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墨書 Inktalez
Ever since I learned about Shen Zhi Zhou's audacious act of "secretly finishing my Bento," I couldn't help but feel that beneath his cold facade lay a hint of something... adorable?
Our work interactions became much smoother. I discovered that as long as I maintained a professional attitude and delivered solid results, he, though still reticent, would show a glimmer of approval in his eyes. Occasionally, during our discussions about project details, he would offer some remarkably constructive suggestions and even... ask for my opinion? This was unimaginable before.
The atmosphere between us subtly warmed in a delicate balance. There were no explicit declarations or ambiguous words, yet we both seemed to sense an unusual vibe in the air.
Then she appeared.
That day, I went to Shen Zhi Zhou's office to deliver the final version of the Dessert Samples. As I approached the door, I heard a clear and melodious laugh from inside—a woman's voice.
My steps instinctively halted.
The office door was slightly ajar. Compelled by curiosity, I peeked through the gap.
Inside sat an elegant woman in a stylish suit, exuding an air of sophistication as she chatted with Shen Zhi Zhou. Her smile was radiant, and her gaze towards him was filled with unabashed admiration and... intimacy?
As for Shen Zhi Zhou, although his expression remained largely unchanged, the icy aura surrounding him seemed to have lessened considerably. Did his lips just curl into the faintest hint of a smile? It was fleeting, but I definitely caught it!
He actually smiled at another woman?!
My heart sank like a stone, feeling as if something was blocking it—heavy and suffocating.
“Zhi Zhou, how long can you stay in the country this time? I still want to visit that gallery you recommended last time,” the woman said softly, her tone familiar and casual.
Zhi Zhou? Such a close address?
“Depends on the project situation,” Shen Zhi Zhou replied, his voice seemingly... a touch gentler than when he spoke to me.
“Then I’d better make plans to see you soon,” she laughed. “Coincidentally, my father has been mentioning you; he says it’s been too long since you two played chess together.”
Father? Playing chess? Their relationship sounded quite significant—like family friends?
I felt like a peeping Tom, my face burning with embarrassment. Quickly retreating a few steps, I adjusted my breathing and pretended to have just arrived.
“Knock knock.” I tapped on the door.
The conversation inside ceased.
“Come in.”
I pushed open the door, trying my best to appear natural. “President Shen, here’s the final version of the Dessert Samples.”
The beautiful woman turned to look at me, her gaze appraising as she took me in with curiosity. She smiled and nodded politely.
Shen Zhi Zhou’s eyes fell on me as well but quickly shifted away, as if my presence was merely an inconsequential interruption. He took the sample box from my hands and placed it on the table without tasting it immediately.
"Who is this?" the woman asked Shen Zhi Zhou softly.
"This is the pastry chef from Tang Cube, responsible for the new store project," Shen Zhi Zhou introduced briefly, his tone neutral.
"Oh," the woman said, her expression brightening as she turned to me with a warmer smile. "Hello, I'm Su Man, a friend of Zhi Zhou."
Su Man? That name sounds familiar... Isn't she a well-known art critic? No wonder she has such an elegant demeanor.
Just a friend?
I felt a bit flustered and forced a stiff smile. "Hello, Miss Su, I'm Lin Xiaoran."
"The pastries made by Miss Lin look exquisite," Su Man praised, her gaze shifting back to Shen Zhi Zhou. "Zhi Zhou, you should try them; Tang Cube's desserts are quite famous."
"Mm." Shen Zhi Zhou responded lightly, showing no intention of tasting them.
I felt somewhat out of place standing there.
"Well then... President Shen, Miss Su, I won't disturb you any longer," I said, looking for an excuse to leave.
"Alright." Shen Zhi Zhou nodded.
Su Man smiled and added, "Take care, Miss Lin."
I nearly fled the scene. It wasn't until I had walked quite a distance from the office that my heartbeat began to slow down, but that inexplicable sense of loss and frustration lingered.
What was the relationship between him and Su Man? The way she looked at him was definitely more than just "friends." And his attitude towards her was indeed much gentler than how he treated me.
Could it be... that he prefers someone like Su Man—intelligent, elegant, and from a similar background?
All those awkward gestures of concern, those secretly devoured pastries and bentos—were they merely my illusions and self-deception? His kindness towards me might really just stem from my role as the project leader; perhaps he was simply worried I would "delay the work"?
Thoughts swirled chaotically in my mind, leaving me feeling distressed.
That afternoon, I was distracted no matter what I did. I knocked over the sugar jar and almost mistook salt for powdered sugar while sprinkling it on a cake.
My colleague Xiao Zhang noticed something was off. "Xiaoran, what's wrong with you today? You seem lost in thought."
I shook my head and forced a smile. "It's nothing; maybe I'm just a bit tired."
But deep down, I knew very well that I wasn't tired—I was... a little sad.
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