Chapter 35: Quite Sweet

Suddenly, a check came into view, and Hua Lianxi was momentarily stunned as she looked up, only to find the person who had just been sitting in the living room now standing tall beside her.

"Last night, this morning, noon, and tonight!" Placing the already signed check in front of her, Kong Chengyu's tone returned to its usual coolness. "Perhaps we should settle monthly from now on!"

When it came to things that could be measured by money, even if he didn't scorn them, he wouldn't show much tenderness. In the face of money, all emotions seemed superfluous.

Her fair fingertips brushed against the high-quality check, and Hua Lianxi eventually curved her lips into a smile. "Mr. Kong is a rare and generous patron. Lianxi will certainly not disappoint you!"

After going around in circles, even if she had lost herself in the process, what ultimately found her an escape was this thin yet weighty check.

Less than half an hour after Kong Chengyu left the house, Hua Lianxi received a meal menu from Ke Jie on her phone. True to his distinct personality, the dishes weren't overly complicated; instead, they seemed a bit monotonous.

After tidying herself up, Hua Lianxi, with a clean face, changed into a casual tracksuit and headed to the supermarket to buy the necessary ingredients.

Forty minutes later, Hua Lianxi stepped out of the supermarket with both hands full of groceries. Estimating that it was still early before the 1 PM meal delivery time, she strolled leisurely, habitually observing the buildings on either side and the various exquisite little shops. Occasionally, she would be drawn to the displays in the windows, pausing briefly to admire them.

Suddenly, at the end of the straight avenue, she spotted a small cluster of sunflowers smiling under the sunlight, swaying gently in the cool breeze.

Quickening her pace, she walked over to the sunflowers and bent down to examine the fresh golden petals. Unconsciously, a big smile spread across her face. She had always inexplicably loved sunflowers since she was a child. On gloomy days, she would seek their companionship, always placing a sunflower on her windowsill so that the moment she woke up, she could see its vibrant, sun-facing form, which always dispelled the gloom in her heart and gave her the strength to face reality.

Placing the groceries at her feet, Hua Lianxi carefully picked up a sunflower, closed her eyes, and gently sniffed it. Satisfied, she looked up and noticed a very small but charming flower shop hidden in the alleyway between two buildings. Colorful flowers bloomed vibrantly on the walls of the alley.

Drawn in, she stepped inside and was instantly surrounded by a sea of vibrant, colorful flowers. The intense fragrance enveloped her, and she felt as though she had been transported into a beautiful floral world.

The bright red roses bloomed quietly, the pure lilies exuded a subtle yet full fragrance, and the tiny white baby's breath hid in the corner. Hua Lianxi couldn't help but pick up her favorite flowers one by one, lost in the heartwarming beauty of the world, momentarily forgetting about time.

"Miss, you can only pick six of each kind!"

Her hand holding the rose paused, and she turned to see a short-haired girl in a deep blue denim overalls standing by the sunflowers, smiling warmly.

"Six? Why?" Looking down at the sunflowers and champagne roses in her hand, Hua Lianxi was relieved that she had only picked three of each, far fewer than the limit of six.

"Beautiful things are meant to embellish life, not overwhelm it. The same goes for flowers—they should be fresh and bring joy, but too many would be wasteful. Besides, our shop is small, and we don't have many flowers. They should be left for those who want to embellish their lives!" The short-haired girl took the sunflowers and roses from Hua Lianxi's hand and pointed to a glass cabinet embedded in the wall. "Here are some small potted plants. If you like, you can pick one for your balcony to brighten it up."

Following her gesture, Hua Lianxi saw the small potted plants on the two-tiered glass cabinet, mostly common succulents. However, what caught her eye was a small round transparent glass pot with a cluster of straight purple flower balls. Dozens of petals stood straight and clustered together, each one a tiny flower, now in full bloom.

Amazed that such a small plant could produce so many delicate flowers, Hua Lianxi picked it up to examine it closely. She leaned in to smell it but found it slightly pungent instead of fragrant.

"What kind of flower is this? Such a small plant can produce so many flowers?" Simply soaked in water, countless thin white roots stretched elegantly, while the onion-sized head on top bloomed with dozens of purple-blue flowers, leaving her in awe of its strength.

"It's a hyacinth, symbolizing a burning life. If the flowers wither, you can cut them off, and they will bloom again. Thus, it also symbolizes rebirth!" The short-haired girl picked up a white flower bud and placed it in front of Hua Lianxi, continuing, "Different colors have different meanings. For example, white represents unspoken love, what we often call a secret crush."

The vibrant clusters deeply moved Hua Lianxi, especially after learning their meaning. She felt as though she had been struck by a sudden realization, instantly understanding the bravery and resilience of the hyacinth.

