Chapter 71 Unknown Design
"You don't need to worry about the company's regular technical issues. Right now, all you need to do is organize the answers to the competition questions and bring them to me for discussion."
Lu Ming stopped before entering the office and whispered to Wen Chu, "The announcement for the companion robot project will be released soon. The whole company will be preparing for it, and I'll be very busy, so I might not be able to pay much attention to you. As for whether you want to participate or not, it's entirely up to you; I won't force you."
"If you choose to join, I can make you the CTO, fully responsible for algorithm development and team management. Your salary, commission, bonus, and year-end bonus will all be included. If you don't want to, then the rest of the time is entirely up to you. Whether you slack off in the office or do whatever you want outside, it's all fine. As long as you don't violate the non-compete agreement this year, I have no objection to what you do."
Wen Chu pouted, growing impatient: "After all this talk, I just want to ask, do you want me to join? If I don't, will you try to keep me?"
“What you want, I can’t give you. This deal was unfair to you from the start, and I have no leverage to keep you. Whether I want to or not is not important; the main thing is whether you want to or not,” Lu Ming said frankly.
Wen Chu understood what he meant. The man was giving her the initiative, so all her decisions from now on would be voluntary. He wouldn't owe her any favors; it was all business.
She chuckled softly, a slight resentment rising within her. She didn't immediately give her answer: "Let's talk about it later. You should sign the contract first, or someone else might snatch it away halfway. My brother might not give up on this project just because of me."
Faced with the man's aloofness, Wen Chu's tone unconsciously became more distant.
She didn't want to remain trapped in yesterday's fleeting emotions, so she had to remind herself to stay clear-headed.
We must not let these emotional changes hurt her, affect her judgment, or disrupt her rhythm.
“Okay. Well… we’ll talk about it later,” Lu Ming replied.
Just as the two were about to part ways at the office door, Lu Ming stopped and called out to Wen Chu. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Baiyue will be holding a celebration banquet this Sunday. Whether you attend or not... is up to you."
Wen Chu raised an eyebrow slightly: "Yes, I will attend, but in what capacity?"
Lu Ming lowered his eyes and pursed his lips: "If you don't want to attend as the technical representative for this competition, then... you're my girlfriend."
Wen Chu smiled slightly: "In that case, the task of picking out the dress is yours. Make sure you choose everything on me. Also, don't forget what you promised me before the competition." Wen Chu shook her wrist.
"I know, I haven't forgotten."
Lu Ming returned to his office and called Luo Wen, asking him to urge the jewelry project to make progress.
After spending half a day organizing the competition questions and solutions into printed materials, Wen Chu pushed open Lu Ming's office door. Her hair was loose, hanging down her shoulders, and her heels made a crisp, powerful sound on the tiles. Her expression was indifferent, and she appeared much more mature in terms of demeanor and presence.
When Wen Chu saw Lu Ming there, she took the documents and walked over to him, placing them in front of him. She said seriously, "The documents are organized. I've made annotations on some details."
"Considering Baiyue's current situation, I think there are several areas in the algorithm architecture that need improvement, which I've circled in black. The red areas are areas that must be retained. Additionally, I've observed that progress in image emotion recognition needs to be accelerated; the existing dataset is of poor quality, and spending money to collect more data is unavoidable."
"If you want to save costs, you can also start with the company's employees and ask them to contribute their image rights," Wen Chu said in a somewhat humorous tone.
Lu Ming looked at the paper documents in front of him and remained silent for a moment.
He had never seen a woman so serious before. Although she had been quite serious for the past two weeks, she would always act silly when talking to him. Now that she had suddenly become serious, he was actually a little uncomfortable with her.
Perhaps the other party sensed the change in his attitude, so they also toned it down a bit.
This is a good thing.
I just don't know how long it will last.
After all, this person's mood has been unpredictable since the morning.
He pulled himself back to reality and began to carefully examine the documents and framework diagrams in his hands.
Then, unable to resist asking, "Did you come up with all of these yourself? Theoretically, your ideas are indeed more ingenious and cost-effective than the current practices, provided they can actually be put into practice."
"Since I've written it down, it means there's no problem with its implementation. I can achieve it."
Looking at the woman's confident expression, Lu Ming couldn't help but become even more curious: "Why are you so sure? Have you tried it before? I also want to know where you got the inspiration for these data processing methods? As far as I know, the most advanced research teams have only proposed a prototype of this model structure, while yours is obviously very complete and can even be patented."
