Chapter 09 Cappuccino Coffee
As I passed by Sister Ling's café on my way out, the door was still closed. I felt a sense of melancholy, so I decided not to dwell on it. I furtively glanced around, fearing that car might appear— I couldn't help but find it amusing.
I did not make a reservation, what is this thing?" Ma Chujing was completely baffled
Enping did not respond and stood still: "What is wrong with you? Why do you look so melancholic?"
Han Ziyang threw the dilemma back to her: "You decide, I am not picky about food"—he truly did not care what to eat
Han Ziyang nodded silently, seemingly absent-minded, and finally grasped her wrist, half-dragging her towards the lakeside. Jun Mo was pulled by him and couldn't help but shout: "What are you doing?"
She cannot do it—she rejects him, not out of a refusal of the yearning for love, but rather out of doubt. Even if the man has feelings and the woman is willing, what will the outcome be?
Under the light, Han Ziyang's eyes appeared slightly darkened, likely from exhaustion. Jun Mo put away the box and said, "I am going to the venue, are you ... ... coming along?" She quickly added, "Aren't you very tired? Why not go back to your room and rest? The sales outside are really lively and will probably last until very late."
He merely smiled faintly and said, "If you get less than 6 hours of sleep every day, do you think you still have the energy to pursue a romantic relationship?"
They walked briskly towards Building 4. As soon as they stepped out the door, Jun Mo felt a bit chilly; it turned out he had carelessly left his coat in the lobby, though he did not forget the cup in his hand. Han Ziyang suddenly stopped and frowned deeply: "How can you be so careless? Dressing so lightly in such cold weather?" Jun Mo couldn't help but look at himself, recalling his high fever—temperatures below zero, wearing only a knee-length skirt and a shirt—he felt a wave of regret. It would have been better if he hadn't mentioned it; now that it was brought up, he truly felt even colder.
"Does work count?" She sighed, "We can never leave our posts on Christmas Eve"
He did not answer any of the reporter's questions, leaving everything to Ma Chujing to handle, appearing rather distracted. Unable to resist, Ma Chujing secretly nudged him with his elbow, as he truly needed to remind his superior, lest tomorrow's headlines on the website read, "President Ruiming's expression is grim, X'mas release prospects are bleak," or "Ruiming's senior management is at odds, signs of discord emerge at the press conference"
She suddenly felt that, compared to the previous press conference, this engagement ceremony was truly a scene of glamour and elegance—so many stars from the entertainment industry had arrived. Although she was accustomed to seeing celebrities, she had never encountered such a setting where everyone wore makeup that obscured their true expressions, their gazes dreamy, and adorned with dazzling jewelry—so radiant that they truly resembled stars. As she walked around the venue, she noticed that everyone was leisurely holding their wine glasses, while only the carefully selected reporters from various media outlets were poised with their cameras, ready at any moment.
Han Ziyang uttered a casual "Hmm," seemingly unconsciously asking, "Are you on duty today?"
What about the female companion from that party? Sister Chen continued to ask.
Jun Mo smiled and said: "Isn't Mr. Han cold? I only dared to come out after putting on a coat, and you are wearing so little."
Han Ziyang appeared travel-worn, with a slight bluish tinge to his chin—do not guess that he has just disembarked from a plane. He nodded slightly, his gaze casually sweeping across Jun Mo's face before glancing at his watch
EMBRACE is just EMBRACE, you should not hesitate—such a luxurious membership club, of course, President Han can go whenever she wants. She nodded speechlessly.
Underneath the body lay a piece of paper. She took out the collection certificate numbered 01, designed simply yet elegantly, with only two characters—"Jun Mo." His handwriting was strong and unrestrained, and she couldn't help but touch the raised strokes on the back of the paper, which was written with such force—such thick paper.
Han Ziyang also saw her, and thus slightly squinted his eyes. She wore a white little dress, which made her appear even more slender and light. Soon, she evidently noticed him as well, smiling at him in her usual manner, with the corners of her mouth curving into the lightest arc, sweet and innocent. Han Ziyang's gaze slowly shifted towards the reporters not far away, and he gently shook his head at her. Jun Modun realized that this was a signal for her not to come over, to avoid becoming tomorrow's headline. She smiled and turned her head away. Han Ziyang's eyes shone brightly; seeing that she understood, he turned to engage with others, and in the blink of an eye, he was deliberately surrounded by a crowd.
The black car drove away, and Jun did not look at the man beside her. For the second time that evening, she was taken aback: "Where do you live?" She dared not look into his eyes, only fixating on his thin lips.
Indeed, the early bird catches the worm. You should not take the earliest subway to reach the hotel, as it just so happens that Manager Xu was on duty the night before—at this moment, you happen to encounter her and are surprised to ask: "Why are you here at work so early?"
As she was thinking this, she was sitting in the office chair, feeling a sense of alertness in her heart: how could she be so lazy? She quickly grabbed her usual red travel mug, poured a cup of instant coffee, and while holding it, walked to the hall to take a look—this was her dinner time. She had indulged in a pack of cookies during the afternoon work, and now she found herself completely lacking in appetite
What time do you finish work
The celebrities on television are raising placards to bid, and I can only see him sitting in the front row, dressed in a silver suit, with an expression that is predictably blank. Beside him is his assistant, Xiao Xiao. Jun Mo, lacking interest, quickly walks away.
