Thinking back on that incident, Lin Siya couldn't stop smiling. She slung her bag over her shoulder, left the restroom, exited the restaurant, and got into her car. Yuan Xin wasn't there yet, so she pulled out her phone and started scrolling—grinning like a fool at the screen.
When Yuan Xin arrived, she found Lin Siya sitting in the driver's seat, hugging her phone and laughing to herself. She knocked on the window, startling her so much that the phone slipped from her hands.
Seeing who it was, Lin Siya quickly bent down to grab it, hiding it hastily in her bag as Yuan Xin got in. "You got here fast!"
"I was nearby," Yuan Xin said, starting the car. "What were you looking at just now?"
"Gossip," Lin Siya answered casually, stealing a quick glance at her. Yuan Xin's eyes were on the road, face calm, focused. That was good—it meant she wouldn't notice anything strange. "Can't just sit there bored while I wait, right?"
"I see," Yuan Xin murmured. "No wonder you looked so happy when I got here."
A little silly, even.
"Isn't gossip supposed to make people happy?"
While Yuan Xin drove, Lin Siya pulled her phone out again, scrolling through the chat thread. Her reflection flickered faintly in the window—chin propped on one hand, eyes unfocused on the passing lights. Her lips curved higher and higher, her gaze softening. Every so often she'd let out a quiet giggle, as if remembering something sweet.
"What's so funny?" Yuan Xin asked without looking over.
"I just read a joke—really funny," Lin Siya replied, her voice light, teasing.
"What joke?"
She froze for a moment, still gazing out the window. "Ah… I forgot. Sorry, Xin. I'll tell you next time."
Yuan Xin didn't press. As long as she was happy, that was enough.
"We're here."
Her voice pulled Lin Siya from her daze. She blinked, looking outside in surprise. "That fast?"
Gathering her bag and phone, she stepped out of the car. Yuan Xin's glance caught her phone screen for a split second before it disappeared into her purse. It was a messaging app—she recognized the interface instantly—but Lin Siya had moved too quickly for her to see who she'd been chatting with.
Watching her walk away, Yuan Xin frowned slightly. Laughing at her phone, smiling for no reason…
Does she have someone she likes?
The thought flashed and faded. She parked, then locked the car and stepped out—only to find Lin Siya still waiting by the entrance.
"Why aren't you going home?"
Lin Siya naturally walked up to her—close enough that their shoulders almost brushed. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said softly, "Let's go to your place. I have something serious to talk about."
Yuan Xin didn't refuse. She never could, not when it came to the woman who had awakened her. Deep down, she felt that Lin Siya was important—someone she was meant to protect, even if she couldn't remember why.
This wasn't her first time at Yuan Xin's apartment. She flopped onto the couch like she owned the place, hugging a cushion and letting out a long sigh. The day's work had drained her.
Yuan Xin handed her a glass of warm milk. Lin Siya sat up quickly, accepted it with both hands, and took a few sips. Her eyes curved contentedly. "Xin, don't you think it's about time we open a branch office? The company's growing fast. Our client base isn't just local anymore—people from other provinces are reaching out too. Maybe it's time for a bigger office, too."
"That's what you came to talk about?"
"Of course! You said you wanted to make the company number one in the country, didn't you?" she said eagerly, her tone full of life. But Yuan Xin, as always, looked calm and unhurried—like she'd already foreseen everything.
"I know," Yuan Xin said mildly. "We'll discuss it during the morning meeting."
"Huh? Tomorrow's meeting? That's too soon—I haven't even drafted a proposal yet."
"Hold on." Yuan Xin turned and went into her room.
Lin Siya sipped her milk and waited, curling up on the couch. A few minutes later, Yuan Xin came out carrying a thick stack of documents.
She set them on the coffee table. "If you're not too tired, take a look at these."
Blinking in confusion, Lin Siya put the milk down and picked up the top file.
What is this?
She flipped through a few pages, her eyes widening. Perfectly outlined expansion plans—budget projections, regional layouts, marketing strategies—every detail flawless.
She looked up at Yuan Xin, who was scrolling lazily through her phone on the other end of the couch.
Still that same woman—red curls, leather jacket, casual as ever.
"When did you prepare all this?"
"After I met you," Yuan Xin said simply.
Lin Siya stared at her, speechless.
After she met her? That early?
Yuan Xin, you're a devil, she thought, half in awe, half in disbelief.
An hour later, she was still reading—completely absorbed. The more she read, the more her pulse quickened.
By the end, her blood was boiling with excitement. Every plan was brilliant—real, executable brilliance. She wanted to get started immediately.
But after staring at the papers for so long, her eyes started to sting. She lifted a hand to rub them—only to feel a firm grip on her wrist.
"There are bacteria on your hands," Yuan Xin said softly. "If your eyes are irritated, don't rub them."
Lin Siya blinked, her eyes dry and itchy. "It's fine, I'll just rub once—" She tried lifting her other hand, but Yuan Xin stopped that one too.
"It really itches, Xin. You're cruel," she pouted. "Just once, it won't kill me."
"I'll get the eye drops."
"Okay, hurry," Lin Siya said, half whining.
Yuan Xin tilted her head. "You're sure you won't start rubbing the second I turn my back?"
Lin Siya froze, forcing a nervous laugh. "Of course not."
Yuan Xin took her hand and led her into the room.
While she searched the drawers, Lin Siya raised her hand again—only to freeze when Yuan Xin said without turning around, "Don't rub."
"I wasn't!" Lin Siya groaned, dropping her hand.
Fortunately, Yuan Xin found the bottle soon enough. She motioned for her to sit. "I'll do it."
"…Okay."
A little flustered, Lin Siya tilted her head back and opened her eyes. Yuan Xin leaned in close, holding the bottle steady.
The faint scent of her perfume brushed against Lin Siya's nose—light, clean, not at all like her bold makeup and leather clothes.
Why… does she smell so nice? Lin Siya wondered.