Chapter 28 Chapter 28 Rejection

Zhou Heyuan first greeted Uncle Wang and the others standing in the front, and finally it was Lin Anran's turn standing at the edge: "Xiao Lin."

Lin Anran smiled calmly: "Mr. Zhou."

She couldn't see anything unusual about Boss Zhou. He looked exactly the same as she had seen him before. He was still as cold and dignified, and his emotions were stable. It was really great.

Except for Qian Jiaming and Uncle Wang who knew the inside story, everyone else, like Lin Anran, found nothing. Guo Shuyan, who knew Zhou Heyuan and Qian Jiaming, felt that the atmosphere was strange, but he had no choice but to give up because he had too little information.

As soon as Qian Jiaming got out of the car, he immediately looked for Lin Anran. When he saw Lin Anran's appearance, he was stunned for a moment and blurted out, "Xiao Lin, it's true that girls change a lot when they grow up. I almost didn't recognize you!"

It's been just over two months since they last met, but Xiaolin has changed so much that anyone who sees her would say she is a great beauty. Qian Jiaming immediately turned his head to look at Zhou Heyuan, but he didn't see the shock or amazement he expected. If Qian Jiaming hadn't been sure that Zhou Heyuan's eyes were always on Lin Anran, he would definitely have doubted whether Zhou Heyuan really had a good impression of Lin Anran.

Although Lin Anran was already over 18, she was naturally happy when Qian Jiaming praised her for her youth and beauty. "Thank you, Mr. Qian."

As Guo Shuyan stood firm, he heard Qian Jiaming's loud voice. He couldn't help but look over and was a little confused when he saw Lin Anran: "Are you Xiaolin?"

"Mr. Guo, long time no see." The books that Guo Shuyan borrowed for free were still on Lin Anran's small desk. She had not forgotten this good man number two.

Guo Shuyan nodded slowly. He was the one who had not seen Lin Anran for the longest time among all the people present. His reaction at this moment was a bit like the migrant workers from Lin Village whom Lin Anran had met at the entrance of the electronics factory before. There was shock, confusion, and even amazement and admiration.

"Xiao Lin, I heard from Yunxue that you are using aloe vera honey gel. Is aloe vera honey gel really that effective?" Qian Jiaming quickly thought of something else. He still remembered Lin Anran's appearance when he first met her. Now Lin Anran's skin has become several shades whiter, and you have to look closely to see some fine lines on her face.

Seeing that Zhou Heyuan didn't stop them from talking, Lin Anran explained, "Mr. Qian, my big change isn't just due to using aloe vera and honey gel. I've also made a lot of efforts. Most importantly, I'm still young."

Lin Anran knew that she had changed a lot, but she was very calm and not panicked at all. There were so many strange people and things in the world, and her change was nothing.

Qian Jiaming was stunned. Thinking of Lin Anran's age, he was indeed very young. She was three years younger than him. Isn't that very young?

"Xiao Lin, I hope your orchids can also have such a huge and positive change like you." When Guo Shuyan saw Lin Anran, he naturally thought of the Clivia that Lin Anran raised, and couldn't help but feel anticipation.

"If Mr. Guo is free, Uncle Ding and I will move the Clivia to the garden." Lin Anran felt that there was no problem at all in moving her Clivia in front of Guo Shuyan for him to admire, because Guo Shuyan was rich and there was no need to worry about him eyeing her Clivia. Rather, she could show off in front of Guo Shuyan, a loyal fan of Clivia.

Guo Shuyan: "I'm looking forward to it."

Guo Shuyan wanted to continue talking to Lin Anran about orchids, but Qian Jiaming stretched out his hand and pulled him away: "Why are you so talkative? Come in and pour me a cup of tea. Uncle Wang must have made it."

Guo Shuyan, who was being dragged away, asked: “?”

Lin Anran just blinked, and Uncle Wang ordered Aunt Li, Chef Zhao, Uncle Ding and others to come over. Then Uncle Wang left quickly. Fang Jie drove the car back to the garage. In other words, only she and Zhou Heyuan were left here.

Lin Anran: “…”

Uncle Wang, have you forgotten there's a living person here? And your subordinate, Xiaolin, is here too.

