Chapter 3, The First Night

By the way, didn't a new young lady just join your office?

Shu Guan turned sideways in her seat to face the sea of clouds outside the window, fully aware that at this moment, there was nothing she could do; all she could do was wait

Her heartbeat grew increasingly intense, and without needing to know the sender's name, she could tell from the tone who it was.

Gu Xiaocheng was taken aback: "What?"

Huo Yongning personally opened the rear car door, and when he saw Shu Guan, he was momentarily taken aback, but he also very gentlemanly leaned to one side, inviting her to get out.

Of course, I brought the gifts that Huo Yongning sent.

What does he mean

If the information is correct, the interns you initially recruited were limited to recent graduates

Du Lei coughed lightly and said: "Sit."

"Shu Guan, what is wrong with you?" Hua Jin, while driving, was distracted by her expression. He couldn't quite pinpoint what was off, but he felt that she seemed to have changed.

I am very clean, and this is your first time too. " Shu Guan paused, looking at his expression, unable to help but smile self-deprecatingly, "You don't believe it? For someone like me, the first time I give to anyone... is meticulously calculated, and you are the most suitable choice.

Returning to the academy went quite smoothly. Whenever Du Lei sees her now, he wears a look of someone who has just gone through a major ordeal, and he even grants her leave without much conversation. It is only when she is about to leave that he says: "This is a reflection paper from your dormitory classmates; please take a look."

"Anytime is fine, after all, I am still interning here," Shu Guan said with a smile, turning to glance at Mr. Huo Yongning's office. "Is Mr. Huo on another business trip?"

"Have you taken care of things at home?" he asked with a serious expression, "Why haven't you returned to cancel your leave?"

Shu Guan walked beside Huo Yongning, harboring questions in her heart

"Senior, I still have class, so I will leave first." Shu Guan finally composed her expression and smiled at Han Ziye, saying, "You two siblings really look alike."

He knows... so quickly, he already knows everything.

"Indeed, he hasn't returned yet," Liu Yang said in a lowered voice. "Mr. Huo has high hopes for you; the International Department has never recruited an intern before, and you are the first."

Hua Jin tentatively asked, "Is there something going on at your home?"

That sinking heart began to beat violently again, as Shu Guan looked at that handsome yet somewhat gaunt face. Her vision suddenly became a bit blurred, and she slightly parted her lips, but not a single word could escape her mouth

Huo Yongning fell silent for a moment and said softly, "It's nothing."

The lights of Victoria Harbour have finally been illuminated

Upon seeing the sender's name, Shu Guan felt as if her breath had momentarily halted.

The arrangement for this solo dance can almost be described as cost-no-object. The promotional photos were taken by a renowned fashion magazine's photography team. The invitations sent out feature a soft velvet texture on the front, with silver lettering on the inside, providing an excellent tactile experience. Simple yet not lacking in elegance, one could hardly expect anything less for a performance by a world-class dancer.

Huo Yongning's expression gradually became somewhat tense

The next day, she returned to Reed for her internship, and as usual, she first went back to the original secretary's office to hand over some work and responsibilities to her colleagues

Clearly, there were bustling figures coming and going in his bright and elegant eyes, yet when Shu Wan gazed inside, she only felt a sense of coldness and detachment. She halted her steps, increasingly uneasy in her heart: "Mr. Huo..."

Hua Jin became somewhat anxious, and with a long stride, he was about to chase after them when he suddenly heard someone calling his name from behind

Lin Qiang's face suddenly flushed bright red, and he stammered, "I know you have always thought that I am not worthy of your aunt, but I truly want to treat her well..."

Shu Guan stopped in her tracks

Your transfer this time was proposed by HR, but it was personally approved by Mr. Huo

In fact, Hua Jin has always been impatient with texting, yet during this period, she has been somewhat attentive. She has never taken his words about wanting to have a serious relationship with her seriously, nor does she wish to have any interactions with him near the company, as it would inevitably lead to gossip among colleagues if they were seen together. After thinking for a long time, Shu Guan replied: I didn't go to work today, I've been at home.

"Do you want to go to the convenience store to buy something?" He slowly stopped the car, not noticing her unusual behavior

"I don't want to, I don't want to." Lin Qiang waved his hands desperately, "I am not taking care of her for money, I like her..."

Tsim Sha Tsui has always been a gathering place for tourists, and not far from the Peninsula Hotel are several high-end shopping malls. One can hear the various accents of mainland tourists everywhere, which adds a touch of unfamiliar warmth to this city that clearly possesses a unique charm.

Even though there are luxury boutiques everywhere here, a person like him would never come here to buy anything he desires

The meaning of distancing oneself is to no longer wish to have any entanglements, but why then does one act in such a manner

I am a bit tired, may I return to the hotel first

Shu Guan bypassed the lawn, where a man and a woman were walking side by side ahead. Both were tall, with the woman appearing graceful in her long dress, while the man, dressed in dark blue jeans, had exceptionally long legs, his back resembling that of the most popular long-legged handsome man in the entertainment industry today

A small car is parked downstairs, and a middle-aged man is leaning against the car door, occasionally glancing towards the hallway.

She is always just one person

Aren't you going to buy it yourself?" Shu Guan said lightly as she took a seat in the passenger seat

Guan Guan, breakfast is warm in the pot, eat it before going back

Do you have anything to eat at home? He changed direction, Do you want to buy something on the way?

After getting off the plane, Shuguan opened her phone and posted a status on her Moments: I am back

He is still in a meeting and will come to see you later. The young man smiled and said, "You can just call me Zhanfeng"

The waiter placed the luggage and then left, and Zhan Feng did not stay long either. Soon, only Shu Guan was left alone in the room

I have my own motives. But rest assured, I do not wish to marry you. Shu Guanyue spoke increasingly fluently, "I just want an opportunity, an opportunity in my work. Just like this time being able to enter the International Trade Department... If I hadn't slept with you, perhaps I would have to wait another two or three years."

Huo Yongning entered through the side door, looking at him with a blank expression, "What? Here to see me?"

"On the way." Hua Jin replied readily, "You sit and have a cup of coffee first, I will arrive in half an hour."

Is this somewhat naive newcomer in the workplace really the same girl who calmly spoke about the unspoken rules that day?

This is also good, as it will make the competition fairer

She spread the receipts from the mall on the table, pointing them out to Du Lei one by one: "I can also go to the mall with you to inspect the goods."

