On Monday, in the conference room of Huachen Group, sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, casting bright patches of light across the gleaming long table. Fu Sinian sat at the head, the documents for the Platinum Yue Hotel renovation project spread out before him, his expression focused and cold.
During this period, he had thrown himself completely into work, trying to numb the pain inside with endless busyness. His relationship with Su Wanning had fallen to freezing point. That home, to him now, felt more like a beautifully decorated cage.
“CEO Fu, the people from Qingyuan Design Studio have arrived,” the secretary reported softly.
Fu Sinian looked up just as the conference room door was pushed open, and a figure in a light gray business suit walked in. Su Qingyuan… the founder of Qingyuan Design Studio, and his childhood companion who had grown up with him.
“Sinian, long time no see,” Su Qingyuan said with a gentle smile, nodding in greeting, her demeanor graceful and composed.
Her long hair was neatly tied into a simple bun today, revealing her smooth forehead and slender neck. Her light makeup accentuated her delicate features, and she carried an air of quiet intelligence and capable elegance.
“Qingyuan, please sit,” Fu Sinian said, standing up to shake her hand out of courtesy.
Their fingers touched briefly before parting. Her hand was warm and steady, completely different from the coldness Fu Sinian had been feeling these past days.
The project kickoff meeting began formally. As the representative of the design side, Su Qingyuan carefully explained her design concepts in detail. Her voice was clear and pleasant, her explanations professional yet engaging. From time to time, she referenced art history and architectural theory, earning frequent nods from the Huachen executives present.
Fu Sinian listened attentively, occasionally raising questions. Su Qingyuan always understood his intent precisely and responded with satisfying answers. Their exchange was efficient and seamless, as if they had returned to their younger days… those afternoons in the library when they studied and discussed together.
However, in the gaps between her explanations, Fu Sinian still found himself drifting. Though his gaze remained on the projection screen, his mind had already wandered far away. Su Wanning’s tear-streaked face… yet completely devoid of regret… surfaced in his thoughts once again. Find the original chapter at g.com.
“…So I believe this area can incorporate more natural lighting…” Su Qingyuan’s voice pulled him back to reality.
Fu Sinian quickly composed himself and refocused on the meeting. But he didn’t notice that, during the brief moment he had been distracted, Su Qingyuan’s gaze had lingered on his face, a trace of concern flashing in her eyes.
The meeting lasted two hours. By the time it ended, it was already noon. The executives gradually left the room, leaving only Fu Sinian and Su Qingyuan behind, quietly organizing their documents.
“I’m very satisfied with the design concept for this project,” Fu Sinian said as he packed the files into his briefcase. “I look forward to your detailed proposal.”
Su Qingyuan nodded lightly but did not leave immediately. After a brief hesitation, she took two small steps forward and stopped at a respectful distance from him.
“Sinian,” she said softly, her voice carrying sincere concern, “you don’t look very well. Have you been too tired lately?”
Fu Sinian paused slightly, not expecting her to bring it up. He subconsciously touched his cheek, trying to force a smile. “Is it that obvious?”
A gentle understanding appeared in Su Qingyuan’s eyes. “Your dark circles are quite heavy, and…” she hesitated, choosing her words carefully, “during the meeting just now, you occasionally drifted off. There was a kind of… exhaustion and pain in your eyes that I’ve never seen before.”
Fu Sinian fell silent.
These past days, he had been the decisive CEO of Huachen Group, the steady and reliable son in his parents’ eyes, the calm and restrained husband in front of Su Wanning. Everyone saw his strength… yet no one noticed how shattered he was inside.
And Su Qingyuan… this childhood friend he hadn’t seen in years… had seen through the facade he had so carefully maintained with just a single glance. Read this novel at NovelPing for the best experience.
“It’s just work. There’s always some pressure,” he said lightly, unwilling to say more.
Su Qingyuan didn’t press further. She simply nodded in understanding. “I understand. But…” she looked up at him, her gaze clear and warm, “if… if there’s something bothering you, and you want someone to talk to… I’m always here.”
Her voice was soft, yet it felt like a gentle spring breeze brushing across the frozen surface of his heart. There was no hint of flirtation, no deliberate attempt to please… just a pure, heartfelt concern.
Fu Sinian looked into her sincere eyes, and a long-forgotten warmth rose within him. It was the first ray of light he had felt after days of gloom.
“Thank you,” he said quietly. This time, his smile was much more genuine. “I’m fine.”
Su Qingyuan returned a gentle smile. “That’s good. Don’t forget to take care of yourself.”
She picked up her documents, nodded to him in farewell, and turned to leave the conference room. Her back was straight and elegant, her steps steady… just like the impression she gave—gentle, yet firm.
Fu Sinian stood alone in the now-empty conference room. Outside the window lay the bustling view of the Capital City, yet his heart was filled with mixed emotions. Su Qingyuan’s concern reminded him of years ago, when they were still students. Back then, she had always been like this… keenly sensing his emotions, quietly offering support whenever he faced difficulties.
Later, they became busy with their respective careers, and contact gradually faded. Then he met Su Wanning, fell deeply in love, and got married. Meanwhile, Su Qingyuan had remained focused on her design career, and from what he heard, she had been thriving.
Fate was truly strange. Now, they had met again because of work. Yet neither of them was the naive youth they once were.
Fu Sinian took a deep breath, composed himself, and returned to being that flawless business elite. But he knew… something had already changed. In this world filled with betrayal and lies, he had finally found a place where he could rest, if only for a moment.
Even if he wasn’t ready to open his heart to anyone yet, just knowing that someone was willing to listen, that someone genuinely cared about his feelings… that alone was already a kind of comfort.