Old Flames, New Beginnings?

Two years later, Feng Shuchuan broke up with his girlfriend. The big fight they had in the office before their breakup caused quite a stir in the company. In the initial days, everyone looked at him with sympathy. A few colleagues who were close to him invited him out for dinner after work, but he declined each time.

I could deeply empathize with his feelings, so I neither consoled him nor showed any overt signs of it. Three days later, he messaged me on MSN: "Take me out to dinner tonight." I was surprised for a moment but hurriedly agreed. For an entire month, I treated him to meals.

We dined together, visiting almost all the specialty shops in the city. We talked and chatted like longtime friends, yet we never discussed our feelings. Gradually, I stopped shutting myself off, and those memories began to fade.

Three years after parting ways with Wen Xicheng, I finally acknowledged a fact. Wen Xicheng is just Wen Xicheng—a gentle man loved by many, a handsome man who doesn't know how to refuse women. It's not surprising that I am infatuated with him, but he wouldn't change from being a prince just because an ordinary girl named Xia Tian is in love with him. He hasn't changed; it's me who has lost my senses. In reality, I haven't lost anything; it's just a heartbreak, nothing more.

More than two months ago, Feng Shuchuan confessed to me.

At that moment, we stood beneath the apartment building, the moon a mere crescent glimmering among the dappled shadows cast by the surrounding trees. A gentle smile graced his face. I said, "There's someone in my heart I haven't forgotten." He took my hand and gently squeezed my fingers, replying, "Why forget? Some things and some people should be remembered for a lifetime. Those memories, whether beautiful or sad, are invaluable treasures in our lives."

"I don't mind you keeping a small treasure box in your heart to safely store them, but life goes on. We need to breathe, breathe happily. Xia Tian, my happiness now lies with you. With your kindness, how could I bear to refuse you? Be my girlfriend!"

After more than four years together, Feng Suchuan has been both a mentor and a friend to me. I trust and rely on him; his words have gradually unraveled the knots in my heart. Indeed, why should I forget? Xia Tian will never forget the young man who caused her heartache, but she must strive to breathe happily!

One day after we got together, I thought about Feng Suchuan leaving his job for his first love and recalled his answer, feeling a twinge of displeasure. At that time, he smiled and hugged me, saying, "Isn't there someone to shield you from the wind and rain? I just want us to be together!" Honestly, I've never fully grasped his words. I sense that Feng Suchuan is someone sensitive in love; perhaps he too has a little treasure box in his heart, filled with precious memories that he cherishes yet is unwilling to touch!

Wen Xicheng is back. As I typed this on MSN and sent it to Liu NiYi, I felt my fingers tremble. Soon, Liu NiYi replied with a single word: "Busy!" I closed the chat window, staring blankly at a stack of bidding documents.

After earning her master's degree, Liu NiYi followed Huang Xiaoshuai to Changchun, where she joined a relatively good design firm, but she has honestly been very busy.

She works overtime every day, and when urgent projects arise, she truly feels overwhelmed. She has complained to me numerous times about how tired she is of this life, expressing a desire to work at a foreign company like I do. She mentions that she doesn't want to stay in Changchun because it's too cold and that her skin has become rough.

I advised her to come find me, but she said she couldn't bear to leave Huang Xiaoshuai. I asked her if she truly still loved him.

She replied that he is her first love, and she can't leave him. Each time we discuss this topic, I feel an urge to scratch at the walls; of course, I'd rather strangle her!

After more than half an hour, Liu NiYi's avatar started flashing. "When did he come back? Did he contact you?" 

"You won't believe what happened; he came to our company. Ni Zi, Wen Xicheng is now my coworker, and I will have to interact with him often!!!" 

Three exclamation marks echoed on my keyboard, reflecting my shock and anger.

After a moment of silence, Liu NiYi responded in the chat box, "Do you still love him? If your manager weren't in the way and he came back ready to start over with you, would you accept him?" I stared at the computer screen, my thoughts spiraling into chaos. After a long pause, I replied, "No." 

"Well, that's fine. Take your time to adjust. You can already hide your feelings now. Tell yourself ten thousand times that you're not sad, and you really won't be sad." 

I smiled, "You really are becoming more philosophical; I suppose being loved by two men can help a person mature." 

"I've submitted my resignation report and will come find you in a few days."

I was surprised. "Can you really bear to leave your little shuai?" 

