UD: C22

Congratulations

Chapter Pic

This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

That evening, as I lay beside Li You, after putting the story book I read to her on the nightstand, I asked her: "Did you have fun today?"

I nodded, then moved to take Li You out of the car. When I looked at him again dazedly, his expression now appeared composed, again returning to it's usual calm, making it seem as though everything that had just happened was nothing more than my own imaginings. It brought about a spurt of unease to well up inside me, making me feel as though he may know something, but... how could such a thing come to be?

Not waiting for my reaction, he had already loosened his hold into a very light hug, and I replied to him with a smile: "Thank you."

In a serious tone, I said to him in rebuttal: "It was actually due to my outstanding looks."

Recalling the moment she had called Xiao Huaisu dad earlier while we were playing in the snow, Li You ignored my question to say instead: "When I called him dad by accident before, he looked really scared."

After saying that, he reached out, gently embracing me as he added: "Congratulations."

I was stunned, like... what?

Yet again, with disbelief etched all over his face, Zhang Dong was frozen in place. Soon after, I found myself a seat, sat down, then pulled out my notebook, holding my back straight as I waited for the instructor to arrive.

To this, I explained: "That's a normal reaction. If a girl called me dad out of the blue, I'd be scared too."

When I went to the company to register for the new employee orientation training that would begin in the following month, to my surprise, I discovered Zhang Dong chatting it up, all composed and whatnot, with the group I would be in as well.

Hearing this, she reached out to stroke Fluffles who was curled up beside her neck, her gaze lowering as she thought for a while before quickly adding: "Yeah, that's true."

He then leaned over to me and whispered: "Don't you know about Professor Xiao leaving the university?"

Not waiting for my reaction, he had already loosened his hold into a very light hug, and I replied to him with a smile: "Thank you."

He then leaned over to me and whispered: "Don't you know about Professor Xiao leaving the university?"

Not even waiting for a response, he added: "Of course you do! How else could you have gotten in?"

But this "being busy" of his, in my afraid-to-be-found-out eyes, seemed like he was right in the middle of brewing up something big for me...

When his eyes noticed my presence, he strutted over with a face just brimming of indignation as he chided: "Didn't I inform my mother I couldn't pull any strings for you to work here at Qianhua? Did she forget to mention it to you? Listen, I, myself, am merely a new recruit, so how could I help the likes of you get in here through a backdoor? Such a thing is a wild fantasy at best. What's more, Qianhua strictly forbids any entrants from getting into the company via a backdoor."

So this is the company Zhang Dong was accepted to, huh?

麻花-Mahua, this is not a pretzel. It's fried dough that's twisted to resemble a braid. The Korean version is called kkwabaegi (or Korean doughnut), you may have heard of this one. Anyhow since it was just used as a reference for twisted food, swapping it out made more sense. To be honest, that paragraph lost some other food related descriptors, like the one where he's stuck/latched on to the bed like a "牛皮糖" (lit. cow hide sugar:-sesame covered caramel-ish candy/sticky candy) Pics are above. It's chewy, soft and gelatinous looking like cooked cow skin (probably how the name came about) and slang for a very thick-skinned person in the Shaanxi dialect, used to reference difficulties in shaking off stalkers. Maybe I found I way to work some of this in by the time I edit. (post edit iana: I did not find a way)

I was shocked to the point I hanged colours, exclaiming: "What?! Where's he going?"

Caressing her hair, I responded to her gently: "Dad likes him too? Isn't he really amazing? A lot of people like him as well." But this dad of yours also likes him so desperately—to the point where he's even willing to do anything for him, with every ounce of my heart and soul! As long as he's happy, I'll be happy, and that kind of happiness is especially satisfying.

In response Li You gave a loud and affirming hum before adding: "He's not so bad." But despite the vagueness of those words of hers, he eyes were sparkling as she looked at me, the happiness filling them as clear as day. While I pinched her little cheeks, she smiled as she asked me: "Do you like Uncle Xiao too, dad?"

