Chapter 74: The Elevator

Night, Ode to Joy, 2202.

Hearing the door open, Qiu Yingying rushed to the entrance holding clothes: “Fan Jie, you’re back! Quick, tell me which of these two outfits looks better on me.”

Fan Shengmei closed the door and turned around: “What’s going on? Why dress up so nicely?”

Qiu Yingying cheerfully said: “Tomorrow, our finance department’s boss, White Boss, is going to class with me, so I want to look my best to attract him.”

Fan Shengmei sighed and pointed at one outfit: “This one. I think this is fine.” Then she walked back to her room.

“Thanks, Fan Jie, I’ll follow your advice.” Qiu Yingying thanked her and turned to head back, when her phone buzzed. She quickly pulled it out, glanced at it, then shouted: “Fan Jie, Guan Guan, Wang Da’s prediction was right—White Boss just texted me! He said he’ll pick me up tomorrow and asked for my address.”

Guan Juer stepped out: “Do you remember what Wang Da told you?”

Fan Shengmei paused and looked at Qiu Yingying.

“Wang Da said…” Qiu Yingying scratched her head, thinking: “If White Boss texts you, don’t tell him about this—pretend it never happened. And also… oh, he said to keep your distance.”

“Then why are you happy, Yingying?”

Qiu Yingying froze, her eyes confused—she didn’t quite understand any of this.

Fan Shengmei sighed and shook her head: “Little earthworm, didn’t you bring back some tasty food yesterday? Let’s all have a late-night snack. We only drank tonight—I’m starving. Let me freshen up, then we’ll eat and talk.”

“Okay, Fan Jie, Guan Guan—I swear, it’s amazing.” Qiu Yingying put the clothes away, opened the fridge, and placed the takeout on the table.

“Guan Guan, try some.”

“Mm, delicious,” Guan Juer tasted it. “By the way, how was that big meal you sent me today?”

Qiu Yingying bit down hard, her face filled with nostalgia: “Oh my god, it was incredible—you missed out big time. Too bad I ate so much of it already, I didn’t even get to enjoy it fully.”

She snapped back to reality and changed the subject: “Guan Guan, why did Wang Da say all that?”

“Because Wang Da thinks White Boss has ulterior motives.”

“But Wang Da hasn’t even met White Boss—he just heard me mention him. How can he just judge someone like that?”

Guan Juer sighed, helpless: “Yingying, I don’t have experience either. Wait till Fan Jie finishes getting ready—she’ll explain it to you properly.”

They nodded and ate in silence.

After a while, Fan Shengmei changed clothes and walked over, sitting down. Qiu Yingying rushed to her: “Fan Jie, Fan Jie, tell me what’s really going on!”

Fan Shengmei casually picked up some food, took a bite—yeah, it was decent—and said: “Little earthworm, tell me exactly how you interacted with White Boss, and everything you said to Wang Yan today.”

Qiu Yingying chattered nonstop about White Boss, then recounted every detail of her day with Wang Yan—from morning departure to dinner that night.

After listening, Fan Shengmei smiled: “It’s so simple. Your Wang Da is a man—he’s not young either. He said himself, ‘based on his experience,’ and he’s seen plenty. Just like I told you two yesterday—White Boss’s little tricks and schemes mean nothing to him.” She gave Guan Juer a knowing look, as if saying, “Didn’t I tell you? He’s no good.”

Guan Juer met her gaze but said nothing.

After eating, Fan Shengmei turned to Qiu Yingying, who stared wide-eyed: “Little earthworm, your Wang Da is right—he’s looking out for you. Listen to him.”

Qiu Yingying still didn’t get it: “But Fan Jie, why?”

Fan Shengmei gave her a sharp look and said bluntly: “Wang Da means he wants to sleep with you, then dump you afterward.”

“Nonsense! White Boss isn’t like that!”

Guan Juer couldn’t take it anymore: “Yingying, what you say is possible—that’s why Wang Da told you not to tell White Boss, to pretend it never happened, and to keep your distance.”

