Tensions

After returning from Hainan, I took two days off with Feng Suchuan and went to the hospital upon waking. Liu Ni Yi prepared various kinds of soup for He Zifei every day, fattening him up to a plump state, and his complexion looked even better than it had before his hospitalization.

When Wen Xicheng came over in the evening, he brought a large amount of takeaway food. During dinner, Liu Ni Yi asked about my injury, and I remained silent while Wen Xicheng calmly replied, "She hit the glass door." Liu Ni Yi and He Zifei were momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter.

I shot Wen Xicheng a glare and gritted my teeth, saying, "Do you have to be so heartless? How could I hit the glass door?" Wen Xicheng lowered his head, suppressing a smile, and without further explanation, served me a bowl of rib soup.

Liu Ni Yi leaned in close to me, grinning widely, "Why?" I bit my lip, pushed her forehead away, and lowered my head to eat the rice forcefully, feeling my ears flush slightly.

"Ah, Xia Tian, why are you blushing? I know without you saying it; you must have been daydreaming and didn't see," Liu Ni Yi laughed, looking mischievous.

Then she turned to Wen Xicheng and said, "Xicheng, let me tell you, this isn't the first time something like this has happened. One winter morning in our senior year, we were all studying. I was memorizing English vocabulary when I heard a loud bang.

I turned to see the entire window shaking, and outside the classroom, Xia Tian looked bewildered, rubbing her forehead as if she couldn't understand why there was a window. Everyone was worried that she must have hit her head hard. However, she walked into the classroom calmly, sat down next to me, opened her book, and began studying. I admired her at that moment, thinking that girl must have done a lot of practice to withstand hitting her head against iron. Who would have guessed that ten minutes later, she would be clutching a large, swollen red bump and start crying? That's when I realized she wasn't unhurt; her reflexes just took too long!

She finished her story in one breath, without any pauses, and the two men in the hospital room burst into hearty laughter. I turned and glared at her fiercely, "Liu Niyi, are you having fun at my expense?" 

"Do you think you have no embarrassing stories? Should I talk about your three-year crush on Xiao Tao gege?" 

As soon as I finished speaking, Liu Niyi quickly covered my mouth, desperately signaling me with her eyes.

I shut my mouth but couldn't stop smiling. 

He Zifei squinted, tilting his head to look at Liu Niyi, and said ominously, "Xiao Tao gege? Is that the one you chatted with on QQ until midnight a couple of nights ago?" 

I was taken aback and hurriedly escaped her grip. At that moment, Wen Xicheng also set down his chopsticks, stood up, and pulled me behind him, blocking Liu Niyi's hands that were aiming to strangle me. 

I tugged at Wen Xicheng's shirt, leaned my head out, and smiled, "Well, it's getting late; we should get going! You guys take your time explaining, hehe!" 

He Zifei responded with an "uh-huh", stood up, dodged Liu Niyi's attempt to support him, and slowly moved toward the bed, dragging his injured leg behind him.

Liu Niyi rolled her eyes at me and hurried after him. Wen Xicheng turned around, squeezed my nose, and chuckled, "Causing trouble? Let's go!" 

I nodded vigorously and quietly left the hospital with him.

After we left the hospital, I realized I was still hungry and wanted to ask if we should grab a late-night snack. Since I was still in Wen Xicheng's embrace, when I looked up, I accidentally bumped into his chin, producing a soft sound that echoed in my heart, sending ripples of emotion through me. The gentle smile on his face made my heart race. 

It was a feeling I hadn't experienced in a while, a sensation that only he could invoke! 

Gathering my thoughts, I suggested, "How about some barbecue?" 

Wen Xicheng wrapped his arm around my shoulder and playfully flicked my nose with his finger. "No, you need to avoid certain foods. Let's have congee instead." 

I frowned. "Plain congee has no flavor. The eight-treasure porridge at the congee shop isn't good." 

"Let's go to the supermarket to buy ingredients. I'll make congee for you when we get back." He nodded, meeting my gaze, his eyes filled with unmasked affection. 