While I helped Xiao Huaisu with the data-entry task, I was also preparing to defend my thesis, and due to him being right beside me giving me instructions, this day could definitely be classed as a win, very much reminding me of those days back at his house when he gave me lessons.

Anyhow, around this time I was super busy with my thesis defense as well as my company training, so it had been a long time since I last saw Xiao Huaisu. Even when I used an excuse to give him a call, he said he had no time either, seeming to have been very busy as well.

In response, he stared at me, his eyes carrying a strange and serious look as he said: "It looks like we won't be seeing each other like this in the future."

No, something like that... I must have been mistaken. And like this, I consoled myself.

Looking at her, I asked: "Do you like him that much?"

In response, he stared at me, his eyes carrying a strange and serious look as he said: "It looks like we won't be seeing each other like this in the future."

Seeing him smile can leave me feeling sweet all day long; and if I was the one who made him smile, that sweet feeling can carry on for a whole month!

***

Li You looked a bit doubtful, asking: "Is that really true?"

Congratulations

After taking some pictures with Li Zhi and Lee Moli, they saw I was being swarmed by classmates for photos and took Li You for a walk around the school, telling me we'd meet up at the school gate later.

Deeply convinced, Li You nodded, replying in agreement: "Yes!"

Xiao Huaisu made no effort to talk to my parents this time around, seeming as though he really doesn't bother with what happening in my family.

Just as I was planning to clear things up with him, explaining I was also one of Qianhua's new recruits, he frowned, looked around, then whispered: "Something's not right, though... Without an employee id, it's impossible to get here, so how on earth did you get in? Is Qianhua a place the lies of you is able to enter?"

From afar, I saw many students crowding and rushing to take photos with the late to arrive Xiao Huaisu; and with just one look at his profile, I was filled with the sudden urge to not give up!

So this is the company Zhang Dong was accepted to, huh?

After a long time passed, he finally asked: "You're alright, right?" Then letting me go to inspect me from head to toe.

If my Mr. Perfect isn't amazing, then who the heck is?

Hearing this, she reached out to stroke Fluffles who was curled up beside her neck, her gaze lowering as she thought for a while before quickly adding: "Yeah, that's true."

When my employee training was finished, it also meant I'd be graduating by then too.

***

_{Back then, because I would often stay up playing game until it was rather late, or even spending the entire night playing strange games, when I went over to his house, I would often fall asleep while he was in the middle of explaining things, only to find myself in his bed once I finally awoke. The light fragrance of green bamboo would tickle my nose, a scent I found pleasantly refreshing, and he would be sitting across from me, reading a book until he noticed I was up.}
However, now somewhat confused, Li You then asked: "But why can't he be together with us then? You're my dad, and he's my dad too, so why can't we be together? Qing Lin said that only people who love each other can have a baby together, so you two loved each other before, right? If not, then how could you have me?"

Back then, because I would often stay up playing game until it was rather late, or even spending the entire night playing strange games, when I went over to his house, I would often fall asleep while he was in the middle of explaining things, only to find myself in his bed once I finally awoke. The light fragrance of green bamboo would tickle my nose, a scent I found pleasantly refreshing, and he would be sitting across from me, reading a book until he noticed I was up. Once he saw I was awake, he would tell me to get out of bed, but instead I would just cover my head and shamelessly latch onto his oh so comfortable bed, with no intention of leaving. I did this until he would come over to twist me out of it—to the point I became a pretzel—and after crying out in pain and begging for mercy, I'd have no choice but to jump out the bed and compelled by him to again obediently listen to his lecture.

Congratulations

From afar, I saw many students crowding and rushing to take photos with the late to arrive Xiao Huaisu; and with just one look at his profile, I was filled with the sudden urge to not give up!

"Hey, don't listen his nonsense, you hear? Two people don't need to be in love to have a baby, so don't ever let anyone get close to you casually. Do you understand, dear daughter of mine?"

Li You looked a bit doubtful, asking: "Is that really true?"

