He's throwing a tantrum at me.

Meng Yihe became more and more engrossed in her speech, her eyes focused, and she even temporarily forgot that the person next to her was Cui Yu. It was as if she was expounding on a concept she had been thinking about for a long time: "For example, if we decide to strengthen a certain historical context of 'Xinghua Plaza,' then the brands we introduce, the public art, and even the training scripts for employees should all echo it. Only in this way can we create a truly unique 'environmental asset' that cannot be easily replicated."

Cui Yu turned her head and looked at Meng Yihe.

The sea breeze ruffled the stray hairs on his forehead, revealing a smooth brow and eyes that shone brightly with thoughtful expression. At this moment, he shed his usual coldness. He radiated an almost sharp light, exuding persuasiveness and allure.

Cui Yu thought about it carefully before slowly speaking: "The concept is very attractive, Director Meng. But this means a higher threshold for attracting businesses, more complex operation and management, and a longer market education process. Its return on investment cycle may be much longer than that of a standard 'MixC' model." There was no sarcasm in his tone, but a genuine discussion and risk assessment.

“I know.” Meng Yihe met his gaze, her eyes unwavering, even carrying a hint of challenge.

"That's why you, Director Cui, need to be very shrewd in your calculations and find ways to control costs, instead of choosing the most mediocre and unimaginative path just because it's difficult."

Their eyes met, and it felt as if professional sparks were colliding in the air. But this time, the core of the collision was no longer a life-or-death argument, but rather how to work together to solve an extremely challenging problem.

Seagulls swept across the distant sea, emitting long, drawn-out cries.

Looking at the unwavering determination and confidence in Meng Yihe's eyes, Cui Yu suddenly chuckled and shook his head.

"Meng Yihe, you are truly the person I have ever met who is best at creating difficult problems for others."

But there wasn't much of a complaint in his tone.

“So,” Cui Yu turned around, facing the project again, his voice steady, “the next question. If we decide to try to create this kind of ‘core node’ and systemic experience, what do you think is the most suitable ‘unique feature’ for ‘Xinghua Plaza’ to explore and utilize? We need a specific direction before we can proceed with the next feasibility assessment.”

He pushed the issue a step further, implicitly accepting the challenging framework proposed by Meng Yihe. The discussion entered a more substantial phase, one that required deeper collaboration between the two.

The sea breeze continued to blow, seemingly dispelling some of the previous ambiguity and awkwardness. In its place was a tense atmosphere focused on a shared goal.

As the two were engrossed in debating the design of the core nodes of "Xinghua Plaza," and even began gesturing about the layout of the project below, an enthusiastic voice broke in.

"Excuse me, gentlemen!"

A middle-aged man carrying a professional camera and wearing a name tag around his neck jogged over with a broad smile. He looked like a photographer in charge of publicity or a partner project.

"Are you two discussing a project? You look like professionals!"

The photographer chuckled, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Cui Yu and Meng Yihe with an overly familiar enthusiasm.

"You two have been standing here for so long, and you both have such outstanding presence, you're such a perfect match! We happen to have a small event here, collecting photos of couples or partners that capture the romantic atmosphere and unique charm of 'Art Harbor,' and I think you two are a perfect fit! Would you like me to take a few pictures for you? Absolutely professional! Consider it a keepsake for our project, and also for you two?"

His words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky, instantly sending chills down Meng Yihe's spine.

"What nonsense are you spouting!"

Meng Yihe's face instantly darkened, and she retorted sharply almost reflexively. She even subconsciously took a big step back, instantly widening the distance between herself and Cui Yu, as if the other party were some kind of virus carrier.

The atmosphere, which had just eased slightly due to the professional discussion, froze instantly. A strong, pungent cherry brandy pheromone leaked out uncontrollably due to emotional excitement, carrying a clear sense of resistance and warning.

"We are working."

Cui Yu sensed the oppressive pheromones emanating from Meng Yihe. However, the photographer, being a Beta, was unaffected by the pheromones but clearly sensed that the other person was in a bad mood.

The photographer was startled by the sudden and strong reaction. His smile froze, and he looked helplessly at Cui Yu, who seemed easier to talk to.

Cui Yu was also taken aback.

But then an extremely malicious sense of amusement welled up inside me.

He found it extremely amusing to see Meng Yihe bristling, her ears turning red, and her eagerness to distance herself from the situation.

