Volume One, Chapter 38: Don’t Get in the Way of My Pursuit of True Love

After playing all day, Song Qinian quietly dropped off Qiaoqiao once it was time for Mu Yuxin to finish work.

Mu Yuxin was dressed in a black professional suit, her tall and shapely figure looking exquisite and beautiful, overshadowing all the sales assistants in the mall. Qiaoqiao had fallen asleep in Song Qinian’s arms, so Mu Yuxin quickly took her over.

"Niannian, was Qiaoqiao too naughty? You look pale and exhausted," Mu Yuxin asked.

Song Qinian shook her head. "Qiaoqiao was very well-behaved. It’s just that things have been busy since I joined the planning department, and I haven't been resting well."

"Even if you're busy, your health comes first. Look at how thin you’ve become. If your father knew you were struggling like this, his heart would break."

Thinking of her father left a bitter taste in Song Qinian’s heart. "I know. You should also get more rest and not push yourself too hard."

Mu Yuxin spent her monthly salary not just on herself and Qiaoqiao, but also on sending money to the prison to ensure her boyfriend was well taken care of. Her devotion was truly unmatched.

"The harder you work, the luckier you get. Sooner or later, we will get everything we want," Mu Yuxin said. She was always full of positive energy, and Song Qinian often felt inspired whenever she was with her.

Just then, Song Qinian’s WeChat pinged. She took out her phone and saw it was an editor commissioning a drawing. "Master Qiyan, I have an illustration needed for a radio drama. Can you take the order? The price is negotiable."

Song Qinian used the pen name "Qiyan" for her illustrations. Since college, she had been drawing covers, illustrations, and character portraits for various clients, gaining a small reputation online. However, after marrying Shen Chiyan, she had poured all her energy into him and rarely took on commissions. Now, in urgent need of money, she naturally wouldn't refuse.

Feeling physically and mentally drained just a moment ago, she was suddenly revitalized with passion. Once home, she immediately read through the novel. To draw a character, one must understand who they are and what they have been through. Fortunately, the next day was Sunday, so she didn't have to work. Between the design proposals and the illustrations, she locked herself in her room, too busy to even step outside, unaware that Shen Chiyan had returned home that night.

The next morning, seeing that Song Qinian was gone when he woke up, Shen Chiyan’s expression darkened. "Where is Song Qinian?"

"The Young Mistress has already gone to work," a servant replied.

"So early?"

"Yes, she said she had things to attend to at the company."

Shen Chiyan frowned. A mere junior employee, yet she was busier than he was as a CEO!

It was peak morning rush hour, and traffic was heavy. Everyone was irritable. Encountering someone driving slowly, the sound of horns was deafening, but the person inside the car seemed not to hear them, busy arguing on the phone.

"Shen Keqin, are you out of your mind? Using my name to chase after a junior employee? You’ve made me lose all face!"

"Relax, relax. Isn't it just that you haven't caught her yet?" Shen Keqin had played too late with friends the night before and was woken up early by the call. She was in a foul mood, but since the caller was her childhood friend Guan Mingxu—and she had indeed pursued Song Qinian using his name—she had to endure it.

"That's exactly why it's so embarrassing! When has Young Master Guan ever failed to win over a woman? Being rejected by a mere employee—where am I supposed to put my face?"

"If you feel so ashamed, why don't you go win her over yourself?"

"I..." Before Guan Mingxu could finish, his car suddenly hit someone. He was startled, hung up the phone, and jumped out to check. He saw a girl on an electric scooter had been knocked over. Seeing the girl struggle to stand up without complaining of pain, Guan Mingxu rushed over. "Hey, are you okay?"

He helped both the scooter and Song Qinian up. When he looked up and saw the girl in the pink helmet, a tingling sensation washed over him. His heart began to race uncontrollably.

This... there really was a girl in this world cute enough to be illegal. Every feature—her eyes, nose, lips, and face—was perfectly aligned with Guan Mingxu’s aesthetic.

Seeing the other party acting like a complete idiot, Song Qinian checked her watch and got back on her scooter.

Guan Mingxu finally snapped out of it and grabbed her. "I'm sorry, I hit you by mistake. Are you hurt? Do you want me to take you to the hospital?"

"Beep! Beep! Beep!" The cars behind them were impatient, and the sound of horns echoed incessantly. Song Qinian glanced at the long line of traffic, shook her head, brushed off Guan Mingxu, and rode away.

Guan Mingxu watched the direction she left in, a dazed smile on his lips. This woman... she saw him driving a multi-million dollar car, saw his handsome face, and yet was completely unmoved. She was truly the "little cutie" he had fallen in love with at first sight!

Hearing the impatient honking, he got back into his car and called Shen Keqin again. "Shen Keqin, I don't care what you do, clarify the rumor about me chasing that employee from Dingsheng Group immediately! Don't get in the way of me pursuing my true love!!!"

After hanging up in a rage, Guan Mingxu felt both excited and anxious. Then, he grew melancholy. He hadn't asked for her number, and he didn't know who she was. In a city as big as Jinghua, wouldn't finding her be like looking for a needle in a haystack? Hmph, no matter what, he had to find her!

By the time Song Qinian reached the office, she had just managed to clock in on time. Shen Yushu had already arrived, and the two quickly finalized the plan and handed it to the manager. Afterward, Song Qinian polished her illustrations and sent them to her editor.

Seeing her work, Miao Zi'ai exclaimed excitedly, "Wow, Niannian! I never knew you could draw, and it’s so good!"

Afraid others would find out she was doing side work, Song Qinian put a finger to her lips and gave Miao Zi'ai a look. "Don't worry, as long as it doesn't interfere with work, no one will say anything." Song Qinian breathed a sigh of relief. She had only brought her tablet to the office because her computer had been glitching the night before.

"Oh, Niannian, is your WeChat avatar drawn by you?" Song Qinian nodded. It was a blue background with a red heart, containing two little figures holding hands—very cute. "Can you help me draw one?"

It wasn't a difficult task, so she agreed. "Sure, what would you like?"

"Hmm... I want a chibi version of myself, is that okay?"

Song Qinian quickly finished it and sent it over. Not long after, many people started adding her on WeChat, all noting "avatar" in their requests. Song Qinian was confused, but after adding them, she realized they had been referred by Miao Zi'ai. Miao Zi'ai was a gossip who knew everyone in the Dingsheng Group. Once the word got out that Song Qinian offered custom avatars for fifty yuan each, she was flooded with requests. Shen Yushu joined in, helping to promote her.

During lunch breaks and after work, Song Qinian made five thousand yuan just drawing avatars. To thank Miao Zi'ai and Shen Yushu, she decided to treat them to a meal. As the elevator doors opened and the three of them were laughing and chatting, they suddenly saw an unhappy-looking Shen Chiyan standing there...