For years, they had collaborated as Party A and Party B, but outside of work, they had no interaction. If Shen Su had been interested in Feng Feng, he would have made a move long ago, why would he wait until now?
But if he wasn't interested, what was the meaning of him looking at Feng Feng like that?
Shen Su wasn't the type of person to show such an expression in public…
For a moment, all attention was focused on Shen Su and Feng Feng. Even the leader who was speaking stopped. This time, Feng Feng couldn't pretend not to react. She had long noticed everyone looking at her, but she was feigning indifference.
Feng Feng stopped recording, looked up at the leader, and at this moment, Shen Su's gaze was still fixed on her.
The expressions of everyone present became even more subtle. At this moment, the leader asked Shen Su, "Does Mr. Shen think this arrangement is acceptable?"
Called by name, Shen Su finally snapped back to reality. He smiled and said, "I have no objections. With a reliable person like Ms. Feng coordinating, I have nothing to worry about."
After speaking, he looked at Feng Feng again and generously praised, "Every time I see Ms. Feng working so diligently, I feel an urge to poach her. Having such a capable subordinate by your side must make work very efficient."
This statement served to explain why he had been staring at Feng Feng, and it was a plausible reason. However, everyone present was shrewd and wouldn't be fooled by such words.
Feng Feng herself remained calm. She even turned around and thanked Shen Su, "Thank you for your praise, Mr. Shen. It's my honor."
This small interlude concluded with their mutual business flattery. The meeting continued for another half hour. After all the work and itinerary for the business trip were arranged, the meeting was adjourned.
After leaving the conference room, Shen Su, under everyone's watchful eyes, followed Feng Feng into her private office, causing the attendees to exchange bewildered glances. Some people whispered among themselves, discussing whether Shen Su and Feng Feng truly had some private relationship. However, both of them were too inscrutable, and after much analysis, they couldn't reach any conclusion.
Feng Feng had almost completed her work for the day, with only an hour left until quitting time. She had originally planned to do some final touches on data tables, but with Shen Su following her, her plans were disrupted.
However, being in a work environment, Feng Feng maintained her composure. She looked at Shen Su, who had closed the door and was walking towards her desk, and asked in a professional tone, "Mr. Shen, is there anything else you need from me?"
Shen Su had anticipated her question. He smiled without speaking, narrowing his eyes slightly, his gaze sweeping over her.
As December approached, the temperature in Nanjiang grew colder, but the office building's heating was quite strong. Feng Feng had already taken off her wool coat and was wearing a dark gray, high-necked, fitted knit sweater, paired with black trousers. All were simple styles, without a trace of adornment.
Yet, in Shen Su's eyes, everything was captivating. The more capable and restrained her attire and demeanor were, the greater her allure to him.
Feng Feng clearly felt Shen Su's gaze. It was as if he had already stripped her clothes off with his eyes. Others might have felt embarrassed, but fortunately, she was accustomed to Shen Su's ways and had a strong psychological fortitude.
After a long look, Shen Su smiled and said, "I missed you."
This was clearly not a remark appropriate for a work setting, and it was the first time Feng Feng had heard him discuss personal matters here. She glanced at her phone and calmly reminded him, "I'm not off work yet."
Shen Su was unfazed. "So what?"
Feng Feng said, "I don't want to cause unnecessary trouble. Your behavior during the meeting has already led to misunderstandings."
Their relationship was sensitive, and they had a business partnership, with her handling all the work. If any rumors spread, they would be amplified, eventually being depicted as a "scandalous transaction."
This would be very troublesome at the institute.
But Feng Feng's considerations, when heard by Shen Su, took on a different meaning. He raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips, "In that case, Ms. Feng thinks I'm someone to be ashamed of?"
Shen Su had never forgotten that when they were casual lovers in private, Feng Feng had repeatedly told him that she didn't want anyone at work to know about their relationship. While he had been uncomfortable then, he could understand it. He thought she simply didn't want her colleagues to know her personal affairs.
However, later, with Li Yue, she had openly admitted their relationship. Even when faced with colleagues' teasing, she could respond calmly. She even flaunted their affection with Li Yue under their encouragement. They didn't avoid each other while working together, and they spent their lunch breaks together. He had seen it many times.
With Li Yue as a comparison, Shen Su naturally felt uncomfortable.
Feng Feng said, "I don't like discussing personal matters at work. Given our positions, any misunderstanding would be detrimental."
Shen Su retorted, "Misunderstanding? Ms. Feng, please explain, what exactly is a misunderstanding? Was Ms. Feng's previous declaration of liking me also a misunderstanding?"
Feng Feng felt a headache from Shen Su's persistent questioning. His constant badgering made him seem like an unreasonable child.
Feng Feng said, "What I mean is, you are Party A, and I am Party B. Furthermore, I am handling all matters for Jin He. If rumors spread, people might think I've made some unsavory deals with you."
Shen Su walked around the desk and approached Feng Feng, closing the distance. Feng Feng instinctively retreated from his movement, her back eventually hitting the edge of the desk, with nowhere to go.
Shen Su raised his hand, brushed aside her hair, and playfully pinched her ear, "What unsavory deal? Is it like this?"
Feng Feng pressed his hand and warned, "I'm not off work yet, don't mess around."
Shen Su smiled and his gaze fell on her lips, "Ms. Feng was quite open about her previous relationship, making it known throughout the institute. But with me, it's something to be ashamed of."
Feng Feng knew Shen Su would bring up Li Yue. She had already prepared a response, "Your identity and Li Yue's are different. He is my colleague, and you are the Party A for our institute. There's no comparison."
Shen Su paid no attention to what she said. His other hand had already touched her lips, his fingertips smudged with her lipstick.
Shen Su smiled and asked, "I remember Li Yue often stayed late with you here, right? When no one was around at night, did you two ever… here?"
Feng Feng: "..."
He was asking these pointless questions again. What good would knowing the answer do him?
Feng Feng remained silent, and Shen Su's smile became more dangerous, "You did, didn't you?"
Feng Feng simply retorted, "Don't you and Ji Tong also often work late together?"
She didn't want to bring up Ji Tong, but since Shen Su was being so persistent, she had to retaliate in kind.
Shen Su's fingertips brushed across her lipstick, "Yes, we often do it in the office. I like it."
Feng Feng showed no reaction: "Oh."
Shen Su asked, "And you and Li Yue?"