The Early Spring

Lingmеi dеmоnstrated thе true professionalism оf аn elitе teаm tо thеir gоvernmеnt сliеnts. Whеthеr it was thе attire or thе dеmeаnor of the аttendeеs, everуthing lеft а dеер imрression.

Аs thе prоjесt leаd, Shang Zhi Таo had рrеviouslу visited the govеrnment persоnnеl individuаlly аnd had communiсаtеd with them multiрlе timеs оnlinе. Нer diligеnсe аnd sensе of resрonsibilitу lеft а favоrаblе imрression on thеm. Therefore, thеy did not feеl that Lingmei hаd sent sоmеonе with insufficient qualifications; instead, they believed Lingmei had dispatched their best employee.

Behind every recognition Shang Zhi Tao received lay immense effort, something Luan Nian was well aware of. In his opening remarks, he stated: "Today’s tripartite meeting is highly significant, as it is the first formal meeting after the contract was finalized. Ms. Shang Zhi Tao has been entrusted by the company to be stationed here long-term, a decision made after careful consideration. I would like to formally introduce Shang Zhi Tao. She is already well-known in the industry and served as the project manager for several major business transformations at Lingmei. We have provided detailed descriptions in the profiles previously submitted to the government leadership. Thank you for your recognition of Shang Zhi Tao and Lingmei. Additionally, today’s meeting is primarily focused on deepening the creative direction. We would like to hear your suggestions and share our perspectives to finalize the subsequent action plan."

"Thank you, Mr. Luan Nian," said the meeting moderator. "Let’s proceed to the agenda."

Luan Nian’s personal attendance on this occasion pleased the other two parties.

What should have been a serious negotiation became somewhat more relaxed, proceeding step by step until the government leadership expressed a desire to reposition the project’s tone and presented new requirements.

Shang Zhi Tao wanted to voice her thoughts—her reflections on the Longji people’s commitment to cultural heritage, supported by extensive historical facts and theoretical foundations. She had done considerable preparation.

However, Luan Nian spoke first: "After receiving the requirements, we also conducted further reflection. Let Song Ying represent our company to elaborate." He then nodded to Song Ying. "Please begin."

Shang Zhi Tao remained silent as she heard Song Ying mention Longji, cultural heritage, and the spirit of the Northwest. Song Ying had not plagiarized her, as they had never exchanged ideas. The biggest difference between Song Ying and her was that Luan Nian trusted Song Ying, believing she would have brilliant insights, while he did not think Shang Zhi Tao possessed such capability.

Perhaps Luan Nian never believed she had such ability, not even the occasional spark of inspiration.

The government leadership was amazed that Lingmei had prepared a second strategy so quickly and so impressively, praising them sincerely: "Truly a professional team." After the meeting concluded, they returned to the office for a brief debriefing. Luan Nian swiftly assigned tasks: "After returning, Yilia will synchronize the new ideas with the team and select two people to join you here for a week to deepen the creative direction. Flora will coordinate material collection. However, all work must adhere to one principle: follow the project manager’s arrangements. The finalized creative direction must also be approved by Flora before proceeding to the next step. Flora is the primary responsible person for this project, and everyone must comply with her management."

"Understood," everyone nodded.

"Flora performed exceptionally well today, perfectly managing the entire event. I am confident entrusting this project to you. Well done.""Thank you. And thank you to Yilia for the creative support. Thank you." Shang Zhi Tao didn't know what else to say, so she specifically thanked Yilia. But she felt a little tired.

"I need to discuss the next steps of the work with Flora alone." The colleagues nodded and left the office, leaving only the two of them.

Luan Nian looked at her for a long time. He noticed a hint of loneliness in her eyes.

"Shang Zhi Tao." Luan Nian pulled a chair over and sat beside her, turning her chair to face him. They sat facing each other, but Shang Zhi Tao avoided his gaze. Luan Nian gently held her chin and turned her face toward him.