Since childhood, she has had a peculiar habit of entertaining herself while waiting for others in restaurants or during times of extreme boredom

Han Ziye slightly raised his gaze, looking at the two girls in the rearview mirror, seemingly lost in thought

This time, it is the flight and hotel information, approximately forwarded by the assistant, without even removing the salutation "Mr. Huo"

"Indeed, it is unpleasant. So, are you not planning to investigate who is doing such things behind the scenes and provide me with an explanation?" Shu Guan said patiently, "You can check the IP at the school's network center to locate it, right?"

"Her surname is Shu. Last time we had a meal, she came in to deliver something. Please keep an eye on her for me," Hua Jin said with a smile. "Just consider it a favor I'm asking of you, but don't let her know."

Han Ziqiao's long hair was all tied up at the back of her head, revealing her fair and full forehead. Her expression was always very serene and composed, and she simply shook her head and said: "I will be going abroad for a while"

She responded with a smile, finished packing her bag, and her phone chimed with a message from Huajin.

The designated address is Huai Cheng International Airport

When caught in a lie, Shu Guan did not take it to heart; she ignored him, lowered her head, and quickly walked towards the door

In the end, the young lady accepted his card and smiled as she sent them out the door

Shu Guan took it over and glanced through it quickly; at the bottom were the signatures of Lin Lu and Gu Xiaochen. She also understood that this was likely their greatest concession—apologizing was probably harder than death for the 'female college students' who held themselves in high regard. At that moment, she did not intend to make things difficult for her roommates; she simply nodded and said, 'I hope they won't target me like this next time'

In front of my aunt, I have always been a selfish child.

In the brief moment that Shu Guan paused, the two individuals had already walked far away

Han Ziye shrugged and said, "I don't know, they might still be in a meeting"

She calmly picked up two books from her desk, just about to leave, when she suddenly heard Gu Xiaocheng's sarcastic laugh as she said to Lin Lu: "So Chanel bags aren't that expensive! You can buy one for just 1,000."

The car arrived at the entrance of Ruide, and the security guard stood at a distance, not approaching to inquire, as Huo Yongning was personally standing downstairs, seemingly waiting for them along with the library.

She had thought that she would be unable to sleep last night, but she did not

His pair of eyes is as deep as black jade: "Then, I understand even less."

Shu Guan did not withdraw her hand, staring directly at the young lady, insisting, "Use this card."

Han Ziye was driving, while Han Ziqiao accompanied Shu Guan in the back seat, engaging in conversation

It is quite unexpected that she can still bravely face herself at this moment, and Huo Yongning looked at her with great interest, "Many women want to climb into my bed, but you are the first to succeed in such a manner. What do you want? Money?"

She is truly just a vain and selfish child

The outcome is even better than what Shuguan had anticipated

Huo Yongning finally raised his head to look at her, a glimmer passing through his deep-set eyes, only to ultimately fade away, just as it always did: "Are you tired?"

He stepped on the brake and said earnestly: "What did I tell you last time? You haven't forgotten, have you?"

"By the way, are you going for an internship? Why don't we go together?" Han Ziqiao held onto Shu Guan, "We also need to go to Ruide to pick someone up"

It is a message from an unknown number, "Do you have a Hong Kong and Macau travel permit? Accompany me to Hong Kong next week."

Shu Guan furrowed her brows, her intuition telling her that this matter was not as simple as it seemed. However, before she could figure it out, she decided to take it one step at a time.

Huo Yongning's expression darkened slightly. Previously, Hua Jin had pursued a girl from his own company, sending a whole car full of roses downstairs. In the end, it could not withstand the words "tired of it" and they parted ways amicably. Even he had heard a bit about this incident. Yet, even during that time, he did not come downstairs to sit and wait with such a good temper.

Senior sister

This title immediately alerted Shu Guan.

She gazed silently out of the window, offering no response

Large and small packages are placed on the snow-white velvet blanket, all of which are well-known brands that often represent wealth and status in a common sense, easily "understood" by everyone

Sister, I will take my leave now

Shu Guan returned home, first prepared some food for herself, rested for a while after eating, and then went for a run in the community as usual

The car came to a smooth stop in front of the Peninsula Hotel

A wealthy and beautiful woman, suspected of purchasing counterfeit bags on Taobao

Shu Guan did not pursue the matter further. Sitting gracefully on the soft sofa, her slightly tilted legs were slender and straight, and her expression was serious: "Mr. Huo, at this stage, there are three men who are seriously pursuing me, one of whom is Hua Jin, whom you know. Therefore, you must believe that if my being with you were merely for money, I would be better off choosing any one of them."

He loosened the buttons of his shirt and glanced at her lightly, "Let's go out for a stroll"

In the one-inch color photo on her resume, she has her long hair tied back, revealing a smooth and full forehead along with a small face the size of a palm. She is wearing delicate light makeup and possesses an almost perfect face shape, making her a striking young woman. In the depths of Huo Yongning's eyes, a vortex gradually began to form as he dialed the HR internal line

Silently all the way until just before getting off the car, Shu Guan handed him a savings book

She glanced at the title, and the last trace of drowsiness vanished into thin air

A moment of hesitation is already the best situation

Shu Guan slightly nodded, then lowered her gaze to eat, not saying another word

At the moment the plane took off, due to the sensation of weightlessness, she leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes

The moment has not yet reached nightfall, as the afterglow of dusk falls upon the vast expanse of cold blue-gray sea. The buildings on the opposite shore rise and fall in height, with money, power, and fame... all unmistakable symbols of this bustling city. And she now gazes down upon it all, so close, yet so far away

Yet he remained seated calmly, as if observing everything from a distance, including her deliberate provocations

Shu Guan was unaware that Huo Yongning was secretly investigating her

Shu Guan quickly searched through her mind for the assistants of Huo Yongning, and it seemed that there was no such assistant in her impression... Or perhaps, it was his personal assistant, as Huo Yongning would not want anyone in the company to know about their relationship

Suddenly, there was a slight noise outside the door. She initially thought it was the waiter coming to collect the dishes, but then she felt something was amiss. Her heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly put away the cosmetics at hand and rushed outside.

Lin Lu hurriedly grabbed her and coldly said to Shu Guan: "Teacher Du from the院办 is looking for you. You better not be so arrogant; be careful or you might end up with a disciplinary notice."