Unspoken love? It seemed to subtly connect with her own feelings. If she could be braver, perhaps she too could have a bright future, a life burning with passion like these fully bloomed flowers, and a chance at rebirth.

"I want this one, thank you!" Even if she couldn't express her feelings, she wanted to keep it. If the flowers could bloom again, perhaps she too could truly be reborn, truly burn with life, and bravely be herself.

"Do you want the roses and lilies too? Then I'll give you the hyacinth. I believe you deserve this flower that symbolizes strength and courage!" Wrapping the white hyacinth in transparent pink paper, the short-haired girl smiled and handed it to Hua Lianxi. "Feel free to come by anytime and take a look!"

Holding the hyacinth in her arms, Hua Lianxi felt a sense of joy and fulfillment, eagerly anticipating the vibrant bloom of the flower. She even harbored a faint hope that, like the flower, she too could achieve the most splendid bloom in the spring breeze.

What had started as a mundane trip to the supermarket to buy ingredients ended with her purchasing her favorite flowers and even acquiring a plant she had never noticed before but now held as a kind of personal symbol. Hua Lianxi felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction and excitement, and even as she finished preparing lunch, she couldn't shake off the joyful mood.

Right on time at noon, at exactly 1 PM, Hua Lianxi, dressed in a pink long dress, swayed in the dazzling sunlight as she held a thermal lunch box in one hand and looked up at the towering Chengyu Group building.

Taking a deep breath, she carefully adjusted the curve of her lips and gracefully stepped into the bright lobby of Chengyu Group with delicate steps.

Her elegant and extraordinary long dress became a striking sight. Employees in suits or flowing skirts passing through the lobby curiously watched the newcomer, whispering and speculating. Some recognized Hua Lianxi but averted their eyes, not daring to stare openly. The receptionist, however, quickly approached with a smile and guided her to the CEO's private elevator. "Good afternoon, Madam! This way, please!"

With a polite smile, Hua Lianxi stepped into the elevator. Alone in the empty space, she couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.

The title of "Madam of Chengyu Group" was indeed impressive enough to intimidate people. No wonder Fang Xiufang had repeatedly emphasized the need to assert her presence at the company to ward off the swarm of admirers around Kong Chengyu.

Pursing her lips to control her smile, Hua Lianxi had just stepped out of the elevator when she saw Ke Jie waiting beside it.

"The CEO just returned from playing golf with a client and is now showering in the office's restroom. Please wait for him in the office, Madam!" Ke Jie, dressed in a well-fitted dark blue suit, was also quite handsome.

Recalling his casual attire from the morning, Hua Lianxi now understood. Without much thought, she pushed open the door and entered the office.

Casually placing the thermal lunch box on the coffee table, she glanced around the spacious office. Beside the wine cabinet was a door, which she assumed led to the restroom Ke Jie had mentioned. Faintly, she could hear the sound of running water.

After waiting quietly for a while with no sign of Kong Chengyu, Hua Lianxi propped her head on her hand, leaned back on the sofa, and gradually closed her eyes, her breathing slowing down.

Having washed away the sweat and refreshed himself, Kong Chengyu dried his short hair and casually put on a white shirt, leaving the top three buttons undone to reveal his toned chest. As he fastened his cuffs, he pushed open the restroom door.

The large office was silent. If it weren't for the black hair visible over the back of the sofa, Kong Chengyu would have thought he was alone.

Walking leisurely to the sofa, his dark gaze fell on the five thermal lunch boxes placed on the coffee table. His deep eyes eventually settled on the delicate, sleeping face before him. Her long lashes rested peacefully on her eyelids, her soft red lips slightly parted, her head tilted down, and her smooth hair falling by her ears, resembling a sleeping princess.

His Adam's apple bobbed as Kong Chengyu placed his hands on either side of the sofa, his hawk-like eyes fixed on her red lips. He leaned down, his warm breath brushing against her delicate skin, and tilted his head slightly to press his lips against her forehead.

As if sensing his presence, Hua Lianxi suddenly opened her eyes. His handsome face was magnified before her, and his lips pressed against hers. Still groggy from her nap, she froze, unable to react.

Letting out a low chuckle, Kong Chengyu ran his broad hand through her smooth hair.

Her dazed phoenix eyes stared at the suddenly gentle yet cold-faced Mr. Kong. Forced to tilt her head back, Hua Lianxi's hand, which had been propping her head, finally struggled to grab his shirt collar, pushing him away as she tried to speak. "No... Mr. Kong..."

She had only dozed off for a moment—how had they ended up kissing?

Seemingly dissatisfied with her resistance, Kong Chengyu gently nibbled her earlobe, causing her to shiver and shrink back into the sofa. He then pinned her down on the sofa.

The slight sting made Hua Lianxi flinch, her phoenix eyes lowering in shyness.

