Chapter 2

Yuan Xi was taken aback, not expecting to encounter them. She felt that meeting these two individuals was awkward, and she wanted to quickly avoid them. In a hurry, she turned around to walk back, but unexpectedly, she turned too quickly. The slender heel of her shoe slipped on the marble floor, causing her body to lose balance. Her arms flailed in the air for a moment, and with a "thud," she fell to the ground, landing squarely on her backside, hitting her tailbone directly. The pain made Yuan Xi grimace: "Damn it, who has nothing better to do than to wax the floor so much!"

Colleagues expressed doubt, "Do you really not know Bu Huaiyu?"

Yuan Xi suddenly choked, casting a guilty glance at Bu Huaiyu, who was also quietly looking at him, and the nonsense that was on the tip of his tongue could not be uttered.

Yuan Xi was about to be enraged with embarrassment. She glanced at Bu Huaiyu, but he did not look at her; instead, he turned his back to them and looked at the advertisements on the electronic display.

Yuan Xiqiang suppressed his temper and nodded with a smile

This time it was my colleague who was surprised, "Oh my, how could you not know him? It's no wonder, you've been here for a short time. He is the most valuable man in our building! He works in private equity! His annual salary is over ten million, and he is both handsome and aloof. Oh my! Yuan Xi, even if you don't know who our boss is, you should at least know who he is!"

Yuan Xi was at a loss for words, truly unsure how to respond, thinking to himself, how can I tell you the truth? Should I say I have menstrual pain? Would I dare to say that? How can you be so inconsiderate?

On Saturday morning, Yuan Xi attended a meeting, then went to the bank next to the company to remit money to his family, and afterwards called his father

It is ruined! Yuan Xi looked at the bloodstains on her skirt. Just now, she had been sitting in Bu Huaiyu's car, which seemed to have light-colored seat covers. She wondered if she had stained his car. If it really got dirty, she would truly be too embarrassed to face anyone!

In the following days, Yuan Xi did not see Bu Huaiyu again, and she even felt a slight sense of relief. Gradually, she began to walk with her chest out and head held high.

Yuan Xi looked up at Bu Huaiyu, his eyes still showing some hesitation

I cannot go back," Yuan Xi interrupted his father's words, "The workplace is busy, and besides, the trains are crowded during the Spring Festival travel season, so I won't be going back.

Zhang Heng looked at Yuan Xihuai with a smile and asked, "What are you eating?"

I have eaten, I have already eaten. Yuan Xi has never told a lie, so his tone is somewhat unnatural

Yuan Xi still smiled, grinning as he said to his father: "What have I saved? I am living quite well."

Yuan Xi

"Are you getting in the car, or should I call an ambulance?" he asked

Yuan Xi wondered if she was too tired, why did she find her colleague's words so difficult to understand? Bu Huaiyu? That man just now? Did she know him? She couldn't quite say. Although she didn't intend to become good friends with her colleagues, she had only been at the company for less than two months and truly did not want to have a bad relationship with them. So, despite feeling tired, she still stopped, turned around to look at her colleague, and, suppressing the sharp pain in her lower abdomen, smiled faintly, "The man you mentioned in the elevator just now? I really can't say I know him; I have only seen him once before, and I only heard his name from you just now."

Yuan Xi noticed that he did not insist on taking her to the hospital, and she breathed a sigh of relief. She provided the address, but another wave of sharp pain surged through her, causing her body to involuntarily arch. She pressed her hand tightly against her lower abdomen, leaned her head against the backrest of the front seat, and gritted her teeth to endure this wave of pain

Father sighed over there, remained silent for quite a while, and then changed the subject, saying: "Your brother has been insisting that he misses you, saying you haven't called him in a long time..."

No need!" Yuan Xi quickly said, seeing Bu Huaiyu's sharply defined face in the rearview mirror, unsure of how to speak to reduce the awkwardness, "There’s no need to go to the hospital, I just, just caught a chill, haha, dressed a bit lightly, my stomach hurts!"

