Chapter 65 "Sex, Fun, Underwear?"...
After the rumors about Yunqi completely subsided, Tang Ci never saw Sheng Hong again.
Not long after, she saw on the news that Sheng Hong had been detained in a detention center because of financial problems.
Before winter arrived, Sheng Yu took some time to have a meal with Tang Ci and Uncle Zong.
During the meal, Tang Ci learned from chatting with Uncle Zong that Uncle Zong and Rong Wei had been friends for many years.
During his years working for the Sheng family, Uncle Zong had witnessed Sheng Hong's evil deeds. Initially, he protected himself for the sake of his family, but it wasn't until Rong Wei committed suicide that he felt compassion.
During the meal, Uncle Zong drank some wine and talked a lot about Rong Wei's life. Sheng Yu responded in a low voice, his face remaining expressionless.
Tang Ci knew that Sheng Yu still harbored resentment about her mother's death.
/
As the year draws to a close, all departments at Jianchuan get busy. After finishing their annual summaries, the design department plans to go out for a team-building dinner after get off work.
Since Qi Zu was transferred to the branch office, Tang Ci and her team members no longer had the same tense relationship as before. When they were seated at the same table for meals, they could chat and laugh without any barriers.
After the meal was almost over, the director suggested going to karaoke. Everyone agreed, as it was a rare chance to relax.
Tang Ci was a little tired and was wondering how to find an excuse to leave when Xiao Jing used the excuse of buying clothes to drag her away from the group.
"It's my boyfriend's birthday, can you help me pick out a couple of outfits?" Xiao Jing took her arm and led her up the escalator.
Tang Ci gripped the armrest and asked, puzzled, "Shouldn't we buy him clothes for his birthday?"
Xiao Jing winked mysteriously and whispered in her ear, "You'll find out when we get to the store."
Once they reached the floor where women's clothing was sold, Xiao Jing led her straight to an exquisitely decorated lingerie store.
Upon entering the store, Tang Ci looked at the boldly styled lingerie displayed on the shelves, her face flushing and her eyes widening slightly.
The young sales assistant greeted the customers warmly and pointed to the full set of lingerie on the mannequin by the door, saying, "Those sample garments over there are all this year's new styles. If you see anything you like, you can try them on."
Xiao Jing hesitated between two different colored suits, nudging Tang Ci who was standing there in a daze: "Sister Xiao Ci, which one do you think looks better?"
Tang Ci glanced quickly at the two outfits, her ears burning, and said, "Both are fine."
After all, each set of fabric is pitifully small, barely enough to provide even basic coverage.
While they were making their selections, a shop assistant brought out two cups of tea from the break room: "Miss, we have a promotion right now where you get 20% off if you buy two sets, which is more cost-effective than buying just one."
Xiao Jing flipped through the price tags, her brow furrowing slightly: "I like them all, but buying two sets would exceed my budget."
The sales clerk immediately changed tactics, smiling at Tang Ci: "This beautiful lady can also buy a set; the discount remains the same if two people order together."
"Huh?" Tang Ci was startled by her words and waved her hand, saying, "I don't need it..."
"She's single now," Xiao Jing smiled at the shop assistant.
The shop assistant looked puzzled: "So pretty, how come you don't have a boyfriend?"
Tang Ci mumbled an "uh," indicating that she hadn't yet publicly acknowledged her relationship with Sheng Yu at the company due to work commitments.
The sales clerk's smile remained unchanged: "You can buy it even if you're single; you never know when you might need it."
Tang Ci's mind conjured up the image of Sheng Yu with a thin layer of sweat on his forehead, and her ears instantly turned red.
She was only stunned for a few seconds when the shop assistant mistook her for someone who intended to place an order and directly took off the lingerie from the mannequin and put it in her hand: "You can try it on first, this blue color suits your skin tone very well."
The lace trim on the lingerie poked her palm. Tang Ci tossed the lingerie back onto the shelf like it was a hot potato, and said shyly, "I really don't need it anymore."
"What's wrong with trying it on?" the salesperson continued patiently, "If you don't like it, you don't have to buy it, but what if it suits you perfectly?"
Unable to resist her persistent pestering, Tang Ci impulsively said, "Or you could just give me a set?"
The shop assistant was taken aback, then immediately bent down, took a new set from the delivery rack, and handed it to her: "You're thin, size S will fit you."
