Undoubtedly, Shi Anlan’s profile was just as striking as his front view.
His features were sharp and deep, with a defined jawline, a high, straight nose, and thin, sensual lips—like they had been carved by a master’s hand.
Zhou Nuan’s mind suddenly jumped to two words—CEO-type. Yes, if she didn’t know his identity, she would have thought he was one of those domineering CEOs from novels.
She had always assumed men in official positions—especially someone like Shi Anlan—would be middle-aged, balding, with a potbelly, and smelling of cigarettes and alcohol.
She had never seen someone like Shi Anlan before.
Moreover, his car was spotless, nearly immaculate. There was no unusual odor, only a faint, pleasant scent of car fragrance.
This was unlike ordinary men.
Although Zhou Nuan had no experience in official circles, she knew that leaders’ official cars were usually Audi or Hongqi, not a bold, commanding SUV like this.
Clearly, this was his personal vehicle.
And if he kept his personal car this clean, he must be a neat person.
Thinking this, she couldn’t help but glance at Shi Anlan again.
Noticing her gaze, a faint smile curved the corners of his lips.
“Teacher Zhou, are you local?” he asked casually while steering.
“Not entirely. I’m from a county town nearby.”
“And your place…”
“Rented,” she admitted, anticipating his question.
“Living with your boyfriend?” he teased.
“Huh?” Zhou Nuan blinked, doubting her ears, looking at him incredulously.
That question felt… a little too forward.
“Heh, don’t misunderstand,” Shi Anlan laughed. “One day, when I went to pick up Xu Zhi from school, I saw your boyfriend driving to get you.”
Ah, that explained it! Zhou Nuan quietly exhaled in relief.
She had thought…
“I live alone,” she said softly, biting her lip. “And… I’ve already broken up with him.”
For some reason, she felt no need to hide this from Shi Anlan.
Perhaps in her subconscious, someone of his stature, though intimidating, was still trustworthy.
Still, after saying it, a twinge of regret crept in.
What if he asked why they broke up? How would she answer?
“Is that so? What a pity,” Shi Anlan said lightly, not pressing further. It was as if he had asked casually after merely noticing her boyfriend once.
This slightly eased Zhou Nuan’s tense heart.
Soon, the car arrived at the underground parking of her apartment.
“Xu… uh, Xu Zhi’s dad, thank you so much today,” Zhou Nuan said as she unbuckled her seatbelt.
“You’re welcome. It’s nothing,” he replied with a faint smile.
“I’ll go upstairs first; drive safely,” she said, opening the door.
“Teacher Zhou, wait a moment,” he called out.
“Yes? Is there something else?” she asked, hand still on the car door handle.
“Let’s add each other on WeChat,” he said calmly.
“What…?” Zhou Nuan’s eyes widened.
She hadn’t misheard, had she? Secretary Shi was actually asking to add her on WeChat?
Her surprise and shock were indescribable; she didn’t know how to respond.
“What’s the matter? Teacher Zhou, don’t you normally add parents on WeChat?” Shi Anlan raised an eyebrow, teasing.
“Oh, no,” she finally reacted. “I already added Shi Yan.” Implying there was no need to add him.
“That’s different. How should I put it? I’m your child’s actual parent,” Shi Anlan emphasized the word “parent,” as if not understanding her.
“Secretary Shi, you’re so busy; I’m afraid of disturbing you,” Zhou Nuan said earnestly, speaking nonsense just to sound proper.
“Didn’t you just tell me to spend more time with the child? I’m just following your instructions!” he joked.
“I wouldn’t dare instruct you,” Zhou Nuan muttered quietly.
“What did you say?” he asked, not hearing clearly.
“Nothing,” she quickly waved him off.
“Just joking, Teacher Zhou, don’t mind,” Shi Anlan said, laughing.
Then he explained further.
“If I don’t add you, how can I know about my child’s situation at school in real time? How can I accompany him more effectively?”
“This… this…” Zhou Nuan hesitated, while Shi Anlan had already taken out his phone, opened WeChat, and presented the QR code to her.
Her mind froze for a moment—she hadn’t expected such persistence from a top leader.
“Teacher Zhou?” Seeing no response, Shi Anlan raised his phone.
Sighing inwardly, Zhou Nuan helplessly pulled out her phone, scanned the QR code, and sent the friend request.
Soon, it was accepted.
Glancing at the WeChat display, “Anlan’s Return”—huh, quite poetic.
Shi Anlan, seeing “Warm Sunlight” as her name, smiled subtly. “Teacher Zhou, did you notice that if we combine our WeChat names, it forms a line of poetry?”
“What poetry?” Zhou Nuan asked instinctively.
“‘Anlan’s return is the warm sunlight,’” he slowly spoke, his voice melodic.
It felt as if something gently strummed a chord in her heart, making Zhou Nuan shiver slightly.
She looked at Shi Anlan in disbelief.
“Secretary Shi’s cultural depth is truly impressive!” she said awkwardly, trying to hide her inner turmoil.
“All right, go upstairs. You’ve worked hard today,” the man said warmly.
“Not at all. Thank you for personally seeing me home,” Zhou Nuan said, opening the car door.
Only when the car left the garage did Zhou Nuan relax completely.
This man’s aura was too overwhelming—her body had been tense the entire evening.
Looking at the WeChat screen, she felt like she was dreaming.
A simple home visit had turned into Shi Anlan personally escorting her home and adding her on WeChat?
She shook her head, trying to dismiss the chaotic thoughts in her mind.
Yet at home, she hesitated again.
Since she added Secretary Shi on WeChat and he had personally brought her home, should she, out of courtesy, ask if he arrived safely?
But, for some reason, Zhou Nuan didn’t want to.
After long hesitation, she sent no words at all.
Secretary Shi wasn’t ordinary; he probably wouldn’t care about such details.
She comforted herself with this thought.
Meanwhile, at home, someone stared at his phone for a long time. Seeing no movement, he twitched the corner of his mouth.
This little ungrateful one, I personally saw her home, and she didn’t even ask a single word.
Oh well, there will be plenty of time—he would teach her gradually.