He leaned against the sofa, smiling gently: "Thank you"

It is unclear whether the feeling deep down is one of loss or ease. Shu Wan slightly raised her stiff neck and gradually shifted her gaze until it met his.

It is good that the facade has been uncovered, as she has indeed grown weary of pretending

Mr. Huo, I no longer need to pretend in front of you. Her voice was devoid of emotion, calm to the point of seeming unlike a student. You maintain your integrity, currently have no girlfriend, and are young and accomplished; I admire you very much

Since their parting in Hong Kong, Huo Yongning has not seen her for two months. She is still interning at the company, as usual, wearing a fitted short-sleeved sea blue striped shirt and a black knee-length skirt, with a sweet and subtle fragrance appropriate for her age.

Shu Guan quickly calculated the time, finding that twenty minutes was more than enough for her to tidy herself up. She was not in a hurry, leisurely cutting her food with a knife and fork. The side dish accompanying the chicken steak was French fries, which were indeed crispy and delicious. She ate two of them, sat for a while longer, and finally got up to go to the bathroom to touch up her makeup.

Hearing this tone, Liu Yang couldn't help but chuckle: "Alright, you should hurry and report in."

Shu Guan steadied herself and quickly caught up after taking a few steps

Lin Qiang pondered for a long time before finally speaking: "In fact, your aunt has been saying that you don't need to send money back every month"

I have not yet come to my senses when the second text message also arrived on my phone

Thank you, Mr. Huo" Shu Guan said gracefully, standing in place waiting for Han Ziqiao to come out

The boy sitting opposite her was clearly racking his brains to find a way to talk to her, but Shu Guan quickly finished the food on her plate, lowered her head, and hurriedly left, not giving him a chance.

She finished saying everything she wanted to say in one breath, sitting quietly and observing his expression

"This is my younger brother, Han Ziye." Han Ziqiao reached out to hold the arm of the boy beside him and said with a smile, "This is my junior, Shu Guan."

"It is still uncertain at this moment," Hua Jin said seriously, "We must observe further before we can know for sure"

Can you marry me

Huo Yongning showed no surprise at all, but politely said, "Then you are truly not very clever. You know full well that I am to marry Han Ziqiao, and some things, even if they end up in bed, cannot be obtained."

Various schemes and designs, yet I willingly give you my best, even if one day you doubt my motives, I still do not regret today's choice

Her soft, plump lips brushed against his, as if she were gently kissing while speaking: "When you come to bed with me, you actually don't dislike me; in fact, you even like me a little, don't you?"

Shu Guan glanced at the steaming steamer in the kitchen but did not approach it and left directly

I just didn't expect that Hua Jin also did not tell the truth; he was not waiting by the roadside, but rather casually sitting in the lobby on the first floor

The waiter walked ahead, while Shu Guan and Zhan Feng walked side by side, stepping softly on the plush carpet. With her chin slightly raised, she chuckled softly, "Is being an assistant really about being so understanding? You know I am not tired, but rather nervous."

Now, that anger has transformed into a slight superficial curiosity; he wants to hear what she desires.

Du Lei was taken aback: "You saw it too, didn't you?"

The polished mirror of the elevator reflects one's own image, a low-key yet somewhat dull combination of a white shirt and black trousers, the most prudent choice of attire

In the afternoon class hours, the tree-lined avenue leading to the school gate was nearly deserted. The weather in May had become somewhat warm, with sunlight gently filtering through the dense foliage, making the skin beneath her long hair feel slightly damp and warm. Shu Guan suddenly stopped in her tracks, her gaze fixed on the school's bulletin board

However, Huo Yongning ultimately disappeared from her life, and they never contacted each other again

Shu Guan's expression changed slightly, as she took back the necklace from his hand, pushed him away forcefully, and began to straighten her clothes

At the very least, he did not refuse on the spot

In this school, there always seem to be many unfamiliar boys appearing in various situations, wanting to strike up a conversation with her. They do not care whether this girl has had many boyfriends or whether she is embroiled in scandals; perhaps they simply find her beautiful at first glance, and that is enough.

She registered for the June Level 6 exam, but due to various events that occurred this semester, her review plan did not progress smoothly. At P University, it is common for freshmen to easily pass the Level 4 and Level 6 exams. Shu Guan scored nearly full marks in the Level 4 exam, but only barely passed the Level 6 exam with a score of 600, which she was not satisfied with and plans to take again.

This is akin to a gifted student who always ranks first in the class, naturally unconcerned about the disparagement of their intelligence by underperforming students

Shu Guan maintained a smile throughout, saying little. In the end, it was Huo Yongning who selected a model for her and turned to ask, "Do you like this one?"

She calmly averted her gaze and did not respond

Shu Guan shook her head and looked at him with a hint of curiosity

Shu Guan closed her computer and calmly thought that, after all, what she wanted was never his feelings

Shu Guan held her phone, looking at the two text messages, her face devoid of any expression

Hua Jin waited for a while at the airport entrance before seeing Shu Guan leisurely emerge with a cup of coffee

In this city where every inch of land is precious, this apartment is astonishingly spacious

Shu Guan turned and left with discernment, while Han Zi Ye leaned against the car door, her long legs elegantly positioned, offering a faint smile and greeting her. Shu Guan nodded, but her gaze lingered on the reflection of the young boy in the glass door, not having departed for a long time.

"Would you like to take a look at the handbag?" Huo Yongning paused in front of the shop with the double C logo, "I see that young girls all like this brand, don't they?"

Shu Guan felt her eyelids twitch and casually said: "Yes, that's how everyone plays at school. If there are chicken bones, we can piece together a small animal."

Shu Guan lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes slightly curled. When she blinked, they brushed up and down gently, resembling a small brush, each stroke brushing against Hua Jin's heart. He felt both a tickling sensation and a surge of frustration, momentarily at a loss for words, and could only stifle his breath and drive in silence.

"He is not anyone to me," Han Ziqiao said half-jokingly, "Do I need his opinion?"

At the moment of opening his mouth, Shu Guan knew that he was ultimately not one of those men driven by lust—perhaps the last mistake had already made him cautious. He stood up and made a phone call: "Xiao Zhan, come over here for a moment"

From a distance, she saw his figure. For some reason, Shu Guan felt a bit flustered, but she did not show any signs of it on her face. With a hint of anxiety, she said: "Mr. Huo is over there"

Shu Guan frowned

He studied high school abroad and has just returned

I am very young, and I have ambition. I can accept the unspoken rules. I want opportunities, I want success, and that is how it is

Huo Yongning sat on the sofa, his angle preventing him from seeing the full view of Victoria Harbour, only facing her directly, his gaze revealing the sharpness and brilliance that he had previously concealed.