"Of course, you must let go to gain anything. As you said, if we are truly each other's better halves, time and distance shouldn't matter." 

I sighed, "Do you want me to say you're open-minded or self-deceiving?"

"Don't say anything; while we're young, let's be reckless just once!" 

"I pray for you!"

The morning meeting was rescheduled to ten o'clock because the boss had an engagement. I remained seated at the back of the large conference room, while Feng Suchuan occupied a seat next to the boss, with Wen Xicheng beside him. 

Once everyone had arrived, the boss signaled for silence. 

"First, let me introduce our new colleague, the manager of the design department, Wen Xicheng."

He is a master's student from the Department of Architecture at Columbia University in the United States, possessing extensive theoretical and practical experience. His diverse architectural theory papers have received widespread acclaim in the industry. Let's welcome him to the team!"

After the applause, Wen Xicheng smiled slightly and said, "Thank you."

Those two simple words left everyone momentarily at a loss for words, prompting the boss to clear his throat and announce, "Alright, let's begin the meeting."

I lowered my head just before Wen Xicheng spoke, but that smile still unexpectedly caught my eye. It wasn't the gentle smile I remembered; it wasn't sad or lonely either. It seemed like an empty gesture; his expression was indifferent, and his gaze calm yet vacant, as if obscuring an endless depth while also being utterly hollow. 

I realized that over the years, I wasn't the only one who had learned to conceal. The once frail boy had grown considerably stronger, and while time had not significantly marked his face, the emotions reflected in those eyes were now beyond my comprehension. 

Everything had changed; the past had suddenly faded away. A gentle, resonant voice filled my ears, speaking at a measured pace, delivering a few precise and capable sentences, far removed from the spoiled and petulant tone I once remembered.

I curled my lips into a smile, took a deep breath, and looked up. I first encountered Feng Suchuan's questioning gaze.

I blinked and shook my head, then shifted my gaze to the man beside Wen Xicheng, who was also looking at me intently. Before Wen Xicheng could respond, I returned his smile calmly.

I believe I will eventually adapt; Wen Xicheng has returned, but we are no longer in the same place.

After a busy day, just before leaving work, Song Ying messaged me on MSN, "There's a welcome dinner for the new manager tonight; please inform your department."

I glanced over at Feng Suchuan's office and replied, "Our manager is out with the boss and hasn't returned."

"I called him; he said to just join the second dinner."

"After work, you and the other girl from your team will take our boss's car; customs and internal audit will ride with me." 

"Why do we have to take his car? We can take a taxi." 

"What taxi? I borrowed a company car; it doesn't fit everyone. His car just happens to have space for you. I've given you a great opportunity to get closer to a handsome guy, so don't be so pretentious!" 

I was speechless, silently cursing that Song Ying would gain weight from eating too many cherry tomatoes!

After work, I sat in the office for a while, then left with Cheng Cheng and Xiao Yang. They waited outside while I went in to find Wen Xicheng. The office door was open, and as I approached, he stood up just in time. When he saw me, he seemed momentarily taken aback, a fleeting glimmer of surprise flashing in his eyes. 

In that moment, my heart ached slightly, and I hazily recalled the boy who had made me so concerned. 

"Ready to go?" After putting on his coat, he looked at me, his eyes now devoid of emotion. 

I nodded. "So busy right after arriving?" 

He took the car keys and walked over, waiting for me to exit before turning off the lights and saying, "Let's familiarize ourselves with the materials first." 

We chatted casually like ordinary colleagues. Once in the car, I sat in the passenger seat.

Before starting the engine, he looked at me and said softly, "I'm not very familiar with the roads; let me know in advance when we need to turn." 

I nodded and replied, "Sure." 

He pressed his lips together and continued, "Remember to tell me in advance." 

I felt a bit embarrassed and softly said, "I'm not directionally challenged anymore." 

Wen Xicheng didn't respond. As he turned on the headlights and made a U-turn, I clearly saw the corners of his mouth lift slightly. This time, I could feel that he was indeed smiling. No matter what had happened between us, facing such a smile from him made my heart ache and stirred an absurd thought in me to help him keep that smile.

Noticing my inner unease, I turned to look out the window. The streetlights glowed in the night, shining like countless stars, extending endlessly into the distance. The moonlight was serene, and gradually, my heart found its peace. After a long silence, Cheng Cheng cautiously spoke from the back seat, "Manager Wen, we've passed two intersections."

