"Huh?" Xue Jiao blinked, snapping out of her daze as she looked around at the others.
Clearly, she had been so lost in thought that she had no idea what they were discussing.
Zhang Han repeated her question: "What were you thinking about just now?"
Her tone wasn’t sharp or scolding—just curious, almost as if she was expecting something.
The other three also turned their gazes toward Xue Jiao.
Xue Jiao: "..."
After a moment’s thought, she said, "I was thinking about a quote from Roberto Dulora at the University of Padua in Italy: 'Under the influence of a strong magnetic field, the properties of a vacuum can undergo significant changes.' Could we consider approaching the problem from this angle?"
Zhang Han frowned, replying calmly, "The Earth's magnetic field can't alter the properties of a vacuum."
Before Xue Jiao could respond, Yang Zhan suddenly had an epiphany, his eyes lighting up. "I get what our junior sister means! Forget for a moment that the Earth's magnetic field can't generate a force comparable to gravity—what if we focus on balance? Achieving equilibrium under the influence of a strong magnetic field!"
He grew visibly excited, quickly pulling out a notebook to start calculating.
Xue Jiao and the others stood up, leaning over the table, watching Yang Zhan’s every move intently.
"How about this?"
"Sounds good! We can start by building a model to simulate different scenarios."
"Junior sister Gu Xue Jiao, come help with the calculations—assume that under..."
...
This was what it meant to find hope in despair. Just when they had nearly given up, inspiration struck, turning a seemingly impossible situation around.
Xue Jiao gripped her pen, working alongside Zheng Jiakun to run calculations and make projections based on their ideas. The lab buzzed with energy.
Everyone was focused and hopeful.
——
Meanwhile, at Lin Corporation.
Lin Zhihua had arrived at work that morning carrying two photo frames and two freshly printed photos.
One was a picture of him and Xue Jiao taken outside a movie theater; the other was a candid shot of Xue Jiao eating, secretly taken by Lin Zhihua.
A faint smile played on his lips as he placed the photos into the frames—one on the left side of his desk, the other on the right.
His fingers lingered, gently tracing Xue Jiao’s bright, smiling face.
Just then, Chen Yan knocked on the door. Lin Zhihua quickly adjusted the photo and withdrew his hand, feigning composure. "Come in."
Chen Yan entered respectfully, holding a file. "Boss, here’s the information you requested. Manager Wen—"
He paused, noticing the photo nearby. His gaze shifted.
Even though the picture was slightly tilted, he could still make out the faces—Gu Xue Jiao, who had visited just yesterday, and his boss, whom he saw every day.
Even the usually cold-faced man in the photo was smiling softly, his eyes filled with affection.
"What about Manager Wen?" Lin Zhihua raised an eyebrow.
Chen Yan snapped back to attention. "Right—his report from yesterday wasn’t up to standard, so he worked late to revise it. Should I call him up now?"
Lin Zhihua nodded. "Send him in."
Chen Yan’s eyes flicked to the photo again, unable to hide his awkwardness.
"Anything else?"
Chen Yan exhaled, keeping his tone neutral. "You and Ms. Gu Xue Jiao look very well-matched."
Lin Zhihua smiled again, his lips quirking up—though he quickly suppressed it, covering his mouth with a fist as he replied calmly, "Good eye."
Chen Yan: "..."After a moment, Lin Zhihua spoke again, "Chen Yan—"
"Yes." Chen Yan immediately turned to look at Lin Zhihua, not daring to glance elsewhere.
"You should consider your personal life now. I'm not an unreasonable boss," Lin Zhihua said with concern in his tone.
Chen Yan: "..."
Back when Lin Zhihua had chosen him, he had said he expected Chen Yan to be on call 24/7, with work as the top priority—nothing was more important than work...
Chen Yan stole another glance at the photo on the side, then replied weakly, "...Alright."
Dragging his exhausted steps away, Chen Yan's gaze gradually grew vacant, and he began questioning his life.
Weren't we supposed to be workaholics together? How come you're the one who went and got into a relationship?
The boss was richer than him, more capable than him, and now... had a significant other.
What kind of world was this?
