We had finally reached home.
Xiang and Gu headed straight to the office after getting off the bus, while I made my way to my friend's house since mine was too far. I'd visit my family once I got some rest.
As I entered the house, I looked completely dazed. I dropped my bag and luggage in one corner and collapsed onto the couch. Xin, Ling, and Meng were already there—but I didn't even notice them at first. I was smiling to myself like a lovesick idiot, replaying the morning's incident over and over in my head.
Meng had to call my name three times before she finally smacked me lightly on the head.
> "Hey! What's got you zoned out like that? Did something happen between you two?"
I blinked out of my dreamland and replied softly, "Yes…"
The three of them leapt from their seats, practically swarming me.
> "WHAT?! What happened?!"
So I told them everything—every single heart-racing detail.
When I finished, they just stared at me in silence.
Then, like I'd just achieved something monumental, they gave me a collective thumbs-up and plopped back down like judges in a talent show.
I stood in front of the TV, flustered.
> "Guys! Come on! You have to help me. What should I do now? Should I ignore him or… pursue him?"
They looked at me, pretending to be innocent bystanders.
Ling crossed her arms and said firmly,
> "Ye, you've already done what your heart wanted. You never crossed any lines back in college, and he never noticed you then. So why chase him now?
Are you really that head over heels?"
I glanced at Xin and Ming for support, but they both nodded along with Ling like disciples agreeing with their wise master.
I sighed. "Then what should I do?"
Ling leaned back with a small smile. "He doesn't know he was your crush, but now he's falling for the real you.
That's a win-win, isn't it?
Heshould be the one to pursue you. If he truly loves you, he'll make his move. Until then... wait."
I nodded like an obedient puppy, earning a round of laughter from all three of them.
Meanwhile, back at the office...
Xiang had just finished up the morning
meeting for the software development project. He returned to his cabin, rolled up his sleeves, and poured himself a glass of water. But his mind was completely elsewhere.
His thoughts were a blur of stolen moments and quiet happiness. He leaned back in his chair, smiling unconsciously, unable to believe what
had happened.
For the first time in a long while, he was happy—and it was because of her.
Just then, Gu walked in and placed a stack of materials on Xiang's desk.
But Xiang didn't even glance at them—he was still lost in his thoughts, grinning like a boy in love.
Gu tapped the table twice and narrowed his eyes.
"You fell in love, didn't you?"
Xiang looked up, his smile only getting brighter.
"Yes."
Gu shielded his face dramatically with his hand.
"No... no... please, your smile is too bright—my eyes are going to blur~~!"
Xiang laughed and threw a pen at him. "Now stop joking and give me ideas to pursue her properly."
Gu leaned back and said, "First, you need to learn what she likes and what she doesn't like."
Xiang nodded slowly, like a bored student in math class who didn't understand a thing. He clearly wasn't listening.
Gu narrowed his eyes, then grabbed Xiang's glasses, put them on, and tapped his index finger against the frame like a strict teacher.
"Are you even listening to your teacher?"
Xiang blinked at him. "What character are you playing now? Don't get cheesy. And hey—don't touch my glasses, give them back!"
Gu ignored him and tapped the table.
"Silence. No backtalk in class."
Xiang flinched, sat back in his chair, and mumbled, "Now how do I escape from this idiot..."
Gu squinted at him. "What was that?"
Xiang quickly flashed an awkward smile.
"Nothing, sir. Just thinking about where to start."
Gu gave a dramatic sigh and pushed a stack of materials toward him.
"Read this first. Then figure out how to win her over."
Xiang stood up and saluted. "Yes, sir. I'll follow your wise teachings."
He walked Gu out of the room. But before Gu could fully exit, Xiang kicked him in the butt from behind and said,
"Now go gather some intelon Zhou Ye for me."
Gu stumbled forward, rubbing his backside. "Just wait, once I get that info, you're done for..."
Right then, Xiang opened the door again with a murderous look in his eyes.
"Did you say something?"
Gu instantly transformed into the picture of innocence. "N-no! I didn't say a thing!" He scurried away like a scolded puppy.
Behind the closed door, Gu muttered, eyes wide and slightly wild, "This man… is chaos in human form."