458: I can't get over that mental hurdle

Hearing what Lin Zifeng said, the two women exchanged a knowing glance. Li Yanran was the first to speak: “Zifeng, Ziyan and I both know we were born in the same year, but neither of us knows the other's exact date of birth.

We both wanted to be the older sister, but we were afraid that having a later birthday would make us the younger sister, which is why we have always called each other by name without asking for the specific date.

Since you brought this up, we should take this opportunity today to determine who is the older sister and who is the younger sister.”

After Li Yanran finished speaking, she turned to look at Wang Ziyan and asked, “Ziyan, what do you think?”

Wang Ziyan nodded and said, “I have no objection. We’ll do as you say. Since Zifeng is here, let him be our witness. Whoever has the earlier birthday is the older sister, and whoever has the later birthday is the younger sister.”

Hearing the conversation between the two women, Lin Zifeng chuckled and said, “I know both your birthdays, but for the sake of fairness, and so you don’t think I’m lying or showing favoritism to one of you, you should still take out your ID cards!

That way, you can see for yourselves; it will be clear right away who is the older sister and who is the younger sister!”

Hearing Lin Zifeng’s suggestion, both women nodded in agreement and got up to retrieve their bags.

The two women retrieved their small personal bags, took out their ID cards, with the national emblem facing up, and handed them to Lin Zifeng.

Lin Zifeng held an ID card in each hand, turning them away from the two women to look. He saw that the dates of birth matched exactly what he already knew.

Seeing the slightly nervous expressions of the two women, he chuckled and placed the two ID cards in front of them.

The two women eagerly picked up the other’s ID card, staring intently at the date of birth.

A few seconds later, Li Yanran broke into a happy smile, looking triumphantly at Wang Ziyan, as if she had won a battle.

Wang Ziyan, however, looked like a deflated balloon, her face filled with reluctance and regret.

It turned out that the two women were not only born in the same year but also in the same month.

However, Li Yanran was born on August 16th, and Wang Ziyan was born on August 29th. Wang Ziyan was less than half a month younger than Li Yanran.

But being younger by even one day still counts as younger! That was why Li Yanran was so happy, and Wang Ziyan was so crestfallen.

“Younger Sister Ziyan, quickly call me 'Older Sister' so I can hear it.”

Li Yanran shook the ID card she held, speaking with a look of smug satisfaction.

Wang Ziyan’s lips moved, and after stewing over it for a while, she finally uttered, “Older Sister Yanran.”

Li Yanran happily acknowledged her. Wang Ziyan, feeling a little wronged, sat back down next to Lin Zifeng. She balled her hands into small fists and pounded his chest a few times in protest before saying, “This is all your fault! If you hadn’t suggested it, how would I have become the younger sister?”

Lin Zifeng reached out and caught Wang Ziyan's small fists, holding her jade-like hands tightly in his. He then gently patted the back of her hand to comfort her: “What’s so bad about being the younger sister?

As the younger sister, you get more affection! Yanran, as the older sister, will also have to take better care of you, her younger sister!

There are many benefits to being the younger sister, so why are you still unhappy?”

Hearing Lin Zifeng’s comfort, Wang Ziyan’s mood improved significantly. Li Yanran sat down on Lin Zifeng's other side and chimed in with a smile, “Zifeng is right, Younger Sister Ziyan.

Besides, it’s just a title. You don’t need to worry about it too much.”

The three of them chatted together like this for over half an hour. Seeing that it was time, Lin Zifeng stood up and said, “I have to go, or I’ll be late for work this afternoon.”

The two women smiled and nodded, then stood up to see Lin Zifeng off at the door. Only after watching Lin Zifeng walk out of the small courtyard did they turn and return to the room.

After sitting down again, Li Yanran spoke up once more: “Ziyan, you should just live here from now on!

You can also go live in the large villa over there anytime; both villas have plenty of rooms anyway.”

Hearing what Li Yanran said, Wang Ziyan replied, “Sister Yanran, we are closer than biological sisters, so I won’t beat around the bush.

I appreciate your kindness. I will stay with you temporarily, but this isn't a long-term solution.

To tell you the truth, if we live together long-term, being with Zifeng while the other person is also in the same residence—I still won’t be able to cross that hurdle in my heart.

I believe you would feel uncomfortable about it too, right?”

Hearing what Wang Ziyan said, Li Yanran nodded subconsciously, then pondered for a moment before asking, “Younger Sister Ziyan, what do you mean then?”

“I will stay here for the time being, but tomorrow I will look for a house and purchase a property in Yushu City.”

Wang Ziyan stated straightforwardly.

Hearing what Wang Ziyan said, Li Yanran offered, “Ziyan, how about this? I’ll buy you a house under the company’s name!”

“No need, Sister Yanran. When I came to Yushu City this time, I sold my small two-bedroom apartment in the Provincial Capital.

Based on the price difference between the two places, I can buy a large three-bedroom apartment in Yushu City and still have some funds left over. So, I appreciate your kind offer.

If I truly run out of money later, are you afraid I won’t ask you for help?

Besides, you set such a high annual salary for me; how could I possibly lack money in the future?”

Wang Ziyan refused logically and reasonably.

Hearing what Wang Ziyan said, Li Yanran nodded and replied, “Alright, I’ll let you have your way. If you need any help, I will send company staff to assist you then.”

“Then I thank Older Sister Yanran in advance,” Wang Ziyan said with a smile.

“There’s no need for politeness between sisters like us; it makes us seem like strangers. Let’s get going!

First, we’ll go to the company to handle your onboarding procedures. Since there’s nothing much going on this afternoon, I’ll go with you to look at houses.

We should call Sister Meijia then. She arrived in Yushu City earlier than either of us. She was in charge of purchasing the branch company’s office building and that large villa.

She is more familiar with all aspects of Yushu City than we are, and she has experience in this area, which will save you a lot of unnecessary trouble.”

Li Yanran stood up after finishing her words.

Wang Ziyan didn't stand on ceremony with Li Yanran, acknowledged her, and stood up as well.

The two women tidied up briefly, then walked out of the villa together. They got into Li Yanran’s car outside the door, and Li Yanran drove out of the neighborhood, heading toward the branch company.

“Sister Yanran, you’ve been in Yushu City for almost two months now, haven’t you? Won't your prolonged absence from the Head Office in The Capital affect its operations?”

“Communication is convenient now. We can hold video conferences, allowing me to remotely direct the Head Office's work.

Furthermore, one reason I’m doing this is to train my younger brother. After this period of training, my younger brother has been performing quite well.

But I should go back to The Capital soon. My mother has called me several times already.

Next week, let’s go back to The Capital together. I’ll take the opportunity to introduce you to how the company operates, and also introduce you, my Special Assistant, to the Head Office executives, so you can get into the swing of things faster.”

Li Yanran said this while driving.

Hearing what Li Yanran said, Wang Ziyan nodded with a smile.