"What are you all arguing about here? Have you finished all your tasks and have nothing to do? Do I need to talk to the manager and ask for extra tasks for you all, so you stop idling around looking for trouble all day?" Sister Qin’s voice ca from behind Xu Ke, successfully shutting the man’s mouth who still wanted to speak.
"Alright, get back to work quickly, and you over here, co with to get familiar with the work." After scolding the others, Sister Qin beckoned to Xu Ke with her finger, leading him away.
Sister Qin’s office area was separated from the others, and now there was an extra desk next to hers.
Sister Qin pointed at the desk and said to Xu Ke, "This spot is yours. Our desks are next to each other, so just watch how I handle issues. If you don’t understand sothing, ask imdiately, so I can teach you, got it?"
"Got it." Xu Ke said as he glanced at his empty desk.
"Don’t take what just happened to heart. You’re new, it’s normal they don’t respect you, they tend to be a bit xenophobic. Once you’ve worked here for a while and everyone’s familiar with each other, they won’t target you. They’re actually easy to get along with." Sister Qin comforted Xu Ke like a caring older sister, as if worried he’d feel negative about them due to what just happened.
"But I think it’s very inappropriate for them to not work during work hours and flirt with their girlfriends for half a day on a call. If nobody manages it, what if others start copying?" Xu Ke expressed his concerns.
"But that’s not sothing you should handle; your role isn’t the manager." Sister Qin paused her work to turn and speak to Xu Ke.
"Then I’ll report it to the manager," Xu Ke said after a mont of silence.
"You seem smart; why do you act so clueless?" Sister Qin grabbed Xu Ke’s hand, and Xu Ke felt as if her hand subtly brushed against his palm, though it might have been his imagination.
"Let be clear with you: the manager has allowed this. If they hadn’t, they wouldn’t dare to do it. So next ti, act as if you didn’t see anything. Our manager isn’t that strict as long as tasks are completed. They can even play mahjong in the office, you understand? Don’t charge forward mindlessly next ti." Sister Qin poked Xu Ke’s head with her finger as she spoke.
"Got it, thank you, Sister Qin. Otherwise, I might’ve made everyone mad," Xu Ke showed a foolishly regrettable expression.
"No worries, you’ve got Sister Qin covering for you, don’t worry." Sister Qin pinched Xu Ke’s cheek, laughing like a caring older sister.
Xu Ke clenched his hand behind his back, a flicker of light passing swiftly through his eyes. In the next instant, he blinked, appearing again like a naive newcor just entering society.
"I’m a bit thirsty. I’m going to get so water. Do you need so water, Sister Qin? Do you want to fetch so for you?" Xu Ke subtly withdrew and asked.
"No need, I still have water in my cup, you go ahead." Sister Qin picked up her thermos and shook it as she spoke, "Don’t stay too long at the pantry, get back once you’ve got your water."
"Got it." Xu Ke turned around with a seemingly honest smile, but the smile disappeared the mont he turned, his eyes holding a hint of anger. It’s the first ti he’s been teased like this.
When Xu Ke reached the pantry, there weren’t many people, just a girl in a uniform leaning on one side, her face pale as she poured brown sugar into her cup. She paused when she saw it was Xu Ke entering.
"The disposable cups below are out. If you want water, there’s so on that shelf." The girl pointed to a shelf for Xu Ke.
"Thank you." Xu Ke thanked softly, his height allowing him to easily take a few paper cups as reserves.
Xu Ke placed a cup under the water dispenser. Neither person spoke; only the sound of water flowing into the cup was heard. Xu Ke noticed the girl kept glancing at him with a hesitant look, but each ti she opened her mouth, she seed to rethink and stayed silent. Xu Ke waited quite a while, but she didn’t say anything.
"Do you need any help?" Finally, Xu Ke couldn’t handle her gaze anymore and initiated a conversation.
The girl relaxed instantly when Xu Ke spoke, as if she had made a difficult decision. She sneaked a glance in Xu Ke’s direction, making a beckoning gesture for him to co closer, and whispered conspiratorially, "Here’s a tip: keep your distance from Sister Qin. I heard rumors that her personal life is a bit ssy, and she likes younger, good-looking guys. The last person in your position left because of her blackmail. If you want to stay in this position, don’t get too involved with Sister Qin."
"Why are you telling this?" Xu Ke stared directly at her and asked.
Feeling embarrassed by Xu Ke’s gaze, the girl’s pale face turned slightly red. "You seem unfamiliar with these things; we’re all just trying to make a living. It’s not easy for anyone, and I don’t want to see you unknowingly stray off track. My conscience wouldn’t allow it. Believe or not, it’s up to you, but please don’t tell anyone about what I’ve said. Keep it secret, okay?"
"Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone." Seeing her reddened face, Xu Ke understood what she ant.
"If you’re really unwell, you should ask the manager for a leave. I’m sure he’ll agree. You’re still young, don’t ruin your health." Xu Ke said, looking at the brown sugar water in her cup.
"I understand, thank you for your concern." The girl glanced at Xu Ke, a bit shyly, and said softly.
The girl looked quite young, like she had just graduated not long ago. Xu Ke worried that if they continued talking, she might misinterpret sothing, causing unnecessary trouble for himself. After she finished speaking, Xu Ke nodded and left, not staying any longer in the pantry.
Just as he sat down, he noticed Sister Qin’s gaze on him, "You were in the pantry for quite a while, huh."
"The disposable cups were out. It took a little ti to find the cups." Xu Ke explained, and with that, Sister Qin said nothing more.
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