Chapter 6, Driving

Jinyang Community

The movement in her hand also came to a halt as she raised the umbrella handle

She thought that after the two polite remarks last time, the two would no longer have any contact with each other

Ding Zhuo said in a deep voice: "It's all right"

As I quickly walked to the hotel, I saw bicycles and pedestrians coming and going beside me, and Meng Yao was standing under a camphor tree

Meng Yao came to her senses, suddenly feeling a chill in her neck. She looked up, thinking it was raining again, but the raindrops on the leaves were being blown down by the wind, falling in a gentle cascade.

Ding Zhuo nodded slightly and said, "If you need any assistance in Dan City, you can give me a call"

The sky is somewhat overcast, dull and gray, and the view outside is not pleasant

She suddenly woke up, thinking the alarm had gone off. Upon taking out her phone to check, she realized it was just a text message

It's okay

At the entrance of the community, Meng Yao said, "Just stop here, outside vehicles are not allowed to enter"

At the door, the footsteps paused for a moment, without turning back, and then continued inside

Lin Zhengqing laughed and said, "I almost forgot that the Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon"

Aren't you holding anything in your hands

Meng Yao thought for a moment, "It does not look good from the inside looking out, nor does it look good from the outside looking in"

Meng Yao leaned her head against the partition, closed her eyes, and couldn't help but let out a sigh. A wave of inexplicable daze washed over her, as if all the threads had unraveled, leaving her unable to grasp anything.

Ding Zhuo stepped on the brake

After hesitating for a long time, she still did not take a step forward, standing by the roadside, tapping the tip of her long-handled umbrella against the pavement, again and again

When Ding Zhuo smoked, he appeared increasingly silent and distant

This statement is quite polite

By the end, the rain outside had stopped, and the night appeared somewhat clearer than usual

The dinner gathering was very calm, and no one suggested drinking alcohol

Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass windows, Meng Yao cautiously walked to the observation deck, craning her neck to look down. The immense height made her feel a bit dizzy, so she had no choice but to direct her gaze towards the distance

Ding Zhuo called out.

Ding Zhuo waved his hand and said, "Wait a moment," and then assisted Teacher Feng as they walked outside

Meng Yao turned around, intending to descend from the observation platform

He said goodbye and hung up the phone

In the early stages, a proposal report must be drafted first, and Lin Zhengqing suggested that she try writing it as a practice exercise

As they approached the community, Meng Yao asked Lin Zhengqing to stop the car, "I will get off here, as it is a one-way street inside and difficult to turn around."

Are you going home for the Mid-Autumn Festival

After visiting the ninety-ninth floor, we proceeded to explore the shopping mall below

In the afternoon, Lin Zhengqing drove over to pick up Meng Yao and another colleague to head to Daoyin Chen Building

Upon arriving at the subway station, the colleague got off the train, and Meng Yao also prepared to disembark

Meng Yao was taken aback

Meng Yao turned her gaze towards the outside of the car

On a weekday, during working hours, there is not a single visitor on the ninety-ninth floor

At the intersection, Ding Zhuo helped Professor Feng into the car, watching as the vehicle merged into the flow of traffic before turning back to walk in the opposite direction

Professor Feng sighed and said, "Live your life well."

Lin Zhengqing had more to say, but the person in charge of reception from Lantian Group called. After he finished the call, he said: "Let's go, directly to the ninety-ninth floor"

He is open and unrestrained, without any concerns. However, she may not be the same.

Ding Zhuojing paused for a moment, "The snow skin mooncakes sent by a friend probably cannot be mailed. If you don't mind, would you like to take two boxes to eat? Also, the sausages you helped me bring last time, I don't cook, and they've been sitting in the refrigerator..."

Seeing the two colleagues arguing back and forth, their gazes became somewhat ambiguous. One of them smiled and said, "I am in a hurry, so I will leave first." He then slammed the door shut.

After a short while, a black Buick drove over and stopped by the roadside, and Ding Zhuo rolled down the car window

Ding Zhuo's gaze was heavy, and he did not respond

The next morning, Meng Yao sent back several boxes of mooncakes and made a phone call to her family, reminding Wang Limei to deliver two boxes to the Su family

Meng Yao felt somewhat at a loss for a moment, took a few steps down the stairs, hesitated for a moment, and then stood back up again

The relics of Man Zhen in Dan City were organized by him personally, and he did not dare to examine them closely, as something happened. They were all packed and sent back to Su Qinde

If you go back, I originally wanted to ask you to bring some mooncakes, for Aunt Chen and them

Meng Yao lowered her gaze and said, "There are matters at the company, I estimate I won't have time to go back."

Yinchen Tower is a landmark building in the eastern district of Dancheng, consisting of one hundred floors, with the ninety-ninth floor serving as the observation deck

Taking the subway is quite convenient, no need for that

It became quiet over there, and after a while, Ding Zhuo said: "Alright. Sorry to bother you."

After waiting for a moment, there was no further reply

Meng Yao said it was fine and then asked him if there was something wrong

Subsequently, the company undertook a planning project for Blue Sky Group, and Meng Yao, under the guidance of Lin Zhengqing, embarked on her first formal project.

Ding Zhuo wanted to take Teacher Feng back, but Teacher Feng smiled and said, "No need to trouble yourself, my nephew is coming to pick me up, and the car is already at the intersection ahead"

Meng Yao felt a burning anxiety in her heart, yet she remained still, standing in place, waiting for him to come over

She took the umbrella and bag, opened the right car door, and got out of the car

The wind blew in, quickly dispersing the rising smoke, with a few wisps drifting close by.

It was around the time when the diners were gradually dispersing, and a few people were drunkenly slurring their words, a strong smell of alcohol wafting towards him. Meng Yao frowned slightly and stepped aside.

