Nocturne
The next few days.
Cui Yu and Meng Yihe devoted themselves to the final work of the project, and they conducted two more rounds of in-depth technical consultations and business negotiations with the Hancheng project team.
Finally, on the afternoon of the fifth day after arriving in Hancheng, both parties reached an agreement on all key terms and initially signed a letter of intent for cooperation. The formal contract will be formally signed by Linzhou after the details are reviewed by their respective legal departments.
The work was successfully completed, and the return journey was put on the agenda.
Cui Yu had her assistant book a flight back to Linzhou for the following afternoon.
On the last morning, they declined the farewell banquet arranged by the project team and instead did their final data organization and report preparation in their hotel room.
Cui Yu closed his laptop, let out a long sigh of relief, leaned back in his chair, and smiled at Meng Yihe, who had also just finished working: "Finally done, Director Meng. This trip to Hancheng was very successful."
Meng Yihe was sorting and putting documents into his briefcase when he heard this. He didn't stop what he was doing, but simply responded with a faint "Mm." But the slight upturn of his lips showed that he was in a good mood.
"Our flight is this afternoon. What do you want to eat for lunch? There's a pretty good Northern Chinese restaurant around here. The food is really authentic. Want to try it? It'll be a nice way to celebrate." Cui Yu stood up and stretched his shoulders and neck.
Meng Yihe looked up at him and did not immediately object, which was taken as tacit agreement.
At lunch, Cui Yu ordered several local specialties and a small pot of warm Shaoxing wine.
"Try this to warm yourself up, and it's also a way to experience the local customs and culture." Cui Yu poured Meng Yihe a small cup.
Meng Yihe looked at the amber liquid, hesitated for a moment, and then picked it up and took a sip. The wine was mellow, with a hint of sweetness and the aroma of medicinal herbs.
Cui Yu smiled at him and said, "How is it? Better than the red wine we drink at business dinners, right?"
"It's alright," Meng Yihe commented objectively, but then took another small sip.
After dinner, the two returned to the hotel to collect their luggage and check out. Mr. Li, the project manager, personally came to see them off, offering another warm farewell and discussing future cooperation.
On the way to the airport, the scenery outside the car window was a slightly bleak yet expansive winter view of Hancheng.
Looking out the window, Meng Yihe suddenly said, "Their infrastructure is better than the report says."
“Yes,” Cui Yu nodded. “Especially in terms of power redundancy and network backup, they have indeed invested heavily. This is also good news, as it will ensure greater stability for our system after it goes live.”
Cui Yu paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "But what surprised me the most was Director Meng."
Meng Yihe turned her head and gave her an inquiring look.
"I didn't expect you to have such a high talent for skiing. Next time we go on a 'business trip,' we can go straight for the advanced slopes."
Meng Yihe: "...There will be no next time."
Cui Yu chuckled softly.
Arriving at the airport, checking in, and going through security were all smooth processes.
Inside the cabin, Cui Yu adjusted his seat and turned to ask Meng Yihe next to him, "How about we hold the project summary meeting on Wednesday after we get back? I'll give you a day to prepare the materials."
“Okay,” Meng Yihe replied, looking at the sea of clouds outside the window.
“Okay, then I’ll have Lin Xueyue make the arrangements.” Cui Yu took out his phone and started typing to arrange the follow-up matters.
The plane landed smoothly at Linzhou Airport, and the familiar humid air rushed towards us.
Back at the company, the pace did not slow down.
Cui Yu and Meng Yihe immediately gave the CEO a detailed report on their trip to Hancheng and submitted a preliminary letter of intent for cooperation, along with a thick stack of technical docking documents.
The CEO flipped through the documents, a satisfied smile on his face. He nodded repeatedly, especially when he heard Meng Yihe mention that the other party's infrastructure exceeded expectations and Cui Yu added that the other party's team was very cooperative.
"Good, very good!" The CEO closed the folder and glanced approvingly at the two of them. "This project was complicated in the early stages and involved many old systems. I was a little worried about the difficulty of pushing it forward. I didn't expect that you two could finalize the core framework so quickly and scrutinize the technical details so thoroughly, even marking out potential risks in advance."
As he spoke, he shook his head with a smile, as if expressing both gratitude and relief: "With the two of you overseeing this project, I really have nothing to worry about. Alright, let the lower-level staff handle the follow-up coordination meetings; you just need to focus on the overall direction."
The high level of recognition and trust expressed in these words is obvious.
I walked out of the CEO's office.
Cui Yu nudged Meng Yihe beside him with his shoulder and chuckled in a low voice, "Did you hear that, Director Meng? The boss said 'I'm really at ease.' It seems that our 'Starry Twins' brand is getting brighter and brighter."
Meng Yihe glanced at him, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with the slightly exaggerated title of "Gemini," but there was a hint of relief in her eyes.
