39. Like strangers
His tone was flat, and his gaze stayed on her face for only a second before he looked away, returning to his calm and composed demeanor, as if the man who had lost control and confessed his love to her and even knelt on one knee was just an illusion.
Jiang Hu was obviously very satisfied with this answer. He patted Chen Yisheng on the shoulder with a smile and said, "See, I told you that Editor-in-Chief Chen is the most open-minded. Editor Chi, then it's a deal. The new project is about to start, and you come to help me."
If no one helps me, I'll just speak up for myself. Chi Jin put on an impeccable smile and refused, "Wait, Editor-in-Chief Jiang, lunchtime chats don't count. I only follow the arrangements of our editorial department regarding personnel transfers."
Duan Xingche breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "I was so scared! I thought the backbone of the media reform was about to leave right after we started."
"Don't worry." Chi Jin said softly.
Chi Jin lost all appetite during the second half of the meal. She could feel Jiang Hu's undisguised gaze.
She kept her head down, concentrating on the vegetables on her plate.
Chen Yisheng probably doesn't want her to leave, right?
Back at his workstation that afternoon, Chi Jin tried hard to focus on the manuscript, but found his efficiency extremely low. Chen Yisheng was in the office, but the door was always closed.
When I was about to get off work, the internal phone rang. It was Chen Yisheng.
"Editor Chi, come to my office."
His voice came through the receiver, steady and without any emotion.
Chi Jin's heart couldn't help but jump, not only because of the possible personnel transfer, but also because she wanted to be alone with Chen Yisheng.
She took a deep breath, composed her expression, and then knocked on the door and went in.
Chen Yisheng was sitting behind his desk reading documents. When he saw her come in, he raised his chin and said, "Sit down."
Chi Jin sat down as he was told, placing his hands on his knees with his fingertips slightly curled up.
The words and actions of both of them are no different from before, but as for their state of mind, it is unknown.
"Management has decided to launch a new magazine, with Editor-in-Chief Jiang in charge. It's focused on high-end lifestyles and interviews with business figures, and they need to initially assemble a capable team. He did mention to me that he wants you to join them," Chen Yisheng said straight to the point, his tone businesslike. "What do you think?"
Chi Jin didn't expect him to ask for her opinion. After a moment's pause, she cautiously replied, "I will obey the arrangements of the editorial department."
Chen Yisheng put down the documents and looked at her with a deep gaze. "Putting aside the arrangements, do you want to go on your own? This is a good opportunity. It's a new platform with more resources, which will be beneficial to your personal development."
His analysis was very objective, completely considering his boss's perspective for her.
Chi Jin thought about it seriously for a while, but finally made up his mind: "I am very familiar with the work of Face, but there is still a lot to learn. The reform of print media has just started, and I don't want to abandon the team."
She was also speaking from the perspective of a subordinate.
"In other words, you prefer to stay?" Chen Yisheng confirmed.
Chi Jin nodded seriously.
"Okay, I understand." Chen Yisheng's tone remained calm. "I'll reply to Editor Jiang. There's nothing else to do. Go ahead and do your work."
There was no unnecessary words, everything was handled in a completely business-like manner.
Chi Jin stood up, unable to tell whether he felt relieved or disappointed.
She walked to the door and when she was holding the door handle, his voice suddenly came from behind her, a little lower than before.
"Chi Jin——"
Her heart skipped a beat and she paused, but she didn't look back.
"From a personal perspective, it would be more beneficial for your development if you go. If you can balance the work of both editorial departments, that's fine too."
His voice was soft, but it reached her heart clearly. Chi Jin's fingers tightened, his nails digging into his palms, causing a slight stinging sensation.
"No. I'm concentrating on Group A."
She opened the door and walked out quickly.
Back at her workstation, her heart still pounding, she forced herself to calm down, only to catch a glimpse of Duan Xingche looking at her anxiously.
"Master, Editor-in-Chief Chen didn't give you any trouble, did he?"
"No." Chi Jin shook his head. "Next month's issue will be published tomorrow. How about the column led by Lao Zhao?"
"It's going quite smoothly. We will cooperate in filming an in-depth interview, which will be posted on the official account in the second half of the month. We have already contacted Group B for cooperation, and the person we are in charge of is Jin Yaojia." Duan Xingche answered in a serious tone.
Jin Yaojia's strength is still quite outstanding, Chi Jin nodded with confidence.
…
After finishing the last bit of work, the lights outside the window were already on. Most of the people in the office had left. Chi Jin packed up his things, rubbed his sore neck, and walked towards the elevator.
It was rush hour, and the elevator entrance was crowded with people waiting for the elevator. Chi Jin stood on the periphery of the crowd, head down, scrolling through his phone, trying to avoid eye contact.
The elevator arrived with a ding, and the crowd began to surge forward. Chi Jin followed in woodenly, instantly being swept into the crowded, stuffy space. As usual, she shrank back, searching for an inconspicuous corner.
