Chen Qingwu didn’t wake up until eleven o’clock.

On WeChat, there was a row of unread messages. She scrolled down to Meng Fuyuan’s profile picture and clicked on it first.

Two unread messages—one saying he had gone to the company first, the other telling her to contact him when she woke up and he’d come pick her up for lunch.

After replying to Chen Qingwu, she switched out to handle other messages.

In just a moment, Meng Fuyuan’s profile picture jumped to the top.

The new message told her to wait a bit, he’d be right over.

Chen Qingwu replied “okay.” Just as she was about to exit, she thought for a moment, then pressed the three dots in the upper right corner and pinned the chat to the top.

After washing up and waiting briefly, Meng Fuyuan’s car arrived at the door, calling her to come out.

The weather was fine today. The car was parked under tree shadows and dappled light.

Chen Qingwu opened the car door. The person sitting in the driver’s seat wore a light gray thin sweater, and in the pale golden daylight, he had a crisp, clear elegance like fine snow at dusk.

Chen Qingwu fastened her seatbelt and asked with a smile, “What time did you get up this morning?”

“Nine o’clock.”

“You only slept less than six hours—can you handle it?”

Meng Fuyuan’s gaze swept across her face. As he started the car, he said calmly, “Less than four hours.”

“Huh?” As soon as the words left her mouth, Chen Qingwu realized what he meant—he had insomnia and didn’t fall asleep until after four.

She said with a smile, “I’m sorry.”

Meng Fuyuan gave a soft snort, as if not accepting her apology.

Meng Fuyuan had already reserved a restaurant in advance. In addition, there was also a small cake in the shape of a forest snow mountain, placed on a six-inch plate with a single candle stuck in it.

Chen Qingwu greedily made another wish and blew out the candle.

The cake was divided into two pieces, one for each of them.

While eating cake, Meng Fuyuan’s phone on the table vibrated. He picked it up and glanced at it, saying, “My dad.”

The call connected.

Chen Qingwu stopped all her movements, instinctively not daring to make the slightest sound.

The call started with just pleasantries, but then, not knowing what Meng Chengyong said, Meng Fuyuan’s expression suddenly darkened.

He stood up, silently mouthed “wait a moment” to her, then walked toward the restroom with the phone.

After several minutes, Meng Fuyuan finished the call and returned.

Chen Qingwu quickly asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Meng Fuyuan picked up his water glass and calmly took a sip. “My family arranged a blind date for me.”

“…What?”

“I already refused.”

“…Really?”

Meng Fuyuan looked at her. “Doesn’t sound real?”

Chen Qingwu was completely confused and said with a laugh, “Is it real or not?”

“Real.”

“Even CEOs have to go on blind dates.”

“CEOs should go straight to arranged marriages, right?”

Chen Qingwu couldn’t stop laughing.

Meng Fuyuan still had matters in the afternoon. After eating, he took Chen Qingwu back to the studio.

Chen Qingwu took an afternoon nap. In the evening, she drove to pick up Zhao Yingfei to “go into the city” for dinner.

Being with her best friend was even more relaxed—they could kill time doing anything.

Because the weather was nice today, the two sat outdoors at a café, drinking beverages while basking in the sun.

Zhao Yingfei usually wasn’t interested in romantic topics, but Chen Qingwu’s situation was excessively thrilling, so she couldn’t help asking for updates.

Chen Qingwu described the current state of affairs. Zhao Yingfei said, “You’re still not together? Is the paper between your windows made of nanomaterials?”

Chen Qingwu bit her straw, drinking lemon tea, her expression lazy but her tone serious. “If it were anyone else, I would have agreed long ago. After all, if it doesn’t work out, we can just break up. But Meng Fuyuan’s situation is special. Every step, I must consider carefully before taking… because there’s no turning back. Do you understand? After failing with him, there’s no retreat to speak of. Moreover, he’s liked me for six years. If I don’t have equivalent resolve, rashly agreeing to him would be letting him down.”

Zhao Yingfei’s head hurt from listening. “…You adults’ emotional world is really complicated.”

“Excuse me, you asked first.”

“That’s not what I wanted to hear.”

“Then what did you want to hear?”

“Something like, already slept together, preparing for a flash marriage, that kind of melodrama.”

Zhao Yingfei said, “But to be fair, although I haven’t dealt with him much, Meng Fuyuan gives me a much more reliable impression than his brother.”