I lowered my head and softly agreed, finding the scene oddly familiar, but this time, I was the one being cared for, while he played the role I once had. 

By the time we returned from the supermarket, it was already past eight. I stepped into the house to change clothes while Wen Xicheng headed straight to the kitchen with several bags. As I emerged from the bedroom, I caught a glimpse of his tall silhouette illuminated by the warm light from the kitchen, steam gently rising, filling the room with a faint aroma of rice. I suppressed my fluttering heart and walked over. 

Wen Xicheng had his back to me, gently stirring the porridge with his right hand. Hearing the noise, he turned to look at me, his gentle expression adorned with a contented smile.

He reached out, pulling me closer, and gently touched the bandage on my forehead, his eyes revealing a trace of concern. "Does it still hurt?" 

His breath was warm, intertwining with a refreshing scent of mint.

I leaned away slightly, settling beside him, and shook my head while tucking my bangs aside. "It doesn't hurt; I can hardly feel it anymore."

Wen Xicheng maintained his expression as I shifted away, offering only a faint smile. He turned the burner to its lowest setting, set down the ladle, wiped his hands, and said, "It'll be ready in twenty minutes. You should go watch some TV for now." 

As he brushed past my arm, I looked up and caught only his handsome silhouette against the pale backdrop. I directed my gaze toward the bubbling congee, suddenly feeling as though I was truly engaging with life.

Five minutes later, I finally stepped outside. The man sitting on the sofa held a cigarette, and upon seeing me, he quickly extinguished it and waved with a smile. "Why did it take you so long to come out? Come watch your favorite McDull."

My eyes brightened as I walked over and sat beside him. His strong arm naturally draped over my shoulder, and I didn't resist, noticing his calm demeanor. He possessed the same quality as Feng Suchuan, maintaining a pure and innocent expression regardless of the situation, leaving me unable to discern his thoughts.

I could remain composed around Feng Suchuan, but with him, it was impossible. I could only suppress my restless heart, anxiously watching the television. It was during my third subconscious check of our intimate position that the person beside me finally lowered his arm. Amidst a soft chuckle, a gentle voice floated above. "I'll go check if the porridge is ready."

I sighed in relief, watching him stroll away leisurely, wondering why I felt such pressure!

At the dining table, we sat quietly across from each other. I watched as the man before me gracefully picked up his spoon and sipped the porridge.

The atmosphere felt somewhat strange today, though I couldn't pinpoint exactly what was off.

After dinner, I washed the dishes and glanced at the time, saying, "It's getting late."

"You have work tomorrow, so you should head back to rest."

Wen Xicheng leaned against the doorframe of the balcony, arms crossed over his chest. The moonlight behind him clearly illuminated his relaxed and content face. He kept his gaze lowered, showing no intention of leaving.

I walked over, noticing the fatigue etched on his face, and tugged at his arm. "You got back late last night and didn't get much rest."

The man in front of me looked up, his eyebrows curved with amusement. He straightened up, then grabbed my hand from behind, not allowing me to pull away. He tightened his grip, smiled slightly, and said slowly, "Xia Tian, be my girlfriend!"

I was stunned, my eyes wide as I looked at him, utterly unsure how to respond.

Wen Xicheng slowly lowered his head, wrapped his arms around my shoulders, and gently rubbed his chin on my forehead. The soft and subtle contact made my heart race.

After a moment, he added, "I don't think I've ever said this before."

I couldn't bring myself to look up, biting my lip as I felt a bittersweet sensation in my heart, unsure if it was happiness or regret.

As my heart gradually settled, I looked up at him, hesitated for a moment, and said softly, "Xicheng, I…"

My mouth was gently covered by his palm, blocking the words that followed.

A flicker of hurt crossed Wen Xicheng's face as he looked down at me, his eyes carrying a hint of pleading. "You don't have to feel pressured. I'm just expressing my thoughts. You can take your time to think it over and respond whenever you're ready. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait."

I knew he misunderstood. I wasn't trying to refuse him; I wanted to say that perhaps we could start by trying. However, what he said gave me the space to think it through.

