You really have a big mouth.

Back at the company, Ming Shuzhen placed the scalding bag of desserts in the break room.

Moments later, Pocket Rich burst out, exclaiming, “My God, who’s the tycoon? These desserts are impossible to book!”

His voice drew everyone’s attention. He stood at the break room door, holding the familiar bag, expression dramatic.

Ming Shuzhen glanced up, spotted the packaging, and instantly ducked her head.

Hoping to play turtle, Qian Duoduo piped up, “The boss bought these for Full Pockets. Why’d you put them in the break room?”

Caught, Ming Shuzhen stood reluctantly. “They’re… for everyone, from the boss.”

“Man, we’re riding Full Pockets’ coattails! Fish, now fancy desserts!” Pocket Rich, oblivious to her discomfort, was thrilled at the treat.

“I researched these—they’re only sold in North City. Did the boss go all that way?” he wondered aloud.

Eyes turned from him to Ming Shuzhen, expecting an explanation.

“Maybe a gift, or she was there for a deal,” Ming Shuzhen said, feeling the weight of their stares, exasperated.

Being a fake nepotism hire was nerve-wracking.

The desserts, limited in quantity, were divided onto plates by Pocket Rich and shared with Team Two.

“Full Pockets, I’ve craved these forever. Always sold out online,” Pocket Rich said, eyes gleaming at his plate.

Ming Shuzhen opened her mouth, glanced at her own portion, and swallowed her words.

No one would believe her anyway. Let it be.

After the desserts, work resumed, then chatter sparked up.

Qian Duoduo reclined her chair, scrolling local news.

“Whoa, news about No. 13 High School. Some kids ganged up on a student teacher. Main culprit’s still at large—police can’t find them.”

Her opener ignited a flurry of discussion.

“Parents probably hid the kid.” “So many juvenile crimes these days.”

Ming Shuzhen stayed quiet, wide-eyed, stunned.

Seeing it online was one thing; happening nearby felt surreal.

Meilin, usually silent in gossip, looked up, cup in hand, warming her palms.

“My dog friend, the golden retriever’s owner,” she said, jogging memories.

Everyone recalled her procuratorate ordeal, ears perked.

“It’s her kid…”

“What? Her kid?” Qian Duoduo’s jaw dropped.

“Yeah, heard it from neighbors. These kids were smoking in the school bathroom. Teachers knew they were trouble, usually let it slide.”

“But this new student teacher, an intern, caught them. Probably tried to lecture them—growing kids shouldn’t smoke or drink.”

“School wanted to hush it up, but the teacher’s family demanded justice, so they reported it.”

The story left everyone heavy. Too close to home to dismiss as TV drama.

“They’ve gotta face consequences. Being minors doesn’t mean free rein. How old’s the kid?” Qian Duoduo fumed.

“Sixteen, just started high school.”

“Awful. They’ll be a menace in society,” others agreed, angry.

“Yeah, the parents are too protective, hiding the kid after this mess. But our security system’s tight—they’ll get caught.”

The news soured the mood.

At home, Ming Shuzhen’s heart lightened seeing Wu Yuanchu and Ming Jianchang busy in the kitchen.

“Pillow’s back!” Wu Yuanchu dropped her task at the door’s sound.

“Cold?” She hugged Ming Shuzhen tightly, sharing warmth.

Riding a scooter in winter was chilly, but Ming Shuzhen shook her head.

“You’ve only worked a few days, and you’re visibly worn out,” Wu Yuanchu said, pained.

“Nah,” Ming Shuzhen forced a smile, proving she had some spark left.

“Your dad made bone broth. Nourish up.”

“Mm,” Ming Shuzhen drawled, changing into pajamas.

“Pillow, we picked you a car—purple, you’ll love it,” Wu Yuanchu said, knowing Ming Shuzhen resisted driving but hating her scooter struggles.

“What!” Ming Shuzhen’s tone turned sour.

“Don’t wanna drive. Scooter’s fine, and the company’s close,” she pouted.

“I know you’re scared of the road. It’s a start—you’ll get used to it,” Wu Yuanchu soothed. “Drive to work tomorrow. Your dad will lead, stay till you’re comfortable. Okay?”

“What about Dad’s work? Can birds wait for him?”

“This kid,” Wu Yuanchu laughed. “You’re more important than birds. Your dad knows that.”

“Bullshit,” Ming Shuzhen raised her voice.

Wu Yuanchu grinned, knowing she’d agreed. “Your dad’s driving with you tomorrow.”

Driving took practice and conquering fears—of big trucks, blaring horns.

The next day, Ming Shuzhen drove her new Mercedes sedan, a sleek purple perfect for her, with Ming Jianchang leading in the family Jeep.

On a voice call: “Turn the wheel out.”

“Okay,” Ming Shuzhen replied, steering.

“Dad, you said biodiversity’s crashing, no good photos lately. Why buy me such an expensive car?” On the main road, driving straight, she relaxed.

