My Weekend Lover Turned Out To Be My Boss - Chapter 7

Chapter 7: When the Dream Ends – “When a Dream Wakes Up”

My question seemed worthy of discussion. Jian Yumeng raised an eyebrow, about to answer, but was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door. We thought it was a server bringing food, but surprisingly, it was Guan Shuyun. Chinese sayings really hold true—speak of the devil, and she appears. She was carrying a decanter, clearly intending to join us for a drink. Phoebe followed behind her, her gaze falling upon me without revealing any emotion.

Guan Shuyun looked slightly surprised, greeting us, “What a coincidence, I didn’t expect to see Miss You here.”

Jian Yumeng smiled and replied, “I came to the club today specifically to host Feifan, catching up with an old friend. It’s indeed a coincidence to bump into CEO Guan and CEO Lan. Why don’t we all dine together? It would liven up the atmosphere.”

“Since we’ve met, having a meal together is fine. This is CEO Jian’s territory, so it would be rude to refuse.”

Guan Shuyun readily accepted the invitation without any false modesty. She immediately pulled out a chair, motioning for Phoebe to sit down. Yu Xiao also rushed into the room, excitedly holding up the red wine: “I chose a bottle with a stronger fruity flavor, it has a good mouthfeel… Um… You guys…”

She saw the people present and stammered, unable to finish her sentence. Jian Yumeng patted the chair, inviting Yu Xiao to sit next to her. The round table wasn’t large, but everyone was careful in choosing their seats. I ended up looking like the extra single person, occupying a corner alone. My phone vibrated in my pocket. I looked down below the table and saw it was a WeChat message, sent by Phoebe.

‘Why are you here?’

‘Didn’t Miss Jian just say?’

‘Heh, that’s quite a coincidence.’

‘If you have anything to say, we’ll talk about it when we get home.’

Consequently, the situation descended into an unspeakable awkwardness. Fortunately, Jian Yumeng was an old hand. As long as it involved alcohol, she didn’t stop for a moment. It was obvious that she was deliberately trying to pressure Guan Shuyun to drink. Yu Xiao acted as a skillful assistant, engaging Phoebe and me in conversation with a half-full glass of wine whenever Jian Yumeng raised hers.

Guan Shuyun was overwhelmed. She barely touched the dishes, but several bottles of red wine were already empty. In short, Jian Yumeng clearly did not allow Guan Shuyun and Phoebe any private interaction, even subtly directing me to take care of Phoebe with small things like helping her with food.

Yu Xiao sat closer to me, pouring wine and quietly advising, “This is all we can do to help. The one surnamed Guan is not easy to deal with. See how she blocked Yumeng’s attempts to get Phoebe to drink? For you, she means trouble.”

After several rounds of drinks, Jian Yumeng had completely defeated Guan Shuyun. The woman, who was utterly sober, was not drunk at all. She summoned a server and repeatedly instructed, “CEO Guan is drunk. Help her back to a guest room to rest. Take good care of her.”

After watching the unconscious Guan Shuyun being escorted away, Phoebe also stood up and thanked them: “Thank you, CEO Jian and Miss Yu, for your kind hospitality. Please do me the honor of visiting our home sometime soon. It’s been too long since we last met.”

“Given Old Yu and Feifan’s relationship, there’s no need to be so polite. I’ve already arranged a designated driver. You two should go home and rest well.”

Yu Xiao left Jian Yumeng to rest in the private room and accompanied us to the garage. Phoebe got straight into the car. Yu Xiao grabbed my arm, looking like she wanted to speak but hesitated. I stopped and turned to look at her: “What is it?”

“Feifan, you know that Yumeng and I never interfere in others’ business. But today, when Guan Shuyun brought Phoebe into the club, she kept…”

Seeing Yu Xiao struggling to articulate, I calmed myself and spoke gently, “Just say it. You know my capacity for handling things, don’t you?”

“She kept her arm around Phoebe’s waist. Their interaction was too intimate. Yumeng saw it, that’s why she asked me to invite you over for dinner. Find some time to talk to Phoebe. If things continue like this…”

Before Yu Xiao could finish, I spread my arms and hugged her: “Old Yu, thank you.”

I got into the car. Phoebe was resting with her eyes closed. I looked at the night view outside the window, sighed, and held her cold hand. Phoebe opened her eyes and quietly looked at me. I waited for her to say something, but she was too silent, so I gave up. Not until the car pulled into the garden did I suggest, “Let’s take a walk in the garden to sober up, shall we?”

“Okay.”

Getting out of the car, I held Phoebe’s hand, strolling slowly around the garden. I couldn’t keep silent forever, so I started a conversation: “Secretary Du told me the company has been incredibly busy lately. Another big project?”

“Yes. There’s a project with CEO Guan’s company. The land next to the coastal highway is up for government bidding. Jieshi and Zhuoyue can’t handle it alone and need a partner to co-construct. CEO Guan’s strength cannot be underestimated. Cooperation is better than confrontation.”

“Did this dinner today interfere with your discussion of business?”

Phoebe turned to face me, walking backward slowly with her hands behind her back. She smiled and shook her head: “Not really. It was just a simple meal with her anyway. Did you go to the company today?”

I pouted, nodding: “I made a lavish afternoon tea, but you had already left.”

Phoebe laughed, hooking her arm over my shoulder, and pressing her head against the tip of my nose to ask, “Then what about the food?”

I hugged her waist and kissed her forehead: “I gave it to Secretary Du.”

She complained a little angrily, “You just gave away the afternoon tea made with love to someone else?”

“You weren’t there! If no one ate it, it would go bad. I saw she was quite busy, so I gave it to her!”

“Don’t give it to anyone else in the future. If I don’t eat it, you can digest it yourself.”

“Fascist policy, is it?”

“Only authoritarian for you!”

I held Phoebe tightly, enjoying the long-missed warmth. Then, I suddenly remembered something: “I ran into someone at the supermarket today. Her back looked exactly like…”

Phoebe raised her head and looked at me steadily: “Like who?”

“Mu Duoran. But I thought, how could that be? Duoran settled in Germany and wouldn’t be back.”

Phoebe’s deep eyes were unfathomable, and her expression instantly became serious: “What, missing your old flame?”

I picked her up and spun around, laughing heartily: “Is my big boss jealous?”

“Put me down! You are the second most loyal thing in our house, after Xiduoduo (the dog). Being jealous over you is a waste!”

“Ha! You compare me to a dog? What kind of compliment is this? It’s genuinely heartbreaking!”

Phoebe hugged me again, resting her head securely on my shoulder. I couldn’t see her expression, but I quietly listened as she spoke: “Do you remember what I told you a long, long time ago? You are the street lamp, standing still, always standing still to guide me home.”

…

“Miss? Miss?”

A nudge woke me up from my dream. I groggily opened my eyes. Where was I? The world was spinning. I rubbed my eyes before regaining focus: “What’s wrong?”

“We’ve reached the final station. Please wake up.”

The attendant gently pointed toward the platform. I looked around. The carriage was completely empty. I asked, “We’ve reached Chengdu East?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“I’m sorry…”

The entire thirteen-hour train ride had been a long sleep. It seemed I was truly exhausted. My back ached badly. I held my lower back and slowly walked to the platform. My aimless movements made me feel extremely lost. Where should I go next?