Her original intention was to tire herself out so that she could easily fall asleep, but it wasn't until she lay in bed that she realized this method had not been effective lately. She tossed and turned in bed several times, and finally, unable to find a solution, she turned on the light and got up to memorize vocabulary.

As she descended in the elevator, she had already planned in her mind to exit through the back door of the company and head directly to the subway station, hoping not to encounter Huajin.

It appears to be a gentle and considerate inquiry about whether she has obtained the Hong Kong and Macau travel permit, but in reality, it leaves her no room for discussion. It is merely stating a fact: next week he will meet her in Hong Kong—regardless of whether she has the permit, she must expedite the application to have it ready by the time he specifies.

Shu Guan tilted her chin up as he kissed her, having to evade him in order to catch her breath. He ceased his actions and teasingly lifted the necklace she had hidden beneath her clothing with his fingertips, brushing it against his lips, and said in a very ambiguous tone: "I don't dislike this with you."

This was the first time he spoke so directly about Han Ziqiao, so naturally expressing his desire to marry her... It was as if a fish had leaped onto the beach, gradually losing the moisture and air in its lungs. Shu Guan felt very uncomfortable, but she had to conceal such feelings, still smiling flawlessly, as if playfully asking: "Mr. Huo, do you think I am inferior to my senior?"

Huo Yongning's eyes seemed like sharp knives, sweeping over Shu Guan's attire, and finally curling into a smile as he said, "No need to change; this suits you very well."

If it were usual, he would take her to a high-end restaurant while engaging in a roundabout conversation, both of them testing each other's wits along the way, one intent on spending the night with her, while the other was playing hard to get

However, he did not expect such a response

"Shopping, huh?" he said expressionlessly, "Don't you like it?"

Shu Guan stared at the line of text for a long time, unable to help but let out a sigh of relief; this style of handling things is indeed characteristic of Huo Yongning

She waited for a moment, and it was already showing several replies, most of which were from boys, asking if they should come to pick her up

"Who are you waiting for?" Huo Yongning said in a calm tone, "Would you like to come over to my place for a while?"

The makeup of the girl in the mirror is actually quite perfect, with nothing that needs to be added

He nodded slightly and shifted his gaze towards Han Ziqiao

"Are you available?" she said in a gentle voice, "I can take a taxi by myself."

She deliberated for a long time over this email, preparing to send it to the HR responsible for intern training at Reed, detailing her thoughts on wanting to change positions. However, she still felt a bit hesitant before sending it, as she had not worked in the secretarial office for long and was unsure if this would lead others to have certain opinions.

Only Du Lei is present in the Student Work Office

The entire plate is endearingly whimsical, with food arranged to form the face of a clown

Yet he still intervened, perhaps... it is a sense of guilt in his heart, wanting to help her

Shu Guan let out a cold laugh, not wanting to speak to him any further, and directly put on her headphones

Huo Yongning did not provide an answer, but for some reason, she was very certain that he would agree

However, Han Ziqiao is different

The direct flight to Hong Kong is on Thursday, and Shuguan has arranged the internship in advance, then returned to the academy to request leave

Hua Jin glanced reluctantly in the direction of Shuguan, hesitated for a moment, smiled, and said, "What do I need you for? I'm waiting for someone."

"What do you know!" she exclaimed, "If you want to marry, then marry; my affairs are none of your concern!"

Shu Guan Li was busy arranging meals for her colleagues, and after finishing her own meal, the team leader specifically reminded her before entering the conference room: "You can leave first, no need to wait here."

He quietly glanced at her without pressuring her and walked back to the Peninsula Hotel

His choice of words and phrases is not particularly embarrassing; it is just that in comparison to the pure and naive persona he had previously pretended to embody, Shu Guan feels hypocritical and ugly, like a buffoon.

Huo Yongning has returned

It's alright, I haven't had the chance to thank you for helping me find props in the Arts Department that day

He naturally would not come to pick her up in person, but only sent a driver and that exceptionally polite assistant, Mr. Zhan, who was waiting at the exit. As soon as Mr. Zhan saw her, he took over her luggage and kindly asked, "Miss Shu, Mr. Huo instructed to take you to the hotel first. You may rest for a while."

Her reaction once again surprised him, but the young man merely looked at her calmly, a hint of regret in his gaze: "You are very beautiful, the kind of beauty that can attract men. But you are not her—this alone is enough."

Shu Guan is wearing a plain white T-shirt paired with denim shorts and brown fringed boots today, with the neckline being neither too high nor too low, just enough to reveal her fair neck—such an innocent guest's attire, yet her expression is quite aggressive

"Shu Guan, what is wrong with you?" Hua Jin stepped on the brake, "Talk to me."

It is just like how I am with Han Ziqiao—except that she is better at disguising herself than they are

That evening, Shu Guan received a call from Du Lei, who informed her that the post had been deleted. As for who had posted it, the academy was still investigating and advised her not to worry.

For the first time in her life, Shu Guan wanted to refuse such a proposal, not because of Huo Yongning, but simply because... at this moment, she did not want to stay here. Just as she was about to politely decline, Han Ziqiao seemed to think of something, her cheeks slightly flushed as she said: "Don't worry, it's not Huo Yongning who is coming to pick us up, so there's no need to feel pressured"

However, she recalled that the term "suitable" was laced with irony

A few days ago, wasn't she still carrying that Dior bag

As for this time, Huajin has already seen clearly who is coming and who is not

Perhaps having grown accustomed to the intricate power struggles and schemes within the marketplace, this ever-vigilant young man immediately sensed something amiss—he turned around, slowly walked towards the elevator, and pressed the button for the upper floor

Huo Yongning fell silent for a moment; in fact, he could see that Shu Guan was avoiding Hua Jin. When he called out to Hua Jin just now, he now found it inexplicable.

Her fingers trembled slightly, and after much effort, she finally fastened the button. When she turned to face him, her chaotic breath finally steadied.

The middle-aged man displayed a look of panic, as if he feared she would lose her temper: "Moreover, if I take it, your aunt will not be pleased either"

Shu Guan had no choice but to say, "Then I will go change my clothes"

"Do you not like these designer bags and shoes?" he said lightly, "I chose them based on the brands you like."

