A Change of Situations
Tigress tapped at the keyboard while periodically writing something on her notepad. She chuckled a bit at its blue and purple etchings. "I've got to get Lei Lei her own notepad."
Suddenly, the elevator doors opened to a lumbering panda that walked like a zombie to his own door. His eyes were redder than any jade could cover up, and every muscle in his face ached from the very sight. "Po! Are you okay?" Tigress asked frantically. "You look terrible."
"I'll be fine," Po gurgled out. Even his voice sounded like it had too much mucus in it. But he didn't look sick. "I need to get to work." He opened his door and weakly closed it behind him.
As Tigress tried to focus, her eyes repeatedly looked to the panda's door. She sighed, trying to get the tension in her shoulders out; they always did that when she was worried about something.
Or someone.
Tigress shook her head and refocused on her work only for two people to appear before her. "Tai Lung, Viper. What's wrong?"
"We... need to talk with Po," Tai Lung said.
"About?"
"It's about the financial department. Without someone to head it, the load is piling up," Viper replied. "And we can't really make the sales work without knowing we have something to back it up."
"We're trying our best not to make false claims. Doing the right thing, right?" Tai Lung frowned. Tigress nodded with a similar look at the panda's door. "Is Po in?"
"He is, but... I don't think he wants to see anyone right now. Maybe I can relay your message to him."
"The people at finance are wondering when he's going to hire a new treasurer," Tai Lung sighed, "And they need him to make that decision pronto."
"Especially with the new fiscal year coming up," Tigress murmured.
"I know we should've scheduled a meeting, but it is urgent. Is there any way we can have a quick talk with him?" Viper asked. The tiger pursed her lips, making the snake tilt her head. "Is something wrong?"
"Let me... see if he's available," Tigress answered. She gently knocked on the door and went inside, "Po?" She saw the panda slumped over his dark desk mindlessly staring at the table before him. His writing hand was frozen on the table. The papers looked half-done like he was working and all of a sudden crashed like a computer. Tigress closed the door behind her and walked up to the panda. "Po, what's wrong?"
"It's my eyes?"
"And your whole demeanor."
The black and white bear rubbed his eyes and sighed, "My... ex called me yesterday and... it sent me into a minor panic attack."
"I don't think you can call that minor. You looked like you had seen a ghost."
"Might as well have." Po took a deep breath, exhaling his tension and seemingly his spine. "I freaked out, went to my apartment, and called my aunt and dad to calm me down. But... I..." He slapped his hands over his face. His body shook as he struggled to hold in tears. "I can't do this, Tigress. I... I just-"
He froze when he felt it. Arms were wrapped around his torso. His eyes shot open when he realized their familiar striped fur. One of the arms rose up and gently petted his head. The nerves in Po's spine quieted down to a gentle enough whisper. He could feel his body releasing almost every tension. "Wh... What are you doing?"
"Lei Lei usually feels better when I do this," Tigress said, releasing him. "I only guessed that it might work on... other pandas."
"Yeah," Po chuckled weakly. He paused, taking a deep breath of air. "I guess the stress has been piling up. I'm sorry about freaking out like that. I know it's not very professional of me."
"You need a break," Tigress said firmly. "Not professionalism."
"I know."
"No, you're going to take a break and schedule it."
"Tigress, I-"
"There is no room for argument here," She growled. Po gulped and nodded. He quickly requested off days on the computer and sent it on its way. "There. I hope you feel a little better after your vacation."
"Heh, I'll try," Po smiled.
"Don't try. Do it."
"Uh... okay," Po said a little scared. "Anyway, you wanted to tell me something?"
Tigress's eyes lit up. "Right. Viper and Tai Lung want to know about the future treasurer. The financial department is getting overwhelmed."
Po took a deep breath, "Right. Okay, let them in."
Tigress opened the door and let in Tai Lung, Viper, and- "Mr. Shen? What are you doing here?" Po asked.
"I came to tell you personally what I just told Tai Lung and Viper," Shen replied. "We're receiving a new treasurer this week to help with the overwhelmed financial system."
"That you chose?"
The peacock sighed heavily but gave a smile. "Yes."
"I see," Po said flatly. Tigress's face matched the panda's, though Shen's smile seemed... disarming and... brave?
"His name is Zeng Danxin. I was hoping your schedule was free tomorrow given the... urgency of the financial department... and Marketing."
