The car turned into the intersection, and when Yao Nian saw the familiar office buildings in the distance, she paused slightly. Is this where the law firm is?
As soon as she said it, she realized her mistake and rubbed her forehead in annoyance.
Sure enough, a hint of surprise flashed in Shen Du's eyes. "How did you know the law firm is here?"
"Well, I guessed. There are office buildings all around, so it was easy to figure out."
Shen Du smiled but didn’t respond, smoothly driving the car into the underground garage and parking it perfectly.
This place inevitably reminded Yao Nian of that scene she had witnessed at the entrance that day. It felt like a small knife had grazed her heart.
"By the way," Shen Du said as he got out of the car, "aren't you able to take your driving test now?"
Yao Nian nodded. "But this semester's slots are already full. I plan to sign up next semester."
"That's good," Shen Du replied. "It'll be better if you get your license early. You can use this car to practice then."
"Aren't you worried I might scratch or bump it?"
Once they entered the elevator, he pressed the button for the tenth floor.
"If you do, just come to Xincheng to work off your debt."
Yao Nian turned her back to him and made an exaggerated expression, silently mouthing, "Huang Shi."
Shen Du cleared his throat and reminded her, "The elevator has mirrors; I can see you."
With a ding, Yao Nian followed him out of the elevator. Shen Du turned on the lights on the wall, and the entire space brightened instantly.
The reception area was adorned with marble patterns, featuring Xincheng Law Firm's dual-language logo. The layout was divided into two levels with an open design that offered a broad view.
In Yao Nian's impression, she had always thought that a lawyer's working environment would be serious and oppressive. She didn’t expect this place to look so comfortable.
The warm yellow lighting created a cozy atmosphere, with clearly defined areas. Besides the work area, reception area, and conference rooms, she even spotted an independent café and tea room.
"Come over here," Shen Du said as he led her up the stairs to the end of the second floor.
When he opened the door, Yao Nian peeked inside. "Is this your office?"
The decor was minimalist, characterized by a cohesive color scheme, a wooden desk, a dark green leather sofa, and an irregularly shaped coffee table. Beside the floor-to-ceiling window stood a nearly two-meter tall bamboo lily, each detail reflecting his exquisite taste.
As Yao Nian entered, Shen Du was about to close the door casually. His fingertips paused on the doorknob; after a moment's thought, he pulled the door open again.
"Please have a seat," he gestured toward the sofa and retrieved a cup from the sterilizer.
Yao Nian ignored him and walked straight to the floor-to-ceiling window.
From this angle, the view below was breathtaking; the city lights sparkled like stars, revealing the endless night of a bustling metropolis illuminated by neon signs.
Unfortunately, there was no moon tonight.
A faint aroma of tea wafted through the air, mingled with a hint of sweet jasmine.
Shen Du approached her and handed her the teacup. "Be careful, it's hot."
Yao Nian leaned closer to the cup and inhaled deeply as wisps of steam rose. "It smells wonderful."
"This is tea that a friend brought back from South City," he explained. "But I'm not used to sweet flavors. If you like it, feel free to take some back to your dorm."
She took a small sip, and the fresh fragrance of the tea combined with the sweetness of jasmine instantly filled her mouth.
At that moment, Shen Du's phone rang.
He glanced at his phone and then toward the door. "Wait for me a moment; I need to take this call."
Curious, Yao Nian wandered around his office. There were hardly any personal items on his desk—just stacks of thick documents piled neatly.
Her eyes landed on a black fountain pen wedged between some files.
Picking it up, she recognized it immediately by the ring of tiny diamonds on its body—it was the pen she had gifted him.
A meaningful voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Young lady, gifts shouldn't be taken back."
Yao Nian jumped slightly at the sound and quickly set down the pen, turning around to find Shen Du had returned from his call without her noticing.
She pouted slightly. "Who said I was taking it back? I was just looking."
Shen Du smiled softly, lowering his gaze. "Actually, there is something you need to take back with you."
He propped one hand on the desk while opening a drawer with the other. He pulled out a square box and handed it to Yao Nian.
The dark red leather gift box was embossed with golden wave patterns, exuding a classic yet exquisite charm.
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