He then said, "I have indeed been very busy all along"
Director Ma expressed great surprise: "Are you serious? We clearly signed the agreement."
She walked into the shopping mall, and the A Zone on the first floor was filled with communication and electronic products, with the striking promotional campaign for X ' mas immediately catching her eye. A young man was buying a mobile phone by the counter; Junmo did not look at his expression, but she imagined it was gentle, with a smile at the corners of his mouth. She inexplicably thought of the woman who had yet to receive a gift, feeling that she could empathize with her feelings—receiving his first gift, a red Starbucks travel mug, which she cherished as if it were something extraordinary, and since then, she had devoted herself solely to this mug, and to this day, it remains the same. He understood her so well; could he also predict such an outcome? The warmth of red had supported her for so many years. She felt comforted that she could finally recall it with a smile; it was so beautiful, truly no longer needing to be deliberately avoided.
How could it not be enough? Do not forget that on that day you also said to Lin Xiejun: "I am old, I can no longer eat."
As midnight approached, the two individuals walked near the parking lot. Han Ziyang drove the car over, while Jun Mo stood alone waiting. Suddenly feeling a chill, the laughter and joy surrounding them could not dispel the cold. Even the thought of returning to their small home did not evoke a hint of warmth.
Enping screamed, "This is a lifelong shame," while tearing apart a pineapple bun. Thus, on Christmas Eve, two lonely women comforted each other, each consuming a bun as large as a pillow. After returning home, Junmo found it difficult to turn over for a long time—instant karma, as the shape of her belly resembled that of the pineapple bun.
There have long been devoted fans and some mobile phone enthusiasts queuing outside, eagerly waiting for the earliest moment to purchase the phone. On that occasion, she cautiously asked Ma Chujing, "Should we find some proxies?" Ma Chujing laughed so hard that she coughed repeatedly, saying, "Do you think this is a new book signing event?" Then, with a hint of pride, she added, "You underestimate those mobile phone enthusiasts." Moreover, this time, Ruiming included 30 limited edition phones among the first 100 released during the X'mas sale, priced the same as the regular version. Naturally, a long line had already formed at the entrance, with the security department maintaining order and providing people with hot drinks, creating a lively atmosphere.
The traffic was indeed too congested. After encountering N red lights, Jun Mo's expression began to worsen. Han Ziyang glanced at her and sighed, "There is a parking lot ahead; let's park the car and find a place to go?" At this speed, it would take so long to reach EMBRACE on the other side of the city that they would likely be too hungry to feel anything—though even after getting down, they might not find anything, but it was always good to have a contingency plan. In China, there are always too many people and too few places— they were relieved to have found the last parking space.
You looked at the heavy black velvet box in your hand with confusion, then raised your eyes to look at him
He suddenly felt relaxed and immediately replied, "Alright." He stood up and, as he passed by the secretary's office, instructed Sister Chen, "Cancel the reservation for Nandai. I will still attend the charity gala."
After changing into her uniform, she worked diligently. When she received the text message, her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets—she truly could not determine whether Han Ziyang was joking. After pondering for quite a while, she finally replied to the message: "But my job is very important to me, and my bonus is also very important to me." However, one should not be too ungrateful; although she intentionally chose not to mention that he had taken her to see a doctor, she felt a constant sense of gratitude in her heart. Thus, she decided to reply to him again.
Do not feel embarrassed and remain silent
She casually shifted her gaze to the two people who had just walked out, but couldn't help covering her mouth with her hand—this was why she did not exclaim. The woman beside Li Ye, dressed in an Italian custom wedding gown, was none other than Sister Ling. She did not know what she was shocked by: was it that she was Li Ye's girlfriend? Or was it those eyes—indeed, her makeup was exquisite, yet those captivating eyes were something Jun Mo had never imagined—if one were to say they were enchanting, they were also like an ancient pond, revealing only ethereal clear water; if one were to say they were clear, how could a woman who had not experienced the world understand how to hide some things in her eyes at the right moment while letting out the most alluring aspects?
So... have you been living here for a long time? Jun Mo could not help but ask, his brows slightly furrowing.
The fireworks had been set off for quite a while, yet Junmo did not even have the time to look up at the sky again. On the shimmering surface of the lake, identical fireworks unfolded magnificently in the glimmering waves, resembling exquisite embroidery, each blossom intricately woven onto the brocade satin, or like clusters of stars scattered across the sky, or like the vibrant peonies of tie-dye, stunning enough to take one's breath away
"I don't want roses." She pointed at the little red devil horns hanging from the vendor, saying, "I want that." Then she put on the shiny red horns and skipped ahead, as if two lively little flames were dancing on her soft black ponytail. Han Ziyang followed behind her, a smile at the corner of his mouth, his gaze reflecting a kind of indulgence he had never noticed in himself.
His strength was great, and she could not break free. They soon arrived by the lake—Han Ziyang released her, and the small lake was illuminated by a ring of night lights, making it quite bright—he placed a box in her hand, smiling. The lake reflected the stars in the sky, each one sparkling more brilliantly than diamonds, while his gaze, both bright and steady, seemed to place a promise in the palm of her hand
Do not think of the last predicament, look at the time—it's peak hour again. She helplessly turned her head to look at him: "What do you think? Where can we fill our stomachs at this hour?"
