Chapter 067　 Maintaining love is so damn hard!

  *

  "You!" Su Xian pointed at his nose. "Is that really what you think?"

  Li Chengshi pressed her finger down and said obediently, "Group leader, I was wrong. It was just a slip of the tongue. I trust you, I swear."

  Su Xian stood up and headed for the door.

  Li Chengshi quickly jumped up to stop her. "I was just being unreasonable. Group leader, please don't be mad."

  "I’m not mad. I’m going to talk to Zhao Nanfeng and tell him to bring you along too."

  A moment later, Su Xian returned.

  "What did the Boss say?"

  "He said he won't bring you, but he’s bringing Yoshida. Does that make you feel better?"

  "I’m relieved. I was never actually worried; those words just came out without thinking."

  Su Xian thought to herself: That’s what’s scary, because it came from your subconscious. However, she didn't push further and simply nodded. "It’s fine. Back to work."

  *

  Throughout the afternoon, she was somewhat distracted. Suddenly, a chilling thought popped into her head: Maintaining love is so damn hard!

  She startled herself. No way!!! How could I have such a terrible thought? She looked over at Li Chengshi. He immediately sensed her gaze and turned to look at her tenderly. "Group leader, is something wrong?" Seeing the unease and the desire to please in his eyes, her guilt deepened. She used her foot to hook the floor and slid her office chair over. Under the desk, she secretly placed her hand on his thigh, her eyes fixed on the computer screen as if she were giving guidance. She whispered, "Baby, I love you. Let's go order the rings right after work today."

  Li Chengshi placed his hand over hers and looked down. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things to upset you. I don't deserve a ring."

  "Then... I'll buy a big one for the Big Bad Wolf to wear."

  "Hey!" He grabbed her hand and threw it away in mock disgust. "You really use the same tactic for every situation—just diving straight into dirty jokes, huh?"

  "That’s my only talent. Do you still love me?"

  "I do. Even more now."

  "Do you still want the ring?"

  "Yes."

  "Good boy. Big Sister will buy you an expensive one."

  "Save your money. It’s not like we’re worth hundreds of millions; don't act like a tycoon. Let's just pick a basic style and have our names engraved."

  "Li Chengshi, why are you so cute? Hehe."

  "Don't smile like a fangirl in the office, it’s embarrassing." He gave Su Xian’s chair a push, helping her slide back to her own spot.

  *

  On June 18th, they went to the jewelry store after work to pick up their custom-ordered rings and put them on each other.

  Li Chengshi placed his hands on the steering wheel and admired them from different angles. He knew that for every step forward he took, Su Xian was taking a step back. She was taking responsibility, which meant she felt pressure. Because of this, though he was happy, he didn't dare to be too boastful.

  That evening, he prepared mushroom soup and brought it to the terrace. Su Xian was already there in her silk robe, swaying in the rocking chair and waiting for him in the breeze, with the Hermès shawl he had bought her as an apology draped over her shoulders.

  They had intended to reenact the scene from that night, but the young man who had recently moved into Room 203 across the way was on his balcony chatting and drinking beer with friends. They clearly had an audience, which affected their performance. Furthermore, since they had work the next day, it was impossible to wait until 2:30 AM on June 19th to start.

  However, they drank a lot of wine, which set the right mood. When Su Xian was woken up by her phone alarm the next morning, she looked at the person beside her and felt a sense of happiness.

  It’s been two years, you stinky puppy.

  **

  During a meeting, Zhao Nanfeng saw Su Xian’s ring, and a mocking expression appeared on his face. Su Xian clearly felt the weight of the "male gaze." Once they finished discussing business, she couldn't help but snap, "Hey, none of your business. Stop staring."

  "A woman who refused to marry me is now wearing a ring for another man. I’m not convinced, so I’ll keep staring."

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  "Please, grow up. You're a 37-year-old man, for heaven's sake."

  "Doesn't a 37-year-old man pair perfectly with a 35-year-old woman like you?"

  "How could I wrong you like that? You have plenty of options; stop 'cue-ing' me." She sighed. "At work, I’m loyal, hardworking, and I don't steal credit. Just don't make me deal with your nonsense anymore. It’s exhausting."

  "We haven't been doing much overtime lately. If you're exhausted, it’s definitely not my fault. Maybe reflect on whether you’re over-indulging in sex?"

  Su Xian gathered her documents and stood to leave. "Stop with the alarmism. There's no such thing as 'over-indulgence' in sex for a woman."

  **

  A few years ago, Zhao Nanfeng had designed a luxury villa for a tech nouveau riche named Fujikawa Koki, and the two had stayed in touch occasionally. Recently, Fujikawa wanted to start a new project and needed to attract investment. He decided to host a party at his villa, inviting capital and new media to build momentum.

  Su Xian flipped through the invitation several times. "Inviting capital and new media... so why invite Towa Design?"

  "He once stole a girlfriend of mine; he’s a bit of a frenemy. Plus, the new project will likely need a new venue. In short, we won't lose out by going."

  "By 'we,' you mean...?"

  "Me, you, Yoshida, and Li Chengshi."

  Yoshida asked with a beaming smile, "Boss, aren't you afraid he’ll steal another girlfriend from you?"

  "A net worth of ten billion is dazzling. If you’re interested, I’m happy to introduce you."

  "What are you saying, Boss? It’s your talent I love."

  "Of those ten billion, even if half is luck, the rest is talent—and talent far beyond mine."

  "Then you have nothing to worry about, because it's your talent I love, not his."

  Zhao Nanfeng smiled noncommittally. Su Xian had heard enough and got up to leave their office area.

  "Go buy a decent dress," Zhao called out.

  Su Xian stopped in her tracks. "I have to spend my own money?"

  "It can go on the company expenses."

  "Thanks, Boss. Can Li Chengshi’s go on the expenses too?"

  "He looks fine in a Uniqlo suit."

  "Tsk."

  Once Su Xian left, Yoshida stepped forward and asked, "Boss, can I use company expenses too?"

  "I’ll take you to buy one myself. On my own dime."

  "Thank you, Boss." She gave a sweet smile and lightly bumped into Zhao Nanfeng.

  **

  Over the weekend, as Zhao Nanfeng was bored waiting for Yoshida to try on clothes at a boutique in Aoyama, Li Chengshi sent a photo. He said Su Xian was asking if the dress was okay and had specifically flipped the price tag out for him to see. Zhao replied: "The money is fine, but at least let me see what it looks like on her."

  "My wife says you'll have to wait until the day of the party. She’s already finished trying it on and is paying now. She says thanks, Boss."

  Unbelievable. After paying 238,000 yen, he didn't even get the right to a preview.

  Just then, Yoshida came out in a new outfit. "Boss, what do you think?"

  "Radiant."

  "You said that about the last one too."

  "They are truly both good."

  "Then... can I have both?"

  "Sure."

  **

  In Setagaya, where the wealthy congregate, there is a very famous high-plateau villa district. This was the first time Su Xian and Li Chengshi had visited, and it felt as if they had entered a different Tokyo. The phrase "accidentally entering the heavens" often heard in lyrics lately was exactly how it felt.

  A man dressed as a butler guided Li Chengshi to park. After getting out of the car, both felt a bit self-conscious. The courtyard was filled with luxury cars; their second-hand Toyota seemed to be shivering in comparison. But Su Xian straightened her back as she turned around. Today, she was here in her beautiful clothes to bring Li Chengshi for a free meal—she was nothing to lose!

  **