Wen Zifan looked at her new boss. Although Xu Yong had mentioned him, she didn't expect Chen Jianhai to be so young.
He seemed to be around 24 or 25 years old. He dressed very plainly, without any luxurious accessories or watches. His demeanor and behavior were natural, without any pretense, and he was warm and easygoing, not at all like the owner of a five-star hotel.
"Let me carry the suitcase. The car is in the parking lot," Chen Jianhai said, reaching for Wen Zifan's luggage.
"Thank you, Boss Chen, but the suitcase isn't heavy. I can carry it myself," Wen Zifan replied with a smile, her grip on the suitcase firm. After all, it was their first meeting, and they weren't familiar with each other. She felt awkward letting someone else help.
Chen Jianhai respected others' wishes. If anyone else had said that, he would have let go and let them carry their own luggage. But since Wen Zifan was introduced by Xu Yong, and would be working at his hotel, it wasn't appropriate to let her carry it herself.
"Not heavy?" Chen Jianhai questioned, "It looks pretty heavy to me. Let me try."
Without waiting for her response, Chen Jianhai reached out and grabbed the suitcase handle.
"You...!" Wen Zifan's pupils shrank in surprise as he grabbed the suitcase handle. The handle was only so long; if he took it, he would inevitably touch her hand. She wanted to step back, but the suitcase was too heavy. Reluctantly, she let go, allowing him to take it.
"Not heavy at all," Chen Jianhai remarked, easily lifting the suitcase with a swing of his arm. "Follow me."
With that, he swaggered ahead, not worrying whether Wen Zifan would follow.
Wen Zifan was a bit incredulous as she watched his back. Is this my new boss? He seems a bit sly.
Seeing his figure almost disappear into the elevator, Wen Zifan quickly caught up with him.
...
The underground parking lot was crowded. Chen Jianhai slowed his pace, worried about losing the junior sister who had just returned from abroad.
A few minutes later, a sweet-smelling figure walked beside him.
"Was the flight bumpy?" he asked.
"A bit, but manageable," Wen Zifan replied, watching as Chen Jianhai walked to a Benz, opened the trunk, and placed her suitcase inside.
He then opened the passenger door for her. When Wen Zifan bent to get in, he even thoughtfully placed his hand on the car frame to prevent her from bumping her head.
His actions were gentlemanly and considerate, a stark contrast to the sly youth he appeared to be moments ago.
Wen Zifan was surprised, her initial impression of Chen Jianhai wavering.
Inside the car, after adjusting the window to a comfortable position, Chen Jianhai handed her a beautifully wrapped gift bag.
"I brought you some water and snacks. If you're hungry, have something to eat," he said.
"Thank you," Wen Zifan responded, her face lighting up at the unexpected gift. Inside were three elegantly packaged handmade cakes, a small bag of candies, a bottle of water, and a bag of juice with a straw.
Additionally, there was a palm-sized blue crystal dolphin, sparkling and adorable.
"The cakes are made by our hotel's bakery. I've tried them, and they taste great. Especially the one with the gold star sugar frosting; it's my favorite," Chen Jianhai said enthusiastically, licking his lips unconsciously at the mention of the gold star sugar cookie, clearly expressing his fondness for the treat.
Wen Zifan was amused by his expression, not expecting the dignified hotel owner to have such a childlike side. She unwrapped a cake and took a small bite. The golden frosting melted in her mouth, spreading a subtle sweetness.
"It's really good," she said, surprised.
"Isn't it?" Chen Jianhai beamed proudly. This new dessert, developed for the association's culinary competition, had become a hit among the hotel staff and was now a feature in the hotel restaurant.
Wen Zifan sipped the juice, listening to the light, cheerful music in the car, feeling the fatigue of the journey fade away, replaced by a sense of homecoming.
To break the silence, Chen Jianhai asked, "Zifan, how long have you been away from home? Have you been abroad all these years?"
Wen Zifan nodded, "I haven't been home for about 15 or 16 years, working and living abroad."
Chen Jianhai raised an eyebrow. Despite her youth, she had been abroad for a long time.
"I heard from Xu Yong that you've been doing well abroad these past two years. Why did you suddenly decide to come back?"
"I missed home," Wen Zifan said softly, looking at the blue sea outside the window. "No matter how good it is outside, it's not home. And I've gained some work experience abroad, so I can find a job back home easily."
She smiled, seemingly aware of the "convenience" in how she found her current job.
...
Wen Zifan lived in a mid-range community in Nanjing City. The security guard at the entrance was playing on his phone in the air-conditioned booth.
Chen Jianhai parked at the entrance, retrieved her suitcase from the trunk, and said, "No rush to come to the hotel. Take a good rest at home."
Wen Zifan's eyes sparkled with a smile, her lips curling up. She had been away for so long that even without Chen Jianhai's suggestion, she would have asked to rest for a couple of days before starting work. She appreciated his thoughtfulness.
Just as she was about to thank him, Chen Jianhai added, "You can start the day after tomorrow."
Wen Zifan froze, looking at him in disbelief, her words of thanks stuck in her throat.
He had just said there was no rush, and now he was saying to start work soon. Was he messing with her?
Her expression turned calm as she stared at Chen Jianhai, trying to determine if he was serious or joking. Her beautiful eyes, a blend of peach blossom and almond shapes, gazed at him without blinking, her amber irises bright and tender. It didn't seem like she was scrutinizing him, but more like she was looking at him affectionately.
Chen Jianhai's face turned red, and he awkwardly looked away.
"He's serious!" Wen Zifan concluded instantly.
"Okay, Boss Chen. I'll report to the hotel the day after tomorrow morning. Thank you for driving me home," Wen Zifan said, hiding her emotions well. After exchanging nods, she turned and walked into the community.
Chen Jianhai watched her until she disappeared from view, then sighed and got back into his car.
Junior sister...
If it weren't for Xu Yong's sake, I would have had you start at the hotel right away. Want to rest at home? Keep dreaming!