Just then, she smelled a familiar scent of jasmine. Her heart skipped a beat, and she looked up to see Chen Yisheng standing diagonally in front of her, his back to her. He stood tall and straight, standing out from the crowd.
He just got off work.
What a coincidence?
Chi Jin quickly lowered his head, his heartbeat accelerating uncontrollably. In the small space, the distance between them was only half an arm's length, but it felt like there was an invisible wall between them, making it hard to breathe.
The elevator slowly descended, and the enclosed space was filled with various sounds - the sound of vibrating mobile phones, slight coughs, the friction of clothes, and the smell of sweat from someone unknown.
"Cough... cough..." A middle-aged man in a suit next to him coughed violently and subconsciously moved to the side, causing a small commotion among the crowd.
Chi Jin was squeezed and staggered, and subconsciously reached out to hold on to something.
At that moment, she suddenly remembered clearly that not long ago, during a similar rush hour, they had accidentally squeezed into the same elevator. The elevator was equally crowded, and Chen Yisheng, almost subconsciously, used his arm to block her from behind, like a hen protecting her chicks, separating her from the crowded crowd.
And now…
Chi Jin staggered and accidentally hit the back of the person in front of him with his elbow.
It was Chen Yisheng.
His body seemed to stiffen for a moment, but he didn't turn around, as if he knew it was her. He simply took a tiny half-step to the side, breaking the already insignificant contact. His gaze remained fixed on the floor numbers that kept ticking in front of him. His profile was cold and expressionless, as if he had met a complete stranger, an insignificant person.
An indescribable bitterness suddenly surged into Chi Jin's heart. It turned out that deliberate alienation was so hurtful.
He did what he said about "keeping distance", so thoroughly and so clearly.
She deserves it.
The air in the elevator seemed to become even more oppressive, and the coughs were particularly harsh. Chi Jin lowered his head and stared at the tips of his shoes, feeling that the elevator was descending at a suffocatingly slow speed.
Finally, with a ding, we arrived at the first floor.
When the door opened, there were only a few people waiting outside, and those inside couldn't wait to come out. Chen Yisheng strode out with the crowd, without stopping for a moment, and his back quickly disappeared at the revolving door.
Chi Jin was pushed out by the crowd and stood in the hall. Before anyone could catch him, he had disappeared.
She stood there, the feeling of emptiness in her heart becoming more and more distinct.
It seemed as if the distance between them had really returned to the original starting point, or even further than it was then.
Chi Jin, isn't this what you want?
She asked herself.
On the subway on her way home, her phone suddenly vibrated with a text message alert about a bank deposit. The moment she saw the number, Chi Jin's gloomy mood finally brightened up a little—last month's magazine sales were high, and her personal performance also increased. This was her highest income in two years.
She could hardly wait to open the payment software, carefully transferred 10,000 yuan into Yu'e Bao, and solemnly told herself: Unless there is an emergency, this money will not be moved.
"Chizi—you're back." Taozi's voice was noticeably hoarse as she asked listlessly while curled up on the sofa, "How was... today?"
Chi Jin knew what she was talking about, but she and Chen Yisheng were like strangers today, so there was really nothing to say. She shook her head in response, looked at Taozi's takeout, and kindly asked her if she wanted some noodles.
"What a shame! I'm full." Taozi burped and rubbed her throat, saying, "My throat seems to be a little sore...Are you working overtime tomorrow? If not, can you make me some porridge?"
"Tuesday should be fine." Chi Jin walked into the kitchen to wash his hands. "What kind of porridge do you want?"
"Hmm... either is fine."
"If you have a sore throat, my mom always makes me red bean and barley porridge to clear away heat and dampness." Chi Jin opened the cupboard and took a look. "I happen to have the ingredients at home. I'll soak the beans tonight and cook it for you tomorrow when I get home."
"Great!" Taozi finally smiled, but then coughed twice. "The flu seems to be quite severe recently. You should be careful too."
"Yeah." Chi Jin nodded. "A lot of people are coughing today. I'll take some granules before going to bed."
"Your office?"
"Not really. All of my colleagues have strong bodies built through overtime work, otherwise they wouldn't be able to withstand the intensity of the work." Chi Jin smiled.
Taozi smiled and said, "Have you asked the handsome guy in your office for me?"
Chi Jin was startled, then he remembered this: "Oh, I was going to ask... but I was interrupted by something else. In a couple of days, I will definitely ask for you in a couple of days."
"Okay!" Taozi said as she burped again and stood up to put away the takeout boxes. "I'm not feeling well. I'm going back to my room to rest. Remember to take your medicine for prevention. Don't get infected again."
Watching Taozi close the door, Chi Jin suddenly thought of something and immediately sent a message to his mother, reminding her not to forget to prevent the recent flu.
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