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墨書 Inktalez
Back in the car, I felt a twinge of guilt thinking about how the situation also involved me. I wanted to apologize, but Dong Lu was the first to express concern about Lu Ming's specific situation, her tone carrying a hint of reproach.
"Lu Zong, we've been preparing for this business for a long time. Offending the other party because of this might not be good. What if it falls through?" The worry in Dong Lu's words made me tense up as well.
"This matter could have been discussed. Zhuang Jun and I can stay for a couple of days; what could he possibly do to us? It's just a matter of keeping things light. Otherwise, I can contact Brother Kang and we can take a step back."
"No need," Lu Ming replied, his expression unchanged, unaffected by Dong Lu's words.
"But Lu Zong..." Dong Lu was unwilling to let it go.
"Don't worry. If he has any sense, he won't dare to jeopardize this cooperation. Meeting us is just giving face to his father; he doesn't have real power and won't act recklessly."
Lu Ming dismissed Dong Lu's concerns with just a few words, leaving her no choice but to fall silent. It was clear she was worried since this involved both her and me. I casually added a few comments, not realizing that it annoyed Lu Ming.
"Don't think too highly of yourself."
The next day after returning to the company, Dong Lu informed me that the company had issued a new directive: no heavy makeup during work hours.
I wasn't one to wake up half an hour early just to put on makeup. If I applied thick foundation and ignored my other features, it would look quite odd. I could only manage some eye makeup and a simple touch of lip color—nothing more.
Even with this regulation in place, I didn't adhere to it given my imminent departure from the company. This seemed to displease Lu Ming greatly. After calling me into his office, he lectured me about this issue.
Once he finished speaking, I replied, "I've already applied to leave the company. I'll be gone once the procedures are completed in a month. I hope to have some personal freedom during this time."
"Personal freedom only comes after you step out of the company door and don't come back. While you're here, you must adhere to the company's internal regulations."
Why should I!
I silently shouted in my heart but didn't dare to voice my complaints. I truly couldn't bring myself to remove my makeup and let others see the ghostly appearance beneath it. I stubbornly chose to refuse.
"Then I won't come tomorrow," I said impulsively, but I felt the temperature around me drop suddenly. Lu Ming squinted at me, resembling a cunning old fox who had calculated everything.
I had no idea he was so displeased with my complaints. I swallowed hard and explained again, "Mr. Lu, the company can only regulate employees' work-related behaviors; beyond that, it really doesn't have the authority to impose restrictions. Besides, I'm about to leave anyway. Even if it has an impact, it will only be for a short while. You can enforce this rule after I'm gone."
At that point, you can enforce it however you like; it's not my concern. But right now, you can't just do as you please and interfere with me.
Lu Ming disagreed: "Everything must be handled according to company procedures. Leave."
He lowered his head and continued with his work. It seemed he had no intention of engaging with me any further. I left the office feeling dejected and ran into Dong Lu. I brought up the situation with Dong Lu, hoping to discuss it and see if there was any way out.
Dong Lu wasn't as impatient as I was; she listened leisurely as I spoke and chuckled, "This was a sudden request from Mr. Lu yesterday. It's not something we employees can change. I remember you didn't wear much makeup before you came here; why is it that now, just as you're about to leave, you suddenly want to put on some?"
I understood her implication clearly; she was questioning whether I had ulterior motives. Yes, I did have a purpose for wearing makeup, but how could I possibly air such family secrets?
Since Dong Lu wasn't inclined to help me either, I had to think of another way. After work that evening, instead of going straight home, I called Gu Xiang to ask if it was convenient for me to visit him.
Gu Xiang seemed surprised when he received my call; after a pause, he said it was fine for me to come over directly.
As soon as I stepped out of the building and walked a few steps downstairs, a car suddenly stopped in front of me. Startled, I took two steps back; the car showed no signs of moving aside and was parked diagonally in front of me, leaving me puzzled about its intentions.
I tried to walk around it and continue on my way, but the car followed me closely. Angered, I moved beside the driver's seat and knocked sharply on the window until it rolled down, revealing Lu Ming's face.
"I said Mr. Lu, it's after work hours now; there's no need for me to report in advance. If there's nothing else, then goodbye; if there is something, I'll see you tomorrow."
I was about to walk away when Lu Ming suddenly stepped on the gas and drove right in front of me, saying through the car window, "Get in."
"Mr. Lu, it's not on our way."
"It is on the way," Lu Ming countered. "Aren't you going to Gu Xiang's place?"
I was quite surprised. "How do you know? Are you going there too?"
Lu Ming didn't respond and showed no intention of driving off, which seemed to indicate that he was.
It wasn't easy to find Gu Xiang's place, so I was willing to take a ride if it was offered. I got into the passenger seat, and just as I settled in, the car roared to life and took off, nearly throwing me around.
Is this a deliberate act of revenge? I glanced at Lu Ming beside me. He looked very aloof, but why was he being so petty, trying to trip me up? From a broader perspective, he seemed unapproachable; from a closer view, he was full of sneaky little tricks.
