Shang Zhitao felt she was finished. How could she have said such audacious words? She wasn’t originally that kind of person, but somehow she became that way in front of Luan Nian.

She was distressed the entire weekend, but Luan Nian wouldn’t let her off. He sent her a message in the middle of the night: “Coming? My place.”

“I’ll report you.” Shang Zhitao’s counterattack lacked any force, tinged with guilt.

“Recording?” Luan Nian meant: Have you forgotten I have your recording? You’re going to report me? He didn’t want Shang Zhitao to come to his place; he simply found her amusing and had become addicted to teasing her. His scandalous news and bad reputation hadn’t affected his mood at all. He tossed his phone aside and laughed out loud.

Shang Zhitao avoided Luan Nian every day, like a mouse avoiding a cat. Sometimes when they happened to meet, Luan Nian would appear completely serious but then message her: “Been drinking?” Drinking represented impropriety, and Luan Nian firmly held Shang Zhitao’s weakness. Shang Zhitao would glance at her phone, then look up with a completely red face. Lumi thought she was acting strangely and couldn’t help asking: “Do you have porn saved on your phone?”

…

I don’t have porn on my phone, I have a bastard on my phone, Shang Zhitao thought.

Sometimes she couldn’t avoid him, like during rehearsals.

There would be three rehearsals, and the executives had to cooperate with a walkthrough. Shang Zhitao was responsible for coordinating the rehearsals, communicating the on-site director’s arrangements to the executives. When speaking with other executives, it was fine, but when speaking with Luan Nian, Shang Zhitao didn’t dare look at him. Sometimes when she did glance at him, her face would immediately turn red. Her blushing, in Luan Nian’s eyes, was a clear indication of her attraction to him. Luan Nian was somewhat inconsiderate, wanting to use her attraction to indulge himself. The desire in Luan Nian’s heart stirred repeatedly, and he hadn’t even noticed that his behavior toward Shang Zhitao showed signs of deliberate pursuit.

Finally, the day of the company anniversary arrived.

Luan Nian’s long-undisclosed performance information would now be revealed to everyone. His performance was first. Shang Zhitao stood at the periphery, maintaining order, watching as instruments were brought onto the stage. Tracy specifically went backstage to seek Luan Nian’s opinion: “How about taking photos of you to share with alumni?”

“Pay me.” Luan Nian was unbuttoning his satin shirt, wearing a casual pair of jeans that made his legs look even longer. Seeing him like this, Tracy clicked her tongue: “God gave you good looks.”

“How’s the internal audit going?”

“In progress. Are you worried?”

“I’m not worried.”

Luan Nian’s friends walked in, each with a different style, but all exuding an air of distinction. There would probably be many female colleagues going crazy today, Tracy thought.

The colleagues were all seated at round tables. In a daze, Shang Zhitao saw someone jump onto the stage, hit the drumsticks a few times, and the performance began as the lights brightened.

The person holding the electric guitar, wearing a satin shirt with several buttons undone, revealing a tantalizingly attractive chest. Shang Zhitao had never seen Luan Nian smile like this before—corners of his mouth upturned, showing snow-white teeth, looking slightly mischievous yet radiantly sunny. Her heart felt as if it had been struck by something, experiencing a slight pang.

They had adapted “I Hate Myself For Loving You.” Luan Nian’s fingers flew over the guitar as he smiled at his companions. The chemistry between them had been cultivated over the years—spirited, confident, and arrogant. Colleagues went wild, standing up to sway with the music. Shang Zhitao had never heard this song before, nor had she ever seen Luan Nian like this. He was dazzling, shattering people’s convictions with his unparalleled charm.

“This guy is incredible!” Lumi exclaimed about Luan Nian. She turned her head and saw how Shang Zhitao was looking at Luan Nian, then suddenly shouted in her ear: “Shang Zhitao, you can sleep with some men, but never fall in love with them.”

Shang Zhitao understood what Lumi meant. She was saying: you two aren’t from the same world; Luan Nian is a top creative master in the industry—sharp, rich, handsome, and talented, while you’re just someone who tries hard but is utterly ordinary. You’ll get hurt if you fall for him. Shang Zhitao certainly understood; she didn’t have such extravagant expectations, but she was attracted to Luan Nian’s radiance.

She also wanted to become someone like Luan Nian. She had sung on stage during her school days too; she had almost forgotten that she occasionally had those shining moments.

“Sleep with him, tonight.” Lumi joked with Shang Zhitao, even giving her a push.

“No, no, too many people want to sleep with him today.” Shang Zhitao laughed, then heard through her walkie-talkie: “One minute until the first performance ends. Prepare for dining. Note clearance.”

Clearance referred to Shang Zhitao’s group maintaining order. Luan Nian’s performance had ended, and everyone shouted in unison: “Encore!” Luan Nian seemed to be in a good mood and sang another song.

