Falling in love with Chen Dongyang was completely unplanned, each step a misstep. She had no idea what the future held, nor dared to imagine it.
Seeing her mood darken, Chen Dongyang immediately felt a pang of concern and pulled her into his arms.
"Don't be angry, I'm sorry I raised my voice. It's all my fault for being incapable, for letting things turn out this way."
"From now on, leave her matters to me. I'll handle it, so don't worry. Let's talk about something else, when is Meng Kai getting married?"
Tian Tian hadn't yet recovered from the previous question, burying her head in his chest with a dejected expression.
"The week after next. Zhang Wei said they're already picking out wedding dresses and venues."
Chen Dongyang gently coaxed her, "Don't be unhappy, we'll go together. From now on, I'll never say anything upsetting to make you uncomfortable again."
Having finally met after a long time, Tian Tian didn't want to remain in such a mood and ruin the atmosphere. She adjusted her emotions and reconciled with him.
Chen Dongyang wasn't going home that night, so Tian Tian drove him to the hotel where she was staying, and there was another tempestuous night.
After the storm subsided, Chen Dongyang held Tian Tian in his arms, reluctant to part.
"Tomorrow I'll discuss with my superiors about going to Nancheng early. Anyway, it doesn't matter where the copywriting is done. I can write better by your side."
"Tian Tian, do you know you have magic? I don't want to be apart from you for a single second, I'm addicted to you."
If someone else said such things, Tian Tian might have found it disgusting, too cheesy.
But for some reason, when Chen Dongyang said them, they sounded so sincere, so moving, and she loved hearing them.
The two chatted for a while, and Tian Tian fell asleep.
The next morning, Chen Dongyang returned to the dormitory building at six o'clock.
Shortly after returning to his room, Zeng Hui got up to make breakfast.
Before she could make his portion, Chen Dongyang pretended to have just woken up and walked out to greet her.
"My supervisor called. Nancheng is in a hurry, so I have to go on a business trip. I'm leaving now. Don't make breakfast for me."
After what happened last night, Zeng Hui had been planning to be even more gentle and considerate in their interactions today, but unexpectedly, he had to go on a business trip so early.
"How many days will you be gone? Why so suddenly?"
"It's uncertain. As I told you, a client in Nancheng needs a memorial hall designed. The old man had a whim and wants it done whenever he says, and whether he's satisfied afterwards, and to what extent, depends on his personal preferences."
Zeng Hui was quite disappointed. "Then, if that's the case, could it be ten days or half a month?"
Chen Dongyang nodded. "As I said. Call me if anything comes up, I'll come back no matter what. Take good care of Dou Bao. Let me know if you need money."
Regarding finances, although Zeng Hui hadn't been particularly wealthy over the years, Chen Dongyang had never treated her poorly.
He had linked his WeChat and Alipay to his payroll card, but simultaneously set up family payments for her.
Zeng Hui could spend as much as she wanted, however she wanted, and he never interfered.
She had never been in dire financial straits.
Seeing Chen Dongyang leaving for work so early, with faint dark circles under his eyes, Zeng Hui felt sorry for him.
Reflecting on herself, she felt she had been too pushy yesterday, and felt even more embarrassed.
When the incident happened back then, he was just a young, impetuous man, and he didn't know her well. He had sustained it all with a sense of responsibility.
She was indeed a woman who had given birth, and had previously been with his brother, so it was normal for him to be unable to accept it immediately.
She took the initiative to apologize to Chen Dongyang.
"Don't you have family payments set up for me? As long as you have a penny, I have money to spend. Don't worry, I won't be short of money."
"I'm sorry. I was a bit too much yesterday, pushing you too hard, and saying harsh words..."
Seeing that she had calmed down and was saying such things, Chen Dongyang was very happy.
Zeng Hui was a highly educated woman. As long as they communicated well, there would be no problems between them.
Not wanting to be too explicit, which would cause awkwardness in future meetings, Chen Dongyang interrupted her.
"I understand what you mean. We've known each other for so long, don't say these polite things. Take good care of Dou Bao, I'm leaving now. Contact me if you have any problems."
Seeing him change his shoes and leave with just his laptop bag, Zeng Hui chased after him.
"Don't you need to pack some clothes? What will you do if you don't have anything to wear there? Wait a minute, I'll pack for you."
"No need. I have a set of clothes at Dou Ya's old place, which is enough for the round trip. I'm not driving either; the design institute reimburses travel expenses, so I'll take a taxi. I'll take care of myself, don't worry too much, I'm leaving."
They bid each other a polite farewell. Chen Dongyang went downstairs, took a detour, and went to Tian Tian's car.
Tian Tian waved her phone at him. "Done. I've spoken to your principal. Let's go."
Chen Dongyang assumed a submissive posture, leaning on her shoulder with an expression of admiration.
"Big Sister's actions are extraordinary, and this little brother is deeply impressed. Since you're so capable, why don't you keep me? I'm all yours, I'll go wherever you want me to, and do whatever you want me to."
Tian Tian patted him on the head. "Sure. For now, be my driver. If you drive this route well, then I'll consider it."
Freed from Zeng Hui, Chen Dongyang was like a bird out of a cage, both talkative and humorous.
Tian Tian chatted with him all the way, discussing the development of the Kang Corporation, Old Master Kang's personality, the design concept for the memorial hall, and future work plans. It was a perfect match, like a reunion of kindred spirits, harmonious and in sync.
They soon arrived in Nancheng. Chen Dongyang asked Tian Tian which hotel she wanted to stay in, and Tian Tian chose one not far from her home.
Chen Dongyang smirked. "That way it'll be convenient for you to sneak out to see me in the middle of the night. Alright."
Tian Tian also smirked. "Do I need to sneak? I'll find you openly. Wu Shuang is dating their director these days, so she'll probably be moving out of my place soon. I have plenty of freedom!"
After checking into the hotel, Chen Dongyang and Tian Tian lingered for a while longer before going out to eat.
After dinner, he asked Tian Tian if she wanted to stay with him that night, and Tian Tian said yes.
"It's rare for you to come to Nancheng, of course we have to be together, otherwise what's the point of you coming? I just need to go back and get a couple of outfits."
"Then I'll go with you."
Thinking that Wu Shuang wouldn't be back from work yet at this hour, Tian Tian agreed, as she would leave after picking up her clothes.
The two drove back and went upstairs hand in hand. To their surprise, when they opened the door, Wu Shuang was actually there.
Startled, Tian Tian immediately let go of Chen Dongyang's hand.
Fortunately, Wu Shuang was listless and didn't notice this scene.
Hearing the sound of the door opening, she turned to look. Seeing both Tian Tian and Chen Dongyang appear at the same time, she was also surprised.
"Why are you back? Didn't you go on a business trip to Tongcheng? Why are you two together?"
Since her relationship with Chen Dongyang hadn't been finalized, Tian Tian was afraid of being scolded by Wu Shuang and didn't dare to tell her the truth.