Chapter 8, Between Reality and Illusion

Cheng Wei heard some noise over there and said, "Just received it?" Zhao Xiao Jun could only respond with a vague "Mm," somewhat dazed and unable to react. Cheng Wei then said, "Alright, I will treat you to dinner tonight." Without waiting for Zhao Xiao Jun to agree, he abruptly hung up the phone.

Another slightly older person jokingly scolded: "Xiao Zhang, I think you should see reality clearly. You must not fall into it; otherwise, you won't be able to get up, and you won't even know how you died. Don't you know about Cheng Zong? He has had countless girlfriends, each one more beautiful than the last, stunning and alluring. Who would look at you!" Another person, unconvinced, retorted: "Sister, that’s not certain. Who knows if Cheng Zong doesn’t like my type? Matters of the heart are unpredictable; perhaps the red thread of fate is in my hands." The sister shook her head and sighed: "Ah, with someone like Cheng Zong, it’s no wonder you are all so confused."

A few days later, Lin Qingchuan moved in with several pieces of clothing from school. Lying flat on the sofa, she hugged a pillow and sighed loudly. Zhao Xiaojun sat down beside her and asked, "What’s the matter? You’ve been sighing all day." Lin Qingchuan glanced at her and replied, "What else could it be? Just the matters of study and life." Zhao Xiaojun scoffed, "Stop fooling me, just tell me the truth. You’re not dating someone, are you?" Lin Qingchuan remained silent. Zhao Xiaojun immediately sat up straight and exclaimed, "You really are dating someone?" Lin Qingchuan blushed and said, "I guess so." Zhao Xiaojun, dissatisfied, said, "Who answers like that? What do you mean by 'I guess so'?" Lin Qingchuan turned over and mumbled, "It’s just— it’s just like that!"

Chen Qiaoqi stared at her without speaking. Zhao Xiaojun had never seen a teenager with such a complex gaze, the emotions within seemed beyond verbal expression, deep as the sea. After a moment of distraction, she said: "I went out with the manager today to sign a contract and was pressured to drink a little; I will definitely remember to call back first next time. I am truly sorry for today." Chen Qiaoqi softened and said with all her strength: "Xiaojun, I really worry about you. Do you not care at all? Do you really not know anything?" After a moment of distraction, she said: "I went out with the manager today to sign a contract and was pressured to drink a little; I will definitely remember to call back first next time. I am truly sorry for today." Chen Qiaoqi softened and said with all her strength: "Xiaojun, I really worry about you. Do you not care at all? Do you really not know anything?"

After getting off the car, she was once again enveloped in solitude, with the occasional vehicles rushing by in a hurry, their headlights flashing as they sped past. Zhao Xiaojun walked while reflecting on her childhood, when she still had a real home, filled with the lively anticipation of the New Year. New clothes, the red envelopes of lucky money tucked under her pillow, the sound of firecrackers, and tables laden with candies and snacks, only to start looking forward to the next New Year right after the last one had passed. But now, she feared the holidays. Such liveliness seemed to highlight her own tedious loneliness.

Lin Qingchuan patted her shoulder and smiled: "It's all in the past, there's nothing to regret. It's normal to be confused by someone like Su Riqin, the prince charming of the campus. With the way he treated you, you must have a heart of stone! I really wanted to scold you back then." Zhao Xiaojun took a long time before she whispered: "At that time—were you very sad? Why didn't you say it out loud? Perhaps there was a chance—" Lin Qingchuan interrupted her in one breath: "Actually, I never thought about it at all. I was wholeheartedly hoping for the two of you to be together, but I didn't expect it to not work out. Why didn't you say it out loud? Perhaps there was a chance—" Lin Qingchuan interrupted her again: "Actually, I never thought about it at all. I was wholeheartedly hoping for the two of you to be together, but I didn't expect it to not work out. In a relationship like ours, I can't feel jealous of you. " Zhao Xiaojun now recalled that Lin Qingchuan had indeed been overly enthusiastic about her and Su Riqin's affair. So that was the reason! She couldn't help but sigh and said: "What does this even mean! Our relationship is so good that it turned out like this. Most people might have already distanced themselves because of this. You should be more proactive. Do you feel any regret now?"

