Chapter 56

After Cheng Li answered that question at the bar, she noticed that Rong Qi seemed a little off.

However, with Jiang Zhe and Meng Yuange around, it wasn’t appropriate to address it.

Besides, Cheng Li thought it was just a hypothetical question. Rong Qi had never confessed to her during high school, and she was merely responding to a hypothetical scenario.

But in the car, seeing him sitting there with his eyes half-closed, Cheng Li’s heart softened.

Even if it was just a hypothetical question, she didn’t want him to feel bad.

Rong Qi’s dark eyes fixed on her for a long time. His voice, husky not just from the alcohol, carried a trace of disbelief. His gaze flickered with emotion, like someone who had walked in darkness for too long and suddenly saw a brilliant firework bursting before them.

He opened his mouth as if to say something.

Yet, at this moment, words seemed pale compared to the surging emotions in his heart.

Rong Qi lowered his head and kissed her lips. Cheng Li tilted her head to meet his kiss.

In an instant, the two were like an erupting volcano, overwhelmed by emotions that engulfed them entirely. All that was left in their eyes was each other.

Entwined, they made their way to the bedroom, kissing and holding onto each other. Coats and jackets fell from the entryway to the bedroom door. Rong Qi wrapped one arm tightly around her slender waist and held the back of her head with the other, pressing her lips against his with intense fervor.

Wherever they passed, the air seemed to heat up. Their breaths were ragged, messy beyond measure.

“Shower together?” Rong Qi murmured.

Cheng Li lifted her gaze, surprised, but before she could respond, Rong Qi pulled her straight into the bathroom.

The warm air in the bathroom hummed as it circulated, yet it couldn’t drown out the pounding of her heart.

Soon, the showerhead was turned on, and steaming water cascaded down, enveloping them in white mist. Cheng Li stood beneath the stream, water drenching her face, forcing her to close her eyes.

The man in front of her didn’t stop teasing her and leaned in to kiss her.

With hot water raining down from above and his unrelenting kiss before her, Cheng Li felt like she was drowning.

Yet, she didn’t call for it to stop.

Perhaps it was the alignment of their emotions, the stimulation of alcohol, or the relaxation of being on holiday without the stress of work. Whatever it was, they indulged themselves, relentless until they were utterly spent.

That night, the sound of water was loud, but not louder than his strength.

All Cheng Li remembered was that when she could no longer stand, Rong Qi held her the entire time. Her back pressed against his chest, the sound of water above her creating the illusion of standing on a wave. She could only follow Rong Qi’s movements behind her, the water drowning out everything but the wild thumping of her heart.

When they finally left the bathroom, Rong Qi carried Cheng Li to the bed.

Her hair, mostly dried by Rong Qi, left her so exhausted that she almost fell asleep. However, after her hair was fully dried, she found herself oddly awake.

They leaned against each other, Cheng Li’s hair splayed across Rong Qi’s chest.

Rong Qi picked up a strand of her hair and murmured, “I’ve always wondered how you could have so much hair.”

“Huh?” Cheng Li blinked, then sighed softly. “This is already a lot less than before.”

Rong Qi chuckled.

Cheng Li quickly retorted, “But why are you even paying attention to my hair?”

It wasn’t that Rong Qi had intentionally fixated on her hair.

There was one time—he couldn’t quite recall when, probably in the summer—when he bumped into her near the school.

She had just had her hair trimmed, long locks flowing like silk, dark and shiny. That day, she wore a white short-sleeved dress. A breeze blew by, lifting her hair gently, making her look like she was in a shampoo commercial.

Even passersby couldn’t help but steal glances at her.

Cheng Li usually wore a ponytail at school, and that was the first time Rong Qi saw her with her hair down.

Back then, he thought, thank goodness she never wore her hair down at school.

Otherwise, who knows how many boys would secretly talk about her or try to pass her love letters.

“Sometimes, I just wonder—doesn’t it bother you to dry such thick hair?” Rong Qi deflected.

Even though their relationship was now so close, certain memories felt like a box he didn’t want to open on his own.

If that box were to be opened one day, he hoped it would be with her holding the key.

Nestling against his chest, Cheng Li murmured, “It’s annoying, way too much. But ever since I started working, I’ve realized how precious hair is. You don’t appreciate it until it starts falling out.”

“It’s still beautiful,” Rong Qi said, playing with her hair with amusement.

Cheng Li closed her eyes, exhaustion creeping into her voice. “I’m so sleepy, I’m going to sleep now.”

Soon, she drifted into a deep slumber.