Tang Ci was still a little dazed as she left the lingerie store carrying the paper bag. When she received the message from Sheng Yu, she even had the urge to throw the paper bag into the trash can, but she ultimately held back because she felt bad about spending the money.
The two had contacted each other via WeChat in the afternoon. Sheng Yu knew she was at the mall for a team-building activity and arranged to pick her up after get off work. He just sent a message saying he was already outside the mall.
After hanging up her boyfriend's call, Xiao Jing glanced mischievously at the paper bag in Tang Ci's hand: "Sister Xiao Ci, let me introduce you to a boyfriend, a handsome PhD from Nanjing University, a perfect match for you."
Tang Ci tightened her grip on the handle, hesitated for a few seconds, and then confessed to her, "Xiao Jing, I have something to tell you."
Seeing her serious expression, Xiao Jing quickly straightened up as well: "Go on, tell me."
"I'm actually in a relationship, but I haven't made it public for fear of affecting my work."
Xiao Jing's mouth dropped open, and after two seconds, she asked, "President Sheng?"
Now it was Tang Ci's turn to be shocked: "How did you know?"
Xiao Jing chuckled twice: "I felt something was off when President Sheng came to our company last time. When you were giving your report, his eyes were glued to you the whole time."
Tang Ci said shyly, "That must just be out of respect for my work."
Xiao Jing pouted: "How could that be? He barely responds when Mr. He talks to him."
As they were talking, the two walked out of the mall and Tang Ci stopped in her tracks when she saw a man standing outside the parking lot making a phone call.
Sheng Yu glanced over, then hung up the phone and walked over to them in a few steps.
"President Sheng." Xiao Jing straightened her back subconsciously.
Sheng Yu nodded and habitually reached out to help Tang Ci carry her things.
Tang Ci quickly hid the paper bag behind her back, realizing that she had made a big move. She cleared her throat to cover up her mistake: "There are only two pieces of clothing inside, and they are very light."
Sheng Yu raised an eyebrow noncommittally: "Go home?"
"Okay." Tang Ci rubbed her ears, said goodbye to Xiao Jing, and went back to the car with him.
After closing the car door, she slipped the paper bag behind her back when Sheng Yu wasn't looking.
Sheng Yu talked to her while driving, but his gaze intentionally or unintentionally swept over the back of her.
Tang Ci responded naturally on the surface, but pressed the paper bag down even more firmly with her back.
She sat upright the whole way. When she got home, Tang Ci picked up the paper bag and hid in her bedroom. She stuffed the deflated paper bag deep into the closet before she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
/
The day of Yunqi's opening ceremony was a bright and sunny day.
Tang Ci asked the company for half a day off and rushed over as soon as she got off work in the morning.
As soon as I arrived at the hotel, before I even entered the main gate, Zhou Yiyang, who had just come out, called out to me.
"Tang Ci," Zhou Yiyang took two steps toward her, "Didn't you come to work today?"
Tang Ci's expression turned slightly somber: "I've taken leave."
After their heated conversation at the hospital, Tang Ci hadn't seen Zhou Yiyang since. When they suddenly met face-to-face in person, both of them looked somewhat awkward.
Zhou Yiyang paused for a few seconds, then said sincerely, "Sheng Yu has told me about all the misunderstandings from before. I'm sorry, I was a bit harsh with my words at the hospital last time."
Tang Ci's tense heart relaxed: "It's okay, after all, I was in the wrong first."
“You’re still so easy to talk to,” Zhou Yiyang shrugged and laughed. “If we really come to a point, I actually have no right to interfere in your affairs.”
Tang Ci noticed his awkwardness and asked softly, "Did Sheng Yu send you to apologize?"
“Yes, he said that only he can bully his wife.” Zhou Yiyang said this half-jokingly, then added seriously, “But what he just said was sincere.”
Tang Ci's cheeks flushed slightly, and she mumbled a reply before entering the courtyard with him.
The hotel's white walls have been cleaned and restored, and long tables inside the courtyard are set with champagne towers and various desserts, with banquet guests moving among them.
Strangely, one of the tables was piled with many exquisite gift boxes. Tang Ci didn't pay attention to them and looked at Sheng Yu, who was being greeted by everyone.
He was wearing a light gray suit today, and his hair, which he had just cut a couple of days ago, was extremely short and thick, revealing his chiseled and cold face.
Such a man is undoubtedly extremely attractive.
Several women holding wine glasses would occasionally glance at him.
