It fell from his fingertips

The river breeze, carrying moisture, brushed against my face, feeling cool and refreshing.

Zhou Yanchen ran all the way from the end of the railing corridor. Two buttons on the collar of his black shirt were undone, and his bangs were messy from the wind.

Running up to Tang Luoqing, Zhou Yanchen grabbed her from behind and pulled her into his arms. He held her very tightly, as if she would disappear if he let go.

His burning chest pressed against Tang Luoqing's back. The man bent over, his chin resting on her shoulder, his breathing rapid and heavy: "Luoqing, I called you so many times and you didn't answer. Were you trying to scare me to death?"

The man's voice was hoarse and panting. He placed his hand on Tang Luoqing's waist and turned her to look at him. "Let me explain properly. I didn't tell you the truth when I applied for this project. It wasn't because I was afraid you would stop me, but because I was afraid you would overthink it and think that I had some other purpose in voluntarily going on this business trip, which would only cause you trouble. That's why I used my brother as an excuse, so at least you wouldn't have to worry."

"Also, this project is the first time I've been able to handle something on my own. I wanted to show you and prove myself to those who didn't believe me. So I worked like crazy. That time at the bar was just to relax, but I was wrong. I shouldn't have lied to you. I should have told you the truth. I'm sorry."

"Baby, I promise I won't hide anything from you anymore. I'll tell you the truth about everything. You don't have to believe me, but please give me a chance to prove myself to you, okay?"

Tang Luoqing's shoulders were gripped by Zhou Yanchen, and she was immediately met with his deep, intense eyes.

The man's eyes were filled with tension and unease, his jawline was taut, and he was breathing heavily as he spoke; he clearly appeared very nervous.

Tang Luoqing, being hugged, embraced, and apologized to by Zhou Yanchen, pursed her lips, her eyes welling up again: "You, why are you back?"

The girl's voice was soft, with a hint of lingering awkwardness.

Zhou Yanchen sensed that Tang Luoqing didn't seem so angry anymore, and his tense body relaxed.

He sighed softly, lowered his head, leaned closer, and nuzzled Tang Luoqing's nose with his own. His tone was both gentle and helpless: "How could I not come back? If I didn't come back, my wife would run away. So I bought a plane ticket and flew back overnight last night. I rushed home as soon as I got off the plane, but when I opened the door, it was so quiet. I was terrified. I thought you really didn't want me anymore. But after making a bunch of calls, I found out that someone had seen Shen Baiyan's posts on WeChat Moments and that's how I found out you were here."

As Zhou Yanchen spoke, his hand slid up Tang Luoqing's waist, gently rubbing the back of her neck, as if he were soothing a frizzy candy. His voice was very gentle: "Baby, don't be angry."

Tang Luoqing didn't speak, but clenched her fists even tighter.

She had been holding her breath, but listening to Zhou Yanchen's rapid heartbeat, feeling the warmth of his palm, and his sincerity in rushing back, the suffocation in her chest gradually eased.

But to soften so easily and forgive Zhou Yanchen so readily would be too unfair to herself after holding back for a whole day and night. So Tang Luoqing kept a straight face, sniffed, and thanked him softly, "That depends on your future performance."

"it is good."

Zhou Yan chuckled softly, pulled her close, and kissed Tang Luoqing's cheek.

"About the project,"

Zhou Yan released Tang Luoqing, sighed helplessly, and said seriously, "Next time there are any changes, I'll discuss it with you immediately and won't make decisions on my own. The same goes for the bar gathering; from now on, I'll inform you before going, okay?"

Tang Luoqing's long eyelashes trembled.

She wanted to hold it in for a little longer, but Zhou Yanchen lowered his head again, his forehead touching hers. Their breaths mingled, and his voice was hoarse and deep: "You don't know, when you ignore me, I can't concentrate on anything. That's why I flew back overnight, I had to see you."

The warm breath brushed against my lips, sending a tingling sensation through my skin.

Tang Luoqing's heart melted instantly.

She bit her lower lip: "Then next time, you're not allowed to lie to me again."

"it is good."

Zhou Yanchen immediately agreed, stroking Tang Luoqing's cheek with his thumb, his tone indulgent: "I'll do whatever you say."

Tang Luoqing gazed into Zhou Yanchen's deep, affectionate eyes, her heart softening more and more: "How long will you stay this time?"

Zhou Yanchen paused slightly.

He frowned, looking extremely aggrieved: "My flight is at two in the morning, which means... I have to go to the airport in two hours."

Tang Luoqing was stunned, and then she completely believed that Zhou Yanchen had flown back and forth overnight to coax her.

The last bit of awkwardness in my heart vanished instantly, replaced by a feeling of heartache.

Little did they know, in the shadows outside the bar, Zhou Jinbai stood still, his fingertips already clenched so tightly they turned white.

The glass door blocked out the sounds from outside, so he couldn't hear what the two people not far away were saying, but he could clearly see Zhou Yanchen lowering his head to rub her forehead, and see the disappointment in Tang Luoqing's eyes gradually being replaced by tenderness and heartache.

The man's prominent Adam's apple bobbed violently, and the light in his eyes gradually dimmed.

He stood there for a few seconds, then looked away, turned around, and strode back up the stairs.

The man stood ramrod straight, his steps never faltering, as if nothing had happened.

So she didn't notice a woman in a red halter dress walking by in high heels, her steps swaying. The woman looked up and saw Zhou Jinbai's cold and tall back, and her steps faltered.

The man was wearing a white shirt and well-pressed trousers. He was tall and straight, with sharp and cold lines in his profile and a refined and smooth jawline. His aura was as cold as snow on a mountaintop, yet he also possessed an indescribable air of composure and nobility. One glance was enough to captivate anyone.