"The project manager's responsibility is to oversee the entire project, not to handle creative production. Leave professional tasks to the professionals. Do you agree with my view?"

"I agree."

"I noticed that when the government mentioned creativity, you seemed to have a lot to say. You can share your ideas with me now."

Shang Zhi Tao was thinking whether now was the right time to speak.

Luan Nian pinched her cheek again. "Are you going to say it or not?"

"I actually have given it some thought," Shang Zhi Tao finally spoke. "But I hope you don't misunderstand—I don't want to steal the spotlight from the creative team. I'm just thinking from the perspective of taking responsibility for the project."

"Mm, I won't misunderstand."

Shang Zhi Tao stood up and took a stack of materials from the desk—the in-depth research her team had conducted, thick and substantial. She sat back down and began explaining to Luan Nian: "I have to say Yilia is excellent. She grasped the core in less than two days after arriving here. Our conclusions align. First, let me start with the local geography here."

Shang Zhi Tao presented their preparations to Luan Nian. On the last page was a printed version of the new cultural and creative ideas, as the government officials preferred printed materials.

Luan Nian listened quietly, and gradually, a smile appeared in his eyes.

After Shang Zhi Tao finished, he asked her, "Why didn't you add this during the meeting?"

"First, there was no rush to finalize anything—presenting the core was sufficient. Second, for creativity and culture, the company has more specialized people, and we can consolidate the materials later without any issues. Finally, I think Yilia also deserves recognition."

"Then why did you seem down?"

"You thought I assumed you had no ideas, right?"

Shang Zhi Tao nodded, like a student being reprimanded by a teacher.

Luan Nian hadn't slept all night. His thoughts had never been so troubled before. He had taken in what Shang Zhi Tao said yesterday about her breakthroughs and struggles. Once again, he realized that he had actually treated her quite poorly. Shang Zhi Tao was like this—slowly turning him into someone he didn't recognize.

"Shang Zhi Tao, I hope you understand that 80% of the decisions I make are right, and 20% are wrong. Today, having Yilia present the creative ideas during the meeting was likely a wrong decision. Because before that, I didn't align the information with you. But you also have a problem—during our meeting yesterday afternoon, you didn't share this information. Were you trying to surprise me?"

Shang Zhi Tao blushed. She suddenly felt she still wasn't standing high enough.

"Alright, I've received the surprise. It truly was surprising." Luan Nian lightly touched her lips.

"We have a flight this afternoon. Please arrange a car to take us to the airport," Luan Nian said.

"Let Shelly take you."

"Thank you for the trouble."Luan Nian didn't specifically bid farewell to Shang Zhi Tao; he only glanced at her lightly before leaving.

Shang Zhi Tao had no real experience arguing with Luan Nian. She didn't even know if what happened between them counted as a fight or if this could be considered making up. She didn't go to the airport to see him off, but when she received a call from Shelly saying Luan Nian's plane had already taken off, she suddenly regretted it.

They had finally met, only to part like this. What was there to argue about? It had been so long since they last saw each other.

She turned on her phone to check on Luke. Luke seemed a little lonely. After the auntie walked him and made him dog food, he didn't even stand up as he used to, just lying there the whole time. Shang Zhi Tao felt heartbroken and called out to him, "Luke."

Luke whimpered but still didn't move. Shang Zhi Tao suddenly thought that perhaps she could bring Luke to the northwest. Even though life was tough for her there, at least Luke would still have her. She took out her phone to look up driving routes and considered renting a car to drive from Beijing to the northwest, bringing Luke along and letting him be a traveling dog.

Late into the night, Shang Zhi Tao saw Luke suddenly stand up, run to the door, tilt his head to listen carefully for any movement, and then leap into the arms of Luan Nian, who had just opened the door and entered.

Luan Nian comforted him for a long time before he finally calmed down. Pointing at the dog bowl, Luan Nian asked him, "On a hunger strike?"

