Chapter 43 So, is love fleeting?
The smart tourism project is entering its final sprint stage. The last stop is Luoxia Peak Forest Park, located on the outskirts of the city. The terrain here is complex and the ecology is fragile. The biggest challenge is how to lay equipment and ensure signal coverage while protecting the environment.
Before setting off for the inspection, Director Zheng brought over a young man and introduced him to Luo Yan: "This is Zhou Jiaqi, a new graduate student majoring in environmental engineering. He has been assigned to our department. You should bring him along on this trip to Luoxia Peak. He is a good fit for your major, so you can exchange ideas with him."
Luo Yan sized up Zhou Jiaqi. He was tall and thin, with a handsome and sunny appearance, and a scholarly air about him, fresh out of university. His smile was also very refined. Especially since they were in the same major, she immediately felt a sense of kinship with him. She nodded to him and said, "Hello, I'm Luo Yan."
"Hello, Sister Luo!" Zhou Jiaqi smiled, revealing two canine teeth, his eyes clear and bright. "Please guide me in the future!"
On the way to Luoxia Peak, Luo Yan and Zhou Jiaqi chatted naturally.
From discussing the ecological carrying capacity of scenic areas to sewage treatment, from the impact of tourist behavior on the environment to how to balance economic benefits and environmental protection, Luo Yan discovered that Zhou Jiaqi not only had a solid theoretical foundation but also unique insights into practical issues. She couldn't help but feel admiration for him. He truly deserved to be a graduate student; his perspective was different. She only regretted not having studied more back then.
There's no such thing as a "sinkhole major" in the world; the reason she couldn't climb out was because she wasn't at a high enough height.
"Actually, I think smart tourism shouldn't just be about piling up hardware..."
Zhou Jiaqi adjusted his glasses. "We can set up ecological knowledge quizzes and virtual tours through the app, which can reduce the visual interference of physical signs and subtly raise tourists' environmental awareness."
“That’s right!” Luo Yan clapped her hands, as if she had found a kindred spirit. “We’re always struggling with how to hide the equipment, but we can actually start with the visitor experience and guide them to protect the environment on their own initiative. For example, we could organize a ‘Leave No Trace’ hiking activity with points that can be redeemed for small gifts?”
Zhou Jiaqi smiled and nodded in agreement: "Sister Luo, your idea is much more practical than what's in the textbooks! We can also work with nearby villagers to develop organic agricultural products, making environmental protection a real benefit..."
The two hit it off immediately and felt like they had known each other for a long time.
Luo Yan took out her phone: "Let's add each other on WeChat. I'll need to ask you for help with these kinds of questions in the future!"
Zhou Jiaqi quickly took out his phone to scan the QR code, saying, "You're in charge of such an important project, I have a lot to learn from you."
Jiang Sui walked ahead, discussing the line laying plan with the technicians. Listening to Luo Yan's clear laughter and Zhou Jiaqi's slightly shy response, his fingers holding the blueprints tightened slightly.
After the inspection ended in the evening, the group parted ways, and Jiang Sui still used the excuse that it was "on the way" to let Luo Yan get a ride in his car.
At this moment, Luo Yan was still immersed in the excitement of finding a like-minded person. She held her phone and continued to discuss the idea with Zhou Jiaqi, completely unaware that the man next to her was radiating a low-pressure atmosphere.
The car stopped, she unbuckled her seatbelt, said, "I'm getting in, see you tomorrow," and was about to open the door to get out when her wrist was grabbed.
"Is there something you've forgotten?" Jiang Sui asked, his voice low and husky. "Like, where should I eat? Where should I go tonight?"
Luo Yan then realized what was happening and quickly said, "Let's eat together then. I'll order takeout."
"You're just giving me the runaround?" Jiang Sui pulled her in front of him. "You're having a serious chat with that Zhou Jiaqi, aren't you? It's been all day and you're still not done. Are you treating me like I'm invisible?"
Luo Yan belatedly realized the hint of jealousy, finding it somewhat amusing, yet also secretly sweet. She tapped his chin with her fingertip: "I finally met a colleague in the same major, and all we talked about was work... Mr. Jiang, are you jealous?"
Jiang Sui snorted, his fingers stroking the inside of her wrist. The car was dimly lit, and his face was hidden in the shadows, making it impossible to see his expression, but the strength with which he gripped her wrist was undeniable.
"Work? I didn't see you smiling so happily when we were working together?" Jiang Sui approached her, his breath brushing against her ear, carrying a dangerous meaning. "Comrade Luo Yan has a bad memory, has she forgotten whose person she is now?"
He had never spoken to her in such a forceful tone before, domineering to the point of being unreasonable, yet strangely it struck a chord with Luo Yan.
"Did I sell it to you? I just chatted with my colleague for a few minutes..."
Jiang Sui's eyes darkened, and he suddenly lowered his head and kissed her heavily, forcibly silencing her before she could say anything.
This kiss carried a clear sense of punishment and possessiveness, unlike his usual gentleness. It was more like a declaration of sovereignty. Luo Yan's limbs went weak from the kiss, and she finally collapsed into his arms, her breathing becoming rapid and labored.
"Do you remember now?" Jiang Sui gripped the back of her neck, his breathing heavy. "Look at me and tell me... whose are you?"
"..."
Luo Yan was panting and couldn't speak, so she could only glare at him with a flushed face.