By the time he finished singing, the inexplicable flutter in Shang Zhitao’s heart had subsided. She stood at the edge of the venue watching colleagues at the banquet and also appreciating the performances on stage. Concerned about colleagues bumping or falling, she frequently reminded everyone: “Watch your step!” “Walk slowly!” She also guided the food service: “Don’t bump into people!” She was conscientious and diligent.

Luan Nian was talking with Tan Mian, with Shang Zhitao’s hardworking figure in his peripheral vision. She wore a work uniform that looked somewhat spirited—a white shirt tucked into black trousers, hair pulled up high, even properly holding a walkie-talkie, resembling a female bodyguard. Luan Nian burst into laughter. Shang Zhitao’s serious manner was quite amusing.

“What is it?” Tan Mian, who was mid-conversation, asked him. He shook his head: “Nothing.”

A fixed segment of the banquet was the toast. Even if Luan Nian drank minimally, just a small sip with each person, he would still consume several ounces. Soon, the executives began moving around the venue with their subordinates, first introducing their staff, then exchanging pleasantries: “Looking forward to a pleasant cooperation!” “Thank you for your support!” While speaking, their eyes would watch Luan Nian’s table, and as soon as one group dispersed, the next would quickly approach.

Alex handed Shang Zhitao a wine dispenser and a small wine glass. Shang Zhitao quickly said: “I can’t drink today! I have to work until the venue is cleared.”

“It’s water.” Alex winked at her: “There are too many people; he won’t smell each one. Just go along with it, come on.”

The men and women from the marketing department followed behind Alex to Luan Nian. Alex’s hand rested on Luan Nian’s shoulder: “Luke, that performance just now was brilliant, absolutely charismatic!”

“Yes! Super sexy!” Lumi chimed in, making everyone laugh. Shang Zhitao shrank behind the crowd, worried that Luan Nian would smell her wine glass. Alex began introducing the employees one by one. Each person knew the protocol and stepped forward when introduced. When it was Shang Zhitao’s turn, Luan Nian’s gaze fell on her wine dispenser: “The girls in the marketing department can hold their liquor well.” This random comment was followed by his hand reaching for the dispenser. Just like in school when a teacher would randomly check homework and invariably pick Shang Zhitao, Luan Nian had “checked” her.

She was doomed. Alex was also a bit nervous. Poor Shang Zhitao, she couldn’t get away with anything—whenever she tried something mischievous, she would certainly get caught.

Luan Nian sniffed Shang Zhitao’s dispenser: “My allergies are acting up today.” Then he returned the dispenser to her. He figured she wouldn’t dare drink alcohol again.

Everyone laughed at Shang Zhitao’s narrow escape.

The glasses clinked together, and Luan Nian smiled and said: “Thank you all for your hard work. Let’s keep up the good effort.”

The banquet continued until ten o’clock before dispersing. Tan Mian had drunk too much, so Luan Nian arranged for Liu Wu to take him home earlier. After everyone had left, he called for a designated driver. Alex was perceptive and said to Luan Nian: “It’s difficult to get a car at this hour. Let’s have someone from the marketing department drive Luke home.”

“That’s fine, thank you.” Luan Nian put away his phone.

Alex went to find someone and saw Shang Zhitao, who had just changed her clothes and was eating fruit. She had been busy until this hour, having eaten only a small piece of cake. She had found a fruit plate from the kitchen to satiate her hunger before heading home.

“Flora.”

“Alex.”

“Can you drive?”

“Yes.” Shang Zhitao had just gotten her driver’s license the previous weekend and was still in a state of inexplicable confidence: “What’s up?”

“Go drive the boss home.”

“Sure! Which boss?”

“Luke.”

…”Okay!”

Alex had found someone and brought Shang Zhitao to Luan Nian: “Let Flora drive you.”

“You can drive?” Luan Nian’s eyes widened.

“Yes, of course I can.” Shang Zhitao wasn’t one to back down, raising her chin.

Luan Nian didn’t want to embarrass Alex, so he could only say: “Then I’ll trouble Flora.”

“Happy to serve the boss!” Shang Zhitao’s enthusiastic response followed as she walked behind Luan Nian to the underground parking garage.

Most people had left, and there weren’t many cars in the hotel’s underground garage. Shang Zhitao thought it should be easy to drive out. When they reached Luan Nian’s car, she discovered he had changed cars. It was Shang Zhitao’s dream vehicle. Before getting in the car, she followed her instructor’s teaching, walking around the car once, observing the surroundings, like following a recipe. Then she reached out to Luan Nian: “Luke, may I have your car keys, please?”

Luan Nian suddenly felt a bit regretful. What was there to be embarrassed about in front of Alex? Shang Zhitao’s approach to driving, like following a recipe, seemed somewhat frightening. But it would be petty to show his concern, so he placed the car keys in her palm.