Not long after Chen Yan left, Manager Wen knocked on the door.
"Come in."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Manager Wen entered cautiously, holding a report. "B-B-Boss..."
"Let me see it." Lin Zhihua reached out to take the report and gestured for Manager Wen to sit down.
His expression was as impassive as ever, his sharp eyes scanning the report as he lowered his head slightly to read.
Manager Wen sat down nervously, stealing furtive glances at Lin Zhihua's face.
Lin Zhihua examined the report meticulously, page by page. Too afraid to speak, Manager Wen could only let his eyes wander, his heart pounding with anxiety.
Manager Wen was a veteran employee—he had been around since Lin Changping managed the company. Back then, the boss was easy to fool, and they hardly had much work to do.
But everything changed when Lin Zhihua returned. Though they no longer had to worry about the company going bankrupt, those without real competence were gradually weeded out.
Manager Wen had just enough skill to stay.
But Lin Zhihua was a workaholic and incredibly knowledgeable. He could spot problems at a glance—there was no fooling him.
He was also strict with rewards and punishments. Perform well, and the bonuses were generous. But perform poorly...
You’d better watch out before someone else took your place.
Though Manager Wen held a senior position, competition was fierce these days, with new talents emerging constantly. He couldn’t afford to be anything less than meticulous.
Facing a boss much younger than himself, Manager Wen was utterly intimidated.
His gaze inadvertently shifted and landed on a photo—not directly facing him, but clear enough to see.
Was this the "boss's wife" who had saved him yesterday? She was indeed very pretty, but... wasn’t she a bit too young?
Manager Wen zoned out.
"What are you looking at?" Lin Zhihua suddenly asked.
Almost instinctively, Manager Wen replied, "The boss's wife."
The moment the words left his mouth, he felt as if struck by lightning, his face turning pale.
I’m done...
I’m going to lose my job!
My wife and kids will have no one to support them!
To his surprise, Lin Zhihua merely nodded calmly and said, "Oh."
He closed the report and added, "There’s an issue on page 16. Recalculate the budget and hand it over to Tan Qi."
Manager Wen hastily took the report back. "Y-Yes... of course..."
As he stepped out of the office, he was still in a daze, his feet barely touching the ground. He glanced at the report in his hands, then turned back to look at the closed door.
Th-That’s it?
I made it through?!
Overjoyed, Manager Wen clasped his hands together and silently prayed—
Thank you, boss's wife, for your great kindness! Wen Yu is forever grateful!
With light steps, he strode away, promptly spreading the news in the group chat—
The boss has a photo of himself and his "boss's wife" on his desk!
And so, from that moment on, the news spread: Lin Zhihua had a girlfriend, and she was very likely to become the future Mrs. Lin.At first, the news circulated within the company, then gradually spread outside. Soon, anyone who knew or cared was aware of it.
As for the rumors about Lin Zhihua’s health, they collapsed on their own.
A smokescreen?
Back when the situation was critical, Lin Zhihua hadn’t bothered with deception. Now that Lin Corporation was thriving, how could it possibly be a smokescreen?
The next day, Lin Zhihua went to discuss a collaboration with an energy company at a private club.
When he pushed open the door, he noticed that besides the company’s boss and secretary, there was also a vaguely familiar woman—likely a celebrity.
Before Lin Zhihua could step inside, Chen Yan immediately whispered a reminder: "Che Xiaoxuan, a B-list actress."
Frowning slightly, Lin Zhihua still walked in.
"President Lin, you’re here! Please, have a seat!" A potbellied man inside stood up to greet him.
The corner of Lin Zhihua’s mouth twitched as he replied politely, "Apologies for keeping President Xiao waiting."
"Ah, I arrived early—no worries. Come, come, Xiaoxuan, pour President Lin some tea." President Xiao winked at the woman.
She quickly stood up with a charming smile. "I’ve long admired President Lin’s reputation. Xiaoxuan will humbly brew you a cup of tea."
As a celebrity, her looks were naturally striking, especially since she was known for her beauty.
She knelt gracefully beside them and began preparing the tea, her poise and movements clearly trained.
Che Xiaoxuan’s gaze frequently drifted toward Lin Zhihua, laden with seductive allure—her intentions obvious.