“What about Pei Shao? What’s your impression of him? He keeps asking me if he can apply to add you as a friend again. What’s wrong with giving him one friend slot? He’s paying you such a high consulting fee…”

“Tell him to add me on DingTalk. For work matters, contact me on DingTalk.”

After her birthday, Chen Qingwu was thoroughly busy for a while.

The wood kiln in the creative park would have its last firing before the Lunar New Year. Chen Qingwu wanted to send a batch of ceramics to be fired and had to prepare in advance.

In the blink of an eye, it was December.

Chen Qingwu had originally planned to just stay in East City for Christmas, but Liao Shuman’s birthday was on the lunar calendar, which this year happened to fall on Christmas Day itself, so she couldn’t avoid going home.

Once she mentioned going back, both Meng Qiran and Meng Fuyuan also prepared to return.

Meng Fuyuan temporarily adjusted his schedule. There were still many matters in East City that needed handling, so he couldn’t coordinate his timing with Chen Qingwu’s and let her go first.

Chen Qingwu drove herself. The afternoon before Christmas Eve, she returned to South City with Meng Qiran.

Distance was probably the best filter. Not having been home for a long time, whether it was Chen Suiliang or Liao Shuman, their attitudes toward her were much gentler.

The three sat together and had a family dinner with a fairly harmonious atmosphere.

But this harmonious atmosphere didn’t last long.

After dinner, Chen Qingwu accompanied Chen Suiliang in the living room watching TV—an antique appraisal show. When ceramic-related antiques appeared, Chen Suiliang casually asked a couple of questions about relevant knowledge, such as the difference between doucai and fencai porcelain.

Chen Qingwu answered each one.

Actually, Chen Suiliang wasn’t necessarily truly interested. It was just that last time when he was unsure about what gift to give a foreign business partner, he asked Chen Qingwu’s opinion. Chen Qingwu had recommended blue and white porcelain tea set made by a certain ceramic artist. After sending it out, that business partner loved it immensely.

Chen Suiliang cared about face, and this time it was Chen Qingwu’s expertise that made him look good.

While drinking tea, Chen Suiliang said, “Your mother said when she visited you last time, she saw you were managing fairly well. Since you really like this field, then continue doing it. If you can’t make ends meet financially, just tell me.”

His tone seemed to say it was merely a small business venture to humor her.

Chen Qingwu had long been immune to this. She smiled and said she could still make ends meet for now, continuing to peel her pomelo with her head lowered.

Chen Suiliang changed the subject. “What exactly is the situation between you and Qiran? Do you have a plan?”

“There is no situation between Qiran and me.”

Chen Suiliang immediately looked up at her, his gaze sharpening. “What does that mean?”

Just as Chen Qingwu was about to speak, Liao Shuman walked over. “Old Chen, where did you put the gift money book from Qingwu’s grandmother’s birthday last time?”

“The study.”

“I didn’t find it. Help me look.”

Chen Suiliang put down his teacup, stood up, and walked toward the study.

Liao Shuman came over and said in a low voice, “Just tell me about your situation with Qiran privately. Do you think your father can understand? If you bring it up, you’ll definitely end up arguing again.”

Chen Qingwu’s gaze only settled on her hands, saying softly, “You don’t understand either.”

Liao Shuman froze.

Chen Suiliang’s voice came from the study. “Isn’t it right here?”

Liao Shuman responded, looked at Chen Qingwu wanting to say something but stopping herself. In the end, she said nothing and turned to walk toward the study.

The next day was Christmas Eve.

At two in the afternoon, Chen Qingwu, who was resting in her room, received a message from Meng Fuyuan informing her he had arrived in South City and was on his way home.

After chatting idly on WeChat for a while, Chen Qingwu told Meng Fuyuan to rest when he got home, and they’d see each other in the evening.

At four in the afternoon, Chen Qingwu went downstairs. She didn’t see Chen Suiliang, while Liao Shuman was in the dining room on the phone, making appointments for people to come play mahjong.

Chen Qingwu was somewhat puzzled. After the call ended, she couldn’t help asking, “Where’s Dad?”

“He went out for a business engagement.”

“Aren’t we having dinner with Uncle Meng and the others tonight?”

According to custom, tonight would usually be a dinner for both families.

