Online Love, Based on the Real Object - Chapter 16

Qi Ning had recently become obsessed with yuri novels. In her free time, she used to scroll through videos or follow the news, but now her attention was completely absorbed by reading on Green River Literature.

The once dull and monotonous mood had found an outlet. She wasn’t sure whether to thank the novels for enriching her leisure time, but miraculously, after multiple rejections from Mr. Zhou, her manuscript had finally been accepted.

As she topped up her reading coins again, Qi Ning couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Lately, she had been so engrossed in these novels that she found herself noticing beautiful women more often and even started seeing potential yuri vibes where there might not be any.

This realization left her stunned.

Could it be that she was gay?!

Before she could figure it out, the office intercom rang.

It was a call from HR.

The position of Design Department Director had been vacant for a long time, and now someone was finally filling it. According to HR, the new director had jumped ship from another company, a formidable woman, twenty-nine years old.

To rise to a director position at such a young age commanded respect, and Qi Ning couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for this yet-unseen superior.

She wondered what kind of person the new director would be. As the Design Department supervisor, Qi Ning would be reporting directly to her, meaning frequent work interactions. She hoped the new director would be easy to get along with.

The new director’s first day fell on a bright and sunny Friday. Qi Ning walked into the office carrying coffee she had bought downstairs when a faint trace of perfume caught her attention.

She didn’t recall any of her colleagues wearing this scent unless someone had switched perfumes recently.

Before she could ask, a coworker subtly gestured toward the closed door of the director’s office.

Qi Ning understood. She returned to her own office to drop off her bag and coffee before heading over to knock on the director’s door.

“Come in,” a woman’s voice called from inside.

Qi Ning suddenly felt nervous.

She pushed the door open and immediately spotted the woman standing by the window. A light purple tailored suit caught the eye, the pencil skirt accentuating her curves, while long, wavy hair cascaded freely down her back. At the sound of the door opening, she turned around.

A strikingly beautiful, slightly mature, and alluring face came into Qi Ning’s view.

In the enclosed space, the perfume she had noticed earlier became more distinct like being submerged in a gentle sea of roses, intoxicating enough to make one want to drown in it.

At first glance, it perfectly matched the impression this new director gave off.

As for whether these roses had thorns that remained to be seen.

“Hello, Director You. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Qi Ning greeted politely as she stepped forward. Before she could finish, the woman addressed as Director You spoke.

“You must be Qi Ning.” Her voice was soft, slightly lower than it had sounded through the door, and her lips curled into a warm smile as she subtly appraised Qi Ning.

“From now on, we’ll be colleagues. Since I’m new here, I’ll likely need your guidance on certain matters.” You Man spoke with humility, extending a hand. “I hope we can work well together.”

“Of course,” Qi Ning replied, reaching out to shake her hand. She had intended it to be a brief, formal gesture, but the other woman suddenly tightened her grip before letting go, her fingertips brushing against Qi Ning’s palm whether intentionally or not.

“???” Qi Ning wasn’t sure what to make of that.

She had encountered men trying to take liberties during handshakes before, but this was the first time it had happened with a woman.

Seeing Qi Ning looking a bit bewildered, You Man actually smiled, her eyes shimmering with an unexpectedly coquettish charm, and said something rather cryptic.

“Don’t be nervous. Women get preferential treatment here.”

The initial pleasantries ended there. Qi Ning didn’t quite understand what she meant by “preferential treatment” perhaps it was just female solidarity.

The new director called for a morning meeting with the department colleagues. Qi Ning had initially thought the new director might be a “paper tiger,” but during the meeting, she subtly exerted her authority over the team.

Qi Ning realized this seemed to be a smiling tiger.

The charm of a beauty was probably that even when speaking bluntly with that pretty face, it was hard to dislike her, instead making people want to submit.

Shengda’s welcome parties were held every three months, and the last one had just passed. This time, because it was the director’s appointment, Qi Ning thought of organizing a welcome party for her, which would also help You Man get to know her colleagues faster and make future management easier.

They hadn’t added each other on private WeChat yet, so Qi Ning messaged her using the work account.

Qi Ning: Director You, do you have time tonight?

You Man: Of course I have time if it’s you asking.

Qi Ning wasn’t sure if this was just her usual texting style or if she was reading too much into it, but the words alone gave her a slightly flirtatious vibe.

Qi Ning: Then we’ll hold a welcome party for you tonight.

This time, the reply was much more formal just a simple “Okay.” Qi Ning found it a bit odd but didn’t dwell on it, as she still needed to book a venue.

The usual routine for welcome parties was to first have dinner at a restaurant, then book a karaoke session. Fortunately, it was Friday, so staying out late wasn’t an issue.

After the dinner location was announced, the colleagues scattered toward the restaurant as soon as work ended. Currently, Qi Ning was the one who had interacted the most with You Man in the design department. Worried that You Man might not be familiar with the area, she decided to accompany her to the restaurant.

On the way, they chatted about basic personal details. Qi Ning learned that You Man was unmarried, unattached, and currently living alone.

Qi Ning hadn’t intended to pry into her privacy, but since You Man had asked first, she felt obliged to reciprocate.

The new director seemed easy to get along with, so Qi Ning didn’t think much of it.

During dinner, everyone was still a bit reserved. Qi Ning, acting as the mediator, kept the atmosphere light and occasionally directed the conversation toward You Man. The meal went smoothly.

But once they entered the karaoke room, the alcohol kicked in, and people truly let loose, belting out songs with abandon.

Qi Ning and You Man sat at the mini bar inside the room, chatting while watching them. Two bottles of cocktails had already been emptied beside them.

You Man seemed to have a high alcohol tolerance two bottles down, and she showed no signs of being affected.

The others soon found drinking alone boring and started playing dice games. After tiring of that, they discovered a Truth or Dare spinner in the drawer and immediately switched to it.

“Director You, why don’t you join us?”

As the organizer, Qi Ning usually controlled her alcohol intake, avoiding it whenever possible. She had declined earlier when they invited her to play dice.

But now, with Truth or Dare, a game that didn’t involve drinking, only penalties she couldn’t refuse. Seeing You Man interested in participating, she had no choice but to join.

Who knew You Man would have such bad luck? On her first spin, it landed on “Kiss someone.”

“Ooooh”

The men instantly erupted in cheers.

“Director You, who do you want to kiss to complete the dare?”

“Wonder who’s lucky enough?”

Qi Ning was also very curious about what You Man would do, and had even prepared a way to smooth things over in case of rejection, content to be an onlooker for now. Then suddenly, her name was called out of the blue.

“Then let’s go with Qi Ning.”

“????”

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