The saleswomen in the store have long developed a discerning eye, easily identifying who the affluent customers are, or perhaps they have become accustomed to seeing wealthy patrons accompanied by young women purchasing designer bags. They enthusiastically recommend classic styles while constantly observing his expressions.

The other party politely inquired: "Miss Shu, are you at the airport?"

After a moment, Shu Guan smiled at him, her expression becoming lively, "It's nothing much, I just miss home and want to go back and take a look."

According to reason, given her current position, it is impossible for her to have direct correspondence with Huo Yongning via email. Shu Guan took a deep breath and opened the email

"Mr. Huo," Shu Guan spoke softly, her voice tinged with a hint of unease, "You have returned"

Shu Guan slightly furrowed her brows, a faint sense of foreboding stirring in her heart

While waiting at the airport, Shu Guan received a call from an unknown number

"If it is for the sake of reputation..." she chuckled self-deprecatingly, "I am quite self-aware and have never harbored the desire to marry you, so you need not worry at all"

Shu Guan looked at herself for a long time, symbolically taking out some blush to touch up a little, making herself appear somewhat more radiant.

Have you finished work? I am waiting for you at the intersection

I have suggested that you be transferred to intern in the International Trade Department. If you agree, please contact xxx directly

I was also thinking that it wouldn't matter if you couldn't finish it... Liu Yang smiled somewhat sheepishly, "You've been in our office for so long, and we haven't had a meal together yet, and now you're about to change departments."

The invisible starlight in the city adorns the towering buildings, magnificent yet sharp.

He transferred her to a better department, which recognized her performance at work and also served as an apology and compensation for that night

After being away for a few days, a super popular thread unexpectedly appeared on the school's forum, receiving over a hundred replies

He listened very attentively

After Han Ziqiao got out of the car, his complexion was extremely poor, and he managed to force a smile at him

Although the Han family is wealthy, it is others who are truly dedicated and devoted

Hua Jin smiled somewhat unnaturally, as if he had been caught in a compromising situation: "I suppose so."

The art academy holds graduation performances every year, but there are rarely dedicated events for this purpose. Even when such events do occur, due to budget constraints, the promotion and arrangements often appear limited

He frowned and glanced at her, his usually flamboyant handsome features becoming calm, even carrying a hint of annoyance as he said, "Shu Guan, can you still speak properly? Did I ever say I wanted to trick you into bed? If I really wanted to find someone to sleep with, would I come running to you like this?"

She had never considered entering one of the most important departments at Reed; she only felt that, given Huo Yongning's position, she was no longer suited to stay by his side. To her surprise, he took the initiative to propose this job transfer.

Before taking leave, Liu Yang had entrusted her with the extremely tedious task of organizing and entering data, which she has now completed. After handing over the USB drive, Liu Yang's face was filled with surprise: "Ah, you have finished everything?"

It seems that he knows part of it, but not completely knows it

Shu Guan jogged over and said, "Senior, your party preparations are almost complete, right? It's a pity I had something to do last night and couldn't attend the rehearsal yesterday"

Watching his hurried departure, Huo Yongning stood in place, yet a faint shadow rose in his heart

Shu Guan was just about to choose a reply when Hua Jin called directly: "Are you at the airport? I will come to pick you up"

When Shu Guan knocked and entered, Du Lei's expression became slightly awkward upon seeing her

Lunch was eaten alone, during which a boy with an unfamiliar face sat across from her, looking somewhat anxious: "Classmate, may I sit here?"

I can just have something to eat casually when I get home

"I mean, even if you carry a Chanel bag while walking around school, it's just a knockoff. Who would think you have the genuine article?" Her gaze opportunistically scrutinized the lilac dress worn by her roommate, revealing a blatant expression of disdain. "Instead of spending your time inspecting whether others' bags are real or fake, you might as well focus on studying hard to earn a scholarship. Otherwise, with your living expenses, buying a knockoff would probably require saving two or three months' worth of meal money, wouldn't it? Why bother?"

Just as Shu Guan was about to straighten up and stand, he suddenly reached out and grabbed her waist, pulling her into his embrace and pressing her down onto the sofa. Leaning down, he fiercely kissed her.

"Looking for you? What can you help me with?" Shu Guan interrupted him with a cold smile, "Can you help me install the wiring at home?"

With a cautious reply of "Mr. Huo, I understand," Shu Guan put away her phone, for she knew that he would not respond to her again

Shu Guan felt that there was a deeper meaning in his words, yet she could not discern what it specifically was. Therefore, she carefully reassessed her attire in the elevator. She never dressed too ostentatiously in front of him, opting for a simple little black dress, her long hair loosely tied at the back, and a pair of ballet flats. The only accessory she wore was a pearl necklace, which was not from a luxury brand, just clean and refreshing.

Deep down, she was not without trepidation; she knew she was merely taking a gamble, wagering that he might have some degree of affection for her youthful body, betting that by some twist of fate, he might be willing to exchange a nebulous promise for physical pleasure... After all, agreeing to this... would not require him to make any substantial commitment.

During this period, he had not paid attention to her messages anymore. However, it is undeniable that occasionally passing by the secretary's office, he would be slightly distracted, surprised at himself for being able to remember the position where she sat

Shu Guan exaggeratedly displayed a happy expression and quietly asked, "Does Mr. Huo know my name?" She then murmured to herself, "I thought he didn't even know who I was."

Including one's deliberate approach, as well as everything that happens in the school... Perhaps even one's background is thoroughly investigated

Although Han Ziqiao is not particularly concerned about the rumors and gossip at school, she is aware that the boys pursuing Shu Guan have never ceased. She has not heard of her showing any special interest in any particular boy, but she has sensitively noticed that Shu Guan seems to look at her younger brother in a somewhat different way

Shu Guan turned her head, her pair of obsidian-like eyes gazing at Hua Jin, and with a half-smile, she said: "Did I force you to come pick me up? If you are so unwilling, I can just take a taxi back myself"

The snow-white bone china plate still retained warmth, and the chicken was tender as well. Shu Guan reluctantly ate half a piece when she received a text from Zhan Feng: "Mr. Huo will return in about forty minutes"

One of the girls immediately displayed an overly enthusiastic smile and handed over the notebook as well: "You can take a look yourself."