Upon hearing her words, I immediately looked around. Realizing we had indeed missed the turn, my face scrunched up in distress. I turned to Wen Xicheng and awkwardly scratched my head, saying, "I wasn't paying attention; let's turn around at the next intersection." Wen Xicheng pursed his lips and smiled, his eyes shining brightly. The gentle expression on his face in the moonlight made my heart skip a beat, reminiscent of my university days when every time I took the wrong route, he would laugh joyfully, as if I had done something incredibly amusing.

I thought those memories had gradually faded from my mind, but unexpectedly, just a smile pulled me into deep contemplation.

Having taken the wrong route, we arrived at the hotel's private room to find everyone already there. I sat down next to Wen Xicheng, with the other two girls beside me. Once we started eating, everyone began to toast Wen Xicheng.

Many of the design engineers were older than him and weren't particularly careful with their words. I observed for a while and noticed they all carefully prepared their cups, taking turns to toast. It seemed to me that it would be difficult for Wen Xicheng to stand up and leave.

Wen Xicheng had always been generous with alcohol, accepting every drink offered; the atmosphere gradually heated up. I knew his alcohol tolerance; he could easily handle eight taels of baijiu. So, seeing him drink only a little over three taels, I didn't worry much and joked and laughed with the others.

When they urged me to toast, I noticed Wen Xicheng's face had turned pale.

My heart tightened as I put down my wine glass and looked at him. "Are you okay?" I asked. 

He smiled and shook his head, signaling me to pick up my glass, then poured himself a full cup—one of those two and a half tael cups. After filling it with baijiu, he turned to me with a gentle gaze, his eyes slightly misty. We clinked glasses lightly, and as his lips moved to utter a few words, he tilted his head back and drank it down. 

Amidst polite applause, he stood up, smiled at everyone, and turned to leave the private room, using the chair for support. 

I slowly lowered my head, holding my wine glass. My eyes reddened and lashes dampened as I took a big gulp of baijiu, and after a fit of coughing, tears finally streamed down. 

What he had just said was clear to me: he said, "I'm sorry!" 

He had sent those three words to He Zifei in an email years ago, but it was not until four years later that he spoke them to me in person. In this setting, using the act of toasting among colleagues to express it, all I felt in my heart was pain—for him, for myself, and for our once beautiful love! 

I couldn't decipher what it meant for him to say those three words to me now, but for me, it truly meant to… 

bring closure to the past. 

It turned out that all I wanted was just that one sentence!

When Wen Xicheng returned, he looked exceptionally pale. Sitting next to him, I could clearly see the fine beads of cold sweat on his forehead, prompting me to ask a waiter for a cup of hot water. 

When I handed it to him, he said, "Thank you." 

I smiled back and replied, "You're welcome." 

He pressed his lips together and lowered his eyelids, his long lashes concealing the emotions beneath, though they trembled faintly. I averted my gaze, maintaining a smile on my face. I had mastered the art of masking sadness! 

After dinner, everyone walked to the KTV next to the hotel. I was pulled along by Song Ying, who walked ahead while Wen Xicheng lingered at the back, chatting with a few colleagues from the design department. While waiting for the elevator, I glanced back; he was smiling slightly with his head down, looking gentle yet distant. We were only a few steps apart, but between us lay an invisible wall, severing our connection. 

Not long after entering the private room, my phone rang. Seeing the name flashing on the screen, I pressed my lips together and smiled, standing up to step outside. As I closed the door, I caught a glimpse of a pair of dark eyes in the corner, filled with sorrow, and my heart trembled slightly as I shut the door. 

In the empty hallway, I whispered, "When are you coming over?" 

The man on the other end chuckled lightly before asking, "Are there no colleagues around?" 

I looked around and replied, "No." 

Feng Suchuan's voice was somewhat languorous, deep, and alluring. "Don't we sound like underground operatives from the war against Japan?" 

Hearing the playful tone, I laughed and said, "Have you had too much to drink?" 

"Yeah, a bit. I won't come over later. Just tell Manager Wen and Song Ying that I'll treat everyone again in a couple of days." 

I quietly acknowledged him, feeling a strange discomfort at the mention of "Manager Wen." After a brief pause, Feng Suchuan raised his voice, calling, "What are you doing?

"You seem distracted even while on the phone!" 

I was taken aback. "Huh? What did you just say?" 

He sighed, "I said I'd call you after this ends; I'll come to pick you up." 

"No need; you should head home early and rest after drinking. I can take a cab." 

