Chapter 36

Secretary You couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth when he saw Zhao Jianjun blatantly lying.

In the bright and spacious office, a young female worker at the last row of desks was clearly Lin Xiang, a new recruit from this year. Yet, Zhao Jianjun, as if assuming everyone was blind, flatly denied her presence.

Having been a secretary for years, You Wei had learned to be smooth and adaptable. He immediately chuckled and said, “Director Zhao, you must be joking. The leaders are waiting for Comrade Lin Xiang. This is an important meeting called by the factory leadership, so we really should hurry.”

Noting Zhao Jianjun’s displeased expression, You Wei took the liberty of adding, “Director Zhao, why don’t you bring Comrade Lin Xiang along? The factory director is very interested in our Factory No. 2’s soda orders.”

It made no difference whether Zhao Jianjun attended or not, and You Wei, well-versed in reading his superiors’ intentions, was confident that adding one more person wouldn’t cause any trouble.

Sure enough, upon hearing that he was also invited, Zhao Jianjun’s mood improved, and his expression softened. After all, last time, the director of the shrimp paste workshop had barred him from entering.

Still, he remained concerned. Before leaving, he turned to Secretary You and asked, “Factory No. 1 isn’t trying to poach our people, right? Xiao Lin belongs to Factory No. 2!”

You Wei: “……”

No wonder everyone looked down on Factory No. 2. Just listen to that ridiculous statement—where did they get such misplaced confidence? Did Factory No. 1 really need to steal people from Factory No. 2?

Together, Lin Xiang, Director Zhao, and Secretary You made their way from Factory No. 2 to Factory No. 1. Along the way, Lin Xiang already had a good idea of why she had been summoned. The recent packaging change of Factory No. 2’s soda had unexpectedly made waves, finally drawing some attention from the leadership.

However, she wasn’t sure if this would turn out to be an opportunity or a trap.

The leadership of Factory No. 1 was similar to other state-owned enterprises. Factory Director Huang Qiushan and Party Secretary Tang Qiankun were both former military officers known for their decisive style. However, Secretary Tang was currently away on a business trip, so he was absent from the meeting. Below Director Huang, Deputy Director Yang Denghuai and various department heads were all present.

“Director, Director Zhao from Factory No. 2 and Comrade Lin Xiang have arrived.”

After knocking on the door, Secretary You led in Zhao Jianjun and a young female worker. The eight leaders sitting around the conference table immediately turned their eyes to Lin Xiang.

Zhao Jianjun was a seasoned veteran, unlike the department heads of Factory No. 1, who approached such meetings with nervous caution. Instead, he casually glanced at Qin Yangbo, the shrimp paste workshop director seated on the left, and greeted him cheerfully, “Director Qin, long time no see.”

Qin Yangbo rolled his eyes and lifted his eyelids slightly, showing no interest in engaging with what he saw as a bunch of freeloaders from Factory No. 2.

The shrimp paste canning workshop he led had always been the backbone of 119 Food Factory, a pillar holding everything up. He barely acknowledged other workshops in Factory No. 1, let alone Factory No. 2.

Last time, during an emergency meeting about the aggressive competition from Shiwei-brand shrimp paste cans, he had already been fuming. When he ran into the Factory No. 2 people outside the meeting room, he used them as an outlet for his frustration, thoroughly berating Zhao Jianjun and blocking him from entering.

Now, Zhao Jianjun had walked in openly and even had the audacity to gloat at him first. Qin Yangbo’s anger flared up again, his already dark square face turning an even deeper shade of red.

“Come on, Xiao Lin, have a seat.” Unbothered, Zhao Jianjun smirked at Qin Yangbo before happily inviting Lin Xiang to sit down, acting as if he were right at home.

Lin Xiang had been worried about the tense atmosphere in the Factory No. 1 meeting room—every leader wore a serious expression, as if everyone owed them hundreds of thousands in debt. Fortunately, Director Zhao’s carefree attitude lightened the mood.

She took a seat at the far end of the conference table, facing Director Zhao. Seeing the balding patch on his head somehow made him seem more approachable.