While I admitted I had developed feelings for him again, I wasn't ready to restart our relationship.

The next day, Wen Xicheng took a half-day leave to take me to the hospital.

When the stitches were removed, I bled a little more than expected. After lunch, he took me back to the apartment before heading off to work. I stood on the balcony, watching his tall figure bathed in sunlight, and my feelings gradually flowed out with the warm afternoon sun.

I thought I would respond sooner than he expected, but I didn't anticipate that it would be indefinitely delayed. On the second day back at work, I received news that frustrated me to the extreme: Amy would return to the country in three days to take over Alken's position as CFO! Looking at the appointment letter in my inbox, I felt an indescribable mix of frustration and discomfort. Why did she always appear at such opportune times? Both instances coincided with moments when I had finally decided to reconcile with Wen Xicheng, pulling me back from my fantasies into stark reality. It felt as though she was the perfect princess beside the prince, while I, no matter how hard I tried, could only ever be a Cinderella who lost all her glamour and pumpkin carriage after midnight. The thought of Wen Xicheng's gentle and adoring gaze directed at her made my heart ache. That second door to my heart, which had begun to creak open once more, seemed to slowly close again.

On the day Amy returned, the executives at the company were caught up in meetings all day. It was only just before the end of the workday that Feng Shuchuan returned to the office, looking somewhat gloomy and serious. The younger girls were speculating about the topics discussed in the meetings. I turned my head to see him slowly closing the blinds, his head bowed, avoiding eye contact with me. After some consideration, I decided it would be best not to clash with him any further.

Ever since he colluded with Manager Su to finalize the equipment vendor for that project in Shanghai, I had developed an indescribable feeling toward him—a mixture of respect and avoidance. I understood the nuances of the workplace, but I couldn't fully accept it.

Deep down, I felt a bit disappointed in him, as if I had discovered that an idol I had always admired was merely a mortal succumbing to worldly greed.

With Amy's return to work, I felt rather low. I had been deliberately avoiding Wen Xicheng these days, and he probably thought I was contemplating whether to be his girlfriend, which was why he hadn't approached me. After working overtime for a while, I was about to leave when two figures appeared at the office door.

I watched the couple walk over with smiles, biting my lip and forcing a faint smile. "Aren't you leaving?" I asked.

Wen Xicheng, draping his suit jacket over his arm, exuded elegance with his well-proportioned figure. He nodded slightly, smiled at me, and said, "I'm waiting for you to leave together."

"Xia Tian, tonight Xicheng is treating us to dinner to welcome me back. Why don't we go together?" Amy said, standing close beside Wen Xicheng, lightly holding his arm and looking cute and innocent, her smile sincere and pure.

My heart sank, and I could no longer maintain my smile. After forcing a smile, I apologized, "I'm sorry, but I have a case to take care of tonight. You guys go ahead."

Wen Xicheng slightly furrowed his brows. "Didn't you say you wouldn't work late tonight?"

Before leaving, he had asked me on MSN if I was working late, and I had casually typed back that I wasn't.

When I sat back down, I said softly, "It's a case that just came in. It's urgent."

Perhaps my sudden change in expression caught his attention. After a brief silence, he gently pulled his arm away from Amy, patted her shoulder, and said with a smile, "Go wait for me in the car."

Amy nodded obediently and glanced back at me as she turned to leave, her expression filled with unspoken meaning that I couldn't decipher.

Once it was just the two of us in the office, Wen Xicheng brought a chair over and sat beside me, quietly asking, "What's bothering you?"

I pressed my lips tightly together and opened a document to review, deliberately ignoring him. However, I had forgotten that Wen Xicheng was no longer the man he had been six months ago, someone who could be easily brushed aside by my cold treatment. Instead of becoming discouraged, he chuckled softly a couple of times, leaning in closer to speak gently in my ear, "Is it because of Amy?"

I reached out to place my hand on his forehead, pushing him away while maintaining my silence.

I didn't know if it was my expression that amused him, but he laughed even more heartily. He ruffled my hair and, in a softer voice, said, "It's her first day back; I have to show her some kindness, right? If you really don't want to go, then never mind. I'll head to the hospital early and bring you some late-night snacks."