Yuan Xi felt a bit guilty for being caught doing something wrong, and hurriedly said: "It's nothing, I just had a severe stomachache earlier, but I'm feeling much better now"

On the father's side, there was a certain silence, and then he told Yuan Xi not to be so frugal, as there was him at home and they were not short of money

Zhang Heng chuckled and turned to Yuan Xi, asking, "Do you work here?"

Zhang Heng, however, continued to laugh foolishly, reaching out to pull Yuan Xi: "Get up, let's see how many pieces your butt is in."

In her dream, she saw He Shi, who smiled and told her that he was doing well in the United States, where there was no need to wash dishes anymore. He mentioned that dishwashers were now used, and he only needed to watch from the side. She laughed foolishly, thinking how great America was, and if she had known it was this good, she would have followed He Shi there no matter what. Suddenly, He Shi's face transformed into Bu Huaiyu's, who coldly took a dirty car seat cover and reached out for money, claiming that she had dirtied his seat cover and that she owed him compensation. Yuan Xi felt wronged and covered her wallet, saying she had no money. He did not believe her and insisted on searching her pockets. Yuan Xi became anxious, and in her flurry, she woke up. The alarm clock blared arrogantly in her ear, and Yuan Xi realized it was just a dream, finally letting out a sigh of relief.

He looked at her in silence, shook his head, and let out a soft scoff. Yuan Xi felt the car slow down, and then she heard him ask, "Do you need to buy anything?"

The body was clearly cold, yet sweat was beading on the tip of the nose

He looked at her in the mirror and said, "Next time you mention a stomach ache, make sure to cover the right spot, a little higher up."

These are just old sayings repeated many times, yet Yuan Xi still listened with a cheerful demeanor. After his father's nagging came to a pause, he finally told him that he was doing well and that there was no need to worry. He also mentioned that he had sent money home and reminded his father to go and take a look.

Yuan Xi smiled broadly, forcing herself to stand up, opened the back door of the car, and as soon as she sat down, she immediately felt the warmth inside the car, which was truly pleasant, Yuan Xi sighed

The elevator doors opened on the eighteenth floor, and Yuan Xi caught a glimpse of a tall figure entering. She then noticed that her two female colleagues suddenly straightened their backs and lifted their heads gracefully. Confused, she tilted her head to take a look and was somewhat surprised to unexpectedly encounter Bu Huaiyu again. Remembering his kindness in offering her his coat, Yuan Xi nodded at him, wanting to smile, but unfortunately, she was just too tired to do so.

Yuan Xi was also unsure of what to think; his immediate reaction was to shake his head. Unexpectedly, Bu Huaiyu nodded. Zhang Heng was somewhat taken aback and let out a couple of awkward chuckles, saying, "Forget about the past; I am Zhang Heng, and this guy is Bu Huaiyu. What about you?"

Father remained silent for a longer time over there, as if he were contemplating something. After a while, he cautiously asked: "Are you coming back for the New Year? Your mother—"

Zhang Heng also joined in: "Don't be so reluctant. You seem like a quick-witted young lady, yet you are so slow in getting things done. Let's go together; the more, the merrier. This kid just made a big profit, so let's have a good feast at his expense!"

Yuan Xi shook off his hand, glaring at Zhang Heng with anger and gritted teeth. Zhang Heng had no idea that Yuan Xi had fallen to avoid them. Seeing Yuan Xi like this, he couldn't help but laugh and asked, "Sister, we have no grudges, do we? Do you want to eat me?" Then he deliberately turned his head and innocently shouted at Bu Huaiyu, "Did you offend this sister?"

Two colleagues left together in a taxi, leaving only Yuan Xi behind. Unable to endure the sharp pain in his lower abdomen any longer, he pressed his stomach and squatted down on the ground. It was extremely cold, and he dared not breathe; even the air he inhaled was frigid, reaching deep into his abdomen. A bus approached from behind, and someone ran past Yuan Xi, chasing the vehicle, squeezing onto the bus, unaware of which light in this city they were heading towards.

The car arrived downstairs, and Yuan Xi said thank you, hurriedly escaping from the car as if fleeing a disaster. She rushed upstairs and dashed into the bathroom, only to discover that the sanitary pad was already soaked through, and even a considerable area on the back of her skirt was damp.