"You're such a sensible girl. Be careful getting home tonight." 

"Okay, goodbye!"

After hanging up the phone, I let out a small sigh of relief. Honestly, I felt fortunate that Feng Suchuan was absent; I wasn't sure I could handle this gathering in my current state. Moreover, he didn't even know that my first love was Wen Xicheng, and I hadn't figured out how to tell him.

This thought weighed on me, and I grew somewhat glum, kicking the white wall behind me with my heel, contemplating how to phrase things so that the three of us could coexist peacefully at work. By "peacefully," I didn't mean I was worried about them fighting; rather, I hoped it wouldn't be too awkward when we were all together.

But what a difficult task that would be! Since ancient times, encounters between old flames and new loves have been a source of turmoil. Yet, this was something I would have to face every day. It felt as if the heavens were placing a heavy burden upon me; after all, why the torment in my heart?

If Liu Ni Yi ever dares to say that the most tragic thing in the world is being loved by two outstanding men and not knowing how to choose, I swear I'll slap her with tofu. Compared to my situation, those dilemmas could easily be dismissed as happiness!

After kicking the wall until a small gray flower marked my impact, I stood up straight and turned to see a tall figure at the corner of the corridor—more specifically, a figure I knew all too well.

After a brief pause, I walked over and looked up at the man's pale face, softly asking, "What are you doing out here?" 

Wen Xicheng had his hands in his pockets, leaning slightly against the wall, tilting his head to look at me.

His eyes were a deep, dark hue, slightly reddened from the alcohol. After moistening his dry lips, he said in a hoarse voice, "I just drank a bit too much and needed some fresh air."

I replied softly, "Well, I'll head back inside then."

He didn't respond, and after taking a couple of steps, I heard him call out to me. "Is the boyfriend you mentioned Feng Suchuan?"

I didn't turn around and simply answered, "Yeah."

"I remember he was the one who interviewed you back then."

Frowning, I turned to look at him, but he only lowered his gaze, his long eyelashes fluttering gently. "Yes."

Wen Xicheng replied quietly, choosing to remain silent afterward. I watched him for a moment, and as I was about to leave, I softly said, "The company doesn't allow employees to date, so I hope you can keep this a secret." After a brief pause, I added, "Of course, if it gets out, it's no big deal. I'll just resign."

It wasn't until I sat back down on the sofa in the private room and took a huge gulp of beer that I exhaled deeply. I felt a twinge of regret, acknowledging that my last remark had been somewhat intentionally provocative. He had given up on our love without any chance for me, and I wanted him to know that I wasn't that fragile. I was willing to give up everything for my loved one. I wanted him to understand just how foolish his past arrogance had been!

Yet, as my emotions settled down, I didn't feel the slightest bit of satisfaction; instead, I found it all quite boring. Particularly when I saw the increasingly unpleasant expression on his face upon returning, I thought about how immature I really was. I should have known that seeing him upset wouldn't make me happy; it instead stirred up those buried feelings in my heart that I preferred to avoid—heartache!

By the end of the night, it was nearly midnight.

Everyone had consumed quite a bit, and the company's car had taken away some of the intoxicated male colleagues and those female colleagues living further away. In the end, only Song Ying, Wen Xicheng, and I remained.

"Xia Tian, Manager Wen, my husband is coming soon. Shall I ask him to give you a ride home?" Song Ying inquired.

Wen Xicheng and I both shook our heads simultaneously. He paused, remaining silent, and I said, "No need. You don't live in the same direction as me; I can easily get a taxi."

Wen Xicheng smiled slightly and said, "I don't live far from Xia Tian; I'll take her back. Thank you!"

I glanced at him and said to Song Ying, "Okay, it's fine for Manager Wen to take me back. Your husband has arrived, so you should go."

When I referred to him as "Manager Wen," his expression clearly stiffened.

After Song Ying left, I turned to Wen Xicheng and asked, "Your place isn't far from mine? I remember it taking at least half an hour to drive from Jinghe Apartment to where I rent, and that's only if we take the elevated road."

Wen Xicheng touched his nose, smiled, and walked to the roadside, saying, "I'll call for a taxi." 

I helplessly followed him.

When we arrived downstairs at my apartment building, Wen Xicheng exited the car with me and even instructed the taxi driver to leave. 

I hesitated, contemplating whether to invite him up, when he said, "Let's walk for a bit." 

I nodded lightly; we indeed needed to talk.