I flipped through the prepared quotes, remaining expressionless as I replied, "No need; I'll eat outside. If you're going with her, you don't need to come over. I'll let Zi Fei know."

The man beside me didn't respond. He sat quietly for a few minutes before standing up. As he turned to leave, he called out, "Xia Tian."

I looked up at him but didn't respond.

Wen Xicheng pressed his lips together, and when our eyes met, his gaze brimmed with tenderness. "You look like you're jealous," he said. Without waiting for my reaction, he laughed and left.

I watched him walk away, my shoulders twitching slightly in irritation. What a shameless man!

In fact, there wasn't any case that required me to work overtime. After stalling for a while, I closed my computer. When I was leaving, Feng Shuchuan hadn't yet departed—the blinds were still tightly closed. I turned off the lights and quietly slipped out.

Outside the office building, while waiting for a taxi, I looked up and saw that many offices were still lit, including Feng Shuchuan's.

Gazing at the familiar window glowing with light, I thought that with his talents, he would surely overcome this challenge, and I believed that eventually...

He would obtain everything he desired, fame and fortune. Yet, I couldn't help but wonder if I would still be his assistant then, standing beside him. I also questioned whether he would remember that there had once been a naive little assistant who shared in his hardships and pain.

I waited at the hospital until after eight, when Wen Xicheng finally arrived. As the door to the ward opened, my eyes were drawn to his long legs clad in fitted trousers. Before my smile could fully form, it was stifled by a cheerful voice coming from behind him. Wen Xicheng was holding several takeout boxes and was dressed only in a shirt, while Amy closely trailed behind him, draped in a men's suit. She had rolled up the sleeves high, revealing her fair arms, and looked adorably dependent on Wen Xicheng.

As she greeted He Zifei, Wen Xicheng took two steps forward, discreetly withdrawing his arm and walking toward me. Outside the office, I didn't need to pretend; I offered them a faint smile and sat down on the other side of the bed. Liu Niyi politely greeted Amy, shot Wen Xicheng a quick glare, and after helping He Zifei sit up, she came around to stand beside me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. He Zifei shook his head helplessly at us and waved at Amy. Wen Xicheng pressed his lips together, his gaze fixed on me—calm and unreadable, betraying no emotions.

Amy chatted with He Zifei while I occasionally observed her expression, my mind drifting back to that intriguing glance she cast in my direction before the workday ended. I never jumped to conclusions about people I didn't know well. Objectively speaking, aside from her role as Wen Xicheng's fiancée, I thought her to be an endearing girl.

But upon reflection, since she was aware of my relationship with Wen Xicheng and continued to flaunt her affection so openly in front of me, it must be said that she exhibited possessiveness—asserting her claim. I remained calm not out of foolishness, but because I had no desire to compete. Should she persist and Wen Xicheng refuse to dismiss her, I would willingly let them be, offering my blessings, regardless of whether those blessings were heartfelt. I had never desired a love tainted with hesitation, even if I loved that man deeply!

Around nine, Wen Xicheng suggested it was time to leave, turning to me and saying, "Let's go together. We should see Amy off first." His words were skillful, and I felt somewhat relieved. Just as I opened my mouth, I noticed Amy turning to hug his arm, her voice soft and slightly whiny as she pleaded, "Xi, I don't want to stay at a hotel. I'll be scared at night. Can I stay at your place until I find an apartment?" Perhaps the pent-up frustrations within me were at their breaking point, as her pitiful, innocent expression suddenly released all the tension in my chest. I turned away, crossed my arms, and put on a faint smile as I looked over.

Wen Xicheng was clearly taken aback by her request. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, and after a barely perceptible frown, he turned to face me. Instead of displaying panic or indecision, he simply met my gaze for a few seconds before gently nodding, his voice as warm as ever, "Alright." Then he looked at me and asked, "Are you coming along?"

