Visiting the Office

Chapter 42: Visiting the Office

The sun hangs high in the spring sky, the breeze mingling with the roar of engines. It’s a weekend, but Bai Sha is sprawled across the table, aimlessly passing the time. Zhou Haochen’s company has been making waves recently, and he was even interviewed by the XX Daily as a representative.

One evening, Bai Sha was watching the live broadcast at home with her little one, when she spotted her husband in the frame. Her child danced with excitement, proud of their father. However, this also meant that his workload was increasing, and with his studies to balance, he was spending less time at home.

Balancing family and career has always been a crucial challenge for men. Across the table, the little one munches on a meat bun, blissfully unaware of the world’s complexities. Zhou Haochen used to spend entire weekends at home, but now he’s often at the office for half the day. This leaves Bai Sha lethargic in the morning, with energy only returning in the afternoon.

“Mom, when can I go to kindergarten?”

Bai Sha chuckles, “Not for a while yet, it’ll still be a few months.” Ever since Bai Sha enrolled her in kindergarten, the little one has been eager to go, fearless and enthusiastic.

“Ah! It’s still so far away.”

The child’s face falls with disappointment, her new identity something she’s been looking forward to for a long time. Bai Sha, struck by a sudden idea, asks, “Xiao Yu, how about we go visit your dad at work?”

“To where Dad works?”

“Yes!”

The little one nods, excited by the prospect. Anything related to her father seems wonderful to her. Zhou Haochen’s office is in a small building in the city center, a place Bai Sha has never been.

“Let’s go! We’ll give your dad a surprise!”

****

Outside the conference room, Zhou Haochen is still chatting with his senior. “My dad is so annoying, always nagging me to get married.” Everyone knows the senior is a rich second-generation, with a long-time fiancée arranged from childhood.

Zhou Haochen has met her a few times, a beautiful and talented match for his senior, “I don’t have that problem,” Zhou Haochen shrugs, unable to empathize. “Last time you said she wasn’t even your girlfriend, and now she’s your fiancée.” Zhou Haochen smiles, “It’s fate.” The senior slings an arm around his shoulder, “When’s your wife coming to the office? I want to see this mysterious woman.” Zhou Haochen looks uncomfortable, knowing his senior is a gamer and a fan of EDG, even tweeting a congratulations with a 3,000-yuan prize. Plus, he seems to be a fan of Bai Sha’s work. He rubs his face, “I think it’s best if you don’t.” “Keeping your wife a secret, eh?”

Just then, Bai Sha has parked the car and is calling Zhou Haochen. “Where are you?” Zhou Haochen answers, excusing himself from the conversation. “I’m at the office. Is everything okay? I’ll be home after I finish morning duties.” “Dad! Guess where Mom and I are!”

Zhou Haochen walks to the balcony, spotting them on the street below. “Let me guess, are you at the office building?”

The little one looks up at Bai Sha, amazed, “Wow, Dad is so smart!” Bai Sha points to the balcony, “Look, Dad is over there watching us.” The little one waves, “Dad!” Bai Sha pats her head, “My sweet, he can’t hear you through the soundproof glass.” “Wait for me, I’m coming down.” Zhou Haochen hurries down, passing his senior, “You’ve got a real gift for prediction.” The senior looks puzzled. “What do you mean?” “My family is here for a visit.” At the reception, Zhou Haochen greets them with a warm smile, “What brings you here?” Bai Sha rolls her eyes, “Your work is so busy, I had to bring our daughter to see you.” Zhou Haochen rubs his nose, “Don’t say that, I’m only here in the morning. The rest of the day and evening are all ours.” Bai Sha realizes she’s growing more attached to him, even when he’s not around. She looks at their daughter, already in his arms, and rolls her eyes, “I didn’t come to pair you up. I’m here to check on you!” Bai Sha says haughtily, but her partner has already switched sides, the little one timidly raising her hand, “I want Dad to play with me.” Bai Sha sighs in resignation, “No backbone, that one.” Zhou Haochen takes her hand, “Come, I’ll show you around.” Though the office is in a single-story building, it’s mostly empty, and his senior is already planning to “move.” There are a few people in the office area, and Bai Sha asks, “Do you have your own office?” Zhou Haochen nods, “I do, but it’s small and cramped, so I usually work here.” “Hey, bringing the little one to work, are you?” Bai Sha watches as a man with a leather jacket, ripped jeans, and long hair slings an arm around Zhou Haochen. “This is my senior, the one I told you about.” “I’m Bai Sha, his wife.” “I’m Xiao Yu, his daughter.” Bai Sha and the little one wave, “Hello.” The senior looks surprised, “Wait, you’re not… you both have a child?” “Yes, is there a problem?” “Bro, you’re not just fast, you’re flying!” The senior’s friends often have kids at a young age, and among them, Zhou Haochen is the first to have a child. “You’re really something, I admire you, bro.” “Your wife is here, so you should relax and have fun today, okay?”

****

In the cramped office, Zhou Haochen smiles, “I thought you two meeting would be a bit awkward.” Bai Sha looks confused, “Why? Do I have a grudge against your boss?” “He’s your biggest fan.” Bai Sha tilts her head, “He is?” “Yes.” Bai Sha dismissively, “Online, he’s a troll, but in person, he’ll call me ‘Brother Hu.'” “Hu Song, it’s Brother Hu, not Hu Song!” “Okay, Brother Hu, see you later, Brother Hu!” Bai Sha pulls the little one close, “Let’s tackle your dad together!” “Okay!” the little one agrees, her voice soft and sweet. Zhou Haochen hugs them tightly, playfully screaming in mock pain.