Someone hurried out of the elevator, almost bumping straight into her. The woman gasped an apology, looking up—then froze when she saw who she'd nearly hit.
"I'm so sorry, Manager Lin! I wasn't watching where I was going," the woman said, bowing her head in embarrassment.
It was Zhang Ping, a weary-looking woman in her thirties — a mid-level customer service supervisor, always juggling work and family, her potential for promotion long stifled by responsibility.
Lin Siya tilted her head curiously. "Xiao Zhang, what's got you in such a rush?"
"My husband—he's had an accident. I need to go right now. I'm sorry, Manager Lin, we'll talk another time."
Her face was pale as she clutched her bag and hurried off, clearly in genuine distress.
Lin Siya called after her, "If you need any help, don't hesitate to come to the company, alright?"
Zhang Ping didn't look back — probably didn't hear her. Lin Siya sighed softly. Hopefully it's nothing too serious.
Later that day, in Yuan Xin's office—
"Just ran into Zhang Ping downstairs," Lin Siya said as she unpacked the thermos and placed it on the desk. Steam curled up gently from the dishes inside.
She pushed the chopsticks toward Yuan Xin and smiled apologetically. "Here, don't turn your nose up at it. I know I can't cook to save my life — these are from that restaurant you like. Their food's decent. Not as good as yours, of course, but it'll do until you get home and make the real thing."
Yuan Xin took a bite, eyes flicking up at her. "You've got some nerve."
Lin Siya grinned, settling lazily into the chair opposite her. "What can I say? You spoiled me. Once you've tasted your cooking, nothing else compares — so it's totally your fault."
Yuan Xin chuckled. "Alright then. What do you want for dinner tonight?"
"I already ordered online. It should arrive right around the time we get home."
"Efficient as always," Yuan Xin teased lightly. "Manager Lin really is a model of preparedness."
Then her tone shifted, more serious. "By the way — what happened with Zhang Ping?"
"She didn't say much. Just bolted out like something major happened. I'll ask when she comes back. She's one of our older staff members — we should help if we can. She's capable, but she's sacrificed a lot for her family. It's a pity her career's stalled."
Yuan Xin nodded. "Understood."
The next day, Zhang Ping returned to work.
Yuan Xin hadn't forgotten the incident. She had her assistant bring the woman to her office.
"I heard from Siya that you had some trouble at home yesterday," Yuan Xin said evenly.
Zhang Ping looked a little uneasy but forced a polite smile. "It wasn't anything major, President Yuan. Everything's been taken care of now. Thank you for asking."
"Good. But if you ever run into difficulties, remember — you can come to the company. We take care of our own."
"I will. Thank you, President Yuan."
Yuan Xin studied her for a few quiet seconds, noting the faint tension in her posture, the nervous flicker of her gaze.
Zhang Ping's hands twisted slightly before she spoke again. "If that's all, President Yuan, I'll get back to work. The customer service department's a bit busy today."
Yuan Xin nodded. "Go ahead."
Zhang Ping smiled, bowed, and hurried out — relief written all over her face.
Yuan Xin's eyes lingered on the door for a moment, thoughtful.