Luke barked once, ran to the dog bowl, buried his head in it, and seeing Luan Nian, his appetite returned. Shang Zhi Tao could even hear the sound of his mouth smacking in the bowl and the sound of drool dripping onto the floor. She couldn't help but stop him, "Eat slower!"

"Why do you care so much?" Luan Nian sat on the sofa, giving Shang Zhi Tao the back of his head, but she knew this remark was directed at her. She muttered softly, "This is my dog."

Luan Nian turned around and looked at the camera, "Say that again?"

"O...our dog."

Luan Nian turned back again, continuing to give her the back of his head. Shang Zhi Tao called out to him, "Luan Nian."

"Hmm?"

"I'll go back at the end of September, okay?"

"To see which friend?"

"Boyfriend." Shang Zhi Tao said, "I'll see you once before you go to the Netherlands, okay?"

Luan Nian would go on trips with his friends once or twice a year without fail, and this year, they had decided on the Netherlands.

Luan Nian still didn't speak. Shang Zhi Tao waited for a long time; she hated when he was like this.

"Luan Nian, after I return to the company and resume my duties next month, I want to rent a car and bring Luke to the northwest. I won't trouble you to take care of him anymore. It's late, I'm going to sleep."

Shang Zhi Tao turned off the monitor and tossed her phone aside. She bet Luan Nian would call her. Sure enough, Luan Nian's call came. He asked her, "What do you mean?"

"I mean I want to bring Luke to my side. That way, you'll have more freedom with your time in the future, won't have to worry about taking care of him, and can relax a bit."

"I'll throw him out right now. You can come back and put up missing dog posters yourself!"

"Fine."

Shang Zhi Tao hung up the phone. Luan Nian called back, and she rejected it; this went back and forth many times.

She had learned to be mischievous. She wanted Luan Nian to taste that feeling too—the feeling of refusing to communicate. She quietly turned on the monitor and watched Luan Nian make a call, but her phone didn't ring. He was calling someone else. He put it on speakerphone, aiming to wound her deeply.

Shang Zhi Tao heard him say, "Want to go out and sit somewhere?"

"Where should we go?"

"Anywhere, does it matter?"

"It matters. What I wear depends on where we go."

It was blatant flirting."Come over to your place. Send me the address." Luan Nian hung up the phone and said to the air, "Shang Zhi Tao, I'm going to a friend's house now. We're just ordinary friends, nothing will happen tonight. Also, don't call me. You know I won't answer."

"Luan Nian!" Shang Zhi Tao called out to him.

"What is it, Flora? Something wrong? Picking up the dog? Now?"

"You're not allowed to go out!"

"What gives you the right to control me?"

"I'm your girlfriend!" Shang Zhi Tao's voice trembled when she was angry, and this time, the word "girlfriend" shook particularly hard. Luan Nian suddenly lost his temper. He raised an eyebrow at Luke. Luke tilted his head and suddenly stuck out his tongue, as if saying, "Dad is amazing."

"You'll fly back first thing tomorrow morning for your debriefing." Luan Nian said sternly into the camera. "Buy the ticket now."

"Okay."

It wasn't until Shang Zhi Tao got home that she understood what he meant by "debriefing"—it was the two of them holed up at home on a weekday. Luan Nian told his secretary he had something important to attend to and to call back in three hours if needed.

His important matter was Shang Zhi Tao.

Neither of them had ever been this reckless before; they had always prioritized work over each other. But the fight had been so draining that if they didn't resolve it completely, they wouldn't be able to focus on work.

Luan Nian was fully focused on resolving things with Shang Zhi Tao. Her eyes sparkled like stars, making him feel flustered. He abruptly turned her body away, unable to look into her eyes. One hand teased her as he whispered in her ear, "Were you satisfied with my service the other day?"

"If you hadn't said that last sentence."