Ignoring her, Lin Zhihua turned to President Xiao. "President Xiao, I believe the collaboration between Lin Corporation and your company would be mutually beneficial. What are your thoughts on the partnership?"
"Working with Lin Corporation would naturally be a great opportunity!" President Xiao chuckled warmly.
Lin Zhihua regarded him calmly. "Then let’s finalize the contract."
"My thoughts exactly!" President Xiao beamed.
He sat across from Lin Zhihua, appearing composed, though his eyes kept flickering toward the actress beside them, hinting at something.
"President Xiao, do you have any other concerns?"
"Well…"
Meanwhile, Che Xiaoxuan leaned closer to Lin Zhihua, offering the cup. "President Lin, I’ve done my best—please taste my humble efforts."
President Xiao had intended to ease the atmosphere before bringing up his request, but Lin Zhihua pressed forward relentlessly, forcing him to reveal his cards early.
"Here’s the thing… Of course, the direction of the collaboration will be led by Lin Corporation, and I’ll fully cooperate with you, President Lin. But… could the profit split be adjusted in my favor by another 10%? The current 70-30 ratio is a bit…"
Lin Zhihua cut him off. "As I recall, I already stated that 30% is the maximum."
President Xiao’s expression stiffened.
Beside them, Che Xiaoxuan cooed, "President Lin, won’t you try my tea?"
As she spoke, her body nearly pressed against him.
Lin Zhihua abruptly stood, his face cold as he looked down at her and slowly enunciated—
"If you know it’s humiliating, why bother presenting it?"
He strode toward the door. "Since your company lacks sincerity, let’s call off the collaboration."
As he walked away, he murmured to Chen Yan, "Schedule a meeting with President Wang for me."
President Wang was the head of another energy company—a direct competitor of President Xiao’s.
"Wait—President Lin, let’s talk this over! Please, wait—" President Xiao rushed after him, his voice frantic.
Lin Zhihua wore an expression of furious indignation as he left with Chen Yan in tow.President Xiao, seeing that he couldn't catch up, turned back and kicked over a table, his face dark. "Wasn't it said that Lin Zhihua had no issues with his health?! What's going on here?!"
There had been rumors before that Lin Zhihua didn't like women, and using seduction tactics on him would only offend him.
Because of this, no one had ever dared to openly slap him in the face like this before. But hadn't the recent rumors been saying Lin Zhihua was fine?
There were even photos of him holding hands—what else could be the problem?!
So what was today's reaction about...
A secretary nearby spoke up timidly, "Perhaps... he doesn't like this type?"
"President Xiao..." Che Xiaoxuan said timidly.
President Xiao glared at her. "Useless!"
It had been rare to get Lin Zhihua to come out. He had shown full "sincerity," naturally hoping for full benefits in return. Who would have thought...
Deep down, he was still a little afraid. If Lin Zhihua still couldn't stand being around women, then today's act would be a blatant slap in his face...
What cooperation could they talk about then? This would be a deadly feud!
"Get me another meeting with Lin Zhihua! Apologize properly—we can't let this deal go to that bastard Wang! And we absolutely cannot offend Lin!"
——
Meanwhile, Lin Zhihua got into his car.
Chen Yan asked respectfully, "Boss, when should we arrange the meeting with President Wang?"
"Cancel it."
"Huh?" Chen Yan was stunned.
Lin Zhihua looked out the window and sneered. "Now that I've broken off with that Xiao guy, Wang will definitely demand an exorbitant price. We won’t get anything below 40%. Let Xiao sweat for a couple of days. When he gets desperate, we’ll shave half a percent off the profit margin and sign the contract."
Chen Yan was momentarily speechless. This way... the original 70% would become 75%, an extra 5%—that meant tens of millions more in profit...
He glanced at Lin Zhihua beside him, filled with admiration. Just a few words had earned them tens of millions!
No doubt, from the moment Lin Zhihua saw Che Xiaoxuan at the entrance, he had already planned his next move.
No wonder he had shown no reaction when Che Xiaoxuan offered to make tea for him. In the past, he would have turned cold immediately.
