The dinner was scheduled for 7 PM at the Xinhao Hotel, timed according to Qiyao Company’s closing time.
Compared to Wanming’s 5 PM finish, Qiyao’s 6 PM seemed much later. This was also peak rush hour, so even with potential traffic jams, an hour should be enough time to get there.
Qiu Yang felt she had plenty of time, so she decided to go home first. She didn’t want to wear formal attire to the dinner tonight; it felt too restrictive.
It wouldn’t just be the ten people from the contract signing attending, but all members of both project teams, totaling about twenty-two people. If she sat in a corner, no one would notice her.
There was a full-length mirror in the bedroom. Qiu Yang took off her formal clothes, leaving only her underwear.
The hickey Shen Ningruo had given her on her collarbone hadn’t completely faded yet; a small, noticeable mark remained.
She stood before the mirror, her gaze fixed on this spot, then raised her hand to gently stroke it with her fingertips. After a few seconds, she composed herself and changed into the hoodie and jeans she wanted to wear.
Just as she finished dressing, Pingzi squeezed through the crack in the door. Seeing Qiu Yang, it flopped onto the floor and rolled around, acting playfully spoiled.
Qiu Yang crouched down, rubbing its soft, fluffy belly, a gentle smile on her face. “It’s not time yet. I’ll cook dinner for you when I get back tonight.”
Pingzi: “Meow.”
It seemed dissatisfied with Qiu Yang’s answer.
Qiu Yang looked helpless again, adopting a wheedling tone, “I really can’t, I have to hurry off to work, there’s no time.”
Pingzi rolled over once, stood up, and walked away disappointed, glancing back at Qiu Yang before leaving.
Qiu Yang chuckled, then lifted her wrist to check her watch.
It was almost time. It would take her half an hour to get to the Xinhao Hotel from here, so leaving now was perfect.
Since Wanming was hosting this dinner, she naturally couldn’t be late.
She grabbed her shoulder bag and stood before the mirror once more, practicing her professional smile before preparing to change her shoes at the entryway.
Pingzi was lounging on the cat tree in the living room, casting a lazy glance at her. As Qiu Yang changed her shoes, she spoke to the cat unilaterally, “I’ll try to be back early tonight. If you get hungry, eat your kibble yourself, remember to drink water…”
Pingzi closed its eyes. Seeing this, Qiu Yang chuckled again, picked up the trash bag, and closed the door.
The door shut with a soft thud that echoed in the quiet hallway.
When she was with Tao Sixian, it was usually Pingzi who saw her off to work.
But if Tao Sixian had to work during Qiu Yang’s vacation, Qiu Yang would also wake up to give her a hug before she left.
Actually, thinking back now, Qiu Yang felt that many details had shown Tao Sixian’s lack of concern for her.
It was just that she had liked the other person too much back then, automatically applying a filter thicker than a wall, causing her to ignore everything.
She shouldn’t have ignored it; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been deceived for so long.
Thinking of this, Qiu Yang couldn’t help but feel fortunate that it had only been three years.
There was some traffic on the way. By the time Qiu Yang got out of the car, it was only about ten minutes before seven.
Not late, but not much early either.
Yuncheng’s mood was still rather gloomy. Although it was already spring, it maintained a sullen face, even causing the sky to darken earlier.
Moving cars had their headlights on, and various LED billboards along the streets lit up. It wasn’t the weekend, but there were quite a few pedestrians, some hurrying, others strolling leisurely.
The Xinhao Hotel was luxuriously decorated both inside and out. Even before reaching the entrance, its opulent facade was visible.
Customers came and went frequently. Someone who had drunk too much stumbled about, caught by a friend, and then they all laughed together as they headed towards the parking lot.
A slight chill lingered in the wind, feeling somewhat cold.
Qiu Yang watched the group’s retreating backs, pulled her hoodie tighter, and walked towards Qu Yan, who was waiting by the entrance.
Qu Yan had booked a private room spacious enough for over twenty people. Even though everyone had been notified, she still waited at the entrance as a sign of respect.
Seeing Qiu Yang arrive, Qu Yan said, “Yangyang, you go in first.”
“Sit at the table on the left.”
Qiu Yang pursed her lips, remembering Qu Yan’s words from the morning. She nodded lightly, not refusing Qu Yan’s arrangement. “Okay.”