Director Huang was already accustomed to Zhao Jianjun’s antics. More accurately, everyone was used to the way Factory No. 2 operated. He didn’t mind and instead focused his gaze on the young female worker who had just entered.

“Comrade Lin Xiang, you were recruited this year?”

Lin Xiang replied in a calm and measured tone, nodding slightly. “Yes, Director, I was hired in August this year.”

Director Huang nodded and looked down at a report detailing this month’s orders from major department stores and provincial government offices. In a deep voice, he said, “Still a new employee. I heard you proposed the change in 119’s soda packaging, and just by adding one sentence, sales increased significantly, even boosting orders this month. You’re young, but you have a sharp mind. Tell us, what was your thought process?”

Since the factory director had asked, Lin Xiang had nothing to hide. After all, it was just a simple strategy of leveraging an existing market trend.

“Director, we heard about the strong momentum of Shiwei-brand shrimp paste cans, which have gained a solid foothold in major department stores and government agencies. We at Factory No. 2 were concerned. After all, Factory No. 1 and Factory No. 2 are part of the same 119 Food Factory collective. However, our factory couldn’t contribute to the shrimp paste market—we only have soda production lines. So, I thought, why not ride the wave of Shiwei’s success to boost our soda sales? No matter how well their shrimp paste sells, they’re indirectly helping us promote our soda.”

Director Huang’s eyes lit up slightly, and he asked with curiosity, “What made you think of adding that particular sentence?”

Lin Xiang explained in a steady tone, “A while ago, I bought a can of Shiwei shrimp paste to try it out, figuring that knowing the competition is key. After a few bites, I noticed my mouth getting dry. The flavor was indeed great, but it was quite salty—eating too much made me thirsty. That’s when I realized that our factory’s soda was the perfect pairing.

“One simple sentence was all it took. Anyone who saw the shrimp paste would automatically think of our soda, creating a natural association.”

Factory Director Huang let out a couple of muffled chuckles, his eyes full of admiration. “Young people really do have sharp minds. Look at us, racking our brains trying to compete with Shiwei’s shrimp paste cans, while she takes an unconventional approach and pulls off a stunning comeback!”

With the director’s endorsement, the other leaders in the meeting room finally nodded in agreement. Only the shrimp paste workshop director’s face remained dark.

Seizing the moment, Director Zhao spoke up, not forgetting to secure a reward for Lin Xiang. “Director, Xiao Lin did a great job this time. She’s brought in a significant increase in orders for Factory No. 2’s soda. She deserves a generous bonus, don’t you think?”

“Of course! Our factory has always been clear about rewarding achievements.” Especially now, after being continuously suppressed by Shiwei Foods, this small victory finally allowed them to counterattack. Director Huang felt a bit of relief.

As he studied the young worker in front of him, he increasingly felt that sending her to Factory No. 2 was a waste of talent. Recalling the background report his secretary had prepared, he frowned and asked, “Xiao Lin, you have a high school education. How did you end up at Factory No. 2?”

The question hit the nail on the head. Lin Xiang immediately thought of everything that had happened after He Fen altered her recruitment form. But since the matter had been dealt with, she had no intention of bringing it up again. Zhao Jianjun, however, instantly became alert.

What was this? Was the factory director really trying to steal his employee?

He huffed, “Director, wasn’t it your factory office staff who altered Lin Xiang’s recruitment form? The whole factory was notified and criticized about it!”

Director Huang, who dealt with countless matters daily, had long forgotten the details of an ordinary worker’s recruitment. But Zhao Jianjun’s reminder finally jogged his memory.

He slammed his palm on the table, his voice grave with anger. “Who in the factory office tampered with the recruitment form? Utter nonsense!”

Secretary You quickly stepped in to calm him. “Director, this issue was already addressed. There’s a follow-up plan—Lin Xiang will be transferred back to Factory No. 1 in October after another staff member from the factory office is reassigned.”

It wouldn’t be long now—just a little over a month before Lin Xiang would return.

Zhao Jianjun got worked up. “Director, you can’t just snatch people away! Lin Xiang is from our Factory No. 2! Anyway, for the next two or three months, she’s staying with us, no matter what.”