Tang Ci stood under the tree and glanced at him a few times, but was too embarrassed to go over. Just as she was about to find a secluded corner to sit down, Sheng Yu had already seen her.
They were having a lively conversation about work when Sheng Yu suddenly left them and walked towards the tree. Everyone looked at each other in surprise, watching as the meticulous CEO who had just been standing there now bent down slightly to ask his girlfriend for a kiss.
“Your friends are watching,” Tang Ci nudged his face, her gaze darting away. “Be serious.”
“Everyone brought gifts,” Sheng Yu raised an eyebrow and tapped his watch, “You came empty-handed, how can you not apologize?”
Tang Ci stammered, "I didn't know I was supposed to give a gift, and you didn't even tell me last night..."
"Blame me?"
"……without."
"Then you'd better think carefully about how to compensate me."
Tang Ci opened her mouth: "I'll... give you a belated gift."
"It has to be to my satisfaction."
Tang Ci immediately felt a burden, her fingers clenching into a fist: "I'll try my best."
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, everyone went to eat. Just as they arrived at the restaurant where they had made a reservation, Rong Yue, who had come all the way from Australia, arrived late and pulled Tang Ci to sit with her.
Rong Yue hasn't changed much over the years and is in good spirits. As soon as she sat down, she asked her with a smile, "Xiao Ci, I heard about your health from Sheng Yu. I know a very famous surgeon in Australia. Would you like to come over for a check-up if you have time?"
"Thank you, Auntie." Tang Cixin's heart ached, and her tone was soft: "Let me finish these projects. Don't worry, my health is stable right now."
Rong Yue nodded: "Are you working as a designer now?"
"Yes, interior design."
"That's impressive." Rong Yue smiled. "It's just a bit unexpected. I remember you were a very good student. I thought you would go down the research path in the future."
When Tang Ci was in college, she did consider continuing her studies, but she couldn't continue working while pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, so she ultimately chose to start working earlier.
“I think being a designer is a good fit for me,” Tang Ci said, glancing at Sheng Yu and whispering, “but I never expected Sheng Yu to be in the hotel industry.”
"Doesn't it seem a bit out of place with his personality?"
Tang Ci nodded.
“At first I thought so too, but then one time I asked him why he wanted to open a hotel.” Rong Yue said slowly, “He was stunned for a moment and said that the hotel was lit up almost every night, and it felt very lively, like home.”
Long-forgotten memories suddenly flooded into her mind, and Tang Ci vaguely remembered saying something similar.
"I hope you find a job where you can meet many people, a lively and warm place, a place that feels like home."
That was just an empty statement she made when she was a teenager, but Sheng Yu actually took it seriously.
Rong Yue took a bite of salad, then suddenly remembered something: "Xiao Ci, did you go to university in the capital?"
Tang Ci nodded: "Yes."
“No wonder.” Rong Yue shook her head and smiled, “Xiao Yu originally planned to set the hotel address in the capital, but then changed it to Nanling at the last minute.”
"At first I thought he was just thinking about the company, after all, Nanling is a major tourist province, but later I realized that he might want to see you."
Tang Ci forgot to drink water and asked repeatedly, "Why do you think that?"
“Xiao Yu likes to do things personally, and he carefully researches each company he works with,” Rong Yue said. “During the time when he was choosing the hotel location, he worked overtime at the company every day. When I went to deliver late-night snacks to him, I saw information about domestic design companies on his desk.”
“The one displayed at the very top is Jianchuan Design Studio, and they circled your name separately.”
/
In addition to the restaurant, this club also has a fully equipped entertainment venue. After the meal, everyone except Rong Yue, who had to leave early due to work, stayed to sing and play cards.
After Rong Yue's words, Tang Ci was in a low mood and would glance at Sheng Yu's location from time to time, as if to confirm whether he was still there.
The atmosphere at the banquet was lively, with many friends in attendance. After finishing his drinks, Sheng Yu was called to the card table.
Tang Ci was also dragged into playing games. During the game, she accidentally spilled some juice on her hands, so she got up and went to the bathroom to wash her hands.
When she came out of the restroom, she saw that Sheng Yu had followed her out at some point and was standing in the hallway waiting for her.
"Are you tired?" Sheng Yu asked as she approached, gently stroking the top of her head.
Tang Ci drooped her eyebrows and shook her head, then suddenly said "thank you" amidst the noise.
Sheng Yu chuckled: "Why are you thanking me out of the blue?"
Thank you for coming back to me.
Thank you for not giving up on me.