“Wang Da’s telling you to be careful—not to be fooled by White Boss’s sweet talk, not to give yourself to him too soon. Wait, observe him longer. Got it?”

Qiu Yingying’s face said, “Why didn’t you say it like that sooner?” She frowned: “But I still don’t believe White Boss is like that.”

“Little earthworm, let me teach you something,” Fan Shengmei sighed. “If someone is sincere, their invitation message should be sent at the right time…”

As in the drama, Fan Shengmei explained the proper way to invite someone, then shared her years of experience—analyzing the office romance problems Qiu Yingying might face if she got involved with White Boss, and the likely outcome.

“So, little earthworm, start by keeping your distance. If White Boss tries to confess with sweet words, don’t get swept up and give yourself to him. Remember?”

“Yes, Yingying, Wang Da and Fan Jie are right—I think you shouldn’t be so blind.”

Qiu Yingying pouted: “Fine, I get it. Don’t worry.” Anyone would be upset if three people all rejected someone they liked. But she was sensible enough to know they meant well, so she reluctantly accepted.

Seeing her expression, Fan Shengmei changed the subject: “Hey, little earthworm, you said you drove out this morning? What car?”

“Yeah, it’s the one with four rings… uh, Audi…” Qiu Yingying, distracted, tried to recall the brand.

Guan Juer chimed in: “It’s Audi, right?”

“Yes, yes, that’s it!”

“Really? What kind of…”

After discussing Wang Yan for a while, they yawned, rubbed their mouths, and went to wash up and sleep.

…………

The next day, Wang Yan returned home and had just parked when he saw Andy’s red 911 parked beside him.

Andy parked, noticed Wang Yan, and nodded. Though they’d never spoken, the man left a strong impression—his skills were unreal, his interpersonal handling precise. Two morning encounters confirmed he was disciplined and orderly.

“If I remember right, this is our fourth meeting,” Wang Yan extended his hand to Andy as she stepped out: “Hello, Wang Yan.”

Andy nodded, didn’t shake his hand, said “Andy,” and walked away.

Wang Yan casually lowered his hand and followed her into the elevator.

As the elevator rose, voices drifted in: “...That woman’s almost certainly a mistress. And she even dared to call the police.”

The elevator doors opened. Guan Juer and Qiu Yingying turned to look behind Qu Xiaoxiao—the elevator held Andy and Wang Yan, watching them calmly.

Noticing their stares, Qu Xiaoxiao turned around, paused briefly, glanced at them, then lifted her chin and strode into the elevator with arrogance.

The three women from 2202 followed in. Qiu Yingying ran happily to Wang Yan: “Wang Da, you—”

“Don’t pretend. You heard me talking about you just now, didn’t you?” Qu Xiaoxiao said to Andy. As for Wang Yan behind her—she had no interest yet; he wasn’t her target.

Andy ignored her. Qu Xiaoxiao carried on with sharp, biting mockery.

The other three women stayed silent. Wang Yan said nothing—he remembered this scene. The elevator would break down soon. He wondered if his extra 200 pounds would make things worse.

Before his thought finished, a woman’s scream pierced the air—the elevator jolted violently, then shuddered to a stop.

“What a crappy elevator,” Qu Xiaoxiao said.

Wang Yan ignored them, walked over, pressed the emergency button to contact property management, explained the situation, then pressed every floor button, turned back, and said to the five women: “Alright, everyone, move slowly, stand by the walls, don’t trigger a second drop.”

Qu Xiaoxiao sneered: “Meeting certain people is just bad luck…”

Andy leaned against the wall, calming herself, too tired to respond. Wang Yan wouldn’t tolerate her attitude.

“Haha, definitely bad luck. Did you check up on that guy from the day before?”

Qu Xiaoxiao stared at Wang Yan, her expression saying, “I did, and what are you going to do?”