The company's cocktail party was indeed very dull. Zhao Xiaojun, a minor employee, had little socializing to do. Before long, he found an opportunity to leave early. As he stepped outside, the night was deep and dark, the lights dim, and the streets were sparsely populated. The lively atmosphere of the past was absent, replaced by a profound sadness that was inexpressible, settling down step by step. The shadow under the streetlight stretched long and thin, the weather was dry and cold, and the wind that blew against his face felt like it was mixed with blades, scraping back and forth, causing a faint pain. The sound of a sudden "whoosh" echoed, causing his hair to fly wildly, obscuring his vision, and a tickling sensation at the corner of his mouth.

While Zhao Xiaojun was still in a daze, it was now Lin Qingchuan who pressed her, saying with a sly smile: "Zhao Xiaojun, confess and you will be treated leniently; resist and you will face severe consequences. You choose for yourself." Zhao Xiaojun held the flowers, examining them carefully for a long time, and smiled: "These flowers are truly beautiful, much better than those sold by the roadside." Lin Qingchuan, enviously, said: "Of course, just look at which flower shop they came from. Tsk tsk tsk, such generosity! This bouquet costs about half a month's living expenses for us common folks. Go out and find out what the prices are like these days! Alas, truly a wealthy person! How come I didn't know you had such a suitor?" Zhao Xiaojun furrowed her brows and said: "To be honest, I don't even know when I got such a suitor myself." Lin Qingchuan laughed: "This person really understands elegance; with flowers like these, there must be no woman who wouldn't like them. It strikes right at the heart of a woman."

Lin Qingchuan poked her with her hand and said, "Didn’t Cheng Zong say he would treat you to a meal? Why don’t you dress up a bit?" Zhao Xiaojun lazily replied, "Whether I go or not is still a question!" Lin Qingchuan suddenly said, "Zhao Xiaojun, I really suspect you have some hidden ailment. You don’t want someone like Su Riqin, and now a standard golden son-in-law has come along, yet you remain so indifferent. I just don’t know what kind of person you are actually interested in!" For some reason, Zhao Xiaojun's mind suddenly flashed with the cool image of Chen Qiaoqi, causing her heart to race and her hands and feet to feel cold. Lin Qingchuan continued, "You wouldn’t be interested in women, would you? Is it me?" Zhao Xiaojun hit her hard and scolded, "Lin Qingchuan, a dog’s mouth can’t spit out ivory! What nonsense are you talking about! Do you want to die or something!" She used this opportunity to cover up the sudden panic that had just flashed through her mind.

As Zhao Xiaojun was bending down to take out her keys, the door opened from the inside. Zhao Xiaojun was momentarily taken aback, glanced at the clock on the wall, which was nearly 1:00, and asked, "Why are you still awake so late?" She took off her shoes while walking in to pour herself some water. Chen Qiaoqi, catching a whiff of the alcohol on her, frowned and said, "Have you been drinking?" Zhao Xiaojun nodded, "Just a little." Chen Qiaoqi, with a serious expression, repeatedly asked, "Why did you come back so late without calling in advance? Don’t you know others would worry? Why couldn’t I reach you by phone?" He was visibly angry. Zhao Xiaojun took a sip of water and, somewhat surprised, said, "You were waiting for me all this time?" Seeing him pursing his lips and remaining silent, she felt a twinge of guilt, took out her phone to check, and handed it to him, saying, "Look, it’s out of battery."

Zhao Xiaojun patiently ate half of her meal, then paused, pretending to be full. Cheng Wei asked, "Are you full?" Zhao Xiaojun smiled and nodded. Cheng Wei also stopped, waved for the waiter to bring more dishes, and then, as if recalling something, said with a smile, "Actually, I know you are not full. You know, the last time you ate at the Sichuan restaurant, you completely shocked me. I still can't forget it to this day." Zhao Xiaojun did not expect him to be so perceptive. She lowered her head and smiled, then simply nodded in acknowledgment: "Actually, I don't like Western food. I don't like French cuisine, Japanese cuisine, or even Northern cuisine. I must have rice to feel full; I find coffee bitter, and I am allergic to alcohol. So, there is no one more mundane than I am."