Dog men are usually very stable emotionally and seem indifferent to everything, but I never expected them to be so possessive. When they explode, it's terrifying.
"Granny Rong pushed so many blind dates on me, and you didn't mind at all, did you? Why are you like this now..."
“I know you won’t see those people, but Zhou Jiaqi is different. The thought that he spends at least eight hours a day in the same space as you, talking to you like he did just now, and you even smiling at him makes me want to kill someone.”
"Calm down! This is a society governed by the rule of law..."
Luo Yan was genuinely frightened and quickly tried to soothe Jiang Sui. Looking at his still cold and hard face, she suddenly remembered the brooch, and a feeling of grievance mixed with anger welled up in her heart.
Why should he have secrets? She talked to her colleague a few more times and he got angry.
"Jiang Sui, aren't you overreacting a bit? We agreed to keep it a secret until the project is finished, and don't you have any idea who's more likely to attract attention between us?" After saying that, she opened the car door and got out. "I have to rush to finish the environmental impact assessment report tonight, you can go home first."
Watching Luo Yan walk into the building without looking back, and the unit door slamming shut, Jiang Sui irritably loosened his tie and punched the steering wheel in frustration.
I messed up again.
The next day at noon, Luo Yan met with Zeng Rong and returned the broken "chocolate" box to her intact.
When Zeng Rong saw the box, her face instantly turned as red as a monkey's bottom. She apologized repeatedly, "I'm so sorry, Yan Yan. The packaging all looks similar, I took the wrong one. Please don't misunderstand. It's all because of that unreliable Lao Fang... What did he buy? You know me, I... I'm still a child!"
Luo Yan waved her hand: "Alright, we're all adults. I know you're not a pervert, but this gift is too hardcore for me."
Zeng Rong awkwardly put away the box, then, remembering something, lowered his voice and said, "Yanyan, how far have things progressed between you and that 'mystery boyfriend'? You need to get the necessary equipment ready! Men are visual creatures; a little romance now and then will quickly escalate the relationship!"
Luo Yan's face flushed, and she quickly interrupted her: "That's a good suggestion, but don't make suggestions like that next time."
"Really no boyfriend?"
"Really not..."
Luo Yan felt a pang of guilt, afraid that Zeng Rong would notice, so she immediately turned her head away and pretended to admire the scenery.
"Sigh, so you really don't plan to talk about it?"
"It's not that we don't want to talk..."
Luo Yan began to spout nonsense: "Instead, we adhere to the path of love with Chinese characteristics, talking slowly, deliberately, and carefully, step by step, adhering to the principle of one person, and being direct in four ways and two ways: no routines, no affectation, no stringing along, no juggling multiple relationships, speaking directly from the heart, expressing affection directly, letting those who are curious talk first, letting those with stable minds talk first, letting those who talk first influence those who talk later, and also talking according to specific circumstances, not talking randomly, but talking carefully, talking with high quality, talking scientifically, and talking with preparation, seeking progress steadily while implementing the principles, using the power of wisdom to assist in love, and at the same time taking into account special circumstances and talking flexibly..."
"stop!"
Zeng Rong, unusually, lost the desire to chat. "Still suffering from the aftereffects of taking the civil service exam? Your level is already on par with the provincial party secretary's speech!"
Luo Yan chuckled: "How about I say it again, and you write it down so you can report back to Lao Luo?"
Zeng Rong: "..."
At this moment, Luo Yan remembered the brooch that Jiang Sui had given her by mistake. After hesitating for a moment, she asked casually, "Granny Rong, what might happen if a man receives the wrong gift, like... a brooch?"
Zeng Rong's mind was still a bit fuzzy, and she blurted out, "A brooch? Aren't those usually given to women? Why would a man accept the wrong one? Unless it's a very unisex design, it's definitely a gift for a woman!"
These words struck Luo Yan's heart like a thorn, pushing it deeper into her wound.
So, Jiang Sui's mistaken gift was actually given to someone else?
After lunch break, Luo Yan said goodbye to Zeng Rong and slowly walked back.
As I passed by a coffee shop, I glanced into the glass window and suddenly stopped in my tracks.
Wu Yuzhou was sitting with a strange woman. The two were behaving intimately, talking and laughing with their heads close together. Wu Yuzhou even reached out to wipe the corner of her mouth, his eyes so tender they could melt your heart.
Luo Yan stood there, stunned, unable to believe her eyes.
At this moment, Wu Yuzhou also raised his head, and his face turned deathly pale the instant he saw her.
Luo Yan turned to leave, but Wu Yuzhou chased after her and grabbed her arm, saying, "Xiao Yan, let me explain!"
"Go explain to your wife!" Luo Yan disgustedly shook off his hand. "Explain how you play the devoted husband in front of her while cheating on her with other women!"
Wu Yuzhou's face was full of embarrassment at being caught, and his tone was almost pleading: "Xiaoyan, please, please don't tell Xin'er! I... I was confused for a moment..."
“Wu Yuzhou…” she interrupted him, her voice eerily calm, “This is a matter between you two, it has nothing to do with me.” With that, she turned and left, no longer looking at his pale face.
On a warm spring afternoon, the sun shines brightly.
Luo Yan, however, only felt waves of coldness wash over her.
Could the man she loves now be doing something similar somewhere she can't see?
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