Huayu 2021: Isn’t he in the technology field?

Chapter 346 Time Alone with MaiMai
For the next ten days or so, Jiang Qing stayed at Panhai Shijia and went to Xiaomi Technology Park every day without fail to lead the effort to solve the pain points.

It wasn't until August, when several troublesome issues gradually stabilized during testing, that he was able to relax and only occasionally check on the progress.

In the morning, the lingering heat of late July still hung in the air.

Jiang Qing stood at the bustling arrival hall exit of Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital International Airport, wearing a simple white T-shirt with a light gray shirt over it, the sleeves casually rolled up to her forearms, dark casual trousers, and a pair of white sneakers.

At first glance, he looks like an ordinary college student.

He wore a black mask, revealing only his eyes, which he focused intently on as he swept them across the surging crowd.

It was just past 9:30.

Jiang Qing's gaze swept quickly across the crowd and soon locked onto a slender figure who was also wearing a mask.

The girl wore a crisp light blue shirt, the hem neatly tucked into black knee-length shorts, revealing a pair of straight and slender calves, and black flat shoes.

She had her hair tied in a loose, high ponytail with a few wisps of hair playfully falling across her forehead. Even with a mask on, Jiang Qing recognized her instantly through her clear, bright eyes.

Zhao Jinmai was whispering something to a young woman who looked like an assistant beside her when her gaze inadvertently swept toward the exit, and the next second she accurately caught sight of Jiang Qing's figure.

The weariness in his eyes was instantly replaced by surprise, and his eyes lit up.

She immediately said something to the woman, then pulled her small carry-on suitcase, quickened her pace, and almost jogged through the crowd to stand directly in front of Jiang Qing.

"Jiang Qing!"

Her voice came through the mask, slightly hoarse from the long flight, but mostly filled with barely suppressed joy.

"Hmm, are you tired?"

Jiang Qing smiled and reached out to take the handle of the small suitcase from her hand.

"Fortunately!"

Zhao Jinmai shook her head vigorously, her ponytail swaying slightly.

Although the mask covered most of her face, her curved eyes still betrayed her good mood.

She instinctively reached out to grab Jiang Qing's empty hand.

Jiang Qing was a step faster than her, and directly grabbed her raised wrist with her free right hand.

"The car is waiting in the underground parking lot. This way."

He took her hand naturally and turned to walk towards the elevator.

Zhao Jinmai was led by him and followed obediently beside him, her steps light and quick.

The warmth from his wrist, the feeling of being guided by him, instantly dispelled the lingering grievances and fatigue from the long flight.

She couldn't help but turn her head, her gaze fixed intently on his profile, the corners of her mouth turned up high beneath her mask.

The journey was silent, save for the soft clatter of the suitcase wheels sliding on the ground.

Once seated in the back of Zhou Zhengkai's car parked on B2, the door closed, the engine started, and the front partition slowly rose, creating a relatively private space.

Jiang Qing then raised her hand and pulled down the mask on her face.

He turned to the side and looked at the girl beside him.

Zhao Jinmai immediately raised her hand and took off her mask, revealing her fair and sweet face.

Her cheeks were still slightly flushed from the short journey, and her eyes were sparkling as she stared at him.

The girl didn't speak, but just stared at him intently, as if trying to recover all the longing she had felt over the past few months.

Then, without warning, she leaned forward, opened her arms, and threw herself into Jiang Qing's arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist and pressing her cheek against his chest.

"Jiang Qing..."

Zhao Jinmai's muffled voice came from his arms, filled with deep affection.

"I miss you so much."

Jiang Qing was slightly taken aback, then a gentle smile spread across her eyes.

He reached out and embraced her firmly, gently patting her slender back as if comforting a weary bird returning to its nest.

"Yes, I miss you too."

He gently rubbed his chin against the top of her fluffy, soft hair.

The car became quiet, with only the sound of the air conditioner blowing cool air.

Zhao Jinmai nestled quietly in his arms for a while, greedily inhaling the reassuring scent emanating from him.

Only after the car drove out of the underground parking garage and merged into the traffic on the airport expressway did she move slightly, lift her head from his arms, her eyes still bright.

Where are we going?

she asked curiously.

"go home."

Jiang Qing spoke concisely, his fingers naturally smoothing a few stray strands of hair from her forehead.

"Your home? Your home in the capital?"

Zhao Jinmai's eyes instantly brightened.

"Ah."

Jiang Qing nodded with a smile.

"my home."

The car drove smoothly, and the city scenery outside the window flashed by.

Zhao Jinmai leaned on Jiang Qing's shoulder, chatting casually about the interesting things that had happened during filming. Jiang Qing listened quietly, occasionally responding with a few words, his fingers unconsciously twirling a strand of Zhao Jinmai's soft hair.