Shen Baiyan had seen many handsome men, and Zhou Yanchen was considered one of the best, but the man in front of her had a completely different quality. He wasn't the kind of flamboyant handsome, but a kind of deep-seated good looks that carried a sense of distance, like a piece of cold jade that became more and more alluring the more you looked at him.

By the time she realized what was happening and wanted to take a second look, the man had already walked away and disappeared from sight.

Shen Baiyan raised an eyebrow. This bar is full of hidden talents.

She strolled out of the bar and immediately spotted her best friend standing by the river, being held in Zhou Yanchen's arms.

Shen Baiyan was furious. She quickly walked over, grabbed Tang Luoqing, and pulled her closer to her. She glanced at the shocked and speechless Zhou Yanchen with disdain, then leaned close to Tang Luoqing's ear and whispered, "Are you sure you've forgiven him? Don't forgive him so easily. Don't you know you can't spoil men?"

The riverside was quiet, the wind was gentle, and the words drifted lightly in the air.

Not content with that, Shen Baiyan added excitedly, "Oh, right, I just met someone really good-looking, much better looking than Zhou Yanchen. That profile, that aura... I think he's better than Zhou Yanchen. Why don't you dump Zhou Yanchen and try someone else?"

Tang Luoqing: "..."

"Miss Shen, I'm not deaf. Don't try to poach my partner like this."

Zhou Yanchen put his hands in his pockets, leaned back lazily against the railing, and slowly glanced at Shen Baiyan before fixing his gaze on Tang Luoqing.

Shen Baiyan scoffed and pouted, "So what if I heard it? I'm just telling the truth."

Zhou Yanchen ignored her, reached out and ruffled Tang Luoqing's hair, and said gently, "I have two more hours. I need to go and report to my brother on the project progress. There are still some questions I want to ask him. Baby, I'll spend time with you when I get back."

Having said that, Zhou Yanchen glanced at the time on his watch and said, "Go inside with your best friend. Don't go home too late, or I'll worry."

"So fast?"

Tang Luoqing looked at Zhou Yanchen with some surprise.

But on second thought, I can understand. Right now, he is indeed prioritizing his work and is working very hard to prove himself.

Seeing Zhou Yanchen nod helplessly, Tang Luoqing said, "Okay, then be careful on your way back, and call me when you arrive."

"it is good."

Zhou Yanchen nodded, watching Tang Luoqing being pulled by Shen Baiyan as she entered the bar, looking back every few steps. He raised his hand and waved, completely relaxing.

He then took out his phone and made a call.

The call connected, and Zhou Yanchen said, "Brother, where are you? I'm coming to find you."

The private room was dark and quiet, with only the faint sound of the river outside the window. Zhou Jinbai held the wine glass between his fingertips, without even raising his eyelids, and uttered two words in a calm voice: "Company."

As soon as he finished speaking, he hung up the call, giving the other party no chance to speak again.

Lu Yu, who was sitting across from Zhou Jinbai, was holding a wine glass when he heard Zhou Jinbai's reply and was taken aback: "Your brother is looking for you? Why did you say you were at the company?"

Zhou Jinbai didn't reply. He picked up his coat from the back of the chair and stood up quickly and decisively: "I have something to do. Let's get together another day."

"Hey, hey, don't rush off!"

Lu Yu quickly reached out and stopped him: "Then don't forget to play chess with my grandpa this weekend! The old man talks about you every day, saying that no one can beat him by two pieces, and that I, his own grandson, am useless. Please, don't let me get scolded."

Zhou Jinbai didn't stop walking. With his back to Lu Yu, he only gave a soft "hmm".

His voice was soft, lingering in the air, carrying a hint of nonchalant agreement.

Zhou Jinbai walked down the stairs, his long legs encased in trousers stepping steadily on the wooden steps, his steps calm and without a trace of disorder. He didn't glance at the riverbank even once during the entire walk.

Meanwhile, by the river, Shen Baiyan was still pulling Tang Luoqing back to the bar, muttering to herself.

"Let me tell you, men's words are deceitful. Does he really mean he'll fly back overnight? He's probably already back, busy with other things, and only remembered to nag you at the last minute."

Shen Baiyan nudged Tang Luoqing's arm and said earnestly, "Don't let him soften his heart and forgive you easily just because he says a few sweet words. Otherwise, he will take you even less seriously in the future."

Tang Luoqing held the wine glass, her fingertips tracing the cool rim: "He doesn't seem like he's lying..."

"Doesn't it look written all over his face?"

Shen Baiyan rolled her eyes and was about to continue speaking when she caught a glimpse of a tall figure walking quickly past the glass door.

Her eyes lit up, and she quickly reached out to pat Tang Luoqing's arm, pointing anxiously out the window: "Look, look! That's the one I just told you about, the one who's even more handsome than Zhou Yanchen!"

Tang Luoqing was startled by Shen Baiyan's pat and reflexively looked in the direction she was pointing.

I only had time to catch a glimpse of a slender and upright figure from behind.

The man wore a white shirt with clean shoulder lines, was tall and upright, walked with steady steps, and had a straight back. He exuded a sense of aloofness that kept strangers at bay.

Just as he was about to turn the corner, a man dressed in a suit, who looked like an assistant, came from elsewhere and followed behind him, disappearing completely into the night.

Tang Luoqing blinked, feeling that the figure looked somewhat familiar, and the assistant also looked somewhat familiar.

It seems to be... Zhou Jinbai and Assistant Shen.

But the distance was too far, and Tang Luoqing didn't know if she had seen it correctly.