Lin Anran moved his toes, wanting to lift his feet and leave.

"Xiao Lin."

"I'm here, Mr. Zhou. What can I do for you?" Lin Anran stood at attention for a second, turned to look at Zhou Heyuan with a professional expression, and paused before adding, "Uncle Wang has prepared your usual tea."

So, Boss Zhou, go and have some tea quickly.

Zhou Heyuan lowered his head and said to her, "Don't worry, I'm not thirsty now."

Lin Anran pursed his lips and smiled: "Okay, Mr. Zhou."

"Would you like to take a walk in the garden with me?" Zhou Heyuan's invitation came suddenly, but not very unexpected.

Lin Anran was surprised for a moment, and then she felt a sense of relief that "it's finally here". She didn't really want to accept the invitation, but Zhou Heyuan had already spoken. This time they were not talking on the phone, but face to face. It was not a big deal to keep refusing. She worked in the villa, and sooner or later such an encounter would happen.

"Mr. Zhou, I'm willing. However, I'm still at work and it's not time to get off work yet." Lin Anran agreed, but he said this just to be funny and remind Zhou Heyuan. It was Zhou Heyuan who set the rule that one cannot do irrelevant things during working hours. Now, Zhou Heyuan made an exception himself, hahahaha.

Zhou Heyuan was about to turn around, but when he heard this, he stopped and his gaze fell on Lin Anran again. A complex and confused emotion flashed across his eyes.

Lin Anran saw him looking at her quietly. She couldn't understand the emotions in his eyes, but she finally discovered that Zhou Heyuan was not always calm. This also made the subtle emotions in her heart feel a little more real - Zhou Heyuan is also a human being. His stable emotions do not mean that he has no emotional ups and downs.

"Mr. Zhou, since you don't answer, why don't you wait until I get off work before going for a walk in the garden?" Lin Anran took the initiative and took the lead directly into his own hands.

Zhou Heyuan quickly regained his composure and said, "No, let's go to the garden now."

Lin Anran smiled slightly: "That's great. If you invite me to the garden after get off work, Mr. Zhou, I might ask you for overtime pay."

Zhou Heyuan was stunned for once. When he noticed the smug smile on Lin Anran's face, he couldn't help but smile gently, but said, "Only for this one thing, I won't give you overtime pay."

Lin Anran's face flushed at his smile, but the next moment, she reacted immediately and pretended to look away, thinking to herself, "Oh no!" Beauty is so alluring. She was attracted to Zhou Heyuan's looks, but she had seen him so many times before that she had developed a resistance. Now that Zhou Heyuan smiled, she realized that this man could smile even more beautifully!

It’s not like Zhou Heyuan had never smiled before. He looked gentle and rarely gave people a cold face. He smiled more often. However, his smile in the past gave her a feeling of being very pressured and having a strong aura. In short, it made her feel very distant.

Lin Anran didn't know how to describe Zhou Heyuan's smile. Anyway, she was bewitched. Although it was only for a short moment, being bewitched was an indelible fact.

But who doesn't like beauty? It's not illegal for her to like good-looking people.

Lin Anran quickly convinced and supported herself. She turned back with a frank look on her face and admired Zhou Heyuan's face openly. Yes, his smile was indeed very gentle and charming. Who cares? When there is a chance to see beauty, you should look at it more, otherwise it will be a waste.

And she, Lin Anran, never treats herself badly.

Zhou Heyuan didn't feel annoyed when he found Lin Anran staring at his face. Instead, he felt a strange joy rising from the bottom of his heart. He said to her, "Xiao Lin, don't walk behind me. Walk with me."

Lin Anran nodded and took a few steps forward, walking side by side with him. After the little incident just now, she was now much more relaxed. After they reached the garden, she took the initiative to ask, "Mr. Zhou, what do you want to tell me?"

Zhou Heyuan stopped, turned around and faced Lin Anran, and said, "Xiao Lin, when we first met, you asked me to call you Xiao Lin. Will you allow me to call you by your name from now on?"

Lin Anran blinked, smiled, and politely declined: "I think it would be better if Mr. Zhou called me Xiao Lin."