Wen Chu got tired of standing, so she rested her hands on Lu Ming's desk, looked up at him, her face still expressionless, but her tone carried a hint of teasing: "Want to know? That's a different price. I only tell people I'm very close to."
Lu Ming paused, looking deflated, and suppressed his curiosity: "Never mind, forget I asked."
As expected, Wen Chu gave a slight twitch of her lips.
The two discussed for an hour. During this time, Wen Chu looked serious and didn't say a single joke, which made Lu Ming feel a little uncomfortable.
Feeling unsettled and unsure of what to feel.
He himself didn't realize that he was looking up at the woman's expression while she was working more frequently than usual, and occasionally he would drift off into a daze for a second or two.
--
After the competition ended, Qi Siyan also started to work on the project that was called "Ming Jin" (meaning "to call off"). However, the game he lost still bothered him.
He was careless and misjudged people.
He knew that Wen Chu was not as ignorant and incompetent as outsiders claimed, but he did not know that the other party had such strong practical combat ability.
I never expected that she would go to such lengths for Lu Ming.
They actually helped Baiyue steal their own business.
The imbalance in his heart grew heavier and heavier. What started as a drop of ink falling into clear water gradually turned into a bottomless pool.
What's so great about Lu Ming? He just has the advantage of knowing Wen Chu for a longer time and having more opportunities to spend time together. He missed the past ten years, and he's determined to make up for it.
He needed to shift Wen Chu's attention to himself.
He had just finished talking to his father and hung up the phone a minute ago. He would attend the celebration banquet at Baiyue as usual and was prepared to give Lu Ming a truly meaningful gift.
Qi Siyan leaned back lazily in his swivel office chair, his hand on the armrest, and called his secretary over. His gaze was fixed on the greenery directly in front of him as he told the secretary, "Send David an email and tell him he can receive it now."
The secretary understood and nodded: "Okay."
--
Wen Chu had planned to sleep in on Saturday, but was woken up by a phone call. In this world, sleeping in is like breaking a law.
She glanced at the caller ID; it was Lu Ming. She answered, annoyed, "You'd better have something to say this early in the morning."
Lu Ming ignored her complaints: "Go downstairs and open the door."
"What?" Wen Chu sat up with her hair a little messy. Without changing her clothes, she shuffled downstairs in her slippers and opened the door for the person.
She looked down and saw that Lu Ming was carrying three or four large paper bags in each of his hands, which looked like they were for clothes.
What's going on here?
"I've picked out the clothes, try them on now. If there are any problems, let me know as soon as possible, there's still time to make changes," Lu Ming said calmly, walking past her into the house and placing the things on the sofa.
"Oh, you're pretty efficient." Wen Chu realized what was happening, walked over and opened one of the exquisitely packaged gift boxes. Inside was a milky white, fitted, half-slit long dress. The fabric felt as soft and smooth as milk, very soothing to the touch.
She picked it up and looked at it, her face showing hesitation: "Is this dress quite figure-dependent? Does it suit me?"
After all, the simpler the style, the more the wearer needs to have a good figure.
Lu Ming glanced at her but didn't say anything, leaving it unclear what he was trying to say.
Wen Chu opened another box, inside which was a black off-shoulder evening dress. At first glance, it didn't seem special, but when she picked it up and shook it gently, she discovered that it was inlaid with silver threads, which reflected a beautiful luster under the light. It was understated, noble, and eye-catching, and the embroidery on the chest was also very exquisite.
The gift box next to it also contained a long ribbon wrapped around the neck and a pair of black strappy high heels.
Everything was already arranged for her.
Wen Chu was secretly surprised. She had thought this person would just pick something random to appease her, but the result was beyond her expectations. She glanced at the person uncertainly and asked, "You have good taste. Did you pick it yourself?"
Lu Ming explained, "There wasn't enough time to customize them, so these two pieces were altered to fit your size."
"I'm asking if you picked it out yourself?"
"Otherwise what?"
Do you think I look good in these two outfits?
Lu Ming looked away: "They just look suitable. You can choose one yourself."
Wen Chu ultimately chose the black one. She hadn't been in a good mood these past few days, and wearing this outfit and putting on a sour face should save her a lot of formalities.
