"Morning", Zimo greeted, sitting down next to Lingling at her desk.
"I thought you were still on leave. What are you doing here?" Lingling asked.
"Leave? When did I take leave?"
Lingling's eyes widened as she turned her head to him. "Zimo… you make it look so easy." she said, raising her thumb. "I wish I could just stay at home and let it be counted as leave."
"What do you mean?" Zimo asked.
"Mr Gu said you might be taking a few days off and come back when you feel ready. But I didn't realise you didn't even know about it."
Zimo smiled. "Mr Gu really said that?"
Lingling rolled her eyes.
"Are you jealous?" Zimo asked, teasing her.
Lingling leaned closer to him. "Can you also get me into Mr Gu's good books?"
"No way, I had to work hard for it. Lingling… I didn't expect you of all people to also want a shortcut."
"I'm just asking for a favor. Zimo, don't you owe me this?"
"Okay, okay." Zimo dragged the words. "I'll definitely get you a leave too."