Tang Ci's throat tightened, and ignoring the passersby in the corridor, she leaned over and hugged him, saying in a muffled voice, "Anyway, thank you."
Sheng Yu chuckled briefly, then nuzzled her head with his chin: "It's weird to be saying sweet nothings here. Let's go home."
“Your friends haven’t left yet.” Tang Ci lifted her face in his arms, her eyes bright.
Looking into her hopeful eyes, Sheng Yu's heart softened: "Don't worry about them, we'll leave if you want to."
Once in the car, Tang Ci belatedly realized her actions; she had lured the host of the celebration banquet home for her own selfish desires.
Sheng Yu felt no guilt about abandoning her friend. She put her phone on silent, put her arm around her shoulder, and casually played with her wrist with her fingertips.
When the car arrived at the gate of the residential area, Tang Ci asked the designated driver to park in front of the flower shop so she could pick up a bouquet of pale purple gladioli she had ordered for Sheng Yu.
Sheng Yu frowned slightly as he watched her re-enter the carriage with the flowers: "So, you bought that bouquet for me last time?"
Remembering that Sheng Yu was still misunderstanding back then, Tang Ci stammered, "Yes, yes..."
Thinking of the bouquet of flowers that had been left in a corner until it withered, Sheng Yu clicked his tongue and said, "Tell me directly about things like this in the future."
"Okay." Tang Ci nodded obediently.
When Sheng Yu got home, it was already dark outside her window. She ordered food on her phone and took a shower while the food was being delivered.
Tang Ci smelled her clothes and found they also had a faint smell of alcohol on them, so she decided to take a shower.
As she took her pajamas from the closet, her peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the paper bag she had tucked into the corner. After hesitating for a moment, she took out her underwear from inside, her red fingertips glistening.
After taking a shower, Tang Ci held the small piece of fabric and spent quite a while figuring out how to wear it.
The dressing mirror was covered in fog. She reached out and wiped it, and when she saw her reflection, she blushed crimson.
Just as she looked away, intending to take off the lingerie, there was a sudden knock on the bathroom door, and Sheng Yu's magnetic voice came through the door.
"Not finished washing yet?"
Tang Ci's heart skipped a beat. She forgot whether the door was locked and was afraid that Sheng Yu would just push the door open and come in. She didn't bother to take off her underwear anymore. While answering, she hurriedly put on her nightgown.
Her cheeks were still burning when she opened the door and went out.
Sheng Yu's gaze lightly fell on her face: "So hot?"
Tang Ci, clutching her sleeve and speaking in a dry voice, explained, "The water temperature was too high."
Sheng Yu raised his chin towards the kitchen: "I've heated up some milk in the pot. Should we drink it now or before bed?"
"Drink now." Tang Ci followed him to the kitchen, then pulled her pajamas up to the neckline.
When they reached the stove, Sheng Yu took out a mug, poured in the heated milk, and handed it to her, saying, "Let it cool down a bit before you drink it."
Tang Ci held the cup and nodded obediently.
Watching Sheng Yu bend over to wash the dishes, she stood aside and waited, putting the washed spoons into the cabinet.
The cabinet was overhead. When Tang Ci raised her arm to open the cabinet door, her collar slid down her back.
Sheng Yu caught a glimpse of pink in the corner of his eye, and his hand suddenly stopped moving.
He turned off the tap, pulled out a tissue, and while wiping his hands, asked softly, "What is Xiao Ci wearing?"
Tang Ci was startled and slammed the closet door shut: "Clothes, clothes."
"What clothes?" Sheng Yuyou's deep eyes narrowed as he approached her.
Tang Ci pursed her lips and remained silent, but her bright red ears betrayed her.
Sheng Yuyang threw the tissue into the trash can, bent down to look her in the eye, and his soft breath brushed against her cheek.
“Let me guess—” he said, his cool fingertips slipping inside her collar, hooking up the pink lace ribbon, and asking, word by word, “Sexy lingerie?”
Tang Ci responded with a barely audible "hmm".
His palm slowly moved downwards, unbuttoning her pajamas, and he asked slowly and deliberately, "So this is also a gift from Xiao Ci to me?"
Tang Ci rubbed her nose and said softly and timidly, "...If you like it, then it is."
As soon as she finished speaking, Sheng Yu carried her to sit on the island platform.
“Since it’s for me,” Sheng Yu raised an eyebrow and forcefully pulled off her nightgown, “then I’ll take it off myself.”
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