Yuxuan didn't say a single word.The moment the call from the cafeteria came through, he simply glanced at Linyue and said in a calm, almost indifferent tone,
"Right… I have somewhere to be."
He turned but instead of heading toward the cafeteria—where everyone expected him to go—he walked in the opposite direction. Toward his office.Linyue raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.
" You're not going to the cafeteria?"she asked, her tone carrying a hint of curiosity.
Yuxuan didn't stop walking.
"I'm going to my office."
Linyue let out a soft laugh and followed behind him.Interesting. Your company's biggest star just arrived, and you're avoiding him? Shouldn't you at least make your new artist meet him?.Yuxuan paused for a fraction of a second—but only a fraction.
"It can wait,"he replied coldly."Not now."
And with that, he disappeared into his office, closing the door behind him.
Meanwhile… Cafeteria on the other side of the building, the atmosphere was completely different.
Warm. Bright. Almost… lively.
Nuan sat across from Zihan, casually eating, her posture relaxed in a way she never allowed herself to be inside the office.Zihan leaned back in his chair, watching her with a playful smile.
" You're still the same,"he said.You haven't changed at all.Nuan didn't even look up.
" You talk too much,"she replied calmly.
From a distance, Linyue stood watching the two of them.Her eyes narrowed slightly—not with jealousy, but with curiosity.She quickly pulled out her phone and snapped a picture.
Then, turning to a nearby employee, she asked casually,
"Excuse me… that girl sitting with Zihan—is she Nuan? ".The employee lit up
immediately.Yes! That's Miss Nuan. You're Linyue, right? Can I take a picture with you?
Linyue smiled politely.
"Maybe later."
But her attention was elsewhere.When did she come? And… what's her relationship with Zihan? she asked, her tone light but sharp underneath.The employee didn't hesitate—office gossip was practically currency.
"Miss Nuan is the CEO's executive assistant. But she used to be Zihan's manager before. They go way back."
Linyue's gaze shifted back to the two of them.They look… comfortable,she murmured.The employee leaned in slightly, lowering their voice.
" Honestly, people are saying she's lucky. But if you ask me…"he chuckled,if she were my girlfriend, I'd be the lucky one.
Linyue's lips curved faintly, but her eyes didn't smile.
" And what did Zihan say about the rumors?"
" Oh, he cleared everything,"the employee replied. Said they're just good friends.
"Just friends…"Linyue repeated softly.
Her gaze lingered on Nuan " Interesting."
Back in the Office yuxuan sat alone.His fingers tapped lightly against his desk, his expression unreadable.Just friends…
The words echoed in his mind.He let out a quiet breath, leaning back in his chair.
" So that's how it is…"he muttered.
A faint smile appeared—but it wasn't warm.
It was the kind of smile that came when someone was trying to convince themselves of something they didn't fully believe.After a moment, he picked up his phone and called Nuan.
Cafeteria nuan glanced at her phone yuxuan.She picked up immediately.
"Yes, Sir."
Her tone—professional. Controlled. Distant.
Yuxuan's eyes darkened slightly.
" Where are you, Miss Nuan?"he asked.
" In the cafeteria, Sir."
" I have a meeting,"he said calmly.If you're done, come to my office I need you.Before she could respond, he hung up.Yuxuan's Office he stared at the phone for a moment.
Then let out a quiet laugh.
" So… I can call you whenever I want,"he murmured.But the smile on his face didn't reach his eyes.Cafeteria nuan lowered her phone." I have to go,"she said,standing up.
Zihan frowned slightly.
"That fast?"
" Work,"she replied simply.As she turned to leave, Zihan called out,
"At least take this with you."
He held out a small bouquet—pink tulips. Nuan paused." You still remember,"she said quietly.Zihan smiled " Of course I do."
For a brief moment, something flickered in Nuan's eyes something soft.Something almost… forgotten.Then it disappeared.
" Thank you,"she said, taking the flowers.
And walked away.Yuxuan's Office – Later
"A knock."
Yuxuan straightened slightly.
"Come in."
The door opened.Nuan stepped inside.She placed a cup of coffee on his desk.
"Your coffee, Sir."
Her voice was calm. Too calm.Yuxuan studied her face.No reaction. No hesitation. Nothing."As usual,"he said.Perfect timing.
Nuan nodded slightly.Did your meeting with Linyue go well?.
" Yes,"he replied.Everything is settled.
Silence fell between them.A heavy, uncomfortable silence."Anything else, Sir?" Nuan asked.Yuxuan hesitated for a second.
" No."
Nuan nodded." Then I'll return to my desk."
She turned and walked out.Outside – Office Floor.Nuan sat down at her desk.For a moment… she paused.Her fingers lightly touched the flowers beside her.A small smile appeared on her lips.But it didn't last long.From his office, Yuxuan stepped out.
His eyes immediately landed on Nuan.And then on the flowers.Something inside him snapped not loudly not visibly but deeply.
He walked toward her.
" Miss Nuan,"he called.
She looked up. " Yes, Sir?".His gaze lingered on the flowers." Busy day?"he asked casually.Nuan tilted her head slightly.
"Meaning?"
Yuxuan smiled.But this time, it carried heat.
" I mean… looks like you have other plans today ".
Nuan followed his gaze to the flowers.
" Oh. These?"she said lightly." Just something I received."
" From him? "Yuxuan asked.Nuan didn't deny it. " Yes."
That single word felt heavier than anything else.Yuxuan's jaw tightened.
"I see,"he said.
Then added, almost under his breath,He didn't bring anything for me.Nuan looked at him, slightly confused.
"Sir?"
Yuxuan shook his head. " Nothing."
Then, after a pause Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?.Nuan hesitated for a moment.Then said," I might leave early today."
Yuxuan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Early?"
" Yes," she replied calmly.If there's nothing urgent.Yuxuan stepped closer.How unusual, Miss Nuan,he said softly.You don't usually ask for that.Nuan met his gaze.
"I have… personal matters."
Something about the way she said it cold. Firm. Untouchable.Made something inside Yuxuan twist. " Personal…"he repeated.
Then smiled. " Of course."
A pause.
Then though it seems,he added quietly,
I don't know anything about your "personal" life.Nuan didn't respond immediately.Then finally she said,
" Some things… are better kept private, Sir."
And that line hit harder than anything else.
Yuxuan looked at her for a long moment.
Then leaned slightly closer.His voice dropped low and controlled.But burning underneath— " Private…?"he murmured.
Then his eyes locked onto hers sharp intense." Or… am I just someone you don't want to include?"
Silence.
And for the first time nuan didn't have an immediate answer.