It was exactly 6 o'clock. She hopped into the car and cheerfully greeted, "Hi!"
"Well, it's okay." Han Ziyang did not say much more, and Jun Mo did not ask further, yet could not help but think—
Counting down to Christmas on her fingers, she truly felt it was approaching—Jun Mo's graduation thesis is about the strong inclusiveness of Chinese culture, and she believes there is indeed some truth to this—once Christmas was introduced to China, it became a festive occasion, with businesses busy promoting sales, lovers exchanging gifts, and friends using it as an excuse to gather for meals, nothing more than that. She slept until lunchtime and then decided to spend half the day shopping.
"My dear, I am giving you this gift. I am more anxious than you, so... please do not be in a hurry to reject me, alright?" He suddenly stopped, but her gaze was lowered, not meeting his as it usually did with a bright smile.
After a while, Jun felt that it was dazzling. Such a scene reminded him of Ma Chujing's words, which made him feel weary, and he couldn't help but want to leave. After pondering for a moment, he thought it would be better to wait at the entrance. Today's press conference did not refuse entry to fans and mobile phone enthusiasts. The official sale would begin at 12:00, which was also one of the highlights.
This world is truly full of surprises, and she cannot help but feel a sense of wonder. It is a pity, though; no wonder the café has ceased operations, will it really not open its doors again? As she walks and contemplates, she stands in the garden, feeling free and unrestrained. The air outside is pleasant, and the noise seems to have been diluted, spreading through the cold night and adding a touch of warmth.
Han Ziyang took off his coat and handed it to her, saying, "Put it on." His tone was somewhat brusque, and perhaps he realized it himself, as he smiled and added, "I wouldn't mind taking you to the hospital again—though not today, we are both quite busy."
Today's workload is not heavy; the busiest department is probably the catering department. Jun Mo went to help in the catering department and found the manager personally overseeing operations, busy with overall coordination. After a hard-earned break, a few interns are sitting in the staff lounge, likely on their rotation, watching television.
In that moment, you may have felt a faint sense of sadness to the utmost degree.
The phone remained silent for a long time
She chuckled softly, adjusting her mindset, genuinely considering herself an audience member of a fantastical and splendid cinematic theater. Fortunately, she felt privileged, able to observe the characters on stage up close. Amidst the laughter, anger, and scolding, it was enough for her to understand in her heart, for behind it all lay a complex web of fame and fortune from which no one could escape
He felt satisfied after just a few bites, as he was not very hungry to begin with, and he calmly set down his chopsticks to watch her eat. Jun Mo took small bites, yet it seemed that all her attention was focused on the food—making those around her feel a sense of happiness in eating as well. The portions of the dishes were indeed generous—at least by southern standards, they were quite abundant.
It is Han Ziyang. "Do you have plans for Christmas Eve? Can I make a reservation now?" His voice carried a weariness not usually present, yet it made one's heart race slightly.
On Christmas Eve, let's have dinner at the British-style private room in the Nandai Western Restaurant. I don't mind if you need to step out to handle work at any time. He carefully read through the text message he had written—indeed, he rarely sent messages to anyone—and felt that such a proposal was quite considerate; she should not refuse.
Enping shook his head: "Manager Huang is on a business trip, so you can manage it for now; it's not a difficult task."
Passing by Starbucks, I casually picked up a cup of mocha, slowly sipping while strolling—this reminded me of my university days when I would see street style photos of Western celebrities online, each holding a cup of Starbucks. Underneath, someone commented, "Is coffee an essential prop for those celebrity street style photos?" I couldn't help but laugh, and it left a lasting impression on me. Back then, I just wanted to try it, but I could only gaze longingly at the expensive prices that were out of reach for someone like me.
It is approximately a holiday, and the mood is particularly good, so much so that there are rarely any complaints from guests. Jun Mo happily changes into pajamas at home, and moments later, is warmly wrapped in a duck down comforter. Jun Mo gazes at the ceiling and begins to worry: "What should I serve my guests tomorrow?"
Hmm. He spoke with his eyes almost closed, then those extremely beautiful eyes opened, turning to Jun Mo to explain: "I really am not fit to drive today"
Jun Mowei felt embarrassed, as she was unaware that she had left such an impression on others—perhaps it was due to a high fever that her past memories had become hazy, only recalling that she had passionately and earnestly spoken at length in the museum.
It is truly shocking in its deliberate nature... She gazed into the deep night, feeling a sense of dread for her own thoughts
At the charity gala organized by the fashion magazine, Jun Mowei paused for a moment and glanced around, spotting a familiar figure. Several young girls were excitedly discussing: "It's President Han! I even delivered something to him! Right at Building 4"
Han Ziyang asked once again: "Hey?"
You should not think that you are truly unperceptive. She recalled the scene in the Korean drama where Cai Lin played a junior sitting in front of Zhang Dongjian, whose gaze was also so weary. It seemed he was saying: "If possible, just walk straight over."
The top sound and lighting technicians were making their final adjustments, moving hurriedly. She stood to the side holding a cup, surprisingly ignored by everyone, which could be considered a rare moment of leisure amidst the busyness. Suddenly, she heard a small commotion at the door. Looking in the direction of the sound, she was astonished to see President Ruiming, who had not been seen for a long time, being stopped by security at the entrance. Jun Moshi couldn't help but smile and hurried over. She called out to the new staff member who was loudly demanding to see identification, saying to Han Ziyang: "Mr. Han, I am truly sorry."