Po sighed with a weary smile. "I'll see to it. Is that all?" Viper and Tai Lung nodded with an uneasy stare at Po's posture. "Good. I'll interview the person tomorrow."
Shen smiled, nodded, and left the room with Tai Lung and Viper in tow. The door closed behind them. Po groaned and rubbed the sides of his temples. "I'm getting tired of Shen's 'get more money' tactics."
"It... might not be one." Po looked at the tiger. She was curling her fingers over her mouth while crossing her arms in thought. "I... know a Zeng Danxin. He was a financial expert and... BBB certified from what I remember."
"It's probably not the same guy." The panda looked over his vacation dates and sighed, "Well, this is the first time I've been scared into a vacation."
"I'm... only partially sorry."
"No, no, you're right. I need to take a break if I'm going to be dealing with both Kai and Shen."
Tigress nodded. "While you're on vacation, stay with your father."
"Why?"
"Because you need a break from being alone."
"Ouch."
"I didn't mean-."
"No, no, you're right. I just... I hate that I'm going through this."
"But you're going through it. Which means there's an end to it at some point."
Po showed a small smirk, "You and Lei Lei are incredibly smart, you know that?"
"I should get back to work. Are you going to be okay?"
"I'll be fine." The feline walked to the door. "Tigress?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you... for what you did. And what you keep doing," Po grinned widely.
She smiled back. She exited Po's office and collapsed into her chair. "Well... that was a lot." Tigress bit her lip. "I have to start placing boundaries on myself. I can't-" Before more words could come out of her mouth, her phone rang. "Hello?"
"Hey! It's me."
"Song," Tigress relaxed a bit. "How are you?"
"Good, good. I have great news!"
"What's that?"
"I'm dating someone!" Song exclaimed.
Tigress's eyes widened and her mouth dropped. "That's... that's... great! I'm really happy for you. How uh... who is he?"
"Oh he's someone I met on a dating website. Turns out we knew each other in college and started hanging out after school."
"He's a teacher?"
"Oh no, no," Song chuckled, "But he's working at a court's office. He's so sweet and funny. You'd like him."
"He sounds like he has you over the moon," Tigress smiled, gripping her chair arms a little tight.
"He does. I didn't want to mention anything until I was sure, but... since we've been dating for a couple of months, he finally said he wanted to go steady with me."
The tiger chuckled a bit. "I didn't know people still say that."
"He just wanted to be clear on what he meant."
"Which means?"
"I have a boyfriend!" Song sang.
"I'm very glad you're happy."
"Sorry, sorry, I'm just so excited! He's really great, Tigress."
"And you're sure-"
"I'm sure I'm not just in the honeymoon phase. He's still a little devil to me when I do something silly."
"Are you... romantic partners or siblings?"
"Yes," Song laughed.
"Well, I'm glad that you're happy."
"Anyway, how are you doing?" Song asked. Tigress sighed. "That bad, huh?"
"Yeah."
"How is Po holding up?"
"Very... loosely. I... I don't know if I should tell you what's going on in his personal life, but..."
"Just give me the barest details," Song suggested.
"Long-term relationship causes psychological low self-worth."
"Oh! You're talking about his ex-girlfriend who ditched him because she was shallow."
Tigress narrowed her eyes. "How did you-"
"When he was the Cultural Exchange Coordinator, Po came in one day a complete wreck. I remember it was very hard for him."
Tigress leaned on the table. "Song... how well do you know Po?"
"Not as well as you're probably thinking. But I do know some of what he went through."
"You, Viper, and Mei Mei, I assume," Tigress replied. "Why don't I... I've really been unobservant."
"It's easy to get tunnel vision when you're trying to get something. I nor anyone in that office blames you for it."
"Hm."
"Anything else that I should know?" Song asked. Tigress told her about the situation with Shen and what happened between him and Po's aunt. Song laughed loudly over the phone. "I'm sorry, but if Po gets fired, it would have been worth it."
"Yeah, but... it may have affected him. At least that's what Lei Lei said."
"Wait! You let him around Lei Lei?! Why? Wait, was this during the water problem at the school?"
"Yes."
"Oh I am so sorry."
"Actually, she may have said something to make him see a new light. He doesn't do that hungry grin anymore."
"Really?" Song said with genuine surprise. "Wow, I'm missing a lot."
"You're missing a lot of drama, not a lot of good stuff."
"But still a lot."
Tigress rolled her eyes. "I'll talk to you later. I have to get back to work."
"Alright, see you later."