Honestly speaking, the view of my back in Zhang Dong's eyes must have sure been rather imposing, and just the thought of his stupefied face made unable to help but laugh.

|__(((φ(◎ロ◎;)φ)))__|

Unsatisfied, I replied: "Whose words are more reliable? Your dad's or that classmate of yours, Qing Lin?"

After putting Li You to sleep, I left her room while pinching between my brows, having suddenly recalled an incident earlier this evening when when Xiao Huaisu brought us home. Then, after I had just come out of his car, I wasn't paying attention to the road, and right at that moment, another car had past me. But before I could react, I was pulled directly into Xiao Huaisu's arms, where he held me protectively; and while I was held tightly in his embrace, his hold was so tight, and I was so close to him, I could hear the pounding of his heart resonating in his chest—the very strong pounding of his heart.

Not even waiting for a response, he added: "Of course you do! How else could you have gotten in?"

He didn't say a word then, remaining particularly silent, seeming as if he was still afraid. So at that moment, not knowing exactly why, I said to him without thinking: "It's okay, don't be scared."

|__(((φ(◎ロ◎;)φ)))__|

After a long time passed, he finally asked: "You're alright, right?" Then letting me go to inspect me from head to toe.

From afar, I saw many students crowding and rushing to take photos with the late to arrive Xiao Huaisu; and with just one look at his profile, I was filled with the sudden urge to not give up!

_{Back then, because I would often stay up playing game until it was rather late, or even spending the entire night playing strange games, when I went over to his house, I would often fall asleep while he was in the middle of explaining things, only to find myself in his bed once I finally awoke. The light fragrance of green bamboo would tickle my nose, a scent I found pleasantly refreshing, and he would be sitting across from me, reading a book until he noticed I was up.}Yet again, with disbelief etched all over his face, Zhang Dong was frozen in place. Soon after, I found myself a seat, sat down, then pulled out my notebook, holding my back straight as I waited for the instructor to arrive.

No, something like that... I must have been mistaken. And like this, I consoled myself.

In response, he stared at me, his eyes carrying a strange and serious look as he said: "It looks like we won't be seeing each other like this in the future."

|__(((φ(◎ロ◎;)φ)))__|

Wait... what?

Not even waiting for a response, he added: "Of course you do! How else could you have gotten in?"

Congratulations

∽***∼

Not waiting for my reaction, he had already loosened his hold into a very light hug, and I replied to him with a smile: "Thank you."

When my employee training was finished, it also meant I'd be graduating by then too.

Zhang Dong then threw me a look of disdain, urging me: "Just leave here quickly while the instructor has yet to arrive. Go on, leave."

That evening, as I lay beside Li You, after putting the story book I read to her on the nightstand, I asked her: "Did you have fun today?"

That was very likely, given I'll be busy art work and won't have the time to visit A-University freely.

Wait... what?

Being called by another professor, Xiao Huaisu left. Right after he did, Qiao Damai who was taking pictures for other people, ran over to me and asked: "What were you and Professor Xiao taking about?"

I was stunned, like... what?

From afar, I saw many students crowding and rushing to take photos with the late to arrive Xiao Huaisu; and with just one look at his profile, I was filled with the sudden urge to not give up!

Back then, because I would often stay up playing game until it was rather late, or even spending the entire night playing strange games, when I went over to his house, I would often fall asleep while he was in the middle of explaining things, only to find myself in his bed once I finally awoke. The light fragrance of green bamboo would tickle my nose, a scent I found pleasantly refreshing, and he would be sitting across from me, reading a book until he noticed I was up. Once he saw I was awake, he would tell me to get out of bed, but instead I would just cover my head and shamelessly latch onto his oh so comfortable bed, with no intention of leaving. I did this until he would come over to twist me out of it—to the point I became a pretzel^[1]—and after crying out in pain and begging for mercy, I'd have no choice but to jump out the bed and compelled by him to again obediently listen to his lecture.

I was stunned, like... what?

