After a fierce argument with Shen Zhi Zhou at the construction site, our relationship had plunged to an all-time low. I began to strictly adhere to the principle of "business is business," ensuring that all communications went through emails or assistants, resolutely avoiding any one-on-one encounters with him. He seemed to welcome this arrangement, as he hardly spoke a word to me outside of necessary exchanges during project meetings. The entire project team could sense the unusual tension between us, but no one dared to ask.
Finally, the new store opened successfully amidst much anticipation. The opening ceremony was grand, filled with guests. Shen Zhi Zhou, as the behind-the-scenes boss and designer of the Art Center, was naturally the center of attention. Dressed in an impeccable suit, he navigated through the crowd with ease, exuding the charm of a successful individual with every gesture.
Su Man was also present, as elegant and captivating as ever, standing by his side like a natural hostess, receiving congratulations and envious glances from everyone around. Together, they truly made a striking couple—a perfect match.
As the head of dessert development, I stood at a distance with the kitchen team, watching everything unfold. A mix of emotions swirled within me—there was a hint of bitterness and sourness, but more than anything, there was a sense of… calmness after the storm. Perhaps this was the best ending. He had his path to success while I continued on my solitary journey. That brief period of infatuation could simply be regarded as a dream.
Halfway through the ceremony, I went to the backstage lounge for some water. As I pushed open the door, I unexpectedly saw Shen Zhi Zhou standing by the window, his back to me, holding a cigarette that he hadn’t lit yet, simply gazing outside.
He rarely smoked; at least, I had never seen him do so.
Upon hearing the door open, he turned around. His gaze flickered upon seeing me, and he quickly tucked away the cigarette with a hint of barely noticeable panic in his movements.
“Is there something you need?” he resumed his usual cold demeanor.
“No… nothing. I just came for some water,” I replied awkwardly as I walked over to the water dispenser.
The atmosphere in the lounge felt stiflingly quiet with just the two of us present.
After finishing my drink and preparing to leave, he suddenly spoke up: “Lin Xiaoran.”
I paused but didn’t turn around.
“About that day… I’m sorry.”
I was taken aback. Was he apologizing? For our argument at the construction site?
I turned around in disbelief to look at him.
He didn’t meet my gaze; his eyes remained fixed on the window, his profile tense. “I shouldn’t have… said those things.”
This unexpected apology felt like a stone thrown into my seemingly calm heart lake, sending ripples through my emotions once again. What should I say? Should I tell him it was fine? Or…
“President Shen is being too hard on himself,” I ultimately chose the safest response, trying to keep my tone steady. “You’re the boss; what you say is for work purposes. I understand.”
My politeness and distance seemed to only irritate him further. He abruptly turned and strode toward me, his deep-set eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that revealed emotions I couldn’t decipher—frustration, struggle, and perhaps… a hint of pain?
“It wasn’t just for work!” he nearly shouted, his voice hoarse. “I…”
What did he want to say?
At that moment, the door to the lounge was pushed open, and Assistant Xiao Chen peeked in. "President Shen, Miss Su is looking for you. She says there are a few important partners outside who want to meet you."
Shen Zhi Zhou was interrupted, and the turbulent emotions in his eyes were instantly frozen. He took a deep breath, restoring his cold, hard facade.
"Got it," he replied flatly, casting one last glance at me. His gaze was complex and difficult to decipher before he followed Xiao Chen out.
I was left alone in the lounge.
Leaning against the door, my heart raced wildly. What was he about to say? "Not for work," what did that mean? Was it because of... me?
And then there was his apology and that last look filled with complexity and pain...
The iceberg... had it really cracked open just a little?
But then, there was Su Man...
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