Liao Shuman said, “The Meng family has guests tonight. They’re arranging a blind date for Meng Fuyuan.”

Chen Qingwu froze. “…A blind date for Brother Yuan?”

Liao Shuman glanced at her, that look seeming to ask which part of her words wasn’t clear.

Chen Qingwu asked, “Did Brother Yuan agree to it himself? He doesn’t seem like… the type who would agree to blind dates.”

“Of course they’re keeping it from him.” Liao Shuman said as she repositioned the vase of lisianthus on the dining table. “It’s the daughter of your Uncle Meng’s friend. Her whole family came to South City to visit, so they’re just having dinner together… You should remember her, right? Fang Yao—what grade were you in elementary school when she stayed at the Meng house for a couple of days? You called her Sister Yao.”

There was indeed such a person in her memory.

“Isn’t it bad to keep it from Brother Yuan… He’s always hated people interfering in his private affairs.”

“Some social niceties and face must be considered. Your Aunt Qi showed me Fang Yao’s Moments. That girl is quite pretty, also studied at an Ivy League school abroad, and works in IT too. She and Meng Fuyuan should definitely hit it off.”

Chen Qingwu’s mind was in turmoil.

She wasn’t at all worried this blind date would have any results. She just felt it was unfair to Meng Fuyuan.

Clearly, last time when Uncle Meng called, he had already refused, yet they still disregarded his wishes and went behind his back.

At dinner, Chen Qingwu ate without appetite.

Around eight o’clock, Liao Shuman’s mahjong friends all arrived. Chen Qingwu couldn’t sit still, unable to suppress the impulse to go to the Meng house.

She also thought of a good reason: “Last time Aunt Qi took a liking to that iron-glazed vase at my place. I’ll deliver it to her.”

“The Meng family has guests. You’re going now?”

“I’ll just go for a moment and leave. I’ll also see if Qiran wants to go out.”

Putting it this way, Liao Shuman no longer questioned anything. “There’s a cheesecake in the fridge. Take it over for them too.”

Chen Qingwu nodded in agreement.

Carrying the vase and cake, Chen Qingwu drove to the Meng house.

After getting out of the car, she carried the items over and pressed the doorbell.

A moment later, the housekeeper came to answer the door.

Chen Qingwu said with a smile, “Have you finished dinner?”

“We’ve finished. They’re drinking tea in the tea room. Miss Chen, please come in…”

Footsteps came from inside.

“Qingwu.” It was Qilin who came out, somewhat pleasantly surprised.

Qilin wore a suit today, her hair and makeup done exceptionally well, showing how much importance she placed on this dinner.

Chen Qingwu smiled and handed over the vase and cake in her hands. “The vase you chose.”

“Oh my, I almost forgot. It’s so thoughtful of you to remember, Qingwu.” Qilin was delighted and asked the housekeeper to take the vase inside and place it carefully. “Come in for some tea. I’ll have Qiran accompany you out.”

“No need, I just stopped by. I’m leaving soon—I made plans to hang out with high school classmates.”

“The family has guests today, otherwise Qiran should definitely accompany you for Christmas Eve.” Qilin said with a smile, “Tomorrow we’ll come to your house to celebrate your mother’s birthday.”

Chen Qingwu said “okay,” hesitated for a moment, then said with a smile, “My mom said today is a blind date for Brother Yuan?”

Qilin’s gaze paused on her face, and she said with a smile, “Yes. They’re chatting in the tea room right now.”

Chen Qingwu keenly noticed that Qilin’s smile seemed to stiffen slightly.

Just as she was thinking about what to say, Qilin smiled and said, “Qingwu, can you spare me a few minutes? Auntie wants to have a word with you privately.”

Chen Qingwu quickly nodded.

“Then wait for me in the courtyard. I’ll be right out.”

Chen Qingwu stepped down from the stairs and walked to the tree in the front yard.

After waiting less than three minutes, Qilin came back out, carrying a bag in her hand.

Qilin walked up to her, smiling somewhat unnaturally. After a long silence, she seemed to make up her mind. “Qingwu, then Auntie will speak frankly.”

“…Please go ahead.”

Qilin seemed somewhat uneasy, also seeming to carefully choose her words. “During this time, I’ve gradually come to understand that perhaps it’s been us adults making a fuss all along. You and Qiran don’t actually have those intentions. That’s fine, Qingwu. Even if we don’t become in-laws, it doesn’t affect the relationship between our two families. You might find this sentimental, but I’ve truly regarded you as a goddaughter since childhood. I originally wanted a daughter, but unfortunately, my second child was also a boy.”

