My Weekend Lover Turned Out To Be My Boss - Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Daocheng Yading III. “I Fell from the Cliff Edge”

During the days Qin Yun was away, I felt completely drained, spending my time listlessly at home, cuddling Lucky. Fortunately, my better half was incredibly considerate. Not only did she check in morning, noon, and night, but she also called precisely during the golden hour for our phone chats. I didn’t know the exact nature of the business she was discussing, but she honestly told me that He Mu was accompanying her. Surprisingly, I wasn’t jealous at all; she simply gave me too much peace of mind.

The design drafts were a blank slate; my inspiration had flown away with Qin Yun. Until one drowsy afternoon, as I was “playing dead” on the sofa, I suddenly heard the sound of the door opening, followed by a handbag and high heels flying across the hallway into the living room in perfect arcs.

A beautiful figure appeared before me. She rushed toward me impatiently: “I missed you so much! Let me hug you enough!”

I reached up and stroked her cheek. How did this business trip make her so thin? Her complexion wasn’t good either. My heart ached for her, and I complained with a pout, “Why are you so thin? Was the food there bad?”

She paused slightly, then shook her head: “Because I didn’t have you as my favorite dish! Of course, I couldn’t eat well!”

“I’ll go cook for you!”

Saying this, I tried to get up to make some food, but she quickly flipped over and pinned me down: “Trying to sneak away? No way! Eating you is enough!”

She brought the most authentic feeling to me. Every inch of skin was like a melt-in-your-mouth sensation, her lips held the honeyed sweetness of fruit, and every kiss she placed brought an incredibly comfortable tingling. I buried my head in her neck, playfully grinding against her collarbone. This game of extreme frenzy flowed from the sofa to the dining table, carrying the hunger of missing each other—like a reunion after a short separation—as if we were truly going to devour each other.

We stepped over scattered clothes on the floor and returned to the bedroom. Lying on the bed, she was breathing lightly, continuously stroking my cheek. I looked at her seriously: “Tell me, year after year, how is it that I never get tired of looking at you, woman~”

“Excuse me! I should be the one saying that!”

At this moment, Qin Yun looked at me very seriously. It was rare to see her this way, and I asked cautiously, “What’s wrong?”

She fiddled with my hand and requested with certainty: “Tomorrow, come with me to the company to familiarize yourself with the business operations. I want you to learn company management as quickly as possible.”

I widened my eyes, looking at her in disbelief: “Huh? That’s so sudden. Why do you suddenly want me to get involved in company operations? Can I do it?”

Qin Yun raised an eyebrow, looking dissatisfied: “What? Not willing?”

“No, no, no! I wish I could take care of everything so you could be a hands-off boss! Go, of course, I’ll go!”

She affectionately pinched my nose: “Don’t think things are too simple, okay? I’ll be very strict!”

“I’m willing to do anything for you.”

…

I’ve never been able to guess my woman’s thought process. She travels for business for over a month and drops a bombshell as soon as she gets home! Sure enough, she dragged me to the company early in the morning, rushed into the office, and immediately called an all-hands meeting. He Mu seemed to have known about me joining the company. He sat sternly in the main seat of the conference, while Qin Yun stood beside him and introduced me thoroughly.

The older employees who had seen me come to the company to do wall paintings years ago started whispering among themselves. It was understandable; being a ‘paratrooper’ (sudden appointment) inevitably leads to gossip.

And so, I started the bitter days of following Qin Yun, working from nine to five, attending every meeting, going to every dinner engagement, and then working overtime to rush out documents. Money truly isn’t easy to earn. I thought Qin Yun was a queen standing in her commercial empire, but when dealing with the big bosses in this circle, even when she was respectfully called General Manager, there were still moments of struggle.

The person training me wasn’t Qin Yun, but He Mu. Since my work involved project construction, we frequently went to construction sites. I learned how to deal with state-owned construction enterprises starting with “China,” how to communicate with local governments, down to small details like material procurement to save costs. The internal workings were deep, and when I made mistakes, He Mu would chew me out mercilessly.

One time, when I was severely scolded, He Mu made me cry right in front of Qin Yun. Being humiliated in front of my own girlfriend was mortifying! I thought she would protect me, but I was wrong again. After Qin Yun sent He Mu away, she followed up with a soft, sugar-coated criticism. I felt indignant, talked back, and secretly hoped she would comfort me. However, she just sat in her boss’s chair with a dark expression, her aura intimidating.

“Do you know how serious your mistake was? If the Business Department used your proposal to sign a contract, not only would the company suffer losses, but if safety issues arise during construction, no one can bear the responsibility! But it seems you haven’t even realized your mistake. I asked you to test the waters, not to mess around. Crying, crying, what’s there to cry about!”

I twisted my fingers, silent, tears pouring down, but Qin Yun refused to comfort me. In the end, I could only leave her office, feeling wronged, to continue my work.

When the workday ended, Qin Yun appeared at the office door, dragging her tired body: “Let’s go home.”

