The next day, Xiang Yu started her work by asking which import-export books she could borrow to better understand the terms and improve her work performance. Jessica handed her a directory from her desk and marked a few chapters for her to read when she had time. Xiang Yu spent her mornings doing data entry and, during her free time, took notes on useful information from the books. This routine continued for two to three days. By the middle of the week, Jessica took Xiang Yu out on fieldwork to handle document-related tasks. Although Xiang Yu rarely spoke, she was methodical and a quick learner. She wasn't shy about asking questions when she didn't understand something. By the end of the week, her colleagues had a positive impression of her. Even Steven privately asked Amy if they could extend Xiang Yu's internship and possibly arrange a summer job for her.
Now, Xiang Yu handled the system work in the mornings and the document errands in the afternoons. Jessica told her she didn't need to return to the office after completing her afternoon tasks, but Xiang Yu always came back to organize and label the documents she had worked on, noting the progress on sticky notes. This made Jessica's job much easier, so she looked out for Xiang Yu more. Jessica also explained any issues Xiang Yu encountered in detail, including some tips on interpersonal interactions, which were Xiang Yu's weak points. Xiang Yu listened attentively, though she found it challenging to apply these tips in practice.
On Friday afternoon, Steven informed everyone about a team-building event after work: dinner and a visit to a bar to welcome Xiang Yu to the department. Since the event was organized in her honor, Xiang Yu couldn't decline. She called her grandmother to explain the situation, telling her not to wait for dinner and that she'd be home late. Her grandmother was happy to hear that Xiang Yu was getting along well with her colleagues and encouraged her to enjoy the evening without worrying about home.
The department took a cab to a riverside restaurant Steven had booked. The setting was beautiful, with a view of the river and sparkling city lights in the night. When Xiang Yu was a child, during a prosperous time in her mother's business, their family had once booked a restaurant for New Year's Eve dinner. However, this was Xiang Yu's first time dining at such a fancy Western restaurant. Normally reserved, Xiang Yu silently observed the surroundings, thinking that someday, when she had the money, she would bring her grandmother here. The meal itself didn't leave a strong impression on her, but the overall ambiance did: the glittering city through the large windows, the soft female vocals in the background, the huge crystal chandeliers, the courteous waiters in black vests, the beautifully plated dishes, and the gentle clinking of glasses and low conversation.
After the meal, the waiter brought the bill in a leather folder. Steven opened it, and Xiang Yu, sitting next to him, caught a glimpse. The meal cost as much as her monthly salary, and her daily wage at the foreign trade company was nearly two to three times the average salary at the time. She was mildly shocked, but Steven seemed accustomed to it, casually handing his credit card to the waiter.
They then went to a lively nearby bar, where they sat in a booth and ordered drinks. Xiang Yu, who didn't drink, ordered orange juice. Shortly after sitting down, Jessica pulled Xiang Yu to dance. Xiang Yu hesitated, saying she couldn't dance, but the other two female colleagues joined in, saying, "Come on, it's easy! Just raise your hands and move your body." Seeing all the girls heading to the dance floor, leaving only Steven and another male colleague, Eric, Xiang Yu got up and joined them. With the crowd, everyone was just swaying to the rhythm, enjoying themselves. Gradually, Xiang Yu relaxed and started to feel the joy of dancing, moving along with the beat.