Then someone encouraged, saying that one should seize the opportunity to approach General Cheng and engage him in conversation to attract his attention. It seems that it was not a celebration, but rather all for the sake of seeing people.

Cheng Wei looked at her and sighed, saying: "Zhao Xiaojun, you are so different. From the first time I met you, you left a deep impression on me. The tricks I usually use seem ineffective on you. It is evident that your heart is hard to move. I must continue to make an effort. " Zhao Xiaojun looked up at him and smiled, saying: "Cheng Zong is joking with me. I really do not have any so-called feelings or lack thereof. " Cheng smiled without responding, turning to look out the window at the scenery. Through the bright window, he could clearly see Zhao Xiaojun's every move, her eyes wide open, taking in everything around her, seemingly enchanted by it all. It appeared to be her first time in such a place, and she truly seemed not to care about him. Cheng Wei felt it was a challenge. This was a silent challenge to the proud and self-assured Cheng Wei, who had always been victorious.

Her voice trembled slightly. Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly said, "Alright, alright, Qiao Qi, it won't happen again next time." After saying this, she rushed back to her room, looking flustered. The way she looked at Chen Qiao Qi made her feel somewhat overwhelmed, as if she had truly committed some unforgivable crime. She was afraid of that kind of gaze. She could not withstand such a Chen Qiao Qi. Yet, she had only returned a little late, causing him to wait for most of the night. She was afraid of that kind of gaze. She could not withstand such a Chen Qiao Qi. Yet, she had only returned a little late, causing him to wait for most of the night. Zhao Xiaojun lay on the bed, reminding herself forcefully.

Just as the glasses were raised, I heard everyone hush and shout: "Mr. Cheng!" The tone was much more formal, and although they were still smiling, there was a hint of restraint. Cheng smiled broadly and nodded, saying: "Everyone, have fun." I noticed Zhao Xiaojun was holding a drink, and then turned to Manager Cao jokingly, saying: "Manager Cao, do you still dare to let Miss Zhao drink? You might have to trouble yourself to take her back later. Last time she had an allergic reaction to alcohol, it caused quite a stir for everyone." Manager Cao, reminded by him, quickly recalled and said: "Oh dear, I almost forgot about that. Everyone, please don't force Xiao Zhao to drink anymore; if we end up taking her to the hospital, it would be quite unlucky during the New Year." Upon hearing that Zhao Xiaojun was allergic to alcohol, everyone was still somewhat skeptical, but since Manager Cao had spoken, it would be inappropriate to press further, and they reluctantly dispersed. Before leaving, Manager Cao gave Zhao Xiaojun a meaningful glance.

Although she had made this decision in her heart, just as she got up to change her clothes, she received a call from Cheng Wei saying he was waiting for her downstairs. Zhao Xiaojun did not expect him to come to pick her up, and she repeatedly asked him to wait a moment. In a flurry, she put on a piece of clothing, glanced at herself in the mirror, and thought it was not worth wasting time on her hair, so she went down just like that, looking rather plain. She hurriedly ran over, steadied herself, and apologized: "I’m sorry to have kept you waiting."

Zhao Xiaojun leaned in with a smirk and asked, "What is it like?" Lin Qingchuan pushed her away, saying, "Stop being so disgusting!" Zhao Xiaojun pressed on, "To what extent are we talking about?" Lin Qingchuan retorted, "Who do you think you are, a complete flirt! We are quite pure, you know." Zhao Xiaojun laughed a few times and inquired, "Seriously, what kind of person is he? When can you bring him out to meet us?" Lin Qingchuan waved her hand and smiled, "He's just a senior of mine, also involved in research, quite ordinary, his name is Zhang Letian. I actually wanted you to meet him." Zhao Xiaojun chuckled, "You're already silly enough, why look for a bookworm?" Then she sighed, "I never expected our Qinqin to have a boyfriend, and here I am, a lonely single!" Lin Qingchuan slapped her playfully, saying, "Who’s silly? You’re the one who’s really foolish. If no one wants you, it’s well-deserved!" Just as Zhao Xiaojun was about to retort, her phone rang.