Her name was meant to be called, but in this situation, she always felt a little awkward when Zhou Heyuan called her name directly.

The two of them fell silent. Zhou Heyuan looked at her silently. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Well, you can just call me by my name."

Um?

Lin Anran looked up at Zhou Heyuan. His eyes were focused, and there was no trace of rejection on his face. She moved the tip of her shoe slightly and changed the subject: "Mr. Zhou, is this what you are looking for me for?"

Zhou Heyuan nodded slightly and said, "It's not just about this matter."

Lin Anran breathed lightly. She had a premonition. This time, she didn't look away on purpose. Instead, she looked at him sincerely and said, "Okay, go ahead."

Zhou Heyuan gazed deeply at her, and with the same sincerity, he said to her, "I have a good impression of you. After leaving Shenzhen, I am even more certain that this good impression will not disappear easily. I have never missed anyone for so long. I sometimes think of you, and the number of times I think of you will not decrease, but will increase. I will not forget you. I want to get to know you more deeply. I came back this time just to see you."

Lin Anran clasped her hands tightly behind her back to keep herself calm. No, she couldn't be confused and had to stay sober. She was sure that she didn't have the same good feelings towards Zhou Heyuan. Of course, she definitely admired Zhou Heyuan very much. Whether it was his appearance, ability, or his character, they were all undoubtedly strong.

Such a top-notch man told her that he wanted to get to know her better, and it was not just a casual remark. Obviously, Zhou Heyuan did this after careful consideration, not on a whim. Lin Anran could feel his seriousness, so she had to respond with the same seriousness and not underestimate his intentions.

Lin Anran finally calmed herself down. She straightened her back, looked Zhou Heyuan in the eye, and said, "I'm sorry, I don't have that kind of affection for you."

After saying this, Lin Anran felt relieved. This was good. A man as proud and self-respecting as Zhou Heyuan would definitely turn around and leave in a dignified manner after being rejected by her. This would not affect her work.

But Lin Anran was wrong. Instead of leaving gracefully, Zhou Heyuan quietly observed her for a few seconds and said, "I know."

Lin Anran blinked, puzzled: "So?"

Zhou Heyuan didn't answer her immediately, but said, "Xiao Lin, I bought a lot of books about plants, half of which are in English. These books will be placed in the study on the third floor. You can read them anytime."

Lin Anran was even more confused, but when she looked at Zhou Heyuan, a light bulb went off in her head, and she asked him, "Are you saying that you want to pursue me?" The books Zhou Heyuan bought were obviously the ones she wanted to read, especially the foreign books that were hard to buy. This way, she could not only learn English but also learn more about plants. He knew that she would not accept the books, but he put them in the study on the third floor, and she could borrow them to read.

I have to say that Zhou Heyuan's arrangement was just right and he was so thoughtful. At least Lin Anran couldn't say no to him. She was really moved - of course, by those books.

"Yes, I am pursuing you." Zhou Heyuan nodded in admission.

Lin Anran's fingers, which were behind his back, were almost torn into pieces by her. He had just accepted the benefits offered by someone, and now she was directly refusing him and asking him not to pursue her? Even someone as shameless as Lin Anran felt a little embarrassed.

She couldn't help but ask curiously, "Mr. Zhou, what do you like about me? When did you like me?" Lin Anran knew that she was very likable and she was awesome, but she was still curious about how Zhou Heyuan would answer.

Zhou Heyuan didn't discuss "liking" and "liking" Lin Anran like he had with Qian Jiaming. He subconsciously knew he shouldn't discuss this with Lin Anran at this time. He had no intention of hiding it, because he had also thought deeply about these two questions before, and the answer was: "You are good in every way. When we first met, I thought you were very special."

It’s so early?!

Lin Anran was shocked. She thought about her first meeting with Zhou Heyuan, which was great. But she also remembered the bad feeling when he called her "Aunt Lin". She would never forget Zhou Heyuan that day, haha.

However, Zhou Heyuan actually... Lin Anran felt very complicated, and he thought she was good in every way.

