Chapter 24.1

After settling the bill, everyone walked together toward the outdoor parking lot.

Song Wei and Chen Jubai lagged behind the group, still holding hands. No one found it odd.

Ahead, Ling Yaozhi joked with Chu Qi, “You and Jubai are the same age, and now he’s married. When’s it your turn?”

Chu Qi’s expression immediately stiffened. “Not anytime soon.”

“What, your girlfriend won’t agree?”

The moment those words fell, Song Wei instinctively glanced at Zhu Qingfei, who looked equally shocked.

Ling Yaozhi offered advice, “If you ask me, you should just be decisive—either go abroad and bring her back or break it off. Dragging it out like this is a waste of time for both of you.”

Zhuo Wan chimed in, “Exactly. If you’d gotten married two years ago, your kid would be calling you ‘Dad’ by now.”

Chu Qi seemed unwilling to continue the conversation and changed the subject. “After a busy month, I finally get some proper rest. Time to go home and sleep.” He then politely asked Zhu Qingfei, “Do you need a ride?”

Still dazed, Zhu Qingfei didn’t respond, so Song Wei answered for her, “We’ll take her—it’s on our way.”

“Alright.”

The ride was quiet, out of consideration for Chen Jubai being present.

When they arrived at Zhu Qingfei’s apartment complex, Song Wei said to him, “I need to talk to Qingfei. Wait for me in the car.”

“Okay.”

Song Wei walked her inside the complex and apologized as they went. “I’m sorry, Qingfei. I didn’t know things would turn out like this tonight.”

Zhu Qingfei forced a smile. “It’s okay. You’re having a hard time too—President Zhuo seems to have an issue with you.”

“Let’s not talk about that.” Song Wei had noticed Qingfei’s unusually blank expression since dinner and carefully asked, “Qingfei, about Chu Qi…”

Zhu Qingfei tightened her grip on her bag strap, remaining silent for a long time before sighing softly. “It’s fine. I didn’t know he had a girlfriend before, but now that I do, it’s okay. I can let it go.”

Although her words claimed indifference, her face was full of sorrow. Song Wei grew concerned. “Qingfei…”

Zhu Qingfei’s smile was bitter. “Weiwei, to be honest, I really like him.”

Their only interaction in college had been during a club event. As the head of the Computer Science Club, Chu Qi had shared interesting programming concepts with them. She’d been seated in front of a computer when he leaned in close to explain something.

She hadn’t heard a word he said. Her ears buzzed, her heartbeat matching the sound.

In college, he was the brilliant and dazzling senior. After graduation, he became the accomplished young professional. When she joined Guangnian, it wasn’t entirely unintentional—she wanted to be closer to him. Even basking near the sun brought warmth and energy.

She hadn’t known he had a girlfriend, and it seemed like no one in the company knew either. Until today, she’d thought she had a chance. After tonight, that hope was completely extinguished.

Zhu Qingfei smiled again. “It’s a good thing this came out today. Otherwise, I might have caused him trouble.”

Song Wei’s heart ached for her and hugged her tightly. “Qingfei, you’ll meet someone better.”

“Yeah, I will.”

Song Wei walked her to her apartment before returning to the car. Chen Jubai, sensing something was off, asked, “What happened?”

After a moment’s thought, Song Wei asked, “Does Chu Qi have a girlfriend?”

“Yes.”

“Why haven’t I heard about it?”

Without asking for details, Chen Jubai explained, “His girlfriend is someone from his hometown. She’s younger than him. A few years ago, she came here for university, and shortly after they started dating, she went abroad for school. They’ve been in a long-distance relationship ever since, so not many people know.”

“Long-distance? When is she coming back?”

“Not sure.”

“I see.” Song Wei sighed. Whether it was long-distance or not, Chu Qi wasn’t single, and judging by Ling Yaozhi’s comments, marriage might even be on the table.

Chen Jubai seemed to pick up on her thoughts. “Does Qingfei like him?”

Song Wei was surprised. “You noticed?”

“I guessed. She kept glancing at Chu Qi during dinner.”

Song Wei sighed again. “She does like him. But it’s better that she knows now. She can move on.” She added, “Don’t tell Chu Qi. Qingfei knows how to handle herself, and this matter is over.”

“Alright.”

Back home, after her shower, Song Wei was still worried about Zhu Qingfei and called her for a ten-minute chat.

At eleven, Chen Jubai came into the room, carrying a glass of milk. “Mom said to have some milk before bed.”

Yang Yingqiu had always insisted on her drinking milk since she was a child, though Song Wei never liked it. Back then, she had no choice; now… she blinked playfully. “I drank a lot of water tonight. You drink it for me.”

Without a word, he drank half the glass, then placed it on the bedside table. Pulling back the covers to lie down, he noticed she was still sitting upright. “Still worried about Qingfei?”

A little, but not entirely.

Song Wei turned toward him, curiosity in her voice. “Tell me more about you and your friends.”