More than an hour later, the car drove into Panhai Shijia and stopped in front of an apartment building.

Zhou Zhengkai unloaded the luggage, handed it to Jiang Qing, and then left.

Jiang Qing pulled Zhao Jinmai's suitcase with one hand and held her hand with the other, swiped the card to enter the elevator, and went straight to the top floor.

With a soft "beep" from the fingerprint lock, the heavy front door opened.

"come in."

Jiang Qing stepped aside to let her go first.

Filled with curiosity, Zhao Jinmai stepped into Jiang Qing's long-awaited private space.

The entryway is spacious and bright, featuring a minimalist modern style with clean and crisp lines.

The living room is spacious, with a huge floor-to-ceiling window that offers a panoramic view of Beijing's bustling skyline. Sunlight streams in unobstructed, making the room bright and airy.

There isn't much furniture, but every piece is of superior quality, exuding understated taste.

The entire space is impeccably clean, with only the open bookshelves overflowing with books and tech-savvy decorative items scattered around, revealing the owner's preferences.

Wow, it's so big and bright!

Zhao Jinmai couldn't help but admire it. She took off her shoes, put on her socks, and stepped onto the warm wooden floor, looking around curiously.

The living room connects to the open kitchen, where the kitchenware is gleaming and spotless.

She was like a kitten exploring new territory for the first time, looking around and touching everything.

"Like it?"

Jiang Qing placed her luggage next to the entryway cabinet, walked over to her, and asked.

"Hmm! Very...Jiang Qing style!"

Zhao Jinmai nodded vigorously and commented with a smile.

Simple, rational, and comfortable.

Jiang Qing smiled and said nothing, walking straight to the island counter in the open kitchen.

Then he pulled open a drawer and took out... a dark gray cotton apron?
Zhao Jinmai watched in astonishment as he smoothly put the apron around his neck and neatly tied the straps behind his back.

"You...you're going to cook?"

Jiang Qing turned around to face her, casually wiped her hands on her apron, and raised an eyebrow to ask a question.

"What else? Order takeout?"

"no no!"

Zhao Jinmai quickly waved her hand, her little face full of surprise.

"I never expected this! I've been looking forward to this day for so long!"

Her voice rose eight octaves as she ran to the island counter, braced herself on the counter with both hands, leaned forward slightly, and her big eyes were filled with excitement.

"I thought it was amazing when I saw you make it in Peach Blossom Village before, and today I can finally eat it!"

Seeing her overjoyed expression, Jiang Qing's smile deepened.

"What would you like to eat? The fridge is fairly well-stocked."

As he spoke, he opened the huge double-door refrigerator next to him.

I love eating whatever you make!

Zhao Jinmai answered without hesitation, but then felt it was a bit too direct and smiled shyly.

"Really! I'm not a picky eater! You can decide!"

Jiang Qing looked at her flushed cheeks, stopped teasing her, and started taking things out of the refrigerator.

Fresh shrimp, tender asparagus, plump mushrooms, reddish-brown steak, eggs, and several seasonal vegetables.

"Then I'll help wash the vegetables!"

Zhao Jinmai volunteered, rolled up her shirt sleeves, and went to get the vegetables from the sink.

"Need not."

Jiang Qing gently reached out and stopped her.

"Sit down and rest for a bit. Aren't you tired after flying for so long? Just wait patiently, I'll be fine on my own."

He pointed to the bar stool next to him.

"Just sit there and watch."

Zhao Jinmai watched him skillfully devein shrimp, wash vegetables, and deftly cut asparagus into even segments and mushrooms into thin slices. His movements were fluid and graceful, quite different from his usual self, yet equally captivating.

She obediently moved a stool from the side and placed it in a spot not too far from the kitchen. She sat down quietly, resting her chin on her hands and knees, watching his busy back without blinking.

The straps of his apron were tied into a neat knot at his back, and his broad shoulders rose and fell slightly with the movement of chopping vegetables.

The oil in the pan started to heat up, sizzling as it did so, and the aroma of food gradually filled the air.

The warmth of everyday life at this moment made Zhao Jinmai feel incredibly at ease, as if she had finally returned to the warmest harbor after a long journey.

She was so engrossed in watching that she didn't even realize the silly smile that was constantly on her face.

"What are you giggling about?"

Jiang Qing's voice came through with a laugh as he plated the sizzling, fragrant steak.

"Huh? N-nothing!"

Zhao Jinmai snapped out of her daze, her face flushing slightly, and quickly changed the subject.

"I just think... you're so amazing, you can do everything."

His tone was full of admiration.

Jiang Qing placed the plated steak on the island counter, then turned to prepare the asparagus and shrimp, responding casually.

"Practice makes perfect. I'm a picky eater, so I can't eat takeout every day."

"Then..."