Qu Yan had mentored her when she first joined the company. Now, after so much time, their relationship was much deeper.
At least Qu Yan was right; she should expand her network and focus on her career for now.
But just as she finished speaking, Ke Yezi’s smiling voice came from behind, “Manager Qu.”
“Why aren’t you going in?”
Qiu Yang turned around and saw Shen Ningruo and Ke Yezi walking towards them. They were still wearing the same outfits from the meeting room earlier, clearly having come straight from work.
However, Shen Ningruo had taken off her suit jacket and was carrying it casually over her arm. The well-fitting white shirt revealed the lines of her upper body, intensifying her cool, mature aura.
Moreover, Shen Ningruo was already very good-looking. Her slightly sharp eyebrows and eyes, combined with her unsmiling face, added a touch of severity.
Qiu Yang pressed her lips together tightly, comparing the Shen Ningruo she saw now with the previous one.
She still found it hard to believe they were really the same person.
Could it be multiple personalities? Qiu Yang’s thoughts began to wander again.
But she didn’t have time to dwell on it, because after answering Ke Yezi’s question, Qu Yan took her wrist and introduced her to Shen Ningruo and Ke Yezi, “This is our Department Head Qiu.”
“Department Head Qiu looks so young,” Ke Yezi said first, her smiling eyes conveying the sincerity of her compliment. She extended her right hand.
In the workplace, superficial pleasantries were essential.
Qiu Yang understood this principle.
She extended her hand in return, shaking Ke Yezi’s. “Not at all, Manager Ke looks much younger than me.”
Qiu Yang’s professional smile was now active, making her seem approachable again. After releasing Ke Yezi’s hand, she hesitated for a moment, then extended her hand towards Shen Ningruo. “Director Shen.”
Shen Ningruo lifted her gaze slightly, meeting Qiu Yang’s eyes, then lowered her lashes to look at Qiu Yang’s hand.
Qiu Yang’s hand had distinct knuckles and long, somewhat slender fingers.
She still remembered the feeling of restraining this hand.
“Hello.” Shen Ningruo returned the handshake, a slight curve forming on her lips. She stared into Qiu Yang’s eyes. As she withdrew her right hand, she secretly brushed the tip of her index finger across Qiu Yang’s palm.
Qiu Yang’s heartbeat instantly slowed by half a beat. The tingling sensation in her palm intensified. She couldn’t help but curl her fingers slightly, her fingertips touching the spot Shen Ningruo had brushed.
Memories of the past week washed over her like successive waves. Qiu Yang couldn’t swim and was forcefully submerged.
Only one thought remained in her mind now—
Romantic encounters carry risks.
“Yangyang.”
“Why don’t you take Director Shen and Manager Ke inside first? I’ll wait here a bit longer, there are still a few people who haven’t arrived.”
Qu Yan’s words pulled Qiu Yang’s attention back. She could only brace herself and agree cooperatively, “Okay.”
“Then please follow me.”
Fortunately, Ke Yezi was also accompanying them. Otherwise, if she were alone with Shen Ningruo, Qiu Yang felt she might actually suffocate.
She hadn’t fully processed this reunion with Shen Ningruo yet; she needed some time.
Ke Yezi nodded politely, “Thank you.”
Shen Ningruo looked at Qiu Yang’s profile and drawled lazily, “Troubling…” she dragged out the sound, “…Department Head Qiu.”
Qiu Yang forced a smile, turning her head slightly and shaking it. “Director Shen is joking. I just arrived too, it’s no trouble.”
A faint amusement flickered in Shen Ningruo’s eyes as she raised an eyebrow at Qiu Yang.
Ke Yezi looked straight ahead, not noticing the interaction beside her, but Qiu Yang, the person involved, felt immense turmoil within.
She quickly averted her gaze, looking forward as well, no longer meeting Shen Ningruo’s eyes.
Eye contact would lead to problems.
A short walk brought them to the bright lobby. The light fixtures here were exquisite. A piano stood in the center, where someone in a tailcoat was currently playing a cheerful and melodious tune.
The food at Xinhao Hotel was quite good, and they were willing to spend money on marketing, occasionally buying trending spots online. Thus, it had also become a popular “internet famous” restaurant for many tourists visiting Yuncheng.
It was currently peak dinner time, and most tables in the lobby were occupied. Waiters in uniform bustled about, carrying dishes.
