Chapter 31.1

Song Wei was mortified.

What an embarrassing situation, to be caught red-handed.

Across from her, Chu Qi and Zhu Qingfei looked equally dumbfounded, while Dong Ruicheng began to piece things together. “President Chen, Manager Wei, are you two… dating?”

Song Wei’s mind raced, weighing the merits of admitting to dating versus confessing to being married.

Dating could be passed off as having started post-employment, but marriage would require explaining the whole arranged meeting. Dating seemed simpler.

But before she could speak, Chen Jubai wrapped an arm around her waist and stated matter-of-factly, “No, we’re married.”

Dong Ruicheng’s jaw nearly hit the ground. Even Shan Kaicheng, who had been silent, showed a fleeting look of surprise before his expression darkened.

Shan Kaicheng had been suspicious since the day he saw someone in the Product Department who shouldn’t have been there. Afterward, he noticed little things—subtle interactions, lingering glances.

He had thought perhaps Chen Jubai was interested in Song Wei, which was understandable given how exceptional she was.

But he never imagined they were already married.

Chu Qi stepped in to lighten the mood. “Our Manager Song is actually the boss’s wife. So, everyone, work hard—promotions and raises are just around the corner.”

Given the ongoing Navigator Project, Song Wei didn’t want the news spreading further. “Ruicheng, Manager Dan, could I trouble you to keep this confidential? It’s not the right time for an announcement.”

The more people knew, the harder it would be to keep a lid on it, but she could only try her best.

Dong Ruicheng nodded fervently. “We understand—our lips are sealed!”

With that settled, the group headed up to the mountain’s summit platform together.

Song Wei walked alongside Zhu Qingfei, who teased, “So this is why you two were MIA tonight—sneaking off for a private date.”

“It’s not a…” Song Wei started but stopped, her cheeks flushing. Well, maybe it was a date, after all.

Awkwardly changing the subject, she asked, “You seem to be in a good mood tonight. Did you finally talk to Chu Qi?”

Zhu Qingfei instantly clammed up.

Song Wei grinned. “Chu Qi’s single now. Don’t miss your chance.”

Zhu Qingfei glanced at the man walking ahead and nodded. “I know.”

….

That evening, back at the hotel, Chen Jubai returned to his room on the 16th floor and left the door slightly ajar.

Not long after, Shan Kaicheng knocked and entered.

Chen Jubai, still unwinding with a glass of wine, gestured toward the seating area. “Have a seat.”

Assuming it was about work, Shan Kaicheng sat on the sofa and started reporting, “President Chen, over the past few days, we’ve been coordinating with Changyan…”

“Not tonight,” Chen Jubai interrupted, pouring him a glass of wine. “This is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Karina’s 42nd district—part of Mr. Yu’s private collection. Let’s give it a try.”

Shan Kaicheng was taken aback. “President Chen…”

“A small glass before bed helps with sleep.”

Taking a tentative sip, Shan Kaicheng couldn’t discern any difference from other wines he had tried but politely drank anyway. Knowing Chen Jubai wouldn’t summon him without reason, he waited.

Chen Jubai didn’t beat around the bush. He poured himself another glass and asked, “Manager Shan, you’ve worked with Song Wei for a few months now. How do you find her capabilities?”

Shan Kaicheng hadn’t anticipated this topic but answered honestly.

“If we’re talking about professional skills, Manager Song is highly experienced. What sets her apart from other managers is her big-picture thinking. She considers not only the product but also the company, the industry, and even societal impact. Even small feature tweaks are meticulously planned. It saves us so much time and avoids endless revisions.”

It was the truth. In his decade-long career, Song Wei was the most competent product manager he had ever collaborated with.

Chen Jubai nodded, taking a sip of his wine. “And as a person?”

Shan Kaicheng deliberated before responding, “She’s sincere and generous—a great colleague and an excellent leader.”

A textbook answer. Chen Jubai chuckled softly and topped off his glass.

Finally, he said, “What happened today was an accident, and I don’t want it affecting your work dynamics. Although we’re married, in the company, she’s simply the manager of Product Division One. Work with her as you normally would—no need to overthink it.”

Shan Kaicheng felt a weight lift from his shoulders. “Understood. Manager Song isn’t the type to leverage personal relationships at work.”

Chen Jubai smiled slightly. “Exactly—she’s always been that way.”

The man’s gaze softened with an indescribable tenderness. Shan Kaicheng was momentarily dazed and blurted out, “President Chen, have you known each other for a long time?”

Realizing he might have overstepped, he fumbled mentally for a way to recover.

But the man across from him didn’t seem to mind. With natural ease, he replied, “Yes, we went to the same high school.”

Shan Kaicheng lowered his eyes as if the answer was already clear before the question had even been asked.

He hadn’t pressed further, but Chen Jubai spoke anyway, adding, “I was two grades ahead of her. She came from a good family, was incredibly beautiful, and entered high school as the top scorer in the entrance exams. She drew everyone’s attention from the moment she enrolled.”

