Since this was an internal internship at the Lanxing Group, Xia Fu figured she wouldn’t be the last to know about her internship placement. She murmured the content of her internship notice and then turned to observe Fang Jingcheng’s expression.

His gaze fixated on the line “First-choice position not approved,” scanning back and forth as if confirming it repeatedly. He threw himself back in his chair with a frustrated grumble from his throat:

“Ah, I knew Fang Siyu wouldn’t let me into the Venture Capital Department. This guy only takes the top three GPA students with competition experience… I tried hard! Balancing my research project and our brotherly bond, yet I failed at both!”

Xia Fu didn’t think it was that big of a loss.

Although they got along very well, and she enjoyed Fang Jingcheng’s clinginess, she honestly didn’t want to encounter him at work.

In her moment of contemplation, she noticed him gazing at her warmly, like a little puppy staring with those bright, round eyes that could shake anyone’s willpower: “How’d you know I was looking at you? Are you missing me too? Come on, give me a pat!” It was way too powerful, and she didn’t want to lose her train of thought!

Relieved, Xia Fu subtly let out a sigh. She placed her hand on Fang Jingcheng’s shoulder, gently rubbing the back of his neck and feeling the fine fuzz tickling her fingertips. As she did this, she reflected on how much better things felt at home and soothingly said, “At least we’re in the same building. So, Marketing Department, what’s that about?”

The mere thought of Xia Fu meeting Fang Siyu alone without his supervision made Fang Jingcheng’s insides twist as if tangled into a giant knot ready for him to use as a noose.

Rabbits die of loneliness, and he’d die if he couldn’t see her either.

“It’s mainly a department that deals with clients and builds the company’s brand. You could think of it as high-end sales.”

Fang Jingcheng explained while leaning his head back so Xia Fu could wrap her arms around his neck, picturing himself in her embrace. He sighed wistfully, “Yeah, we’re only a floor apart. I could take the stairs to see you.” He imagined pushing open the heavy fire door, watching the green emergency exit sign flickering like his heartbeat whenever he anticipated seeing her.

He glanced at her sideways, already feeling that familiar longing. Even though she was right next to him, he wanted to pull her closer, maybe even sneak a kiss.

Watching his expressive eyes drifting to the corners, Xia Fu finally understood the true meaning of “the look of love.” She couldn’t help but genuinely praise him:

“It sounds like a perfect fit for you. You’re tall, charming, and smooth-talking—everyone would buy whatever you’re selling.”

She’d always thought that Fang Jingcheng was suited for roles dealing with people. Maybe in the first ten minutes, people might think, “The more handsome a guy, the more likely he’s a con artist; his smile is a hidden dagger, silently cutting out my kidneys.” But if he kept looking at them with those clear eyes and displayed his professional, witty side, half an hour later, the sentiment would shift to, “Luck’s finally on my side after years of hardship. Besides, I’ve got two kidneys—losing one won’t kill me.”

Xia Fu didn’t have much of a concept of the marketing department. When she thought of real estate sales, the first thing that came to mind was the sharply-dressed representatives at a sales center. Lanxing Group’s properties in S City were high-end, almost unattainable, and rumor had it that a popular actress had even bought a place there.

Clearing her throat, she formally and seriously requested, “Fang Jingcheng, I’ve always dreamed of owning a little place in S City. But alas, my wallet is a bit thin—just the down payment would drain me. Could you, out of our school friendship, maybe get me some sort of insider discount?”

Fang Jingcheng was clearly amused by her sudden role-play. He chuckled, straightened up, and looked at her with those teasing, upturned eyes, speaking in a slow, almost flirtatious tone:

“Oh? Why not, Miss Xia Fu? I’d be more than happy to serve you. And yes, I do have some insider perks, up to a 90% discount or even free of charge.”

He lowered his voice, creating a mysterious atmosphere, and his long fingers playfully lifted her chin, gently pulling her closer.

“But why don’t you invite me in for a bit? I could offer you some custom interior options, just for you.”

Unfortunately, Xia Fu wasn’t much of an actor. She clasped her hands over her chest with a plain and sincere look, her tone not much different from a grade-schooler reciting an essay:

“That’s wonderful! I’m really happy—come over to my place for tea!”

Fang Jingcheng couldn’t resist leaning in to nibble gently on her cheek. “You’re just too adorable,” he whispered, holding her chin and grazing his lips against the stray strands near her temple. “But I probably won’t end up selling houses.”

After a brief pause, he explained, “There’s a big industry expo in S City this year. I’ll likely be in charge of the major project promotions—like organizing the event, setting up the content, and handling material procurement. This sounds like something my grandma arranged; she had me sit in on the Marketing Department’s planning sessions during the summer.”

Unlike the rich elderly ladies who lived in comfort, Fang Xiyu, a widow who raised her child while managing the company, had a strong grip on the group. She still attended meetings regularly and would sometimes drop by his internship location unannounced.

Xia Fu was genuinely pleased that he could refocus on his work and encouraged him with a smile, “You sound very knowledgeable. You must’ve done well before, or else your grandma wouldn’t let you keep working in that area.”

“It was decent… The suit I wore to the last expo is still here. Want to take a look?”

He seemed to have thought of something amusing. As she’d hoped, he loosened his hold on her and stepped back, his gaze carrying a mischievous glint.

When Xia Fu followed him into the walk-in closet, she discovered just what kind of sly thoughts Fang Jingcheng had hidden in that handsome head of his.

“So, how does this suit look?”

With his hair neatly combed, every button fastened, and a pair of charcoal-gray trousers that hugged his waist just right, he looked effortlessly stylish. The crisp crease of his trousers was so sharp it could cut her eyelids.

Xia Fu studied him carefully, realizing that she really couldn’t resist watching Fang Jingcheng display himself like this. It was like seeing an intricately carved ivory fan unfolding under a spotlight or a queen’s crown spinning in the light, each diamond inset capturing the eye with breathtaking craftsmanship.

“Good thing we’re not in the same department.”

Just from that suit alone, she could imagine a messy and tangled office romance.

“Why so cold? You’re so cruel…”

Fang Jingcheng tilted his head, feigning hurt with a dramatic sigh, but he clearly caught the underlying meaning in her gaze, his smile growing even more delighted.

As he walked toward her, each step seemed to fall directly on her heart. He lifted her hand, bowing to kiss her fingertips. Moving from the back of her hand to her wrist, his tongue grazed a small patch of skin on her forearm before looking up at her with those honey-dripping eyes:

“This is our first time meeting after graduation, isn’t it? Let me buy you a drink this time, Miss Xia Fu?”

Ah, such a dangerously handsome man, with those warm, honeyed eyes…