Before I could respond, Liu Niyi snorted derisively twice and said coolly, "Xia Tian can't keep up with you. Take care; don't see them off!" He Zifei let out a deep sigh, tiredly waving them away, "Niyi will head back with Xia Tian later, so don't worry about it; just take care of your little beauty."

Wen Xicheng showed no emotion, merely smiled politely, and calmly turned to leave with Amy. My smile faded gradually until the door closed behind them.

A wave of disappointment, heartache, helplessness, and sadness washed over me, causing my nose to sting. I declined Liu Niyi's offer to accompany me and hurriedly left the hospital before the tears could fall.

Having opened my heart again made it feel unusually fragile. Last time, I managed to control my emotions in response to their intimacy; this time, however, I couldn't pretend any longer. I longed for a secluded place to cry my heart out. Back then, I felt nothing more than anger and had resigned my heart, so I didn't find things difficult. Now, all I could feel was a sense of grievance as his meticulous care over these past months faded like smoke. I felt conflicted about my wavering stance, having once again been hurt after allowing myself to fall for him.

They say one learns wisdom through hardship, but after being repeatedly hurt by the same man, I wondered if I was simply too foolish or if he was too cunning. By the time I returned to the apartment, with swollen eyes and drained tears, I still felt as though the recent scene was merely a dream. His tenderness and attentiveness over these past months felt unreal, leading me to question if he ever truly loved me. If he did, how could he bear to cause me pain again and again?

After ten o'clock, surrounded by my computer in bed, I buried myself in games, channeling all my rage into those soulless monsters, yet I still felt miserable. I couldn't hate him, nor could I love him, like a woman with nowhere to vent her sorrows—pitiful and tragic. Then the doorbell rang abruptly, its sharpness cutting through the quiet night. I froze for a moment, then rubbed my puffy eyes and got out of bed.

Thinking it might be Liu Niyi returning out of concern, I opened the door to find a man dressed in casual wear standing outside, and I was immediately stunned.

Wen Xicheng stood there with one hand in his pocket, his neat black hair slightly tousled on his forehead. The clean, warm smile on his face greeted me like a comforting presence on a night I had spent alone in sorrow. I didn't know how to describe the complex emotions brewing inside me—shock, confusion, and a touch of surprise.

When I snapped back to reality, he was right in front of me, reaching out to gently rub my eyes with his finger, his voice filled with concern. "Why are you crying?" Knowing it was a rhetorical question, I shot him a glare and blocked the doorway, making it clear I had no intentions of inviting him in, coldly saying, "What are you doing here?"

Wen Xi smiled gently, his lips pressed together, his eyes filled with affection. He tilted his chin toward the luggage nearby and commented hoarsely, "Homeless now, can..." [To be continued...]

He handles these situations so calmly. I swallowed hard, hesitating for a moment before deciding not to hide my thoughts. "I've heard some things, but I'm not very clear on the details."

Amy smiled slightly, as if my response did not surprise her. "That's fine; knowing these things is enough. You've been in contact with Feng Suchuan for a while, so you should know he's a man of principles, right?"

I nodded, feeling somewhat conflicted. Feng Suchuan truly is a principled person, but at times, it seems those principles are forced to compromise.

"I hope you can stay honest with me. If you notice anything off, please let me know."

I looked at her, a hint of worry curling in my chest. This is not the kind of matter that can be handled lightly.

"I will," I murmured, trying to make my voice sound more resolute.

"That's good. You must be dedicated to your work if you want to survive in this industry." After saying that, she returned to her usual smile. "Now you can go back to work. Thank you for your cooperation today."

"Thank you, Amy." I stood up and nodded in farewell.

Back at my seat, my mind was anything but calm; thoughts about Feng Suchuan echoed relentlessly in my head.

It's hard to remain composed amid everything. Thankfully, Feng Suchuan's first lesson to me was to stay unflustered in a crisis! 

I smiled just enough and replied, "I've never heard about this matter. To me, it's just some unfounded rumors. If you really have evidence, I suppose the person called in for discussion wouldn't just be this little assistant. Sorry, I can't help you. If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving." 

"Xia Tian, you defend him so much. Aren't you afraid Xi Cheng will get jealous?" 

