The entire studio was busy until 1:00 a.m., and the new design outline was finally perfect.
Ye Yuning had Chen Wei order late-night snacks for everyone. They had initially planned to eat them on the go, but Ye Yuning announced, "Finish eating, then you can go home!"
Everyone stared at her in shock. All they could think about was how furious she had been yesterday about eating in the office!So, was yesterday's outburst about the person, not the issue?
Ye Yuning ignored their strange looks. She hadn't eaten lunch or dinner, so she casually grabbed a burger before heading into the elevator. She secretly wondered if driving over so late meant she wouldn't run into Xiao Linye. Still, just to be safe, she booked a ride on her phone.
Chen Wei, following behind, saw her still carrying the canvas bag from the morning and pressing the button for the first floor. She couldn't help but ask, "It's so late, and you're not driving. Are you planning to stay nearby?"
The Xiangti estate where Ye Yuning currently lived was a distant villa area, a half-hour drive away; walking was out of the question.She remembered Ye Yuning had bought a new apartment nearby, but hadn't it yet to be renovated?
Ye Yuning just hummed in acknowledgment and walked straight out.
Chen Wei was speechless. That apartment wasn't habitable, and Ye Yuning hadn't asked her to book a hotel. So, where was she planning to stay tonight?Though curious, Chen Wei knew it wasn't her place to pry into her boss's affairs.
「 」
As Ye Yuning exited the company's main entrance, she headed towards the curb. After just two steps, she spotted a man with an upright figure standing under a streetlight not far away. A closer look revealed it was the husband with whom she had just registered their marriage. What was he doing here at this hour?
While she was still pondering, Xiao Linye had already spotted her, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment. Before Ye Yuning could react, he was in front of her, taking the canvas bag from her hand.
Ye Yuning's lips parted, but before she could utter a word, Xiao Linye spoke first. "It started raining. I was worried you didn't have an umbrella."
His words stunned Ye Yuning. She glanced at her watch; it was nearly two in the morning. They had only registered their marriage yesterday and were practically strangers. She hadn't expected him to come pick her up from work.
Xiao Linye placed her bag in the trunk. Only then did Ye Yuning realize he had driven—a high-performance yet unassuming Passat. He even had a car!
After getting into the car, she said softly, "Thank you."
Just as she finished speaking, the man suddenly leaned towards her, making Ye Yuning's heart pound. His warm breath fanned her cheek, and her own breathing hitched. "Um, I..."
CLICK! Xiao Linye fastened her seatbelt.
Sitting upright, he started the car and glanced at her, as if about to ask something, but then he noticed her slightly flushed face.
Xiao Linye paused, momentarily surprised, then said, "Sorry, I was worried you might not know how."
Ye Yuning was speechless. Her lips twitched. She might not own a car, but had she never ridden in one before? Did he really think she wouldn't know how to fasten a seatbelt?She grumbled inwardly but was too embarrassed to say anything.
Noticing her discomfort, Xiao Linye changed the subject. "What kind of work do you do? Why are you working overtime so late?"
"My studio does design work. A wetland park project was recently sent back to us, so we're all putting in extra hours," Ye Yuning replied, canceling the ride she had booked on her phone.
Hearing her mention a design studio, he recalled her visit to Xiao's that day. His secretary had said someone from Manlang was looking for him. So, was the person with her today the owner of Manlang?
They returned to Shanyu Pavilion together. The moment the door opened, Ye Yuning was stunned by the interior decor. She had assumed Xiao Linye must have depleted his savings buying a house and a car in Upper City.Consequently, she'd thought the renovations would be relatively simple! Yet, everywhere she looked, various international luxury brands were on display. The black and white contrasting design looked clean and sophisticated.
Xiao Linye carried her bag inside. Turning back, he told her, "There are new slippers in the shoe cabinet."
His tone was noticeably softer than before.
"Okay, thank you." Ye Yuning felt a little awkward and uneasy. After all, it was her first time alone with a man, and she could feel sweat beading on her forehead.
When she opened the shoe cabinet and saw the only pair of girly pink slippers—also a luxury brand!—she was momentarily speechless. Could she ask him what his salary was? She slipped them on and entered the room.
Xiao Linye brought out the dinner he had saved for her, placing it on the dining table. Steam rose from the food, and the enticing aroma wafted through the air, making Ye Yuning's mouth water.
In her memory, no one had ever saved a meal for her before.Even during her childhood with Zheng Cai's mother, she often came home from school to an empty house.Back then, she hadn't understood why other grandmothers doted on their grandchildren so much.Looking back now, she realized it was the lack of a blood tie that had allowed for such indifference.