You should not be too familiar with his voice; turning back in the darkness, your gaze is still bright and shining
Her eyes became misty, and Han Ziyang guessed that she was reminiscing about the past. He considered himself a patient person, yet he could not help but feel a slight pang in his heart. He simply followed her lead and asked, "Is that enough to eat today"
Such height, yet it does not impose any pressure on her, merely a gentle insistence—Jun Mo only feels troubled; she knows she is a person accustomed to stubbornness, yet she has rarely encountered a rival. He holds her hand, inch by inch conveying his feelings to her. The phone rings, and Jun Mo dejectedly releases her hand; it turns out to be a reminder for her to go to the venue, and only then does she realize how quickly time has passed—it is already midnight
You truly do not believe you are dreaming. When you were a student, you read quite a few romance novels, yet you rarely placed yourself in the shoes of the fortunate female protagonists. Instead, you found yourself involuntarily speculating about the women who wove these beautiful tales, sitting in front of their computers, focused on typing, their expressions surely gentle and serene. When such a beautiful dream suddenly appeared before you, you felt bewildered, even unsure of what exactly had attracted him to you.
Han Ziyang lazily waved his hand and said, "Do as you see fit."
"The activities for Christmas Eve are approaching, and I still have some details to prepare." The appreciative gaze of General Xu made her feel that waking up early was truly worthwhile
Ma Chujing walked up to her and said, "I will take you back."
The launch event for X ' mas was markedly different from the last, making a dazzling entrance before the world. Ruiming deviated from the usual format, entrusting the marketing team with the engagement ceremony of the famous movie star Li Ye and his girlfriend of several years. The token of their engagement was naturally a limited edition X ' mas. Furthermore, the sale of X ' mas was officially set to commence at midnight on the 20th.
When she spoke these words, her expression was extremely adorable, serious as if she were debating with the other person. Han Ziyang withdrew his gaze, which had lingered on her for too long, feeling that this moment of joy was truly tangible, rather than illusory
After settling the bill, Han Ziyang handed her his coat and said, "Would you like to stroll around the street?"
If this question were posed to someone else, it would not require much thought. Hot pot, stir-fried dishes, Western cuisine, fast food—what is there that is not a good choice? However, the identity of the other party is somewhat special—perhaps abalone and shark fin are not worthy of their status. Ironically, during the first two meals together, one was cooked by the big boss himself, and the other was resolved with instant noodles. Do not give up, leave it to fate, and it is also acceptable for the invitee to decide.
Ultimately, work is just like hunger—when one is too hungry, there is no special feeling left, except for a vague sense of loss in the mind. Jun could not help but smile wryly as she glanced at her watch: "It's almost 2 o'clock, calling a taxi will be quite difficult." After some thought, she decided to go to the front desk to call for a car.
Sister Chen held the microphone, choosing her words carefully: "This is the group's reward for senior employees. If you do not need it, you may state so."
Do not hold her hand, suddenly smiling and saying: "Do you still remember that Christmas when we overate?"
Please thank Xiao Xiao for me, and thank him for taking me to the hospital every day during those few days. She could not have imagined that Han Ziyang was so attentive; later, she still had her assistant take her to the hospital every day
At 6 PM, Jun Mo had just changed into her clothes and had just reached the street corner when a car appeared in front of her. She was startled and instinctively looked down at her watch, fearing that she might have already been late for a long time
She responded with a sound, tightened her coat, and walked back to the office. Indeed, Christmas Eve was different—the garden was filled with luxury cars, BMWs, Mercedes, Audis. Those who got out were all elegant men and well-dressed women. After seeing so much, one becomes numb—beneath the glamorous surface of this society, there may lie sordid and dark truths. Watching the men and women coming and going with cold eyes, how many of them truly exchange their hearts with one another? After seeing so much, one becomes numb—beneath the glamorous surface of this society, there may lie sordid and dark truths. Watching the men and women coming and going with cold eyes, how many of them truly exchange their hearts with one another
After solving dinner outside and returning home, Junmo opened her email just in time to hear the ringtone. She threw the mouse aside and ran to find her phone—her phone was always tossed around carelessly, often leading her to have to call herself to locate it.
Han Ziyang walked into the office, and behind him, Sister Chen called out to him several times before he turned around: "What is it?"
Ma Chujing nimbly dodged, only able to leave behind the words "goodbye"
Han Ziyang, however, was unconcerned: "When dealing with foreigners, one must be reasonable, evidence-based, and principled"
However, the reality presented Jun Mo with two choices—first, a shrinking wallet, but the ability to eat and drink well; second, a temporarily secure wallet, accompanied by an endless feeling of hunger. She liked neither option, especially resenting the second one
You were momentarily at a loss, stiffly allowing him to hold you in his embrace, as you heard his extremely soft voice whispering in your ear: "Just don't move, let me slowly walk over... you must be more patient than I am..." In the darkness of the night, his expression was indistinguishable, and his tone sounded so deep, carrying an inexplicable sense of loss.
Her thin smile slowly blossomed in Han Ziyang's eyes, and he suddenly felt a sense of fear. Her smile carried an expression that he could not decipher—he got out of the car, slammed the door shut, and hurried to Jun Mo's side—he reached out and embraced her, throwing his coat onto the car, the distinctly masculine scent and warm body heat transmitted through the embrace to Jun Mo.
