Chapter 28

After months of arduous work and numerous setbacks, the reinforcement project for the old bank's underground vault has finally been successfully completed. The application of the new composite material far exceeded expectations, not only perfectly resolving the settlement issue while preserving the historic features to the greatest extent possible, but also attracting considerable attention within the industry for its innovative and promising applications. Xia Wan, the core driving force and technical lead for the project, graced the cover of a leading industry journal, along with her proposal, which embodies the wisdom of ancient texts and modern technology.

The celebration banquet was held in a retro European-style restaurant. A grand crystal chandelier, crimson velvet curtains, and polished silverware filled the air with the aroma of champagne, cigars, and the smug satisfaction of successful individuals. The client, the design institute, the construction company, the supervisor, and the core members of the project team gathered together, all dressed in fine clothes, toasting each other.

Xia Wan wore a simple, fitted dark blue velvet dress that accentuated her slender figure and calm demeanor. Her long hair was loosely tied up, revealing the graceful lines of her neck. She stood among the crowd, accepting congratulations and praise from all sides, a graceful smile on her face, her eyes clear, her demeanor composed. The confidence that had shone on stage had now subsided into a restrained and resolute aura, giving her a unique, undeniable charm among the glittering guests.

"Xia Gong, congratulations! You really fought a great battle this time!"

"Yes, Xia Gong's plan is bold, careful, and groundbreaking! I admire you!"

"Come on, let's toast to our heroes!"

Xia Wan smiled and raised her glass in response, her words modest and neither servile nor overbearing. She was no longer the girl hiding in the corner, nor was she the embarrassed person who was forced to drink by Wang Qiang at the class reunion. She was Xia Gong, an independent woman who earned respect through her professional prowess.

However, amidst the clamor of praise, a gaze filled with scrutiny and a hint of subtle sourness fell on her like a thorn.

Su Qian.

This old classmate had also appeared at the celebration party at some point, apparently as the female companion of a senior executive from a partner company. She was wearing a striking sequined sheath dress, delicate makeup, and holding a champagne glass. She swayed gracefully through the crowd and headed straight for Xia Wan and several senior executives from Party A who were in conversation.

"Oh, isn't this our great contributor Xia Wan?" Su Qian's voice was filled with an exaggerated smile, and she deliberately raised her tone, instantly attracting the attention of many people around her. "It's true that when you meet a man after three days, you should look at him with new eyes! Back in high school, who would have thought that our quiet and low-key classmate Xia Wan could come up with such an earth-shaking project?" She had something to say, and deliberately emphasized "high school" and "quiet and low-key", as if reminding everyone of Xia Wan's "past".

The smile on Xia Wan's face faded a little, but her eyes remained calm. She was no longer the girl who would be hurt by Su Qian's words.

"Ms. Su, you are too kind. The success of the project is the result of the joint efforts of the team." She spoke in a calm tone, making a great move with little effort.

"Team?" Su Qian raised her eyebrows exaggeratedly, her eyes swept over Xia Wan meaningfully, and then glanced at Jiang Yu who was whispering with Mr. Li not far away, her voice carrying a hint of ambiguous inquiry, "Yes, teamwork is very important. However, I heard that President Jiang gave Engineer Xia a lot of 'critical' support at the critical moment?" She emphasized the word "critical" with extra emphasis, which was full of hints.

The air around them instantly grew quieter, and inquiring glances flickered between Xia Wan and Jiang Yu.

Xia Wan's heart sank slightly. Su Qian's provocation was more direct than she had expected. Just as she was about to speak, a deep, steady voice sounded first, clearly piercing the slightly awkward silence.

"The success of this project is primarily due to Engineer Xia's exceptional professionalism and profound understanding of historical architecture. Her proposal is clear, rigorously reasoned, and decisively executed." Jiang Yu had approached without anyone noticing, and stood slightly in front of Xia Wan, forming an invisible protective posture. He glanced calmly at Su Qian, with an unmistakable sense of distance, then turned to the crowd present. His voice was low, but it carried a powerful aura and a clear stance.