Cheng Wei kept watching her smile, feeling that her shrugging shoulders and open hands, her unreserved words, her richly expressive face, and her lively, vibrant voice were all so captivating. It inevitably reminded him of the clear spring water on the mountain, flowing joyfully and bumpily through the crevices of the rocks, splashing everywhere, dropping into the water and sprinkling onto the shore. The water plants, stones, and even the swimming fish were vividly present, crystal clear to the bottom. It flowed from the mountain into his heart, bubbling gently, still carrying a hint of coolness. In the midst of confusion, there were many subtle emotions that were hard to articulate. He felt only comfort in his heart and eyes, without the need to say anything deliberately. There was no need to do anything intentionally, no need for formalities, no need for pretense, no need for chasing or dodging, or for playing tricks and calculations.

Zhao Xiaojun was pondering about Cheng Wei's invitation to dinner that evening, feeling uncertain. Lin Qingchuan suddenly said, "Xiaojun, do you still remember Su Riqin?" Zhao Xiaojun was taken aback and replied, "What happened to him?" Lin Qingchuan laughed, "I heard that he became disheartened and went abroad to study." Zhao Xiaojun fell silent, feeling that disheartened? Because of her, she did not believe she had such an influence. Lin Qingchuan continued, "Back in the day, I also had quite a fondness for him." Zhao Xiaojun was truly surprised, looking at Lin Qingchuan in a daze. Disheartened? Because of her, she did not believe she had such an influence. Lin Qingchuan added, "Back in the day, I also had quite a fondness for him." Zhao Xiaojun was truly surprised, looking at Lin Qingchuan in a daze.

Encountering Manager Cao from her department along with several male colleagues, everyone laughed and insisted on getting Zhao Xiaojun to drink. Zhao Xiaojun repeatedly pleaded for mercy, as those few had always shown some interest in her. How could they let such a good opportunity slip away? They persistently pressed her, engaging in a back-and-forth that she could hardly bear. Upon reflection, she thought that drinking a little during the New Year was not a big deal; it could be seen as a ritual to bid farewell to the old year. Just a taste would suffice, as long as she remained cautious. Upon reflection, she thought that drinking a little during the New Year was not a big deal; it could be seen as a ritual to bid farewell to the old year. Just a taste would suffice, as long as she remained cautious.

When the bus finally arrived, rumbling towards her, Zhao Xiaojun couldn't wait to hop on. In such a desolate place, no one wanted to linger. The bus was filled with empty seats, with only herself as a passenger. Compared to the usual crowds, it was simply unimaginable. The ticket collector seemed to feel a sense of inexplicable sadness as well, encountering someone like herself, and couldn't help but strike up a conversation, asking where she was from and why she was working during the New Year. There was inevitably a hint of complaint in his tone. This small talk distracted Zhao Xiaojun's attention. The ticket collector seemed to feel a sense of inexplicable sadness as well, encountering someone like herself, and couldn't help but strike up a conversation, asking where she was from and why she was working during the New Year. There was inevitably a hint of complaint in his tone. This small talk distracted Zhao Xiaojun's attention.

Turning back, he pointed at Lin Qingchuan and said, "I will let you off this time." He answered the phone, and surprisingly, it was Cheng Wei, who spoke in a lazy voice, "Zhao Xiaojun, did you receive the flowers?" Zhao Xiaojun was taken aback and asked, "What flowers?" Cheng Wei responded with an "Oh," and said, "Haven't they been delivered yet?" Before he could finish his sentence, the doorbell rang. Zhao Xiaojun opened the door while still holding the phone, and a large bouquet of bright red roses was suddenly presented to her, dazzling her to the point of almost becoming colorblind. She asked, "What flowers?" Cheng Wei responded with an "Oh," and said, "Haven't they been delivered yet?" Before he could finish, the doorbell rang again. Zhao Xiaojun opened the door, and a large bouquet of bright red roses was suddenly presented to her, dazzling her to the point of almost becoming colorblind. The delivery boy smiled and asked, "Is this Miss Zhao? Please sign for it." Before Zhao Xiaojun could say anything, Lin Qingchuan suddenly jumped forward, took the large bouquet of roses, and exclaimed in admiration, continuously making sounds of surprise.