The ability to complete projects efficiently and smoothly, and to gain recognition, has always been an important aspect of his work.
After the technical team was deployed, they quickly integrated with the local project team, and the first phase of data migration and system interface debugging proceeded smoothly. Regular work report emails were filled with good news.
During this time, the two of them were not idle either.
Before leaving work that day, Cui Yu finished processing the last document awaiting approval, glanced at the darkening sky outside the window, picked up the internal phone, and dialed Meng Yihe.
"Director Meng, are you done with your work?"
Meng Yihe's cool voice came from the other end of the phone: "There's one more report to check last. Is there something you need?"
"I have something important I'd like to discuss with you. Would it be convenient for you to come over? Or I can come to you." Cui Yu said casually.
A few minutes later, Meng Yihe appeared at the door of Cui Yu's office.
Cui Yu smiled and gestured for him to close the door, then got straight to the point: "The first phase in Hancheng is pretty much settled. With Lao Chen and the others keeping an eye on things, there shouldn't be any major problems. I think we've been working non-stop lately, shouldn't we take a break?"
Upon hearing this, Meng Yihe frowned slightly.
"A vacation? The project is currently..."
“The project has people watching over it, the sky won’t fall.” Cui Yu interrupted him, leaning forward and lowering his voice, “It’s just the two of us this time, how about we find a place to rest for a few days? Our annual leave is about to expire.”
"Where do you want to go?" Meng Yihe did not directly object.
Cui Yu's eyes lit up; he knew there was hope.
"Find a warm place? Sunbathe, swim, eat local food, don't think about anything, just relax."
He added, "Of course, if Director Meng is really worried about the work, you can be allowed to spend half an hour each day checking urgent emails." The latter part was clearly a joke.
Meng Yihe glanced at him but didn't reply, though the softening in her eyes became more obvious.
"The CEO..." He still had one last concern.
“I’ll talk to the boss,” Cui Yu assured him, patting his chest. “He told us last time that we should balance work and rest, so we can take this opportunity to take our annual leave. He’ll definitely approve it.”
Seeing Cui Yu's confident expression, Meng Yihe nodded: "Okay."
“Then I’ll write an email to apply. I’ll pick a few locations, and you can choose one then.” Cui Yu knew that it was impossible to let Meng Yihe completely ignore the plan, so it was better to give him the right to choose.
"Okay," Meng Yihe responded, which was taken as agreement to the vacation plan.
The next day, Cui Yu indeed came to Meng Yihe's office with several carefully selected information sheets of vacation destinations, ranging from tropical islands to charming towns.
To his surprise, Meng Yihe didn't hesitate for long and quickly chose an island. Cui Yu immediately sent out the joint vacation application email, copying the CEO and assistant.
The CEO replied in less than half an hour.
The email was concise: [Approved. Have fun. Also, remember to keep your phone accessible, just in case.]
A small smiley face emoji followed it.
Upon receiving the approval, Cui Yu waved his phone at Meng Yihe: "Done, Director Meng."
The plane arrived at a sunny tropical island.
The moist, warm air, carrying a faint fragrance of flowers and the scent of the sea, instantly shut out the hustle and bustle of Linzhou. The car that picked them up took them to their booked resort, and the scenery along the way was breathtaking.
Upon check-in, the receptionist smiled and confirmed, "Mr. Cui, you have booked an ocean view suite, is that correct?"
“Yes.” Cui Yu took the room key and casually put his arm around Meng Yihe’s shoulder.
"Let's go, see if we like the room."
Meng Yihe nodded slightly and followed him toward the elevator.
The suite is spacious and luxurious, with a huge balcony where sunlight streams in unobstructed, making the room bright and warm, and the sound of the waves can be faintly heard.
Cui Yu put down his luggage, walked straight to the balcony, took a deep breath of the salty sea breeze, stretched his body, and couldn't help but sigh, "This is what life is all about."
He turned to look at Meng Yihe, who was still standing in the middle of the room surveying the surroundings, and smiled, "Director Meng, are you satisfied with what you see? There are no twin rooms this time to cut costs."
The suite contains only one large double bed.
Meng Yihe looked away, her tone indifferent: "It's alright."
Cui Yu smiled and walked over, taking the small suitcase from his hand and putting it away: "Go change your clothes first? Relax, we can go out for a walk later, get familiar with the surroundings, and then find a place to have dinner?"
"Mm," Meng Yihe replied, opening his suitcase and taking out light, casual summer clothes.
The two changed their clothes.
When Meng Yihe took off her formal shirt and trousers and put on a loose linen short-sleeved shirt and knee-length shorts, her whole demeanor became much softer, and her exposed forearms and calves were fair and had smooth lines.