Chen Qingwu’s heart inexplicably rose in her chest.

What words required her to lay such extensive groundwork, to be so polite, so earnest?

“…Even if you and Qiran don’t work out, and you find someone else as a boyfriend in the future, Auntie will still give you ten thousand blessings…” Qilin’s gaze held an apologetic determination. “It’s just…”

Her words paused slightly. She opened the bag in her hand and took something out, clutching it.

“I don’t sleep well. The slightest sound easily wakes me. During National Day, I heard you talking on the stairs and thought I might be overthinking…”

Chen Qingwu’s heart sank.

Qilin held out what was in her hand to her. “A while ago when cleaning his study, we lifted up the carpet to wash it and found this underneath…”

Chen Qingwu stiffly lowered her head to look.

A Polaroid photo.

She remembered when it was taken.

New Year’s Day of her junior year, both families went up the mountain together to watch the countdown fireworks show at dawn. She had just bought a Polaroid camera and handed it to Meng Fuyuan, asking him to help take a photo of her and Qiran together.

And at this moment, the one she held in her hand was a solo photo of her with her back to the South City Tower. At the very edge of the frame, you could still see half of Meng Qiran’s arm showing.

Perhaps Meng Fuyuan had secretly taken it and secretly hidden it away.

The bad premonition came true, like stepping on ice that had already cracked.

Chen Qingwu only felt blood rushing to her head, overwhelming shame making her head so heavy she couldn’t lift it for a moment.

Qilin spoke quickly, with a sense of getting it all out in one breath. “…Qingwu, you’ve always been a smart girl. I think you won’t be confused this time either. Setting aside how our two families’ relationship might be affected, setting aside us parents’ face—Qingwu, just consider Fuyuan and yourself alone. Fuyuan has achieved career success now, occasionally appearing in mainstream media interviews, and was even nominated for the city’s Outstanding Youth… In this internet age, there are no walls that don’t leak. If someone with ulterior motives exploits this, what about his reputation? And then there’s him and Qiran—they’re blood brothers. Do you want to watch them turn against each other? And you, Qingwu—whatever Fuyuan has to endure, you’ll have to bear a hundred times over. Society’s public opinion is inherently harsher toward women. What will you do when everyone spits on you…”

Qilin’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Qingwu, believe Auntie—you can’t bear that pressure…”

Such reasonable words made Chen Qingwu’s defense of “but Qiran and I were never together” seem pale and laughable.

“I’m sorry, Qingwu. Fuyuan is my son, and you’re someone I’ve watched grow up since childhood. As a parent, I can’t just watch you ruin your futures. Currently, only I know about this matter. I don’t plan to tell anyone else, including Fuyuan. I think you, Qingwu, can handle this better than I can. While there’s still time, let’s just stop here, alright?”

Qilin said no more, only looking at her, seemingly waiting for her to make the decision herself.

Chen Qingwu didn’t dare lift her head. Whatever expression and gaze Qilin had at this moment, she didn’t know how to respond.

If only Qilin were simply a “bad person,” that would be one thing. But she wasn’t.

From childhood to adulthood, Chen Qingwu didn’t know how much care she had received from Qilin. Whether or not there was an element of politeness in it, she had genuinely received comfort.

She especially remembered once in middle school when a relative from the Liao family passed away. Liao Shuman and Chen Suiliang went back to their hometown for the funeral and temporarily left her in the care of the Meng family. She hadn’t been sick for quite a while by then, but perhaps because she didn’t put on her jacket immediately after PE class that afternoon, when the sweat evaporated she caught a chill, and that night she started running a fever again.

She felt very guilty about causing trouble for others, but Qilin said it was nothing—back when she gave birth to Meng Fuyuan prematurely and was in postpartum confinement, wasn’t it Liao Shuman who tirelessly took care of her?

That night, Qilin came to her room multiple times, only going to sleep after confirming her fever had broken. She also asked for half a day’s leave from school for her and personally made porridge and soup for her.

Similar incidents were countless.

Facing such an elder, any of her rebuttals seemed inappropriate.

She only instinctively clutched the Polaroid tightly. After a long while, she said hoarsely, “…I should go, Auntie.”

