Section 4

Xing Tang sat down in front of her, with his back to the glass curtain wall: "I thought your overtaking was meant to lead the way."

Xu Jiaoyang sat in the lounge flipping through a magazine, fully aware that he was aiming at He Rao, and teased, "What, are you questioning my judgment? Do you need to come and supervise in person?"

He is usually not very talkative, but it is also unusual for him to be so taciturn as he is now

Xu Jiaoyang could only sigh at their silent communication, which was marked by mutual smiles.

The police academy is the first dream come true in my life

The man over there clearly paused for a moment, then replied in a steady tone: "You are mistaken, Xu Jiaoyang; He Rao is not my companion."

The driver looked at Yao Nan

No wonder the young men in the police force are eyeing her with great interest. Even Xing Tang could not associate this slender, composed woman before him with Chief He, who wielded a sniper rifle on the training ground. There was a look of pleasant surprise and approval in his eyes: "It suits you very well"

It was expected that Xing Tang did not call He Rao to inquire about the cocktail party. When they met, Xu Jiaoyang took the initiative to mention: "I just called Xing Tang, and he said that your choice of dress has nothing to do with him"

It was only after the cars of Xing Tang and Xu Jiaoyang had successively departed that the Bentley parked by the roadside lowered its window, revealing Xiao Yi in the back seat with an indifferent expression

"It is the opening reception of the Royal Court Hotel." He did not intend to conceal, "I was invited to attend."

On the way back to headquarters, Shao Dongning, who was in the same car as Yao Nan, couldn't help but ask: "What happened to the boss? He looks quite displeased."

That summer, in the brilliantly lit city A, that unexpected encounter has now been nine years ago

Xu Jiaoyang wished he could throw the magazine in his face: "It's been a few days since we last met, and Xiao Xing's skill in arguing has clearly improved."

Xilin frowned: "Miss Xu is still as fiery as ever"

Shao Dongning immediately understood the meaning of the phrase "and - picture - book," but even someone as bold as He Rao did not dare to broach this sensitive topic proactively

He will not be my wish come true, I know

He Rao looked in the mirror and smiled slightly: "This one will do."

Why bother

With the assistance of the magazine's editor-in-chief, my language skills have improved

If it were merely like this, why would Xiao Yi deliberately approach her time and again? With his background and status, he lacks nothing in love. So, has he truly seen the merits of He Rao? Xu Jiaoyang cannot advise too much from the perspective of an observer: "Take care of yourself."

"Why be so distant?" Xing Tang glanced at her ostentatious SUV through the rearview mirror and chuckled, "I should thank you for providing such important information. How bold of her to be willing to show her face."

According to the schedule, Xiao Yi arrived at the Yiyao Building

Making a public appearance? Xu Jiaoyang did not believe that he had not noticed He Rao's unusual behavior, and kindly reminded him: "Given the fact that you are still single, you are overly confident about He Rao."

Memories surged like tides, filling the exhausted calm of the world, as she opened her computer in the profound silence

Xu Jiaoyang expressed slight disappointment: "I still think the red one is better"

The day after, He Rao invited Xu Jiaoyang to go shopping, with the purpose of selecting a dress to attend the opening cocktail party of the Royal Court Hotel

As He Rao left the dress shop, she caught a glimpse of a somewhat familiar car parked by the roadside out of the corner of her eye. However, due to the dark-tinted windows, she could not see the person inside. Yet, even without a clear view, she knew who it was. To avoid arousing suspicion from the person in the car, He Rao pretended not to have seen anything. Meanwhile, Xing Tang and Xu Jiaoyang were engrossed in their discussion about the dinner location, completely oblivious to everything else.

Xu Jiaoyang put down the magazine and crossed his legs: "Mr. Xing, the abilities you need to improve are not limited to just language. If necessary, I am willing to be of service."

The color is disappointing, but considering it is a mermaid-style fitted dress, Xu Jiaoyang did not object. During the waiting period, Xing Tang's vehicle was parked outside, and amidst the respectful and warm greetings of the staff saying "Welcome," the impeccably dressed General Manager Xiao Xing made his entrance with poise.

He Rào neither gets angry nor smiles: "The method of provocation is ineffective against me"

All matters related to the opening reception of the Imperial Hotel are personally overseen by Shao Dongning. During the inspection, Xiao Yi began to report on key tasks. Xiao Yi appeared to be listening, yet remained silent throughout, even too lazy to nod.

Yao Nan spoke up to remind: "Assistant Shao is waiting for you at the Yiyao Building"

Xu Jiaoyang glared at her and said, "The combination of jeans and a shirt is also very elegant and appropriate; why not save this expense on clothing?"

Xing Tang gave He Rao a look that said "you see," the familiar expression matching their friendship that transcended age.

Xing Tang reined in the smile at the corners of his lips: "Xu Jiaoyang, if you have something to say, just say it."

After a long time, Xiao Yi withdrew his gaze from the window of the dress shop and said, "Return to the company"

Xiao Yi thawed himself and before entering the office, he praised Shao Dongning: "The arrangement for the cocktail party is excellent. Additionally, send a separate invitation to Editor-in-Chief Xu of Fashion Weekly. Also, to General Manager Xing of Datang."

Standing at 168 centimeters tall and weighing no more than 100 pounds, He Rao indeed does not resemble someone who has undergone rigorous military training. With fair yet healthy skin, a pointed chin, a straight nose, and a pair of bright, dark pupils that shine even without eyeliner or mascara, every feature exudes a compelling charisma. Such outstanding appearance, even without adornment, cannot conceal the inherent beauty.