Cui Yu's gaze was undisguisedly appreciative: "Director Meng, you look much better dressed like this than in a suit."
Meng Yihe ignored him and continued to straighten her collar, but her ears turned red.
In the evening, the two took a walk along the beach.
The setting sun painted the sky and sea a magnificent orange-red, and the sand beneath their feet was fine and soft. The two found a highly-rated seaside restaurant for dinner, enjoying fresh seafood and local specialties. Cui Yu even ordered a bottle of white wine.
"Let's celebrate."
Cui Yu raised his glass, looking at Meng Yihe across from him, who appeared exceptionally handsome under the soft lighting, with tender eyes.
"Celebrating our first vacation alone."
Meng Yihe looked at him, the glass reflecting the candlelight and the smile in Cui Yu's eyes. He raised his glass and gently clinked it against Cui Yu's, making a crisp sound, then lowered his head and took a sip of wine.
The chilled wine, with its fruity aroma, slid down my throat, and my mood became lighter.
When I returned to my room, it was already late at night, and the sound of the waves was even clearer. The atmosphere in the room seemed to become somewhat ambiguous as the night deepened.
Cui Yu closed the door, naturally pulled Meng Yihe into his arms, lowered his head and kissed him, his kiss carrying the lingering scent of wine, as well as undisguised desire and deep affection.
Meng Yihe froze for only a moment before slowly closing her eyes, responding awkwardly yet honestly, the air filled with the aromas of cedar and cherry brandy.
When the kiss ended, both of them were breathing rapidly.
Cui Yu pressed his forehead against Meng Yihe's, his voice low and hoarse: "...Go take a shower first?"
Meng Yihe gave a soft "hmm".
When the two of them finished washing up and came out wearing bathrobes, an unspoken tension and anticipation filled the air.
Cui Yu walked to the bedside, looked at Meng Yihe who was still standing not far away, and reached out his hand, his eyes deep and gentle.
"come over."
Meng Yihe looked at him, took a deep breath, and finally walked over and placed her hand in Cui Yu's palm.
The lights were turned off.
Only the hazy moonlight filtering through the balcony door outlined the intertwined figures on the bed. Whispers, gasps, and the sound of waves mingled together, composing the symphony of the night.
...
It was late at night, and the sound of the waves relentlessly crashing against the beach.
Meng Yihe had his back to Cui Yu, who had wrapped him up in his arms from behind. Cui Yu's strong and warm arms were wrapped around his waist, his chin gently resting on the top of his head, and his breath brushing against the sensitive area behind his ear.
The intense emotions have subsided.
What remains is the languor after extreme exhaustion and a deep-seated satisfaction.
Meng Yihe's consciousness hovered on the edge of wakefulness and sleep. Her body felt as if it had been completely disassembled and reassembled; every muscle seemed sore and weak, yet she also felt incredibly relaxed.
The glands at the back of her neck still retained a slight stinging and fullness from the repeated temporary markings, which, mixed with Cui Yu's powerful yet gentle cedar pheromones, formed a reassuring mark.
Meng Yihe could clearly feel the steady heartbeat coming from his chest behind him, as well as the warm skin pressed against his back.
This seamless embrace is not repulsive; instead, it brings an unprecedented sense of security, as if all the storms outside have been shut out.
Cui Yu was not asleep either. Her fingers, resting on Meng Yihe's waist, gently caressed his skin, causing a ticklish sensation.
Can't sleep?
Cui Yu's voice rang out in the darkness, deeper and hoarser than usual, carrying a languid and sexy quality.
Meng Yihe gently shook his head, his hair brushing against Cui Yu's chin. He was actually so tired that he couldn't even keep his eyelids open, but his mind was still craving this unfamiliar tenderness and was reluctant to fall asleep immediately.
"Does it hurt?" Cui Yu asked again in a low voice.
"...It's alright." Meng Yihe's voice was a little hoarse.
"I'll be gentler next time." Cui Yu's kiss landed on the gland on the back of his neck, extremely gentle, with a soothing meaning.
Meng Yihe didn't respond, but instead snuggled closer to him, an unconscious little gesture that pleased Cui Yu.
After a while, Cui Yu seemed to remember something and spoke again in a low voice, his tone tinged with amusement: "Director Meng..."
"Um?"
“It’s nothing,” Cui Yu’s voice was filled with a deeper smile, “I just suddenly felt that being able to hold you like this while sleeping is more fulfilling than winning ten projects.”
These almost foolish words made Meng Yihe silently curl the corners of her mouth in the darkness.
He was too tired to argue, or perhaps deep down he actually agreed with the statement.
Sleepiness ultimately triumphed over everything.
Enveloped by Cui Yu's steady heartbeat and the comforting scent of cedar, Meng Yihe's breathing gradually became even and long, and she drifted off to sleep.
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