Sister Chen's words seemed to remind him, and Han Ziyang casually asked, "Call Nandai to inquire; I would like to make a reservation for Christmas Eve dinner"
Finally, there was a seat available. Jun did not pass the menu to Han Ziyang, who simply waved his hand and said, "You order."
Half an hour later, Ma Chujing received a call from the president's secretary office
Well, good! She let out a big sigh of relief
Regarding the charity dinner on the evening of the 24th, the organizers are still awaiting your response
Her first sentence was: "Where shall we eat?" She quietly swallowed back the second phrase, "I'm starving to death." Although she had long lost all semblance of ladylike demeanor in front of him, she still believed that self-control was necessary
She forgot everything around her, staring blankly at those eyes that captivated all beings, until Li Ye handed her the "X'mas" and Jun Mo slightly shifted her attention. Another round of intense camera flashes ensued, but this time the focus was on the token of love. A reporter shouted from below: "Miss Ling, having obtained the globally limited edition number one mobile phone and gained a beloved, how do you feel?"
Sister Chen was taken aback and couldn't help but remind, "It is very difficult to book a couple's dinner at Nandai, General Han, you..."
In such light, both individuals could clearly see each other's expressions. Jun Mo had a slightly puzzled look, which was quite endearing. Han Ziyang managed to restrain his impulse to embrace her in the cold night as he watched her slowly open the box
Do not put down your chopsticks, she took a sip of orange juice and smiled, saying: "When I was in school, I could finish four dishes in one meal like this. Moreover, the portions were even larger than those at this restaurant." She slightly squinted her eyes; whenever she had a minor disagreement with Lin Xiejun, she would always run alone to a small restaurant, making sure to feed herself well—she referred to this as treating herself well.
She was truly a savior, and she repeatedly expressed her gratitude—Ma Chujing was just about to ask her to wait at the door when his expression suddenly turned strange. It seemed he had been holding back for a moment, and finally spoke: "I will not see you off after all"
The rich and creamy milk foam envelops the espresso, presenting a floral romance that takes one by surprise
You should not come to your senses: "I’m afraid Christmas Eve really won’t work. Can I contact you again on Christmas Day?" She did not want to linger any longer and hurriedly hung up the phone
The arrival of Christmas has kept Jun Mo busy like a spinning top all day long. General Manager Xu happily mentioned to her in private that this month's bonuses would be doubled— the upcoming Christmas Eve themed event has caused the reservation hotlines for dining and accommodation to be overwhelmed. After recovering from a serious illness, her body has begun to function with unprecedented vitality— on one hand, the hotel’s food and beverage department and room service must have special offers and plans for Christmas, while on the other hand, the new limited edition mobile phone named "X ' mas" by Ruiming has already started its promotion— advertisements are flooding everywhere, and although the new model has not yet been released, it has already become the focus of discussion on various websites. Especially the 5,000 limited edition units, which are in high demand and are said to have been sold out long ago
And amidst the sound of the salutes, his voice was so clear: "Will you accept it?" Han Ziyang slowly lowered his head, his cheek pressed against hers, equally cold, yet he still felt the warmth gradually melting away.
She leisurely strolled along with the crowd, truly enjoying this atmosphere—she adored the spirit of Christmas, not out of a desire to emulate foreign customs, but simply because she loved seeing the streets adorned with decorations in white, green, and red. Occasionally, the unique melodies of Christmas would drift by, imbued with a sense of purity and a touch of spirituality, yet also filled with the distinctly Chinese, mundane joy. The only drawback was that it rarely snowed in the south, leaving a damp chill in the air—nothing compared to her university days spent in the north, where the heavy snow fell abundantly, always reminding her of the last night of the little match girl, with the aroma of turkey wafting through the streets.
If you wish to return it to me, then there is no need to do so," he said lightly, as the two of them moved slightly apart. "That was specially customized; if you return it, I would not be able to give it to someone else.
What happened?" Han Ziyang looked at her suspiciously, "Are you hungry to the point of being foolish?"
"Here is your gift, would you like to open it?" His voice was steady yet forceful, warmly penetrating her body.
He anticipated her reaction: "Didn't you say you wanted to change your phone that day?"
In such a pleasant atmosphere, Junmo was reluctant to return home quickly. Just as he merged into the crowd, a vendor squeezed up to him, persistently promoting roses—his relentless demeanor left Junmo speechless, helplessly looking towards Han Ziyang. Han Ziyang glanced at the flowers in the vendor's hand, took out his wallet, and asked Junmo, "Do you want them all?"
The effect of combining these two matters is self-evident; either one alone would be sufficient to make headlines in the media. The security department of Nandai clearly felt overwhelmed and had to hire external personnel to assist in maintaining order that evening. Ma Chujing held a high regard for this idea, and one must admit that although this approach is not the first of its kind to make a significant impact, it becomes particularly enticing when combined with the specific target audience of Christmas—what woman wouldn't wish to receive such a gift on Christmas?
Sister Chen's eyes were filled with a smile; she was eager to ask, "Is she the lady who came that day?" Upon seeing Han Ziyang's stiff profile, she responded with a sound and turned to leave with a smile.
