There was no reply from the other side for a long time.
Fang Xihe figured he was probably busy, so she went to the kitchen first to prepare the ingredients, planning to cook when Shang Chenzhou was about to get home.
After finishing the prep, she checked her phone again.
He had replied.
【There’s a bug in a program. I’ll probably stay at the company tonight. Make something for yourself to eat. If you don’t feel like cooking, order takeout. Lock the door before you sleep.】
Fang Xihe: 【Got it.】
She put down her phone and wrapped the prepared ingredients with plastic wrap, then placed them in the fridge.
She couldn’t eat that much by herself.
One simple dish would be enough.
Shang Chenzhou didn’t come back the next day either. He sent her another message reminding her to lock the door before sleeping.
Fang Xihe shamelessly thought—it might actually be better if he just stayed at the company.
If he came back, it would mean… that.
At noon, Fang Xihe planned to go downstairs for a walk.
But the moment she stepped out, the neighbor’s door opened again. That short, chubby man came out to pick up his delivery—still only wearing underwear.
He even gave her a suggestive smile.
Fang Xihe frowned and immediately turned back inside, shutting the door.
Her mood ruined, she changed into home clothes and lay on the bed scrolling through her phone.
There was no TV in the small apartment. The only entertainment was her phone.
The neighbor stood outside for several minutes before finally going back in and closing his door.
The next day was Monday.
Fang Xihe had to go to work.
She didn’t make breakfast and planned to eat at the company.
The company had an outsourced cafeteria that provided breakfast and lunch, and even dinner if employees worked overtime.
After arriving, she quickly went to eat.
She took a piece of corn, a boiled egg, and a cup of soy milk.
After eating, she returned to her desk and got busy.
Zhao Jing was scolding someone in the office again.
Sun Shasha leaned over and whispered, “Zhou Lin messed up the data and almost caused a big problem. She’s been scolded for half an hour. So miserable.”
Fang Xihe typed away and casually replied, “Yeah, pretty miserable. Go back to work before you’re the next one getting scolded.”
Sun Shasha looked at her typing rapidly and asked curiously, “Xihe, when did you become so serious about work?”
Fang Xihe said, “I got scared by Manager Zhao. If I don’t work hard, she’ll fire me.”
Sun Shasha didn’t think much of it and went back to her seat.
By the end of the day, Fang Xihe had handled five clients.
Two of them placed orders.
One ordered two containers, and the other ordered three.
Zhao Jing finally stopped giving her cold looks.
On Wednesday night, after dinner and a shower, Fang Xihe sat at the bedside reading some English materials.
It was her first time working in this tools industry, and she wasn’t familiar with many technical terms. She had compiled notes, printed them at the office, and brought them home to study.
As she was reading, the door made a soft beep.
She turned her head.
The door opened, and a tall figure walked in.
The entryway lights cast a warm glow on Shang Chenzhou, making him look almost radiant.
Their eyes met.
Fang Xihe felt a little dazed.
Shang Chenzhou took off his long down jacket and hung it up, speaking in a low voice, “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”
It took her a moment to respond. “About to sleep.”
He was still wearing the same black shirt and black trousers from the day he left.
He looked a bit worn out.
Fang Xihe thought for a moment and asked, “Did you fix the bug?”
He looked at her, and his eyes seemed to brighten slightly.
“Yeah.”
Fang Xihe put the materials aside.
“You haven’t showered in days, right? Go wash up.”
He nodded, opened the wardrobe to get his pajamas, then paused when he saw his dirty clothes had been washed and neatly hung inside.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
After he went into the bathroom, Fang Xihe lay down and closed her eyes.
If she fell asleep, she wouldn’t have to deal with… that.
Ten minutes later, the bathroom door opened.
She could clearly smell the body wash.
Then the balcony door slid open—he seemed to be hanging clothes.
He didn’t take long before getting into bed.
Fang Xihe’s back tensed.
In the darkness, his breathing was distinct.
Strong. Impossible to ignore.
She listened to his movements until his breathing became steady.
He had fallen asleep.
Only then did she relax and drift off.
The next morning—
When Fang Xihe opened her eyes, Shang Chenzhou was already in the kitchen making breakfast. He had even closed the door, probably to avoid waking her.
She sat up and stared in that direction for a while before going to wash up.
When she came out, breakfast was already set on the table.
He glanced at her. “Come eat.”
She walked over and sat down.
Home-cooked breakfast really tasted better.
She had to admit—Shang Chenzhou’s cooking was excellent.
How could there be such a perfect man?
Handsome, clean, hardworking, and a great cook.
A top-tier good man.
As expected of a novel’s male lead.
After breakfast, they left together.
While changing shoes, Shang Chenzhou took her bag.
Fang Xihe glanced at him. “Thanks.”
After closing the door, she reached out. “Give it to me.”
He handed it over.
They turned and went to the elevator.
Most residents in the apartment were office workers, so the elevator was hard to catch in the morning.
After waiting several minutes, it finally arrived—already crowded.
Fang Xihe followed him in and stood beside him.
His height and striking looks drew the attention of several girls in the elevator.
Fang Xihe glanced at him.
He stared straight ahead, indifferent.
He was actually quite cold.
As more people squeezed in, someone almost stepped on Fang Xihe.
Shang Chenzhou wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her in front of him.
She stiffened but didn’t move.
He smelled nice—clean, like laundry detergent.
Warm and fresh.
He half-held her all the way to the first floor.
Once outside, he let go.
Fang Xihe let out a long breath.
Walking ahead, Shang Chenzhou paused slightly, his brows faintly furrowed.
At the subway station, they took different lines.
During rush hour, the train was packed. Fang Xihe stood in a corner.
She couldn’t help wondering if Shang Chenzhou would want to… tonight.
So annoying. She felt nervous again.
That evening, she deliberately stayed at the company, wasting time.
She texted him:
【I’m working overtime tonight. I’ll be back late. No need to wait for me for dinner.】
Shang Chenzhou: 【Got it.】
She lingered for two more hours and had dinner at the company.
When she left the industrial park, she saw a tall, elongated figure under the streetlight at the entrance.
Straight and imposing.