacious, and flirtatious.
It made people want to stop and linger over that beautiful smile.
Li Yao's lips curved slightly, and he murmured, "You're quite obedient."
A car horn honked outside the car. Qiao Yimian didn't hear what he was muttering, but she felt a little strange about Li Yao's earlier questions.
He had clearly said he had something to tell her, but after all the questions, he was just asking about her work and life?
Could this be what he wanted to ask her about?
Impossible.
How could the high-and-mighty Governor possibly be interested in a small-time character like her?
But she didn't want to press him further, so she could only wait quietly for him to speak again.
However, until they reached the 4S store, Li Yao hadn't asked her any more serious or formal questions; it was all small talk.
The car came to a stop, and Qiao Yimian finally exhaled a sigh of relief.
She thought this tense journey was finally over, but as she was about to get out of the car, she suddenly remembered something and slapped her head, belatedly realizing what she'd forgotten.
Damn, she forgot her driver's license…