"Don't worry, I'll be back in Beijing tomorrow. The next time we meet should be at the end of the year or early next year," Zhou Heyuan explained without making things difficult for her. He paused and added, "If you call me, I'll definitely find time to come back."

Lin Anran was stunned. End of the year or early next year? Zhou Heyuan really had come back to Shenzhen just for her. She didn't ask what he was up to, but simply said, "I don't think I need to call you about anything. By the way, Mr. Zhou, I haven't opened that book yet. I need to return it to you."

"You keep it," Zhou Heyuan said. Seeing Lin Anran's resistance, he could only change his words and say, "You can send the book to the study on the third floor."

Lin Anran immediately smiled: "Okay, I will send the book to the study on the third floor." The act of sending books was too intimate, especially in their current situation.

Zhou Heyuan finally said: "You can consider me."

Lin Anran smiled and turned away. Zhou Heyuan was a man who could easily make her heart flutter. However, she was currently working at his villa. If she really agreed to date him, would she still be able to work there? Lin Anran always felt awkward, so between a man and her job, she chose work. For him, her heart was as calm as water.

So, money is the biggest boss.

"How is it?" Qian Jiaming asked immediately when he saw Zhou Heyuan coming back. He had been holding back and had not secretly hidden in the window to watch Zhou Heyuan and Lin Anran in the garden.

Zhou Heyuan frowned slightly, then relaxed his brows, sat down on the sofa, and pondered quietly.

Qian Jiaming's expression froze for a moment, and he asked, "Xiao Lin doesn't agree?" He knew that Zhou Heyuan traveled all the way south just for Lin Anran, but he never expected that Lin Anran would actually reject Zhou Heyuan!

That Zhou Heyuan! He was actually rejected!

Qian Jiaming was shocked that Zhou Heyuan was rejected!

"Xiao Lin, I really... can't do this. Let me slow down..." Qian Jiaming lay on the sofa with shaking legs, his eyes dull and his mouth open. He still hadn't recovered.

Guo Shuyan frowned. "I'm increasingly confused about what you two are up to. What's with all this charades? What's there to keep from brothers? Heyuan, what's with Jiaming saying Xiaolin disagrees?"

Zhou Heyuan glanced at Qian and Guo and said without hiding anything: "I wanted to develop a relationship with Xiaolin, but she rejected me."

Zhou Heyuan's personal admission made Qian Jiaming cover his face with his hands in despair.

Guo Shuyan was still confused: "You want to have a relationship with Xiaolin? What kind of relationship do you want?"

"Emotional development." Zhou Heyuan said, closed his eyes, hiding all the emotions in his eyes, leaned motionless on the sofa, as stiff as a sculpture.

Guo Shuyan: “…”

At that moment, Guo Shuyan figured out what the secret was that Qian Jiaming had been hiding all this time. It turned out that the secret was right in front of him, but he had never thought about it that way. He had never thought that Zhou Heyuan had secretly fallen in love with Lin Anran. No, he had never thought that Zhou Heyuan could actually like someone! Isn't Zhou Heyuan insulated from love?

"In other words, Xiaolin refuses to have feelings for you..." Guo Shuyan stopped talking halfway and immediately shut up. The point was that Lin Anran rejected Zhou Heyuan!

There is no doubt that Guo Shuyan has become Qian Jiaming No. 2.

The tea room was silent for a long time. Guo Shuyan took off his glasses, wiped the lenses, and spoke carefully: "So, He Yuan, you won't give up just like that, right?"

Qian Jiaming opened his eyes quickly: "Xiao Lin really has no taste!"

Zhou Heyuan turned his gaze indifferently to Qian Jiaming.

Qian Jiaming shut up awkwardly: "Okay, I take back what I just said. Xiaolin just hasn't discovered your good points yet."

"I'm pursuing her." How could Zhou Heyuan give up? But he didn't pursue Lin Anran relentlessly, not wanting his pursuit to bring her trouble.

Qian Jiaming immediately became excited and rubbed his hands together, saying, "Heyuan, I'll give you some advice."

Guo Shuyan looked at the inflated Qian Jiaming helplessly.

"The trick of secretly loving a loser is useless." Zhou Heyuan said without any mercy.