But now, Lin Zhihua was lost in thought as he gazed out the window. He missed Jiao Jiao.
Was she working on her project? Had she eaten?
As if reading his mind, Lin Zhihua’s phone buzzed—the unique notification tone he had set for Xue Jiao.
The corners of his lips curled up as he opened the message—
[Wrapping up at 6 PM today!]
Lin Zhihua’s eyes lit up. He turned to Chen Yan. "Move all tonight’s arrangements to the afternoon. Everything must be finished by six."
"Understood, Boss." Chen Yan nodded.
——
At six, Xue Jiao packed up her things.
"Leaving already, junior?" Chu Sheng raised an eyebrow.
He used to call her by name, but ever since Yang Zhan started calling her "junior," everyone else had followed suit.
Even Chu Sheng had started using the nickname.
"Yeah, you guys keep working. I’ll take these calculations home." Xue Jiao slung her backpack over her shoulder.
"Got a date, junior?" Chu Sheng smirked.
Xue Jiao smiled faintly, then nodded frankly. "Yes, so I’m heading out first. See you."
She left the lab with her bag.
As a woman with a boyfriend, she had to balance work and love wisely.
Work took up most of her time, but she couldn’t neglect her relationship either.
Since their project was in the development phase, Xue Jiao had decided to wrap up by six every other day to spend time with Lin Zhihua.
By the time she reached the school gate, Lin Zhihua’s car pulled up.
Xue Jiao opened the door, slid into the seat, and hugged her bag to her chest.Lin Zhihua's lips curled into a smile. "Shall we go for dinner? And then catch a movie?"
"Sure."
"What would you like to eat?"
Xue Jiao tapped her slender finger against her chin thoughtfully. "Let's have Western food today."
"Alright." Lin Zhihua nodded, turning the car around.
He focused on driving but couldn't help asking, "Why did you finish work so early today?"
Xue Jiao laughed, turning to look at him. "Because I wanted to go on a date with you."
Lin Zhihua's hand jerked slightly on the wheel before he coughed. "Oh."
After a pause, he added softly, "Me too."
Xue Jiao covered her mouth, giggling.
——
After dinner, they held hands as they walked to the cinema to watch a foreign animated sci-fi film that painted a fascinating vision of the future.
Wearing 3D glasses, Lin Zhihua watched intently while Xue Jiao leaned over and whispered in his ear—
"Lin Zhihua, I believe flying cars will become reality one day. No matter how many years it takes or which country achieves it first, I'm certain the theoretical foundation will originate from our nation. My colleagues and I will work hard to contribute to technological progress."
She was determined, and so were her peers—Zhang Han, Yang Zhan, Zheng Jiakun, Chu Sheng... The younger generation was striving together.
Chu Sheng had once vowed to dedicate his entire life to proving the feasibility of "flying cars."
This era had its restless souls, but also its steadfast ones.
Watching the protagonist in the film leap onto an English-labeled spaceship, Lin Zhihua smiled faintly. "Yes, I believe so too."
After the movie, Lin Zhihua held Xue Jiao's hand as they strolled leisurely along the street.
"Handsome, buy your girlfriend some flowers!" A woman suddenly appeared, arms laden with roses of various colors.
Xue Jiao's face flushed as she averted her gaze.
Lin Zhihua glanced at her and chuckled but shook his head without making a purchase.
Xue Jiao was momentarily surprised but didn't dwell on it.
The flower seller, however, pursed her lips and muttered under her breath, "People these days, rich or poor, are so stingy! Won't even buy a rose for such a pretty girlfriend! What a waste of good looks!"
The square buzzed with activity despite the late hour, vendors selling all sorts of wares.
After a few steps, Lin Zhihua paused.
"Is this for sale?"
It was a small stall displaying various trinkets, including a pile of stuffed animals.
"Yes! Twenty yuan."
Still holding Xue Jiao's hand, Lin Zhihua pulled out the wallet she had gifted him and bought a fox plushie, handing it to her.
"Jiao Jiao, this is for you."
Xue Jiao froze, staring at the fox.
She remembered Lin Zhihua's words from a year ago—how the Little Prince should have fallen for the fox, not the rose...
