Watching the two children playfully tussle in the living room, a beautiful curve involuntarily lifted at the corners of Su Banxia's lips. But when she caught a glimpse of Pei Shaoze sitting on the sofa, the smile on her face inexplicably stiffened.
As if sensing her gaze, Pei Shaoze looked up and met her eyes. The moment their gazes collided, Su Banxia awkwardly turned her face away, a vague sense of guilt stirring within her.
"Mommy, Uncle Pei said he has a big surprise for you too!"
Su Guoguo's face beamed with anticipation and a full smile.
"President Pei?"
Su Banxia looked at Pei Shaoze in confusion. Sometimes she really couldn't read him—this man was always so aloof with her, yet he constantly gave her surprises, drawing her in so deeply that she couldn't pull herself out.
Pei Shaoze stood up, walked calmly to her side, and said in a low, captivating voice, "I'll take you somewhere."
Su Banxia was momentarily stunned, then without overthinking, quickly followed his lead.
They drove to a restaurant in the city center. It was understated yet exuded an air of elegance, with a simple name that carried a unique charm—"Everlasting."
It was a couples' restaurant. The moment she stepped inside, Su Banxia could feel the distinct atmosphere.
"Why did you bring me here?"
Su Banxia grew inexplicably nervous.
"Close your eyes."
Pei Shaoze spoke softly by her ear, a rare gentleness in his tone.
Not knowing what game he was playing, Su Banxia looked at the smile in his eyes and eventually obediently shut her eyes.
The lights in the restaurant dimmed instantly, and the sound of a violin began to play.
Pei Shaoze took Su Banxia's hand and led her to the table, a slight smile curling at his lips. "You can open them now."
Hearing this, Su Banxia slowly opened her eyes. What greeted her was a starry sky—she felt as if she were floating in the universe, surrounded by twinkling stars.
"This..."
Su Banxia was so stunned she could barely speak.
"Do you like it?"
Pei Shaoze asked with a faint smile.
Su Banxia nodded. What woman wouldn't love such a romantic scene? Even the most capable and strong-willed woman still harbored a girlish heart deep down.
"Good, I'm glad you like it."
Pei Shaoze gave a light smile.
Su Banxia turned her head, looking at the meticulously prepared dishes on the table. Her heartbeat seemed to skip a beat. She cleared her throat and asked softly, "How... did you know today is my birthday?"
"Do you think the employee profile at the company is just for show?"
Pei Shaoze said coolly.
"Oh, I see."
Su Banxia pouted, an indescribable joy welling up inside her.
Watching the smile on her face, Pei Shaoze suppressed the dissatisfaction in his heart. "Sit down and eat."
"Thank you."
Su Banxia's lips curved upward. To experience his tenderness before she left made all her time at Dingsheng worthwhile.
They ate facing each other, the starry backdrop making it exceptionally romantic. Even without speaking, the air around them was thick with an intimate atmosphere.
"Rushing to pick up the kids—are you planning to go back to France again?"
Out of the blue, Pei Shaoze spoke, his tone seemingly casual.
"Huh?"
Su Banxia didn't catch on at first.
"Dating Lin Tongze right under my nose—do you take me for a fool?"
Pei Shaoze's face showed clear anger.
Heaven knew how furious he was when he saw that scene!
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Su Banxia's face. "You know?"
"How do you find the dishes today?"
Pei Shaoze meticulously cut his steak, asking coldly.
"I..."
Su Banxia felt inexplicably tense. She swallowed hard, feeling like she was sitting on pins and needles.
The man across from her had such an overwhelming presence that even his casual demeanor made her heart leap to her throat!
"I don't like repeating myself!"
Pei Shaoze's voice was icy.
"They're... pretty good."
Su Banxia lowered her head, speaking weakly.
A trace of displeasure flashed in Pei Shaoze's brows. "Why did you go to Lin Tongze?"
"No, it's..."
"If you want to escape to France, I can help you—even arrange it better for you."
Pei Shaoze's sharp gaze seemed to pierce right through her. "Or do you just want to get out of my sight that badly?"
Su Banxia's heart sank. Cold sweat kept beading on her forehead as she tightly gripped the hem of her clothes, at a loss for words.
The violin music played on around her, but her mind was a blank.
"Su Jin or the old man?"
Pei Shaoze asked calmly.
"What?"
Su Banxia was startled, clearly unable to keep up with his train of thought.
Pei Shaoze snorted coldly. "Whoever it is, no one has the right to persuade you to leave my side. You're my personal secretary."
Surprise flickered in Su Banxia's eyes—so he knew everything!
Though the meal was romantic, it left Su Banxia feeling inexplicably uneasy. When they got home, Pei Shaoze scooped her up in his arms, laid her on the bed, and leaned over her.
"President Pei..."
Realizing what was about to happen, Su Banxia couldn't help but panic.
"I've done so much for you. Do I need to ask your permission for a little compensation?"
Pei Shaoze was domineering, brooking no argument.
A night of passion left Su Banxia so exhausted she could barely straighten her back. She wondered how long Pei Shaoze had been holding back his desire.
Bracing through the soreness, Su Banxia managed to get out of bed, freshened up briefly, and was about to head downstairs when her phone rang again.
"Tongze?"
A hint of awkwardness crossed Su Banxia's face. "Um, I..."
"I know."
Lin Tongze knew what she was going to say and let out a light laugh. "Banxia, as long as you're truly happy, I wish you well."
Su Banxia felt a bit lost. "Tongze, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to stand you up."
"Yesterday was your birthday."
Lin Tongze glanced sideways at the delicate gift box beside him, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.
"I... only remembered because Guoguo reminded me. You actually remembered."
Su Banxia's smile was tinged with embarrassment.
Lin Tongze chuckled. "After spending so long together in France, how could I forget?"
He remembered everything about her.
"Looks like I'm the only scatterbrain here."
Su Banxia joked self-deprecatingly.
"Are you happy being with Pei Shaoze?"
Lin Tongze asked calmly.
Su Banxia was taken aback. "Why do you ask?"
"I don't ask for much. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."
Lin Tongze smiled openly.
"Tongze, what's wrong?"
Sensing the unusual emotion in his voice, Su Banxia inexplicably grew anxious. In her eyes, Lin Tongze wasn't the type to be so sentimental.