Mistaken ‘O’ is a Crazy Gorgeous Boss - Chapter 57.2

After dinner, Qu Zhen went to the secondary bedroom to study the courses her teacher had assigned. After finishing the last three videos, she walked out to the living room, stretching her slightly stiff neck.

“Zhenzhen, come here.”

Qu Zhen poured a glass of water for Shen Zhikou and then sat down beside her. “Sister, what’s up?”

“Look at this.”

Qu Zhen’s gaze fell on the tablet screen, scanning through the job postings from the Haicheng Archaeological Research Center one by one, as Shen Zhikou’s voice sounded in her ear.

“Back in college, I met a friend from the archaeology department, and we’ve always had a good relationship. After graduation, she started working at the Haicheng Archaeological Research Center, and we occasionally meet up for meals. Yesterday, while chatting, she mentioned this year’s recruitment situation, and I took the liberty of asking about it for you. Would you be interested?”

“Sis, permanent positions require a degree in archaeology or a related field, and at the very least, a master’s degree. I don’t meet those qualifications.”

Seeing the little alpha’s eyes light up as she browsed the job posting, Shen Zhikou already knew the answer. “I’m aware, so what I asked about was the non-permanent contract positions. My friend said that although the number of permanent slots has been reduced this year, the demand for staff has increased, so they’re hiring an additional batch of non-permanent employees. Since these are contract positions, the requirements are more flexible. Some roles don’t even require a related major, as long as you have extensive long-term fieldwork experience in archaeology.”

“She also mentioned that they’re adjusting and adding some special temporary positions this year. Two of them are specifically for law students, with decent benefits. Most of the time, you’d be working in the office, but you could also join the archaeology team for fieldwork, it depends on your preference.”

To be honest, Qu Zhen had once considered applying for a non-permanent position to gain experience and eventually pursue a master’s degree in the field. But the most pressing issue was her current need for money, a stable source of income.

She was no longer alone. She was married now and had to take on the responsibility of earning a living and caring for her Omega.

The salary for non-permanent positions in archaeology teams was limited and couldn’t compare to the legal position at Shengcan Capital. She couldn’t just think of herself; in all her plans, she had to prioritize Shen Zhikou.

With that in mind, she lowered her head and said softly, “Let’s forget it, sis.”

Shen Zhikou asked, “Are you worried about the salary?”

Qu Zhen’s eyelashes fluttered.

“If that’s the case, my friend told me that the pay for non-permanent positions will increase significantly this year. In the past, contract employees did the same amount of work as permanent staff but earned much less, which made it hard to retain or attract people. This year, with increased investment from sponsors, they’re discussing raising the salaries for non-permanent staff.” Shen Zhikou continued, “As for how much it will increase, it varies by position depending on the nature of the work.”

“You’ve told me how much you love archaeology and that you’d like to work in a related field. I also know why you chose law and applied for legal positions. Maybe you haven’t noticed, but I’ve been observing you lately.”

Qu Zhen was taken aback. “What have you been observing about me, sis?”

Shen Zhikou pinched her cheek. “A lot. Even though you hide it well and only share the good news, I know you’re not happy, right?”

Qu Zhen stayed silent.

“I thought so. No one enjoys working in a job they don’t like.” Shen Zhikou paused. “Zhenzhen, I want you to be happy. That’s very important to me.”

“I’m six years older than you, with more financial savings and stronger economic capability. You don’t need to worry about so much because I have enough ability to help us avoid risks. Moreover, calculating gains and losses or contributions in marriage itself diminishes and consumes emotional connection. I don’t want our marriage to become a shackle for you.”

The bunch of eustoma flowers hadn’t yet been arranged in a vase. Shen Zhikou signaled Qu Zhen to retrieve a well-hidden card from the bottom, concealed by the leaves.

On the pale green card, the elegant handwriting flowed like drifting clouds and running water, with each word revealing sincerity.

Your freedom is my freedom.

Qu Zhen felt a lump in her throat, her voice slightly hoarse. She didn’t say anything, only called out, “Sister.”

“Do you understand what I mean, Zhenzhen?”

Qu Zhen nodded. “Mm.”

