Fu Jingchen's honest and firm words seemed to carry warmth, soothing Liu Li's heart with each word, dispelling the last trace of gloom and chill. She looked at him, at his unwavering, clear eyes behind his glasses, eyes brimming with earnestness, appreciation, and unmistakable affection. The anxiety and self-doubt born of rumors and the "gap" seemed so pale and superfluous at that moment. What he cherished was her, whole and complete, who had come this far through her own hard work.
A huge weight lifted from her heart, and an indescribable sense of relief and warmth washed over her. She took a deep breath, the crisp winter air filling her lungs with an unprecedented sense of exhilaration. A relieved and radiant smile involuntarily bloomed on her face, and she nodded vigorously, her voice clear and firm: "Okay, I understand."
Without many words, this brief response and the completely trusting look in his eyes spoke volumes. The last trace of tension in Fu Jingchen's eyes vanished, replaced by a gentle smile. The two stood under the streetlights, smiling at each other, a silent understanding flowing in the air, stronger than any vow.
---
Once the knot in one's heart is untied, there will be no more obstacles in one's actions.
The next day during lunch break, Liu Li got her food at the cafeteria. Her gaze swept across the room and landed precisely on the table where Fu Jingchen usually sat. He was eating and chatting with several colleagues. Without hesitation, Liu Li walked straight over with her lunchbox and calmly sat down in the empty seat next to Fu Jingchen.
"What are you talking about that's so lively?" She joined the conversation with a smile, her tone as natural as if there had never been any distance between them.
Fu Jingchen turned to look at her, his smile deepening, and very naturally placed a piece of braised pork from his lunchbox into her bowl: "We were talking about the ambiguous labeling on this new batch of drawings. You've come at the perfect time, can you help analyze it?"
The colleagues at the table exchanged a knowing glance, then warmly began discussing technical issues with Liu Li. The subtle speculations about their relationship that had arisen earlier vanished without a trace thanks to Liu Li's poised and confident demeanor.
---
After get off work, Liu Li took the initiative to go to the female workers' dormitory to find Zhang Shulan.
Zhang Shulan had just finished washing her hair and was drying her wet short hair with a towel when she saw Liu Li. Her eyes paused for a moment, then turned to a cautious and inquisitive look.
Liu Li stepped forward, took her arm, and said in a tone that was both affectionate and serious, "Shulan, thank you for reminding me a few days ago."
Zhang Shulan paused for a moment, then opened her mouth as if to say something.
Before she could speak, Liu Li continued, "I've talked to Fu Jingchen. He told me everything, both what he should and shouldn't have said." She paused, looking into her friend's eyes, her smile warm and resolute. "I've thought it through, and I understand now. The most important thing in a relationship is mutual trust and understanding. Nothing else matters as much."
Zhang Shulan carefully observed Liu Li's expression. Seeing that her brows were clear and bright, without the lingering gloom of the past few days, she finally felt completely relieved. She squeezed Liu Li's arm tightly, regaining her usual cheerful demeanor: "It's good that you've figured it out! I was overthinking things, always worried that you'd suffer. Engineer Fu... seems quite upright. You two are both capable and decisive people, so there's really no need to care what others say!"
The two exchanged a smile, and the slight misunderstanding caused by their concern vanished instantly.
---
In the evening, at my usual window seat in the library.
Liu Li and Fu Jingchen sat side by side, with the construction plan for the technology center and a pile of reference books spread out on the table. They occasionally exchanged opinions in hushed tones, and sometimes buried themselves in their writing, the atmosphere quiet and harmonious.
Occasionally, when they look up and stretch their necks, their eyes meet, and they see a calm, unspoken understanding and support in each other's eyes. The veil of hesitation that had previously formed between them has been completely lifted, and their relationship has entered a more natural and intimate state. They remain technical confidants and partners fighting side by side, but now they have an added layer of tacit intimacy.
The cold wind still blew outside the window, but the small desk under the lamplight was filled with warmth and a sense of security. Liu Li knew she had found a partner she could truly trust and walk alongside. This connection, based on shared ideals and mutual understanding, filled her with strength, enough to face any challenge in the future.
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