Xiang Yu had always known that Qi Sui was beautiful.
This shallow beauty still existed within her body after years of wear and tear.
Her eyes, touched by dust, were a color he could never forget.
He watched with near obsession as Qi Sui lifted her gaze, her thin eyelids fluttering, revealing eyes that were unmoved by any emotion—eyes that had always been steadfast in knowing what they wanted.
She wanted marriage, so she married early and became a housewife. But when she truly wanted to break free from this burdensome relationship, she was more clear-headed than anyone.
After being hurt, she became sharper and more cutting than before, but that didn't stop Xiang Yu from finding her beautiful.
This beauty had become aggressive.
Yet he was even more captivated.
"I'm not that shallow."
He averted his gaze, lowering his head to suppress the bobbing of his Adam's apple.
"I have enough slots, and I think highly of you, so I'm recommending you. Both conditions are indispensable."
Qi Sui nodded.
"Let me think about it, okay?"
"Mm."
Xiang Yu's voice was low and syrupy, as if hiding an irrepressible surge of emotion within him.
He downed the tea in his cup in one gulp, stood up, and said, "Come on, I'll take you home."
Qi Sui hesitated, glancing at the lively tea room deeper inside. She wasn't a staff member of the International Department, nor did she have any acquaintances there; she couldn't really blend into their team-building activity.
But then she remembered the lucky draw, and quickly said, "There's still the draw."
"?" Xiang Yu raised an eyebrow at her. "What do you want?"
"Are you buying it for me?" Qi Sui beamed. "This really would be bribery."
"No," Xiang Yu shook his head. "It's a reward for an outstanding employee."
Qi Sui thought for a moment, then said, "Then I want the grand prize."
Rain drizzled.
In the coastal city, summer's frequent rains were irritating; the damp, hot air mixed with all sorts of odors, maximizing the stuffiness.
A pure black Lexus was stopped by the security guard at the gate. Qi Sui leaned her head out of the window and spoke loudly to him.
She hadn't forgotten that she had also informed Qian Jin to come to the security room to pick up the scattered documents. But the security guard shook his head, saying the documents hadn't been picked up yet.
Qi Sui thought for a moment, retrieved Qian Jin's things, checked them, and held them to her chest.
It wasn't that she wanted to keep things for that scumbag.
Rather, if he didn't come for them today and they got lost, the ensuing trouble would be even worse. It was better to hold onto them safely for him.
Qi Sui got out of the car.
Only the driver's light was on inside the black car.
The shadows of the light were like an invisible mesh, dividing Xiang Yu's face. He stared fixedly at Qi Sui, his eyes calm and still, saying nothing.
He seemed to have no demands.
At that moment, he simply looked at her openly, without desire.
But Qi Sui felt—
that it was a strange and dangerous signal.
She wanted to turn and leave.
But the subconscious human fascination with stimulation seemed to suddenly seize her nerves.
Without thinking, a flash of inspiration struck Qi Sui, and her mouth blurted out, "How about you come upstairs for a bit?"
Xiang Yu paused.
He turned.
Slowly pulled the handbrake, as if waiting for her to take it back.
Well.
Well.
Misfortune came from the mouth.
Qi Sui then said, "Come upstairs. There's no tea, no coffee, no milk, no soy milk—only water."
The next second, Xiang Yu closed the door.
The headlights flashed once, and the car was fully locked.
He wore his trench coat like a cape, revealing his entire lower legs and black leather shoes.
In the rainy summer night, the cool breeze carrying raindrops lifted the tail of the trench coat, like a small swallowtail, lightly brushing against the woman's ankle, caressing gently.