I stood up, meeting her smiling gaze but gradually feeling somewhat suffocated. I'm not good at hiding my feelings. Feng Suchuan once mentioned he could easily read my emotions from my face and that I wouldn't amount to much. 

"Feng Suchuan is my respected boss, and Xi Cheng is my friend. I don't understand what you mean." 

Amy's smile deepened slowly as she caressed the rim of her cup, looking up at me. "Do you really only see him as a friend? No wonder you stood firmly by Feng Suchuan's side without hesitation after the appointment was announced; in fact, you've long since fallen in love with your manager, haven't you?" 

The smile on my face became harder to maintain. I bit my lip, glanced at her, unwilling to argue further, and said lightly, "I should clock out now; you should head home early too." 

Amy walked around the table to stand by my side, shaking the documents in her hand, and said with a smile, "I really have evidence."

"If this goes to court, it will ruin him for life. Can you bear to see him become infamous? Why don't we make a deal?" 

I looked at her coldly, struggling to articulate my emotions. Because of Wen Xicheng, I didn't want to dislike her, but her manner of speaking was genuinely irritating. I glanced at the documents in front of me and replied calmly, "What deal?"

"Perhaps sensing my uncertainty, her eyes brightened suddenly. 'You help me convince Xi Cheng to return to America, and I won't pursue the matter of Feng Suchuan receiving kickbacks.'

Sometimes, people think they've uncovered others' weaknesses and can bully them into unreasonable deals, often overestimating their own leverage. After all, she is still quite young; no matter how shrewd she appears, she lacks maturity. If I were in her position, I certainly would not be so eager to reveal my intentions.

I maintained my composure and replied, 'If he really has committed illegal acts, he should be punished.'

Amy clearly didn't expect me to say something like that. She froze momentarily, about to respond, when a few knocks at the door broke the tension, followed by it being pushed open. Since my back was to the entrance, I didn't have time to turn around, but I noticed a complete shift in her demeanor; the aggression from moments before had vanished entirely, and her bright eyes reflected clarity, her smile pure and innocent.

'Xi, are you looking for me?' Amy placed the documents she was holding down and walked toward him, brushing against my arm.

I lacked her acting skills and had no energy to feign anything; upon turning around, my face still wore an expression of disdain.

'What were you talking about?' Wen Xicheng asked Amy, but his gaze was fixed on me.

I remained silent, hands in my pockets, biting my lip.

'Xia Tian knows I'm investigating that kickback case and is helping their manager plead for him. Xi, aren't their feelings really good!'

Her expression was indescribably sincere, making me doubt if the person who had just talked about a deal was the same naive girl in front of me. I glanced at her, curling my lips as I looked toward Wen Xicheng.

He did not comment, but his increasingly sullen expression told me he believed Amy's words.

I had no intention of explaining anything; I found the situation absurd and wanted to leave."

However, I saw Amy pick up the documents from the table and hand them to Wen Xicheng. 

"Xi, why don't you handle this matter? Since Xia Tian came to me, I can't refuse. Can you help me make a decision?" 

It was then that I truly realized what it meant to overestimate one's influence. Before Wen Xicheng could react, I took the documents from her hand, smiling. "Since that's the case, why not just give them to me directly? After all, if you give them to him, he will just pass them on to me. Thanks! You guys can chat slowly; I'll take my leave first." 

Amy was completely stunned. I had taken just a step forward when my wrist was gently grabbed. 

Wen Xicheng pulled me to his side, naturally wrapping an arm around my shoulders. He turned to look at Amy, with barely concealed anger in his voice as he said, "Don't involve Xia Tian in your matters; she knows nothing." 

A flash of panic crossed Amy's face, but soon her eyes filled with tears as she looked at Wen Xicheng, filled with infinite grievance, unable to speak. 

I slowly lowered my head, biting my lower lip as a sour feeling spread within me. 

Wen Xicheng snatched the documents from my hand and lightly tossed them onto the desk. Without pausing, he kept his arm around my shoulder as we walked out. 

It wasn't until we entered the elevator that I looked up to the side, and the man beside me was also staring at me, his gaze gentle and filled with concern. 

