Xu Muyao's gaze turned cold. He had initially been mindful of their past as colleagues and didn't want to embarrass her, but he almost forgot that if you give someone too much face, they'll eventually take advantage of you.
"Comrade Xie Ling, I think I made myself very clear to you last time: do not send me anything, so as to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings."
Upon hearing this, Jiang looked at him in surprise, not expecting him to refuse so bluntly. From the other person's perspective, it even felt a bit hurtful.
However, from her own perspective, it was incredibly satisfying. She raised her eyebrows, tilted her head high, and pointed her nose at people, looking extremely smug.
As expected, Xie Ling stood frozen in place as if struck by lightning, her hands clenching tightly at her sides before slowly relaxing.
"Brother Yao, I... I didn't mean anything by it, I just wanted to give you some mooncakes."
"Thank you for your kindness, but I've said it many times, no need! Don't trouble yourself!"
After Xu Muyao finished speaking, he stepped aside, gestured for him to go, and said softly, "You must be quite busy with work, so go back now."
Xie Ling closed her eyes tightly, and when she opened them again, her eyes were slightly red. She looked at Xu Muyao pitifully and whispered, "I'm sorry."
After saying that, she picked up the box of mooncakes and walked away. As she passed Jiang Ye, she didn't forget to glare at her fiercely.
Jiang was not about to back down, so she turned around and made a face at her back.
Xu Muyao took in all her adorable little actions, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. He felt an urge to pat her head, but he pulled his hand back as if he had been electrocuted halfway through.
"Come in, aren't you worried about the sun?"
"Oh, you're here." Jiang followed with a smile.
On the Mid-Autumn Festival, Xu Muyao gave his employees a day off. However, at this time of family reunion, he felt lonely and desolate in his empty home.
He never admitted that he was miserable, nor did he ever feel happy. His heart was like a stagnant pool, devoid of any great joy or sorrow. His emotions were as if frozen, with no further fluctuations.
He wasn't without family; he simply hadn't returned home for ten years to prevent any misfortune from befalling them. Knowing through a phone call that everything was alright at home was enough to satisfy him; he dared not ask for anything more.
The deep night sky, with the bright moon hanging high, draped everything in the world in a dazzling silvery white.
Xu Muyao raised his glass, toasted the moon, and said, "Happy Mid-Autumn Festival."
Looking out from the balcony window, the red lanterns on both sides of the road resembled fiery dragons, stretching endlessly as if there were no end in sight.
As the autumn wind blew and the shadows of the trees swayed, a small figure carrying a large bag of things ran into his apartment building under the dappled moonlight.
A short while later, the doorbell rang, "ding-dong, ding-dong..."
Xu Muyao was slightly taken aback. Shouldn't people be with their families at this time? Who would come looking for him? Was it the property management?
He put down his wine glass, moved to the entrance, and when he opened the door, he was surprised to see that it was Jiang Ye, that brat. But a smile involuntarily appeared on his face.
Yes, he was surprised and happy that she came.
"Why are you here?" His tone was lighter than ever before.
"I've come to keep you company during the Mid-Autumn Festival. I know you're all alone. Please help me, my hands are about to break."
Xu Muyao quickly took the things from her hands. Wow, they were quite heavy. He wondered how her small frame managed to get to the door.
Jiang shook her reddened palms, her brows furrowed, indicating that the pressure was truly painful.
Xu Muyao quickly grabbed her hand to examine it. The deep red mark looked like a ferocious centipede embedded in her palm, and the surrounding area was reddish-purple.
He glanced at the bag on the ground, then at the girl in front of him, and suddenly became serious.
"Why are you coming to see me so late at night instead of staying home? And with all this stuff, are you worried I'll starve to death at home?"
Despite the reprimanding tone, every word revealed concern.
Jiang also pulled her arm back, crossed her hands together, and rubbed them together. "I came here with my uncle's permission."
As she spoke, she glanced down at her feet, then looked at him, "Um, do you have any slippers for me?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Muyao turned around, took out a pair of white slippers from the shoe cabinet, and handed them to her feet.
Jiang smiled and thanked him, then changed her shoes.
"Try it, these are mooncakes made by my aunt herself, fresh meat mooncakes, they're so delicious, I packed a few extra for you."
Jiang also took out a thermos from the bag and held it up to Xu Muyao like a treasure, her doe eyes shining with anticipation.
Xu Muyao picked up a piece, put it in his mouth, took a bite and savored it. Two seconds later, he said, "Hmm, not bad. It tastes better than traditional mooncakes, in my opinion."
Seeing this, Jiang couldn't help but think of the scene a couple of days ago when Xie Ling delivered mooncakes.
He told others that he didn't like mooncakes, but at this moment, he not only ate the mooncakes she gave him, but also praised them highly.
Does this mean that she is somewhat special to him?
Thinking of this, she was overjoyed and secretly excited for a long time.
Then, she took a tissue from the table behind him, stood on tiptoe, and reached out to wipe the oil stains from his lips.
She stood on tiptoe, her gaze level with his thin lips. They were beautifully shaped, well-defined, rosy and glossy, and with the oil from the food, they looked as if they were coated with lip gloss.
His lips look so soft.
I wonder what it feels like to kiss?
Jiang couldn't help but swallow.
Her sudden action froze Xu Muyao in place. Whether it was the effect of the alcohol or the captivating eyes of the little devil in front of him, he felt an urge to kiss her.
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