Kai Ying returned to the office two weeks later.
Not fully recovered. Still sore. Still under strict orders not to overwork.
And absolutely not prepared for Wong Tian Rong.
The moment Kai Ying stepped out of the elevator—with Le Xin walking half a step behind her—Tian Rong appeared out of nowhere.
"Oh," Tian Rong said loudly, eyes sparkling. "So this is the famous Senior Manager who almost died and suddenly learned how to love."
Kai Ying stopped walking.
Le Xin coughed. "…Tian Rong."
Xiao Lan, standing beside Tian Rong, looked down at her tablet. "She has been waiting."
"For days," Tian Rong added cheerfully.
Kai Ying adjusted her glasses. "If you're here to mock me, leave."
Tian Rong gasped dramatically. "Mock you? Never."
She leaned in closer, inspecting Kai Ying like a museum exhibit.
"So," Tian Rong continued, "I heard you cried."
Kai Ying's expression froze. "Who told you that?"
Le Xin looked away. Too slowly.
Tian Rong clapped her hands. "Oh that confirms it."
"I did not cry," Kai Ying said stiffly.
"You held onto Le Xin's sleeve like it was your emotional support blanket," Tian Rong replied instantly. "Xiao Lan saw it."
Xiao Lan did not deny it.
Kai Ying turned slowly. "…Xiao Lan."
Xiao Lan said calmly, "Your grip strength was notable."
Le Xin failed to suppress a smile.
Tian Rong beamed. "See? Documented."
Kai Ying exhaled through her nose. "You're enjoying this too much."
"Yes," Tian Rong said proudly. "Because you're usually terrifying, and now you're—"
She tilted her head.
"Soft."
Le Xin glanced at Kai Ying. "She's not wrong."
Kai Ying shot her a look. "You're supposed to be on my side."
"I am," Le Xin said lightly. "That's why this is funny."
Tian Rong leaned back against the desk. "So tell me, Senior Manager. When exactly did you realize you were in love?"
Kai Ying ignored her.
Tian Rong leaned closer. "Hospital bed? Dramatic lighting? Near-death clarity?"
Kai Ying snapped, "You're banned from this floor."
Tian Rong laughed. "Worth it."
Then she turned to Le Xin and lowered her voice—loudly enough for Kai Ying to hear.
"Does she still act like a poor dog when she's tired?"
Kai Ying: "—"
Le Xin paused, pretending to think. "She does follow me around more."
Xiao Lan added, "And waits."
Silence.
Kai Ying's ears turned red.
Tian Rong lost it.
"Oh my god," she said, clutching her chest. "You've domesticated her."
"I have not," Kai Ying said, mortified.
Le Xin leaned closer to her and whispered, "You're doing great."
That somehow made it worse.
Tian Rong wiped imaginary tears. "I used to fear you, you know. Now I feel like I could pat your head."
"Try it," Kai Ying warned.
Tian Rong smiled sweetly. "See? Still growls."
She turned to Xiao Lan, looping an arm around hers. "Don't worry. You're still my favorite serious one."
Xiao Lan sighed. "You should leave before she actually throws you out."
Tian Rong leaned in for one last blow. "Take care of yourself, Kai Ying. If you break again, Le Xin will cry—and then I'll really never let you live it down."
Kai Ying stared at her.
"…Get out."
Tian Rong waved cheerfully and let Xiao Lan drag her away.
As soon as they were gone, Kai Ying slumped slightly.
Le Xin smiled. "You survived."
"Barely," Kai Ying muttered.
Le Xin reached out and straightened Kai Ying's collar—a small, intimate gesture.
"You'll be teased for a while," Le Xin said.
Kai Ying nodded. "Acceptable cost."
She hesitated, then added quietly, "As long as you stay."
Le Xin squeezed her arm. "I'm not going anywhere."
From down the hallway, Tian Rong's voice echoed:
"I HEARD THAT—"
Kai Ying groaned.
Le Xin laughed.
And for once, even fate seemed amused.
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Sry for the wait and thank you for reading