Rong Qi watched her long lashes resting on her eyelids, curled and doll-like. He didn’t turn off the light immediately but stared at her for a long time.

Finally, he pulled her closer into his embrace.

There were words he had been holding back, words he couldn’t easily say.

But fortunately, they had a lifetime together.

Some things could be said slowly, over time—because now, he had all the time in the world.

*

After the New Year, Qiyu Technologies officially announced its acquisition of Fanhai Zhixing.

In tandem with its car manufacturing ambitions, Qiyu released new updates. The company revealed its plan to fully develop its vehicles in-house, including acquiring Fanhai Zhixing, which specialized in autonomous driving systems. Over the past six months, Qiyu had also invested in a lidar company and a lithium battery production company.

These moves demonstrated Qiyu Technologies’ accelerated push into the automotive sector.

By bringing these high-performing companies under its umbrella, Qiyu was securing control over core components. It was clear that Rong Qi and Qiyu Technologies had big ambitions.

The market responded enthusiastically to the news, with Qiyu’s stock price soaring.

Meng Yuange called, lamenting, “If I had known, I would’ve bought more Qiyu shares!”

Cheng Li wasn’t particularly concerned about how much Qiyu Technology’s stock had risen. She was preoccupied with moving into the new office space.

Although most of the preparations had been completed before the holiday, she realized just how different everything felt once she actually made the move.

The first change was that she could no longer ride in the same car as Rong Qi.

Previously, Rong Qi’s driver would drop her off at the company building before taking him to work. But now, even with Qiyu’s office being just two streets away, Cheng Li worried she might encounter employees heading to work at Qiyu Technology. She couldn’t risk starting her first day with rumors of her stepping out of Rong Qi’s car.

Luckily, Cheng Li could drive herself. Without hesitation, she took one of the Mercedes-Benzes from their garage.

Entering the company, she swiped her card to gain access.

The lobby was bustling with employees wearing Qiyu Technology badges. Most of them were young—a characteristic of major tech companies, which thrive on the vitality and creativity of younger generations.

The expansive lobby greeted her with an impressive space. Designed with high ceilings and futuristic flair, the luxurious, glossy floor tiles complemented the extensive use of metal and glass, creating a strong sense of technological advancement.

Although Cheng Li had visited before, her time there had been fleeting—meetings in conference rooms followed by quick departures. This was the first time she took a closer look at the company’s interior.

Qiyu Automotive’s offices spanned floors 22 to 28. Cheng Li’s department, the Autonomous Driving Division, was on the 26th floor. Entering the elevator, she reached for the button but noticed a man in a black down jacket had already pressed it.

She glanced at him but didn’t recognize him.

He was likely an existing employee in Qiyu’s Autonomous Driving Division. Before acquiring Fanhai Intelligent Systems, Qiyu had already established its own autonomous driving department. With Fanhai’s integration, its employees joined this division, and a meeting was scheduled later that day to welcome them.

Upon reaching the 26th floor, Cheng Li exited the elevator alongside the man in the black jacket.

He looked at her briefly, perhaps noticing she was unfamiliar. He hesitated before asking, “Are you a new employee?”

Cheng Li nodded. “Yes, it’s my first day.”

He nodded back but seemed uninterested in further conversation, quickly walking away.

She observed as he bypassed the communal workspace and headed deeper into the corridor, eventually entering an office and closing the door behind him.

While she was still lost in thought, Zuo Qingqing came running up to her. “Boss! Boss!”

“Why are you here so early?” Cheng Li asked, amused. Zuo Qingqing was known for cutting it close with her timings.

Zuo Qingqing lowered her voice. “You’re the one who brought me into this place. On the first day, I had to make a good impression for your sake! Don’t worry, I’ll go back to my usual routine after this.”

Cheng Li chuckled. “It’s not about making me look good—it’s about representing yourself.”

Zuo Qingqing glanced around, her excitement palpable. “You have no idea how envious my classmates were when they found out I got into a big-name company like Qiyu over the holiday!”

Zuo Qingqing didn’t have an impressive academic background and had nearly been on the chopping block during the transition. After all, Qiyu’s hiring process was rigorous, and only core technical staff were retained from Fanhai. Those deemed unsuitable were offered severance packages.

In the end, the employees who joined Qiyu’s Autonomous Driving Division were essential contributors.

Zuo Qingqing, who had been an assistant on the team, was hardworking and dependable. Cheng Li valued her contributions and ensured she remained on board, knowing how competitive it was to join a major corporation like Qiyu.

