"Our home feels so empty. Would you mind joining us for a game?" Aunt Shang joked with a smile.
In the past, our families used to celebrate the Spring Festival together.
This year, due to my relationship with Chen Ruzhou, my mom declined Aunt Shang's invitation to have New Year's Eve dinner together.
However, when guests come over, it's not polite to send them away.
Chen Ruzhou naturally sat beside me, watching me play cards.
My cousins were unaware of what was going on between us and kept teasing us.
"Wan Wan, how's that AI project at your company going?"
"I heard you're working on the next ChatGPT!"
I smiled and clarified, "I'm no longer part of that project team; I'm working on a new business now."
Chen Ruzhou's expression darkened slightly.
When midnight struck and we went outside to set off fireworks, he grabbed my hand, seemingly wanting to say something.
But just then, my phone rang unexpectedly.
I felt a bit embarrassed, pulled my hand away from Chen Ruzhou, and stepped aside to answer the call.
It was a Technical Director I met in Guangzhou named Wang Yi.
He was quite handsome as well.
He wasn't the aloof, elite type; he was the warm kind who loved to laugh.
During the Technical Sharing Session, he always had plenty of Golden Quotes to share and was quite witty. I often found myself doubled over with laughter at his speeches.
He said he called just because he was bored and wanted to count down to New Year's Eve with us.
I didn't think much of it; it was New Year's after all, so I didn't hang up and let him participate in our New Year's Eve ceremony the whole time.
Before hanging up, he chuckled, "Actually, I just wanted to be the first person to wish you a Happy New Year after midnight."
"Happy New Year, Director Su Wan!"
I laughed happily and returned his wishes.
We chatted for a while longer, and when he finally decided to hang up, I turned around to find Chen Ruzhou standing behind me with an icy expression.
I had no idea how long he had been listening.
"New boss?" he asked hoarsely.
"Not quite yet," I thought for a moment and answered honestly.
Chen Ruzhou fell silent for a long time.
I thought he had nothing more to say and planned to head back to the living room to continue playing cards.
But then he suddenly spoke again, "Companies from out of town aren't always reliable. It's better to find a local one that you can trust."
I nodded slightly. "Indeed, you can know a person’s face but not their heart. I'll observe a bit longer."
"Thank you for the reminder, Director Chen. I hope you find a suitable partner soon as well."
Chen Ruzhou seemed to be pricked by some hidden concern; he fell silent and left the yard directly.
I didn't think much of it; his eccentricities weren't new.
In the past, I had viewed him through the lens of a business partner, believing he was good at everything. Now, however...
After that, I accompanied my grandmother and parents to visit relatives, then went on a road trip, hardly spending any time at home.
I didn't run into Chen Ruzhou at all.
The holiday was short, and soon I found myself back in Guangzhou.
But the next day, I unexpectedly saw Chen Ruzhou at the entrance of the company.
He looked haggard, his suit slightly wrinkled; one might think he had suffered a business failure.
"Director Chen, what are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see what your new company is like and check in on how you're doing in Guangzhou."
I replied with a smile, "It's great here; the atmosphere for innovation is vibrant. If you have time, you should take a stroll through the industrial park yourself."
He seemed a bit awkward and didn’t respond. "Wan Wan, can't you accompany me for a tour? Just this once."
Before I could say anything, a male voice interrupted, "Sorry, big guy, but I've already scheduled a code review with Director Shi. Please make an appointment next time."
Wang Yi walked over and skillfully handed me a cup of freshly bought coffee.
As the two exchanged glances, sparks flew between them.
"Su Wan, you came back to the office so early just for him?" Chen Ruzhou's tone carried an indescribable emotion.
I had no idea what he was thinking, and there was no need to explain anything to him.
"I'm sorry, Director Chen, but we have a meeting to attend. We need to go now."
I nudged Wang Yi, who was still standing there motionless. "Come on, didn't you say we needed to discuss the new microservices architecture? Time is tight; let's hurry."
Wang Yi shot a glare at Chen Ruzhou as I pulled him away.
As we passed through the security gate, I glanced back.
Chen Ruzhou stood at the company entrance, watching us intently. Under the shade of the trees, he appeared particularly forlorn.
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