“…Mm-hmm. Go have fun. Be safe.” Qilin looked at Chen Qingwu’s somewhat lost and panicked expression, ultimately feeling some reluctance in her heart, but still had to force herself to harden her heart like iron.

Chen Qingwu turned and quickly walked toward where her car was parked.

She opened the car door, climbed into the driver’s seat, ignited the engine, and started it—all in one smooth motion.

It wasn’t until she drove the car out of the residential complex gate that she found her breath again.

Relying purely on muscle memory, she drove through intersection after intersection and returned home.

When she entered, loud laughter came from the mahjong room—someone had just won with a self-drawn tile after declaring a kong.

Chen Qingwu went upstairs and returned to her bedroom without attracting anyone’s attention.

She collapsed onto the bed, burying her face in the pillow.

Her cheeks were burning hot, as if she had plunged headfirst into a frozen lake.

Qilin returned to the tea room. Meng Chengyong glanced at her and asked, “Who came by?”

“No one.” Qilin said with a smile, “A neighbor came to borrow two candles.”

Then, as if nothing had happened, she returned to the conversation.

The Fang family and Meng family were old acquaintances for many years, but because they weren’t usually in South City, they didn’t interact much.

This reunion after a long separation naturally provided endless topics to discuss.

The main purpose of the two families meeting was to let Meng Fuyuan and Fang Yao look each other over, so from time to time, one parent would steer toward this goal—one introducing Meng Fuyuan’s company situation, the other introducing Fang Yao’s daily interests.

Meng Fuyuan was naturally indifferent throughout. His upbringing didn’t allow him to embarrass the guests, otherwise he would have lost his temper long ago.

This meeting was more grueling than any business engagement Meng Fuyuan had ever attended.

At ten-thirty, the gathering finally ended. The Meng family stood up to see the Fang family off at the door, politely saying they should get together again next time.

As soon as they returned inside, Meng Fuyuan’s expression immediately darkened. He looked at Qilin and Meng Chengyong. “Mom, Dad, I’ve said more than once—no one is allowed to interfere in my private affairs.”

His voice was still fairly calm, all his anger sunk beneath the surface of the ice.

Meng Chengyong defended himself with a laugh. “We didn’t force you either. It was just having dinner together. If you feel it’s suitable, you can get to know each other. If not suitable, we won’t force you…”

“Then why didn’t you make it clear beforehand?” Meng Fuyuan’s voice was cold and heavy. “Did you consider respecting my feelings even for a moment?”

Qilin opened her mouth. “Fuyuan, we were just…”

Meng Qiran spoke up at this moment. “Mom, you really went too far this time.”

Seeing the atmosphere freeze, Meng Chengyong laughed and said, “Alright, alright. We were in the wrong this time. Fuyuan, you’re about to turn thirty-two, and we’ve never heard of you being involved with any girl. As your parents, we sometimes get anxious and didn’t think things through carefully enough. Dad apologizes to you. Don’t be angry anymore.”

Meng Chengyong had already said this much. If he got angry again, it would seem somewhat unreasonable.

Meng Fuyuan said no more, lightly pressed his temple, turned and went upstairs.

He walked into his bedroom, sat down on the bed, and took out his phone to send a message to the other person who had also suffered tonight: Sorry, tonight’s dinner was my parents’ own decision.

Fang Yao quickly replied: It’s fine, I know it wasn’t your idea. I understand your personality somewhat. If you’re interested in someone, you’ll make your move yourself, you won’t trouble your parents.

Meng Fuyuan: Thanks for understanding.

Fang Yao: No problem. We’re friends. Keep in touch when you’re free.

After replying to the message, Meng Fuyuan lay down.

His mood was too terrible, so he was unwilling to disturb Chen Qingwu.

Though at this moment, he longed to see her like a drowning person longs for oxygen.

Chen Qingwu was almost sleepless all night.

The next day at noon, the Meng family came to visit to celebrate Liao Shuman’s birthday.

Chen Qingwu dawdled for a long time before going downstairs. When she got to the living room, she found that Meng Fuyuan hadn’t come.

Qilin was smiling as she explained to everyone, “Fuyuan had some company matters and went back to East City early this morning.”

Lunch began. A table full of delicious food, both families raising glasses to celebrate the birthday, harmonious and happy.