“You just mentioned Tan Zongming—you know his power. Even if your theory is right and Andy really is a mistress, do you think she won’t whisper in his ear? Can your family handle that kind of pressure? Don’t you ever think?”

“And you don’t even know if Andy is a mistress—you’re just assuming because her car’s registered under Tan Zongming’s name? Is that how your father raised you?”

Even Qu Xiaoxiao wasn’t that dumb—she realized Wang Yan was calling her stupid and ill-bred. She opened her mouth to retort, but remembered their situation, snorted, and stayed silent.

Wang Yan turned to Andy: “Andy, her father is Qu Yongquan.”

Andy nodded, acknowledged she knew, glanced at Qu Xiaoxiao, and said nothing.

Right after, in the stunned stares of the three women from 2202, Qu Xiaoxiao went over to Andy, who was leaning there, and whined: “I’m so sorry, Andy. I was just guessing—I didn’t mean it. My mouth’s too loose. Forgive me, okay…”

Andy was already uncomfortable. She waved her hand wearily: “It’s fine.”

Qu Xiaoxiao didn’t believe that. Two days ago, she’d sworn to the police she’d let it go—yet here she was, acting like nothing happened. She kept whining, crying, pretending remorse.

Andy couldn’t take it anymore: “Really, it’s fine.”

Qu Xiaoxiao took the opening, sweetly said: “Andy, thank you so much—I love you…” Then she turned, sneered at Wang Yan, crossed her arms, and fell silent, plotting revenge.

Guan Juer quickly spoke up: “I bought some snacks—why don’t we eat?”

Seeing the mood ease, Qiu Yingying chimed in: “Sounds good—I’m starving.”

“Wang Da, here,” Guan Juer handed him a yogurt and a snack. Seeing him take it without hesitation, she smiled and added: “You just had dinner with White Boss—how are you still hungry?”

Qiu Yingying grinned: “At dinner, I was just staring at White Boss—I didn’t eat anything. Oh, Wang Da!”

Seeing Wang Yan, still sipping yogurt, watching her, Qiu Yingying beamed: “You were right again—White Boss texted me yesterday!”

Wang Yan tore open the snack bag: “Did you pay attention to what I told you?”

“Mm-hmm,” Qiu Yingying mumbled while eating: “You’re looking out for me—I know. Don’t worry, Wang Da.”

Qu Xiaoxiao listened, her lips curling in disdain. Knowing she couldn’t match Wang Yan, she bit back her words.

“Good. Stay alert,” Wang Yan nodded, then asked Andy: “How are you?”

“Huh? Fine,” Andy said, surprised—he’d suddenly asked her.

Guan Juer offered her a yogurt. Andy waved it off: “Thanks, I only drink water.”

Fan Shengmei had said nothing the whole time, watching silently. Though Wang Yan showed nothing, over the years, which man had ever been so calm around her—never even glancing at her?

So Fan Shengmei felt it: this Wang didn’t like her. Yesterday, she’d already asked Qiu Yingying everything—house, car, job—local guy. She wouldn’t dare confront him like Qu Xiaoxiao. She’d seen his strength—even if he wasn’t that strong, a normal man going wild could beat her. Where would she go to complain?

Hearing Andy’s reply, she pulled out a bottle of premium water: “I just bought this.”

Andy waved it off. Qu Xiaoxiao was thirsty: “Andy Jie, if you won’t drink, I will.”

Seeing Andy didn’t object, Qu Xiaoxiao snatched the water from Fan Shengmei’s hand. As for her feud with Fan Shengmei? Who cared? What could Fan Shengmei do?

Fan Shengmei was still marveling at Qu Xiaoxiao’s audacity in calling Andy “Jie” when her hand went empty—the water was gone.

She rolled her eyes and said nothing.

Wang Yan ignored them, continued chatting with Guan Juer and Qiu Yingying.

With Wang Yan guiding, Qiu Yingying didn’t go wild or try to jump out—the atmosphere wasn’t oppressive.