Chen Jubai vividly recalled that bustling day of freshman orientation. He hadn’t planned to stop at the crowded registration area, yet his feet carried him to her side, and the words left his mouth without thought: “Classmate, do you need some help?”

The girl in jeans and a T-shirt turned around. Her forehead was beaded with sweat, her hair slightly messy, but her delicate and graceful face was impossible to obscure. Her gentle voice betrayed a distinct relief. “Oh, thank goodness. Thank you so much.”

In that moment, the air seemed to flood with her presence—her faint tea-like fragrance carrying a hint of sweetness.

It took him a while to gather himself before taking her luggage, a suitcase with a broken wheel that was inexplicably heavy. No wonder she struggled to push it.

During the four-minute walk to the dormitory, she politely explained that the suitcase contained daily necessities and books. She didn’t stay on campus overnight and only used the dormitory for midday breaks.

At the dorm entrance, she stood on the steps, dimples forming as she smiled warmly. “My name is Song Wei. What’s yours?”

“Chen Jubai.”

She softly repeated it twice, her brows arching with delight. “What a nice name!”

He couldn’t help but smile back.

After thanking him again, she turned to leave.

Summoning a courage he didn’t know he had, he called after her, “Classmate, would you be interested in joining the student council?”

The girl turned back, confused. “Huh?”

“I used to be the student council president. If you’d like to join, I can give you my contact information.”

“Sure,” she said, “Let me give you my Q.Q.” She recited a string of numbers that he memorized instantly.

Later, he added her on Q.Q. without a hitch, sent her information about the student council, and then never spoke to her again.

Asking for her contact was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but academics were his top priority at the time, and he didn’t pursue that impulse further.

One or two years later, as WeChat replaced Q.Q., the connection faded away. Eventually, so did any interaction between them.

The memory paused, and Chen Ju Bai took a moment before continuing. “She went on to win first prize in countless competitions. Her science scores were second to none, rivaling any of the boys. By the way, Kaicheng, you studied Computer Science at A University, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“She did too—admitted as the city’s top scorer in science.”

The pride in Chen Ju Bai’s eyes was unmistakable, leaving Single Kacheng increasingly astonished. “President Chen… are you saying—”

Chen Jubai didn’t shy away. Taking another sip of wine, his lips curved into a faint smile, as if finishing Shan Kaicheng’s sentence. “Who wouldn’t like such a brilliant and dazzling girl?”

Back then, he had been just a penniless teenager with nothing but ambition. She, on the other hand, seemed to stand at the pinnacle of the social hierarchy, looking down at the world. Among the many who admired her, he was but a speck of dust, insignificant and unnoticed.

But these thoughts were unnecessary to voice. Chen Jubai continued, “I liked her very much. Later, by chance, we got to know each other, which brought us to where we are now.”

Shan Kaicheng finally understood. After a long pause, he let out a small laugh. “So, you’ve liked her for over a decade.”

Liking or not liking hadn’t mattered back then. Just like her subtle tea-like fragrance, some feelings embed themselves deeply, waiting for the right time to surface. He confirmed simply, “Yes.”

The last bit of hope in Shan Kaicheng dissipated.

Yes, such an extraordinary girl—who wouldn’t fall for her?

He had entertained thoughts of having a chance but quickly realized he never truly did. Whether in terms of capability or appearance, and certainly not with over a decade of affection in Chen Jubai’s favor, he couldn’t compare.

Sincerely, he said, “Congratulations, Mr. Chen. You’ve achieved what you wanted.”

“Thank you.”

With some time left, they chatted briefly about work before Shan Kaicheng left around ten.

Pouring himself the last glass of wine, Chen Jubai stood by the balcony.

It was the most comfortable season of the year. The temperature was just right, and the night breeze was refreshing.

The exact moment he fell for her was hard to pinpoint, but he knew his feelings were always present.

From their first encounter, her confident speeches on the podium, a fleeting glance at the rescue center, the first time they met through a matchmaking introduction where she introduced herself, and every subsequent interaction—they all made his heart race faster than usual.

Falling for her had been effortless.

Three or four minutes passed before his phone buzzed on the coffee table with a message. He downed the last of his drink and headed back inside.

Her message read: [Are you coming down? If not, I’ll lock the door.]

….

Song Wei had just returned from Zhu Qingfei’s room.

She had asked about her current situation with Chu Qi, but she stammered and couldn’t get a clear answer out. In the end, she turned the question back to Song Wei, asking how to pursue someone. Song Wei was at a loss—she’d never pursued anyone in her life. The two of them pondered over it for quite a while, and finally, Song Wei suggested, “Be proactive. You’re the one who likes him. If you don’t take the initiative, are you just going to wait for Chu Qi to one day realize your worth and chase after you?”

Zhu Qingfei was hesitant but intrigued. She asked, “How do I take the initiative?”