Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
During the day, snowflakes fell from the leaden sky like shattered feathers, swirling and dancing as if they intended to bury the entire world beneath their white blanket. The fierce wind whipped the snow into a frenzy, tapping lightly against the windows with a soft rustling sound. As night fell, however, the snowfall seemed to exhaust itself, gradually coming to a halt.
Yet the cold air took this opportunity to ramp up its assault, surging in like a wild stallion through every crack and crevice. Pedestrians quickened their pace on the streets, eager to escape the biting chill, while the trees along the roadside shivered in the frigid wind. Their bare branches swayed under the streetlights, as if protesting against the cold night.
Inside a skyscraper in this city, however, the office of President Xiao Xiao was brightly lit, warm light spilling onto the polished floor and creating a stark contrast with the icy world outside.
"There are still some issues with the final part of this proposal; it exceeds our budget by two percentage points," Xiao Xiao said, her brow slightly furrowed. The delicate features of her face appeared even more serious under the light.
"I’ve reviewed this document; it can be implemented. We can finalize it in tomorrow’s meeting." As she spoke, she handed over the signed document to Ning Chen, who sat across from her.
The office had two workstations. One was furnished with a soft chair specifically chosen for Ning Chen, in his favorite deep blue color that complemented the overall style of the office. These small details were quietly arranged by Xiao Xiao; she had never mentioned them to Ning Chen.
This subtlety mirrored her hidden feelings for him—an emotion that she dared not flaunt yet was undeniably real.
Ning Chen took the proposal and gently flipped through its pages. He scrutinized it closely, his brow slightly knitted as he seemed to ponder some issue.
"The conclusion of this project marks our first collaboration; initial investment is necessary. Not only will this open up new avenues for us, but it will also establish a positive image for our partnership," he stated.
At his words, Xiao Xiao, who had been focused on her computer screen, turned her gaze toward him. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes as she contemplated his suggestion. After a brief silence, she nodded.
This gesture left Ning Chen visibly astonished. It was well-known that Xiao Xiao was resolute in her decisions at work; all plans had to proceed according to her signed approval. Yet with just one sentence from him, she had changed her mind.
"Once we revise this proposal, we can call it a day," Xiao Xiao said, breaking the slightly awkward atmosphere. Her tone returned to its usual calmness as if she were trying to conceal that fleeting emotion from earlier.
"It's getting late; let me drive you home."
Ning Chen looked at Xiao Xiao with concern in his eyes. He had always been uneasy about her going home alone.
"Alright," she replied. "I just bought a new coffee machine at home; would you like to try it out?"
Ning Chen had just relaxed his furrowed brow when it creased again as he looked at Xiao Xiao.
"Xiao, it's almost two in the morning. You invited me to your place for coffee? Is this going to be a sleepless night?"
Xiao Xiao raised an eyebrow playfully, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "What’s this? Didn’t you say earlier that you wanted to treat me to some coffee?"
Her eyes sparkled with mischief, contrasting sharply with her usual serious CEO demeanor. It felt as if Ning Chen was seeing the old Xiao Xiao again.
"Since you’ve invited me so warmly, I can’t refuse," Ning Chen replied.
"What do you mean 'can’t refuse'? It’s not like you’re being sent to your death," Xiao Xiao shot back, her gaze drifting back to the computer screen.
Ning Chen fell silent, and the large office was filled only with the occasional sound of keyboard clacking.
It wasn’t until their assistants could no longer hold out that they entered with neatly organized documents, breaking the silence in the office.
"Xiao, Ning, here are the documents."
The two assistants exchanged glances; they had initially hoped to give this pair of star-crossed lovers some time together. However, they were surprised to find that throughout the night, their conversation had revolved entirely around work, with no other topics in sight.
"Just put them here," Ning Chen gestured for them to place the documents on the desk beside him, his gaze still fixed on the item in his hand, seemingly indifferent to their arrival.
But the assistants didn’t move away; instead, they chimed in unison: "Ning, Xiao, it’s quite late."
"Yes," one added. "If you don’t head back soon, it’ll be difficult on the snowy roads. It’s better to leave early."
Their eyes conveyed a hint of concern, hoping their leaders would wrap things up soon given how late it was and the terrible weather outside.
Comment 0 Comment Count