"Hey, don't listen his nonsense, you hear? Two people don't need to be in love to have a baby, so don't ever let anyone get close to you casually. Do you understand, dear daughter of mine?"

Wait... what?

After Xiao Huaisu gave me some tips, my thesis defense went quite smoothly, and by the time the latter half of May came knocking, the university's recruitment season was in full swing. When the semester came to an end, I managed to find a company to intern at—well, if I'm being honest, the whole me finding a company bit went over abnormally easy, especially when said company was a listed, multinational cooperation that ranked in the global 500! Even though I did graduate from a famous university, I was still very much aware of my own standing. So in the sea of doctorates, post doctorates and, even more so, postgraduates, what real chance of me winning out in the end was there? Yet despite all this, they still chose me! It gave me the idea that maybe it was due to them being shaken up by my world shattering handsomeness, because if that wasn't it, how else could I have been recruited so easily in such an intensely competitive season? So, yes, it absolutely must've been in part to my way too handsome looks that I was able to stand out. Yep, that's got to be it. There's no denying it. This is a clear-cut case of the lookism ruling this world at play.

That was very likely, given I'll be busy art work and won't have the time to visit A-University freely.

In a serious tone, I said to him in rebuttal: "It was actually due to my outstanding looks."

So this is the company Zhang Dong was accepted to, huh?

I was shocked to the point I hanged colours, exclaiming: "What?! Where's he going?"

_{When his eyes noticed my presence, he strutted over with a face just brimming of indignation as he chided: "Didn't I inform my mother I couldn't pull any strings for you to work here at Qianhua? Did she forget to mention it to you? Listen, I, myself, am merely a new recruit, so how could I help the likes of you get in here through a backdoor? Such a thing is a wild fantasy at best. What's more, Qianhua strictly forbids any entrants from getting into the company via a backdoor.}Wearing my graduation gown, I held a rolled up diploma in my hand. Beside me stood Li Zhi, wearing a rarely seen suit coupled with a pair of dress shoes; and next to us was Lee Moli, dressed to the nines in a black pantsuit and looking like the wife of a rich man. Lee Moli being all decked out like this seriously gave me a kind of "I'm too rich for you to dare be acquainted with me" atmosphere, while she and Li Zhi stood next to me taking photos. Holding Li You, I then asked Qiao Damai to take a photo of us all since the group photo sessions we done and we could take our own photos respectively. So from time to time, there were groups of students who would flock together to take funny pictures together as a keepsake.

That feeling of unease, welled up in my heart once more.

That was very likely, given I'll be busy art work and won't have the time to visit A-University freely.

I figured, upon seeing me, Zhang Dong would jump right out of his boots in shock. But, unexpectedly, his reaction was even more brilliant than I envisioned.

Unsatisfied, I replied: "Whose words are more reliable? Your dad's or that classmate of yours, Qing Lin?"

Graduation just meant there'd be fewer opportunities for us to meet, so I won't give up.

But this "being busy" of his, in my afraid-to-be-found-out eyes, seemed like he was right in the middle of brewing up something big for me...

After a long time passed, he finally asked: "You're alright, right?" Then letting me go to inspect me from head to toe.

If my Mr. Perfect isn't amazing, then who the heck is?

"No clue, but I heard he already submitted his resignation. Did you seriously no know anything about this?"

In response, he stared at me, his eyes carrying a strange and serious look as he said: "It looks like we won't be seeing each other like this in the future."

I was stunned, like... what?

Ha! This guy just doesn't know when to quit! So then, after pushing aside the cord blocking my photo, I shoved the card into his face, forcing out a grin as I declared: "Look, take a good look. I'm also a new employee here, just like you."

No, something like that... I must have been mistaken. And like this, I consoled myself.

I figured, upon seeing me, Zhang Dong would jump right out of his boots in shock. But, unexpectedly, his reaction was even more brilliant than I envisioned.

Xiao Huaisu made no effort to talk to my parents this time around, seeming as though he really doesn't bother with what happening in my family.

To this, I explained: "That's a normal reaction. If a girl called me dad out of the blue, I'd be scared too."