Hello. Shu Guan's gaze seemed unable to move away from his face, "Senior... your younger brother is not in Huai City, right? I have never seen him before."

This result is what she desired, yet it precisely indicates that he has no feelings for himself whatsoever

If it were usual, Shu Guan might have had the inclination to say a few words to him, for she knew that in this world, one should never miss any opportunity to make friends, as who knows when that person might be able to help in some way? However, today, she truly lacked the mood to deal with them and hurried back to her dormitory

As Shu Guan just stepped out of the elevator, she immediately saw him leisurely leaning on the sofa. She was momentarily taken aback and instinctively wanted to return to the elevator. He had already stood up and, from a distance, waved at her with a smile that seemed ambiguous.

She did not refuse again

There was a slight unease in his heart, as he felt a sense of stepping into a trap

Han Ziye nodded at her and simply said, "Hello"

The next day, she went to class as usual. The first period on Monday was Statistics. Shu Guan sat in the second row, and just as she took her textbook and notes out of her bag, she heard low murmurs from behind her. A few words floated by, causing her to pause in her actions.

Aside from that one night, he had no relationship with Shu Guan and did not intend to have any. If someone pursued her, that was her own business. He had warned himself not to interfere in her matters again, and that incident was considered to be in the past.

Since I joined Reed, I have encountered numerous traps, both big and small. You are the first one to make me fall into one, yet I remained completely unaware, and even felt a bit guilty afterward. His smile gradually faded, and his voice became increasingly faint. "Miss Shu, you are indeed a clever person, but it is a pity that your intelligence is misapplied."

Shu Guan's gaze shifted away from "Cooperative Media," where a line of public relations firms, all of which had a longstanding partnership and rapport with Ruid, was displayed above.

The results of the preliminary round of advanced mathematics have been released. In the non-professional group, Shu Guan achieved a commendable score and successfully advanced to the finals. She continues her internship at Ruide, and her work is now on track. The team leader confidently entrusted her with several small projects, all of which she completed satisfactorily.

I have arrived

"Teacher Du, are you looking for me?"

The hotel provided a dining cart, adorned with gleaming silver tableware, and the waiter meticulously arranged the plates on the dining table before inviting Shu Guan to take a seat

The person who had always been tolerant of her and even saved her has finally decided to be with someone else

Indeed, how could I possibly be as good-looking as you!" Han Ziqiao affectionately pinched her brother, "Since middle school, you've been the school heartthrob, changing girlfriends every week.

He took off his sunglasses, jumped down to open the car door for her, and playfully chided, "Why didn't you bring me a cup as well?"

Ah?" Shu Guan softly exclaimed, "Then... does Huo... know?"

She smiled and replied, "Alright, I will contact you once I arrive"

Shu Guan silently recited the obscure words in the materials, and during this time, she proactively went to the meeting room across the hall to refill the water twice. Before she knew it, it was already time to get off work. However, her colleagues showed no intention of leaving. Shu Guan knew they were waiting to hold a meeting across different time zones, so she asked her colleagues, "Does anyone want to order coffee and dinner?"

She slightly curled her lips; in this world, when many people seek and cannot obtain, some have long been able to acquire it with ease

Huo Yongning curled his lips into a smile, somewhat sarcastically: "Shu Guan, right? So, did you fall in love at first sight last time?"

Hua Jin raised his eyebrows and responded in the usual manner of a young master, "Then I am quite looking forward to it"

He seemed quite interested, having browsed two more stores, selecting a necklace and a pair of shoes. Just as he was about to head to the next store, Shu Guan could no longer hold back and said: "Mr. Huo, what are you doing?"

As Huai City steps into early summer, the campus of P University is increasingly lush and vibrant, gradually permeating with a sense of melancholy associated with graduation. Shu Guan walks through the school, often seeing fourth-year students in their graduation gowns taking photos to commemorate the occasion. However, for her, there is simply no time to lament the passing of spring and the arrival of autumn. Even in this city known for its fast pace, her steps are much quicker than those of the average person

P Da is a well-known garden-style park in Huai City. On pleasant days, the expansive green shaded lawns are always filled with people. These days, as exams approach, many students also enjoy bringing their books to study outdoors

Is it true ... ... is it really her

Han Ziqiao turned around to take a glance and then stopped in his tracks: "Hi"

Although the information of both parties in the transaction has been obscured, it is clearly implied that it is me. Is the academy no longer prepared to protect the privacy rights of students?" Shu Guan let out a cold laugh, "Moreover, I specifically brought these items for you to see today, to determine whether those counterfeit goods were purchased.

Han Ziqiao's expression was also somewhat surprised as he looked at his younger brother and asked, "Where are Mom and Dad?"

Upon opening the group email, she discovered an unread message inside

It truly was a siege and conquest, as if invading with unrestrained dominance. Amidst the intertwining breaths, his left hand had already unfastened the buttons of her dress, revealing a large expanse of fair and delicate skin

They were very close, so close that their noses brushed against each other, their eyelashes nearly touching. She saw her own reflection in his gaze, the posture of that young girl was truly an alluring stranger.

"You are not prepared to investigate who is slandering my classmates, yet you ask me to be mindful of the impact? So someone has invaded my privacy and is defaming me like this, and you are also not prepared to intervene?" Shu Guan fell silent for a moment, then slightly curled her lips, "Then I will send an email to the principal's mailbox; there will surely be a department that can handle this matter."

Han Ziqiao does not accept you, it must have been quite difficult for you to endure these past few years, right?" she said lightly, "In the future, whenever you need, I don't mind coming to accompany you.

Shu Guan did not even glance at him, was about to bypass him and move forward, but for some reason, she stopped again and got into the car

Fortunately, she never cared about such things as self-esteem

Simple and neat, it does not leave others with any leverage, nor does it appear mean-spirited or ungrateful, while also indicating his stance—that night was an accident, and it will not happen again in the future

She opened the post and only had time to glance at the general content. The poster was a newly registered account, and regarding the person involved, the main post vaguely stated, "a well-known rich and beautiful girl from our school"

Huo Yongning calmly said, "I didn't notice."

"This..." Du Lei forced a smile and said, "Isn't this a bit of an overreaction?"

Shu Guan simply smiled and said, "It's quite simple, I worked on it during my free time after class"

"Shu Guan, what kind of attitude is this?" Hua Jin said with a hint of embarrassment, "I can't just directly propose to you now, can I?"

