Chapter 33: Peaceful Years
The blue diamond feather brooch pinned to Yu Ling's collar was a silent declaration, heralding the breaking of a certain boundary. Its dazzling brilliance not only shocked Zhang Wei and her ilk, but also dropped a depth charge on Yu Ling's own heart, sending ripples that lingered for a long time.
The subtle, quiet atmosphere in the office persisted. Zhang Wei, summoned into Lin Wei's office, didn't emerge until almost lunchtime. Her face was pale, her eyes red and puffy, clearly having been harshly reprimanded, perhaps even given a demerit. Returning to her workstation, she didn't dare glance at Yu Ling again, her entire dejected demeanor fading.
The other colleagues also tactfully put away their inquiring glances and buried their heads in their work, but when they occasionally glanced at the deep blue on Yu Ling's chest, there was still awe and complexity in their eyes.
Yu Ling forced herself to focus on the screen in front of her. She opened the project file, trying to get back to work, but as her fingertips tapped the keyboard, they kept brushing against the cool platinum feathers on her collar.
The hard touch was like an electric current, instantly bringing her back to the morning car, when Zhao Chen brushed her neck with his warm fingertips as he approached, bringing back his low and gentle "I'm here", and the unpretentious concern in his eyes... A strange, sweet and tingling feeling spread from the tip of her heart all the way to every part of her body.
She even forgot to consider who the "assistant" Zhao Chen was referring to was? The "assistant" who could silently place a luxury shopping bag on her desk, complete with a priceless brooch? And Zhang Wei... how would that promise of "I'll shut up soon" come true? These doubts that should have alerted her were now suppressed by a more powerful emotion—a sense of security, of being securely supported and unconditionally protected, and a hidden sense of vanity and sweetness that came from being cherished by such a powerful force.
This peace of mind and sweetness, like warm syrup, quietly enveloped her heart, once hardened by deception and suspicion. She grew accustomed to this protection, even becoming somewhat dependent on it. The one-year agreement, like an old calendar forgotten in a corner, its paper yellowed and its presence so thin it could be ignored.
Yu Ling walked out of the revolving doors of the Genesis Building after work that evening. The golden glow of the setting sun shone on the street, bringing with it a cool evening breeze. She subconsciously searched for the familiar, ordinary joint venture car, but her eyes paused as she glanced at the temporary parking space on the side of the road.
Zhao Chen's car was indeed parked there. But he wasn't in the driver's seat. His tall figure leaned against the car, his hands tucked into the pockets of his washed-out jeans, his head slightly lowered, as if he were checking his phone. A simple white T-shirt outlined his broad shoulders and narrow waist, making him look exceptionally fresh.
As if sensing her gaze, Zhao Chen raised his head. Across the distance of more than ten meters and the endless stream of people, his eyes accurately captured her.
His amber eyes lit up the moment he saw her figure, and a clean and warm smile naturally rose at the corners of his mouth. In that smile, there was no more subtle attachment that he had when he sent her off that morning, but there was a bit more pure joy and an almost eager anticipation?
Yu Ling's heartbeat quickened involuntarily the moment his eyes locked on her. She quickened her pace and walked over.
"Have you been waiting long?" She walked up to him, her voice light and cheerful, a tone she herself hadn't noticed.
"I just arrived a while ago." Zhao Chen stood up straight and naturally reached out to take the commuter bag from her shoulder. His movements were as familiar as if he was taking his own things.
His gaze lingered on her face for a few seconds, carefully examining her complexion, his brows relaxing imperceptibly: "You look much better. How are you today?" He asked casually, but his eyes held a subtle inquiry as he glanced at the still-glittering blue diamond brooch on her collar.
Yu Ling immediately understood what he was asking. Subconsciously, she raised her hand, her fingertips lightly touching the cool wings. A faint smile crossed her face, a hint of helplessness, yet also a touch of doting sweetness. "Well, it's okay. Thanks to your 'little surprise' and 'chivalric declaration,'" she half-jokingly quoted from his message.
The smile in Zhao Chen's eyes deepened, as if he had received some kind of great affirmation and satisfaction. He didn't ask for details, but simply opened the passenger door very naturally, and placed his hand above her head in a gentlemanly manner: "Get in, the knight will escort you home."