Zhang Dong then threw me a look of disdain, urging me: "Just leave here quickly while the instructor has yet to arrive. Go on, leave."

That evening, as I lay beside Li You, after putting the story book I read to her on the nightstand, I asked her: "Did you have fun today?"

Wait... what?

Deeply convinced, Li You nodded, replying in agreement: "Yes!"

However, now somewhat confused, Li You then asked: "But why can't he be together with us then? You're my dad, and he's my dad too, so why can't we be together? Qing Lin said that only people who love each other can have a baby together, so you two loved each other before, right? If not, then how could you have me?"

So this is the company Zhang Dong was accepted to, huh?

Graduation just meant there'd be fewer opportunities for us to meet, so I won't give up.

I was shocked to the point I hanged colours, exclaiming: "What?! Where's he going?"

I was so pissed, I wanted to give him a sweeping kick! But taking the relationship between out mothers into consideration, I forced myself to push down this violent impulse of mine which was on the verge of breaking out. Instead, I simply took out the employee ID I didn't want hanging around my neck. His disapproving glance swept over it, his eyes then filling with shock.

Wondering why I said "I" and not "we"? Well, that's because Qiao Damai was tricked by Du Zhuo into attending graduate school. The beauty of this plan was that it bought him two more years to avoid a forced marriage, but I had the vague suspicion that Du Zhuo held some les than honourable intentions towards our Qiao Damai. But then again, when I saw the two of them interact with one another, I also felt like it rather ordinary. I secretly told myself I shouldn't be biased towards other people, not because of the mistake that happened to them before, but only because I felt Du Zhuo had some interest towards Qiao Damai. Although, when I thought about it some more, his method for preventing Qiao Damai's marriage wasn't bad at all.

To myself, all I thought was: Yeah, you should be scared shіtless! The person you refuse to acknowledge to most has just become your very own colleague... But just as I was feeling a little pleased with myself, he asked: "Did you steal someone's ID?"

That feeling of unease, welled up in my heart once more.

Wait... what?

In a serious tone, I said to him in rebuttal: "It was actually due to my outstanding looks."

I staggered, almost falling to the ground. No matter what I do, you just freaking refuse to believe I'm in this company alongside you, right!

When my employee training was finished, it also meant I'd be graduating by then too.

_{After Xiao Huaisu gave me some tips, my thesis defense went quite smoothly, and by the time the latter half of May came knocking, the university's recruitment season was in full swing. When the semester came to an end, I managed to find a company to intern at—well, if I'm being honest, the whole me finding a company bit went over abnormally easy, especially when said company was a listed, multinational cooperation that ranked in the global 500! Even though I did graduate from a famous university, I was still very much aware of my own standing.}
Ha! This guy just doesn't know when to quit! So then, after pushing aside the cord blocking my photo, I shoved the card into his face, forcing out a grin as I declared: "Look, take a good look. I'm also a new employee here, just like you."

I staggered, almost falling to the ground. No matter what I do, you just freaking refuse to believe I'm in this company alongside you, right!

Xiao Huaisu made no effort to talk to my parents this time around, seeming as though he really doesn't bother with what happening in my family.

Not even waiting for a response, he added: "Of course you do! How else could you have gotten in?"

***

Honestly speaking, the view of my back in Zhang Dong's eyes must have sure been rather imposing, and just the thought of his stupefied face made unable to help but laugh.

To this, I explained: "That's a normal reaction. If a girl called me dad out of the blue, I'd be scared too."

When a few minutes passed, it seemed as though Zhang Dong's spirit finally returned, so after picking up his briefcase, he then moved to sit beside me. Pushing up his black-rimmed, he asked: "Do you, perhaps... have some relatives at Qianhua?"

"Apart from waving each other goodbye and giving our blessings, what else would we be talking about."

|__(((φ(◎ロ◎;)φ)))__|

Hearing this, she reached out to stroke Fluffles who was curled up beside her neck, her gaze lowering as she thought for a while before quickly adding: "Yeah, that's true."