We found a gazebo in the community to sit down. He looked at me, then took off his coat, handed it to me, and said, "It's getting cold; be careful not to catch a chill." 

I hesitated for a moment, then took it and draped it over myself, saying, "Thank you." 

Wen Xicheng pressed his lips together; his smile was so faint it was nearly invisible. He rested his hands on his knees, slightly hunched over, and looked down at the ground. The cold moonlight shone on him, casting an indescribable loneliness.

After a long silence, I finally broke it by saying, "Say something; I know you have something to share with me."

Wen Xicheng lifted his head slightly, his hair damp and sticking softly to his forehead, perhaps due to the dim light. I caught a glimpse of the familiar sadness and loneliness in his eyes. But when I blinked, he had already shifted his gaze, staring quietly into the distance without speaking. I took a deep breath and continued, "If you won't say it, then I'll ask. How is your fiancée?" My voice was low yet cold; I felt no warmth at all. Three years had passed, and saying this made my heart ache. I thought I was being cruel, both to him and to myself, but this was the question I had most wanted to ask him for three years.

Wen Xicheng tightened his lips, a slight tremor evident in his eyes. I stared at him without blinking; the lines of his profile had become much more defined than four years ago, more charming, yet my heart no longer wavered. After a long silence, he said, "I'm not engaged."

I felt my heart lurch suddenly; that kind of pain was suffocating. I fixed my gaze on him. "So, you were lying to me three years ago?"

He shook his head, then nodded slightly.

I turned my face away to look elsewhere. "What do you mean? I don't understand. Wen Xicheng, you owe me an explanation—one that should have been given three years ago."

It was quiet around us; only our slightly unsteady breathing broke the silence. Wen Xicheng remained silent, and my heart gradually settled into this stifling quiet. When a gust of wind blew, I took off his coat and handed it back. "If you don't want to say anything, then forget it. Actually, this explanation doesn't mean much now; after more than a thousand days, I no longer care. I don't understand why you came back to the country and ended up in the same company as me. Now, I'll just treat it as a coincidence; we are colleagues, and of course, also classmates."

"We will have a lot of interactions at work in the future. I will try my best to control my emotions, and I hope you can do the same. I know it might be a bit awkward or uncomfortable at first, but we will gradually adapt. I'll leave now; you should head back soon, too."

I had never imagined that I would say such words to Wen Xicheng. Once, I was so afraid of making him sad, so earnest in my desire to give him warmth and soothe the sadness in his eyes, hoping to bring him a bit of happiness. But if the person I was back then met the person I am now, I would undoubtedly hate myself. Yet this change was beyond my control. After loving someone wholeheartedly and then being cruelly abandoned, the defenses I had constructed became absurd; that love had long since morphed into something else. I didn't want to hate him, fearing it would tarnish my own sincerity, but resentment had taken root. The closer I got, the more I wanted to lash out, almost losing myself.

So, I wanted to escape quickly; after all, I didn't want to hurt him.

He never picked up the coat, his gaze gradually drifting from the distance back to the ground, his face revealing no emotion. I placed his suit on the bench and was about to get up when I heard him softly call out, "Xia Tian." I turned, surprised to see a faint smile on his face, his expression gentle, his eyes clear and pure, reminiscent of the boy from my memories. I couldn't help but feel a bit dazed.

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as he asked, "Are we still friends? Can you still see me as a brother? Like Zi Fei and Jiang Yang?"

I thought my expression must have looked blank; my mind couldn't process his sudden question. I swallowed hard and replied, "What are you talking about?" In the moonlight, his long eyelashes fluttered gently, his eyes shining brightly in the night, full of sincerity. He took a deep breath, softly exhaled, and repeated, "Xia Tian, can I still be your brother?"

I could hear the tremor in his voice, and I saw the hope—and a hint of desperation—in his eyes. After a long silence, my vision began to blur. Rubbing my eyes, I reached out and patted his shoulder, saying, "Of course!"

Perhaps the feeling of infatuation was gone, but the heartache had long since become a habit. No matter what had happened between us, regardless of who was right or wrong in the past, Xia Tian remained the same unremarkable Xia Tian. Faced with Wen Xicheng's pitifully pleading eyes, I still couldn't bring myself to refuse!

Wen Xicheng and I transitioned from being brothers to lovers in our fourth year, and four years later, we became brothers again. When I told Liu Niyi about this, she echoed my words verbatim, "Do you want me to say you're open-minded, or are you just deceiving yourself?" But I couldn't be as carefree as she was; I just stared at the computer screen and smiled bitterly. What else could I do?