Sent by Ding Zhuo

On the way back, Lin Zhengqing asked Meng Yao what her thoughts were on the afternoon's inspection

Lin Zhengqing smiled and said, "You are getting closer to the point. Go back and think about it some more, and elaborate on it during the brainstorming session tomorrow"

Then, I will drive you there

to a few relatives at home

However, due to its unfavorable geographical location, the Yincheng Building has been operating at a loss since its opening. In the year it was constructed, the government demolished many surrounding areas, including a department store that held significant sentimental value for the residents. Despite the considerable sacrifices made, the results have been minimal. The Lantian Group has incurred losses for three consecutive years and can no longer sustain this situation, planning to withdraw its investment and transfer the building. Currently, seeking a planning company is merely the last resort, akin to treating a dead horse as if it were alive.

Lin Zhengqing then turned to Meng Yao and said, "Meng Yao, what about you?"

Lin Zhengqing stopped the car, and after Meng Yao expressed her gratitude, she got out of the vehicle

A colleague mentioned that for the Mid-Autumn Festival, he will go to his mother-in-law's house for dinner

Ding Zhuo glanced at her and asked, "Where do you live?"

Meng Yao said: "Thank you, please pay attention to your safety on your way back"

I apologize, I was just a bit busy. Over the phone, his voice sounded somewhat different, as if it were a bit heavier.

After spending three days, Meng Yao completed the manuscript and submitted it to Lin Zhengqing for review. Lin Zhengqing read through it, smiled, and refrained from making any comments, saying, "Do you have time this afternoon? Let's go inspect the Yincheng Building."

It was inevitable that they would engage in conversation during the journey. Several times, Lin Zhengqing attempted to steer the topic towards Meng Yao himself, but Meng Yao skillfully deflected it.

Meng Yao felt somewhat awkward, so she greeted Ding Zhuo and planned to leave first

Lin Zhengqing withdrew his hand and touched his nose

Proceed straight and turn right at the intersection with the red traffic light

I will go to the parking lot to bring the car over, please wait a moment

Meng Yao nodded slightly

Ding Zhuo said, "Then I will accompany you there"

Meng Yao opened the rear door of the car and took a seat

After a while, Meng Yao finally replied, "Not replying. Is there something you need my help with?"

He did not look at Meng Yao, but asked another colleague, "What are the arrangements for the Mid-Autumn Festival? How about we all go to Macau for a trip? The project we worked on last time is now underway, and the person in charge has been wanting to treat us to a meal."

A man who is too adept often does not possess much sincerity. Meng Yao understands this principle very well

Ding Zhuo rolled down the car window and said in a low voice, "I will smoke a cigarette." He reduced the speed of the car, took out a pack of cigarettes from the glove compartment, and pulled out one to light it.

Meng Yao held a long-handled umbrella in her hand, unconsciously twisting the handle as she softly said, "There's no need to trouble yourself, taking the subway is quite convenient for me"

Meng Yao rubbed his nose

Ding Zhuo walked towards the parking lot, the pavement reflecting mottled lights and shadows of trees

She took a few steps outside and noticed that Lin Zhengqing's car had not moved, which made her feel a sense of alertness, prompting her to stop in her tracks

The road is wet, reflecting the densely packed headlights of the cars, and the street is filled with a dazzling array of lights

Meng Yao locked the screen and held the phone tightly in her hand

She stood by the roadside, waved her hand, watched the wheels move, and turned back.

Meng Yao noticed that mooncakes were on sale and couldn't help but buy a few boxes. Lin Zhengqing offered to help pay the bill, but Meng Yao stopped him.

Xiao Ding, I am someone who sometimes believes in fate; life and death, wealth and nobility are all determined by heaven... One must still look forward.

Professor Feng asked him: "How have you been during this period?"

After a short while, they arrived near the community, and Ding Zhuo asked, "How do we get there?"

She organized her materials until late at night and felt a bit drowsy on the subway. Afraid of oversleeping, she set an alarm for ten minutes. With her head resting against the glass partition, she closed her eyes and dozed off, her thoughts drifting far away, when suddenly she felt her phone in her bag vibrate.

At this point, if Meng Yao were to pull the door again, it would seem somewhat pretentious

Meng Yao suddenly felt uncomfortable and couldn't help but interrupt him, "Thank you... actually, I haven't cooked much either"

Lin Zhengqing walked up behind her and asked with a smile, "Are you afraid?"

The road is somewhat congested, moving a short distance and then stopping for a while. No one is speaking, and the car is very quiet, with only the sound of the engine running.

After a brief pause, she continued downwards, reaching the sidewalk in front of the hotel, where she stopped again.

Professor Feng has difficulty walking, and Ding Zhuo is helping him walk very slowly

Lin Zhengqing said, "Please take a seat, I will take you back."

After another stop, the phone suddenly vibrated continuously; it was a call from Ding Zhuo

Lin Zhengqing did not insist, but smiled and asked, "Why did you buy so much?"

Meng Yao smiled and said, "I might have to go home."

Meng Yao had never done this before, but she had her own methods. Regardless of the type of writing work, she always started by gathering information.

Meng Yao hurriedly answered the call

Upon entering, one first sees promotional advertisements for the Mid-Autumn Festival grand sale, detailing various offers and discounts

Meng Yao squinted her eyes, watching the streetlights fly by one after another.

After a moment, Lin Zhengqing started the car, and only then did she begin to walk, keeping a watchful eye to ensure that Lin Zhengqing was indeed not following her before heading towards the community.

Meng Yao smiled and politely replied, "Alright, thank you"

Lin Zhengqing extended his hand, intending to support her, but Meng Yao had already evaded and jumped off the platform