Within half an hour, we arrived at Gu Xiang's home. Gu Xiang opened the door wearing casual clothes, with a small dog squatting at her feet, barking incessantly at Lu Ming.
"Dr. Gu, is this your dog?" I pointed at the four or five-month-old Teddy Dog that kept barking at her feet and then looked back at Gu Xiang.
Gu Xiang smiled. "Zhuang Jun, don't call me Dr. Gu; just call me Gu Xiang. This is my new dog. Come on in."
I was certain the little dog was barking at Lu Ming even after we entered because it continued to howl while being held in Gu Xiang's lap, still facing Lu Ming.
Lu Ming's expression remained dark; he didn't explode, but I felt curious about this creature. I wondered if it was just this dog or if all dogs shared my dislike for Lu Ming. Suddenly encountering an ally lifted my spirits.
"You both came together? Haven't eaten yet? I just made a few dishes, and the soup will be ready soon. Let's eat together," Gu Xiang said amidst the dog's barking.
At first, I didn't find the dog's barking annoying. I happily nodded in agreement, and Lu Ming didn't object either. He said he was going to the balcony to smoke and walked outside. Once he was out of sight, Teddy finally stopped barking.
Gu Xiang, with a bitter expression, complained to the little dog, "I really think you have a grudge against Lu Ming; you bark every time he comes around."
"Really?" I was a bit surprised and pointed at Teddy, who was sticking out its tongue and smiling. "What's its name? Can I hold it?"
"Of course." Gu Xiang put Teddy down, and it joyfully ran over to me. I picked up the small dog and placed it on my lap while Gu Xiang said, "Its name is Enen."
"Hello, Enen." I gently patted Enen's head. Enen stuck out its tongue and licked my palm, making me giggle with ticklish delight. Gu Xiang stayed with me for a while before saying he was going to check on something in the kitchen. I told him to go ahead and continued playing with Enen.
During mealtime, Gu Xiang first prepared Enen's dog food before returning to the table and apologizing to us.
The dishes Gu Xiang made were quite delicious, and I felt cheerful while eating. Chatting with Gu Xiang at the dining table was enjoyable as he humorously shared stories about himself. However, Lu Ming, who had been friends with Gu Xiang for a long time, remained silent.
After finishing dinner, I offered to help with the chores. Gu Xiang didn't refuse and even leaned close to my ear while I was washing the dishes, telling me not to take it to heart. He explained that Lu Ming always had a cold demeanor; it wasn't that he was unfriendly but rather that he wasn't good at expressing himself.
I wasn't entirely clear on the specifics, but having spent enough time with him, I had an idea of what kind of person he was. Besides, we might not interact much in the future, so I decided to let him be; whatever he wanted was fine by me.
Once everything was done, I followed Gu Xiang into the study while Enen and Lu Ming stayed in the living room. Even as we entered the study, I could still hear Enen howling. Gu Xiang called out several times without success and finally shrugged at me, saying, "It seems you're not the only one who has issues with Lu Ming."
I couldn't help but chuckle at Gu Xiang's comment. However, the upcoming conversation made it hard for me to smile. I explained my worsening symptoms clearly to Gu Xiang, who listened intently with a serious expression.
My worries stemmed from my familiarity with myself; I understood all too well that I could easily develop into what I feared most. The previous sorrow had made me fearless about this possibility, but now I was overly concerned that it would happen soon.
I marveled at my own fragility, feeling so out of control.
After finishing the meeting with Gu Xiang, I still felt quite down. Enen ran up to me, nudging my calf with his body.
"It seems like Enen really likes you," Gu Xiang remarked with a sigh.
I smiled lightly, "Maybe."
"Alright then, you should head back today. Do as I said and remember to keep in touch. If anything comes up, make sure to find me. I'm always available, got it?" Gu Xiang winked at me.
I returned the smile, "Thank you so much. By the way, about last time, I must have disturbed your rest coming so late."
Gu Xiang frowned slightly, "Last time? Oh, that wasn't a big deal. Don't overthink it. Since that's the case, you should go home now. Let Lu Ming take you; it's not safe to be alone at night."
I sensed some awkwardness in Gu Xiang's words, but I didn't dwell on it. Gu Xiang had been very kind to me. When I mentioned payment for his services, he had refused, saying we were friends and that discussing money could hurt our relationship.
In truth, there wasn't much emotional connection between Gu Xiang and me, but I was grateful for his straightforwardness. Psychologists typically charge quite a bit, and after seeing him a few times, I had no idea how much it would cost.
After saying goodbye to Gu Xiang, I got into the car with Lu Ming. As I fastened my seatbelt, I suddenly thought of something and asked him, "What did you come to see Gu Xiang for? Didn't you need to talk to him privately? You just sat alone in the living room?"
Lu Ming started the car, pressed down on the gas pedal, and turned on the music inside. A woman's melodious voice filled the air as he replied lightly, "Stop nagging."
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