"Did she find you?" 

I nodded. "How did you know to come over?" 

"I saw you weren't responding to messages, so I went to your office. Others said she had taken you away." 

I pressed my lips together, unwilling to speak further. I never wished to make enemies with anyone, and at work, I only wanted a simple life. I didn't know whether Amy was trying to bring Feng Suchuan down or pursue Wen Xicheng. Regardless, I didn't want to become a pawn in her game.

As for Feng Suchuan, it wasn't that I blindly believed he hadn't taken a kickback, but I was certain that even if he did, he would leave no evidence behind. Otherwise, the past eight or nine years of experience would have been in vain.

Regarding Wen Xicheng, if he was willing to stay, I would attempt to start over with him; if he wanted to return to the United States, I would smile and wish him a safe journey, never forcing him to remain!

After returning to the office to collect my bag, I sat in the car in the underground garage and turned to the man beside me, softly asking, "Do you believe what Amy said?" 

Wen Xicheng pursed his lips, thought for a moment, and then shook his head. 

"Why?" 

He smiled slightly, looking at me. "I only believe you, and the only thing I see is the determination in your eyes." 

"What information?" 

He affectionately ruffled my hair. "My silly girl has been bullied." 

My eyes softened, and I tilted my head to look at him. "Didn't you say Amy is very kind and innocent? Maybe I'm the one bullying her!" 

Wen Xicheng smiled and held my hand. As he started the car, he said, "As long as you're not bullied, that's what matters. As for who you choose to bully, that's your decision!" 

At that moment, the feeling was incredibly genuine!

For several days, Feng Suchuan left every afternoon. I hadn't mentioned the kickback issue that Amy raised with him; I didn't know how to approach the subject. I always felt that bringing it up or questioning him would create an awkward tension between us. 

On Friday, the business department had an urgent case. Wen Xicheng accompanied Amy to look for an apartment while I stayed at the office to work overtime.

Around eight, I heard footsteps outside the office.

I thought it was Wen Xicheng and looked up, only to see Feng Suchuan walk in, his suit draped over his arm, his tie askew, his shirt sleeves rolled up twice, his face pale, and his eyes red, clearly having had quite a bit to drink. 

Seeing me, he didn't seem overly surprised.

He walked over and whispered, "Working late?"

I nodded. "Why are you back now?"

He rubbed his forehead. "Old Zhang called, saying there are some issues with the contract for the Morocco project. I'm feeling a bit dizzy. Come in and help me take a look."

"Oh." I saved the document and followed him into the office.

I grabbed a chair and sat next to him as we began to review the terms line by line. A quarter of an hour later, Feng Suchuan's breathing grew a bit rapid, and he leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes.

I asked with concern, "Is your heart uncomfortable?"

"Hmm." He responded, pointing to the water cup nearby.

I quickly stood up, poured him a cup of hot water, and placed it next to his hand. He held it and, after a moment, took a few sips, slowly adjusting his breathing. His expression showed no sign of pain, but there was a thin layer of sweat on his forehead.

"Are you feeling very uncomfortable? Do you want to lie down on the sofa for a bit?" I leaned in and asked softly.

Feng Suchuan didn't open his eyes. His voice was slightly weak as he said, "No need, I just need to rest a bit. You can go do something else; we'll check again later."

I thought for a moment. "Okay, call me if you need anything."

As I turned to leave, I noticed he had opened his eyes and was staring at the ceiling. I couldn't tell if it was my imagination, but I seemed to see a hint of loneliness on his face. Hesitating for a moment, I still closed the door and stepped out.

Sitting in the chair, my mood turned a bit low. Seeing him like this made my heart ache. He must be going through the toughest time in his career.

The pressure he bears is unimaginable to me, yet I didn't know how to comfort him. Empty and pale words would mean nothing to him. What he truly needed was a strategist to provide counsel or an opportunity to turn things around; I could offer neither. I was unaware of the specifics of his troubles.

I had never truly understood him or accessed his heart. I believed the only thing I could do now was to assist him with work to the best of my ability and continue to trust him as I always had.