Zhao Jinmai blurted out, but then realized she had been too forward and lowered her voice.

"I can learn to do it in the future..."

Jiang Qing paused in her stir-frying, but didn't turn around; her voice simply softened.

"No need. If you want to eat it, I'll make it for you."

"Mmm!" Zhao Jinmai paused for a moment, then narrowed her eyes and nodded emphatically.

About half an hour later, a sumptuous lunch was served on the restaurant table.

The pan-fried steak was cooked to perfection, with slightly charred edges and a tender pink interior.

Stir-fried asparagus and shrimp are vibrant green and delicate pink, refreshing and tempting.

The blanched bok choy was bright green and glossy, and there was also a plate of tender mushroom and egg stir-fry.

Simple, yet delicious and visually appealing.

"Wow, awesome!"

Zhao Jinmai couldn't wait to take out her phone and snapped several photos of the dishes on the table, not missing a single angle.

"Don't just take pictures of the food."

Jiang Qing carried over two bowls of rice and placed them on the table.

"Yeah!"

Zhao Jinmai immediately understood, took her phone and moved closer to Jiang Qing, leaning her head towards him.

"Let's take a group photo!"

Jiang Qing lowered her head slightly to look at her phone camera.

Zhao Jinmai raised her phone, and the screen immediately showed the two faces leaning together.

She smiled, her eyes crinkling and dimples appearing. Although Jiang Qing's expression remained relatively calm, her eyes were relaxed and gentle.

She took several photos before finally putting down her phone, satisfied.

"start!"

Zhao Jinmai picked up her chopsticks, first took a piece of steak, carefully blew on it, and put it in her mouth.

Instantly, the aroma of the charred beef, the richness of the juices, and the perfect seasoning explode on the tip of your tongue.

"Hmm~"

She squinted her eyes in satisfaction and gave a muffled, indistinct compliment.

"It's so delicious! Seriously! It tastes better than many restaurants!"

Seeing her eating with such a happy expression, Jiang Qing also picked up her chopsticks, a smile in her eyes.

"Eat more if you like it."

The meal was warm and satisfying.

Zhao Jinmai had a good appetite. She chattered away as she ate, sharing snippets of life on set and asking him about his time at Xiaomi. Although she didn't understand many of the technical details, she listened with great interest.

Jiang Qing listened quietly most of the time, occasionally responding with a few words or adding some food to her bowl.

After the meal, Zhao Jinmai took the initiative to stand up and clear the dishes.

"I have to do the dishes this time! You cooked all the meal!"

Jiang Qing didn't stop her anymore, letting her stack the dishes and take them into the kitchen sink.

He went to the living room, turned on the TV, and lowered the volume; the news channel was broadcasting international financial news.

Zhao Jinmai stood in front of the spacious and bright water tank, rolled up her shirt sleeves to reveal her fair forearms.

She carefully rinsed the grease off the dishes, her movements not particularly skillful, but very earnest.

The water gurgled and the bowls and plates clattered together.

Jiang Qing leaned against the kitchen door frame, quietly watching her busy figure.

The girl's high ponytail swayed gently as she bent over slightly, her slender waist peeking out from under her shirt, and her profile as she focused on washing the dishes looked exceptionally soft in the afternoon sunlight.

After watching for a while, he silently walked over and approached her from behind.

Zhao Jinmai was picking up a clean plate to put on the drain rack when she suddenly felt a warm breath close to her back.

She paused.

The next second, Jiang Qing's arm reached out from her side and naturally wrapped around her slender waist, his chin gently resting on her neck.

Zhao Jinmai's body froze for a moment, her heart skipped a beat, and then started racing wildly again.

She could clearly feel his warm breath brushing against the skin on the side of her neck, with a slight tickling sensation.

The tap was still running, and she was still holding the wet plate in her hand.

"I'm done washing..."

She spoke softly, her voice a little strained, and tried to turn away.

"Ah."

Jiang Qing responded softly, but his arms around her waist didn't loosen; instead, he tightened them, holding her even closer in his embrace.

He pressed his cheek against her temple and gently rubbed it.

Zhao Jinmai's cheeks instantly turned hot, and the blush spread all the way to her ears.

She turned her head slightly to the side.

Their eyes met in the air.

The only sounds in the kitchen were the running water and their clearly audible breathing.

Jiang Qing's deep gaze clearly reflected Zhao Jinmai's shy yet expectant expression.

The girl's eyes were clear and bright, like obsidian immersed in water, clearly showing her joy.

They were so close that they could count each other's eyelashes.

The world seemed to quiet down, leaving only each other.

There are no words, nor are there any words needed.

A tacit understanding flowed through the silent air.

Zhao Jinmai looked into Jiang Qing's eyes, watching her reflection in them become clearer and clearer.