"As for support," he paused, his gaze resting on Xia Wan's face. His eyes were deep and solemn, filled with pure admiration and recognition. "As colleagues, it's perfectly normal to provide necessary professional information exchange and technical discussions. Engineer Xia's abilities are worthy of this respect and trust. Her brilliance stems from within, and she doesn't need anyone else's 'critical' blessing."

His words, like a precise scalpel, instantly dissected all the ambiguity and malice within Su Qian's words. He didn't directly refute Su Qian, but instead affirmed Xia Wan's professional value and personal abilities in the clearest and most irrefutable way, completely freeing her from the malicious speculation that she relied on connections and firmly elevating her to the heights she deserved.

The air around them seemed to flow instantly. Several senior executives from Party A immediately nodded in agreement: "Mr. Jiang is right!" "Xia Gong's strength is obvious to all!" "We are very optimistic about Xia Gong's future development!"

Su Qian's expression instantly turned grim, her carefully controlled smile frozen. She hadn't expected Jiang Yu to defend Xia Wan so directly and ruthlessly, and in such a professional and respectful manner. She twitched her lips awkwardly and walked away, her glass in hand, looking disgruntled.

Xia Wan stood beside Jiang Yu, feeling the weight of his trust and undisguised support in his words. A warm current surged through her heart, bringing with it a profound shock and an indescribable thrill. He had not only "seen" her light, but had also, before everyone, powerfully shielded her from the dust that sought to obscure it. This support wasn't born out of guilt, but rather out of genuine respect and recognition for her professional competence and personal worth.

She turned her head and looked at Jiang Yu. He was looking at her too. There was no praise or complacency in his deep eyes, only a calm, warm light, as if saying, "You're worth it."

Xia Wan's heartbeat accelerated uncontrollably. She pursed her lips slightly and gave him a clear, solemn, and grateful smile. Under the bright lights, that smile was particularly moving.

The corners of Jiang Yu's lips also moved upwards almost imperceptibly, forming an extremely subtle but real arc.

This little incident was quickly drowned out by the joyous atmosphere of the celebration banquet. As the banquet reached its climax, the champagne tower was rolled out, the crystal glasses clinked together, making a crisp and pleasant sound, and laughter filled the entire hall.

As one of the main characters, Xia Wan naturally received a lot of toasts. She wasn't a big drinker to begin with, and after a few glasses of champagne, her cheeks flushed, her eyes took on a misty luster, and her steps began to unsteadily shift.

"Xia Gong, have another drink! We must have a great time today!"

"Yeah, Xia Gong Haipong!"

Others came up enthusiastically, glasses in hand. Xia Wan felt a little dizzy and a little sick to her stomach, but she still tried to raise her glass.

At this moment, a bony hand reached out and naturally took the wine glass from her hand that was about to be filled again.

"Mr. Xia has drunk enough today." Jiang Yu's voice sounded beside her, low and steady, with an unquestionable gentleness, "Her stomach is not very good, she will feel uncomfortable if she drinks more. This glass is for her to toast everyone." As he said, he calmly drank the wine in the glass in one gulp, his movements quick and decisive.

His actions were natural and appropriate, helping Xia Wan out without losing his manners. Seeing this, everyone felt reluctant and turned to Jiang Yu with a smile to toast him.

Xia Wan stood beside him, stunned, watching his tall, straight figure block all the alcohol for her, feeling the natural concern in his words. A strong, warm current of dependence and throbbing excitement instantly surged through her body. The alcohol amplified her senses and blurred her rational defenses.

As the dinner drew to a close, guests began to depart. Xia Wan felt her head grow heavy, and the lights and figures before her eyes seemed to be spinning. She held her forehead, trying to stay awake, but her body swayed uncontrollably.