Director Huang had been about to argue that keeping such a talented young worker in Factory No. 2 was a waste and that she should be transferred back immediately. But Zhao Jianjun, thick-skinned as ever, blocked him before he could even speak.

Before the director could respond, Zhao Jianjun added, “Oh, right, Director! Xiao Lin bought Shiwei’s shrimp paste cans for research purposes. The factory should reimburse her for that, don’t you think?”

After saying that, Director Zhao shot Lin Xiang a playful wink, looking like he was proudly securing benefits for his employee. Lin Xiang struggled to hold back a smile, pressing her lips together to keep from laughing.

Factory Director Huang & the other leaders: “…”

This guy never misses a trick—even remembering to claim expenses.

—

Meanwhile, outside the Factory No. 1’s meeting room, the factory office in the same building was abuzz with discussion.

In this era, there were no secrets. The news that Lin Xiang and Director Zhao had been summoned to attend a high-level meeting exclusive to Factory No. 1’s leadership spread through the factory in no time.

Several people in the factory office were gossiping:

“Did you hear? Our Factory No. 1’s shrimp paste and seafood cans aren’t selling well, but Factory No. 2’s soda has suddenly taken off!”

“I know! My sister-in-law works in sales, and she said it was that Lin Xiang from Factory No. 2 who changed the soda’s packaging. Can you believe it? She just added one line of text, didn’t change anything else, and suddenly, sales skyrocketed.”

“Does this mean our Factory No. 1’s wages might go down this month while Factory No. 2’s go up? Usually, our pay is much higher than theirs.”

“What do you think Lin Xiang got called in for? She’s obviously capable—maybe the director is bringing her back to Factory No. 1?”

With this topic concerning the factory’s revenue—and, by extension, everyone’s wages and bonuses—many workers were engaged in the discussion. Lin Xiang was already well-known in the factory. Even though she worked at Factory No. 2, her name was everywhere in Factory No. 1.

As soon as she was mentioned, several people couldn’t help glancing at He Fen.

Bai Juying smirked at He Fen. “I bet Lin Xiang will be back soon—probably even before October when Sister Sun leaves.”

Shen Chunli, who had been writing a propaganda report, put down her pen and gave He Fen a sideways glance. “See? No matter how much someone tries to sabotage her, Lin Xiang is still sitting in a meeting with the director.”

A few of the factory office workers were just watching the drama unfold, but now that they realized Lin Xiang was quite talented, they naturally took the opposite stance from He Fen.

He Fen trembled slightly, feeling uneasy. Why was Lin Xiang meeting with the director? She wouldn’t be reporting her, would she? But that issue had passed—surely nothing would happen…

While the factory office gossiped, a sudden commotion erupted outside. Factory Secretary You Wei strode into the office, called over Factory Office Director Tian Guiju, and then turned to He Fen.

A few moments later, shocking news spread through the office—He Fen had been demoted!

That evening, as the night-shift workers gathered in the cafeteria for dinner, the entire conversation revolved around Lin Xiang from Factory No. 2. Everyone knew that she had added just one line to the soda packaging, causing sales to surge. Her ingenuity had left everyone in awe.

Since she was originally supposed to be part of Factory No. 1, many people were outraged. With the factory currently in need of workers, the director even issued an additional punishment today, demoting He Fen from the factory office to a workshop worker, sparking much discussion.

The factory office was a highly coveted position—who wouldn’t want to work in an office? It was respectable, comfortable, had great benefits, and paid well.

Now, He Fen was suddenly demoted to a workshop worker. Word had it that when she heard the news, her face turned deathly pale, and she nearly collapsed.

There had been too many incidents in the factory lately, and discussions were rampant. When Lin Xiang and Director Zhao came out of the meeting room, they immediately became the center of attention. Many Factory No. 1 workers eyed them curiously, especially Lin Xiang—some practically glued their eyes to her.

Factory No. 2’s soda sales had suddenly skyrocketed, and orders were pouring in. How was that even fair?

