Chapter 1 An Unexpected Beginning

The morning sun shone over Singapore's skyscrapers, reflecting its light on the city's polished glass windows. Mei Ling took a deep breath before stepping through the glass doors of the courier office. Her first day of work. She had spent the previous night mentally preparing for every possible scenario, but nothing could have readied her for the real chaos of the place.

-"You're the new one, right?"-asked a woman in her forties, wearing thin-framed glasses.

Mei Ling nodded quickly.

"I'm the supervisor, Mrs. Tan. We don't have much time, so listen carefully. You'll be in charge of receiving packages at the counter. Ask for the sender's details, check the contents if necessary, and weigh each shipment. Understood?"

"Yes, understood,"-Mei Ling replied, her voice slightly trembling.

"Good. Here's your badge. Put on your uniform and start."

Mei Ling hurried to take her place behind the counter. She barely had time to settle in before the line of customers started moving. Packages came and went, international addresses mixed with unfamiliar names, and her still-clumsy hands struggled to keep up with the register.

Just when she thought she was getting her nerves under control, a young man with lively eyes and a carefree expression approached the counter. He wore a light jacket and had a backpack slung over one shoulder. In his hands, he held a medium-sized package wrapped in brown paper.

"Hi,"-he greeted with a mischievous smile.-"I haven't seen you before."

Mei Ling looked up and met a pair of dark eyes full of mischief.

"It's my first day,"-she responded formally, trying to sound professional.

"Ah, that explains it."-Jian Wei tilted his head slightly.-"In that case, I need you to be very careful with this package. It's extremely delicate... and secret."

Mei Ling frowned and took the package with great care. She examined it closely, feeling a knot in her stomach at the thought of damaging it. Just as she was about to place it on the scale, the adhesive tape suddenly came loose, and the contents rolled onto the counter.

A small plush panda lay exposed for everyone to see.

Jian Wei burst out laughing.

Mei Ling blinked, feeling heat rise to her face. Her jaw tightened as she grabbed the plush toy and firmly pushed it back toward him.

"Was this the ultra-secret package?"

"Of course!"-Jian Wei replied with a charming grin.-"It's a matter of life and death for my sister. If she doesn't receive her monthly dose of plush pandas in Spain, she might collapse."

Jian Wei's laughter was contagious, but Mei Ling was not in the mood.

"I don't have time for jokes,"-she snapped, crossing her arms.

"Wow, you've got a strong character,"-he remarked, leaning on the counter.-"I didn't think you'd take it so seriously."

Before Mei Ling could respond, Mrs. Tan approached, holding back a laugh.

"Jian Wei, stop tormenting the new employees."

"Torment? I just wanted to make her first day more exciting!"-he protested with feigned innocence.

"Don't mind him,"-Mrs. Tan told Mei Ling.-"Jian Wei is a regular customer. He comes every week to send packages to his sister in Madrid."

Mei Ling exhaled slowly, still feeling a bit annoyed.

"So this is serious?"

"Absolutely."-Jian Wei nodded dramatically.-"My sister is studying there and personally entrusted me with maintaining her obsession with pandas."

Mei Ling shook her head and picked up the package again.

"Alright, then give me the address, and you'll need to pay the corresponding fee."

Jian Wei smiled, pleased with her professionalism. He handed over the details and pulled out his wallet. As Mei Ling processed the payment, he continued watching her with curiosity.

"You know, I like you,"-he suddenly said.

"I'm glad you're enjoying bothering me,"-she replied without looking up.

Jian Wei let out a light laugh.

"To make up for it, let me take you out tonight."

Mei Ling looked up, surprised.

"What?"

"Come on, it's been a tough day for you. A bubble tea or something sweet might help you forget it."

Mei Ling eyed him skeptically.

"Do you always ask out the people you tease?"

"Only if they're interesting,"-Jian Wei replied, winking.

Mei Ling hesitated. She hadn't expected an invitation like this, least of all from a guy she had just met-one who had also annoyed her on her first day of work. But there was something about his relaxed yet sincere attitude that made her pause.

"I'll think about it,"-she finally said, handing him his receipt.

Jian Wei took the paper and smiled.

"Then I'll wait for your answer when I stop by tomorrow."

He turned and walked out of the office, leaving Mei Ling with her heart beating faster than usual.

Maybe that first day hadn't been so bad after all.