Instead of explaining, Cui Yu stepped forward, a gentle smile on her face, and said to the photographer, "I'm sorry, Mr. Photographer. He's a little shy and is having some work troubles. He's throwing a tantrum at me."

His tone was so natural, as if it were the truth, even carrying a hint of helpless indulgence.

"Cui Yu!"

Meng Yihe could hardly believe her ears, and her voice rose in anger.

If looks could kill, Cui Yu would already be riddled with holes.

Cui Yu seemed not to hear him and continued to say to the photographer, "Let's skip the photo shoot, we do have work to do. But your event is great, it reflects the project's tone."

In just a few words, he politely declined the photo, complimented the other person, and also took the opportunity to subtly criticize Meng Yihe.

The photographer looked as if he had just realized something.

He immediately smiled and apologized, "Oh dear, oh dear, it's my fault for not seeing clearly. I'm so sorry to have bothered you! You two are busy, you two are busy!"

After the photographer finished speaking, he quickly slipped away, giving Cui Yu a look that said, "I understand, it's not easy to appease your partner."

Once the photographer was out of sight, Meng Yihe immediately took a step closer, her anger almost tangible: "Cui Yu! What nonsense were you spouting?! Who's shy?! Who's throwing a tantrum?!"

The sea breeze blew, but it couldn't dispel the intense aura of shame and anger emanating from Meng Yihe.

崔羽好整以暇地看着他，摊了摊手，语气无辜又欠揍：“不然呢？孟总难道想我跟人家详细解释我们覆杂的甲乙方竞争合作关系以及AA恋的社会认知困境？那样更麻烦吧，我这是高效解决问题，避免不必要的纠缠。”

He can always find a plausible reason!

Meng Yihe was so angry at his twisted logic that her chest heaved, but she couldn't find the words to refute him. She could only glare at him fiercely and squeeze out the words through gritted teeth:

"You're clearly doing this on purpose!"

"I simply chose the easiest way to handle it."

Cui Yu smiled and looked at Meng Yihe's still reddened earlobes, adding meaningfully, "Moreover, Director Meng's reaction is so strong... could it be that something on her mind has been exposed?"

"you--!"

Meng Yihe was completely speechless, feeling like he was about to explode if he stayed with this person any longer. He suddenly turned around and strode towards the other end of the corridor without looking back, his back as stiff as a steel plate.

Looking at his furious back, Cui Yu finally couldn't help but chuckle softly.

The atmosphere plummeted to freezing point during the subsequent inspection.

Meng Yihe activated the "absolute zero" mode.

He was completely absorbed in his observations and recordings, responding to Cui Yu's words with the briefest, coldest words, or simply ignoring them, as if the person beside him didn't exist at all. His pheromones were also extremely well-controlled, with no leakage whatsoever; he was like a moving iceberg.

Cui Yu tried several times, such as pointing to a design point and asking for opinions, or sharing operational data, but all she got were monosyllabic replies like "um," "oh," or "I saw it," or she was simply ignored.

After hitting a few snags, Cui Yu didn't feel frustrated at all; instead, he found it even more interesting.

He knew this was a stress response after stepping on his tail.

So he stopped trying to strike up a conversation and just leisurely followed behind, looking at his own things. Occasionally, he would take a picture of Meng Yihe's cold, hard profile with his phone, as if the whole world owed him eight million.

This eerie silence continued until the first day of the expedition was nearing its end.

The team assembled and prepared to return to the hotel.

While waiting for the bus, Meng Yihe stood alone on the seaside railing a little away from the crowd. He looked at the distant sea and sky, trying to let the cold sea breeze blow away the restlessness in his heart. The setting sun cast a long shadow of him, making him look somewhat lonely.

Cui Yu exchanged a few brief words with the rest of his team. His gaze inadvertently swept over Meng Yihe's back. He paused, said "Wait a moment" to his assistant, and then walked towards Meng Yihe.

He didn't get too close, stopping two steps away from him and gazing at the sea just like him.

"Director Meng."

Cui Yu spoke, his voice calm, having dropped all his previous teasing.

"What happened just now was just a joke, don't take it seriously."

Meng Yihe's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, but she did not turn around or respond.

Cui Yu continued, his tone almost candid.

"However, that photographer was right about one thing."

"Professional and possessing exceptional charisma"

“You are indeed the most thoughtful, the most difficult to deal with, but also the most…” Cui Yu seemed to carefully consider his words.

"...the most unique partner."

This doesn't sound sarcastic, nor does it sound like a joke.

