Chapter 271 - 255: Not Celebrating the Qixi Festival (Part 2)

The crowd suddenly felt like they were on pins and needles. Some rubbed their noses, others scratched their ears...

As if by unspoken agreement, they all turned and scurried back to their workstations.

"How did you recognize me?" Xue Rui asked softly.

He was standing behind her now, and he reached out to wipe the damp corners of her eyes.

Lin Ruoxi suddenly stood up, spun around, and threw her arms around Xue Rui, her shoulders trembling uncontrollably.

"I... I remember your scent," Lin Ruoxi whispered, her lips close to Xue Rui’s ear.

Xue Rui was so startled he threw up his hands. ’She’s being so forward! First, she hugs me, and now she’s whispering these sweet nothings in my ear...’

Her emotions were running high, and her breathing grew ragged. Each warm puff of air against his ear felt like a feather, tickling him and stirring an unbearable itch in his heart.

Lin Ruoxi’s slender arms held Xue Rui in a death grip, as if terrified he would run away the moment she let go.

The R&D department staff couldn’t take it anymore. One of them pulled out a pack of cigarettes, gave it a little shake, and whispered, "Time for a smoke."

Soon, the office was empty, leaving only Xue Rui and Lin Ruoxi.

Xue Rui nodded slightly. ’That young man’s name is Fang Chao. He came with me to Huicheng not too long ago. He’s a sharp one.’

She squeezed a little harder, her small hands clutching his back as if trying to merge his body with hers. Helpless, Xue Rui could only go along with it.

Xue Rui reached out and gently patted Lin Ruoxi’s back. Her breathing gradually evened out, and it seemed her emotions had stabilized. His, however, were just getting started down below.

’Who could possibly withstand a hug this tight? This girl has zero awareness of how gorgeous and well-built she is.’

But he was used to it. She wouldn’t bring up such an awkward topic; she would just cling to his embrace, refusing to let go.

’It’s like I’m holding a clingy kitten.’

’Chen Tingting likes to hang on my back, this girl likes to burrow into my arms... that other little lass is still the most reserved.’

"I missed you so much." Lin Ruoxi’s tears fell uncontrollably.

Xue Rui sighed silently. ’Her reliance on me is even greater than I expected. Everything she just did was a testament to how much she missed me.’

He said softly, "Mm, I’m not leaving again."

Hearing Xue Rui’s reply, the corners of Lin Ruoxi’s lips curved up slightly.

She suddenly remembered how hard she had been squeezing him. She quickly let go to check him over. "Does it hurt? I... I was using too much force."

Xue Rui glanced down at her chest. "Doesn’t hurt. There’s plenty of cushioning."

The young woman looked down at her own chest, the corners of her eyes crinkling with a smile. ’Yu Minlan always says I got the short end of the stick, but I don’t see it that way. As long as Xue Rui likes it, that’s all that matters.’

Xue Rui clicked his tongue. ’She’s not even embarrassed. It’s actually making me a little flustered.’

"Um, are you hungry?" Lin Ruoxi asked, brushing the tear stains from his shoulder. ’I’ll have to wash his shirt when we get back,’ she thought.

"Starving," Xue Rui said, patting his stomach.

’I’ve been on the road for a while, and even though I’ve eaten all sorts of things, my Jin Province stomach is just too picky. I feel like I haven’t had a truly satisfying meal this whole time. Nothing fills me up like her hand-pulled noodles.’

Lin Ruoxi glanced at the clock on the wall. It was still working hours. She whispered, "I... I could skip out of work and cook for you, how about that?"

Her words made Xue Rui chuckle. He pinched her cheek. "You’re a major shareholder of this company. Who would dare say a word if you decided to skip work?"

Lin Ruoxi said nothing, only giving him a timid glance, as if waiting for his permission.

Xue Rui suddenly felt a pang in his heart. ’I think I remember telling her she wasn’t allowed to skip work...’

’She remembers every single thing I do, like she’s keeping a running tally in her heart.’

’But she never holds a grudge. As soon as I say the word, she wipes the slate clean.’

"Skip work if you want to," Xue Rui said, draping an arm around her shoulders as they started walking out.

"Mmm..." Lin Ruoxi’s eyes curved into happy crescents. When Xue Rui was around, she really had no desire to work anyway.

Xue Rui habitually leaned his weight on her shoulder, and she instinctively adjusted her pace to his, wanting to make it more comfortable for him.

「At the back door of the R&D department.」

"It’s hot as hell out here. Hope President Lin finishes her ’business’ quickly."

"Damn, Old Li, you’ve got a filthy mind."

"Heh heh, young people are full of vigor. Any place can be a battlefield."

"Sss... But President Lin was the one who initiated it just now."

Listening from a distance, Yu Minlan’s face flushed red. ’Is that crappy nonsense all men ever think about?’ she fumed inwardly.

She watched as Xue Rui and Lin Ruoxi emerged. Seeing Lin Ruoxi transformed back into a lively, adorable girl, she couldn’t help but shake her head with a wry smile.

Lin Ruoxi walked up to the group and clapped her hands. "You’ve all been working so hard lately. Tomorrow is the Qixi Festival, so I’ll be giving out holiday bonuses."

"Thank you, President Lin!" someone shouted, leading the cheer.

"Wrong," Old Li corrected. "It’s ’Thank you, President Xue and President Lin’!"

How would Lin Ruoxi know about such subtleties? Anyone with eyes could see this was Xue Rui’s doing.

Fang Chao said with a smile, "President Lin, I wish you and President Xue a happy holiday."

Lin Ruoxi’s heart swelled with joy. She handed him a red envelope. "Um, thank you."

...

While Lin Ruoxi was busy handing out the bonuses, Xue Rui took the opportunity to whisper to Yu Minlan, "Did you mail that package I asked you to?"

"I did. It’s already in Hedong City. I contacted the local courier; they’ve arranged for a special delivery to the door tomorrow," Yu Minlan replied, nodding stiffly.

’That bastard Xue Rui is unbelievable! Making me send a package to Gu Muxue!’

’A whole box of skincare products. Two full sets!’