Cui Wanqiu was even more surprised than Wang Xiaoliang.
When Wang Xiaoliang told her over the phone to take over Ma Yuanyuan's work, Cui Wanqiu's first thought was that Ma Yuanyuan had done something wrong, angered Wang Xiaoliang, and been fired.
"Yuanyuan can be a little headstrong, but she does a decent job. Mr. Wang, couldn't you just-"
Before she could finish, Wang Xiaoliang cut off her plea. "Sister Cui, you've misunderstood. She's the one who wants to leave."
Before Cui Wanqiu had time to think it through, the office door opened.
Ma Yuanyuan walked in, beaming, with three coffees in her hand. Cui Wanqiu stood up and started pulling her outside, but Ma Yuanyuan drew her hand back. "Auntie, wait. Let me give Jiahui and Sister Li their coffees first. And here's yours. Take it. My treat today."
Cui Wanqiu and Ma Yuanyuan sat side by side at the tea table in the lobby.
Cui Wanqiu set her coffee on the tea table. "Why are you quitting? Have you discussed this with your parents? Would they agree?"
"Auntie..." Ma Yuanyuan was still smiling in the face of Cui Wanqiu's questions.
"This is such a good job. Your salary, bonuses, benefits, plus the extra money Mr. Wang pays you-you make a decent income. It's easy and stable. Have you lost your mind?"
Ma Yuanyuan shifted her stool, leaned closer, and lowered her voice.
"Auntie, I know, but this job is holding me back now. Do you know how much we get for a single ad these days?" There was a touch of mystery and smugness in Ma Yuanyuan's voice.
"How much?" Sure enough, Cui Wanqiu was curious.
"At least this much." Ma Yuanyuan held up a hand with all five fingers spread.
"Five thousand? Isn't that way too much?"
"Fifty