Unsatisfied, I replied: "Whose words are more reliable? Your dad's or that classmate of yours, Qing Lin?"

I smacked my forehead, unable to say a word.

N/A

Not even waiting for a response, he added: "Of course you do! How else could you have gotten in?"

After a long time passed, he finally asked: "You're alright, right?" Then letting me go to inspect me from head to toe.

He then leaned over to me and whispered: "Don't you know about Professor Xiao leaving the university?"

To this, I explained: "That's a normal reaction. If a girl called me dad out of the blue, I'd be scared too."

In a serious tone, I said to him in rebuttal: "It was actually due to my outstanding looks."

Graduation just meant there'd be fewer opportunities for us to meet, so I won't give up.

Seeing the crowd around him disperse, I finally summoned the courage to go over and tell him with a grin: "Professor, after I'm gone, don't go missing me too much, alright?"

If my Mr. Perfect isn't amazing, then who the heck is?

Xiao Huaisu made no effort to talk to my parents this time around, seeming as though he really doesn't bother with what happening in my family.

But this "being busy" of his, in my afraid-to-be-found-out eyes, seemed like he was right in the middle of brewing up something big for me...

Seeing the crowd around him disperse, I finally summoned the courage to go over and tell him with a grin: "Professor, after I'm gone, don't go missing me too much, alright?"

Li You looked a bit doubtful, asking: "Is that really true?"

Deeply convinced, Li You nodded, replying in agreement: "Yes!"

That feeling of unease, welled up in my heart once more.

But this "being busy" of his, in my afraid-to-be-found-out eyes, seemed like he was right in the middle of brewing up something big for me...

When my employee training was finished, it also meant I'd be graduating by then too.

N/A

When my employee training was finished, it also meant I'd be graduating by then too.

Congratulations

Xiao Huaisu made no effort to talk to my parents this time around, seeming as though he really doesn't bother with what happening in my family.

While we took our photos, I was still told: "Li Tian, your little sister is here too! It looks like she even grew a bit taller, and even prettier too!"

∽***∼

I staggered, almost falling to the ground. No matter what I do, you just freaking refuse to believe I'm in this company alongside you, right!

Wearing my graduation gown, I held a rolled up diploma in my hand. Beside me stood Li Zhi, wearing a rarely seen suit coupled with a pair of dress shoes; and next to us was Lee Moli, dressed to the nines in a black pantsuit and looking like the wife of a rich man. Lee Moli being all decked out like this seriously gave me a kind of "I'm too rich for you to dare be acquainted with me" atmosphere, while she and Li Zhi stood next to me taking photos. Holding Li You, I then asked Qiao Damai to take a photo of us all since the group photo sessions we done and we could take our own photos respectively. So from time to time, there were groups of students who would flock together to take funny pictures together as a keepsake.

He didn't say a word then, remaining particularly silent, seeming as if he was still afraid. So at that moment, not knowing exactly why, I said to him without thinking: "It's okay, don't be scared."

While we took our photos, I was still told: "Li Tian, your little sister is here too! It looks like she even grew a bit taller, and even prettier too!"

Seeing him smile can leave me feeling sweet all day long; and if I was the one who made him smile, that sweet feeling can carry on for a whole month!

Not waiting for my reaction, he had already loosened his hold into a very light hug, and I replied to him with a smile: "Thank you."

Unsatisfied, I replied: "Whose words are more reliable? Your dad's or that classmate of yours, Qing Lin?"

_{After Xiao Huaisu gave me some tips, my thesis defense went quite smoothly, and by the time the latter half of May came knocking, the university's recruitment season was in full swing. When the semester came to an end, I managed to find a company to intern at—well, if I'm being honest, the whole me finding a company bit went over abnormally easy, especially when said company was a listed, multinational cooperation that ranked in the global 500! Even though I did graduate from a famous university, I was still very much aware of my own standing.}Graduation just meant there'd be fewer opportunities for us to meet, so I won't give up.