As she opened the door with a sense of disinterest, she was quite surprised to find that she was not greeted by a room full of darkness, but rather by the warm, dim yellow light. It seemed she could smell the scent of spring. Zhao Xiaojun was overjoyed, wondering if Lin Qingchuan had changed her mind, valuing friendship over romance, and had specially come back to spend the New Year with her. She hurriedly changed her shoes and rushed inside, only to see Chen Qiaoqi deeply asleep on the sofa. Initially startled, she then stood frozen in place. She hurriedly changed her shoes and rushed inside, only to see Chen Qiaoqi deeply asleep on the sofa. Initially startled, she then stood frozen in place.

Lin Qingchuan laughed: "No, if I feel regret, I won't say it out loud. Sometimes I think, in the future, you might steal my boyfriend—don't give me that look, you know you have the ability, you just disdain to do it. I only fear that I would shrug it off, thinking that this man isn't worth the effort, and then continue to go shopping and dining with you, causing a ruckus. Moreover, Su Riqin has no such thoughts about me at all, so there's no need to play the role of the heartbroken. What is going on? Why am I so devoted to you that I can't betray you!" Zhao Xiaojun laughed: "I think we are different." The two suddenly burst into laughter together. Moreover, Su Riqin has no such thoughts about me at all, so there's no need to play the role of the heartbroken. What is going on? Why am I so devoted to you that I can't betray you!" Zhao Xiaojun laughed: "I think we are different." The two suddenly burst into laughter together. Lin Qingchuan exclaimed: "This is really disgusting, it's not like we're acting in an art film!" Zhao Xiaojun laughed: "Art films can portray this! It's raining red in the sky."

Cheng Wei glanced at her twice, smiled, and walked over to open the car door for her, gentlemanly saying: "Ladies have the right to be late." Zhao Xiaojun couldn't help but curiously ask: "From this perspective, you must often wait for people." Cheng Wei smiled and, somewhat frivolously, said: "I think I could wait for you a lifetime, but I don't know if you would be willing." Zhao Xiaojun playfully replied: "I have always believed that punctuality is a virtue of emperors. Therefore, I don't often keep people waiting." Cheng Wei was somewhat surprised by her response and, casually, said: "Oh? Is that so?"

Take her to the most luxurious hotel in the city for dinner. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the revolving round table. The ambiguous and dim atmosphere, the elegant and lingering melody. The flower-adorned dining table, the window-side seat. Zhao Xiaojun tilted her head, still pondering, what does this resemble? It feels like being in a television show, such similar scenes. Looking out from here, the view below is dazzling, a circle of halos burning, reflecting and refracting, as if in motion, flickering everywhere. Red, white, yellow, various colored lights complement each other, the night market is as bright as day, everywhere are fiery trees and silver flowers, the lights fall like rain, gently landing on the body, casting faint and ethereal shadows, dreamlike and surreal. Looking out from here, the view below is dazzling, a circle of halos burning, reflecting and refracting, as if in motion, flickering everywhere. Red, white, yellow, various colored lights complement each other, the night market is as bright as day, everywhere are fiery trees and silver flowers, the lights fall like rain, gently landing on the body, casting faint and ethereal shadows, dreamlike and surreal.

Zhao Xiaojun unconsciously slowed her pace, brushed her scattered hair, tightened her scarf, and put her hands in her pockets as she walked towards the bus stop, swaying left and right. Under the large bus stop sign, there was no one around, only a tall advertisement board flickering with dim bluish-white lights, standing there desolately. As Zhao Xiaojun approached the iron pole, a chilling sensation immediately surged through her heart, suddenly spreading to her limbs. She couldn't help but shiver; on such a New Year's Eve, anyone would feel a bit unusual. Zhao Xiaojun sensed a thin layer of desolation everywhere. It felt as if a small pebble had lodged in her heart, making it ache with every breath, a dull yet persistent pain, very much awake.

Zhao Xiaojun laughed, "You are so knowledgeable about elegance that even I have begun to doubt it. This approach is rather excessive—it's simply pretentious!" Lin Qingchuan laughed and scolded, "Look at your pathetic appearance, what are you afraid of? Can he really eat you?" Zhao Xiaojun thought for a moment and found it quite amusing. What exactly is Cheng Wei doing? So casually, suddenly putting on such a posture, what does he really want? She does not believe that Cheng Wei is genuinely pursuing her. So casually, suddenly putting on such a posture, what does he really want? She does not believe that Cheng Wei is genuinely pursuing her.