Business was excellent, filled with the ebb and flow of various sounds.
All these sounds entered Qiu Yang’s ears, feeling somewhat noisy to her.
The tingling in her palm had subsided, and she no longer felt as stiff.
A waiter appeared, led them to the private room door, pushed it open, and made a “please enter” gesture.
Inside the private room were two round tables. Over a dozen people had already found seats. Qiu Yang remembered Qu Yan’s instruction and walked towards the table on the left.
She chose a seat closer to the corner, pulled out the chair, and sat down.
Qu Yan had ordered a set menu directly, so the dishes were arriving one after another. Seven or eight dishes were already placed on the round table, each looking very appetizing.
Qiu Yang had been to Xinhao Hotel a few times for business dinners before, but the last time was before the Lunar New Year.
And she had come with Tao Sixian then, sitting at a small table outside.
Shen Ningruo and Ke Yezi also chose this table, sitting down opposite Qiu Yang.
The distance seemed somewhat far, but Qiu Yang felt it was just right.
Right now, she needed to keep her distance from Shen Ningruo—running into a fuck buddy again in the real world was such a cringeworthy situation.
“Qiu Jie.” Peng Kaimiao happened to be sitting beside her. He glanced stealthily at Shen Ningruo and leaned over to ask, “Is Qu Jie still at the door?”
Qiu Yang hummed an affirmative “Mm.”
The employees from both companies present started chatting with people they knew. But as soon as Shen Ningruo sat down, it was as if she was there to preside over things; everyone automatically lowered their voices significantly.
Shen Ningruo hung her suit jacket on the back of the chair. The cuffs of her shirt remained buttoned as she frowned, looking at her phone.
Seeing her like this, Qiu Yang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Not two minutes later, Qu Yan entered with the remaining people. She showed no restraint, immediately starting to liven up the atmosphere, “Everyone, eat well and drink well. Are there any other dishes you’d like? You can tell me.”
Saying this, she pulled out the chair next to Shen Ningruo and sat down. “Director Shen, care for some wine tonight?”
“Sorry.”
“I don’t drink.”
Ke Yezi added from the side, “Yes, Manager Qu, our Director Shen doesn’t touch alcohol.”
Qiu Yang listened to their conversation, watching Shen Ningruo’s “it’s really true” expression, feeling an indescribable mix of emotions.
Shen Ningruo clearly drank alcohol.
However, saying you couldn’t drink in a professional setting was advantageous.
Claiming you could drink was asking for trouble; if luck was bad, you could be pressured into drinking heavily.
Qiu Yang rarely drank outside either, except for occasionally having some with Tao Sixian on weekends.
“Alright then.” Qu Yan’s smile never faded. “I’ve already called for a designated driver. Signing with Qiyao today is such a major event, I still want to drink a little to celebrate.”
Shen Ningruo nodded lightly. “Okay.”
There was wine and beverages on the table; everyone poured according to their preference.
After a short while, Qu Yan stood up and began with a speech, “Tonight’s dinner, everyone eat to your heart’s content. This is the first collaboration between our two companies…”
The atmosphere was stirred up. Employees from both companies present raised their glasses—those drinking beverages drank beverages, those drinking alcohol drank alcohol.
Qiu Yang chose to drink plain water. She poured her transparent glass more than half full, and when she placed it back on the table, a large portion was gone.
Once the initial formalities were over, they could finally eat.
Qiu Yang’s appetite was slightly better than the past few days. She served herself several dishes and ate slowly.
Peng Kaimiao picked up the serving chopsticks and proactively asked Qiu Yang, “Qiu Jie, do you want some of this duck?”
“No.”
“Thank you.”
Peng Kaimiao changed the trajectory of the duck meat he was holding, placing it in his own bowl, a hint of disappointment on his face.
Shen Ningruo, looking nonchalant, took everything in. She glanced at the dishes on the table; there was one she had eaten with Qiu Yang before, which Qiu Yang had liked very much.
She subtly turned the lazy Susan, moving this dish in front of Qiu Yang. Only after seeing Qiu Yang serve some into her bowl did she pick up her own chopsticks and take some of the green vegetables in front of her.
The moment she lowered her head, a slight curve touched her lips, but by the time she raised her head again, her serious and proper expression had returned.
No one noticed.
Qiu Yang was focused on eating, unaware of these things.