Tigress hung up the phone and sighed. Song now had a boyfriend. The tiger glanced at the framed picture on her desk of her and Lei Lei smiling at the camera.
If only there was a male figure in there.
"Why is it so hard to find a good man?" Tigress muttered. She thought about what Song said about finding fish.
Maybe she just needed to keep looking.
A few days later, Po came into the office, taking a deep breath. "Good morning Mr. Po." Said someone amongst the sea of cubicles. The panda waved, smiled, and continued on his way wearing his bluish suit. He kept brushing his hand over and over the red tie.
"I wonder if she'll notice. Urk, Po. Stop it. It doesn't matter if she notices," He muttered to himself. As he walked to his door, he noticed the tiger at her desk. She wasn't working on anything in particular, just staring at a blank part of the floor. "Is something wrong, Tigress?"
"Huh? Oh nothing. Just... thinking." She pensively fidgeted her foot against the ground.
"Are you sure? Because-" before Po could ask, his phone rang. Looking at the number, he sighed. "Never mind. I have to take this call. I'll talk to you later."
"Okay," Tigress absentmindedly replied. After opening and closing the door, Po took the call.
"Hey, Peng, what's up?"
"Uh... did you talk with one of the board members?"
"Not... recently. Why?"
"Because all the missing money has been paid in full."
Po's eyes stretched vastly. "What? When?"
"Sometime around yesterday, I started noticing large deposits to make up for the deficit. It seems like the person was trying to pay off the missing money."
"Do you know where it came from?"
"Yes... Shen."
"WHAT?!"
Knock, Knock, Knock!
"Uhh come in."
"Are you okay?" Tigress asked, scanning the room to make sure the panda wasn't in physical danger.
"Yes, yes, I'm okay. Just... got some very weird news. Heh, heh." Po chuckled shyly. The tiger slowly nodded and closed the door. "Wait, so Shen gave back the money he took."
"Yeah, but I don't know if we have to search you guys. Since it is repaid, we don't have to do anything and since there was no official investigation yet, it's out of our hands. But it would be on you to fire the person for their actions."
"Firing a board member," Po sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Why is this so difficult?"
"I'm sorry, Po."
"It's okay. So what do we do now?"
"I don't know, really. Of course, Shen wasn't the only person that we have to look out for. I've started noticing some interesting activities with Kai."
"One psycho at a time, please?" Just then, another knock came at the door. "I'll call you back." Hanging up the phone, Po opened the door to see a familiar bird and guardian wolf.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything important," said the peafowl.
"No, no, come in, Mr. Shen. Please."
"Stay here, Qiang. I'll be quick." Shen politely ordered. The wolf nodded and crossed his arms. Po and Shen walked into the panda's office and both took seats facing each other.
Shen relaxed back into the comfy chair that was more of a small recliner. "Ms. Tigress heard you shout earlier. Is everything alright?"
"I'm fine. I'm fine. Just... received some surprising news."
"It wouldn't have anything to do with the financial records being restored?" Shen smirked.
Po paused, eying the peacock up and down. "What did you do?"
"I restored them. Put the money back where it belongs."
"Why?"
"Because... I don't need it."
"I... don't understand why-"
"Po, you don't have to play dumb with me," Shen smiled, a bit warmer than Po was used to. "I know you know about the money troubles I caused. That's why you fired Song."
Po took a pause. He scanned the peacock's white suit up and down, trying to find any sign of deception. But everything seemed genuine. Shen even broke his usual purely white outfit with a black tie. The panda took a sigh, "It wasn't entirely, but I wanted to clear the board before I started my attack. But... why the change?"
Shen took a deep breath, looking away for a brief moment before speaking. "Honestly, I thought money could secure me from my fears: Homelessness, pain, danger, etc. I only realized after Ayi that my... money obsession caused these fears to become a reality."
"How are you homeless?"
"Because my large house has never felt like a home."
"Wow... I... didn't think you were poetic," Po chuckled lightly.
The peacock smiled, "I am from time to time." He stood up and strolled over to the large window in the back of Po's office. He scanned the entire city, mapping out little strange features in the normally blocky skyscraper land. Of those features were churches that stood forever, parks with kids and parents playing, and small restaurants that were the center of their community.
Their home.
Something he hadn't had in a while.
"It seems," Shen said after his reflection, "that in my efforts for stability, I've forgotten the one thing I wanted more than anything that money can't buy."
"What's that?"
