Evening

After the factory workers clocked out, the cafeteria’s other servers left early—some to cook for their families, others to pick up their children.

Chen Mei, who had always disliked Tao Yu, also found an excuse to slip away. Tao Yu didn’t mind. She stayed behind voluntarily to serve the few remaining workers.

The evening sunlight filtered through the cafeteria’s window grilles, slanting inside.

The spot where Tao Yu stood absentmindedly was bathed in the golden light. The warm yellow glow fell on her face, making her features appear soft and downy. Tao Yu felt very comfortable.

She enjoyed being alone.

But her daydreaming was soon interrupted.

A voice calling, “Good evening, Chairman!” followed by another, “Good evening, Director!” brought her back to her senses.

She looked up and saw a tall man nodding slightly to the people around him as he steadily approached her direction across the rows of tables.

It was him?

He was the chairman and director of the machinery factory—Song Hecheng.

And, of course, the man from the black sedan who had once handed her a 10-yuan note.

A faint smile flitted across Tao Yu’s lips. What a small world.

In the brief minute it took for Song Hecheng to walk over, Tao Yu discreetly sized him up.

A white shirt and black trousers—simple, yet he exuded an undeniable aura of authority.

He stood out wherever he went, a man seemingly born under a lucky star.

Seeing him for the second time, she thought he still looked as perfect as ever.

Even the faint stubble on his jaw didn’t bother her.

When Song Hecheng reached the serving counter and spotted her, he paused momentarily, but quickly regained his composure. As if meeting her for the first time, he asked politely:

“Hello, is it still possible to get dinner?”

Tao Yu nodded. Her fingers at her side twitched slightly before she calmly replied:

“Ticket.”

Song Hecheng froze briefly, then said:

“My apologies, I don’t have a ticket. I can pay instead.”

As he pulled out his wallet and reached for a 10-yuan note, Master Ding emerged from the kitchen.

“Oh, Director Song! There’s no need to pay! My apologies—our Xiao Tao here is just a stickler for rules. She’s new and didn’t recognize you. I’ll bring the food to you right away; the soup’s still simmering!”

Song Hecheng nodded to Master Ding and left the counter without another glance at Tao Yu.

He casually chose a seat and began reviewing a stack of blueprints he’d brought along.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Tao Yu’s eyes.

What a pity—she didn’t get to tease him after all.

Strange. They had barely interacted, yet she found herself intrigued by him.

Soon, Master Ding emerged with a large tray of food. Before returning to the kitchen, he winked and called out to Tao Yu:

“Xiao Tao, bring the soup to the Director.”

Tao Yu obediently went to the kitchen, retrieved the soup prepared for Song Hecheng, and carried it to his table.

Song Hecheng was still engrossed in his blueprints. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a green hemline and a pair of white socks.

He looked up.

Tao Yu stood quietly before him with the soup. When she noticed his gaze, she placed the bowl on the table and softly said:

“Soup.”

Song Hecheng reached out his long hand, moved the bowl closer, and thanked her.

Tao Yu blinked but didn’t leave.

When Song Hecheng looked up again, he asked in his usual polite tone:

“Is there something else?”

Tao Yu nodded slightly, wearing a faint, deliberate smile. Her voice was soft as she said:

“I’m sorry—I didn’t know you were the Director earlier.”

Song Hecheng chuckled lightly and shook his head.

“No problem. Anyone who eats here needs a ticket. You did the right thing.”

Afterward, Tao Yu returned to the counter.

She watched his side profile as he ate, her earlier false smile gone.

A hint of sarcasm crossed her mind.

What a perfect man—even his table manners were impeccable. But it seemed he didn’t recognize her.

Did he truly forget, or was he pretending?

She thought of his gentlemanly demeanor earlier, his warm smile, and the women who had fought to work in his office.

Tao Yu tapped her fingers lightly on the table, her eyes darkening.

So, does he smile like that at everyone? What a perfect man, indeed—a true favorite of the heavens…

---

Song Hecheng’s late dinner didn’t go as planned.

After only a few bites, a worker rushed over to report something urgent. Without hesitation, Song Hecheng set down his chopsticks and left immediately.

Master Ding, having nearly finished cleaning up, sighed as he watched Song Hecheng leave.

“Our Director is a practical man. Since opening this factory, he’s lived and worked alongside the researchers, often sketching designs late into the night. He even inspects production lines himself.

“So busy he can’t even finish his meals. I’d better ask Linzi to deliver the rest to his office.”

He’s a capable man. With him at the helm, our steel plant is bound to thrive in the future!”