As Zhao Xiaojun contemplated this, her gaze fell upon Cheng Wei, who stood high above, reduced to a solitary silhouette. Even the air around seemed colder than elsewhere. On such a grand stage, under the bright lights, a single person stood there, exuding a sense of loneliness. Just as she was lost in thought, she noticed him suddenly turn his head to look in her direction. Their eyes met, colliding directly, and she couldn't help but smile slightly, raising her wine glass in a gesture towards him before walking away. Zhao Xiaojun patted her icy forehead, wondering if she was being too sensitive. Why did she feel this way?

Cheng Wei casually leaned against the sofa, extending his hand to point outside as he said, "From here, there will be a grand fireworks display shortly." Zhao Xiaojun responded with a soft "Hmm," looking at him with a questioning gaze, and asked, "Fireworks? Aren't they prohibited here?" Cheng Wei smiled, stood up, and walked to the glass window, gazing at the dark blue night outside, which held a hint of allure, along with the rolling traffic below that reminded him of the surging Yangtze River. He whispered, "Right next to us is Tiananmen. There will be fireworks celebrations tonight. With a hundred flowers blooming, I believe watching it from here will present a different scene."

When she finally came to her senses, Cheng Wei found herself trapped between the glass window and him, though she did not know when it had happened. Zhao Xiaojun turned her head, seemingly able to smell his breath. Cheng Wei gradually pressed her body closer, her head slowly bowing down. Zhao Xiaojun opened her eyes wide and suddenly let out a soft laugh, shattering the lingering, ambiguous atmosphere. Cheng Wei seemed a bit annoyed and said, "Is this still not enough to confuse you? Are you still not a woman?" Zhao Xiaojun laughed and replied, "I know you are just teasing me. There is no need for you to deliberately act this way." Cheng Wei took a step back and said, "I do not like this outcome either." She then returned to her previous demeanor—one of a gentleman.

Zhao Xiaojun turned to look at him, her eyebrows seemingly tangled together under the light, and her eyes revealed an undeniable fatigue. She smiled and said, "Cheng Zong, if you are tired, you should go back and rest. Without you, everyone feels more at ease." Cheng Wei smiled slightly, but the smile did not reach his eyes, and he replied, "Oh, is that so? How did you know I was tired?" Zhao Xiaojun also smiled, "I could tell at a glance." Cheng Wei countered, "Is it that obvious?" For some reason, he let out a low sigh. Zhao Xiaojun nodded, seemingly drawn into some buried concerns of her own, appearing somewhat distracted. Cheng Wei did not say much more and turned to walk away. He has always been clear about public and private matters, never failing to distinguish between the two in formal settings, and would not engage in actions that could undermine his status. Zhao Xiaojun also diligently carried out her work, without any extraneous thoughts.

Zhao Xiaojun immediately jumped up, asking in surprise, "Really? Can we really see the fireworks being set off?" Her entire face was almost pressed against the glass window, her expression filled with joy. As the clock struck, the fireworks in the square indeed began to explode one after another. With a loud "bang" accompanied by a hissing scream, they shot up into the sky, then blossomed like flowers, swaying gracefully in the night breeze, opening into petals that dazzled the eyes and captivated the onlookers. Like a long, dancing fire dragon, it seemed as if flashes of lightning flickered in the void, each sound echoing above. As the clock struck, the fireworks in the square indeed began to explode one after another. With a loud "bang" accompanied by a hissing scream, they shot up into the sky, then blossomed like flowers, swaying gracefully in the night breeze, opening into petals that dazzled the eyes and captivated the onlookers. Like a long, dancing fire dragon, it seemed as if flashes of lightning flickered in the void, each sound echoing above. The entire sky was blown into a peach-red curtain, hanging down. Gradually, the curtain began to open, and the flames on the stage followed the retreating curtain, slowly exiting the scene. Finally, the last remaining glimmer also disappeared into the night, the curtain being drawn layer by layer, densely covering the fleeting beauty of the moment, shrouding the brilliance in memory. Gradually, the curtain began to open, and the flames on the stage followed the retreating curtain, slowly exiting the scene. Finally, the last remaining glimmer also disappeared into the night, the curtain being drawn layer by layer, densely covering the fleeting beauty of the moment, shrouding the brilliance in memory. Zhao Xiaojun felt that tonight she would surely dream, dreaming a poignant dream about fireworks and shooting stars. Like something elusive in a dream, gone without a trace, yet so profoundly moving.