"Be careful." A strong arm quickly and firmly grasped her arm. It was Jiang Yu. His palm was dry and warm, a soothing warmth that radiated through the thin velvet fabric.

Xia Wan raised her head, her misty eyes looking at him. Under the light, his deep eyes were filled with undisguised concern, and his brows knitted slightly. "You've had too much to drink. I'll take you home."

This time, Xia Wan didn't refuse. The immense exhaustion and the dizziness from the alcohol had left her with no strength to support herself. She even subconsciously leaned towards his arm, as if it were her only reliable support.

Jiang Yu's body stiffened imperceptibly the moment she leaned in, then his arms supported her more firmly. He said nothing more, simply giving a few instructions to his colleagues in the project team nearby. Then, half-supporting Xia Wan, who was already unsteady on her feet, he walked through the crowd toward the restaurant entrance.

The cold winter wind blew in her face, making Xia Wan shiver, and her consciousness regained a little bit. She wrapped herself tightly in Jiang Yu's coat and let him help her into the warm carriage.

Assistant Li Mo smoothly steered the car onto the late-night streets. Xia Wan leaned back in the comfortable seat, the effects of the alcohol completely taking over. Her eyelids felt heavy, her consciousness fluctuating between lucidity and haziness. Soothing music and Jiang Yu's steady breathing filled her ears. His crisp fir scent, mixed with a hint of alcohol, enveloped her, bringing a strange sense of security.

"Jiang Yu..." She murmured unconsciously, her voice nasal and soft after being drunk.

"Hmm?" Jiang Yu responded immediately, his voice low and gentle, and turned his head to look at her.

Xia Wan said nothing more, merely closing her eyes, as if she had fallen asleep again. Her long eyelashes cast thick shadows under her eyes, her cheeks flushed, her lips slightly pouting, her defenseless appearance both vulnerable and moving.

Jiang Yu's gaze fell heavily on her face, and in those deep eyes, extremely complex emotions surged - there was heartache, pity, an almost greedy desire to protect, and another... a deep throbbing catalyzed by alcohol and her dependence at the moment.

Xia Wan didn't sleep well, and her head fell towards his shoulder.

The car stopped downstairs of the apartment building. Jiang Yu didn't wake her up immediately, but just quietly looked at her sleeping profile. The streetlights outside the window shone through the car window, casting flickering light and shadows on her face.

Feeling Li Mo's gaze, Jiang Yu gently let her lean back in the chair, pushed open the door and got out, then walked around to the other side and carefully opened the door. Xia Wan shivered slightly as the cold air rushed in.

"Xia Wan, wake up, we're home." Jiang Yu's voice was low and soft, as if he was afraid of disturbing something.

Xia Wan opened her eyes dazedly, her eyes confused and innocent, like a lost deer. She looked at Jiang Yu's handsome face, which was magnified in front of her, and seemed a little overwhelmed.

"Can you walk?" Jiang Yu asked in a low voice, stretching out his arms.

Xia Wan subconsciously placed her hand on his forearm, using his strength to stagger out of the car. Her steps were unsteady, and she almost leaned on him. The warm and solid masculine aura instantly enveloped her, bringing a dizzying sense of security.

Jiang Yu held Xia Wan steadily with one hand, and held her clothes and handbag with the other hand. He half-supported and half-carried her into the apartment building, swiped her card, and walked into the corridor.

There were only two of them in the narrow hallway. Xia Wan's steps were unsteady, as if she were climbing the stairs by instinct. She leaned almost all her weight on Jiang Yu, her head resting on his sturdy shoulders, her breath filled with his refreshing and pleasant scent. Her consciousness was hazy, but she only felt the warmth and security of his embrace, making her want to get closer.

Jiang Yu's body was tense, her jawline taut. He could clearly feel the gentle scraping of fabric between them with every step, her soft body pressed against his, her warm breath brushing the skin of her neck, and the uncontrolled, frantic beating of his heart in his chest. A long-lost throbbing, filled with immense longing, surged and seethed like magma within his silent heart.