Half an hour later, he called me back in. Aside from appearing somewhat pale, his condition had returned to normal. After completing the contract revisions and sending them to General Zhang, we left the office together. While waiting for the elevator, I checked my phone—there were no calls or messages. It was past ten. Had Wen Xicheng and the others not found an apartment yet? I felt a slight heaviness in my heart. 

Once in the car, Feng Suchuan turned to me and asked, "Would you like to join me for some late-night snacks?" I composed myself and nodded with a smile. His face displayed the first genuine smile of the entire night, though still weary; it was a sincere smile.

We went to a small barbecue restaurant. He ordered two bottles of beer, and I kept him company, sipping slowly. After downing two cups, he looked up at me and smiled, "Have you been doing well lately?" I tilted my head, thought for a moment, then replied earnestly, "Not bad, how about you?" Feng Suchuan turned away and chuckled, the lines on his brow softening noticeably, "Well, I heard you guys are living together?" I was taken aback and bit my lip, "How did you know? I didn't even tell Song Ying." He sidestepped my question and laughed, "So, have you reconciled?" 

I shook my head and responded, "His apartment is occupied by Amy, so he's been staying at my place for a few nights. He might move out tonight."

Feng Suchuan clinked his cup against mine, glancing at me sideways. "It's already like this, and you're still deceiving yourself? You're really something!" 

I silently sipped my beer and lowered my head. Feng Suchuan always seemed to pinpoint my immaturity. 

"So what do you suggest? Should I just start over with him?"

I've lost faith in him, and he will always have a fiancée by his side, whether real or fake. Should I just turn a blind eye and accept him back in a hazy manner?" I asked softly, my tone laced with frustration.

He filled my cup again, smiling calmly. "Why not? As long as you can be sure you still love him."

I took a big sip of beer and looked at him. "There are many factors that make up love, one of which is security. I can't feel that from him anymore. Now, when I'm with him every day, I feel very happy, but my heart keeps reminding me that this is enough; I can't have too many expectations. Who knows when he might leave again or when a fiancée might suddenly appear out of nowhere? I can't dare to invest myself fully; I become selfish and timid. Is this still love?"

The man across from me fell silent for a few seconds before smiling again. "It's quite admirable that you have such a pure heart."

I couldn't just accept any compromise—not even with Wen Xicheng! When there are too many barriers between us, and the feelings have already deteriorated, I...

I am willing to let love find a way out!

That night, Wen Xicheng moved out, and since He Zifei's condition was no longer serious, I stopped visiting the hospital every night. Aside from the office, we no longer encountered each other. Our relationship had sunk below freezing point, yet in the depths of the night, his figure frequently appeared in my dreams—not as the pure-hearted boy from our school days, but as a melancholic man at work.

Love had become so complex and difficult; it was bound to wear one down, whether it was me or Wen Xicheng.

When I received Feng Suchuan's call, I was staring blankly at the blue sky and white clouds while holding a cup of coffee. "Boss, are you skipping work in the morning already? Old Zhang has looked for you twice," I teased with a smile. There were a few seconds of silence on the other end, and then I heard him say, "I'm in the hospital."

I was taken aback. "Who's sick?" Feng Suchuan chuckled lightly, "Me." My hand trembled slightly as I held the cup, and I asked worriedly, "What happened to you?" "Nothing serious, but I might not be able to go to the office for the next couple of days. If you need me to sign anything, bring it to the hospital."

I could tell from his voice that he sounded weak. Remembering how he had been feeling unwell after drinking a few days ago, I cautiously asked, "Is it a heart problem? Is it serious?" "Not serious, just a routine hospital check-up. You can go back to work; call me if you need anything." He provided me with the hospital's address and hung up. As I returned to the office, I felt very uneasy. Feng Suchuan was typically a stoic person; if it wasn't serious, he wouldn't have had to be hospitalized.

I checked the time; it was almost noon, and there was nothing urgent at the company. It should be fine for me to step out for two or three hours. After informing Xiao Cheng and the others, I headed to the hospital.