Twenty-Three

 The lounge had no windows open, and the curtains were drawn. Su Hao's head, which had been dizzy from the pain, was feeling a bit better. She sat down on the sofa, holding her stomach, and took a moment to recover. Although she had experienced pain before, it was never as prolonged as this time, possibly due to the stress from work.

At this point, she was feeling much better. She took a deep breath, and the discomfort seemed to ease a bit.

Just then, the door was pushed open. She turned her head to see a tall man holding a glass of water, leaning against the door. His expression was hard to make out. The next moment, he walked in, placed the glass on the coffee table, and Zhou Yang lightly tugged at his shirt collar, his tone very casual, almost with a hint of a smile, "Why suddenly want to go to Kyoto?"

Su Hao leaned against the back of the sofa and looked at him, "For a business trip."

"Just a business trip?" Zhou Yang's fingers, with their distinct knuckles, tapped on the table.

One tap after another. Su Hao silently watched his fingers for a moment, then smiled gently, "Not just that."

"Where else do you need to go?" Zhou Yang’s lips curled into a shallow smile, seemingly casual but with a hint of pressure. Su Hao smiled and said, "That’s a personal matter."

A personal matter indeed.

Zhou Yang's jaw tightened. After a few seconds, he stood up and pointed at the glass, "Drink this before it gets cold."

With that, he turned and left, closing the door behind him. Once the door was closed, the room was in darkness. Su Hao sat on the sofa for a while, feeling the pain like needles gradually lessening before she got up, opened the door, and went out. In the large office, Zhou Yang was already gone.

Only Director Zeng was sitting in his chair, flipping through documents. When he turned around and saw her coming out, he was surprised, "Su Hao, are you feeling better?"

"A bit better, Director Zeng." Su Hao smiled at him, and out of embarrassment, her ears flushed a bit. Director Zeng instinctively stood up and said, "If you’re still uncomfortable, you should rest a bit more."

"No need, I need to get back to work. Thank you, Director Zeng." Su Hao said, heading towards the door, pulling it open, and leaving the office.

Director Zeng watched her leave before slowly sitting back down, sighing in relief.

Back in the finance office, Su Hao pulled out a chair and sat down, realizing she still felt weak and a bit sweaty. Lu Mimi kicked the chair and walked over, asking, "Why did you spend so much time in Director Zeng’s office?"

Su Hao glanced at her and replied, "Director Zeng asked me a few questions."

"Did you also apply for a business trip?" Lu Mimi asked, somewhat probing.

Su Hao nodded.

Lu Mimi could hardly believe it, "You can finish the work at hand? And still apply for a business trip?"

"If I don’t apply, will they still send me on a trip?"

Lu Mimi’s expression stiffened.

After a while, she pushed her chair back to her desk.

If it were Chen Yu, she would have been reluctant to go on a business trip and would complain endlessly. But complaining was useless; she had to go if she was assigned. In the end, she would begrudgingly drag her suitcase along, overwhelmed with work and with no time to enjoy the trip, returning to a pile of tasks.

For them, business trips were often more trouble than they were worth.

That’s why they hired Su Hao, a financial assistant.

But Su Hao was so proactive and didn't complain at all.

It was completely unreasonable.

Her period still affected her work pace. Su Hao worked slower than usual and even forgot about lunch time. When Tang Yu knocked on the door, Su Hao only then realized, "I got so caught up in work, I forgot about lunch."

"Exactly. I happened to go to the live broadcast room, so I came up to invite you for lunch. I didn’t expect you to actually be here." Tang Yu said with a smile. Su Hao smiled back.

Tang Yu noticed her pale face and asked, "Not feeling well?"

"It's my period," Su Hao said, not feeling shy in front of a female colleague. She pointed to her stomach.

"Oh, I understand." Tang Yu nodded. The two of them entered the elevator. Tang Yu added, "The restaurant has red bean soup. Drink some later and avoid the cold cucumbers."

Su Hao laughed, "That's your favorite."

Tang Yu also laughed and then realized.

As they chatted and laughed, Su Hao felt her stomach pain easing even more. When they arrived at the restaurant, they found it very lively today.

Looking further, they saw Zhou Yang and Assistant Lu at a table by the window. No wonder the place was buzzing; the man was on the phone, with a steak and coffee in front of him. Assistant Lu had a notebook and a similar steak beside him. It seemed like the restaurant had set up a small stove just for them.

The restaurant was packed. Looking around, it was clear that no matter whether people were finished or still eating, they occupied every spot. Some two-person tables were crammed with four people, and four-person tables had eight. Zhou Yang’s area was especially crowded, almost entirely with women. He was strikingly charismatic, with his shirt open, one hand holding a phone, and the other tapping on the table, occasionally sipping his coffee. He had the most commanding presence in the restaurant.