At the company's New Year party, Cheng Wei stood on stage to deliver his customary speech of gratitude. The atmosphere below was lively and boisterous, with many female colleagues whispering to each other: "When General Cheng stands there, he is simply a natural spotlight. Just look at his figure, his demeanor, his eyes, his brows; sometimes, the way he unconsciously touches his temples is just too—ah, I can't take it anymore, I must be lovestruck!"

After the meal, Zhao Xiaojun indulged in many pastries, which were smooth, soft, and melted in her mouth without being overly sweet. The fresh and crisp fruits adorning the top were unidentifiable, their colors extremely natural, truly pleasing to the eye, and an exquisite delight. She first devoured all the fruits one by one before starting to eat the cake, smiling, "I have never had such delicious cake before." Cheng Wei remarked, "Many girls avoid these high-calorie treats to lose weight." Zhao Xiaojun laughed, "Lose weight? I wouldn't even dare to think about it. How would I have the energy to work!" Cheng Wei smiled and said, "I hope you are not subtly reminding me that this boss is exploiting you." Zhao Xiaojun secretly stuck out her tongue and laughed, "I absolutely did not mean that. I am very satisfied with everything at present."

In the blink of an eye, it is once again the Spring Festival. A hazy flurry of snow dust rises in the wind, indeed reminiscent of "sprinkling salt in the air," appearing like fine white sand on the beach, accumulating in heaps. However, the snow in the south is exceptionally moist, shimmering with a gentle light, akin to "the willow catkins rising with the wind," melting upon touch. Zhao Xiaojun, due to work commitments, has to stay in Beijing. To Chen Qiao, who is packing his luggage, he says: "Lin Qingchuan isn't going home this time either. After you leave, I would like her to stay over temporarily. What do you think? At least there will be some company." Chen Qiao shrugged, indicating he had no objections. Zhao Xiaojun reminded him to be careful on the road and to pay attention to safety. Chen Qiao, feeling a bit reluctant, said: "Xiaojun, if I don't go back, I might as well stay here and celebrate the New Year with you." Zhao Xiaojun was taken aback and replied: "What nonsense are you talking about! If you don't go back, your aunt will be the first to not let you off. She will definitely drag you back; you are being too willful!" Chen Qiao mumbled, "I know, I will be back soon." Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly said: "You haven't been home for so long; you should spend some quality time with Uncle and Aunt. They haven't seen you for over half a year."

Lin Qingchuan laughed and ran away, calling from a distance: "You should seriously go to your appointment! Make sure to seize the opportunity." Zhao Xiaojun, stirred by her antics, truly decided to have dinner with Cheng Wei. What is there to worry about! It was all just overthinking on her part.

Then, with a self-deprecating tone, he said: "Zhao Xiaojun, do I really lack charm in your eyes?" Zhao Xiaojun looked at him and replied with a smile: "In Cheng Wei's eyes, I am not necessarily charming either." Cheng Wei seemed to suddenly understand and said: "So it turns out that it is not you who looks down on me, but rather I who look down on you." Zhao Xiaojun merely smiled reservedly. She believed her attitude was already quite clear. A person like her was not suited for a casual game with Cheng Wei, nor for a time-consuming and laborious pursuit; she was not that kind of person. Cheng Wei indeed no longer made any teasing remarks, and very seriously escorted her back, being exceptionally polite and courteous. Zhao Xiaojun recalled the countless fireworks in front of Tiananmen and felt very grateful to him. Cheng Wei was like a precious diamond, with many facets of various sizes, yet each facet reflected a dazzling brilliance. None of the facets had ever dimmed. Cheng Wei was like a precious diamond, with many facets of various sizes, yet each facet reflected a dazzling brilliance. None of the facets had ever dimmed.