Director Zhao, however, paid no attention to the gossip outside. He simply boasted, “Xiao Lin, your big brother here has been thinking about you! Go to the factory office’s finance department later and claim the reimbursement for the canned seafood you bought.”

Lin Xiang hadn’t even considered getting reimbursed for that. She was surprised by Director Zhao’s boldness—he had asked for reimbursement right in front of several leaders.

Still, getting back a few extra cents was always a good thing. She smiled, her eyes curving. “Alright, thank you, Director Zhao. I’ll go get it now.”

Director Zhao nodded in satisfaction. “Good! This time, our Factory No. 2 has really made a name for itself. You get the top credit!”

On top of that, Lin Xiang had just declined the factory director’s offer to transfer to the shrimp paste workshop. When the director made the proposal, even Director Zhao, despite his reluctance, felt a pang of worry.

After all, everyone knew Factory No. 1 was better than Factory No. 2. If she could return to Factory No. 1—especially to its flagship shrimp paste workshop—who would say no?

But Lin Xiang refused.

Good! She was truly a loyal employee of Factory No. 2!

Director Zhao left first, while Lin Xiang went alone to the finance department to collect her reimbursement. Since the director himself had approved it, she saw no reason to leave money on the table.

She had originally spent six cents on three cans of seafood from Shiwei Food Factory, thinking it was worth the investment to study the competition. She hadn’t expected to get reimbursed for it—what a pleasant surprise!

Director Zhao really came through!

Stuffing the bills into her pocket, Lin Xiang walked out of the finance office, only to run into a crowd gathered outside the neighboring factory office. The most striking figure among them was He Fen, who was packing up her things, preparing to move out of the office.

Having been demoted to an ordinary first-level female worker, He Fen looked dazed, her face pale and her eyes dull. However, the moment she spotted Lin Xiang, her gaze suddenly sharpened.

Lin Xiang had no intention of getting involved with her. She simply nodded in greeting to the onlookers and was about to leave.

But then, a sharp voice called out from behind her—“Lin Xiang!”

He Fen’s demotion was an order personally issued by the factory director, leaving no room for negotiation. But in her heart, she was filled with resentment. She glared at Lin Xiang—the person she saw as the true culprit—and rushed toward her.

“How far are you going to go to ruin me?! The incident happened so long ago, and I’ve already accepted my punishment. But you just won’t let it go! You keep running to the factory director to complain, getting me demoted, leaving me with nothing! Are you trying to drive me to my death?!”

Her shrill voice silenced the crowd, leaving some watching the spectacle and others feeling sorry for her.

People usually just gossiped to pass the time, but no one expected He Fen to be so reckless. Several coworkers immediately stepped forward to restrain her. “He Fen, what are you doing? There are so many people coming and going—don’t cause trouble here.”

He Fen shook them off and pointed at Lin Xiang, shouting, “What trouble? She won’t let me go—she just wants to ruin me!”

Her loud outburst drew even more onlookers. Lin Xiang looked at this woman, who had done wrong yet refused to repent, and found the whole situation almost laughable.

She thought about it for a moment—and then actually chuckled.

That laugh made He Fen even more furious. “Lin Xiang, what are you laughing at? Are you mocking me for being demoted to an ordinary worker?”

Lin Xiang chuckled again, her tone calm and unhurried. “Comrade He Fen, I’m laughing at you. I’m laughing at how capable you are—after all, you were the one who deliberately altered my application form, sending me from Factory No. 1 to Factory No. 2. Yet you still think I’m the one harming you. I’m laughing at how, even after being punished and publicly reprimanded by the factory, you still tried to trip me up. I’m laughing at how now that the factory director has punished you, you only dare to lash out at me. If you’re so unhappy with the result, why don’t you go argue with the director? If you put half the effort you spend pestering me into something productive, maybe you wouldn’t be in this situation.

“From the beginning, you were the one targeting me. You don’t dare to provoke anyone else—you just think I’m an easy target. Even now, you only dare to point at me and scold me. Comrade He Fen, isn’t that ridiculous?”

Lin Xiang’s voice was crisp and steady, carrying not a trace of anger. Even in a confrontation, she remained composed, neither haughty nor impatient. The onlookers nodded in agreement, while He Fen’s face turned red, then white, as if she had just been slapped.