Bu Huaiyu glanced at Yuan Xi without saying a word and raised the car window

Yuan Xi's hand quickly moved upward, pressing against the area of the stomach

During work hours, Yuan Xi felt somewhat guilty; as soon as he approached the office building, he felt like a thief, glancing around anxiously, fearing another encounter with Bu Huaiyu. Fortunately, although there were many people in the elevator, none of them was that cold, indifferent fellow.

This city is truly very cold, Yuan Xi sighed, well, it seems I have to take a taxi back, it doesn't matter whether it's early or late, I might as well wait until this wave of pain passes before deciding what to do next

Zhang Heng was unaware of what benefits he had gained today, wearing a nonchalant smile on his face. He was turning his head to say something to Bu Huaiyu, who listened with the same indifferent expression as always.

Well, good, then let's consider ourselves acquainted. In the future, if anyone asks you, make sure to be more in sync!" Zhang Heng said with a smile, then asked, "Have you eaten? Shall we go together?"

Bu Huaiyu fell silent, glanced at Yuan Xi in the rearview mirror, and asked: "Where do you live?"

Bu Huaiyu turned around, not looking at Yuan Xi, his expression still calm, and asked Zhang Heng: "Do you still want to eat? If not, hurry back, there is no need for so much nonsense"

Before he had finished reading, the car had already backed up again. Yuan Xi heard Bu Huaiyu's calm voice, "Get in the car." He said, his voice not loud, yet carrying an undeniable firmness that left no room for refusal

Yuan Xi wants to ask, can the boss pay me my salary? Can he? No matter how much money he has, what does it have to do with me! Moreover, I think, the salary is about to be paid this month, and by the weekend, I need to send money home.

Bu Huaiyu remained silent for a moment, then suddenly said: "The stomach is not in that position; even if it sags further, it still cannot reach there"

Yuan Xi looked at the note and could almost imagine the comical way Pi Hui was dragged back by her mother. She wanted to laugh, but couldn't, feeling a mix of emotions that were hard to describe—some envy, some bitterness. After drinking some ginger tea with brown sugar, her lower abdomen finally felt less painful. While washing up, she suddenly thought of Bu Huaiyu, who had escorted her home. She realized he wasn't as cold as her colleagues had said, and it was evident that he was a meticulous person. She wondered what her colleagues would think if they found out he was the one who brought her back. Yuan Xi looked up at her reflection in the mirror, her mouth still full of toothpaste foam, and felt a bit bored. Suddenly, she wanted to laugh. Was it true that wealthy men, especially handsome ones, easily sparked fantasies in women? Even someone as self-aware as she was found herself daydreaming about Bu Huaiyu's unintentional act of kindness. She suddenly wanted to laugh again. Was it true that wealthy men, especially handsome ones, easily sparked fantasies in women? Even someone as self-aware as she was found herself daydreaming about Bu Huaiyu's unintentional act of kindness.

Ah?

Upon exiting the elevator, Yuan Xiqiang supported himself as he walked towards the bus stop. Two colleagues followed closely behind, their faces filled with excitement: "Yuan, do you know Bu Huaiyu?"

Yuan Xi nodded, wanting to rub her own bottom, but felt a bit embarrassed in front of the two big men

Pi Hui has not returned yet. Yuan Xi saw the note she left on the table: "Xi, it's ruined! Mom is summoning me, I will go home to stay tonight and won't be back. Please pray for me!"

Yuan Xi suddenly froze, seeing his own hands still covering his lower abdomen. He raised his head and caught a glimpse of Bu Huaiyu's eyes in the mirror, feeling so embarrassed that he didn't know what to say.

Yuan Xi felt somewhat embarrassed, hurriedly stood up, and forced a weak smile at Bu Huaiyu, saying: "No need, thank you. I'm tired from running, so I'll squat for a while, hehe."

"Cheers! It truly is fate," he said, pointing at Bu Huaiyu and asking, "Is this young man also on this floor? Do you know each other?"

