Evasion and Anger

Since the night Shang Cheng drove her home, Li Xixi's heart had been in turmoil. His words were like a stone dropped into the calm lake of her emotions, sending ripples across its surface. She knew Shang Cheng's attitude was changing, but she wasn't sure if she was ready to accept it. The pain from five years ago still lingered in her heart, and she was afraid of being hurt again.

As a result, Li Xixi began to avoid Shang Cheng, consciously or unconsciously. She tried to minimize their interactions, even avoiding eye contact during meetings. Her behavior left Shang Cheng both confused and frustrated.

One morning, as Li Xixi arrived at the office, she overheard her colleagues discussing Shang Cheng's new project. She tried to slip away unnoticed, but Shang Cheng called out to her.

"Li Xixi, wait." His voice was cold, devoid of emotion.

Li Xixi stopped and turned around. "Yes, Mr. Shang?"

Shang Cheng approached her and handed her a file. "This is the information for the new project. You're in charge of following up."

Li Xixi took the file and nodded. "Understood, Mr. Shang."

Shang Cheng looked at her, his tone tinged with displeasure. "Li Xixi, have you been avoiding me lately?"

Li Xixi paused, then lowered her head. "No, Mr. Shang. I've just been busy with work."

Shang Cheng frowned, clearly unconvinced. "I expect you to focus on your work and not let personal emotions affect your efficiency."

Li Xixi nodded and walked away, her heart heavy with complex emotions.

As Shang Cheng watched Li Xixi walk away, he felt a mix of confusion and frustration. He couldn't understand why she was suddenly so distant. After all, she was the one who had disappeared without a word five years ago. Why was she now the one avoiding him?

He returned to his office, sitting down at his desk, his mind replaying the events of five years ago. Back then, they had been so close, yet she had vanished without explanation. Now that she was back, she was keeping him at arm's length, and it infuriated him.

"Li Xixi, what are you thinking?" Shang Cheng muttered to himself, his fists clenched.

The launch of the new project kept Li Xixi busy. She worked from dawn till dusk, pouring all her energy into her tasks. She hoped that by immersing herself in work, she could distract herself from the复杂 emotions swirling inside her.

However, the pressure of the project was overwhelming. Shang Cheng's demands grew increasingly stringent, and he scrutinized every detail. His demeanor remained cold, but Li Xixi could feel his gaze lingering on her.

One evening, as Li Xixi was working late, Shang Cheng appeared at her office door.

"Li Xixi, why hasn't this report been submitted yet?" His voice was cold, devoid of emotion.

Li Xixi looked up, meeting his gaze. "Mr. Shang, I'm still finalizing the data. I'll have it to you first thing tomorrow."

Shang Cheng frowned, his tone sharp. "I expect you to be more efficient. Don't delay."

Li Xixi nodded and returned to her work, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her.

Shang Cheng's patience was wearing thin. He couldn't understand Li Xixi's evasion, nor could he accept her cold demeanor. He decided it was time to confront her.

One evening, as Li Xixi was working late, she noticed the light in Shang Cheng's office was still on. She hesitated, then decided to take a different route to avoid him.

Just as she reached the elevator, she heard his voice behind her.

"Li Xixi, stop."

Li Xixi froze, then turned around. "Yes, Mr. Shang?"

Shang Cheng walked up to her, his eyes blazing with anger. "Why have you been avoiding me?"

Li Xixi lowered her head, her voice trembling. "I haven't been avoiding you, Mr. Shang. I've just been... busy with work."

Shang Cheng let out a cold laugh. "Busy with work? Li Xixi, do you think I can't see through your excuses? What are you so afraid of?"

Li Xixi's heart raced, her palms sweating. She knew she couldn't evade the question any longer.

"Mr. Shang, let's just leave the past in the past," Li Xixi said softly, her voice tinged with resignation.

Shang Cheng's frown deepened. "The past? Li Xixi, you were the one who disappeared five years ago without a word. Now you're back, and you're avoiding me. What are you thinking?"

Tears welled up in Li Xixi's eyes. "Mr. Shang, I... I just don't want to get hurt again."

Shang Cheng was taken aback. He hadn't expected her to say that. A mix of anger, confusion, and surged within him.

"Li Xixi, I..." Shang Cheng's voice faltered, but he didn't continue.

Li Xixi wiped her tears and whispered, "Mr. Shang, I should go."

She turned and walked away, leaving Shang Cheng standing by the elevator, his heart filled with much emotions.

Back at home, Li Xixi's emotions were still in turmoil. She called Lin Xiao and told her about what had happened.

"Xiao, what should I do?" Li Xixi's voice was filled with helplessness.

Lin Xiao sighed softly. "Xixi, you can't keep running away. If you still love him, you need to face him."

Tears streamed down Li Xixi's face. "But I'm scared of getting hurt again."

Lin Xiao was silent for a moment, then said, "Xixi, love is always a risk. If you keep avoiding it, you'll only hurt yourself more."

Li Xixi nodded, her heart heavy with emotions. She knew Lin Xiao was right, but she wasn't ready to face it yet.

After returning home, Shang Cheng's mind was still restless. He knew he couldn't continue like this. He needed to understand Li Xixi's thoughts and not let the shadows of the past dictate their future.

The next morning, Shang Cheng went straight to Li Xixi's office.

"Li Xixi, we need to talk," he said, his voice firm and unyielding.

Li Xixi looked up, meeting his gaze. She knew she couldn't evade him any longer.

"Alright, Mr. Shang," she said softly, standing up.