As she turned to get out of the car, Hua Jin leaned over to pull the door shut again, resignedly saying: "Forget it, forget it, let’s just consider it a good deed on my part"

The plane arrived punctually at Hong Kong International Airport. After completing the customs procedures, Shu Guan went to the restroom to check her makeup and appearance. Today, she deliberately dressed in a low-key and simple manner, even less conspicuous than when she was in class, the reason for which she could not quite articulate; perhaps it was merely an instinct. Despite the days of contemplation and reflection, she still could not understand the meaning behind Huo Yongning's intention for her to come here.

She deleted the letter she had previously written word by word, watching the cursor blink on the blank page, and suddenly felt a faint sense of confusion deep within her heart

She is applying nail polish at a leisurely pace, having activated the hands-free mode, and said "thank you".

Hua Jin wore an expression of impatience, saying, "Next time, then. I will take my leave now"

"Alright." Shu Guan nodded, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "Mr. Zhan... what is Mr. Huo doing now?"

Shu Guan's seemingly gentle smile carried a hint of sarcasm, "I am not the kind of girl who would be deceived into bed because of my fragility, Mr. Hua"

Previously, she had never retaliated against her roommate because she was completely indifferent

"Senior, what are your plans after graduation?" Shu Guan hesitated for a moment and asked, "I heard that many film and television companies are looking to sign you, is that true?"

After a few days without running, she felt a bit breathless after just twenty minutes. She stopped to rest for a while, gritted her teeth, and ran for more than half an hour before finally returning home to take a shower and sleep

Since it is stark and bare, the exchange of interests and benefits may even involve the possibility of failure, she holds on to not losing out

Hua Jin had long been accustomed to her capricious demeanor, and he was not particularly vexed, "After all, I did leave my work to come pick you up"

I just returned yesterday. I had a class earlier, so I am only coming now

He calmly glanced at the shop and said, "Let's go in and take a look."

However, this time, she stopped with a beaming smile and said directly to Gu Xiaocheng: "Even a high-quality imitation designer bag depends on who is carrying it"

When the elevator doors opened, Huo Yongning made a phone call and quickly said a few words to his assistant. However, upon returning to the office, he still could not shake off that gloomy and oppressive feeling

In such a dark space, there is no need for embellishment; she clearly hears the thoughts from deep within her heart

You! Gu Xiaocheng stood up abruptly, trembling with anger, "Say that again!"

Early the next morning, Shu Guan quietly got out of bed, and there was a piece of paper on the table

"Are you serious?" Huo Yongning's gaze became serious, "Hua Jin, if it weren't the case, then it shouldn't be so indistinct between public and private matters."

Hua Jin scoffed and said, "Stop talking nonsense, I've known for a long time. I'm leaving now, we'll talk later."

"Alright." Shu Guan stood up obediently, her tone gentle, "If you are willing, you can reach out to me at any time regarding the proposal I mentioned."

The young man, dressed in a checkered shirt and jeans, is a full head taller than Han Ziqiao. He has short hair and attractive features, with a prominent nose and thin lips. With one hand in his pocket, he listens to them speak with great politeness

The French fries form a wide-open mouth, two cherry tomatoes serve as the eyes, and two small mustaches are drawn with ketchup.

Her calmness left Zhan Feng momentarily at a loss for words, and he could only respond with an awkward smile

Shu Guan turned her gaze away with some impatience, saying, "This is a matter between my aunt and me, you need not concern yourself with it"

Huo Yongning did not seem surprised by her sudden appearance, not even glancing in her direction, but instead looking at the white porcelain basin and softly asking: "Did you piece this together?"

She did not memorize it today

Shu Guan finally nodded and said: "Then thank you."

At the dining table in the living room, the chair she had just occupied was still askew, and the plates were scattered. He stood tall and elegant, yet slightly leaned to one side, his gaze fixed on the remnants of the food she had left behind

Shu Guan stood for a long time on the only terrace of this luxurious hotel that directly faces Victoria Harbour

"Hua Jin, do you have something to discuss?" Shu Guan laughed and said, "You seem to have changed."

The elevator ascended steadily. Perhaps because there was still a bellboy present, Zhuo Feng did not say much. His gaze merely brushed over Shu Guan's hand, which was clenched into a fist at her side, and he smiled slightly, saying, "Miss Shu, are you tired?"

Shu Guan said thank you, and as she turned around to copy her notes, she heard a voice that was even lower.

Is that so? Han Ziye pressed her lips together, displaying a deliberate mix of disdain and intimacy, "I think we look different."

After hanging up the phone, her thoughts gradually returned. Once the nail polish had dried sufficiently, she opened her computer and began to write an email

Shu Guan did not respond, she merely moved her waist, stood up, and slowly walked to his side, then bent down again

"Hey, you, Shuguan, wait a moment!" Du Lei called out to her, almost exasperated, "Did I not say that I would not care anymore? You have to let me finish what I have to say!"

As she gently slid her finger down, Shu Guan saw the images in the post, her eyes slightly narrowing, a hint of cold light inadvertently flashing in the depths of her gaze

His tone remained nonchalant: "If sleeping with me could exchange your fake bags and fake shoes for the real ones, I thought Miss Shu would be a bit happier. At least she wouldn't have to worry about being exposed by friends online"

The plane has taken off, and Shu Guan gazes at the city she is about to leave behind, fully aware in her heart that she still has a long, long way to go. Without her aunt in the future, she will walk with even greater determination.

Huo Yongning gently turned his hand, his long fingers resting on her wrist, bringing a slight chill, and he whispered, "Do not make me uncomfortable"

Shu Guan was taken aback, "You called me here..."

Shu Guan's heart sank heavily

Shu Guan did not stay in Hong Kong for long; she asked Zhan Feng to help her change her flight ticket and returned to Huai City early the next morning

She knew that it was most likely Hua Jin inviting her out for a meal, and after a long time, she absentmindedly slid it open to take a look.

Shu Guan nodded and said with great trepidation, "I will work even harder in the future"

"Let's talk about it when you return." His tone was very dismissive, leaving no room for discussion, and he had no intention of answering her questions.

Huo Yongning's smile gradually faded. He had encountered many girls who approached him with ulterior motives, primarily for money, yet he had never met anyone like her, who could speak so openly about such matters. He had spent considerable time and effort bringing her here, purchasing a pile of items he deemed worthless, merely to slap her in the face—since she valued these things, he would use them to humiliate her.

