"That sounds good." Miao Jing smiled. "We had the same idea. I was also thinking about getting some late-night snacks. Do you drink coffee? How about I buy two cups?"
"Maybe beer goes better with barbecue?" Lu Zhengsi's thick eyebrows relaxed as he chuckled. "Coffee works for me too. Engineer Miao, what kind of coffee do you like?"
"Then you'd probably enjoy Beer Iced Coffee..."
While Lu Zhengsi chatted with Miao Jing at the hotel entrance, she gathered her computer and phone from the table. Noticing the call duration still ticking upward second by second, she arched her delicate brows, ended the call, stuffed the phone into her laptop bag, closed the room door, and walked out with Lu Zhengsi.
Chen Yi didn't mind, slipping his phone back into his pocket as he sat frowning at the bar counter.
Lately, Miao Jing had been spending the most time with Lu Zhengsi.
Assigned to the same team responsible for the same vehicle body component design, Miao Jing would look out for Lu Zhengsi at work. They often worked overtime together, resulting in considerable interaction time, and would occasionally chat during breaks.
Lu Zhengsi learned that Miao Jing was also from Z Province, with their hometowns not far apart. He later discovered she hadn't returned home for many years and had vague memories of her hometown. He would sometimes give her local snacks, which occasionally triggered childhood memories for Miao Jing. She would also share with him about Teng City's customs and cuisine. Sometimes when he went out for errands, she would help brainstorm ideas.
Their interactions were relaxed and comfortable, with conversations flowing naturally. Though Lu Zhengsi was attentive and considerate toward her, he maintained appropriate boundaries as "good colleagues" without overstepping. Miao Jing actually had plenty of options - the company had numerous single young men to choose from. Even the newly hired vehicle headlight design female engineer downstairs had the department helping her find a boyfriend. With Miao Jing's striking appearance and professional competence, many ambitious young men watched her with keen interest.
However, her beauty carried an icy elegance, and she maintained strict professionalism at work - meticulous and serious, never engaging in casual banter or horseplay. Those unfamiliar with her didn't dare approach easily. Though Lu Zhengsi had feelings for her, he hadn't dared to confess.
During this business trip, they occasionally discussed personal matters. Miao Jing asked if he had ever been in a relationship. Lu Zhengsi replied with slight melancholy: "I had a girlfriend in college. She got a job in another city, and due to some other reasons, we parted amicably."
"That sounds somewhat similar to a past relationship of mine." Miao Jing smiled.
With similar experiences opening new topics, Lu Zhengsi seized the opportunity to ask about her romantic history. Miao Jing shared frankly, using few words but speaking clearly and directly with open-minded generosity.
"Engineer Miao, you don't seem like someone who dates."
"Is that so?" Miao Jing smiled. "Do I look like I belong in a nunnery?"
"That's not what I meant. I meant you're... very special..." He racked his brains for the right words.
What Lu Zhengsi actually wanted to say was that she seemed like the type who would have pursuers desperately chasing after her while she walked ahead without a backward glance.
Miao Jing changed the subject: "So, is there anyone you like or are pursuing now?"
"Not pursuing anyone else. As for liking..." Lu Zhengsi looked at her and smiled, scratching his head sheepishly, hesitating to continue. "What about you, Engineer Miao?"
The atmosphere shifted subtly. Miao Jing flashed a bright smile and sighed: "Not me either. I might not date again."
Lu Zhengsi felt a twinge of disappointment.
"But..." she thought for a moment, her clear, serene eyes fixed on Lu Zhengsi, "could you do me a favor?"
"What favor? Just name it, Engineer Miao.""If you don't mind, could you be my new boyfriend?" Miao Jing spoke softly with a gentle expression. "Of course, it doesn't have to be real, and it won't be for long—just two or three months will do."
"?" Lu Zhengsi's heart raced violently. He blinked heavily, his expression dazed. "Engineer Miao... you..."
Miao Jing leisurely explained, "A family member is seriously ill, and I want to share some good news to cheer them up."
"..."
She offered an apologetic smile. "This request is rather sudden. If I've made you uncomfortable, I apologize—please forget I mentioned it."
Miao Jing and Lu Zhengsi returned to Tengcheng on Friday. He accompanied her home, and as they carried their luggage upstairs, before Miao Jing could retrieve her keys, the door swung open from inside—Chen Yi leaned against the doorway, chewing gum, his long legs blocking the path as he silently scrutinized the pair.
Miao Jing frowned almost imperceptibly, shot him a glance, then graciously invited Lu Zhengsi inside. "Zhengsi, please come in and sit for a while."
"My brother, Chen Yi," Miao Jing introduced. "Company colleague, Lu Zhengsi."
"Hello."
"Hello."
The two men shook hands formally. Lu Zhengsi felt the grip was somewhat heavy and tight, almost straining.
After a week away, the home was in disarray again. Miao Jing invited Lu Zhengsi to take a seat, searched for a cup to pour him water, and smiled apologetically before retreating to her room to change, leaving Chen Yi and Lu Zhengsi waiting in the living room.
Lu Zhengsi's gaze discreetly assessed Chen Yi, carrying a hint of curiosity and ambiguity.
"Was the business trip smooth?" Chen Yi's posture was somewhat unceremonious, his tone detached. "Are you two in the same department?"
"Very smooth." Lu Zhengsi then introduced himself—he and Miao Jing were both from Z Province, had studied the same major in university, and now worked in the same department and team, responsible for the same vehicle body component.
Chen Yi's handsome face broke into a full smile. "No wonder you two work overtime together."
"Care for a cigarette?"
"Thank you, Yi Ge, I don't smoke."
After just a few words, Miao Jing emerged from her room, now wearing an elegant dress with slightly vibrant lipstick. Meeting Lu Zhengsi's gaze, her starry eyes sparkled as she smiled, tucking her long hair behind her ear, and invited him out for dinner.
"Shall we have hot pot?"
Lu Zhengsi naturally agreed. Miao Jing picked up her bag to leave, and Lu Zhengsi followed, hesitantly glancing at Chen Yi.
"Isn't Chen Yi Ge joining us?"
"My brother has many friends and social engagements; he doesn't eat with me." Miao Jing didn't turn back, her voice light with laughter. "It's fine with just the two of us."
"You two go ahead. I have plans tonight." Chen Yi shrugged indifferently.
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