Xu Jiaoyang understood that her gaze was inquiring: "Xing always has the leisure and interest to follow me here." Then she stood up and walked over, generously complimenting: "With such a naturally model-like figure, wearing a police uniform is a real-life interpretation of uniform seduction, and in a gown, it’s like walking the runway. I beg you, please don’t wear a denim T-shirt every day; it’s simply a waste of your beauty."

At first, Xu Jiaoyang thought it was related to Xing Tang and gladly went there. While waiting at a red light, she happened to encounter Xing Tang's car. Seeing the familiar license plate, she called to confront the person: "As the esteemed companion of General Manager Xing, do you still need me to accompany you in selecting a dress? Is it that you are too busy with your affairs, or do you not take He Rao seriously?"

"I don't need your sponsorship, who would it save?" He Rao stepped away from the vibrant colors and selected a white lace dress with double shoulders: "Let me try this one."

Xing Tang cast his gaze out the window: "Otherwise, Azheng would not be constrained by her in every aspect."

Xing Tang frowned slightly upon hearing this: "This possibility is quite significant"

She had no chance to serve, and He Rao had already changed into a formal dress. Upon seeing Xing Tang, she was somewhat surprised: "What brings you here?" In her words, she glanced at Xu Jiaoyang.

He Ruan comfortingly patted her shoulder

The stars, like fine grains of sand, are spread across the Milky Way, winding through the sky; the night breeze gently caresses, and the streets are silent

Xilin silently turned around and, together with the driver, paid attention to the road conditions

Looking at the fiery red evening gown adorned with lace flowers on her hands, He Rao slightly furrowed her brows and said, "It should be elegant and appropriate, not too extravagant." Especially not to the extent of resembling a bridal gown.

Xu Jiaoyang detested his condescending tone: "You are so clever, figure it out yourself." After saying this, he abruptly hung up the phone. The green light turned on, and she changed lanes to overtake.

Yao Nan nodded, and the driver started the car

Xu Jiaoyang is neither biased towards Xing Tang nor prejudiced against Xiao Yi; she is simply focused on the books. Although her sharp tongue may criticize her for being stubborn, in the end, there is still concern for her, which He Rao is well aware of. Therefore, she says, "My feelings are genuine, and the bitterness I have experienced is also real. It has been many years, and that is enough. Rest assured, we are just ordinary friends"

The method of cold violence was audaciously employed by Xilin against General Xiaoxing.

The sales clerk smiled and said, "Sure, this piece suits Miss He’s temperament very well. Please follow me."

This dismissive attitude, in Xu Jiaoyang's view, is simply infuriating: "Her efficiency in finding a partner can be just as quick as yours, a matter of minutes."

Is red too extravagant? Xu Jiaoyang glanced at her chest: I am just afraid that your materials are insufficient to support it

Xu Jiaoyang helped her adjust her hair: "As you wish."

The co-driver, Yao Nan, silently raised the car window, waiting for his instructions

It was once thought that your meeting could bring the most beautiful love to each other, yet you have continued to linger in the same place for many years. Whose good intentions have ultimately been betrayed?

Xing Tang probably did not perceive any hidden meaning; he walked up to He Rao with an expression as usual, tucking the loose strands of hair behind her ear, but spoke to Xu Jiaoyang: "Red only suits you"

Xing Tang spoke in a calm tone: "She still carries the label of 'single'."

Emotion is superfluous, for I did not deliberately wait for nine years; I simply did not leave during those nine years

The tone of helplessness makes it difficult to discern whether she is referring to this dress or subtly alluding to the choices between Xing Tang and Xiao Yi

Are you truly forgetful, or do you still hold onto thoughts that you cannot let go of? I am not unaware. Yet, even though we are as close as sisters, Xu Jiaoyang understands that she should not interfere in her private life. However, she cannot bear to see her fall too hard: "I know that love is not about who is good and who loves whom, but rather that whoever loves is akin to a book. But He Rao, you should be clear about who truly cares for you"

Xilin turned around from the passenger seat and said, "Even if you want to cancel my leave, Mr. Xing, I must correct you; it is not a matter of who is subordinate to whom between Azheng and Miss Xu, but rather love." Having said this, she sighed and added, "Let us pray that it is not a tragic ending like a collision between Mars and Earth."

Due to work requirements, Xu Jiaoyang often attends socialite parties or fashion soirées, so selecting evening gowns is second nature to her. In a dress shop she frequently visits, she picked up a modified mermaid-style evening gown with a small train for He Rao to try on, saying, "One should never lose face; since you have already agreed to attend, you must dress to impress and leave a lasting impression on him"

He shook his head, denying: "He once fought for others with his life, Jiaoyang, I haven't forgotten." Moreover, has he ever said he wanted to associate with me? Am I not enough with just one-sided affection and self-indulgence?

Yao Nan agreed with his partner's assessment of the boss's emotions, stating: "After encountering Officer He and that young General Xing from Datang together, General Xiao has remained silent."

You really need not be so harsh in your words

Xu Jiaoyang realized that he had once again been harmed by his own tendency to speak without thinking: "I apologize, I misspoke."

Although Xing Tang denied that she had guessed it was related to Xiao Yi at that moment, her nonchalant attitude was evident. However, Xu Jiaoyang's expression was still not good: "Is there something wrong with your head? Or have you already decided to be in a relationship with that surname Xiao?"

General Xing of the Tang Dynasty? Shao Dongning, who has always understood Xiao Yi's thoughts best, began to seriously consider: should the name on this invitation be the elder General Xing, Xing Ye, or the recently successful young General Xing, Xing Tang?

Xiao Yi raised his hand and rubbed his brow: "Let's go"

Xu Jiaoyang glanced at him and said: "If you want to say that I have a flamboyant personality, Xiao Xing, you can speak frankly."