But he didn't move. He just used all his strength to restrain himself, and his arms supported her more firmly, like a silent mountain, providing her with the most solid support.

Arriving at the floor, Jiang Yu helped her walk to the door of the apartment, took out the key from her bag and opened the door.

The apartment was dark, with a familiar cool atmosphere.

Jiang Yu fumbled to turn on the entrance light. Warm yellow light poured down, illuminating the small space and also Xia Wan's flushed cheeks and misty eyes.

"We're home." He helped her sit on the shoe-changing bench in the entrance hall, his voice very hoarse.

Xia Wan sat there, looking up at him with a hazy gaze. Under the light, his deep eyes were filled with so many emotions she couldn't understand, like the deep night sky, full of storms. She just thought he was handsome and so close to her.

"Jiang Yu..." She murmured unconsciously again, with a heavy nasal tone and drunken dependence, like the whimper of a kitten.

This call was like a lit fuse, instantly igniting all the emotions that Jiang Yu had been suppressing!

He suddenly leaned over, his hands pressed against the wall on either side of her body, trapping her between him and the wall. His tall figure cast a heavy shadow, completely enveloping her. His breathing suddenly became heavy and hot, carrying the strong smell of alcohol and an aggression that threatened to burst out of his body, spraying her face.

His deep eyes locked onto her misty ones, a terrifying fire burning in them, a mixture of great desire, deep pity and an almost destructive restraint.

"Xia Wan," his voice was as hoarse as gravel, with a dangerous air of being on the verge of losing control, and every word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth, "look at me."

Xia Wan was startled by his sudden movement and the burning breath, and her drunken haze seemed to sober up for a moment. She opened her eyes wide, with a hint of panic and confusion, looking at the man who was so close, as dangerous and aggressive as a cheetah.

He was no longer the calm and composed CEO Jiang, nor was he the silent and protective colleague. At this moment, he was like a volcano that had been suppressed for too long and was about to erupt, filled with a primitive, heart-pounding sense of power and possessiveness.

"I..." Xia Wan's voice trembled. She instinctively wanted to retreat, but she was trapped in a small space with nowhere to escape.

Jiang Yu's gaze was fixed on her frightened eyes, his Adam's apple rolling violently. He looked at her lips, which were even more charming due to the alcohol. They trembled slightly, as if in a silent invitation. The long-suppressed desire in his body and the ability called "love" that was struggling to recover completely broke through the dam of reason at this moment!

He suddenly lowered his head, and with a punitive force filled with great desire, he fiercely grabbed her slightly open lips that smelled of wine and were sweet!

"Hmm..." Xia Wan's short exclamation was completely swallowed up.

The kiss started out with an exploratory eagerness, but soon became lingering and deep. His lips and tongue were irresistibly gentle, yet filled with a desire to explore, carefully tracing the shape of her lips and absorbing her sweetness. Xia Wan's mind went blank, but her body responded instinctively! The love that had been pent up for ten years was like a flood that broke through all shyness and rationality! She was no longer passively enduring, but responded to him awkwardly but passionately! Her hands unconsciously climbed up his neck, her fingertips caressing his face with a small stubble, and she moved closer to him. As their lips and teeth intertwined, she felt the desire and love that had been suppressed for too long and finally got to vent!

This response was like the strongest liquor, instantly igniting Jiang Yu! He growled, tightened his arms, and squeezed her even tighter into his arms, kissing her deeper and more passionately, as if he wanted to melt the entirety of the lost ten years into this kiss. In the small hallway, only the heavy, chaotic breathing of the two and the ambiguous sound of their lips and tongues entwined were left, and the air seemed to be on fire.

However, at this moment when he was confused and almost completely sinking into despair, Jiang Yu's strong reason was like an ice cone, piercing through the fog of lust!