She was dissatisfied—after all, she had already been punished once. Why should she be demoted now?

But did she dare question the factory director?

She knew the answer.

Lin Xiang had no interest in engaging with such an obstinate person. She simply pocketed her reimbursement and turned to leave. That He Fen still held a grudge against her to this day was utterly laughable.

Her trip to Factory No. 1 for the meeting had taken up quite a bit of time. When she finally returned to Factory No. 2, she was surprised to find that the workers were still there. Instead of heading home, they had gathered around Director Zhao, eager to discuss two things:

First, since there were more orders, would wages and bonuses increase? That would be great news!

Second, since there were more orders and higher production targets, did that mean they wouldn’t get to leave work early anymore? Now that was a headache.

Look at how honest the workers at Factory No. 2 are, clearly displaying on their faces their desire to slack off and earn a higher salary.

Lin Xiang couldn’t help but click her tongue in amazement after hearing a few remarks. These people aren’t even pretending—this is exactly the dream of every worker, right?

Director Zhao was momentarily speechless, then waved his hand to rally the crowd: “Now that our soda sales are doing well, everyone’s salaries and bonuses will definitely increase! As for leaving work early, I’ll have to think of a way to make that happen.”

The workers chattered among themselves, but in the end, no one looked at their own shortcomings. They all thought the problem was the equipment—why couldn’t it just be self-sufficient, so no one would have to worry about it?

Lin Xiang thought to herself: Wow, that’s really high-level thinking!

The workers at Factory No. 2 are truly ahead of their time, resolutely refusing to acknowledge their own faults, blaming everything on external factors.

After some delay, everyone finally left at the usual time, leaving today’s concerns behind and deciding to deal with them tomorrow.

Lin Xiang quickly packed her bag, locked the office door, and headed out for the day.

With the surge in soda orders, it was likely that the tasks would be assigned in the coming days. That would keep everyone busy, but to truly improve efficiency, they needed to address the outdated equipment in Factory No. 2, which was currently a major hindrance.

After dinner at the Zhou family’s house, Lin Xiang, who had gained some fame, drew attention in the military family area. The military spouses didn’t know much about packaging and publicity, but they all knew Lin Xiang was quite capable. They surrounded her, praising her, and if they didn’t know she already had a partner, especially one as well-known as Captain He, every family would have wanted to set her up with someone from their own side.

“Oh, what a shame! When I first met Lin Xiang, I thought we were a perfect match. I even wanted to introduce my brother to her.”

“That’s right, I also wanted to play matchmaker for her! It would be great if we were all closely connected.”

“Well, it was Captain He who was quick, otherwise, with Lin Xiang’s looks and smarts, she’d have been snatched up!” One military wife was loudly gossiping, but suddenly felt a chill at the back of her neck. When she turned, she was surprised to see none other than Captain He himself!

“Actually, Captain He and Lin Xiang make a perfect pair!” The military wife quickly changed her tone, smiling at the tall, handsome Captain He. “Captain He, are you here to see your partner?”

Lin Xiang turned at the sound of the voice, and sure enough, Captain He was back from his mission at sea!

The last time, they almost shared a shrimp paste-flavored kiss, but thankfully, Lin Xiang’s clear thinking stopped it just in time. Now she was wondering when they would have a sweet and tender kiss. But then the man had been sent out to sea on a mission for ten days.

During those ten days, Lin Xiang had been busy monitoring the sales of the newly packaged sodas and hadn’t had much time to think about He Hongyuan. Now, seeing his tall, handsome figure, the longing surged in her heart.

The military wives waved their fans and dispersed, leaving Lin Xiang smiling brightly as she took quick steps towards He Hongyuan. When she was a meter away from him, she stopped, slightly tilting her face up to look at him. “Why did you just come back? I’ve missed you.”

The evening breeze stirred Lin Xiang’s hair, brushing her captivating eyes. After finishing his report with the regiment, He Hongyuan had come straight to the family quarters.