Noticing her submission, Kong Chengyu scooped her up and swiftly carried her into the restroom. His long legs kicked the door open, then spun around and kicked it shut with a loud "bang."

"Want some? Hmm?" Holding a still-warm dish, Kong Chengyu raised an eyebrow at Hua Lianxi, who was sitting on the far end of the sofa. His lips curved into a charming smile.

Clutching a pillow to her chest, Hua Lianxi's cheeks flushed, her head bowed low, and even her ears turned red. She softly declined, "No, I already ate before coming."

Her breathing was shallow, and Hua Lianxi felt the lingering暧昧 atmosphere in the air. Even from a distance, she could smell the fresh scent of his shower gel, which made her tremble.

She had only come to deliver lunch but had ended up being thoroughly ravished, leaving her sore and exhausted. Meanwhile, the man across from her looked refreshed and was heartily enjoying the meal she had prepared.

His clear, bright eyes watched her trembling form as she pressed herself against the back of the sofa, looking as though she was about to flee.

Kong Chengyu picked up a piece of meat, chewed it slowly, and then spoke calmly, "Come here."

"Are you done? Then I'll head back so I don't disturb your work." She stood up immediately, seeing that most of the lunch box was empty, assuming he was finished and calling her over.

Frowning slightly, Kong Chengyu didn't respond, continuing to chew his food leisurely.

A smile unconsciously spread across her face as Hua Lianxi quickly walked over to him, crouching down to pack up the lunch box. Suddenly, he grabbed her hand.

"I'm not done yet," he said, swiftly picking up another piece of meat and stuffing it into her mouth.

"If I eat meat, you should too. Otherwise, when I eat meat later, it won't feel as good, and it'll affect my experience." Leaning in, Kong Chengyu's lips brushed against hers as he chuckled softly.

Startled by his sudden closeness, Hua Lianxi fell back onto the floor, taking a few seconds to process his words about "eating meat." Her face turned bright red.

Smirking mischievously, Kong Chengyu's mood brightened even more. He reached out and pulled her up from the floor, placing her on the sofa beside him. He continued to eat while feeding her, quickly finishing all the food.

After finishing lunch, Kong Chengyu noticed the white transparent box on the far end of the coffee table, containing peeled sweet oranges and separated grapes. His dark eyebrows raised, and his lips curved into a smile. "You even prepared fruit?"

Like a caring wife concerned about her hardworking husband, she had not only prepared fruit but also peeled and prepared it, filling him with a sense of warmth. His smile was unstoppable.

As she packed up the lunch box, Hua Lianxi looked up and met his smiling gaze. Suddenly, her face flushed with shyness, and she quickly lowered her head, softly replying, "Mhm."

"Bring it here, let's eat together," he said lazily, leaning back on the sofa, waiting for her to serve him.

After packing the lunch box into the shopping bag, Hua Lianxi glanced at him lounging on the sofa and reluctantly picked up the transparent fruit box. She handed him a piece of sweet orange. "I should head back now."

Seeing his relaxed demeanor, Hua Lianxi couldn't help but recall their earlier passionate entanglement. Her face burned with embarrassment, fearing he might set another trap for her.

Grabbing her wrist, he pulled her down onto his lap with a slight force. Kong Chengyu's face turned cold. "Either stay and eat with me, or take it away. Don't prepare it if you won't stay."

Caught off guard, Hua Lianxi naturally grabbed his shirt front, but her ears caught his icy tone. Like unpredictable weather, his temperament was hard to gauge. She bit her lip lightly, silently staring at the desk in the distance.

Picking up a grape from the box she held, Kong Chengyu pressed it to her lips and commanded coldly, "Open your mouth."

Hua Lianxi obediently opened her mouth, mechanically chewing and swallowing the grape, but she couldn't taste its sweetness at all.

One by one, he fed her grapes while he ate the sweet oranges himself. His hands occasionally caressed her thighs or waist, exuding a lazy, indulgent air, as if the cold-faced man from moments ago wasn't him.

Looking down at the fruit box, which was now almost empty except for two translucent grapes, Kong Chengyu gently rubbed her lips with his thumb, as if wiping away the grape juice from her chewing. "Sweet?"

Having silently eaten the grapes without looking at his hands, Hua Lianxi nodded slightly, silently protesting his unpredictability.

Holding the last two grapes, Kong Chengyu's deep eyes watched her lips as she chewed. Suddenly, he tossed both grapes into his own mouth. "Let me see if they're sweet."

After chewing carefully, he finally replied with satisfaction, "They are quite sweet."

Staring at him in shock, Hua Lianxi never expected him to act so childishly. Her mind went blank.

After swallowing the grapes, Kong Chengyu noticed her still staring at him in a daze. He couldn't help but smile, gently lowering his head to embrace her naturally.