Zhao Xiaojun gazed at the dreamlike scenery before her, her eyes wide with astonishment as she exclaimed, "I never knew that the nights in Beijing could be so beautiful! Suddenly, the darkness gives way to light, revealing a hidden paradise, as if I stumbled in by accident. It feels like getting lost and inadvertently wandering into a garden of flowers, awakening the entire spring, where I am suddenly greeted by the beauty of fragrant grass, the fluttering of fallen petals, and a riot of colors. Perhaps I am just overly imaginative." Cheng Wei seemed to enjoy this moment as well, smiling at her and saying, "I didn't expect you to have such a poetic sentiment." Zhao Xiaojun laughed, self-deprecatingly remarking, "It's not a sentiment of sorrow for spring or autumn, but rather like Liu Laolao entering the Grand View Garden—it's my first time, and I'm dazzled. You probably wouldn't have such a strong feeling, would you?"

After waiting for a long time, the bus still did not arrive, and there was not even a trace of a taxi; everyone must be hurrying home for the New Year. The locust tree beside her was bare, the bricks underfoot were somewhat damaged, and the sharp tips of the railings had also dulled. In order to break this suffocating silence, Zhao Xiaojun stamped her foot hard. The sound echoed down the quiet street, traveling far away without a single response, making the silence even more pronounced. She looked up and saw the dim sky, a blur that seemed to have no end. The sound echoed down the quiet street, traveling far away without a single response, making the silence even more pronounced. She looked up and saw the dim sky, a blur that seemed to have no end. Rubbing her cold fingertips, she couldn't help but sigh; she should be accustomed to this loneliness. Who isn't like this?

The well-trained waiter brought the dishes to the table, small and exquisite, arranged piece by piece on the plate, decorated in a way that almost made one reluctant to take a bite. Zhao Xiaojun smiled and said, "How can one eat something so beautiful?" Cheng Wei smiled back; Zhao Xiaojun's candid and unpretentious expression always made him smile inadvertently, as he replied, "Like this!" He picked up the knife and fork and brought them to his mouth, chewing carefully. Zhao Xiaojun did not find it delicious, nor did she feel any enjoyment. Although the dishes were so visually appealing, the wine was so rich and fragrant, and the atmosphere was so wonderful. Everything was arranged elegantly and splendidly, with no missteps in the arrangements. However, she was allergic to alcohol, which was quite a damper on the mood. She was just an ordinary person, unfamiliar with such refined matters, and naturally did not have the qualifications for it. Such things were built upon the accumulation of wealth. She was just an ordinary person, unfamiliar with such refined matters, and naturally did not have the qualifications for it. Such things were built upon the accumulation of wealth.

Zhao Xiaojun symbolically held a glass of wine, coincidentally overhearing their conversation. Standing nearby, she smiled while observing Cheng Wei intently, who was indeed exceptionally handsome and imposing. What was even more remarkable was that "Qi Cheng" was a world he had built with his bare hands. Before Cheng Wei achieved success, he must have endured a great deal of hardship. Even after achieving success, he faced considerable challenges, busy every day like a spinning top, with meetings at any moment and social engagements everywhere. Whenever she met him privately, there was always a lingering expression of fatigue and impatience in her eyes, which she could not shake off. Was it for this reason that he constantly sought beautiful women to relieve his sorrows and boredom?

Zhao Xiaojun held the flower and said, "No matter what, this flower is indeed beautiful; just looking at it makes one fond of it." After searching for a long time, she could not find a suitable vase and had to use a plastic bottle as a substitute. Lin Qingchuan complained from the side, "What a mood killer! This is simply a waste!" Zhao Xiaojun humorously replied, "This is art, art! Do you know? It's trendy now!" Lin Qingchuan teased with a smile, "This is truly a golden son-in-law delivered to your door; you must seize the opportunity. Once you miss this village, there won't be that shop anymore." Zhao Xiaojun shot her a glance and said, "Forget it, stop making a fuss! Things are not that simple. There are no free lunches in this world." Seeing her indifferent expression and lack of enthusiasm, Lin Qingchuan wisely chose not to press further.