“Who?”

“Ling Yaozhi, Zhuo Wan, and the others.”

A smirk played on Chen Jubai’s lips. “Curious?”

“…” Song Wei pouted. “Are you going to tell me or not?”

He sat down, adjusted the blanket, and started slowly. “Chu Qi was my college classmate.”

She cut him off after just half a sentence. “I know that already. What about Mr. Ling?”

“Old Ling was laid off before.”

“What?”

Chen Jubai explained, “Back then, he was in his thirties, working as a director. But there was heavy internal competition at his company, and he couldn’t outmaneuver others, so he got cut. We had some business dealings at the time but weren’t very close. Later, we happened to have a drink together and gradually became friends.”

“When Guangnian was just two years old and had nothing to its name, he had better options but gave up a high salary to join us. I’ve always been grateful for that.”

Song Wei nodded. “Mutual success.”

“And then there’s Zhuo Wan.” Chen Jubai glanced sideways at her. “Did Zhuo Wan say anything to you tonight?”

“No.” She figured he didn’t know what had happened while he was on the phone, but it wasn’t a big deal and didn’t warrant mentioning.

Chen Jubai continued, “Zhuo Wan was introduced through one of the company’s shareholders. Unlike Old Ling, she’s incredibly skilled. Her former employer didn’t want to let her go, and she wasn’t keen on joining Guangnian either. But the three of us guys couldn’t handle HR and administration ourselves, so I took her out for two meals, and that’s how it worked out.”

“So that’s how it is.” It all made sense now. Song Wei raised an eyebrow. “So she was won over by your personal charm?”

The man was momentarily at a loss for words. “I don’t know.”

Song Wei grew increasingly curious. “Does she like you?”

Chen Jubai glanced at the amused look hanging at the corners of her eyes, as though the matter had nothing to do with her. Holding the approaching Snowflake in his arms, he replied nonchalantly, “I don’t know.”

Song Wei didn’t notice his tone and tilted her head in thought. Based on logic, it was entirely possible. TV dramas followed this exact script—why else would Zhuo Wan dislike her for no apparent reason unless she had feelings for Chen Jubai?

Moreover… Song Wei discreetly glanced at the man beside her, who was busy petting the cat. He had the looks, the physique, and had founded such a large company. His personality wasn’t bad either. Who wouldn’t like him?

She sighed softly, “I think she might like you.”

Chen Jubai didn’t think Zhuo Wan had any such feelings, but he couldn’t quite grasp the meaning behind Song Wei’s gossiping eyes. “Are you happy about it?”

“No, why would I be? It has nothing to do with me.”

“Someone liking me has nothing to do with you?”

“Uh…”

The man furrowed his brow. Snowflake, perhaps sensing the sudden tension in the air, let out a soft “meow” and scampered away, hopping around on the bed.

Chen Jubai reached out to grab her, but the little thing leaped out of his grasp, leaving his hand to fall onto Song Wei’s hand resting on the quilt.

Song Wei jumped, instinctively trying to pull back, but he didn’t let go, instead holding her hand firmly.

She stared at their joined hands for a couple of seconds before averting her gaze and looking up at him.

The bedroom was lit only by the bedside lamp. The soft, warm light gave the room a subtle ambiance, making the air feel dense and unspeakably intimate.

In the quiet, it seemed they could hear each other’s breathing and erratic heartbeats.

Though they’d already held hands earlier in the evening, Song Wei’s heart raced all over again—not because of the act itself but because of the way he was looking at her, his gaze so intense it felt like it could set the air ablaze.

She swallowed nervously. “You…”

The man’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he tightened his grip on her soft, delicate hand, leaning in closer.

On a bed that was only 1.5 meters wide, meant for two people, there wasn’t much space between them. With a slight bend of his waist, he was already in front of her.

Song Wei froze entirely, her face heating up uncontrollably.

He’s going to kiss me.

And she realized she didn’t have a reason to refuse.

Song Wei shut her eyes tightly, bracing herself.

But Chen Jubai stopped.

The woman in front of him had reddened ears and tightly pursed lips. Her eyelashes trembled, as did her hand in his palm, her nervousness plain to see.

He studied her intently.

Time seemed to pause in this moment, the thunder and electricity inside him roaring.

After an indeterminate amount of time, he gently pressed a kiss to her forehead.

His voice was restrained. “Sleep now. Good night.”

When she opened her eyes again, Chen Jubai had already laid down, pulling the quilt over himself and preparing to sleep.

Song Wei’s heart, which had been pounding wildly, gradually returned to its normal rhythm.

What the heck…

That’s it?

Is he… not capable?

She reached up to touch her forehead, the fleeting sensation of his kiss replaying vividly in her mind.

Softer than holding hands.

Song Wei lowered her head to look at the man who had already closed his eyes, her gaze landing on his lips. They were a soft pink, evenly proportioned, and looked perfect for kissing.