To regard Wen Xicheng as a stranger or an ordinary colleague would truly be self-deception!

Since he can hide all his emotions and is willing to engage in a way that makes everyone comfortable, what reason do I have not to cooperate? After all, we share so many memories and mutual friends.

There was a time when I watched Wen Xicheng switch to a bright smile, and it would hurt my heart, but now I no longer feel the need to delve into the hidden meanings behind it. When he smiles, I genuinely believe he is happy, and in this regard, Wen Xicheng is undeniably a master. I think our interactions will be much easier.

At noon, Song Ying dragged me to the cafeteria. I was somewhat reluctant because I knew what she wanted to discuss with me. 

"Xia Tian, I've decided to abandon the previous plan." 

I feigned disinterest and looked at her, saying, "What plan?" 

Song Ying shot me a glare. "The scheme you came up with to make our manager uncomfortable so he couldn't stand the pressure and left." 

I tilted my head, "Did I say that?"

If you want to give up, that's fine." 

She looked taken aback. "That's it?" 

"That's it." 

"What's wrong with you? Are you sick? Why do you look so down?" 

"No, maybe I just didn't sleep well last night. Why did you decide to give up the plan?" I quickly shifted the topic, fearing she would inquire about my lack of sleep. 

Song Ying lowered her voice and said, "I realized he's my type—no, he's super cute! He's suave and courteous to everyone, has a particularly gentle voice, and is a bit shy. Most importantly, he's so handsome, like a prince! And his car is actually called 'Don't Touch Me'! Oh my God, I really want to pounce on him and touch his beautiful face and that flashy 760. Xia Tian, let me tell you, if I weren't two years older than him, I'd definitely have a passionate affair!" 

Song Ying's little round face was flushed red, reminiscent of two large apples in autumn. I scratched the chair under the table and, after a moment of silence, said, "Too bad you're two years older than him." 

I admit it's not very decent, but just imagining chubby Song Ying drooling over Wen Xicheng makes my heart ache. 

Back in the office, the business department brought over a bid document for a Mercedes 4S store project scheduled to bid in a week. I glanced at the brand requirements and technical parameters; they were quite high-end, and many materials were not ones we typically used. Noticing that no one was in Feng Shuchuan's office, I took the bid document and went in. 

Feng Shuchuan saw me enter and stood up to close the blinds. My face flushed for a moment, feeling a bit guilty, as if I were doing something wrong. "Why do you also look exhausted? Did you finish late yesterday?" He leaned against the desk and pinched my cheek, his voice a bit hoarse. 

I dodged his hand, turned around, and placed the bid document on the table. "You know how those people in the design department can be.

He shrugged and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his forehead. "Tell Song Ying I'm treating on Friday, and let the engineering department know as well. The more people, the merrier. You can pick the place for dinner and karaoke."

I looked at him and said, "How much did you drink yesterday? Your face still hasn't recovered."

Feng Shuchuan supported his forehead while glancing at the bid document. "I had foreign liquor; the aftereffects are too strong. By the way, how's the new design department manager?"

My heart sank a bit. "What do you mean by how?"

Feng Shuchuan frowned and looked at me. "In every aspect—how's the compatibility, work ability, and all that."

I paused to think and replied, "He should be easy to get along with; after all, he's a hotshot overseas returnee. What problems could he have with work ability?"

Feng Shuchuan stroked his chin and chuckled lightly. "Why do I feel like you have a high opinion of him? Did he pour you red wine yesterday?"

I pursed my lips, steeled myself, and said, "No, focus on your work; I'm leaving."

Feng Shuchuan stifled a laugh as he handed me the bid document. "Xia Supervisor, did you forget your main reason for coming here? You just wanted to see me, didn't you? A little selfishness there, huh?"

I felt my intelligence plummet in front of Feng Shuchuan. After accepting the bid document, I replied glumly, "The equipment and materials aren't standard brands; should we have the business department handle some public relations?"

He wiped the smile off his face and said, "Contact the design department to see if they can optimize the plan. That way, it'll be easier for the business department to manage public relations."

I nodded, but as I stood up, I recalled a recent rumor circulating in the company and asked, "There's talk about promoting someone from the managerial level to vice president. Is it true?"

Feng Shuchuan casually adjusted his cufflinks and replied, "Hmm."