She had already memorized the words in this book several times, and there was nothing new about it anymore. She stared blankly with her eyes open for a while, finally propped herself up against the bed, and casually swiped on her tablet to start browsing the internet

Shu Guan's body stiffened slightly, and she replied in the same low and soft voice: "It is you who is making me feel embarrassed..."

Shu Guan looked at the young counselor with a sarcastic smile, as he assured her, "I will definitely give you a response on my end"

She slammed the door behind her without looking back and went to the college office

With a bang, the door was shut. The room remained the same, still adorned with the schedule from her senior year in high school. Shu Guan lay on the bed, the quilt freshly aired, fluffy and soft, carrying the scent of new sunlight. She turned off the light and, in this familiar room, heard the muffled sound of sobbing from outside. Shu Guan closed her eyes, striving to suppress a hint of regret that surged from within.

"There is no need to do this, Shuguan..." Du Lei said awkwardly, "The teacher didn't mean it that way; it's just that what gets passed around among classmates is always unpleasant."

He raised his eyebrows and looked at her, a smile that was somewhat sarcastic, "Is that so?"

Lin Qiang walked briskly to her and said cautiously: "Your aunt asked me to take you to the airport"

My surname is Zhan, and I am Mr. Huo's assistant. I would like to confirm with you that there will be a car to pick you up from the airport to the hotel after your arrival in Hong Kong

The HR replied: "Shu Guan was recommended by their school. Although she is not a recent graduate, her performance in the interview was better than that of recent graduates, and she has work experience. We are also flexible in our approach and will hire the best candidates. Mr. Huo, do you have any questions?"

She took a taxi home, feeling relieved that Huajin did not catch up. Having just changed departments, she still had a lot of business to familiarize herself with. For dinner, she hurriedly squeezed herself a glass of orange juice and prepared a bowl of oatmeal, then leaned on the table to start reviewing the materials.

Lin Qiang hesitated awkwardly for a moment; towards this girl, he always felt a sense of guilt and unease, as if by marrying her aunt, he owed her something

He turned back with a hint of impatience, stopped in his tracks, and raised an eyebrow to greet: "Oh, you are back?"

He did not respond to her previous suggestion, but simply rubbed his forehead and said with a hint of fatigue: "Xiao Zhan will take you to rest." After a pause, he added, "Take these things with you."

Shu Guan, during this period, there have been some rumors among classmates, you ... ... it would be best if you could pay attention to this as well. " Du Lei's gaze flickered slightly, " After all, a student should prioritize their studies; talking about prestigious brands and such is not practical ... ... "

"Teacher Du, I was just looking for you," Shu Guan said lightly. "You saw that post on the school website, right? What’s the matter? Is the college not planning to address it?"

The pearl necklace, as thick as a finger, still rested on his fingertips, being gently rubbed by him.

After exiting the airport expressway and as we were about to enter the city, Huajin broke the silence: "Have you had dinner?"

Shu Guan looked at him deeply, a slight ripple stirred in her heart, but in the end, she merely said coldly: "This is for my aunt, consider it a reward for her care over the years."

Shu Guan still did not back down, merely looking at them calmly, "That's just right. Whoever secretly used my computer, I just happen to need to talk to the teacher about it."

Indeed, someone responded, saying: "Sure, sure! I don't want to eat at the company cafeteria anymore; dinner is just the same few dishes..."

The original intention of posting this status is to attract willing individuals; during such times, she is quite willing to enjoy the so-called "enthusiasm of being pursued"

Shu Guan turned around gracefully, and the girl sitting behind her was from the same major but a different class. They greeted each other when they met, but were not familiar. She smiled at them and said, "I didn't attend the last class, may I ask where the teacher left off in the previous lesson?"

"Money? I truly do not lack money." Shu Guan pressed her lips together, the layer of innocent laughter fading away, her eyes and brows revealing an extremely vivid expression. She emphasized each word, saying, "I simply like you."

Shu Guan got out of the car with an expressionless face, her body halfway out, but then she turned back: "Hua Jin, if one day you really carry me in your hands, don't regret it."

On the first day in the new department, the team leader provided a pile of materials for Shu Guan to familiarize herself with as soon as possible

Shu Guanxin focused intently, shaking off those sounds from her mind. After finishing her notes, she politely returned the notebook, and the teacher had already entered. For her, these two classes were no different from usual, and she did not pay much attention to the unusual glances from her roommate beside her

A cool breeze brushed her face as she took a deep breath and returned to the living room, just as the waiter knocked on the door to deliver the meal she had ordered

This is not a brand name, right... I should also be more low-key...

Shu Guan smiled and waved her hand, her gaze falling on the boy beside her, and she curiously asked: "Senior, who is he..."

This is fate

Once the blackout curtains are drawn, the dazzling view of Victoria Harbour instantly disappears

The living room is enveloped in a deathly silence

She said that person is not worthy of her aunt, but she just does not dare to admit it. She does not want to share her aunt with anyone, so she desperately finds reasons to prevent them from being together

The phone emitted a beep, indicating that there is an unread message.

Shu Guan watched the brother and sister chatting and laughing, and for some reason, she felt her lips stiffening slightly, so she could only make an effort to curve her lips and watch from the side

Shu Guan nodded slightly, took out her credit card while packing, and was just about to hand it to the attendant when she was stopped by Huo Yongning

At the moment the door opened, my roommate's expression was somewhat unusual

He pressed the internal line again and gave a couple of instructions. Ten minutes later, Shu Guan's personal resume had already been sent to his email by HR

Waiting at the airport. Who are you

Shu Guan closed her eyes, experiencing the momentary dizziness brought on by weightlessness. In her heart, she understood that she would walk with greater determination—not because she was becoming stronger, but simply because the people around her had left, one by one.

Lacking appetite, she casually ordered a serving of vanilla juice chicken steak

"Mr. Huo, if it is because of that incident from that night, you need not feel this way." Shu Guan took a deep breath, "... I will not ask you to make any compensations."

Shu Guan was taken aback, feeling that such a reaction was unlike Hua Jin

You should come back to visit your aunt more often; if you need any assistance, just come to me

Shu Guan did not hide her disdain and let out a scoff

Having been enrolled for such a long time, she has spent very little time in the dormitory, yet she is quite capable of understanding their hostility towards her