"Of course."
The moment Lu Zhengting finished speaking, Xia Yan froze in place. He curled his lips, slowly approaching her, sensing her tense nerves. Suddenly, he reached out and gently turned her body around. Her astonished expression was reflected in his clear, dark eyes, a faint smile flickering in his gaze as he added, "You don't believe me?"
Hearing this, Xia Yan couldn't deny it with a shake of her head, nor could she nod in agreement. She parted her lips, staring unblinkingly at Lu Zhengting.
Lu Zhengting took her silence as tacit agreement—agreement that his words weren't trustworthy. After a pause, his warm fingers brushed against her slightly flushed cheek, asking, "Why?"
Xia Yan remained motionless because every nerve in her body grew stiffer and more tense with each of Lu Zhengting's movements. In her mind, it felt like two people were arguing and fighting. One spoke sternly about the disparity in status between her and Lu Zhengting, constantly reminding her that he was unfathomable and hard to read, and that she alone couldn't contend with him—that in a love so unequal, she wouldn't find happiness. The other suddenly jumped in, telling her to follow her heart, that even disappointment was better than regret, and that without courage, this love was doomed to be stifled in its cradle.
Xia Yan lowered her head, pondering the words of the two selves within her. She hesitated, torn over whether to bravely love this inscrutable man before her.
Lu Zhengting watched Xia Yan patiently, the study deathly quiet. The storm outside had raged all night and continued to intensify. Torrential raindrops tapped against the windowsill, producing a crisp, bell-like sound. The wind whipped the curtains, rustling them, while the trees swayed wildly outside. The streetlamp silently observed it all, casting blurred, mottled tree shadows on the wet ground—like flowing time in a still space, as if the world itself was silent amidst the tempest.
Time ticked by, second after second. After a long silence, Xia Yan finally spoke, "Lu Zhengting, what do I do? My heart... it tells me to trust you, to believe you're serious."
As her words fell, Xia Yan lifted her gaze slightly, staring intently at Lu Zhengting's expressionless face, wondering what he was thinking. She let out a faint, wistful sigh, like an ostrich that had finally emerged from its protective shell, only to quietly raise its barriers again.
In the blink of an eye, a flicker of tenderness crossed Lu Zhengting's face. He suddenly extended his index finger, gently lifting Xia Yan's chin, tilting her head so he could see the disappointment etched on her features. Sure enough, at the sight, his movements became exceptionally gentle. He pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on top of her head, his steady, magnetic voice carrying firmness and sincerity, "Xia Yan, follow your heart."
Hearing this, Xia Yan let out a soft "mm," her hands resting at her sides. Were she and Lu Zhengting now considered a couple? But why didn't it feel like what she'd imagined earlier in her room? She blinked, her entire body feeling weightless, as if floating.
"Xia Yan, your hands."
"Hands? What about them?" Xia Yan raised her hands, examining them with confusion.
"Put them around my waist."
The moment Lu Zhengting finished speaking, Xia Yan's face flushed and paled in turns. She moved slowly, placing her hands around his waist, gently encircling him. She leaned her cheek against his chest, listening to the powerful thumping of his heart, and felt a deep inner peace. Perhaps it was because of the rain earlier, but soon she felt sleep calling her. Her eyes grew drowsy, and she looked up to see Lu Zhengting's lips still curved in a faint smile. She chuckled happily—seeing such a gentle smile on that usually icy face warmed her heart, making it bubble with joy. At least she knew Lu Zhengting felt the same way she did now.
The rain gradually subsided. A small gap in the bedroom window let in a cool breeze that faintly stirred the curtains. Xia Yan lay on her side, eyes half-closed, staring unblinkingly at Lu Zhengting's handsome face. Why did it all feel so unreal?
Suddenly, a loud clap of thunder echoed across the sky. Xia Yan instinctively scooted toward a safe spot, burying her head in Lu Zhengting's arms, her hands tightly covering her ears. Seeing this, Lu Zhengting recalled the time he'd found Xia Yan at the department store during a thunderstorm—her reaction then had been exactly the same.
Xia Yan clung to Lu Zhengting, feeling a warm, solid hand gently stroking her back. Her tense body began to relax. Lu Zhengting glanced at her and asked, "Scared?"
"Mm," Xia Yan nodded. After a few seconds, she shifted slightly and added, "I vaguely remember not being afraid of thunder and rain, but somewhere along the way, I started reacting like this whenever I hear thunder."
Hearing this, Lu Zhengting didn't press further. He soothed Xia Yan, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Sleep. I'm here."
No matter how torrential the rain, it would eventually stop. Afterward, the sky would clear, and a rainbow would appear on the horizon.