"I also heard it might be you. Is that credible?" 

Feng Shuchuan looked up at me and smiled. "When did you start caring about such gossip? Until there's an official appointment letter, anyone could be in line, even you!" 

I rolled my eyes at him, placing my hands on his desk and locking eyes with him. "You're just teasing me; I don't feel like your girlfriend at all!" 

He held my chin and pinched it, looking quite pleased. "Why do you say that?" 

I snorted, freeing myself from his grasp and standing tall. "You figure it out. I'm leaving now." 

He stood up, leaned over, and grabbed my arm, laughing, "Don't be so sensitive. Be good. Let me work in peace so I can get off early. I'll confess to you during dinner tonight, okay?" 

I made a face and smiled as I walked away. 

Back at my seat, I flipped through the technical bid again and organized a list of commonly used brands to take to the design department.

The door to Wen Xicheng's office was closed, and the blinds were drawn. I first approached Song Ying's desk; she was engrossed in an American drama. I tapped her shoulder, and her little chubby hand quickly clicked the mouse, switching the screen to a CAD drawing. I stifled a laugh, waiting for her to turn around.

"Are you trying to give me a heart attack? You scared me to death!" Song Ying exclaimed quietly, patting her chest.

I patted her head and peered into the small office, asking, "Is anyone inside?"

Song Ying continued clicking on the drama and replied, "Yes."

"Who?"

"We... Manager."

"That's obvious. I meant, are there any others?"

She turned to glare at me. "You didn't ask that just now. Want me to go slow-mo for you?"

I gave her a light slap and casually closed the PPS. As I walked toward Wen Xicheng's office, I could hear her low curses behind me.

After knocking and receiving a response, I walked in.

Wen Xicheng was busy at the computer, and when he heard me, he looked up and smiled—a gentle smile with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

"Hi! Are you busy?" I asked as I walked over and took a seat.

He shook his head, saved the document, and looked at me. "I didn't see you in the cafeteria at noon?"

"What time did you go?" 

"12:30."

I laughed, "I finished eating a long time ago. Were there still any dishes left when you went that late?"

He pressed his fingers against his forehead and smiled. "There was only soup left." His soft voice held a familiar tone.

I cleared my throat and said, "So what did you eat? You didn't skip your meal, did you?"

He pointed to a loaf of bread on the table and said, "Song Ying helped me buy it, and there's milk too."

I propped my chin on my hand and murmured, "She does seem quite proactive."

Wen Xicheng looked at me in confusion. "What did you say?"

I quickly shook my head. "Nothing. By the way, did you receive the tender document from the Benz 4S store?"

He nodded, "I'm looking at it now. There are many design flaws that need to be addressed."

I handed over the materials in my hand, saying, "That's perfect. When optimizing the design, let's focus on the advantages of these brands. The bidding brands this time aren't very favorable for us; if we compete on price, we'll lose. Our manager suggests that if possible, we should lean towards some common brands in the design and have the PR department manage it."

Wen Xicheng took the materials and glanced through them for a moment before saying, "Okay, once the plan is finalized, I'll let you all take a look."

I nodded, stood up, and said, "Then you can get back to work; I'll head out."

I glanced at the unopened bread on the table and added, "There are many restaurants downstairs that deliver. I'll give you their numbers later; eating something warm is better than these snacks."

Wen Xicheng looked up at me slightly, the afternoon sun casting a gentle glow on his handsome face. After blinking, he said, "Okay."

I held back my restless feelings, smiled, and turned to leave.

"Xia Tian."

He called out to me as I was opening the door.

I turned back, "Hmm?"

Wen Xicheng bit his lip and cautiously said softly, "Are you free tonight? Let's have dinner together."

I noticed hope quietly flickering in his eyes, which made my heart ache. After steadying my emotions, I replied, "Sorry, I have plans with Su Chuan."

Instantly, Wen Xicheng lowered his eyelids, and when he lifted them again, a calm smile had replaced the earlier expression. He nodded and said, "It's okay, let's do it another day."

I responded and left quickly, feeling that staying even a second longer would be torture.

This kind of conversation is truly frustrating!

Back in the office, I sat there blankly for a while and typed out the phone numbers of a few restaurants on MSN to send to Wen Xicheng.

I quickly received his reply: [Thank you.]

I replied: [You're welcome.]

He didn't respond again. 

I dejectedly closed the chat box, feeling a bit frustrated.