Dinner parties inevitably involved toasts. Fortunately, she had said she couldn’t drink today, so everyone let her off.
Ke Yezi was also very adept at social interactions. She walked over to Qiu Yang holding a glass of orange juice. “Department Head Qiu, have a little?”
Qiu Yang stood up with her water glass, her smile deepening. “It looks like we’re drinking alcohol.”
“Beverages and plain water also suit a dinner party; alcohol isn’t essential.” Ke Yezi’s eyes curved into crescents. She clinked glasses with Qiu Yang and then tilted her head back to drink the orange juice.
Qiu Yang took a sip of water and heard Ke Yezi proactively ask, “Department Head Qiu, can I add you on WeChat?”
“The collaboration between our two companies has just begun; we might see each other often later on.” She provided a reason.
Qiu Yang naturally wouldn’t refuse; she knew this was one of the reasons for attending tonight’s social event.
Expanding one’s professional network—not adding someone on WeChat would be unreasonable.
After adding Ke Yezi as a friend, Qiu Yang sat back down once Ke Yezi had returned to her seat.
She stared at the system notification: “You have added ‘A Leaf’, you can now start chatting,” lost in thought for a moment.
Yes, the collaboration between the two companies has just begun.
Perhaps she would see Shen Ningruo often in the future.
Realizing this once again, Qiu Yang couldn’t help but lift her head and look towards Shen Ningruo.
Shen Ningruo was also drinking plain water, listening intently to whatever Qu Yan was saying. The two were sitting quite close.
Shen Ningruo still maintained a somewhat cool demeanor, but Qiu Yang saw a faint smile appear on her face as Qu Yan spoke, though she didn’t know what was said.
Qiu Yang silently retracted her gaze.
Two people who had slept together intimately without barriers just days ago were now sitting together across a dinner table.
Qiu Yang still found it incredibly strange.
But she couldn’t help but associate it with the word “fate”.
Whether it was the encounter in Xicheng or meeting again today, frankly speaking, this was fate.
But unfortunately, Qiu Yang no longer believed in such things.
Fate was fate, what did it have to do with her?
Midway through the dinner, Qiu Yang got up to go to the restroom. She had put on light makeup before leaving to conceal her complexion.
The lighting in front of the restroom mirrors at the hotel was excellent. As Qiu Yang washed her hands, she glanced at her reflection.
Her dark circles weren’t obvious, nor were the red veins in her eyes.
She looked quite energetic.
Just as she exited the restroom and hadn’t yet passed through the secluded corridor, her wrist was suddenly grabbed by someone who appeared out of nowhere.
Qiu Yang stopped in her tracks. She hadn’t noticed before, but now she saw Shen Ningruo standing in a recessed area nearby.
There were two benches here, specifically for people to wait and rest.
Other strangers were sitting there now.
“Let’s talk tonight?” Shen Ningruo released her hand and spoke calmly, her gaze sweeping down from Qiu Yang’s forehead until it finally rested on Qiu Yang’s lips, before lifting her eyelids to meet Qiu Yang’s eyes again.
Qiu Yang clutched the hem of her hoodie, answering coolly, “There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Where do you live?” Shen Ningruo asked softly, ignoring her previous statement. “I drove, I’ll take you back.”
Qiu Yang couldn’t understand her initiative; she even felt a trace of bewilderment.
Hadn’t they tacitly agreed not to exchange contact information? Didn’t that imply a mutual understanding that things between them were over…
The fuck buddy relationship.
“No need.”
“I have a car.”
Qiu Yang bluffed.
“I saw you get out of a taxi.”
Qiu Yang: “…”
She had been caught.
Shen Ningruo raised her hand again, intending to smooth Qiu Yang’s hair, but Qiu Yang dodged.
Shen Ningruo’s gaze deepened. Her hand, hovering in mid-air, didn’t retract. Instead, she patted Qiu Yang’s shoulder, as if there were dust on it.
“You don’t have a choice.”
“Xiao Yang.”
The lighting in this waiting area was relatively warm. Chatter filled the air around them as people entered and exited the restroom.
Many sounds flashed past Qiu Yang’s ears, but she automatically blocked them out, focusing solely on Shen Ningruo before her.
After a few seconds, Qiu Yang averted her gaze and murmured a soft “Mm.”