“Got a deal through a friend. Your mom and I saved for years to get you a car when you started work,” Ming Jianchang said, checking her in his rearview.

“Right turn ahead. Signal.”

“Okay,” Ming Shuzhen flicked the blinker.

Was turning second gear? She glanced at the gearshift—third seemed fine.

“Turn!” Ming Jianchang urged via phone.

She jerked the wheel. “Did I cross the line?”

“No worries, a fine’s nothing. Safety first.”

“…” Ming Shuzhen eyed the Jeep ahead. “I really think the scooter’s fine.”

“Winter’s cold, summer’s scorching. You don’t care, but we do,” Ming Jianchang sighed. “My job takes me out of town, or I’d drive you daily.”

“Dad, don’t get sappy. What’s with the car behind flashing its hazards?” Ming Shuzhen cut him off.

“Behind? Lemme see,” Ming Jianchang glanced back. “Probably thinks you’re slow. It’s fine—speed up a bit, I’ll go faster.”

“Okay,” Ming Shuzhen accelerated, checking her mirror.

A black Audi, imposing. *Heard Audi drivers are ruthless,* she muttered, speeding up.

Usually, she parked her scooter in the open lot. Now, she had to navigate the underground garage.

Ming Jianchang coached via phone: “Spot a space, claim it, ease in slow. No rush.”

“Okay,” Ming Shuzhen replied, eyes glazed. This short drive was more exhausting than a morning’s work.

Parking was harder than driving. She inched the wheel, watching the backup lines on the screen.

“Dad, I swear the scooter’s better,” she wailed.

“You’ll get used to it. Take it slow.”

“Don’t you guys clock in? Won’t you be late?”

“No clock-in. Being late’s fine—our team’s chill.”

“Won’t your company go bust?” Ming Jianchang worried.

“Nope. Big projects skip our team,” Ming Shuzhen sighed.

Juggling parking without scratching nearby cars and chatting with her dad was draining.

“Small projects are good—less pressure,” Ming Jianchang said, focusing on the positive.

She finally parked, but too close to the next space.

“No good. A big car there could scrape you,” Ming Jianchang said, shaking his head, ready to park for her.

“Don’t get out. I’ll do it,” Ming Shuzhen insisted, knowing she’d need to manage alone eventually. She shifted to first, inching forward.

Before she moved, an Audi zipped into the next spot—the one flashing hazards earlier.

Fast and precise, it parked perfectly, adjusting for her near-line-crossing Mercedes.

“Damn, that skill,” Ming Jianchang said from his Jeep. “A woman driver too. Your colleague?”

“Can’t see their face,” Ming Shuzhen said, turning off the engine, done re-parking.

“Why’d you stop? Not gonna try again?” Ming Jianchang asked.

“It won’t scrape now. I’m tired, Dad,” she said, glaring at the Jeep.

“Fair enough,” Ming Jianchang said, lowering his window to give her a thumbs-up.

As they got out, the Audi’s driver stepped down.

“Boss?” Ming Shuzhen gasped. “New car?”

Ming Shuyan, bag in hand, glanced at her, then at Ming Jianchang.

“Oh, my dad. He drove me to work,” Ming Shuzhen said, catching her curious look.

Ming Jianchang waved. “Hi, I’m Ming Shuzhen’s father.”

“Hello, Uncle,” Ming Shuyan smiled politely. “Heading to the company together?”

“Uh,” Ming Shuzhen thought of the office rumors. “I’ll wait a bit. You go ahead, Boss.”

Ming Shuyan’s gaze lingered on her, then she said slowly, “Alright.”

“Bye, Uncle,” she waved to Ming Jianchang.

“Bye, bye!” he waved back.

Once Ming Shuyan left the garage, Ming Jianchang turned, gossipy. “Your boss? So young. Why not walk with her? Gotta bond with colleagues and leaders.”

“Dad, you and your mouth,” Ming Shuzhen said, expressionless, like a ruffled kitten.

“Dad shuts up, Dad shuts up,” Ming Jianchang surrendered, hands raised.

“I’m off. I’ll pick you up after work.”

“Mm,” Ming Shuzhen nodded, exiting the garage.

As the Jeep drove off, the brighter light outside hit her.

“Ming Shuzhen,” a voice called.

She turned. At the garage’s corner, in a blind spot, Ming Shuyan stood poised.

“Boss? Why aren’t you inside?” Ming Shuzhen blinked, confused.

“You’re re-inspecting today, right?” Ming Shuyan asked.

“Yeah, yeah,” Ming Shuzhen stammered, sensing the boss might tag along.

“I’m free today. I’ll drive you.”

“Uh…” Ming Shuzhen’s heart sank. She dreaded fueling more “nepotism” gossip.

“No good?” Ming Shuyan noticed her hesitation.

Normally, she’d offer an out, but now she stared, waiting for an answer.

“I’d… rather go alone,” Ming Shuzhen said, steeling herself.

She couldn’t bend just because Ming Shuyan was her boss.