Qian Jiaming, who once had a crush on someone but failed, became withdrawn: "..."

Guo Shuyan spread his hands: "My experience is not applicable, and Heyuan, you are pursuing Xiaolin, you will definitely not accept our advice."

Zhou Heyuan nodded.

"If you need any help, I'll definitely lend you a hand," Guo Shuyan said sensibly and measuredly. Thinking of Zhou Heyuan's busy work schedule, he gently reminded him, "You won't have much time to come back to Shenzhen to see Xiaolin. Anything could happen over time, so be careful."

"She won't." Zhou Heyuan accepted Lin Anran's rejection. He knew what she wanted to do most now and knew that she was a person who was determined to walk in the direction she chose.

Guo Shuyan discovered that Zhou Heyuan really thought so, so he had to say: "When love comes, no one can say she won't, Xiaolin...she will never lack suitors."

Zhou Heyuan's eyes were deep, and his hands pressed slightly on the armrest of the sofa.

"Xiao Lin, come and help." Chef Zhao immediately called her over when he saw Lin Anran appear at the kitchen door.

Lin Anran's eyes lit up when he saw the lively shrimps. He took a pair of scissors and went to help: "Uncle Zhao, were these shrimps just delivered?"

"Yes, Uncle Wang's contact just delivered it. Let's have a shrimp meal with Mr. Zhou tonight." Chef Zhao said happily.

Lin Anran also smiled: "That's great, there will be delicious food when Mr. Zhou comes back."

This nanny job was fantastic. Lin Anran especially loved the staff meals, especially the ones Zhou Heyuan had when he lived in the villa. They were free, delicious, and filling. Where else could she find a job with staff meals like that? If she had to buy them herself, her monthly food bill would definitely be no less than three figures.

Unfortunately, Zhou Heyuan has to go back to Beijing tomorrow. Lin Anran felt a little reluctant to see Zhou Heyuan leave when he thought about not being able to enjoy all the delicious food. However, since there was something to eat tonight, Lin Anran was not picky. The fresh shrimps made by Chef Zhao were super delicious.

Chef Zhao and the others were surprised to learn that Zhou Heyuan was leaving again tomorrow. Aunt Li quickly asked Uncle Wang, "Didn't Mr. Zhou just arrive? Why is he going back to Beijing again?"

Uncle Wang didn't let anything slip: "This is Mr. Zhou's arrangement."

Aunt Li sighed and tactfully asked no further questions. She turned to Fang Jie and said, "Xiao Fang, you'll be following Mr. Zhou around everywhere, so remember to protect him. Come, I'll serve you some more shrimp. Eat more and feel full so you have more strength."

Lin Anran had been sitting quietly in a chair eating shrimps, one after another, her mouth full of delicious food, looking so happy. When she heard Aunt Li mention Fang Jie, she looked up and found that Fang Jie was looking at her. Lin Anran smiled at him. She didn't know whether Fang Jie knew why Zhou Heyuan suddenly came back to Shenzhen and then returned to Beijing so quickly. She didn't say it, and Fang Jie didn't mention it, so it was good like this.

Just like Uncle Wang, Lin Anran knew that Uncle Wang must have discovered something, but Uncle Wang would never tell anyone about the private affairs of his boss Zhou Heyuan. Uncle Wang clearly distinguished between public and private matters, and she was completely confident in Uncle Wang.

"Come, Xiaolin, you like shrimps the most, so I'll serve you some. There are still a lot left. Uncle Wang, you bought too many shrimps. Everyone should eat as much as they can. I wonder if we can finish them tonight." Aunt Li asked curiously.

Uncle Wang smiled and said, "Mr. Zhou said we should have a good meal together since it's almost Mid-Autumn Festival."

Aunt Li immediately smiled brightly: "Yes, it's almost Mid-Autumn Festival, it's just right for Mr. Zhou to return to Beijing to reunite with his family for the holiday."

Lin Anran paused chewing the shrimps in her mouth and silently observed everyone's lunch boxes and the bowl of shrimps in the middle. Wow, there were really a lot of shrimps.

This is a benefit, a benefit for all employees, and she absolutely trusts Uncle Wang.