"A fulfilling life," The peacock chuckled as he returned to his seat. "And I've noticed that pandas keep breaking my worldview."
"Me and My aunt."
"And surprisingly, Tigress's child."
"Lei Lei?"
"You'd be surprised how wise a simple child could be."
"Yeah," Po smiled a bit. "I can see that."
"I've realized how... off my life has been. How much I haven't enjoyed any part of it. I've lived for the sake of getting more money or even more possessions. It took a child to remind me when I used to enjoy life," Shen sighed, looking Po straight in the eye. "I returned the money I stole because I don't need it to be happy."
"I spoke with the Feds about it. I'm not sure if there will be any consequences for what you did. But jail time isn't off the table," Po said honestly.
"I know. But I'm willing to pay for what I did. And in the meantime, I'll enjoy my life," The peacock smiled widely. Po noticed it was vastly different from his normal hungry leer.
His smile felt content.
"You've defeated me, Po."
"I... don't think I was the one to defeat you," Po nervously chuckled. Shen smiled and got up to leave. "But you're not the only thorn in my side."
"What do you mean?"
Po rubbed the back of his neck. "You think Kai can turn over a new leaf like you?"
"HA!" Shen scoffed and fell back into his seat. "You have a better chance of a meteor farting rainbow-colored pixie dust."
"Wait, I know that saying. That's from my aunt!"
"I have known her longer," Shen smirked.
"Why is he like this?" Po asked. "Oogway wasn't."
"Actually, when they started in the company, Oogway and Kai were the same when it came to their mannerisms."
"Really?" Po opened his eyes and dropped his head.
"I understand your disbelief, but my parents have been a part of this company before I took over, remember? I got to see a side of Oogway that you nor anyone younger than me on this floor did. Trust me. They were the same."
"I'm sorry I just... can't imagine him being that way."
"And I'm sure you couldn't imagine seeing me smile like I wasn't hungry or going to eat people."
Po narrowed his eyes. "Who-"
"Lei Lei."
"Ah ha ha! She's very honest sometimes."
"Blunt is the word," Shen smiled then sighed. "Kai is just... power hungry."
"And Oogway was the same? What changed Oogway?"
"I don't know. Time I guess. But time has only made Kai more of what Oogway isn't. It's puzzling," the bird sighed. "After his change, Oogway and my parents usually kept Kai's motives in check."
"Until you came along and it was too much to handle for Oogway," Po guessed.
"Yes. I see now why Oogway chose you, though," Shen smirked. "You're the only one who's brave enough to go against us."
"But now that you're not worried about getting more money, what about-"
"That's where Zeng comes in. He's a financial expert. Takes his work seriously. And certified by the BBB."
"Why hire him?"
"I'm trying not to use money to make me feel secure anymore. Starting with this. And honestly, people need to know that their money is safe with the company."
Po gave a great sigh. "Wow, that's uh... a lot. So what do I do with Kai, then? Have my dad come into the office? You know, panda-theme 'change'."
Shen gently laughed, "I don't think it will have the same effect. Kai told me that after Oogway changed, the two have been fighting ever since. I think Kai thought with Oogway out of the way, he could finally get what he wants."
"Which is?"
"Power. More companies for his monopoly. I don't even know what he wants to do with it," Shen explained.
"I guess we'll have to keep our eyes open," Po replied. The peacock nodded. "Well, it was nice hearing from you, Mr. Shen."
"Of course, Mr. Ping... Um... also," The bird awkwardly cleared his throat. "I can... try getting more info on what makes Kai tick... if you do something for me." Po narrowed his eyes into a scowl. "It's not money-related. It's... something else."
He told Po.
"WHAATT!"
The door swung open with Qiang and Tigress quickly storming in. "What happened?! I heard shouting." Qiang barked.
"It's nothing! It's nothing," Shen grumbled, covering his face with his wing. "Ugh... Po was just... overreacting."
"Heh, sorry," Po sheepishly grinned. "I'll see what I can do." The peacock groaned with a small tint in his cheeks before leaving the office. Closing the door behind them, Tigress rose an eyebrow while crossing her arms.
"What was that about?"
"It's nothing. I'll tell you some other time." His chuckle quickly disappeared. "But what about you? You've been antsy. Is something wrong?"
Tigress pursed her lips and looked away. "It's... um..."
"It's okay if you don't want to tell me. I'm just a little worried."
"Actually, no... I just... I want to cash in on that huge favor from you."
Po widened his eyes. "By... doing what?"
Continued...