“Where’s your desk?” Cheng Li asked.

“I picked one closest to your office. That way, you can call me anytime,” Zuo Qingqing said, her tone brimming with satisfaction.

Although Cheng Li’s role hadn’t been officially announced, Zuo Qingqing already knew—Cheng Li was the new R&D Director for the Autonomous Driving Division.

As such, Cheng Li had her own office.

At 9 a.m., the division’s director, Pan Heng, messaged Cheng Li through the company’s internal communication software, asking her to visit his office.

His office was located on the 28th floor, where Qiyu Automotive’s President and several department heads worked.

When Cheng Li entered, accompanied by his secretary, Pan Heng was on a phone call but quickly ended it.

“Director Pan,” Cheng Li greeted politely.

Pan Heng stood up and smiled. “Would you like something to drink?”

Cheng Li casually requested tea, to which Pan Heng raised an eyebrow. “Not many people here opt for tea over coffee.”

She laughed lightly. “It’s not that I dislike coffee.”

“How’s your first day going? Settling in alright?” he asked, genuinely concerned.

Cheng Li replied, “It’s a bit overwhelming.”

Pan Heng appeared surprised at her honesty.

Cheng Li smiled, adding, “The company is so large, and the environment is fantastic. It’s a bit of an adjustment, but I’m confident I’ll settle in quickly.”

Her humor drew a hearty laugh from Pan Heng. He hadn’t expected the new R&D Director to be not only as stunning as the rumors suggested but also so personable.

“At 10 a.m., there’s a small welcome ceremony and a departmental integration meeting in the media hall. Our President, Mr. Su, will also be attending,” he informed her.

Cheng Li nodded. “I appreciate the company’s warm welcome.”

After a brief conversation, Pan Heng sent her back to her office.

By the time Cheng Li returned, the entire department was abuzz about the upcoming 10 a.m. meeting.

The intelligent media hall, located on the third floor, featured displays showcasing Qiyu Technology’s products and corporate history. When they arrived, the elevator doors opened to reveal a humanoid robot stationed by the entrance.

As soon as the elevator opened, the robot greeted them. “Please turn left and follow the arrows to the Intelligent Media Hall.”

The employees of Qiyu were accustomed to these scenes, but the new hires couldn’t help laughing as they obediently turned left and followed the blue arrows projected onto the carpet by the overhead guidance system.

Without much effort, they found the media hall, a small auditorium capable of holding several hundred people.

When Cheng Li entered, she was momentarily stunned. Having worked at Fanhai Intelligent Mobility since graduation, she was used to startup environments. Their first office had only one meeting room, and securing it was a constant struggle.

After everyone took their seats, Cheng Li found a spot in the first row.

On the stage, there were chairs clearly reserved for the management team expected to attend. The integration of Fanhai’s core team was a significant boost for the autonomous driving division.

At 10 o’clock, Su Yian, President of Qiyu Automotive, entered along with Pan Heng, the head of the autonomous driving division, and a man in a gray sweater.

Cheng Li recognized the man in the gray sweater—it was the same person she had encountered in the elevator that morning, though he had since removed his black down jacket, leaving just the gray sweater and a checkered shirt underneath.

She couldn’t help but think of a popular programmer joke: A programmer without a checkered shirt isn’t a real programmer.

This reminded her of Rong Qi. Technically, Rong Qi had started as a programmer too, yet his wardrobe contained not a single checkered shirt. Likely because he had long transcended that identity and was now a company president.

She found herself curious about Rong Qi’s early entrepreneurial journey.

While lost in thought, the doors to the media hall opened again. This time, someone entirely unexpected entered.

When Rong Qi walked in, even the high-level executives who had just sat down promptly stood up.

Su Yian rose to greet him, and Rong Qi smiled. “I heard your department is holding a welcome event today, so I thought I’d drop by. I hope you don’t mind me coming without notice.”

“Quite the opposite—we’re honored. We actually intended to invite you but thought you might be too busy,” Su Yian replied respectfully, despite being older than Rong Qi. After all, as President, Su Yian reported directly to Rong Qi.

An assistant quickly handed Rong Qi a microphone. Facing the audience, he smiled briefly before speaking. “I’m Rong Qi. I understand many of you are starting your first day here today. On behalf of myself and Qiyu Technology, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to you all.”

Though Cheng Li was hearing these words for the second time today, they still filled her with a stirring sense of excitement.

The audience broke into applause.