Tang Yu let out a quiet whistle, "What’s going on today? Director Zhou is here."

Su Hao shifted her gaze and went to the food counter. Tang Yu was still on a diet, so she only got cucumbers, eggs, and a bowl of silver ear soup. Su Hao chose a combination of meat and vegetables, this time opting for red bean soup. The two of them picked up their meals and went to find a place to sit, but it was quite challenging.

They couldn't kick people out who were done eating.

After walking around, they came to Zhou Yang’s row. When the man put down his phone, his eyes swept over and locked with Su Hao’s.

His lips curved slightly.

Zhou Yang glanced at Assistant Lu, then smiled and said, "And then?"

"Miss Su."

Zhou Yang leaned back, crossing his long legs, raising an eyebrow in silence.

Assistant Lu understood and immediately turned around to signal, "Su Hao, Manager Tang, there’s a spot here."

Su Hao and Tang Yu were momentarily stunned. Su Hao glanced at Zhou Yang, who had an imposing presence, then looked away and whispered to Tang Yu, suggesting they should keep looking.

Tang Yu, however, saw Assistant Lu’s polite face and thought that Assistant Lu was clearly interested in Su Hao and was pursuing her. She quickly pulled Su Hao and said, "Let’s go. There’s no other spot. Let’s sit here."

Su Hao was stunned.

The next moment, Su Hao firmly shook off Tang Yu's hand and said, "I'll just sit here."

She took a seat at a small table close to the aisle. The nearby seats were occupied by some men from the testing department. The three men looked up, momentarily stunned by her presence. They had to make a bit of room.

Tang Yu was taken aback. After a moment of hesitation, she also squeezed into the seat. The five of them were cramped into a four-person table. Tang Yu looked at Su Hao.

Su Hao smiled and said, "Let's eat."

Tang Yu replied, "Oh, okay."

The atmosphere in the entire restaurant shifted from a buzz of chatter to complete silence.

No one could believe that Su Hao had actually declined an opportunity to interact with Director Zhou. Assistant Lu, who was playing matchmaker for the first time, awkwardly retracted his hand, adjusted his glasses, and looked hesitantly at Zhou Yang, who had his fingers resting against his lips and his eyes lowered, seemingly ignoring the situation.

But Assistant Lu, who had known him for a long time, understood.

The man was angry.

He coughed a few times and said quietly, "Director Zhou, is Su Hao avoiding you?"

This was the second time someone had mentioned this to him. The first person was Su Qian.

Zhou Yang glanced at Su Hao, who was now surrounded by the group of male colleagues, chatting with them with her hair down. This was how she had been before he confessed his feelings—distant and indifferent. Unfortunately, after he confessed, she had turned cold and prickly.

About ten minutes later, Zhou Yang picked up his coat, adjusted his shirt, and, accompanied by Assistant Lu, left the cafeteria under the gaze of everyone. As he passed Su Hao’s table, he cast a fleeting glance at her before walking away. Everyone at that table felt the intensity of his gaze. Each person looked up, only to meet Assistant Lu’s refined face. He softly said to Su Hao and Tang Yu, "Su Hao, Manager Tang, enjoy your meal."

Tang Yu waved with a smile, "Have a good walk."

Su Hao lowered her head and continued eating.

Tang Yu, however, lost her appetite. She looked at Su Hao and wondered how Su Hao could be so indifferent to Assistant Lu. After lunch, they returned to the office.

The office gossip group was in an uproar.

"Damn, Assistant Lu likes Su Hao."

"You mean the new assistant in the finance department? Now she should be called cashier Su."

"That name sounds a bit weird."

"Forget about that, let’s talk about Assistant Lu and Su Hao. It seems that Su Hao and Tang Yu went to the cafeteria and couldn’t find a seat."

"Do you think Assistant Lu actually likes Su Hao?"

"He even said goodbye when he left."

"Someone mentioned that last time in the restaurant, Assistant Lu leaned in to talk to Su Hao. That position was pretty ambiguous."

Director Zeng's alternate account: "Sometimes what you see isn't always the truth, folks."

"Hey, what do you know?"

Director Zeng's alternate account: "Don’t be misled by appearances. Watch out for gossip and don’t anger the gods."

"What are you mumbling about?"

Director Zeng: "I’m trying to save you."

After returning her tray, Su Hao and Tang Yu left the cafeteria. The numerous stares made Su Hao frown. Later, in the break room, Su Hao learned about the circulating gossip. Feeling somewhat helpless, she opened the group chat and posted a message.