Chen Qingwu mechanically raised her glass. In the crisp sound of clinking glasses, she felt dazed, only feeling that the smiling faces before her were like masks that couldn’t be peeled off.

Why could everyone else live so self-consistently, so unrestrained, but not her, not Meng Fuyuan?

After finishing the meal and cutting the cake, while no one was paying attention, Chen Qingwu quietly slipped out alone.

In winter, the daylight was dim and gray. Red and green Christmas decorations hung on distant tree branches, making the surroundings seem all the more desolate by contrast.

Chen Qingwu lit a cigarette, tucked in her scarf, and walked out.

Behind her, footsteps descended the stairs.

“Wuwu…”

Chen Qingwu turned around, her expression indifferent.

Meng Qiran had one hand in the pocket of his black down jacket. His footsteps paused slightly. “Where are you going? You seem to be in a bad mood…”

“It’s nothing. I’m just going out for a walk.”

“I’ll come with…”

“Don’t follow me.”

Her voice held only a calm that suppressed impatience.

Meng Qiran’s lips pressed into a line. He didn’t dare advance further, only able to watch Chen Qingwu turn around, her slender figure gradually walking away.

Chen Qingwu walked to the residential complex’s central garden and sat down on a bench. The cigarette was held between her fingers, accumulating ash-white length during the long silence before being scattered by the wind.

Wind brushed her face. Chen Qingwu squinted her eyes and suddenly felt her phone vibrate in her pocket.

Meng Fuyuan’s WeChat message: Sorry Qingwu, I had matters and came back to East City first. When you return, I’ll make up Christmas for you.

Forced into that social engagement last night, he must have been thoroughly disgusted. Even so, he was still doing his best to attend to her emotions.

Chen Qingwu replied: It’s fine, focus on work first.

Meng Fuyuan: You celebrate Auntie’s birthday first.

Chen Qingwu: Okay.

The “typing” indicator flashed for a while, but nothing followed.

After all, it was Liao Shuman’s birthday, so Chen Qingwu endured the whole day.

Early the next morning, after informing her family, she drove back to East City.

In the studio, everything remained as it was when she left three days ago.

The central air conditioning was turned on, but that heat didn’t seem to ward off the cold, making her shiver even just sitting there.

It clearly hadn’t felt this cold before.

All day, she worked on wheel-throwing and shaping, not allowing herself any space to stop.

After eight in the evening, Meng Fuyuan called.

Chen Qingwu’s hands were covered in clay. As she got up and walked over to turn on the faucet, the call stopped.

After washing her hands and wiping them clean, her phone vibrated again.

She immediately answered.

“Are you back in East City?”

“…Mm-hmm.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Meng Fuyuan’s voice was gentle. “Have you had dinner?”

“No… I’m not very hungry.”

“I’ve sent a car to pick you up. Come over and we’ll go get something to eat together.”

“…Okay.”

About half an hour later, Meng Fuyuan’s driver arrived and picked up Chen Qingwu, driving toward the company.

When she arrived, Meng Fuyuan was still in a video conference with an overseas chip supplier.

An assistant came over and asked Chen Qingwu to rest for a bit in the reception room. Meng Fuyuan would be there shortly.

After sitting for about twenty minutes, hurried footsteps sounded at the door.

Meng Fuyuan was dressed all in black. Under the pale white lights, he had a cold severity like deep waters and towering peaks.

He walked in quickly. “Sorry, was delayed slightly.”

Chen Qingwu smiled and shook her head.

“Are you hungry?”

“I’m okay.”

“Let’s go then.”

Chen Qingwu nodded, stood up, and followed him.

The first-floor lobby was brightly lit.

Chen Qingwu stood outside the glass wall and paused her steps slightly, looking at the first-generation robotic arm operating adaptively in the exhibition hall. That silver exterior had a kind of elegance unique to mechanical creations.

Meng Fuyuan gazed at her. “Want to go in and look?”

“Ah… okay.”

Meng Fuyuan pressed his fingerprint at the access control to unlock it.

The glass door popped open. Meng Fuyuan lightly caught her wrist and led her inside.

Inside was a row of computer screens in standby mode, with several workstation badges on the desk.

Chen Qingwu remembered last time she came, there were people inside performing debugging and operation.

“People actually work here?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Chen Qingwu said with a smile, “Then they must feel so insecure, with people watching them come and go.”

“It’s electrochromic glass.”