"Today, I'll make it up to you twice over, and I apologize for that sentence. I'm sorry, Shang Zhi Tao." Luan Nian's sweat dripped onto her back as he moved her hair aside and kissed her cheek.

Shang Zhi Tao sank into the bedding, feeling as if everything around her was full, seamless, and about to explode. She bit Luan Nian's finger to keep from crying out too loudly, but her body trembled violently, as if she had never experienced such intensity before.

"Shang Zhi Tao."

"Hmm?"

"If you ever ignore my calls again, I'll make you regret it." Luan Nian pinched her cheek. "And if you ever hug another man again, I'll do the same."

Shang Zhi Tao cupped his face. "If you ever have dinner alone with another woman again, I'll make sure you get what you deserve."

As an adult, Shang Zhi Tao often advised her friends during arguments, saying, "Fight at the head of the bed, make up at the foot." But she never truly understood what it meant until she and Luan Nian made up at the foot of the bed once, after which she praised the wisdom of the ancients.

Neither of them brought up the fight they had. Shang Zhi Tao diligently worked on her projects, while Luan Nian focused on managing his company. During that time, he flew to the northwest twice, spending two weekends with Shang Zhi Tao. They holed up in the small rented apartment, eating, sleeping, talking, and making love. Luan Nian would arrive late at night and leave on an early morning flight, quietly and without a trace.

Lumi still sent Shang Zhi Tao updates about Luan Nian. She thought her stubborn mule seemed to be in love because he looked happy; other times, she thought he had broken up because he wore a stern expression all day. Even though Shang Zhi Tao wasn't by his side, she could roughly guess the reasons for his moods. On the two occasions Lumi said he was unhappy, Shang Zhi Tao had argued with him. She tried asking about it once, but Luan Nian said, "What? Is your mentor Lumi spying on me for you?"

Shang Zhi Tao immediately backed down, afraid of getting Lumi involved.Although she didn't go to the office, news about Luan Nian and Song Ying kept reaching her ears. The most outrageous thing she heard was that Luan Nian's parents had returned to China and had a meal with Song Ying's parents.

Shang Zhi Tao thought, this is just too absurd. Only she found it absurd; her colleagues didn't think so. When Song Ying came again, the project team suddenly began treating her with respect.

Shang Zhi Tao privately asked Shelly, "Why do I feel like you're afraid of her?"

Shelly thought for a moment, "Probably because she represents Luke."

Shang Zhi Tao wanted to advise Shelly that rumors stop with the wise, but she understood that they were far from Beijing, completely unaware of the situation there and unfamiliar with Luan Nian. Their fearful hearts were understandable.

Shang Zhi Tao truly realized Song Ying was serious on that day. Driving her back from a field trip, Song Ying suddenly said to her in the car, "Flora-jie."

Her tone was just like how Shang Zhi Tao called Grace—Grace-jie—intimate and natural. That single word "jie" highlighted the age gap between them, clear and unmistakable.

Shang Zhi Tao turned her face to see Song Ying's twenty-two-year-old face, her inner feelings indescribable. She softly asked, "What's wrong, Yilia?"

Song Ying's face flushed slightly, as if she had something difficult to say. Shang Zhi Tao waited silently for her to speak. It felt like a long time passed, their car crossing over a mountain ridge before Song Ying continued, "You've worked with Luke for a long time. I wanted to ask you, does Luke have a girlfriend?"

Shang Zhi Tao didn't know how to answer her, only driving silently over another mountain ridge. "Luke probably doesn't lack girlfriends, right? Or someone like him shouldn't lack women. Why do you ask?"

Song Ying's face grew even redder. "Because I've realized I like him."

Shang Zhi Tao felt placed on a moral high ground. She couldn't say nothing after a girl confided her feelings for Luan Nian to her. Yet she didn't know what to say or what she could say. She uttered something she never expected to say: "You're still young. If you like someone, go for it."

"Really?" Song Ying was clearly delighted.