Su Hao: "Assistant Lu doesn’t like me. Please stop spreading rumors. Thanks."

After sending the message, she ignored any further replies and left the group chat. Carrying her water cup, she returned to the finance office, where Lu Mimi had already arrived. Lu Mimi looked at Su Hao with a smile and said, "I see now."

Su Hao ignored her subtle sarcasm, sat down, and started working.

Zhang Xian also came in. Lu Mimi picked up her phone and sent a WeChat message to Zhang Xian.

Lu Mimi: "Sister, what do you think about the situation between Su Hao and Assistant Lu?"

Lu Mimi: "Oh."

Zhang Xian: "Let’s just focus on work."

She put down her phone and glanced at Su Hao. She had previously suspected something between Su Hao and Director Zhou, but that trail had gone cold. Now there was a new player, Assistant Lu. Could it be that Assistant Lu was involved? Assistant Lu had access to surveillance; perhaps he was meant to help Su Hao that day, but when he was unavailable, he asked Director Zhou for help?

It wasn’t an impossible scenario.

That Wednesday evening at the Zhou family residence, the main lights were turned off, leaving only soft lamps on, creating a gentle ambiance in the villa. A group of socialites sat on the living room carpet, chatting and eating, with a very pleasant atmosphere. Several people asked Su Qian, "Aren’t you going to introduce us to Su Hao?"

"Yes, where is she?"

Su Qian came out holding some fruit, dressed in a cheongsam, looking very sophisticated.

"This child is working overtime tonight, no time. Maybe next time."

"Oh, you used to brag so much about how great this girl is. Now that we can’t see her, are you doing this on purpose to keep us in suspense?"

"Nonsense." Su Qian huffed.

"I’d love to bring her right to you and let you praise her."

"Oh, look at you acting like a wicked stepmother."

"Hahaha."

The group laughed. Su Qian popped a cherry into her mouth and ignored them. At that moment, footsteps were heard coming from the stairs, and the group of socialites looked up.

Zhou Yang descended the stairs, smoking a cigarette and adjusting his tie. He was tall and handsome, with an air of sophistication. The socialites sighed, "Zhou Yang, are you really set on not getting married?"

"Yes, Aunt Li." Zhou Yang smiled, flicking the ashes from his cigarette into the ashtray on the bar and replying playfully.

"Oh, you’re the only child in your family. Your mother is eager for a grandchild." Zhao Qiao laughed, "We’re planning for two! Look at you."

Zhou Yang laughed a few times but ignored their teasing and walked toward the door.

Su Qian, seeing him like this, became angry. She immediately stood up and followed him, asking, "Su Hao! Still working overtime?"

Zhou Yang was adjusting his tie and replied, "Maybe."

"As the boss, don’t you know?" Su Qian squinted. Zhou Yang leaned against the cabinet and said slowly, "How would I know everything? Do you want me to show you?"

Su Qian said, "Quickly, show me."

Su Qian leaned in to look. After a while, the page loaded, and it went to the finance department’s page.

The finance department page was empty and dark; no one was working overtime. Su Hao was not there either.

Su Qian almost choked, and after a few seconds, she looked at Zhou Yang and pointed at her phone, "So Su Hao is really avoiding you, which is why she didn’t come to our place."

Su Qian felt wronged, "I guess Su Hao won’t come to our place anymore. It’s all your fault. When she liked you, you didn’t like her. Now that she doesn’t like you, you’re pursuing her again. She was developing well with Shen He before."

Zhou Yang glanced at Su Qian.

Su Qian blinked.

This son of a gun can be quite imposing at times.

"Am I wrong?"

"Yes, you’re right," Zhou Yang said nonchalantly, though there was no smile in his eyes. He grabbed his car keys and left.

Bang—

The door closed.

The black Porsche drove straight to the Huahui neighborhood and parked in the supermarket parking space, which was directly opposite Su Hao’s master bedroom.

The light in her room was on. Zhou Yang sat in the car, leisurely smoking, and looked at the window. He took out his phone and typed a message.

Zhou Yang: Are you feeling better?

Ten minutes passed.

No reply from Su Hao.

Twenty minutes passed.

No reply from Su Hao.

Another ten minutes went by. Zhou Yang sneered, took the cigarette out of his mouth, and extinguished it slowly in the ashtray. He touched his lips and typed another message.

Zhou Yang: I’ll go to Kyoto with you.

The next day, Zhou Yang walked into the office, put down his phone, and took a sip of coffee. Just then, there was a knock at the door. He said, "Come in."

Assistant Lu peeked in and said, "Director Zhou, Miss Su has just applied for a business trip to Dongshi. Do you still need to buy the tickets for Kyoto?"

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