Chapter 11: A Touch of Warmth
Shen Cen’s lips curved into a faint smile, his gaze laden with meaning as it fell upon the delicate ear of the young woman. Perhaps from rushing just now, the tips of her ears were tinged a subtle red that deepened into a flirtatious shade of peach along her earlobes. He lowered his eyes, his expression darkening, his voice husky with a hint of melancholy: “Quite the coincidence, isn’t it?”
Wei Yang bit her lip lightly, her thumbnail unconsciously picking at the tip of her index finger. An inexplicable tightness gripped her heart, yet her face betrayed no hint of it as she spoke softly, “President Shen, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”
“Mhm,” Shen Cen replied.
At his response, Wei Yang let out a quiet sigh of relief. Her nails ceased their restless motion, leaving a faint crescent-shaped mark on her fingertip. Straightening her back, she narrowed her eyes slightly and passed by the man, their shoulders brushing ever so lightly.
Her fingertips seemed to touch a trace of warmth. In that instant, like an electric shock, she hastily withdrew her hand, her steps faltering slightly in their haste. Wei Yang quickened her pace even more.
Shen Cen narrowed his eyes, his gaze deep and inscrutable as it settled on his slightly flushed fingertips. His Adam’s apple moved almost imperceptibly. “Yangyang, if you don’t come soon, I’ll have to come find you.”
Upon seeing Wei Yang, Zhao Yunkai could no longer hold back his concern. “Yangyang, I was worried about you.”
Wei Yang smiled apologetically. “Sorry! I got caught up on a phone call just now, so I was delayed.”
Zhao Yunkai froze for a moment, his heart leaping with joy. She was explaining herself to him—did that mean she intended to accept his confession? Thinking this, he shook his head quickly and said, “Yangyang, my worry is because I like you. You don’t have to feel burdened.”
Wei Yang gave a slight, awkward smile.
Sitting opposite, Zhao Wenqian covered her face with her hand in exasperation. This young man was far too impatient—she would have to have a word with him later.
“Miss Wei, my brother is straightforward. If he likes you, he’ll devote himself entirely to you.”
Before Wei Yang could respond, a calm yet impossible-to-ignore voice interrupted, “I just remembered, Miss Wei seemed to have a boyfriend before. I wonder how things are with them now?”
Xie Yanli approached and sat beside Zhao Wenqian. After a brief pause, he looked up at Wei Yang and continued, “Miss Wei, if you have a boyfriend, you need to make it clear to Yunkai.”
Zhao Wenqian’s enthusiasm suddenly dwindled, anxiety flickering in her eyes.
In stark contrast, Zhao Yunkai was unfazed. His gaze was resolute. “Brother-in-law, even if Yangyang has a boyfriend, so what? As long as they aren’t married, I still have a chance.”
Wei Yang was momentarily stunned. She lowered her eyes; her dark lashes fluttered faintly, concealing the complex emotions stirring beneath.
“Besides, there’s no comparison without contrast. Over time, Yangyang will naturally see who treats her better,” Zhao Yunkai said.
Xie Yanli’s eyes narrowed slightly, his thoughts churning deeply.
When Zhao Wenqian looked at Wei Yang again, her gaze held a new layer of scrutiny and appraisal.
At dinner, Wei Yang found the taste utterly bland.
When it was time to leave, Zhao Yunkai insisted on escorting Wei Yang home.
Unable to refuse, she agreed, thinking she could clarify matters with him on the way.
As Wei Yang settled into the passenger seat, her phone buzzed in her bag.
She took it out and glanced at the screen.
Sender: “Recognize your true place!”
“Sender” was the contact name Wei Yang had saved for Xie Yanli.
Hesitating briefly, she replied, “I know. No need for you to remind me, President Xie.”
After sending the message, she put her phone away.
Wei Yang turned to look at Zhao Yunkai, who was driving.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Yunkai was looking at her as well, and they spoke almost simultaneously.
“Zhao Yunkai…”
“Yangyang…”
“You go first.”
Zhao Yunkai smiled, pulling the corners of his lips into a grin.