After a long wait, property staff and repairmen arrived. Everyone was safely rescued—naturally, Wang Yan was the last to exit.

Ignoring Fan Shengmei and Qu Xiaoxiao yelling at property management, Wang Yan walked to the fire escape and saw Andy slowly leaning against the wall as she walked.

Wang Yan stepped forward and firmly took her arm: “You said you’re fine? Your legs are shaking.”

Andy instinctively tried to push him away—but had no strength. When she regained awareness, she didn’t feel the disgust she expected: “Thank you.” Their eyes met; Andy’s gaze slowly lowered.

He let go and explained: “Sorry, I was too eager.” Just then, the other four women entered. Wang Yan greeted them and went ahead—he knew they’d feel awkward with him there.

With him gone, the atmosphere improved. Even Qu Xiaoxiao, though annoying, had shared hardship—surviving together, they laughed like in the original plot, and their relationships softened slightly.

…………

The next day, a weekday.

Due to work, Andy woke up over an hour earlier than usual. When she stepped outside, she saw Wang Yan running toward her at high speed through the park.

Wang Yan nodded at her but didn’t slow his pace, continuing to run. Andy watched his speed, chased after him for a while, but found herself falling farther behind. She gave up the pointless internal comparison and slowed to her own steady rhythm.

After being lapped by Wang Yan countless times, Andy spotted him at a quiet spot in the park, moving fluidly with agile maneuvers. She had seen his skill before—he trained in traditional martial arts—and out of sudden curiosity, she stopped to watch.

Wang Yan had noticed Andy long ago. He ended his stance and said to her, standing nearby: “Interested?”

Andy nodded faintly. “Okay.”

He thought her attitude was fake, unrealistic. But since this world had logically appeared, he said nothing more.

“Still running?”

Andy glanced at her Aipao smartwatch. “Time’s almost up. I’m done.”

“Let’s go. I’ll treat you to breakfast.” Without waiting, Wang Yan turned and walked off, giving her no chance to refuse.

The words of refusal died on her lips. She shook her head and followed Wang Yan ahead. After yesterday’s experience, she didn’t resist him.

They arrived at a breakfast stall outside the residential compound. Andy frowned at the surroundings—she hadn’t eaten street breakfast since returning home.

Breakfast stalls were always crowded, never cleaned promptly, inevitably messy. Wang Yan found a clean table and gestured to Andy: “Sit. What do you want?”

“Huh? Whatever.” Andy, still building up her courage, replied.

In truth, her childhood environment had been far worse. But since rising above it, she instinctively recoiled from such places—they reminded her of unpleasant memories, and her long-lost younger brother.

Wang Yan nodded and shouted loudly: “Brother Zhang! Two bowls of soy milk, two jin of fried dough sticks. And a small dish of pickles.”

The owner, wrapping takeout at the door, turned back and called: “Got it! Sit down, coming right up!”

“Not used to it? Brother Zhang’s cooking is excellent. Try it—you’ll see.”

“How do you know I’m back from abroad?”

Just then, Brother Zhang’s wife brought the food over. Wang Yan thanked her, then turned back to Andy: “Eat up.”

Without waiting for her, Wang Yan dug in with big bites.

Years had passed; she’d forgotten the taste of these things. Mimicking Wang Yan, she dipped a fried dough stick into the soy milk, took a bite, savored it carefully, then nodded: “Tastes good.”

“Then eat more. You’ll need the energy for work.”

Perhaps it was novelty, perhaps her super memory required extra energy—she ended up eating two large fried dough sticks, nearly half a jin. The rest Wang Yan finished.

Wang Yan walked back to Happy Song with his hands behind his back, Andy beside him. Neither spoke much. They weren’t close yet. Even if Andy was blunt, she should understand this. Wang Yan had no intention of flattery—he’d moved past that stage. His rank had risen; he simply guided quietly, so he said nothing unnecessary.

On the 22nd floor, Andy waved goodbye to Wang Yan, smiled, and returned home. She felt this quiet peace was nice.