“If you stay at Shengcan Venture Capital, you won’t gain any emotional fulfillment. The workload there isn’t conducive to your studies either, and resigning after becoming a full-time employee involves complicated procedures. But if you go to the Archaeological Research Center, even if it’s demanding, you’ll be happy. I’ve already asked around, the nature of the Archaeological Research Center is different from that of the archaeological institute, so they generally stick to fixed working hours with weekends off, unless there are special circumstances. Additionally, their labor contracts are signed every six months, which makes it easier to coordinate with your postgraduate exam plans.”

“In short, if you’ve decided to pursue a cross-disciplinary postgraduate degree, this job would be an excellent choice.”

This was the first time Qu Zhen had heard Shen Zhikou speak so much, and it was entirely for her benefit. She felt both happy and deeply moved. Turning her head, she pulled Shen Zhikou into a tight embrace.

“Thank you, Sister. I’ll think it over carefully.”

Shen Zhikou patted her head. “They asked for a reply within three days. Is that enough time?”

“Yes, it is.”

“A recent graduate’s first job is indeed very important. Think it over carefully.”

“Mm, I understand.”

And so, beside the eustoma flowers, in the hazy twilight, the two shared a lingering kiss, as if melting their affection into each other’s lips.

…

The next day was Friday.

Qu Zhen woke up early to make breakfast for Shen Zhikou and accompanied her down the elevator to see her off to work. On her way back, passing by the flower bed, she noticed two little girls playing a game, a role-playing scenario like playing house.

One was an Aerala dragon girl, the other a Wasaka witch.

The little girl playing the Wasaka witch said in a milky voice, “You cannot harm the people of this land. I will represent…”

The fair-skinned, doll-like girl seemed to have forgotten her lines. Tugging at her little braids, she chirped in an adorable voice, “I will represent the moon! And punish you!”

Qu Zhen’s lips curved into a smile.

The other girl, with her hair down, reminded her that she had mixed up her lines. At first, the little girl insisted she hadn’t, but when she noticed Qu Zhen nearby, her cheeks flushed like a rosy candied hawthorn berry.

She hid behind the slightly taller girl with loose hair, her round eyes fixed intently on Qu Zhen.

“Sorry to disturb you,” Qu Zhen politely reminded them. “Be careful while playing down here. I’ll head off now. Goodbye.”

Before she had gone far, Qu Zhen overheard the two girls chatting.

“Wow, that sister is so pretty. Is she a princess?”

“I don’t know. She looks like a star on TV.”

“Celebrity? When I grow up, I want to be the most awesome super agent!”

“Wow! I want to be an inventor when I grow up. My mom says I’m really smart.” As she spoke, she began humming, “Little inventor, I am…”

A sudden gust of wind swept by, and Qu Zhen could no longer hear the little girl’s song. It suddenly reminded her of her own childhood, how she would always use games, cartoons, and storybooks to express her future ambitions.

But now, it felt like she had walked many paths, yet never achieved her original goal.

Back at home, she first called her mother, who was far away in Mingqiu County, before settling down to study.

The ringtone of a voice call chimed, and Qu Zhen set down the half-finished glass of milk to answer Yang Shumeng’s call.

“Zhenzhen!”

Before Qu Zhen could speak, Yang Shumeng launched into a rapid-fire account of her law firm woes, how she had worked late into the night, caught a fever, and struggled to get time off approved, only to be asked to print documents for a colleague before leaving.

“Ugh, why did I have to grow up? I wish I could go back to my childhood. Being a corporate drone is so hard, waaah!”

Qu Zhen was better at listening than comforting, and she sensed that what Yang Shumeng needed most right now was a listener.

“I’ve interned during winter and summer breaks before, but this time feels different. Sometimes I really doubt whether I made the right choice because it feels like I’m not moving in the direction I envisioned.” Yang Shumeng’s voice softened. “I never told you why I wanted to become a lawyer. It’s actually a heartbreaking story. When I was about nine, I came home from school one day and overheard my mom say that a family in the building across from us had taken sleeping pills to end their lives.”