Slowly, she reached out and accepted the plush.
Lin Zhihua whispered by her ear, "Jiao Jiao, do you prefer roses or foxes?"
She looked up at him.
His expression was earnest yet tinged with nervous anticipation.
Xue Jiao pressed her lips together, then raised an eyebrow playfully. "I won't tell you!"
Lin Zhihua: "..."
First stunned, he eventually laughed in resignation. "Fine, keep your secret. There's a lake ahead—shall we walk there?"
Xue Jiao nodded. "Okay."
She wasn't ready to part with him yet, reluctant for their time together to end.
Hand in hand, they made their way toward the lake. Night had fallen, and the path was barely visible as they walked along the wooden boardwalk.
One hand clasped in Lin Zhihua's, the other clutching the fox plush, Xue Jiao chattered away happily.
They circled to the far side of the lake where the streetlights grew sparse, the dim glow fading into darkness."Ouch—" Xue Jiao missed seeing a step and stumbled.
Lin Zhihua immediately crouched down anxiously, his voice urgent: "What happened? Are you okay?"
Xue Jiao moved her foot slightly, feeling no pain, and shook her head: "I'm fine, just startled for a moment."
But Lin Zhihua knelt in front of her and said softly, "Let me carry you."
"No need, I—"
"Let me carry you, Jiao Jiao. I want to." His voice was firm.
Xue Jiao froze for a second, then smiled and climbed onto his back.
The moment she settled against him, she felt warmth and security.
He had that kind of strength—like he could always carry her forward whenever she couldn’t walk anymore.
A year ago, Lin Zhihua had carried her through the "cold" of adolescence.
Now, under dim lighting, he carried her through the darkness.
Others strolled by the lake, and the chirping of insects filled the air. As they passed that stretch of the path, the light gradually brightened.
Lin Zhihua was still lecturing her: "You have to be careful when walking. Luckily, nothing serious happened just now. What if that step had been higher? In the future—"
Xue Jiao, resting on his back, interrupted with a laugh: "What then? Sometimes I feel like you’re my elder, always lecturing me so seriously."
Lin Zhihua gave her a light pat, sounding slightly annoyed: "And now you’re teasing me!"
Xue Jiao nuzzled her face against his cheek. "Alright, I won’t tease you anymore… Uncle."
Lin Zhihua: "..."
He patted her again but couldn’t help laughing. "Mischievous."
Xue Jiao swung her legs playfully in front of him and suddenly said, "I don’t know if I like roses or foxes more, but I do know—I like you."
Lin Zhihua’s steps halted, and his hands trembled slightly.
In his eyes, hidden from Xue Jiao’s view, joy and restraint surged before finally settling into an inky depth.
After a pause, Lin Zhihua still didn’t speak, but he tightened his hold on her and continued walking forward, head lowered.
Xue Jiao was puzzled. Was he…
"It’s not the first time I’ve said I like you. Why are you shy now?"
Lin Zhihua’s voice was hoarse, deep and pleasant: "Jiao Jiao, no matter how many times you say it, I’ll always be happy."
Xue Jiao grinned. "I like you!"
Lin Zhihua’s lips curved upward.
"I like you!"
"I like you!"
"I like you—"
Lin Zhihua took a deep breath, as if forcing the words from the depths of his throat: "I like you too."
Xue Jiao buried her face against him. It really was true—no matter how many times she heard it, it still made her happy.
"Jiao Jiao."
"Hmm?"
"Let me take you home."
"Okay."
"Do you still want to meet the day after tomorrow?"
"Yes!"
"Then let’s cook at home."
"Sure, sure!" Xue Jiao licked her lips, already imagining Lin Zhihua’s cooking.
"Jiao Jiao."
"Hmm?"
"Will you marry me after you graduate?"
"...That’s not how you propose!"
"Then I’ll do it properly when the time comes!" His voice trembled slightly.
"Will you always treat me this well?"
"Yes, I’ll treat you well for the rest of my life."
"Then I’ll think about it."
"Alright, think carefully."
Xue Jiao huffed. "What if I think about it and decide not to marry you?"
"Then think about it again..."
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