The car smoothly merged into the evening rush hour traffic. Soothing music played in the car, but the atmosphere was completely different from when I'd sent her off that morning. An invisible, warm tension quietly permeated the air.
"What do you want to eat?" Zhao Chen asked casually, looking straight ahead. "Is there some food in the refrigerator at home? Or... should we go out for dinner?"
"Let's eat at home." Yu Ling looked at the familiar street scene outside the window, and a long-lost sense of belonging to "home" arose spontaneously. "You do it." Her voice was not loud, but it carried a sense of dependence as if it was a matter of course.
Zhao Chen's fingers gripping the steering wheel paused slightly, then the corners of his mouth curved even deeper. He turned his head and glanced at her quickly, his eyes surprisingly bright: "Okay. What do you want to eat? Sweet and sour spare ribs? Steamed sea bass? Or that sweet and sour pork with pineapple that you said you wanted to try last time?" He announced the dishes in a light tone, with a sense of pleasure of being needed.
Yu Ling was dazzled by his sudden burst of "cooking god" light, and the sweetness in her heart became even stronger: "I want to eat them all." She muttered softly, with a bit of willfulness after recovering from an illness.
Zhao Chen's deep laughter echoed in the carriage, pleasant and indulgent. "Okay, all arranged! But..." He deliberately dragged out the tone, with a hint of mischief, "Knights also get paid."
Yu Ling looked at him doubtfully.
"You are responsible for washing the dishes tonight." Zhao Chen said seriously, but there was a sly smile in his eyes.
Yu Ling was amused by his childish "bargaining" and couldn't help but laugh too: "Deal!" A relaxed and tacit atmosphere flowed between the two of them. That cold agreement? Who still remembers what it was!
The dinner atmosphere was incredibly warm. The sight of Zhao Chen, wearing a whale-shaped apron, bustling around in the kitchen, the clatter of spatulas, the alluring aroma of the food…all of it gave Yu Ling an unprecedented sense of peace and contentment.
He made sweet and sour spareribs, steamed sea bass, and even sweet and sour pork with pineapple! The sweet and sour pineapple, the crispy pork tenderloin, and the golden red sauce were a feast for the eyes, the flavor, and the taste.
"Try this." Zhao Chen picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork and put it in Yu Ling's bowl naturally, his eyes full of anticipation, like a chef waiting for praise.
Yu Ling took a bite and found it sweet, sour, and crispy, just the right amount. She narrowed her eyes in satisfaction and said, "Mmm! Delicious! Better than what we make at restaurants out there!" She was full of praise.
Zhao Chen's smile widened instantly, revealing pure joy, even a hint of silliness. He offered her another piece of fish, picking out the bones. "Eat the sea bass while it's hot, too. It's light and good for your throat."
The meal was a joyful one. Yu Ling even volunteered some interesting stories from the day at work—of course, avoiding the Zhang Wei incident. Zhao Chen listened intently, occasionally adding a comment or two, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere. After dinner, Yu Ling, true to her "promise," stood up to clear the dishes and prepare to wash them.
"Put it there." Zhao Chen stopped her and took the bowl from her naturally. "You've just recovered from your illness, don't touch the cold water. The knight's reward can be paid on credit."
His tone was jokingly indulgent, but his movements pushed her back into the chair without question. "Sit down and rest for a while, or... watch TV? I'll go wash up, it'll be quick."
Looking at his back as he walked towards the kitchen with the dishes, the warmth in Yu Ling's heart almost overflowed.
She curled up on the sofa, hugging a soft pillow. A lighthearted variety show played on TV, but she felt a little absent-minded. Her eyes kept drifting towards the kitchen, listening to the sound of water splashing and the crisp sound of dishes clattering. A sense of contentment, called "the good old days," filled her chest heavily.
She even began to habitually seek him out and rely on his arrangements. This dependence was no longer a fragile attachment due to illness, but a heartfelt longing for this stability and pampering.
The days seemed to have accelerated towards sweetness. Yu Ling could clearly sense that Zhao Chen's clinginess was increasing exponentially. If his previous thoughtfulness had been subtle and subtle, now it had become an all-pervasive, blatant "land grabbing movement."
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