Her clothes are mostly bright colors, while black is wild and aggressive, which is a big contrast to her.
Lu Mingming knew her usual style—so he safely picked a white dress that suited her well, but then placed this black one in front of her, clearly preferring to see her wear this one.
Wen Chu didn't know what the other person was thinking, but she thought it was good.
She went upstairs to change her clothes and came out. The dress fit her figure perfectly, highlighting her curves.
Lu Ming stood downstairs, his gaze meeting hers in the air.
The woman's long, jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and though her face was free of makeup, she was breathtakingly beautiful. The black of her evening gown made her fair skin appear even more radiant, as if it were glowing under the lights.
She wore high heels, her ankles showing off their slender lines as she carefully made her way down the stairs, holding onto the handrail. She had never worn such high heels before.
Lu Ming snapped out of his daze, hesitated for a moment, and then took a few steps up the stairs. He gentlemanly let Wen Chu take his arm, afraid that she would fall.
Wen Chu's eyes flickered slightly, but she didn't say anything. She walked downstairs, picked up the neck strap, and handed it to the man: "Help me put it on."
"Don't you have hands?"
"I can't see how it's tied properly. You're my boyfriend, isn't it your duty to do this?"
Lu Ming reluctantly reached out and wrapped the ribbon around the woman's beautiful neck, gently and carefully tying it into a diagonal bow. The remaining ribbon hung down in front of her chest, making Wen Chu's neck appear long and slender, like a proud black swan, making it hard to look away.
"Does it look good? Do you like black?" Wen Chu blinked and leaned closer to ask.
Sensing the woman's presence, Lu Ming took two steps back, avoiding her gaze, and said, "You can decide for yourself."
"Is it not allowed to ask my boyfriend's opinion?"
Lu Ming couldn't help but say, "Wen Chu, I need to remind you that we're not really dating. Now that the public opinion has mostly calmed down, I feel it's necessary to end this farce after this banquet. I'll find an opportunity to explain things clearly to Uncle Wen."
Wen Chu's smile faded slightly. She tried her best to act the same as before, but her eyes were clouded over as if they had been sanded, and she could not return to the clear, innocent state she had at the beginning.
She straightened up, ignoring the man's words, and walked past Lu Ming without saying a word. She then looked at the other small bags, which contained smaller gift boxes, which looked like jewelry.
"So thoughtful? You even prepared the jewelry?" Wen Chu opened the first box, which contained a pair of pearl earrings that would match both of her dresses perfectly.
She opened another one, and her eyes were momentarily blinded by the sight of a pink diamond bracelet that shimmered under the ultraviolet light, so beautiful that it was impossible to look away.
Wen Chu stared blankly at the uniquely designed bracelet.
“This is the payment I promised you,” Lu Ming said.
Pink gemstones are rare, and through this bracelet, Wen Chu could almost see the care Lu Ming had put into choosing it.
If the person standing in front of her were still the same Lu Ming from before, then this bracelet should be called a "gift," not a cold "reward."
Unfortunately, Lu Ming, who was now standing in front of her, had forgotten the feelings he had when he prepared the gift for her, and was only left with the obligation to fulfill his promise and repay the favor.
Wen Chu felt a dull ache in her heart. Even though she was trying to let go, there was still a trace of bitterness that was hard to describe.
They had so much left unsaid when the other person's memory was erased, along with their emotions.
Even if Lu Ming, who has lost his previous memories and feelings about them, experiences a surge in his affection for her again, would he still be the same Lu Ming?
She couldn't give an answer right now.
Wen Chu concealed the helplessness in her eyes, put the bracelet on her wrist, stared at it for a moment, then looked up, waved at the person, and said with a smile, "I just said it casually, and you prepared so carefully. Do you like me?"
Seeing that the woman continued to play dumb, Lu Ming once again stated his position bluntly: "I just don't want to owe you too much. I will keep my promise to you, and that's all."
Wen Chu lowered her head, her brows furrowing slightly with a hint of hostility. Every word she uttered was a clear attempt to distance herself from her.
Actually, he has always been like this. He is still the same Lu Ming. From the first day she came into this world and met people, the man's tone of distancing himself from her has never changed. But Wen Chu just felt that what he was saying now was much more hurtful than before.
She continued casually, "I'll accept it. Which jewelry brand is this?"