Not long after, Song Ying messaged me on MSN. 

[Spill it, what did you say to our manager? You were in there for so long, and you came out looking all flustered.] 

I was taken aback and thought for a moment before replying, [Actually, he was my first love boyfriend.] 

[Keep dreaming, he's still my ex-husband!] 

I rubbed my nose and closed the chat box, setting my status to busy. 

See, it's hard for people to accept that we match in the eyes of the world. I wondered if I told Feng Su Chuan that Wen Xicheng was the man who hurt me, would he think I was joking, or consider me insane? So I decided to wait a little longer.

That evening, we went out for Ningbo cuisine, ordered some small seafood dishes, and the atmosphere was as relaxed and pleasant as always. 

Feng Su Chuan said, "Zhang Zong did talk to me about promoting me to vice president. The application has already been reported to the headquarters in the United States, but it hasn't been officially approved yet, so I didn't mention it to you."

"I was surprised and excited for him as I poured a drink and congratulated him, 'Congratulations! Now your title will have 'Zong' in it too.'"

Feng Su Chuan handed me a tissue to wipe the corner of my mouth and playfully ruffled my hair, laughing, "Compared to that title, I prefer to be called 'Gong'." 

I asked in confusion, "What 'Gong'?" As soon as the words left my mouth, I bit my tongue harshly, realizing how silly I sounded! 

He laughed heartily, and when his phone rang, he said, "Hang on a moment," as he answered the call. 

A few minutes later, he hung up and asked, "Are you full?" 

I nodded and inquired, "Was that Zhang Zong's call? Does he need you for something?" 

He called the waiter over to get the bill and replied, "Zhang Zong is having tea with the president of TS and asked me to go over."

"Has the cost analysis come in for that bid?" 

I paused for a moment before replying, "It's basically finished; I just need to put it together. How about this: drop me off at the company, and I'll organize it. You can go meet Zhang Zong, and once I'm done, I'll send you an email." 

Feng Su Chuan nodded and wrapped an arm around me as we left the restaurant. 

When we arrived at the office building, just before I exited the car, he leaned over and kissed my forehead. "I probably won't be back until late tonight. After you finish up, you should head home first; just send me a text once you're home." 

I nodded obediently, got out of the car, and turned to enter the building. 

Back in the office, after collating the quotes and sending them to Feng Su Chuan, it was already past nine. I turned off the lights, locked the door, and as I walked toward the elevator, I noticed a faint glow coming from the design department. I paused for a moment and walked over. 

The main office was lit only in the printing area, while the manager's room inside was brightly illuminated. 

I quietly stood at the door for a moment, took a breath, and walked in. 

Seventeen [Are You Really Happy?]...

The door to Wen Xicheng's office was slightly ajar. As I approached, I saw that he was not working but slumped over his desk, asleep. The windows in the room were all open; the September weather wasn't cold, but the night wind still carried a hint of chill. He didn't seem to react, so I gently knocked twice on the door.

Wen Xicheng tensed momentarily and slowly sat up. His complexion was somewhat pale, and his gaze was hazy. He looked at me in confusion for a few seconds before coming to his senses. "Xia Tian?" His voice was uncertain, and his eyes widened in surprise.

I felt a tightness in my chest, forced a smile, and said, "Why are you still here so late?" He didn't answer my question but continued to gaze at me intently.

After a long moment, he turned his face away and gently exhaled, saying, "I was modifying a design; I got so busy I lost track of time."

I crossed my arms over my chest, leaned against the doorframe, looked at him, and laughed, "Is it with the Duke of Zhou? Did he offer you any constructive advice?"

Wen Xicheng looked down, chuckled softly, and replied, "He said it's been a long time."

"Ha!" I burst into laughter, looking at him and asking, "Are you leaving? Or are you still busy for a while?"

"Wait for me; I'll be right out," he said, shutting down his computer. When he propped himself up from the desk, I noticed a flicker of a frown, but when he looked back at me, it had already smoothed out. I bit my lip and remained silent.

In the elevator, we stood side by side. I stared at the flickering numbers, pondering how to break the deadlock when Wen Xicheng quietly spoke, "Aren't you going on a date? Why are you still here?"

"I had dinner and had to come back to handle an urgent case," I replied. Only then did I realize the implication of his question and paused before saying, "You don't think I deliberately used the date as an excuse to avoid having dinner with you, do you?"

He gently shook his head, remaining silent.