Shang Zhitao was full of confidence. What’s the big deal? Her instructor had said she had natural talent! She got into the car, adjusted the seat, adjusted the rearview mirror, and fastened the seat belt. Her driving school training was still fresh; she hadn’t forgotten anything. Then she inserted the car key, shifted gears, released the handbrake, and even said to herself: “Let’s go!”

Bang.

Exiting a parking garage is easy, provided the direction of travel is correct.

Luan Nian instantly sobered up. He sat motionless, and Shang Zhitao was equally still, not daring to speak.

After a while, Luan Nian finally spoke: “How long have you had your license?”

Shang Zhitao held up one slender white finger, somewhat sheepishly saying: “One week.”

Luan Nian felt like his skull was about to crack from anger. You’ve had your license for one week, and you dare say you can drive! He restrained the impulse to strangle Shang Zhitao. Yet Shang Zhitao, fearless of death, said: “Luke… we need to… call the insurance company…”

This car had cost Luan Nian nearly two million yuan. He had just picked it up last weekend and was driving it for the first time today. What a coincidence—the car’s age matched Shang Zhitao’s driving experience.

Shang Zhitao’s attitude toward admitting her mistake was very good. She proactively suggested: “How about this? I’ll wait with you for the insurance company, since you’re the car owner.”

Luan Nian glared at her, then leaned back in his seat to sober up. This nerve-wracking silence made Shang Zhitao’s skin crawl. Her stomach growled, breaking the awkwardness and transforming it into a different kind of awkwardness.

“Haven’t eaten?” Luan Nian asked her.

“No…”

Luan Nian sighed and called Liu Wu: “Can you return to the venue later to help me handle an accident? I’m leaving first.” Liu Wu didn’t ask many questions, just readily agreed: “Alright, you go ahead. I’ll handle it.”

The two of them left the garage. Everyone else had already departed. They finally managed to get a taxi, and Shang Zhitao quickly said: “Take this gentleman first.” She was trying to placate Luan Nian, afraid he would make her pay for the damages. Even a minor bump to Luan Nian’s car would cost her half a year’s salary.

Luan Nian remained silent, watching Shang Zhitao’s obsequiousness. For men, feelings toward cars are like feelings toward women. His newly purchased car had been damaged by Shang Zhitao—no matter how magnanimous, he wanted to scold her. But it wasn’t appropriate to do so in the taxi. How could he scold her? The taxi driver would think he was petty. He restrained himself until they arrived, then threw out a single word: “Get out!”

The two stood in the cold wind. Luan Nian had summoned all his energy to give Shang Zhitao a good scolding. She probably knew she was wrong, as she looked anywhere but at him.

“Do you know how to drive or not?” Luan Nian glared at her.

“I do… I have a driver’s license…” Shang Zhitao was very aggrieved.

“Having a license doesn’t mean you know how to drive.” Luan Nian saw that she looked like she was about to cry, and he persuaded himself: forget it, forget it, it’s not necessary, there’s insurance.

Shang Zhitao’s stomach growled again. She was too hungry. She had been at the venue since early morning, only eaten a few bites of boxed lunch at noon, and in the evening, she had just started eating fruit when Alex had brought her to drive Luan Nian home. She was so hungry she felt like throwing up.

Luan Nian glared at her and said, “I’m hungry too. Let’s go.”

“Where to?”

“To my home for food, of course. Where else?”

“Is that appropriate?” Your scandal hasn’t been resolved yet, and you’re so carefree. What if I report you for seducing a female subordinate?

“Are you sick in the head?”

…

Upon reflection, Shang Zhitao thought he was right. If people heard about Luan Nian and her, they would probably say: “How much effort must Shang Zhitao have put in to get Luke? Did she drug him?” Luan Nian’s scandal would never be linked to her; their relationship looked as pure as it could be.

Shang Zhitao followed Luan Nian to his home, standing somewhat awkwardly at the door. Luan Nian pointed to the shoe cabinet: “Change your shoes yourself.”

“Oh.” Shang Zhitao changed her shoes, and as she stood up, she saw Luan Nian taking off his coat. His shoulders were broad, and his waist was well-defined. Truly handsome.

Luan Nian went to the kitchen. He had drunk a lot today and hadn’t eaten much, so his stomach was quite empty. Shang Zhitao followed behind him, watching him take out pasta and steak from the refrigerator. He knew how to cook. She felt a bit embarrassed and softly asked: “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No need.”

Shang Zhitao couldn’t be as at ease as Luan Nian, who seemed to find being alone in a room with a woman quite normal. Shang Zhitao had only experienced such closeness with Xin Zhaozhou, but they had been very, very familiar with each other—familiar enough not to feel awkward.

She sat properly on the sofa waiting, and then saw Luan Nian bring out pasta and steak: “Come eat.”