He took a slight step back, while she remained standing straight, her face filled with astonishment. Under the gentle moonlight, only the two small red horns at the tips of her hair glimmered. He reached out to caress the ends of her hair, his handsome face slowly leaning closer to hers. Jun Mo gazed at the familiar yet suddenly strange, prominent nose, the thin lips, and instinctively tilted her face slightly away. That cold kiss, which was supposed to land on her forehead, gently branded itself on her bewildered, closed eyes.
Jun Mo was wearing a small dress, and in this occasion, she felt as inconspicuous as a speck of dust, contentedly occupying a corner by herself, silently observing the multitude. She noticed Han Ziyang and Ma Chujing appearing in the distance, both in understated suits of black and gray, exuding distinctly different yet equally pleasing qualities. Jun Mo was momentarily lost in thought when she saw Ma Chujing raise his glass in a toast towards her, to which she responded with a smile
Do you know? The other day when I was seeing Powell off, he specifically mentioned you, saying that you are a very serious female scholar. When he said this, there was a distinctly ambiguous smile at the corner of his mouth
The door of the back seat opened, and Han Ziyang made way for her, simply saying: "Get in the car"
And there is just over a month until December 20, which is the launch date of X'mas
You looked at him with curiosity, a gaze that compelled him to continue speaking
"Are you going to your room to rest?" Jun Mo asked, "Or would you like me to show you around?"
Han Ziyang was momentarily taken aback by the busy tone; it was the first time someone had hung up on him. However, what was intriguing was her attitude; at least she had said she would get in touch again. After pondering this, he couldn't help but smile gently. Yet, he did not require her to take the initiative to contact him; her attitude alone was sufficient.
He frowned as he walked in front of her, his dark suit accentuating his tall and upright figure in the moonlight
Han Ziyang took out his phone, selected a name from the list, but hesitated to press the call button. In the end, he decided to send a text message instead
During dinner, when she saw Enping, Junmo felt somewhat guilty, fearing that she might bring up how Christmas was spent. She had few friends in H City, and could be considered to rely on Enping for companionship. She sat down opposite Enping, who, to her relief, did not mention Christmas at all. The two engaged in casual conversation and walked out of the staff cafeteria together
So, does that mean ...? ... Is that little cup of coffee her exclusive logo?
Do not panic for a moment, as he draws near; she truly does not know how to evade him. It is not until the last firework dissipates into the rising mist that she fully regains her senses, pushing him away with a sudden force, only to realize that her tongue has begun to betray her.
Director Ma, a candlelight dinner for platinum lovers in the British private room at the Nandai Western Restaurant on Christmas Eve
She gazed at the pool of water by the roadside and said, "In fact, the hotel industry, while it can be tiring, is truly quite good."
Miss Li of the future piques your curiosity; what kind of woman could compel a man, accustomed to the beauty of countless flowers, to finally make a lifelong commitment? She is not the only one with such thoughts; it is likely that the paparazzi outside the hotel are already on high alert. Initially, her musings were met with hearty laughter from Ma Chujing, who jokingly asked, "What if they break off the engagement after it is set?"
No. She smiled discreetly, resting her left hand on her chin, gazing at the glass covered with white foam spray that awkwardly spelled out "MERRY CHRISTMAS". It turned out that the greatest happiness was merely anticipating a forthcoming meal during times of hunger and cold. She noticed her reflection in the glass, where she was smiling faintly, a blush of pink blooming on her cheeks
Li Junmo, do you really like the freezing cold weather outside
Do not slowly stroll back to the computer, while carefully contemplating. Her Christmas has always been dedicated to the hotel, and there was an occasion when she strolled down the street with Enping— that was also after work.
No, I will be going home soon. Her hand brushed against the box in the pocket of her coat, and she couldn't help but look up at him again. His gaze seemed to have never left her, and a gentle glimmer in his eyes was filled with laughter.
Are you serious?" Jun looked at Han Ziyang in disbelief, then shot a fierce glare at the vendor—such ugly roses—with petals that were red mixed with black, still barely alive—15 yuan each, why doesn't he just go rob someone?
"Perhaps. " He shrugged, "There have also been girls who took the initiative to confess their feelings to me."
Oh, I am your neighbor," Han Ziyang explained with a faint smile. "A friend has a set of apartments here. After seeing me come here a few times and quite liking the environment, he transferred it to me.
In the heart of this city, people come and go around the colorful music fountain, seemingly mostly students. They found a chair to sit down, and the night sky of the city was rarely clear enough to see the stars. Han Ziyang felt that he had said a lot, even about the past that is seldom mentioned now. He spoke of the company he started with his classmates during university, recalling the three days and nights spent coding, which was not without its challenges. However, as he recounted his achievements today, it only made people marvel at how these experiences have made this young man even more charming, exuding a blend of resilience, wisdom, and maturity. He spoke of the company he started with his classmates during university, recalling the three days and nights spent coding, which was not without its challenges. However, as he recounted his achievements today, it only made people marvel at how these experiences have made this young man even more charming, exuding a blend of resilience, wisdom, and maturity.
She genuinely enjoys these days, as if the world contains only one person. There are no entangled past events, and even Han Ziyang has not appeared for a long time. She sits in the subway, looking at the list of media contacts in her hand, and in a slight daze, it seems she has arrived in the blink of an eye
Jun Mowei slightly curled her lips, clearly not very satisfied with this answer. After a moment of thought, she jokingly said: "You are not an ordinary person." She personally witnessed this individual sleeping for less than 4 hours yet still getting up early, full of energy.
