There was no reply for a long time.
Fang Xihe figured he was busy and went to the kitchen to prepare the dishes, planning to cook when Shang Chenzhou was almost home.
Once she had the dishes ready, she checked her phone.
Shang Chenzhou had replied.
A program had a bug. He would likely have to stay at the company tonight. She could make something to eat herself, or order takeout. Make sure to lock the door when going to sleep.
Fang Xihe replied: Got it.
She put down her phone, wrapped the prepared dishes with plastic wrap, and put them in the fridge.
She could not finish that much food alone.
Just a simple stir-fry would be enough.
Shang Chenzhou did not come back the next day either. He sent her a message again, reminding her to lock the door at night.
Fang Xihe thought mischievously that it was fine if he stayed at the company.
If he came home, it would mean they would have to do that thing.
At noon, Fang Xihe went downstairs for a walk.
As soon as she stepped out, the neighbor’s door opened again. The short, chubby man came out to pick up takeout, still wearing only underwear.
He gave her a playful smile.
Fang Xihe frowned, turned, and went back inside to close the door.
Not in the mood to go out, she changed into her loungewear and lay on the bed scrolling through her phone.
The small apartment had no TV; her only entertainment was her phone.
The neighbor lingered by his door for several minutes before finally going inside.
The next day was Monday.
Fang Xihe had to go to work.
She skipped breakfast, planning to eat at the company.
The company had an outsourced cafeteria with breakfast and lunch, and dinner was provided for those working late.
Upon arriving, she quickly got breakfast.
She grabbed a corn cob, 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 to Fang Xihe and whispered, “Zhou Lin messed up some data, almost causing a big mistake. Extinction Nun scolded her for half an hour. Poor thing.”
Fang Xihe typed while replying casually, “That’s bad. Go back to work or you might be the next one scolded.”
Sun Shasha watched her typing rapidly and asked, puzzled, “Xihe, since when did you get so serious about work?”
Fang Xihe said, “I got scared after being scolded by Manager Zhao. If I am not careful, she will fire me.”
Sun Shasha thought no more and returned to her own work.
Fang Xihe spent the day attending to five clients.
Two of them placed orders.
One client ordered two containers, another ordered three.
Zhao Jing no longer gave her a stern look.
On Wednesday evening, after dinner, Fang Xihe showered and sat by the bed reviewing an English document.
It was her first time in the tool industry, and she was unfamiliar with many technical terms. She had organized the material and printed it at the company to review at home.
While reading, she heard the door chime.
She looked up.
The door opened, and a tall figure stepped in.
The row of spotlights in the entryway cast warm yellow light on Shang Chenzhou, making him glow as if coated in light.
Their eyes met.
Fang Xihe felt dazed.
Shang Chenzhou hung up his long down coat and spoke in a low voice, “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”
Fang Xihe took a moment to find her voice. “Almost.”
He was still wearing the black shirt and black trousers from when he had left earlier.
He looked a bit haggard.
Fang Xihe thought to ask, “Was the bug fixed?”
Shang Chenzhou glanced at her, his eyes seeming to brighten.
“Fixed.”
She put the document aside.
“You haven’t showered for several days, have a wash.”
Shang Chenzhou nodded, opened the wardrobe to get his pajamas, and noticed that the clothes he had taken off were cleaned and neatly hung. His expression softened, and a small smile appeared.
Once he went to the bathroom, Fang Xihe lay down and closed her eyes.
If she slept, they would not have to do that thing.
Ten minutes later, the bathroom door opened.
Shang Chenzhou came out.
Fang Xihe could clearly smell the scent of his shower gel.
Then she heard the balcony sliding door being opened; he seemed to go out to hang the laundry.
He did not take long, and soon the other side of the bed sank.
Fang Xihe tensed.
In the dark, his breathing was obvious.
Distinct, strong.
She could not ignore it.
She listened to the sounds beside her until his breathing steadied.
Shang Chenzhou had fallen asleep.
She finally exhaled and drifted off in a haze.
The next morning, Fang Xihe opened her eyes to find Shang Chenzhou already in the kitchen making breakfast, possibly keeping the door closed to avoid waking her.
She sat up, staring at the kitchen for a while before washing up.
When she came out, Shang Chenzhou had breakfast ready. He looked up at her, “Come eat.”
Fang Xihe walked over and sat down.
Breakfast at home was still the best.
She had to admit, Shang Chenzhou’s cooking was excellent.
How could there be such a perfect man?
Handsome, clean, diligent, and a great cook.
A fighter among good men.
Truly worthy of being the male lead in a novel.
After breakfast, they left together.
As Fang Xihe changed her shoes, Shang Chenzhou took her cloth bag.
She looked at him, “Thanks.”
After changing shoes and closing the door, she reached out, “Give it here.”
Shang Chenzhou handed her the bag.
They turned to take the elevator.
Most residents of the apartment were office workers, and the elevator was hard to get in the morning.
After waiting several minutes, it arrived, already with many people inside.
Fang Xihe followed Shang Chenzhou in, standing beside him.
His height and striking looks drew the attention of several girls in the elevator.
Fang Xihe glanced at him.
Shang Chenzhou looked at the elevator doors, not shifting his gaze.
He was actually quite cool.
More people entered as the elevator descended.
Fang Xihe almost got stepped on by a man coming in. Shang Chenzhou put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to his chest.
Fang Xihe froze but did not move.
He smelled so good.
The scent of laundry, warm and fresh.
He half-carried her to the first floor.
Outside the elevator, Shang Chenzhou let go of her.
Fang Xihe exhaled in relief.
He paused slightly while walking ahead, frowning a little.
At the subway station, they took different lines.
During the morning rush, the subway was crowded. Fang Xihe stood in a corner.
She wondered if Shang Chenzhou would want to do that thing with her tonight.
So annoying, she felt nervous again.
That evening, Fang Xihe lingered at the company.
She sent him a message: I’ll be working late tonight. Don’t wait to eat.
Shang Chenzhou replied: Got it.
Fang Xihe spent two hours at the company, having dinner there.
As she left the industrial park with her cloth bag, she saw a tall, upright figure under the streetlamp at the entrance.