Meng Yihe finally turned her head slowly, her eyes filled with scrutiny and vigilance, as well as lingering coldness, as if judging the truthfulness of his words.

Cui Yu met his gaze, her face expressionless, and simply shrugged: "Public matters are public matters, and private matters are private matters. I admit that many of your ideas at work, though expensive, are indeed valuable."

“I need your blueprint for the ‘Xinghua Plaza’ project.”

After he finished speaking, without waiting for Meng Yihe's response, he turned and walked towards the convoy, as if he had just come to state an objective fact.

The sea breeze ruffled the hem of Cui Yu's trench coat.

Meng Yihe stood there, watching his retreating figure, then turned to look at the vast, boundless sea before her. The tangled mess in her heart seemed to be stirred even more chaotically by this almost blatant acceptance.

He was still angry.

But the intention to completely isolate the other party was unknowingly pried open with a tiny crack.

Inside the van on the return trip.

Meng Yihe remained leaning against the car window, watching the night view of Haicheng rushing past outside. Cui Yu's last few words, which were almost candid, echoed repeatedly in his mind like lingering sounds.

"The most innovative, the most difficult, and the most unique partner."

Public matters are public matters, and private matters are private matters.

"I need your 'blueprint'."

These words seemed to possess warmth, gently soothing his emotions that had been frozen by anger, making it impossible for him to maintain that state of complete isolation. But he still couldn't bring himself to speak, and didn't know how to respond. He could only remain silent, though his tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly.

Back at the hotel, the two entered the elevator one after the other.

In the cramped space, there was only the faint noise of the elevator running.

The numbers kept changing.

"Ding—" The elevator arrived at their floor.

The moment the door opened, Meng Yihe stepped out first, but after taking two steps, he paused almost imperceptibly and said in a very quick, almost indistinct voice, "Your operational data is also very useful."

After saying that, as if afraid of being caught, he immediately quickened his pace. Without looking back, he walked towards his room, swiped his card, entered, and closed the door, his movements so fast they were almost whistling through the air.

Cui Yu was a step behind and just caught the lighthearted remark. He paused for a moment, watching the door close quickly, and then an undisguised smile bloomed on his face.

That evening, after taking a shower, Meng Yihe came out of the bathroom drying his hair when he heard his phone beep. He picked it up and saw it was a message from Cui Yu.

[Cui Yu]: (Image: A photo of a detail of the "Art Harbor" building)

[Cui Yu]: This drainage system design is quite interesting. It retains the industrial feel while solving the functional problem. Perhaps we can take a look at the leaky corner in Block B of "Xinghua Plaza".

Without mentioning any unpleasantness from the evening, he went straight to a purely professional question.

Meng Yihe looked at the message and picture, hesitated for a few seconds. He did remember that drainage system and had thought about similar issues. He pursed his lips, finally sat down, and replied carefully.

[Meng Yihe]: Yes, but cost needs to be considered. Custom-made stainless steel grilles are quite expensive, and rust prevention treatment is also necessary. Perhaps a more economical material could be used to achieve a similar effect.

Not long after the message was sent, Cui Yu replied.

[Cui Yu]: I'll have my assistant ask this supplier for their specific quote and alternatives tomorrow.

[Cui Yu]: By the way, my assistant sent over the preliminary summary of today's inspection points. I'll forward you a copy.

(File transfer)

[Meng Yihe]: Received, thank you.

Meng Yihe put down her phone, continued drying her hair, and walked to the window to look at the night view of Haicheng.

He had to admit that working with Cui Yu was sometimes infuriating; Cui Yu's words always seemed to hit his sore spot, and his calculating and realistic arguments often clashed fiercely with his ideal blueprint.

But the vision and efficiency are truly unprecedented.

and……

His thoughts drifted involuntarily for a moment.

This same person, when he was suffering from unbearable stomach pain, silently bought him some warm porridge, while muttering some nonsense about it being "not worth it".

During his most vulnerable and out-of-control period, when he was almost irrational, she didn't avoid or laugh at him. Instead, she calmly and quickly found him suppressants and even wiped away his cold sweat.

This same person just apologized for his excessive joke and acknowledged his abilities.

These fragments flashed through my mind uncontrollably.

After thinking about all this, Meng Yihe suddenly realized that she had been being too sentimental.

It's just mutual recognition among colleagues.

Meng Yihe frowned slightly, and finally let out a soft sigh.

The more I think, the more confused I become. I should get some rest and continue my investigation tomorrow.