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墨書 Inktalez
With a complex mix of emotions spurred by Shen Zhi Zhou's "mouthy yet principled" behavior, I embarked on a new round of dessert development. For several consecutive days, I immersed myself in the studio, experimenting with different ratios of Sour and Sweet and various ingredient combinations.
On Friday afternoon, I finally returned to Shen Zhi Zhou's office with an "upgraded version" of the Strawberry Dessert and a new proposal. This time, after tasting it, he remained silent for an even longer period.
Eventually, he lifted his head, looked at me, and for the first time said three words: "There’s progress." Although his expression remained neutral, those three words felt more exhilarating to me than receiving Michelin Three Stars!
"It still needs some fine-tuning," he added. "Bring me the final version next Monday."
"Sure, President Shen!" I replied, genuinely convinced and full of motivation.
However, the weather had other plans. As I exited his office, I realized it had started pouring rain. Standing at the entrance of the office building, I stared blankly at the white curtain of rain outside. I hadn’t brought an umbrella!
The ride-hailing app on my phone showed heavy traffic ahead with over fifty people waiting in line. Great, it seemed like I was stuck here.
Just as I was fretting over the downpour, a black Maybach quietly pulled up not far from the entrance. The window rolled down to reveal Shen Zhi Zhou’s expressionless face.
My heart skipped a beat.
He glanced my way and then… rolled the window back up.
I thought to myself: "Well, that’s that. I must have been imagining things. How could someone like him give a ride to someone as insignificant as me?"
Resigned, I retreated to a corner of the lobby, preparing for a long wait.
About five minutes later, the Maybach… was still there? It hadn’t left?
Just as I was pondering this oddity, Shen Zhi Zhou’s assistant, Xiao Chen, hurriedly emerged from the car holding a large black umbrella and walked straight up to me.
"Miss Lin," Xiao Chen said with a professional smile, "It’s raining heavily outside. President Shen asked me to take you home."
I was taken aback. "Take… take me?"
"Yes, please get in the car."
I glanced at the obviously expensive vehicle and then back at Xiao Chen’s sincere smile. Remembering Shen Zhi Zhou’s earlier cold glance… Was this plot twist a bit abrupt?
Could it be… that the ice mountain had developed a conscience?
Though it felt unbelievable, who would turn down a free ride?
"That… would be too much trouble! Thank you, President Shen!" I quickly expressed my gratitude and followed Xiao Chen into the car.
The back seat of the car was spacious, filled with a cold, crisp fragrance similar to but lighter than that of Shen Zhi Zhou. He sat on the other side, a bit distant from me, gazing ahead, his profile still perfectly defined.
The atmosphere felt a bit awkward. I twisted my fingers, unsure of what to say.
"Where do you live?" he suddenly asked.
I provided the address of an old neighborhood a little distance from the city center. He fell silent again, and the car was enveloped in quiet once more. The rain tapped against the windows, creating a rhythmic patter.
I stole a glance at him from the corner of my eye. He seemed to be resting his eyes, long eyelashes casting a small shadow on his eyelids. The soft light filtering through the rain-soaked window softened the sharp lines of his face, making him appear… surprisingly gentle?
It must be an illusion!
The car soon arrived at the entrance of my neighborhood. The rain continued to fall, though it had lessened somewhat.
"Thank you, President Shen, and Assistant Chen. Sorry for the trouble!" I prepared to get out.
"Wait." Shen Zhi Zhou suddenly opened his eyes and called out to me.
My heart skipped a beat; he wasn't going to ask me for fare, was he?
Instead, he reached into the side compartment and pulled out… a black long-handled umbrella.
"Take this," he said, handing it to me with an even tone.
I looked at the umbrella; its simple yet elegant design clearly indicated it wasn't cheap. "No… it's fine, President Shen. I can run a few steps and be home; the rain has lightened."
He frowned slightly, seeming a bit impatient. "You'll catch a cold and delay work."
That reasoning again!
I met his unyielding gaze and had no choice but to accept it. "Well… thank you, President Shen. I'll return it after I clean it."
"Mm." He acknowledged with a nod and closed his eyes again, signaling Xiao Chen to drive.
Holding the umbrella that carried his scent, I stepped into the rain. The raindrops hitting the fabric produced a steady sound. A warm feeling spread through me as if something had gently brushed against my heart.
This iceberg… didn’t seem so unapproachable after all. Though his words were still sharp, his actions…
Wait!
Suddenly, I recalled a detail. His reason for giving me the umbrella was "you'll catch a cold and delay work." But… my final proposal isn't due until next Monday! Even if I caught a cold today and stayed home for two days, it wouldn't affect his review on Monday at all!
So… he drove me back and gave me an umbrella not because he was worried about work?!
So what was his reason? Could it be... could it be... My cheeks felt a bit warm. This unexpected "heartwarming" reason seemed to stir my feelings more than direct concern would have.
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