Li Yue, noticing the subtle relationship between Feng Feng and Shen Su, deliberately chose an opportunity to leave separately from Shen Su and Ji Tong.
Feng Feng discovered Li Yue's thoughtful gesture and thanked him.
Li Yue replied, "It's nothing."
He indeed possessed a maturity beyond his years.
Because they needed to avoid Shen Su and Ji Tong, Feng Feng and Li Yue spent some time alone outside. With Li Yue not initiating conversation, the surroundings were quiet. It was then that Feng Feng unexpectedly asked, "When did you find out?"
In conversations between intelligent people, directness isn't always necessary. Li Yue immediately understood the meaning behind Feng Feng's words and truthfully replied, "Probably around the time I asked you to watch a movie."
Li Yue's remark brought Feng Feng's memories back to that day. She believed she hadn't shown any signs of losing composure, and the only oversight might have been not greeting Shen Su.
Ji Tong hadn't noticed such minor details, but Li Yue had.
Feng Feng could only sigh, "You're really smart."
The secret she had kept for years was ultimately discovered by an intern who had recently joined her team.
Li Yue asked, "Did you... date before?"
He had been curious about this question for a long time, and now that Feng Feng was initiating a conversation about it, he could finally ask.
Her willingness to bring it up indicated she was prepared to tell him.
Feng Feng indeed had no intention of hiding it from Li Yue, nor could she. However, defining her relationship with Shen Su was difficult.
After careful consideration, Feng Feng decided to tell the truth, "We never dated, it was mutually beneficial."
Li Yue understood immediately, but his face showed no surprise, which Feng Feng found somewhat unexpected.
After all, Li Yue was only twenty-five. While mature, most men would find it difficult to accept that a woman they were interested in had previously had such a relationship with someone else.
This was different from dating; dating was at least open and honest, whereas such behavior, in the eyes of some old-fashioned individuals, was considered promiscuous.
Li Yue asked, "Did Mr. Shen maintain distance from you because he started dating Ji Tong?"
Li Yue had always felt that Feng Feng's emotions were not quite right when she saw Shen Su and Ji Tong appearing affectionate. Initially, he had speculated that Shen Su might have seamlessly transitioned to Ji Tong after breaking up with Feng Feng. However, after learning they were merely bed partners, he changed his mind.
Feng Feng shook her head, "No, Ji Tong came into the picture after I broke things off with him. She knows nothing."
It was evident that Feng Feng was still protecting Ji Tong in her words, which further improved Li Yue's impression of her.
Human nature is selfish. Even if Ji Tong were truly innocent, most people would not treat her the way Feng Feng did in such a situation.
She not only protected her but also treated her well both at work and in private.
Li Yue pondered for a moment and asked the ultimate question, "Do you like Mr. Shen now?"
Feng Feng answered indirectly, "Towards the end of my relationship with him, he suggested we date officially, but I refused."
This surprised Li Yue, "Why?"
Feng Feng smiled, "Actually, I'm not sure myself."
Li Yue attempted to analyze her thoughts, "Thinking about it carefully, it's understandable. Starting in such a way makes it difficult to be serious. Mr. Shen seems like a very experienced person, perhaps you lacked a sense of security."
Feng Feng's eyes held even more surprise as she looked at Li Yue. He was truly intelligent, accurately describing her inner thoughts based on the limited information.
While she was surprised, Li Yue continued, "You thought Mr. Shen wouldn't seriously date any woman. But later, Ji Tong appeared by his side, they seemed very happy, and they were always around you, which affected your mood and state."
Feng Feng smiled and asked him, "Does this mean I'm being a masochist?"
Li Yue replied, "Of course not."
Feng Feng's smile was brief and quickly faded. Her emotions were complex, and she looked up at the moon in the sky.
As she contemplated the moon, Li Yue's voice reached her ears again, "I like you. You probably already knew that, didn't you?"
She hadn't expected the conversation to reach this point tonight.
This sudden confession caused Feng Feng's shoulders to stiffen, but she didn't show much emotional fluctuation, "Mm, I did."
Li Yue continued, "I didn't expect to tell you under these circumstances."
Feng Feng shifted her gaze back to Li Yue's face. His expression was calm, his demeanor composed, lacking the flusteredness of a young man confessing his feelings.
Li Yue looked into her eyes and asked, "Can I pursue you?"
Feng Feng replied, "I'm a boring person."
This statement was a subtle rejection, but it could also be taken as a warning.
Li Yue smiled and said, "I don't think you're boring."
Feng Feng questioned, "Not boring?"
She had always considered herself quite uninteresting, her life essentially consisting of work. Her nature was indifferent, and she spoke little. More than once, people had told her she was difficult to approach.
Even her parents often said she was too reserved and should learn to be more outgoing.
But Li Yue was able to articulate his reasons, "Of course not boring. You can mix drinks, you can dance. These are your private hobbies. Being able to excel at your hobbies demonstrates your excellence, doesn't it?"
In this world, no one dislikes hearing compliments, especially when they are logical and well-founded, making them even more appreciated.
Feng Feng smiled again, "Thank you."
Li Yue looked at her smile and said, "You look beautiful when you smile."
Perhaps it was the depth and sincerity in his tone, but Feng Feng was momentarily unsure how to respond.
Li Yue, with good judgment, didn't press her further, "Will you give me a chance?"
Feng Feng asked him, "You don't mind my past?"
Li Yue replied, "There's nothing to mind. Everyone has a past. I've had girlfriends before too."
Feng Feng then said, "Alright, let's try."
Feng Feng's agreement came as a surprise. Li Yue had initially thought that her acceptance of his pursuit would be the success. To his surprise, she directly said, "Let's try."
Li Yue asked, "What do you mean by 'try'?"
"Exactly what you think it means," Feng Feng replied. "If you don't mind my past, let's try."
Upon hearing this, Li Yue suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms, embracing her. "You have no chance to regret this."
Feng Feng looked into his eyes and said, "There are no such words in my dictionary."
Li Yue smiled and said, "I'll take you back."
Li Yue's hand remained on Feng Feng's waist, and they returned to the guest room area in this embrace.
At that late hour, there were few people around. While waiting for the elevator, Li Yue looked down at Feng Feng's lips, and desire began to gather in his eyes.
Feng Feng, experienced in such matters, immediately recognized Li Yue's intentions. On impulse, she leaned in and kissed him.
Li Yue was taken aback for a moment, then tightened his embrace around her waist and kissed her back passionately. The surroundings were so quiet that the sound of their mingled breaths could be heard.
Just as they were engrossed in a deep kiss, the elevator doors opened.
Li Yue pulled Feng Feng along to enter, only to bump into Shen Su head-on.