“I see.”

Chen Qingwu circled around the central robotic arm, slowly pacing, and said casually, “…The night before last, your family had guests, right?”

Meng Fuyuan paused, immediately moved a step closer, lowered his head to look at her, his voice also dropping a couple of degrees. “Are you unhappy because of this?”

Chen Qingwu made no sound.

She’d rather he just misunderstand like this.

“My dad arranged it on his own. Don’t worry, there won’t be a next time.”

“I’m not worried…” Chen Qingwu lowered her eyes. “I just… wanted to ask why. Clearly you weren’t willing, so why don’t they respect your feelings at all?”

Meng Fuyuan was momentarily speechless.

As a man, the emotion of “grievance” seemed excessively weak.

Perhaps he could be angry, could be indifferent, but he shouldn’t feel aggrieved.

But it turned out, only when seen by someone else could it be called grievance.

“These things don’t matter. I’m used to it.” Meng Fuyuan said flatly.

“Why should you have to get used to it…”

Chen Qingwu knew this question wasn’t directed at Meng Fuyuan.

The lights in the exhibition hall were exceptionally clean, a cold white tone full of technological feeling. In this light, her face had a bloodless pallor.

Meng Fuyuan still felt her emotions weren’t right. He lowered his head and placed his hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong, Qingwu?”

“Nothing…” Chen Qingwu gathered herself. “Let’s go…”

“Wait. I haven’t given you your Christmas gift yet.”

Chen Qingwu’s movements paused slightly.

Meng Fuyuan raised his hand and pressed the keyboard behind her.

She couldn’t help but turn to look. Meng Fuyuan’s slender fingers hovered lightly above the keyboard, typing rapidly. On the screen, the cursor flashed and code scrolled quickly.

Finally, he lightly raised his index finger and pressed Enter.

A soft “click” sounded.

Chen Qingwu looked toward the sound and saw the stationary robotic arm activate, rotating one hundred eighty degrees. The overhead suspension system extended, the “arm” unfolded and reached toward a spot not far away.

A corrugated cardboard box was placed there.

The “arm” hovered above the box. The “fingers” descended, paused for an instant—that “click” sound was it grasping something.

She seemed unable to help widening her eyes and holding her breath.

After a “buzz,” the “arm” lifted up. The suspension system retracted, the “arm” returned and stopped steadily in front of her.

In its “hand,” it held a bouquet of fresh, vivid red roses.

Chen Qingwu stood dazed, reaching out to accept the bouquet.

At this moment, Meng Fuyuan slowly exhaled.

Six years—it took him six years to earn the qualification to give her roses.

Chen Qingwu lowered her head to look at the bouquet, her heart a jumble of emotions. No wonder roses were always linked with love—perhaps only such a color, like flame and blood, was sufficient to lay bare the heart.

Meng Fuyuan’s voice sounded heavily behind her. “In the past six years, I’ve been impulsive countless times, wanting to stop you and tell you this…”

Chen Qingwu instinctively asked, “What?”

“Don’t just look at him. Please look at me too.”

Her heart seemed to fall into an abyss, beating rapidly like drowning and struggling for survival, to the point she couldn’t breathe.

Chen Qingwu’s fingers trembled slightly, beyond her control.

Without hesitation, she put down the bouquet, suddenly turned around, stood on tiptoe, and grabbed his shirt collar in one motion.

Meng Fuyuan’s pupils dilated.

In a blank buzz of white noise, he realized that what touched his lips was a kiss.

The sensation of warm contact was utterly unreal.

He closed his eyes, exhaling a heavy, scorching breath. Abruptly, he reached out and pressed a button.

The glass on all four sides instantly fogged up, blocking all views.

The next instant, he scooped her up and sat her on the counter.

He removed his glasses and tossed them aside casually.

His palm pressed against the back of her head. He leaned down and fiercely captured her lips.

For a moment her body lost balance, as if she would fall backward. Chen Qingwu instinctively reached out her arms, tightly embracing Meng Fuyuan’s shoulders.

Already on the verge of suffocation, she felt her teeth pried apart, his tongue invading, leaving no room, seizing her last bit of breath. Perhaps because he knew at this moment she had no intention of pushing him away, willing to sink and drown with him.

In their pressed-together chests, heartbeats resonated like mountains collapsing and seas surging.

So violent that her heart ached faintly from the震动.