“From the moment we ventured into automotive manufacturing, we recognized that autonomous driving is the core technology of this field. It’s our competitive edge in the market because autonomous driving will form the cornerstone of the future mobility ecosystem.”

“‘Driverless car is the mother of AI.’ These are the words of Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. I share this with you to emphasize your importance. Together, you’ll collaborate with other departments to carve out the future of Qiyu Automotive. From the outset, Qiyu has never shied away from competition.”

Though Rong Qi’s tone remained calm, every word carried an inspiring weight, resonating deeply with the audience. He awakened a sense of responsibility and ambition within each person present.

He didn’t speak for long. After finishing, Rong Qi left the media hall, seemingly there only to make a brief appearance.

Su Yian resumed the meeting, focusing on the department’s future plans and the challenges ahead. The key takeaway was that time was tight and issues were plentiful, as Qiyu’s first car needed to launch no later than year-end.

As the meeting neared its conclusion, Su Yian announced new personnel appointments. “The new Technical R&D Director for the autonomous driving division is Cheng Li.”

Cheng Li stood up, drawing everyone’s attention. The room erupted in applause.

The employees had noticed the young, attractive woman seated in the front row earlier but had assumed she was an administrative staff member. They hadn’t expected her to be the new R&D Director.

“So she’s Cheng Li.”

“No wonder the rumors said Fanhai’s executive team included a top-tier beauty. It must be her.”

Qiyu’s employees whispered among themselves, their comments faintly audible to Cheng Li. She was long accustomed to such remarks about her appearance.

Her beauty, a gift from her parents, was something she could never completely hide.

After the meeting, Cheng Li was asked to stay and chat with President Su Yian and Minister Pan Heng. Pan Heng, smiling, introduced her to the man in the gray sweater, who had lingered nearby.

“You probably caught the introduction earlier,” Pan Heng said.

The man was Qin Weiyan. Cheng Li stepped forward and introduced herself, “Mr. Qin, I’m Cheng Li.”

Qin Weiyan shook her hand briefly, releasing it almost immediately. Cheng Li assumed he was just a reserved, tech-focused type.

Qin Weiyan was the division’s Chief Scientist and the youngest individual to hold a ministerial-level position in the company, even though his rank was Deputy Minister. His technical expertise was clearly exceptional.

After brief introductions, Cheng Li understood why she had been asked to stay. Though her role as R&D Director technically reported to the autonomous driving division, she would be directly accountable to Qin Weiyan as her immediate superior.

The conversation ended quickly, as all parties were busy. They exited the elevator together.

Cheng Li’s phone vibrated, prompting her to retrieve it from her pocket. She opened WeChat to find two messages from Rong Qi.

Rong Qi: [Is your meeting over?]

Rong Qi: [I left something for you on the third floor.]

The third floor? That was this very floor.

Cheng Li stopped in her tracks. Her companions turned to look at her, and she offered an awkward explanation, “Sorry, I need to stop by the restroom.”

The group naturally had no objections and left together by elevator.

Cheng Li, however, replied to the message: [What is it?]

After a moment, a reply came through—not words, but a photo of a self-service coffee machine.

Inside the Qiyu building, such coffee machines were abundant, providing free, unlimited coffee for employees as a perk of working there.

Cheng Li glanced around the floor and decided to try locating the coffee station.

Fortunately, it wasn’t difficult to find.

Standing in front of the coffee machine, she saw nothing unusual. Just then, her phone vibrated again.

Rong Qi: [The box beside it.]

Cheng Li opened the white box next to the machine. The box was usually stocked with various items—herbal remedies, pain relief powders, and wellness tea bags. Each compartment was neatly arranged with these supplies.

But one compartment stood out, slightly empty and conspicuous. Cheng Li spotted it immediately.

Reaching in, she pulled out the items from the compartment.

Two milk candies.

Cheng Li couldn’t help but laugh. She picked up the candies and texted: [Why are you giving me these?]

Rong Qi: [Eat one.]

Cheng Li unwrapped one of the candies and popped it into her mouth. A rich, creamy sweetness spread across her tongue.

Rong Qi: [How is it?]

Cheng Li had no idea what he was aiming for or what kind of answer he wanted, so she responded truthfully: [Sweet.]

This time, his reply came almost instantly.

It was a voice message.

Cheng Li tapped to play it, and a slightly deep, magnetic voice resonated in her ears:

“That’s how I felt today when I saw you at the office.”

Sweet to the core.

Author’s Note:

Rong Qi: Working at the same company as my wife is pure bliss.

The Qiyu version of the “spy couple” is officially live!