Recently, her university professor contacted her, asking for help with a project.
After all, she was a top student in the Journalism Department at that time, and the project was quite challenging. The professor had no one else to turn to and had to swallow his pride to seek out his former star pupil.
Fortunately, Shu Ran was down-to-earth and willing to help. Since she had some free time, she agreed to the old professor's request.
Thus, during her spare time, she dedicated herself to the research project. When she had nothing else to do, she would go to the kindergarten to play with the children and attend classes.
However, lunchtime was destined to be monopolized by one person.
Despite this, those days were the happiest and most joyful of Shu Ran's adult life.
It felt as if she had shed all burdens and no longer had to force herself to do things she didn't like. She could focus entirely on what she loved.
She felt content.
And all of this was thanks to one person.
Her Qin Xian.
…………
After taking Qin Yuyu to the kindergarten for a while, Shu Ran then dropped him off at her Brother and Sister-in-law's milk tea shop near the school, bringing them two homemade bento boxes as well.
She helped out in the shop until they finished their meal before finally setting off toward a certain childish gentleman who had called her over a dozen times, bringing him lunch.
After a long journey, she finally arrived at the Qin Building. The security guard at the entrance immediately bowed at a 90-degree angle upon seeing her, showing respect and reverence.
Shu Ran responded with a polite smile, exuding warmth and approachability, without a hint of arrogance.
When the employees in the company first learned of her identity, they were particularly incredulous. The ruthless President Qin had chosen a woman with such a gentle and delicate demeanor.
It was a stark contrast.
However, as they became more familiar with her, they found that she genuinely had a way of endearing herself to others. Everything she did carried a refreshing and natural quality, calm and unhurried, making her very pleasant to watch.
Unlike Miss Jiang, who always came in with an imposing presence, constantly ordering them around.
Anyone who dared to come even a step closer to President Qin would find themselves pushed out of the company by her subordinates using their influence.
President Qin was busy with her career and didn't want to deal with such matters. However, every time she came in, within half an hour, she would have Chen Jin, President Qin's assistant, unceremoniously escort anyone out.
Ke Shuran was different; she came and went very discreetly. If she encountered them, she would naturally smile slightly, without pretense or shyness, instantly winning people over.
A girl like this could make the aloof President Qin feel something; it seemed there was nothing surprising about that.
Shu Ran was unaware of their thoughts. Following her usual routine, she took the exclusive elevator for the president directly to the 22nd floor.
During lunchtime, aside from Lina, the other two secretaries were still working tirelessly. A thick stack of documents piled up on their desks waiting to be printed, making it look quite busy.
In the corner of the desk lay several small breads and cakes, seemingly for quick snacks during their hectic hours.
Fortunately, Shu Ran had just bought a few cups of Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks, which she was now sharing with them to help fill their stomachs alongside the bread.
The two Secretaries repeatedly thanked Shu Ran for her timely assistance.
Shu Ran smiled; it was no big deal for her, just two cups of milk tea.
"Where's Lina?"
She glanced around but did not see her figure, so she casually asked.
"Sister Lina is organizing her luggage and booking tickets. There’s been an issue at the branch office in B City that requires President Qin to handle."
A business trip?
How long would it take?
For the first time, a strange feeling of reluctance surged in Shu Ran's heart. Perhaps it was because they had been together every day recently, creating a sense of dependence. Suddenly, he was going on a business trip, and she found herself feeling a bit unaccustomed to it.
But she quickly adjusted her emotions and asked, "How long will you be gone?"
"I don't know the exact time. It seems this situation is quite serious; if things go well, it might take about five or six days."
Upon hearing this, Shu Ran pressed her lips together, a hint of disappointment flickering in her eyes.
She blinked to dispel the feeling of disappointment she was trying to hide and smiled gently, saying, "Well, I won't disturb your work any longer. I'll head in first."
"Mm."
When Shu Ran opened the office door, Qin Xian was focused on his work. Hearing the familiar sound, he slowly looked up, his intense gaze following her footsteps and locking onto her.
Although her expression was the same as usual, adorned with a faint smile, there seemed to be a hint of sadness in her eyes.
From the moment she entered, Qin Xian noticed it.
Shu Ran bent down and placed the lunch box on the table. Her slender fingers pressed on the top of the box, gently twisting it open, layer by layer revealing the food and soup inside.
As the fragrant aroma wafted into his nose, suddenly a pair of strong arms wrapped around her slim waist from behind, a refreshing male scent brushing against her neck.
Shu Ran lightly slapped his restless hand and scolded, "Stop it, or the soup will spill."
However, Qin Xian seemed to ignore her, not pausing in his actions but instead holding her tighter. His warm lips brushed against her ear as he softly yet firmly stated, "You’re not happy."
His tone was declarative rather than questioning.
Ke Shuran still denied it shyly, saying, "No."
Qin Xian frowned and called out in a deep voice, "Shu Ran."
He was clearly dissatisfied with her answer.
Helplessly, Shu Ran knew she couldn't hide it from him and had to lower her voice to tell him, "I just heard them say you’re going on a business trip for many days."
As soon as he finished speaking, Qin Xian let out a joyful laugh. He lifted her up and held her sideways against him. His long fingers, with distinct knuckles, gently gripped her delicate chin, forcing her to tilt her head back and meet his gaze.
Shu Ran looked up and locked eyes with him, but in that instant, she was captivated by his enchanting demeanor, unable to look away.
In his pitch-black eyes, a brilliant light flickered; with every glance, it sparkled and dazzled.
He chuckled softly, his voice alluring, "You can't bear to part with me, can you?"
"Mm." Shu Ran gazed at him in a daze, unusually not denying it.
Shu Ran reached out her small hand and grasped the large hand that held her chin, gently encircling it and lightly stroking it.
"When I'm not by your side, you need to eat on time. Even if it's just a little bit, don't skip meals. It's not good for your stomach."
"And don’t keep drinking coffee; staying up late is harmful to your health. Go to bed early, do you hear me? Otherwise, I'll worry... um..."
Before she could finish her sentence, he silenced her with a kiss.
As the kiss ended, he wore a smug expression as if he had gained an advantage while pretending to be innocent. He teasingly rubbed her small nose and said, "Got it, little nag."
Comment 0 Comment Count