However, many of the romantic figures in novels clearly share the same status as you. Jun Mo said playfully, intentionally making him feel at ease
It was not he who was driving; he sat beside himself, his left hand gently pressing against his temple. Junmo, seeing his profile, could not help but feel that this man's nose was truly straight and beautiful to the point of evoking jealousy
This is the second collaboration with Ma Chujing, and Jun Mo also feels quite at ease—she willingly subjects herself to the demands of a busy workload, increasingly feeling invigorated; her positive attitude even makes Ma Chujing feel somewhat intimidated
You really want to go in—however, she glanced at the man beside her. Han Ziyang, understanding and considerate, said: "Shall we go in to eat? I am hungry"
The two walked together, but Jun Mo was not originally walking alongside him; it was merely the throng of people surging in waves, seemingly capable of sweeping individuals apart at any moment. She felt much like a pinball, now light-headed from hunger, swaying slightly as she walked. Han Ziyang furrowed his brow slightly and reached out to pull her closer to him. Jun Mo paid no mind to it, her gaze lingering on the bustling restaurants along the street, while the aroma of grilled squid wafting from the street further dampened her spirits
Han Ziyang tightened her grip on the box in her hand, under the moonlight, her profile appeared soft and tranquil, standing alongside him, as if the air was filled with a faint scent of night-blooming jasmine
At the next moment, Li Ye appeared slowly before the crowd with his fiancée—this was what truly captivated the multitude of flashing lights—"Stars shining, the makeup mirror also; green clouds swirling, the morning hairpin also," how fitting this is, echoing the ancient poet Du Mu's "The Lament of the Epang Palace". How could one not smile?
"Hmm, I know," Jun Mo nodded. The restaurant was crowded and noisy, and with the air conditioning on, it felt a bit warm in the coat. However, this small establishment did not have a dedicated wardrobe like a high-end restaurant, and the chair beside him was greasy. Han Ziyang took off his coat and said to Jun Mo: "Take off your outerwear; be careful not to catch a chill when we go out later"
Later, Jun casually asked, "So, you have never had someone you liked?" After asking, he felt that he was being rather pretentious—yet this was merely a habitual gossiping thought. Moreover, upon reflection, considering that this person had seen all his embarrassing moments, it was nothing to ask.
Li Ye gently wrapped his arms around her waist, his voice deep as he answered for her: "What a pity, this phone with the number 02, I really want to know which lucky woman got number 01. However, the number is not important." He said simply, as cheers erupted from the crowd below, and he slowly kissed her cheek, as beautiful as a fairy tale
She got up early in the morning; the winter morning was truly chilly. Unconsciously, she gazed at the café, which still had its doors closed— it had not opened for several days. Jun could not help but lick her lips, truly missing the cappuccino from there. With Christmas approaching, she thought that Ling Jie would surely be able to create a beautiful Christmas tree out of the milk foam for her
You should not shake your head with a smile
On that occasion, after work, they deliberately chose not to eat at the staff canteen. Little did they expect to underestimate the consumption enthusiasm of the people in H City, as everywhere they went was crowded to the point of explosion. In the end, they despondently discovered that even takeout from KFC and McDonald's required waiting in a long line for at least half an hour. In a fit of frustration, Jun Mo dragged Enping into a supermarket, where she grabbed two enormous loaves of bread. She was extremely hungry and, without having paid, started eating as she walked towards the checkout—security politely escorted them to the office.
"Oh, what else can you say?" Enping smiled as she tapped her forehead.
In the cold, Han Ziyang let out a gentle sigh, which transformed into a white mist in the chill, until Jun Mo raised his head again and said: "Let me think about it."
She has also seen entertainment news, where Li Tianwang has dominated the film industry while maintaining his integrity, appealing to people of all ages and genders. This is in stark contrast to the current youth idols who can suddenly rise to fame but just as quickly fade into obscurity.
She wanted him to understand the meaning of "precious"; whether it be diamonds or limited editions, she did not care much—what is truly precious is a person's intention. She suddenly recalled the commonly used red coffee cup, which had become somewhat old—there were even fine cracks from when she had accidentally dropped it. She firmly handed him the box in her hand, her gaze resolute
On the 1st of X'mas, General Han... General Han, how can this be?" She hurriedly tried to hand the phone back to him
It truly felt like a shadow following her—thinking that he might have waited for over an hour again, Junmo could not help but feel guilty. The scene by the lake had stimulated her too greatly; she anxiously clenched her fists and whispered "thank you".
Enping laughed for a moment and then recalled: "The interns for this year will be arriving soon; you can assign them later."
His gaze flickered for a moment, yet his mind became even clearer, and he finally resolutely reached out to take the box: "It is truly too precious, I should not take it"
Ah, is it really necessary to end up like the little match girl, freezing to death on the street from cold and hunger? Junmo's eyes suddenly sparkled with brilliant light—this northeastern restaurant had a table by the window that had just become vacant.
Han Ziyang held the clothes in her hand, feeling both amused and exasperated. Watching her swiftly disappearing figure, he remained silent for a moment, then let out a soft sigh between his lips
She gently tugged, which reminded Han Ziyang of something. He had no intention of stopping such a somewhat childish action, turning his head to look at her, his brows filled with affection: "Christmas is approaching, have you received any gifts?"