He felt Xia Wan's response, her passion and devotion filling him with ecstasy, yet it also instantly startled him awake—she was drunk! She wasn't conscious! How much of this response was fueled by alcohol, and how much was sober love? He couldn't, shouldn't, let things get out of control when she was at her most vulnerable and defenseless! He couldn't repeat the mistakes of that night at the class reunion! He cherished her, and what he wanted was her sober, complete acceptance, not a night dominated by alcohol and lust!

The tremendous self-control is like an iron clamp, tightly strangling the surging desire!

"Mmm..." Jiang Yu abruptly ended the passionate kiss, resting his forehead against hers, his breathing hot and rapid, his chest heaving violently. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, lust still lingered in them, but more so, a nearly painful clarity and a resolute desire to protect him.

"Xia Wan..." His voice was very hoarse and he was holding back with great restraint, "Listen, you're drunk. You need to calm down." He tried to distance himself a little, but his arms still firmly supported her shaky body.

Xia Wan suddenly lost that warm, passionate kiss and embrace, feeling a surge of emptiness and loss. The aftereffects of alcohol and lust had left her limp and blurry. Instinctively, she clutched the cashmere sweater across his chest, looking at him with hazy, aggrieved eyes, like an abandoned animal.

"Jiang Yu..." Her voice was nasal and drunken, with a hint of barely perceptible panic, "Don't... don't go..."

Her words, filled with a huge amount of dependence and pleas to stay, hit Jiang Yu's heart like a heavy hammer! He looked at her hazy and aggrieved eyes, and her hands tightly grasping his clothes. His heart softened and he almost fell into despair again. But he couldn't!

He took a deep breath, forced himself to harden his heart, and said in an unquestionable gentleness and firmness: "I won't go far. But you need to rest and calm down now. Okay?" He half hugged her and carefully helped her to the sofa in the living room.

Xia Wan was placed on the soft sofa, her body sinking into it. The intoxication and fatigue once again surged over her, and her eyelids were so heavy that she could barely lift them. But she still tried to keep them open, looking at him, and unconsciously muttered, "Don't go... Don't leave me..."

Jiang Yu's heart felt like it was being gripped tightly by an invisible hand, aching and painful. He squatted beside the sofa, watching her face, flushed in the warm yellow light, fragile yet attached. His eyes were filled with deep love, immense restraint, and a protectiveness that bordered on piety. He reached out and gently brushed the sweat-soaked hair away from her forehead, his fingertips trembling imperceptibly.

"Go to sleep, Xia Wan." His voice was low and gentle, like the safest lullaby, "I'm here. I won't leave."

Perhaps it was the alcohol taking over, or perhaps it was the warmth of his palm and the reassurance his words brought, but Xia Wan's frayed nerves finally relaxed. Her long eyelashes fluttered a few times before finally, unable to resist the heavy sleepiness, they slowly closed. Her breathing gradually became even and long, but that hand still unconsciously clutched the small corner of his clothes, as if clinging to a piece of driftwood.

Jiang Yu remained in a squatting position, motionless. His gaze fixed on her sleeping face, watching her lips, slightly parted by the alcohol, still bearing the marks of his kiss. His heart surged with unresolved emotions and immense tenderness. He cautiously extended his fingers and, with extreme gentleness, almost worship, touched her slightly warm cheek.

Then, he remained in the position where she held the corner of his clothes, quietly guarding her side. His tall figure cast a protective shadow beside the sofa. Time seemed to freeze at this moment. In the small living room, only her steady breathing and his steady, strong heartbeat remained.

"Ding!" Li Mo was sitting in his car, resting his eyes, when a message suddenly came in: "You can leave work today. Remember to pick me up tomorrow." Li Mo stared at the phone screen for what felt like an eternity, then drove away with an incredulous expression. He really wanted to share this gossip with his colleagues! Hold on, hold on! You're CEO Jiang's most trusted assistant, Xiao Li!