Shen Ningruo’s lips curved in triumph. Acting as if the previous exchange hadn’t happened, she walked into the restroom on her high heels.
Qiu Yang watched her back disappear before her breathing returned to normal.
What was there to talk about with Shen Ningruo?
She had met Shen Ningruo for half a day and ended up in bed with her.
Other people played a seven-day couple game, seeing if they clicked enough for something more. She and Shen Ningruo, however, had become seven-day bed partners.
She had no intention of having a long-term sexual partner. She had already decided to forget Tao Sixian, get herself together, and then embrace her next relationship. Continuing this kind of relationship with Shen Ningruo would cross a line she couldn’t accept psychologically.
Even though sleeping with Shen Ningruo felt very good, that wasn’t a reason for them to continue.
Since Shen Ningruo wanted to talk, then let’s talk.
She needed to clearly state her thoughts.
They returned to the dinner table a few minutes apart. After Qiu Yang sat down, her mood had calmed. She slowly ate a little more food as the meal neared its end.
This dinner party was finally about to break up, although there would surely be another one in the future.
Many people present had drunk some alcohol, with Qu Yan having had the most. But years of experience had built up her tolerance. She smelled strongly of alcohol, but her steps were barely unsteady.
The designated driver was already waiting. She bid farewell to everyone, got into the car first, and even rolled down the window to say “goodbye” to the group.
Qiu Yang exhaled, looking at Shen Ningruo’s figure, unsure how to get into Shen Ningruo’s car in front of so many people.
She pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and decided to simply walk away.
If she and Shen Ningruo didn’t have a tacit understanding, then talking next time wouldn’t be too late. She was eager to get home and cook meat for her cat.
The employees from both companies dispersed, some taking taxis, others heading for the subway.
Qiu Yang wasn’t particularly close with any of them, so she walked slowly towards the bus stop by herself.
After about five minutes, with the bus stop still about a hundred meters away, just as Qiu Yang thought Shen Ningruo wouldn’t follow, a car horn honked from her left.
The front passenger window rolled down. Qiu Yang stopped walking and heard a voice from inside the car: “Get in.”
“…” What was bound to happen would happen.
Being around Shen Ningruo wasn’t actually uncomfortable, but thinking about their previous relationship inevitably made Qiu Yang feel resistant.
She was back on the right track now.
This street wasn’t remote; trees lined both sides, and there was a park nearby. Currently, the square dancing aunties were dancing happily, the music from their speakers much fainter by the time it reached here.
Qiu Yang glanced around, let out a faint sigh, then walked over and opened the passenger door of Shen Ningruo’s car.
Shen Ningruo’s car also had a lemon fragrance, which Qiu Yang noticed as soon as she sat down.
She fastened her seatbelt, not turning her head to look at Shen Ningruo, but that didn’t mean Shen Ningruo didn’t have a mouth: “Address.”
Qiu Yang gave the name of her residential complex. Once the car started moving forward, she proactively initiated the conversation: “What did you want to talk about?”
“Where’s the little sheep doll I gave you?” Shen Ningruo’s voice was lazy again, yet contained a hint of amusement.
It wasn’t for any particular reason, just that the memory of Qiu Yang trying to refuse her outside the restroom by claiming she had a car was very…
Shen Ningruo couldn’t decide if she found it cute or funny.
Qiu Yang refusing her was within her expectations, but agreeing was also within her expectations.
“I didn’t lose it,” Qiu Yang answered vaguely, simply stating this.
“Very good.”
Qiu Yang: …
Help me, whenever Shen Ningruo says those two words, it makes me think of the night they watched the moon.
Qiu Yang couldn’t help but turn her head to look at Shen Ningruo, who was driving seriously. “Don’t say those two words anymore.”
“Why can’t I say them? I’m praising you.”
Qiu Yang’s eyelid twitched as her mind automatically conjured up Shen Ningruo’s sensual expression from the night she slept with her.
Qiu Yang decided not to get entangled in this topic any further. “What did you really want to talk about?”
“If I hadn’t run into you again, it would have been fine. But since I did, I thought about it seriously, and I feel I lost out, Xiao Yang.”
Qiu Yang looked at her refined profile, confused.
Shen Ningruo simply pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned her head as well. Under the dim light, Qiu Yang saw her moist eyes.
“I slept with you more times than you slept with me.”
“You need to make up for those times, then we’ll be even.”
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