The night was filled with sweet dreams.
When Xia Yan woke up, she felt a dip in the mattress beside her. She opened her eyes slightly to see Lu Zhengting sleeping peacefully. Propping herself up on one hand, she raised her body slightly and slowly extended her other hand toward the man still lost in slumber. Her slender fingers traced the contours of his face.
"Ah..."
Lu Zhengting suddenly opened his eyes, catching her hand before she could pull it back. His gaze, tinged with amusement, fixed on her as he said hoarsely, "So restless?"
"You... when did you wake up?" Caught red-handed sneaking a look at him, Xia Yan's face flushed.
"Before you opened your eyes."
"You were awake and still pretending to sleep?" Xia Yan blinked, adding with a playful pout, "If I'd known you were awake, I wouldn't have bothered sneaking a look!"
Hearing this, Lu Zhengting looked at her with fondness and asked lightly, "Then how would you look?"
"Openly, of course!"
As soon as she finished, Lu Zhengting let out a hearty laugh. Seeing this, Xia Yan suddenly remembered something. "Lu Zhengting, let me ask you something. You have to answer honestly."
Lu Zhengting raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"
"I know I like you, but I want to know when you started liking me. And... what do you like about me?" Xia Yan's eyes sparkled as she stared at him, eagerly awaiting his answer. It was a question every woman wanted to know.
Lu Zhengting glanced at her and countered with a smile, "What about you?"
"You answer first, then I'll answer." Xia Yan grinned. She'd only give her answer if she was satisfied with his.
"..."
"Come on, say it. Was it the first time you saw me?"
Lu Zhengting shot her a look, pulled her close, and silenced her interrogation with the most direct method—a kiss.
The topic was instantly shut down...
The two lingered in the room for a long time before slowly making their way to the dining room. Xia Yan was now thoroughly annoyed with Lu Zhengting—not only had he refused to answer her question, but he'd also used such a domineering way to shut her up! Unforgivable!
She walked straight to the seat next to Xiao Han, pulled out the chair, and plopped down. Glaring at the sandwich on her plate, she took a few fierce bites. When she noticed Xiao Han staring at her with wide eyes, she suddenly remembered there was not only a big demon here but also a little one.
Catching on instantly, Xiao Han had a flash of insight and quickly put down his breakfast. With a pitiful, watery-eyed look, he said softly, "Sister Yan, I waited for you all night last night, but before you came, Grandpa Zhou Gong came to find me."
"And?"
"So I thought Grandpa Zhou Gong was too lonely, so I went to keep him company."
Hearing this, Xia Yan was completely defeated by Xiao Han's reasoning. His imagination was so wild—she had to give him credit for that.
She rolled her eyes and decided to just eat her breakfast. If she kept questioning him, who knew what other strange things would come out of his mouth.
After breakfast, Lu Zhengting drove Xiao Han to school before heading to the company with Xia Yan. But once Xiao Han got out of the car, the air in the vehicle grew still. Lu Zhengting knew what was on Xia Yan's mind, so when he caught sight of her sulking expression, he couldn't help but smile.
Seeing this, Xia Yan immediately sat up straight and snapped, "What are you laughing at!"
"Still thinking about this morning?"
"None of your business! You've already failed as a brand-new boyfriend." Xia Yan finished, then turned to look at him. "Bad review! I want a refund!"
"No refunds."
"..." Xia Yan had only said it casually, never expecting the usually serious Lu Zhengting to play along. She froze for a moment, then came to her senses, facing forward as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, hiding a small smile.
At the company, the two didn't interact much. At Xia Yan's request, they agreed to keep their relationship a secret for now, conducting an underground romance.
Now, whenever she heard the gossip circulating in the office, Xia Yan just brushed it off with a smile. Lu Zhengting had been in meetings all morning, with Secretary Zhou by his side, leaving Xia Yan with free time. She rested her chin on her hands, alternating between smiling and frowning.
Her phone rang, breaking the silence. Xia Yan jolted slightly—she'd been drifting off. Glancing at the vibrating phone, she checked the caller ID, hesitated, and then answered.
"Brother Ye..."
"Xia Yan, let's have lunch together, okay?" Before she could respond, Ye Yunchen quickly added into the receiver, "Don't refuse me again."
"Lunch?" Xia Yan hesitated. Thinking it over, she realized she'd turned down every invitation from Ye Yunchen lately. She checked the time—half an hour until the lunch break. After a pause, she said, "How about we meet in the lobby in half an hour?"
Hearing her agree, Ye Yunchen finally breathed a sigh of relief.