Working in finance, it is always busy by the end of the month. By the time we finish work, it is already quite late. In the elevator, apart from myself, there are two female colleagues who are also working overtime. Everyone feels exhausted, and we are not paying much attention to our appearance. We stand somewhat slouched. Yuan Xi is particularly straightforward; she even disregards the warnings in the elevator and leans her body against the wall of the elevator cabin. If it weren't for the inconvenience of her skirt, she would have even considered sitting on the floor.

Provoked by Zhang Heng's words, Yuan Xi felt that he had been hesitating. It was just a meal, so why not go? Nodding his head, he followed Bu Huaiyu and Zhang Heng into the car

She was still sitting there with her mouth agape, drawing in cold air, when she saw Zhang Heng's face appear before her. He was momentarily taken aback upon seeing Yuan Xi, then burst into laughter, struggling to catch his breath. While laughing, he said: "Sister, why do you always make such a vivid entrance? Even if you want to grab our attention, you don't have to go to such lengths, do you? The way you sit so firmly, even I can hear the sound of your little bottom hitting the ground."

The next time I saw Bu Huaiyu was in the elevator of the office building.

Father was very happy to receive Yuan Xi's call, continuously asking her how her new job was and if she was doing well in life... reminding her to be careful while being alone outside

Bu Huaiyu looked at Yuan Xi, who was speechless, and chuckled softly, saying, "Since you haven't tried it before, let's go together"

Bu Huaiyu also saw Yuan Xi, slightly nodded without expression, said nothing, and turned his back to face the elevator door

I didn't install it! '' Yuan Xi is a bit anxious

Watching Bu Huaiyu's car drive away, Yuan Xi's smile instantly vanished. She bit her lip and squatted down, pressing her hand tightly against her lower abdomen, silently repeating to herself: Hold on, it will pass, it won't be fatal, menstrual pain, after all, is not such a big deal

Climbing onto the bed, she held the somewhat worn stuffed monkey in her arms. Uncertain if it was an illusion, Yuan Xi felt a hint of warmth emanating from the monkey, prompting her to hold it a little tighter. Her gaze swept over to the alarm clock on the bedside table, and she began to think of that person. What time could it be on the other side of the Earth? Is it dawn yet? What is he doing? Suddenly, she recalled a skit she had seen before: Is he also washing dishes with his head down? Yuan Xi smiled, finding herself rather silly; how could he be washing dishes? His family was not short of money. Yuan Xi chuckled at the thought and gradually drifted off into a daze.

He glanced at her in the mirror, then returned his gaze to the front, focusing intently on driving. "At a glance, it's clear you have never experienced a stomach ache, so you don't even know how to pretend."

Bu Huaiyu? Yuan Xi felt that her mind was somewhat dull, and she did not immediately realize which one they were referring to, so she shook her head

Stop pretending! Just now, I clearly saw you nodding and yet you said you don't know each other. How unreasonable! I haven't even mentioned competing with you for a man yet, and you're already being so inconsiderate!

"Yes, that is correct," he said, "and also, a stomach ache is not like that."

He nodded, "I didn't install it, but I didn't tell the truth."

After hanging up the phone with his father, Yuan Xicai suddenly remembered that he had left his USB drive at the office. Annoyed, he slapped his forehead and hurriedly ran back to the company. Just as he entered the lobby of the office building, he happened to catch the elevator coming down, and two tall men walked out from inside, namely Bu Huaiyu and Zhang Heng.

Yuan Xileng followed Bu Huaiyu's gaze to the roadside, where there was a supermarket still in operation. Only then did she understand his meaning and hurriedly blushed, saying: "No need! We have some at home"

After a while, the pain eased slightly, and Yuan Xi realized that her posture was somewhat improper. She hurriedly straightened her body and looked ahead at Bu Huaiyu, who was quietly driving, seemingly unaware of her lapse. Feeling a bit relaxed, she secretly glanced at the rearview mirror, just in time to catch a glimpse of Bu Huaiyu's contemplative expression.

"Are we going to the hospital?" Bu Huaiyu asked

A black car quietly pulled up close to the roadside. Yuan Xi turned his head and saw the car window slowly lowering. Bu Huaiyu leaned over from the driver's seat and asked lightly, "Do you need help?"