As if drawn by some force, she involuntarily tilted her face up and moved closer to him.

Jiang Qing's gaze remained fixed on her face, watching her trembling eyelashes and her slightly pursed lips due to nervousness.

He also lowered his head, slowly closing that last bit of distance.

Their warm breaths mingled together.

Just as the two were about to touch.

"Jingle Bell!!!"

In the living room, Jiang Qing's phone, which he had casually placed on the sofa, suddenly rang at an inopportune moment, breaking the almost stagnant atmosphere in the kitchen.

Zhao Jinmai shrank back a little like a startled rabbit, her cheeks flushed red, and her eyes lowered in a panic.

Jiang Qing also stopped moving, her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and a hint of displeasure at being disturbed flashed in her eyes.

He took a deep breath and slowly loosened his arms around Zhao Jinmai's waist.

"I'm going to take a call."

His voice carried a lingering emotion.

"Um……"

Zhao Jinmai's voice was barely audible, and she didn't dare to look up at him. She quickly turned around and pretended to be focused on turning off the tap, but her fingers trembled slightly as if they were not under her control.

Jiang Qing strode into the living room, picked up her phone, and glanced at the screen.

He pressed the answer button, and his voice returned to its usual calm and steady tone.

"Hey."

Chen Duo's voice came from the other end of the phone.

As Jiang listened to his report, his gaze involuntarily drifted towards the kitchen.

Zhao Jinmai was facing away from him, carefully wiping the already washed dishes and placing them one by one into the drain rack.

But her back view, no matter how you look at it, has a stiffness that seems to be forcing her composure, and her small earlobes are still red and translucent, which is quite cute.

Jiang Qing gave a few brief instructions and quickly hung up the phone.

He put down his phone and walked back to the kitchen doorway.

Zhao Jinmai had just put down the last bowl and picked up a dishcloth to wipe the water droplets off her hands before turning around. The blush on her face had not completely faded, and her eyes darted away, not daring to look him in the eye.

"Has it been washed?"

Jiang Qing asked softly, her tone already back to normal.

"Yes, they're all washed, dried, and put away."

Zhao Jinmai nodded, her voice still a little soft.

"Thanks for your hard work."

Jiang Qing walked up to her and naturally raised her hand to gently wipe away the tiny water droplets that had splashed on her cheek with her fingertips.

"What are your plans for the afternoon? Would you like to go out for a stroll, or stay home and rest?"

As her fingertips brushed against her cheek, Zhao Jinmai's heart skipped a beat.

She shook her head.

"I'm not going out. I'm a bit tired. I want to stay home."

Actually, I'd rather stay with him and not go anywhere else.

"it is good."

Jiang Qing nodded.

"Shall we sit on the sofa for a while? Or go to the media room and watch a movie?"

"Let's just stay in the living room and watch TV."

Zhao Jinmai pointed to the sofa.

The two returned to the living room and sat down on the spacious and comfortable sofa.

Jiang Qing picked up the remote and switched to a relaxing movie channel.

Zhao Jinmai hugged a soft cushion and curled up in a corner of the sofa. At first, she tried to keep her eyes open and look at the screen, but the fatigue from the long flight and the relaxation after eating and drinking her fill gradually came over her.

Less than twenty minutes into the movie, Jiang Qing felt a slight weight on her shoulder.

He turned his head to look and saw that Zhao Jinmai had fallen asleep with her head tilted to the side, leaning on his shoulder.

She had her eyes closed, her breathing even and shallow, and she was still holding the pillow in her arms. She seemed completely unguarded, like a kitten that had found a safe corner to sleep soundly.

Her high ponytail was a little loose, with a few strands falling down her cheeks.

Jiang Qing's gaze lingered on her quiet face for a long time, his eyes gentle.

He adjusted his posture very slowly to make her more comfortable.

Then, he leaned over, stretched out his arm, and took a thin air-conditioning blanket from the other end of the sofa. He carefully unfolded it and gently covered her up to her shoulders.

After doing all this, he leaned back on the sofa, his gaze fixed on the television screen, but his mind was clearly not on the story with its changing lights and shadows.

The living room was filled only with the low background music of the movie, the girl's even and shallow breathing, and the afternoon sunlight streaming through the French windows, casting long patches of light on the floor. A sense of peace and tranquility permeated the air.

Jiang Qing picked up her phone, and the screen lit up, displaying the time.

2:17 PM.

He opened his email and quietly dealt with a few less urgent work emails.

Occasionally, he would pause his typing, glance at the sleeping girl on his shoulder to make sure the blanket hadn't slipped off, and then continue.

Time flowed quietly, and sunlight moved slowly through the room.

Outside the window, the capital city was bustling with traffic in early August, but in this small corner of the world, there was only the tranquility of peaceful times.

(End of this chapter)