Shen Su: "Mm, go pack up your things, we'll have dinner together later."
Ji Tong's eyes widened, her expression one of disbelief.
Her reaction was somewhat childish, and Shen Su was amused, chuckling, "You're not giving me face?"
Ji Tong quickly denied it, "No, it's just that I didn't expect you to invite me to dinner."
"I'll go pack my things right away." Ji Tong scurried out of Shen Su's office.
Shen Su watched her retreating back, feeling a sense of lightness.
It had been a long time since he had found emotional value in a woman. He hadn't needed it in his previous relationships, and when he did later, Feng Feng couldn't provide it.
And Ji Tong appeared at just the right time. She possessed an unadulterated sincerity and purity, untouched by the cynicism of society. She was optimistic and positive, radiating youth and vitality.
Every time he was with Ji Tong, Shen Su felt a few years younger, an experience he had never had in any previous relationship.
He had long understood Ji Tong's feelings for him. As long as he made this move, Ji Tong wouldn't refuse.
Shen Su thought that now was the time.
Shen Su picked up his car keys and waited for Ji Tong in the hallway. Ji Tong soon came out with her bag. Shen Su noticed she had changed into flat shoes, which didn't quite match her outfit.
Seeing Shen Su looking at her shoes, Ji Tong explained, "I'm not used to wearing high heels. You don't mind, do you?"
Shen Su: "Not at all."
Ji Tong: "Thank you."
Shen Su: "It's after work, you can just call me by my name."
Ji Tong tried calling Shen Su's name in her mind, but it felt awkward. She couldn't bring herself to say it.
As they entered the elevator, being in a confined space alone with Shen Su made Ji Tong's heart race uncontrollably, as if it were about to leap out of her throat. She clutched her bag to hide her nervousness.
But it was no use; Shen Su could still see her flustered state.
It was even more so once they were in the car. She was so nervous that she hadn't even fastened her seatbelt. In the end, Shen Su had to do it for her. When his hand passed through her body, even without touching her, he could feel her trembling.
Her awkward demeanor made Shen Su unable to resist teasing her, "Why do you get so nervous so easily?"
Ji Tong's face reddened, unable to utter a single word of explanation.
Shen Su smiled and ruffled her hair, "With you being such a coward, you dare to like me."
Ji Tong was startled by his words and looked up abruptly, accidentally bumping her head against Shen Su's chin.
It didn't hurt, though. Shen Su's face was still full of smiles, "Curious how I know?"
Ji Tong was indeed curious, but what she wanted to clarify most was: "I don't have any unrealistic fantasies, please don't worry, it won't affect my work!"
Shen Su: "Unrealistic fantasies?"
Ji Tong nodded.
Shen Su: "You think I wouldn't like you?"
Ji Tong continued to nod. She really had nothing special about her, just an ordinary person.
She had heard a lot about Shen Su since joining the company. The women around him were definitely his equals in status and ability. How could she possibly be qualified?
Just being able to see him every day was enough to make her content.
"What would you do if I got together with someone else?" Shen Su didn't start the car for a long time.
Hearing this, Ji Tong actually began to think seriously and finally said, "I would bless you both."
Shen Su smiled and patted her head with a hint of helplessness, "Silly girl."
Ji Tong: "Whoever you like must be very outstanding."
Shen Su looked at her thoughtfully, "Very outstanding indeed."
Before Ji Tong could respond, Shen Su asked her again, "Do you want to try dating me?"
Ji Tong was completely stunned. She felt like fireworks had exploded in her mind, and for a moment, she thought she was hallucinating.
What did Shen Su just say? She was outstanding... wanted to try dating him?
Did he mean he liked her too?
Shen Su was not surprised by Ji Tong's reaction. He smiled and started the car, "Take your time to consider. Let's go for dinner first."
After about five or six minutes, Ji Tong finally managed to ask a question, "Are you not joking with me?"
She was now sure she hadn't misheard, but she still couldn't believe Shen Su would want her to be his girlfriend.
"No," Shen Su replied, "I'm very serious. You think about it carefully."
Ji Tong: "I agree."
How could she miss such a great opportunity?
Not everyone had the chance to be with the person they liked, especially someone with such a significant difference in status...
Shen Su was amused by Ji Tong's reaction again, "You agreed so quickly? Aren't you afraid I'm tricking you?"
When Shen Su asked this question, the first thing Ji Tong thought of was a rather sentimental phrase: I don't care about deception, only about possession.
Perhaps it was because she was young, she was easily impulsive when it came to matters of the heart. If Shen Su hadn't initiated this, she could have restrained herself from confessing her feelings and not harbored any hopes of possession.
But since Shen Su asked if she wanted to be together, and the person she liked asked, how could she refuse?
Even if she knew it was a trap, she would jump into it without hesitation. Even if the ending wasn't beautiful, she would accept it willingly.
Shen Su probably understood Ji Tong's mindset. Young girls' thoughts were always very simple.
Seeing Ji Tong remain silent for a while, Shen Su smiled and said, "Give me your hand."
Ji Tong's face flushed again, "Ah...?"
Shen Su: "Give it to me, be good."
Ji Tong finally obediently handed over her hand. Shen Su held her hand with one hand while steering the car with the other, smiling, "I won't lie to you. I'll let you be my girlfriend openly."
At this point, Ji Tong didn't quite understand what Shen Su meant by "openly." It wasn't until the next morning, when Shen Su personally drove to pick her up at her rented apartment building, that she suddenly realized.
Ji Tong had overslept that morning and hadn't even had time to eat breakfast at home. After finishing her makeup, she rushed downstairs, preparing to sprint to the subway station.
However, as soon as she stepped out of the building, she saw Shen Su.
Ji Tong was startled and almost twisted her ankle.
Shen Su came up and held her shoulders, "Be careful."
"Uh, why are you here?" Ji Tong asked in surprise.
Shen Su didn't answer and looked down at her foot, "Does it hurt?"
"I didn't twist it," Ji Tong said, "It's a good thing you caught me."
"Don't get too excited when you walk," Shen Su asked her, "Did you have breakfast?"
Ji Tong: "Not yet. I woke up late this morning and planned to eat at the company."
As they spoke, Shen Su had already led Ji Tong to the car. As soon as he opened the passenger door, Ji Tong saw the paper bag on the seat.
Shen Su nudged his chin, "I brought you breakfast. See if you like it."
Ji Tong was truly flattered. Her heart felt as sweet as if it had been drizzled with honey. Being with Shen Su was already enough to make her content, and she hadn't expected Shen Su to be so good to her...
Ji Tong got into the car and opened the breakfast. It contained a sandwich and a cup of coffee. Her stomach was very hungry, but she felt too embarrassed to eat in Shen Su's car.
Shen Su seemed to see through her hesitation and smiled, "Eat it, don't worry. I don't have germophobia."
Only then did Ji Tong take out the sandwich and take a small bite.