But Lin Xiang’s direct gaze and words made He Hongyuan swallow nervously. He looked her up and down and asked, “Did anyone bully you?”

Lin Xiang smiled gently. “Why are you looking at me like that? Who would bully me?”

“I heard about your situation today,” He Hongyuan said, relieved to see she was fine. “You made quite a name for yourself at Factory No. 1. The factory director called you for a meeting? And did He Fen cause you trouble?”

Lin Xiang, amused that He Hongyuan had managed to find out everything in such a short time, just smiled casually. “Yes, I saw some of the leaders at the factory. You have to be very careful when meeting with them. It’s like being with a tiger.”

As the sunset dipped below the horizon, casting the sky into darkness, Lin Xiang and He Hongyuan strolled casually through the quiet family quarters. With her partner, she felt free to say whatever came to mind. He Hongyuan lowered his voice and gently scolded her, “That’s not appropriate. Be careful that your leaders don’t overhear you.”

Lin Xiang shrugged and teased, “If they hear, it’ll be your fault. I’ll ask you about it then!”

He Hongyuan had never heard anyone speak to him this way before. His lips curved slightly in a small smile, a faint laugh escaping him. “You really have some nerve.”

When it came to He Fen, He Hongyuan rarely got involved in women’s matters, but this time he couldn’t hold back. “I’ll talk to Li Jun. If he can’t even manage his own wife, how is he supposed to be a commander?”

Lin Xiang, hearing this, felt her thoughts drift elsewhere. “What do you mean? Are you trying to control me?”

In this era, most men were still quite patriarchal, and Lin Xiang was prepared for that.

He Hongyuan raised an eyebrow. “I’m your man, of course, I have to take care of you.”

Despite her preparation, Lin Xiang felt her face puff up with indignation. “What are you talking about? We’re dating, not working under you! Are you trying to control me like one of your soldiers? I don’t want you to do that.”

He Hongyuan had subtly noticed how different Lin Xiang was from others. She was lively and full of surprises, always thinking and speaking differently, just like now.

“I’m your man, so I have to take care of you. You’re my partner, so you have to take care of me too,” He Hongyuan said seriously, his gaze firm as if making a vow. “Otherwise, who do you want to take care of you? Or maybe you want to take care of someone else?”

The more Lin Xiang listened, the more something felt off. She couldn’t quite tell if this man was making a chauvinistic statement or whispering sweet nothings, but either way, it made her heart itch.

As they walked on, He Hongyuan listened to Lin Xiang talk about the meeting. When he heard that the factory director had suggested she leave Factory No. 2 early and return directly to Factory No. 1, he asked curiously, “You don’t want to go back to Factory No. 1 sooner? You just turned down the director?”

Lin Xiang nodded lightly. “The shrimp paste workshop isn’t something I can interfere with. The director wanted me to help figure something out over there, but you have no idea—just the look on the workshop supervisor’s face was enough to tell me everything. He’s proud and doesn’t think much of newcomers like me. If I really went, I’d just be asking for trouble. Besides, I’ve come to understand something—Factory No. 1 is massive, deeply rooted, and full of internal factions. That kind of environment gives me a headache. For now, I’d rather stay at Factory No. 2, where it’s peaceful. I told the director that if Factory No. 1 needs me, I can still offer my ideas. Plus, our factory’s soda sales are taking off, and we’ve received a lot more orders. Just wait—my salary and bonus will definitely go up this month. When that happens, I’ll treat you to something delicious!”

As night deepened, Lin Xiang’s almond-shaped eyes shone brightly, like the most dazzling star in the sky. He Hongyuan curled his lips into a slight smile and responded in a low voice, “Alright.”

Lin Xiang, however, was curious. “Don’t you think I’m being foolish? Passing up the chance to go to Factory No. 1?”

Many people thought so. After all, it was a direct invitation from the factory director, and yet she had refused.

He Hongyuan said calmly, “If you don’t want to go now, then don’t. Just do what makes you happy.”

His words were comforting, and Lin Xiang’s beautiful almond eyes sparkled even more, as if they held all the stars in the sky.

