Vol. 1 - Ch. 17 - Hidden Circumstances

Chronic kidney failure is indeed a devastating condition. As the disease progresses, it can evolve into end-stage renal disease, requiring dialysis for the rest of one's life.Even a successful kidney transplant comes with its own challenges, such as a lifelong regimen of immunosuppressant medications.

This incurable disease takes a toll not just on the patient, but also on their loved ones. It's an emotional, physical, and financial burden that can last for years, not to mention the added stress and side effects from dialysis.

"When did this happen?" Li Han asked, concern etched on his face.

"It started around... ninth grade," Wang Man replied nonchalantly. "It's been so long I hardly remember all the details." S~ᴇaʀᴄh the NovᴇlFɪre .ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

"So, was that the reason your grades dropped back then?" Li Han felt a pang of concern tighten around his heart.

"It's not that simple," Wang Man said, rearranging the cookies on the plate. "It's a complicated situation, and I can't sum it up quickly."

Understanding that she wasn't ready to delve deeper, Li Han decided not to push further. The fact that Wang Man had opened up about such a personal matter was significant progress on its own.

He didn't want to jeopardise that trust by pressing her to share more than she was comfortable with.

"Hmm..." After pausing to collect his thoughts, Li Han asked cautiously, "How's your mother's condition these days?"

"She hasn't reached the stage of end-stage renal disease yet, but it's just a matter of time," Wang Man said, locking eyes with him. "You should know, I'm focusing on taking care of my mom right now. I'm not looking for a relationship. It's not about you; it's about my priorities."

"I get it," Li Han assured her.

"Hmph..." Wang Man frowned and sighed, unconvinced that he truly understood. "But still, thank you."

With that, she turned and headed back into the kitchen, resuming her work.

"You're doing great, boss," Li Jia gave him a thumbs-up. "You've got my support!"

"Supporting me verbally won't do; create some opportunities for me," Li Han playfully scolded, hands on his hips.

"I'll... I'll do my best," Li Jia promised, slightly bowing her head.

"We'll all give it our best shot," Li Han said, smiling.

After leaving the cake shop, Li Han returned to his job at the car dealership, picking up where he'd left off.

The next day, Li Jia invested in a high-end hand coffee grinder and started learning the art of hand-grinding coffee beans. Meanwhile, Wang Man began experimenting with new dessert pairings to complement the freshly ground coffee.

After lunch, Li Han's phone buzzed. It was a picture from Wang Man on WeChat, showing a cup of coffee next to a Madeleine cake. The presentation was straightforward and unadorned.

"Is this okay?" Wang Man texted.

Li Han sighed before replying, "It looks too plain. It needs to be cuter and more refined. Presentation matters, as long as the taste isn't compromised."

"Aren't we risking our reputation if it's all about looks?" Wang Man shot back, clearly unhappy. "What's the point if it doesn't taste good? How will we keep customers coming back?"

"Do you really think people in offices buy these desserts just for the flavour? No, they also buy them to show off on social media!" Li Han responded firmly. "So, it needs to be simple, aesthetically pleasing, and delicious. Trust me on this; I'm your investor, after all."

"Wow, capitalism, huh?" Wang Man texted back, adding an eye-roll emoji for good measure.

She's unexpectedly cute, Li Han thought, chuckling to himself.

Glancing at the clock, he saw it was only just past noon. He decided to head over to Baizhe Cake Shop.

"Why'd you come all this way? Couldn't you have just called?" Wang Man asked, looking puzzled

"As an investor, I have to keep an eye on things, don't I?" Li Han said, glancing over at Li Jia, who was engrossed in grinding coffee. "How's the research coming along?"

"Let's just say, having money definitely gets you better equipment," Li Jia sighed. "This coffee set alone cost four thousand yuan. The grinder, filter, and coffee machine can even control brewing pressure. I'm still getting the hang of it."

Just then, Wang Man handed Li Han a tray. "Here, try these."

On the tray were corgi-shaped cupcakes, arranged in pairs. They were plump and irresistibly cute. Li Han picked one up and took a bite. It wasn't crispy like a cookie but had a dense, soft texture similar to gingerbread. The frosting was just the right amount of sweet and paired wonderfully with coffee.

"How'd you learn this?" Li Han asked, clearly intrigued.

Wang Man smiled, her eyes gleaming. "I followed a content creator on D Station. After trying out their instructions a few times, I got the hang of it. I'm planning to explore more pairings with coffee."

It dawned on Li Han that while he saw his investment in the cake shop as a means to get closer to Wang Man, for her and Li Jia, it was a significant commitment. He decided he should take it more seriously too.

"That's impressive," Li Han remarked. "Once Li Jia gets the coffee grinding down, we can experiment with more pairings. If we find three solid combinations, we can introduce them on the food delivery app as promotional items."

"At cost?" Li Jia wondered.

Li Han reassured her, "I've got the finances covered. It's twofold: first, for marketing, and second, to use the platform's data analytics. If our pairings become hits with a specific audience, the app will suggest them to similar users. That's our strategy."

Wang Man mulled it over, then teased, "Sounds like someone did well in school."

Li Han shrugged modestly, "I just know a bit about data analytics. The real work's up to you two. I'm just here with suggestions. The coffee and desserts? That's your domain."

Wang Man smirked confidently, "Leave it to us. But shouldn't you be heading to work soon?"

Li Han glanced at the time. "You're right. I should get going."

"Boss, I'll get you a taxi!" Li Jia exclaimed excitedly. By the look on her face, Li Han could tell she was up to something. The taxi stand was just a short distance from the shop. Why was she making such a fuss about it?

But as they stepped out of the shop, Li Jia leaned in, whispering, "Boss..."

"Just call me Li Han," he corrected her.

"Alright, Xiaohan," Li Jia said with a smile. "Listen, our shop closes at seven in the evening. Xiao Man and I are both here during the afternoon. But post four o'clock, only one of us remains on duty. It's either me or Xiao Man. So, if you time it right, you can drop by when she's working alone. Maybe bring her some dinner?"

Li Han's eyes lit up in understanding. "Got any more tips?"

"Just be yourself," Li Jia replied. "I'll make sure you get your chances."

The two of them fist-bumped. "It's in our blood, isn't it?" Li Han joked, referring to their shared surname"

Later, after parting ways with Wang Man, Li Han intended to take a short break before diving into his afternoon tasks. However, when he reached his workplace, something seemed off.

He took a moment to scan the room and noted the tense expressions on the faces of his fellow sales agents.

Puzzled, he turned to ask, "What's happening?"

Feng Shaobo, a colleague, responded with a smirk, "Seems like change is in the air," and subtly pointed towards a group of people engaged in a serious discussion.