When Shen Xifan returned home, her mother was exuberantly telling her father about the results of the matchmaking meeting.
She immediately called a halt to it. Her mother looked at her suspiciously, “You spent so much time talking and laughing with him, was it just for a free meal?”
“Does a matchmaking meeting have to lead to a romantic relationship? Can’t we just be friends?”
Her mother chuckled dryly, “Hey, that’s a novel idea! Matchmaking is about finding a partner, not making friends. If it works out, you develop a relationship; if not, you pass!”
Shen Xifan was confused. What did “pass” mean? Her father poked his head out and kindly reminded her, “She means ‘pass’!”
Her mother slammed her copy of the Metropolitan Daily on the table. “No interruptions, no alliances, listen to me!”
Her father’s head immediately disappeared, while Shen Xifan felt helpless and frustrated. What kind of ineffective medicine did He Suye prescribe that did not affect her mother?
He Suye, He Suye, such a strange name. Who would name someone using traditional Chinese medicine?
Shen Xifan lay on the table with a vocabulary book spread out before her, but her mind started to wander uncontrollably. Soon, her draft paper was covered with his name. Annoyed and embarrassed, she crossed out his name one by one, took a deep breath, and walked to the window.
The night was beautiful, the moon was bright, and the city was full of lights. Everyone had their things to do, time would slowly pass, and everything would happen and end in due course, becoming memories. But how could one know what would happen next? For example, what would happen between herself and Yan Heng?
Thinking about him was pointless, but how could she forget those memories? The intense love, the searing pain, the overwhelming tears, and the hopeful expectations were ultimately dashed.
Was she still hoping he would come back?
Foolish, she had been foolish three years ago. Would she still be a fool that even she would despise three years later?
The next day, as soon as Shen Xifan entered the office, she saw a bouquet of tulips on her desk. She was slightly surprised and picked up the card, recognizing the familiar handwriting: “Dai Heng.” Unaccountably, she felt annoyed and pushed the bouquet aside, staring blankly.
Unexpectedly, Xu Xiangya saw it, her eyes lighting up as she picked up the bouquet and smelled it, entranced. “How much did this bouquet of tulips cost? Quite extravagant!”
Shen Xifan stood up to make tea, not turning her head. “If you like them, you can have them.”
Xu Xiangya didn’t respond immediately. “Who is Dai Heng? Where did you hook such a rich man?”
Shen Xifan smirked, deliberately changing the topic. “A rich man? What kind? A green turtle? The kind with a green shell that belongs in a museum or an aquarium? How much per pound?”
Xu Xiangya gasped, “Did I hit a sore spot? President Cheng is looking for you. He wants your opinion on the cocktail party plan. You better go. Are you sure you don’t want the flowers?”
Shen Xifan pulled out a purple bud. “They’re all yours. You know I don’t like flowers.”
Xu Xiangya shook her head. “Nonsense, you love tulips. I bet you have some unresolved issues with this person, and you’re taking it out on these beautiful flowers. What a waste!”
Shen Xifan was speechless. It wasn’t that she hated Yan Heng, but she was put off by his actions. What was he trying to do? Apologize or show lingering feelings? Yet, deep down, there was a sliver of joy in her heart.
She suddenly felt very confused, like a tangled mess needing a sharp knife.
But one thing was certain: she wouldn’t be a fool again.
Yan Heng sent flowers for five consecutive days, each day a different color of tulips. Shen Xifan knew that these flowers were flown in during winter, and not typically found in local flower markets. Yan Heng’s lavish gestures left her puzzled about his intentions.
The Christmas cocktail party was a success. Dongke Software spared no expense, booking the largest venue at Gu Nan Hua Court and reserving three villas and a golf course as raffle prizes for the guests.
However, the employees of Gu Nan Hua Court could only watch others enjoy themselves on this sweet holiday.
The grand crystal chandeliers illuminated every corner of the venue. Most of the men present had brought female companions. In this glamorous setting, women in elegant dresses and elaborate makeup mingled around. As both a staff member and a guest, Shen Xifan wore simple makeup and attire, feeling out of place.
Dongke had invited several prominent figures from the electronics and software industries. She recognized a few CEOs from IT summits, and Gu Nan Hua Court’s senior management was also in attendance.
In contrast to others, she maintained an unusual quietness. Positioned in a corner, the dazzling lights left her feeling somewhat dazed. A phrase crossed her mind: “Their happiness, my emptiness.” Noisy surroundings were never her preference; they caused her to lose herself.
The hotel atmosphere often made her feel out of sync. Lacking Xu Xiangya’s social finesse, Ding Wei’s sharpness, or Lin Yishen’s decisiveness, she relied on her persistence and wit.
She wanted to go home, make a cup of jasmine tea, chat with her parents, or go out for a walk. Maybe she would run into He Suye. Her restless feelings were all reflected in her bright, expressive eyes, making them sparkle.
The crystal chandelier scattered light like golden dust falling on her dark hair, resembling golden embroidery on black brocade. The woman in the white dress stood quietly in a corner as if she had just stepped out of an old, yellowing book, blending poorly with the lively background.
Some men glanced back at her from time to time, but she didn’t notice.
Ling Yufan, holding a crystal glass, was bantering with a beautiful woman and sipping French cognac. His gaze casually fell on Shen Xifan. He found her intriguing. Sometimes she was serious and businesslike, cold like a hotel machine. Other times, she was childish, her eyes full of dissatisfaction when he deliberately picked on her. Yet, beneath it all, there was a quiet strength. She seemed to prefer calm and solitude, making her solitary figure seem out of place in the bustling scene.
Moreover, perhaps she meddled a bit too much.
When he was ill, she sent him herbal tea for colds. Though he appreciated it, his guarded nature made him question her intentions, wondering if her kindness had an ulterior motive.
He had been observing her for a long time and suddenly felt an urge to tease her.
There was a commotion at the entrance. Shen Xifan saw President Cheng and other executives immediately move forward to greet the newcomers. In the middle of the group stood Yan Heng, shaking hands, greeting, and chatting with them.
Had anyone told her Yan Heng was coming? If so, she would rather have fallen ill.
President Cheng waved her over, and she reluctantly approached. “Mr. Yan, hello!”
Yan Heng was dressed in a suit without a tie, and wearing glasses. He looked refined but with a touch of nonchalance. He extended his hand. “Manager Shen, thank you for your hard work these past days. I’ll be relying on you for a while longer.”
His fingers were slightly cold, as she remembered them—long and strong. Once, this hand had led her through the prime of her life, full of blossoms. She never thought they would shake hands like this.
She felt a bit of sweat in her palm but maintained a calm expression. “Mr. Yan, it’s my pleasure to assist you.” She tried to pull her hand back, but Yan Heng held it firmly, determined not to let go.
Shen Xifan met his gaze gracefully, her eyes stern. Yan Heng smiled slyly and suddenly released her hand. She retreated with composure, but inside, something began to crumble. Any longer, and she would have completely broken down.
Yan Heng had never been a match for him.
Suddenly, a woman shouted, “Hey, watch where you’re going! You spilled wine all over me!”
All eyes turned to Ling Yufan, who had wine spilled on his chest by a nervous bartender. His white shirt was soaked, and the bartender kept apologizing, looking anxious. “Manager Shen, please handle this.”
What could she do? She nodded reluctantly. “I’m sorry, please come with me.”
Ling Yufan raised an eyebrow. “I need to change. Manager Shen, please take my clothes to the laundry.”