It was a question that was easy to answer, but Lu Ming hesitated for several seconds before saying, "There's no brand. I chose the raw stone, but the design... I just found a designer who wasn't famous."
A hint of doubt flashed through Wen Chu's mind, but she lost interest in digging deeper. She simply said "Oh," and added, "I've tried the clothes on, and they fit perfectly. I'll take this one. Is there anything else? If not, I'm going to go back to sleep."
Lu Ming replied, "Yes."
"Then tell me quickly."
"This banquet is not only to celebrate Baiyue winning first place in the competition, but also to promote friendly exchanges within the industry, so there will be an opening dance."
"so what?"
Lu Ming: "Lu Mingxiao means we should do the opening dance."
"I don't care what he means, I only care about what you mean. Do you want to dance with me?" Wen Chu looked at him.
Lu Ming lowered his eyes and said, "If you don't want to, then forget it."
Wen Chu chuckled again: "Go ahead and jump. If I don't agree, won't you get scolded when you get back? It was supposed to be a happy occasion, why make it so unpleasant?"
Lu Ming's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.
"But I've never danced ballroom before, so I'll have to trouble Mr. Lu to teach me."
Lu Ming frowned slightly; the other person's deliberate address made his chest feel heavy.
He moved his lips as if to say something, but finding himself at a loss for words, he gave up and replied, "Okay, I'll do it tomorrow..."
"Let's do it now. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Besides, I've already changed my clothes, so let's not waste them," Wen Chu interrupted him.
"good."
What should I do now?
"Give me your hand," Lu Ming said slowly.
Wen Chu reached out her hand, and Lu Ming took it in his palm, his jaw clenched, and said in a low voice, "Put your hand on my shoulder."
Wen Chu obediently did as instructed.
Lu Ming placed his left hand half-covering her back, keeping his eyes down and avoiding eye contact, then reminded her, "It's just a normal waltz, don't overthink it."
Wen Chu chuckled listlessly, "I didn't say anything. You're the one who's been thinking about it."
Lu Ming glanced at her, then looked down at their footsteps and began to instruct Wen Chu on her footwork.
Wen Chu followed the man's instructions carefully, trying her best to stay in sync with him and avoid stepping on his feet. Although she still stepped on his feet a few times, it can't be said that she didn't do it on purpose.
She watched as Lu Ming's feet were stepped on again and again, his expression changing from blank to furrowing his brows, and she felt a surge of satisfaction.
The man raised her hand above his head, and she was pulled around in a circle before being pulled back to him. The fabric of her clothes occasionally rubbed against each other, and a gentle breeze stirred her hair, but she always maintained a boundary of restraint.
Wen Chu remembered the movements, her skirt fluttering as she turned. Their palms were clasped together, their warmth passing between them. They could smell each other's scent, but their hearts felt like they were separated by an ocean, drifting back and forth, sometimes close, sometimes distant.
Each time they thought they were getting closer, a wave would come and wash them back to the shore, forcing them to start all over again.
Wen Chu was a little tired from jumping and hadn't rested well. She was distracted for a moment and twisted her ankle. Lu Ming instinctively put his arm around her waist, and she stumbled and fell into his arms.
A sharp pain shot through her foot, and Wen Chu cried out in pain, biting her lip to swallow the remaining pain.
"What are you thinking about?" Lu Ming frowned, questioning her lack of focus.
I'm cursing you in my heart.
Lu Ming was rendered speechless by the man's frankness, and asked in a muffled voice, "How badly is the sprain?"
"It's not serious," she said, contradicting herself.
Because she wasn't in the mood to play the victim, she didn't want to hear any harsh words from the other party that suggested she was faking it.
With one foot unable to exert force, the pressure on the other foot became even greater. Wen Chu released her grip on the man's arm, stepped out of his embrace, and stood up with some difficulty. She limped and hopped to sit on the sofa.
Lu Ming had no time to extend his hand from the air, so he had to put it down.
Wen Chu took off her shoes and began to massage her ankle, slowly moving it around.
She looked up at Lu Ming, who was standing there not knowing what to do, and said, "I've memorized the movements. Just practice them again tomorrow morning. You can go now."
Lu Ming stood there looking at her for two seconds, hesitated, and finally said "okay," before turning and leaving.
The door was closed. Wen Chu rubbed her sore ankle and looked at the bracelet on her wrist. Her helplessness and disappointment deepened.
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