I quite admire such courage. However, feelings are not merely about admiration. His voice gradually became low as he turned to look at her, "I have only recently been able to understand this."
Han Ziyang was sitting in a middle management meeting when his phone vibrated. He glanced down, squinting slightly with a somewhat displeased expression, and did not pay attention to the financial department's report summary. It seemed that this mood was contagious; everyone in the meeting was on edge— even the president remained silent.
You looked at him with confusion, and he pointed to a car not far away that was almost blending into the darkness: "It seems someone has been waiting for you for a long time." As if to illustrate his words, the car turned on its lights and slowly drove towards the entrance
The meeting concluded, and he sat alone in the conference room for a long time. Then he received a text message: "I finish work at 6 PM on the 25th, would you like to have dinner?"
"No need, I am not the main character tonight." Han Ziyang was also observing her, seeming to have lost some weight, yet her spirit was excellent, radiating like a young pine in the frost of winter
Jun Mo smiled at him somewhat awkwardly. There was silence all the way until they reached the entrance of the community. Han Ziyang got out of the car first, held the car door for Jun Mo, and then said to Xiao Xiao: "You can go back now, I will go in by myself."
Guo Bao Rou, Jiang Da Gu, Di San Xian, and Pork Stew with Vermicelli... The waiter kindly reminded, "Miss, our portions are quite generous; four dishes are sufficient for two people."
"Mr. Han, are you going home?" Xiao Xiao asked
He did not interrupt her thoughts with a sound, but one hand could not help but rest on her shoulder. Until cheers came from afar, both of them turned their gaze towards the sound. A brilliantly bright firework burst open in the deep blue velvet night sky, lasting for a long time without fading away, one after another, like a painter who writes quickly, recklessly splashing various colors of ink— it turned out that it was midnight, and the sale had officially begun. A brilliantly bright firework burst open in the deep blue velvet night sky, lasting for a long time without fading away, one after another, like a painter who writes quickly, recklessly splashing various colors of ink— it turned out that it was midnight, and the sale had officially begun
Do not put on a serious face, "Do you know how difficult it is for the country to cultivate a university student? I am thinking about how to contribute to the country."
... ... must! '' Ma Chujing quickly agreed—what is not wanted is a fool
Jun Mo was about to take off her white jacket and place it on the chair beside her when Han Ziyang suddenly reached out his hand to her: "Give it to me." He placed his own coat on the chair and then laid Jun Mo's jacket on top of it—so naturally considerate. Jun Mo stared blankly at his classic British brand trench coat, unable to speak for a long time.
He murmured "Hmm" and came back to his senses: "Why should it be my responsibility? What about the Human Resources Department?"
She smiled awkwardly, feeling quite embarrassed, and could only confess to him: "I did contradict him—committing a major taboo in the hotel industry." She stuck out her tongue, "It shows that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses." There was a hint of guilt in her tone, after all, the other party was a major shareholder of Ruiming.
Han Ziyang's gaze dimmed slightly, and he reached out to grasp her hand that held the box. His hand perfectly covered hers, warm and strong, as he softly said: "Could you hold onto it for now? Just consider it as storage... until the day you truly wish to receive it."
Jun Mo, do not gaze at the phone lying in the middle of that box. The body is a soft milky white, somewhat different from the prototype she had seen in Han Ziyang's office—a pink diamond in the lower left corner, surrounded by a row of small diamonds that fortuitously form a tiny cup of coffee, exquisite enough to make one reluctant to let go. Jun Mo has always had a bit of a fascination with coffee; she stared at it for a long, long time, momentarily forgetting that there was still someone standing beside her, simply holding on tightly.
In the end, she could no longer resist him and could only take the X ' mas, lowering her head and softly saying, "I will keep it for now." She did not say thank you—this gift was different, and she reminded herself firmly that it was only a temporary acceptance.
She pointed to the crowd of fans lined up in the distance, who were using glow sticks to spell out Li Ye's name in English, along with two red hearts: "Look, it's much more interesting outside than inside." Jun Mo, with a playful expression, looked not far away where the security personnel were distributing military coats one by one. She teasingly tugged at Han Ziyang's sleeve and emphasized again: "Why is Mr. Han dressed so lightly? How can he still come out?"
Shall we go to EMBRACE? Han Ziyang suggested, presumably recalling the scene of the two of them searching for restaurants for the first time
Han Ziyang raised his eyebrows at her, seemingly wanting to comment on her attire—so youthful, as if... that day when she was with that person, wearing a simple jacket and jeans, her hair tied up in a high ponytail, without a trace of makeup—when the words were on the tip of her tongue, they merely escaped as a light laugh
Xiao Xiao glanced at Jun Mo in the rearview mirror and greeted him with a smile: "Manager Li"
You need not instinctively reach out, yet her hand paused in mid-air as she smiled and said, "No need. If President Han does not mind, I will not accompany you there." Without waiting for Han Ziyang to respond, she turned and walked back to the hall
Han Ziyang maintained a blank expression for a long time before slowly speaking: "It belongs to both of us"
Sister Chen agreed and walked into the office a moment later, asking, "President Han, they have two types of dinners: family and couple. Which one would you like to book?" Her usually serious expression finally softened a bit as she raised her eyebrows and looked at Han Ziyang, who was sitting upright.