For two days in a row, I would stare at that Patek Philippe watch in a daze, whether I had something to do or not.
I thought that Su Shenglin would definitely call me immediately to ask about such an expensive watch.
Two days passed, but he still hadn't called.
Didn't he know that his watch was left with me?
Or is it that he has too many luxury watches and doesn't care about losing one?
As I was about to leave work, I flipped through the calendar and planned out my work schedule for the next few days.
I discovered by chance that the day after tomorrow is Madam Su's birthday. When I went to Su Garden to take her measurements and make clothes for her, she mentioned her birthday date. I secretly remembered it and marked it on the calendar when I got back.
Although I am not qualified to attend the Su family's birthday banquet, I thought of how kind Madam Su had been to me, and how Su Shenglin had helped me. As a way of expressing my gratitude, I felt I should give a gift.
But how do we present the gift to Madam Su after it's been prepared?
After much thought, I decided that it would be most appropriate to ask Su Shenglin to hand it over—which would also allow me to return the watch to him at the same time.
Killing two birds with one stone.
————
The next day.
I carefully selected and prepared a set of hairpins and brooches in the style of modern Chinese architecture. They are phoenix-shaped, exquisitely crafted, richly colored, and elegantly styled, perfectly matching the dress I made for Mrs. Su.
I think if someone likes it, they can wear it on their birthday.
The gift arrived, but I didn't have the courage to call Su Shenglin.
It's been three days, and he still hasn't mentioned the watch. Doesn't that mean he doesn't actually want to have any contact with me?
But such an expensive watch is too hot to handle.
I already owed him 300 million, which was enough to make me feel ashamed, and now I owe him another million or so...
No, no, I have to return it to him!
After some mental preparation, I finally mustered the courage to dial his number.
The beeping sound echoed in my ears, and my heart pounded with each passing moment.
After about four or five rings, the call was answered. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly said politely, "Hello, Mr. Su, this is Jiang Wan."
"Yes, I know," Su Shenglin said softly and gently.
My mind was in turmoil, and I didn't have time to think about what he thought of me. I stammered, "Um... last Sunday night, I was out with friends... I drank too much, and Mr. Su took me home, right?"
"Yes."
"Um...you left your watch at my house. I was wondering when would be a convenient time for me to bring it to you. Also...tomorrow is Mrs. Su's birthday. She has been very kind to me before, and to express my gratitude, I have prepared a small gift and would like you to pass it on to me."
After finally saying this, I pressed one hand to my chest, futilely trying to suppress my pounding heart.
Su Shenglin asked, "Are you free around four o'clock this afternoon?"
I didn't even have time to think before I said, "Yes."
"I'm visiting an elder near your company this afternoon. I should be done around four o'clock. If you're free, we can have afternoon tea together."
Afternoon tea! My heart is pounding even faster.
"Okay, see you this afternoon."
See you this afternoon.
After hanging up the phone, I looked at the luxurious watch and the birthday gift I had prepared for Mrs. Su, and my feelings were extremely complicated.
I was both hoping time would pass quickly, that it would be four o'clock soon.
I wished time would slow down and not reach four o'clock so quickly.
However, the passage of time will not change because of my excitement or fear.
Around 4 p.m., Su Shenglin called me again, asking if there was a suitable place to sit nearby.
"Yes, there is. It's the building across from my company. There's a rooftop garden there, and the coffee shop there is pretty good."
"Okay, I'll go there now."
"Okay, I'll go too."
I picked up my things, my heart pounding wildly, and hurriedly left the office.
I thought I would be the first to arrive, but when I stepped into the Sky Garden, I immediately saw Su Shenglin already sitting there.
He was so outstanding that wherever he appeared, he was the most dazzling presence in the circle.
On an autumn afternoon, the sun shone brightly and warmly.
He took off his coat and draped it aside, wearing only a white shirt with the cuffs rolled up, revealing his beautifully shaped forearms.
On the low table in front of him was an ultra-thin business laptop. He was handling some official business, and his expression was slightly serious.
Behind him, clusters of unnamed purple flowers bloomed vibrantly, their beauty blending seamlessly with his white attire and the golden hues of the sunlight.
I stared blankly for a few seconds until someone walked by, which snapped me out of my daze.
Composing myself, I smiled and walked over. "Mr. Su, thank you for waiting."
Su Shenglin looked up and saw me. The seriousness on his face vanished instantly, and he smiled elegantly and replied, "No, I just sat down too."
I sat down, called the waiter over, and expertly ordered my favorite hot cocoa. Then I asked the person across from me, "Mr. Su, what would you like to drink?"
I took the menu from the waiter and was about to hand it to him when I saw him look at the waiter and say, "One black coffee, please."
"Okay, please wait a moment." The waiter looked at him with obvious amazement in his eyes, then smiled and turned away.
Hearing him order black coffee, I couldn't help but gasp and mutter to myself, "You really can endure hardship."
I love hot cocoa the most. Gu Yanqing once said that it was so sweet it was cloying, and he didn't know how I could drink it.
I joked to myself that my life was probably too miserable, so I needed a lot of sweetness to heal me.
When Su Shenglin heard me complain, he smiled and said, "Black coffee smells very good, you can try it."
"No, no," I quickly refused, politely declining, "I can't drink any at all, I'm only suited to sweet things."
One is bitter, the other is sweet; my tastes are completely opposite to his.
Back then, I never dared to dream that years later, I would be able to appreciate the aroma of black coffee, and he would taste my hot cocoa—sometimes from my coffee cup, sometimes from my mouth…
While waiting for the coffee to be served, the atmosphere was briefly silent. Then I suddenly remembered my business and quickly picked up an eco-friendly bag, taking out the brocade box from it.
"Mr. Su, this is a birthday gift for Mrs. Su. It's just a small token of my appreciation. Please help me pass it on."
I opened the jewelry box containing hairpins and brooches and pushed it over.
Su Shenglin's gaze fell on the brocade box, and he asked with some surprise, "How did you know my mother likes this kind of traditional Chinese style jewelry?"
I smiled and explained, "Two of the dresses I made for Mrs. Su are in the modern Chinese style, and she likes them both very much, so I guessed that she likes the traditional Chinese style. In fact, our ancestors had a very sophisticated aesthetic sense, and Mrs. Su's status and temperament are just right to perfectly carry off this style."
"Yes, you are very kind. I thank you on behalf of my mother."
I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that he accepted it.
Given the Su family's wealth and status, they certainly have no problem acquiring any kind of precious jewelry. It is truly an honor to accept this small gift from me.
I chuckled to myself.
Su Shenglin looked at me and asked curiously, "What are you laughing at?"
I told you the truth: "I thought you wouldn't like these little things."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