"Really."

"Then I'm going to pursue him! Do you know what Luke likes?"

"Sorry, Yilia, I don't really know him."

"It's okay, I'll find out myself." Song Ying looked very happy, shifting in her seat and gazing out the window. After a while, she said, "I know the company doesn't allow employees to date. If I succeed in pursuing him, I'll secretly tell you. I've liked you, Flora-jie, since my first day at work. You seem very gentle, sunny, and... your skin is so good."

Shang Zhi Tao smiled and said to her, "Thank you. But please don't tell me about your progress with Luke. I'm afraid I might slip up and can't keep your secret."

Song Ying giggled.

When Luan Nian called her that night, she almost brought up Song Ying's matter several times but ultimately held back. She felt it would be somewhat despicable—a girl confiding her feelings for someone to her, and then she turned around to question the person she liked about it. That would seem very strange because nothing had happened yet.

Luan Nian finally noticed her distraction and asked, "Is something wrong?"

"No.""But you seemed to hesitate."

"I forgot what I wanted to ask you just now, but I remember now. I wanted to ask, I'm thinking of traveling during the National Day holiday. How about Southeast Asia? Visas for other places won't make it in time."

"Sounds good. Still going with your friends?" Luan Nian asked her.

"Yes."

Shang Zhi Tao felt this was fine—neither of their life rhythms had been disrupted. It seemed they both intentionally wanted to maintain independence and privacy.

At the end of September, she returned to Beijing on a company-funded trip as per her assignment requirements.

She had left in summer and returned in autumn. On the road from the airport to Luan Nian's home, scattered fallen leaves had begun to appear. Shang Zhi Tao gazed at them, lost in thought.

The security guard in Luan Nian's residential complex drove her in a small cart to the entrance. She entered the password on the lock and went inside. Luke was overjoyed, jumping up and down over a dozen times in front of her. She patted his head repeatedly to comfort him, then held him in her arms: "Alright, alright, I know you missed me. I missed you too. I love you the most."

Luan Nian coughed from the side. Seeing his sharp gaze, she corrected herself: "I love you second most. I love luke the most."

Luke couldn't understand anyway, but luke was satisfied.

His two suitcases, one large and one small, were already packed and placed in the living room.

"What time is your flight tomorrow?" Shang Zhi Tao asked him.

"Two in the afternoon."

"Then you'll have to leave around ten in the morning."

"Roughly."

During dinner, Luan Nian mentioned that a steamed bun shop had opened in a residential area about five kilometers from the complex, and the halal buns there were truly delicious.

"How delicious?"

"I can eat five." Luan Nian didn’t have a big appetite, so buns that could make him eat five must be exceptionally good.

The two spent a peaceful night together. The next morning, when Shang Zhi Tao was leaving, Luan Nian felt a vague sense of loss, though he couldn’t quite explain why. He stood at the door watching Shang Zhi Tao leave with Luke, feeling a slight tug in his heart.

Just as he loaded his luggage into the car and drove out of the complex, he received a call from Shang Zhi Tao: "Is the bun shop you mentioned the one with a back door, on the first floor, with a green signboard?"

"Yes."

"I saw it. Should I bring some back for your breakfast? You won’t be able to eat them once you’re abroad."

A warmth spread through Luan Nian’s heart, as if a gentle stream of warmth was flowing in: "Alright. I’ll wait for you at the entrance of the complex."

"Will you have enough time? Will it delay your flight?"

"I’ll make it." Luan Nian said this, though it might not be entirely true, but he wanted to eat the buns.

Shang Zhi Tao got out of the car with Luke and her luggage. Luan Nian took Luke’s leash and her luggage, placing them by the car. He slowly finished all five buns.

Shang Zhi Tao wiped the corner of his mouth with a tissue and handed him a bottle of water. After finishing the buns, Luan Nian suddenly asked her:

"Shang Zhi Tao, do you want to travel together?"