“That family only had a daughter. They were struggling financially, and after the daughter fell ill, they borrowed money everywhere. In the end, the mother took on piecework at a factory assembly line. But the factory owner suddenly ran into trouble and withheld the workers’ wages. Without the money they desperately needed, the daughter’s condition worsened, and she passed away. After that, they took sleeping pills together.”

After a moment of silence, Yang Shumeng continued, “At the time, I happened to be watching a legal drama, and I got so angry. I told my mom I would become a great lawyer, help people like them fight their cases, and make every greedy boss who withholds wages face justice! I’ve been working toward that goal ever since, but lately… it feels like I’ve stalled.”

…

Autumn rain began to fall, it seemed Haicheng’s autumn was always inseparable from the rain.

A top-of-the-line, widened luxury car glided quietly along a secluded mountain road. Inside, Shen Yunxi, draped in a black overcoat, listened with her eyes closed as Amelia delivered her report.

“Just as you anticipated, Wei Xinman went to Ridebure after acquiring that land parcel. The Wei family does indeed have improper dealings with them.”

The sandalwood fragrance from the purple sandalwood prayer beads around her wrist drifted faintly. Shen Yunxi opened her eyes. “Pass this information to the Secondary Gender Administration Bureau.”

“Yes.”

As the car passed the halfway point up the mountain, Yan Shuang, seated on the right, remarked casually, “First, you let Wei Xinman continue her relationship with Su Qi, ensuring your so-called niece’s safety while letting your little alpha catch her cheating and break up with her. Then, you handed that land to Wei Xinman as a reward. This generation of the Wei family is truly foolish, they didn’t even realize the problems hidden in that land and eagerly took on that mess, bit by bit draining their entire family fortune. And finally, you handed over evidence of their dealings to the administration, bringing the whole Wei family down.”

“The Wei family is indeed rotten to the core, no one is innocent.” A soft clap followed as Yan Shuang smiled faintly. “Three birds with one stone, impressive tactics, Yunxi. Is this how you’ve been toying with your little alpha all along?”

The air grew slightly stiff. Amelia could feel a chilling frost forming inside the car. Just as the temperature threatened to drop further, Yan Shuang realized her misstep.

After all, no one understood better than her just how much her friend cared for that alpha.

“My question,” Yan Shuang took the initiative, “Your relationship has nothing to do with the word ‘playing around.'”

What truly halted the drop in temperature inside the car was a WeChat message from an alpha far away in Xinyu Garden.

[Qu Zhen: Sister, I’ve thought it over. I want to give it a try. We can discuss the details when you get back.]

[Qu Zhen: [A puppy suddenly appears.jpg]]

A soft warmth seeped into her eyes, and Shen Yunxi replied without hesitation.

[Alright, see you tonight.]

[Remember to eat on time.]

The glow from her phone dimmed. Shen Yunxi lifted her gaze and said indifferently, “Increase the investment in the research center by one more percentage point.”

Amelia responded, “Understood, President Shen.”

“When did…” Realizing something, Yan Shuang fell silent and said no more.

Outside the window, the distant mountains were shrouded in deep green, and crimson autumn leaves rustled as they fell. The autumn atmosphere grew even more vibrant in the drizzle. As they drove past the pine forest, Shen Yunxi asked casually, “The engagement has been called off?”

Two months ago, the media had reported on the marriage alliance between the Yan family of Haicheng and the Bolan family of Country D. The Yan family had not publicly denied it, a stance that was tantamount to tacit approval. After all, everyone in their circles knew that the Yan family was expanding into overseas markets, and the Bolan family had been the most prominent and influential noble family in Country D since the last century.

“Yes,” Yan Shuang glanced at her exquisite wristwatch. “The day before yesterday.”

“Is it because of Gu Shutang?”

Compared to the front seat, the lighting in the back was somewhat dim.

Yan Shuang let out a mocking laugh, yet the alpha’s aggression and oppressive aura did not diminish in the slightest.

“I told her it was just a performance,” she turned her gaze out the window. “This is the third time she has run away.”

Immediately after, Amelia watched as her boss, who rarely inquired about such matters, lightly tapped her phone to start a recording and asked in an icy tone:

“Yan Shuang, do you love her?”