I didn’t say anything, just turned off my computer, walked up to her, took her handbag, and walked ahead alone. She reached out and held my hand, asking, “Still angry?”

I shook my head, still silent. She had no choice but to sigh: “Xiao Qi, I want you to be able to stand on your own quickly. I know forcing growth won’t work, but… I’m sorry, I failed to consider your feelings.”

I turned around, took her hand, and shook my head guiltily: “I’m not angry at you. I’m angry at myself for not being capable.”

“Actually, you’ve done very well. You just lack time to accumulate experience.”

“I want to help you share the load, but I keep causing trouble…”

“Work requires diligence. Do you remember what we said the first time we met in the office? Diligence leaves a good impression. Correct the mistakes you have, and strive to improve what you don’t. Just pay attention from now on. You know He Mu’s temper. His strictness is for the sake of the big picture, and it’s also for your own good.”

“Mhm, I know… Let’s go home.”

…

Luorong Pasture is backed by the three sacred mountains: Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xianuoduoji. This is Yading’s most famous alpine pasture, where glacial rivers, snow mountains, and meadows converge. Tourists flock here because it’s the best spot to view the three sacred mountains. Flocks of cattle and sheep enjoy the abundant sunshine and drink the purest snowmelt here.

Forests accompany snow peaks, cattle and sheep gather on the grass, and streams surround the pasture cabins. Just as You Feifan said, nothing here is lonely, because they accompany each other and enhance one another.

You Feifan was a little quieter after sobering up. Geriletu and his wife came over and invited us to join them. Since our routes were the same—both heading to Milk Lake—we readily accepted the invitation. Four people traveling together is better than two; at least it’s lively and they can look out for each other.

Geriletu mentioned that he and his wife met right here. Back then, Yading’s facilities were nothing like they are now; even the boardwalks were primitive and natural, posing some risks. They met by chance, both coincidentally from Huhhot. They looked out for each other along the way, developed feelings, and completed that adventurous trip.

Years later, returning to Yading brought their relationship full circle. This place was both the beginning and the end, as if they had returned to fulfill a vow.

You Feifan, that insensitive person, suddenly asked when the others were feeling sentimental: “Brother, why are you and your wife getting divorced?”

I secretly tugged at her sleeve and squeezed my eyes, signaling her not to speak carelessly. Geriletu and his wife didn’t seem to mind: “We… “

Just as he was about to explain, I interrupted, stopping him: “Since everyone is out happily traveling, let’s not bring up sad things. Brother, Sister-in-law, let’s go.”

Looking at the signpost next to the trail, Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake were only 1.5 kilometers away. There was a joyful feeling of victory in sight, but don’t be fooled by the short distance. Walking at high altitude is difficult, and many travelers cannot endure the long trek. Altitude sickness is indeed very taxing on one’s temperament. The scariest thing is giving up halfway through the journey.

But precisely because of this, most travelers turn back halfway. That’s fine, too. Not everyone gets to see the hidden wonders deep within Yading. Without enduring some hardship, cheaply gained beautiful scenery doesn’t hold much meaning. You Feifan bent over, knees bent, gasping for breath, occasionally lifting the oxygen cylinder to inhale oxygen.

I rubbed her back, asking cautiously, “Are you okay? Should we go back!”

She stubbornly shook her head: “We’re only a few steps away. Turning back now is the biggest waste. If we don’t see the beautiful scenery, we’ll have suffered for nothing.”

We walked for a full three hours before finally reaching the summit! It’s rare to encounter a natural scene that interprets blue in such varied layers. Although we were too exhausted to explore the Five-Color Lake on the other side, it wasn’t hard to imagine. If Milk Lake was Yading’s left eye, then Five-Color Lake must be its right. They gazed at the sacred mountain, like devout believers constantly looking up at their faith.

You Feifan stared at the lake water in fascination, and a tear actually slipped down her cheek. I could understand her sadness because when I saw such beauty, the same regret outweighed all happiness. She must feel incredibly regretful.

“Just as the grass and streams here love the three sacred mountains, I loved her, with piety and faith. Do you know? I was the streetlight, standing firm against the wind and rain at the entrance to her home, just like this Milk Lake guards Xiannairi, who will never lean towards it.

“I don’t know why I’m crying. I don’t want to look back at all the past happiness and joy. All the way here, I threw my longing to the scenery. The hostel owner in Chengdu said to entrust my pain to the landscape; they would heal my wounds. But why am I still sad when I’ve reached the end?”

What touching words of love and obsession. I finally understood that her exaggerated joy and smiles were all meant to cover up her underlying depression. I glanced around, a faint smile on my lips. At this moment, You Feifan felt strangely familiar. Looking at her back, I saw myself when I lost Qin Yun.

I wanted to tell You Feifan that no matter how desperate you feel, life will bring you greater hope. Because the people and things you lose and never return are meant to make you grow and become a better version of yourself. The price we pay for loss will always bring unexpected rewards, but it is a price none of us wants to try.

Even if scars are left in your heart to remind you of this suffering, even the biggest wounds will eventually heal one day.