After finishing their conversation about work, Lin Xiang started asking He Hongyuan about his time at sea and what he had been up to since returning. She was surprised to learn that he hadn’t even eaten dinner yet.

Glancing at her wristwatch, she saw that it was already 8 PM.

“Why didn’t you say something earlier?” Lin Xiang glared at him, annoyed.

He Hongyuan didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he truly hadn’t felt hungry. Right after finishing his report, he had overheard someone mentioning what had happened at the food factory today—something involving Lin Xiang. All he wanted was to see her as soon as possible, so eating had been the last thing on his mind.

“I’m not hungry. Besides, back in the day, conditions were much tougher—skipping meals was normal.”

Lin Xiang couldn’t stand him like this. She grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the Zhou family’s house, heading straight for the kitchen. “Food is as important as steel—you’ll feel weak if you don’t eat! Don’t you understand that? Even if you were made of iron, you still shouldn’t treat your body this way.”

By this hour, the Zhou family had all retired to their rooms. They knew He Hongyuan was back, and that the two young people were out walking together, so no one came to disturb them.

The two-story house was quiet and dark, except for the warm glow of a single kitchen light.

Flames licked at the iron pot, and steam billowed from the stove as Lin Xiang busied herself making noodles for He Hongyuan.

The Zhou family’s kitchen was fairly spacious, but the moment He Hongyuan stepped in, it felt much smaller. Maybe it was because his presence was so strong, or maybe it was the way his gaze burned so intensely. The tall man leaned lazily against the stove, watching her, and somehow, just his presence was distracting.

“Go wait outside,” Lin Xiang said, stirring the noodles with a pair of bamboo chopsticks.

“I’ll wait here,” He Hongyuan replied, his voice deep and husky.

The soft yellow glow from the bulb cast light over Lin Xiang, highlighting the curve of her brows and the tips of her sleeves as she moved.

He Hongyuan simply watched her in silence—lighting the fire, boiling water, cooking the noodles, blanching the vegetables, preparing the seasonings… Her two sleek, jet-black braids swayed with her movements, bouncing playfully.

Under the kitchen light, Lin Xiang’s shadow stretched onto the wall. When He Hongyuan turned slightly, his shadow merged with hers, as if they had become one.

His slender fingers tugged lightly at the pull cord of the light as he murmured, “I haven’t eaten anything tonight.”

Lin Xiang, focused on the pot, planned to wait two more minutes before taking out the noodles. Without turning around, she replied, “I know, that’s why I’m making you a big bowl—you’ll definitely be full!”

Just as she finished speaking, the light’s cord was pulled with a crisp click, and the bulb went dark. The kitchen was instantly swallowed by pitch-blackness.

Startled, Lin Xiang turned around abruptly and muttered, “Did the lightbulb burn out? The noodles aren’t even done yet.”

The only response was the sound of steady, firm footsteps approaching.

He Hongyuan stepped up to the stove, his gaze, faintly visible in the darkness, locking onto Lin Xiang’s silhouette. He reached out and gently cupped her cheek.

His voice was hoarse, almost coaxing, as he repeated, “I told you, I haven’t eaten anything tonight.”

Lin Xiang didn’t grasp the meaning behind his words—until a sudden warmth pressed against her lips.

Soft yet firm lips captured hers, gently tasting, lightly sucking…

In an instant, she recalled the words she had said when she had pushed him away ten days ago!

In the darkness, her sense of sight was lost, but her touch and hearing were heightened. She felt the heat and urgency in his kiss, the way his lips teased and nibbled, sending tingling sensations through her entire body. The faint sound of their lips entwining reached her ears, blending seamlessly with the bubbling water in the iron pot behind her. Strangely enough, the combination was oddly harmonious.

Heat rushed to her cheeks. Lin Xiang, lost in the haze, finally snapped back to reality. She lightly pushed against his chest, her voice breathless, “The noodles… you haven’t eaten yet… mmm…”

Her words came out in broken, fragmented syllables, swallowed up by He Hongyuan until they were barely coherent.

His voice was low and husky, as if roughened by sandpaper, carrying a wave of heat as he murmured, “I’m not eating that anymore.”