Zhou Zhuofei was stunned for a long moment before she realized what had happened.
Xiao Wang had embraced her.
The unfamiliar scent she detected belonged to him—cool like mint, yet not overpowering, gentle and understated.
Just like the impression Xiao Wang gave.
Clearly, a hug was far more effective than a handshake. Under his comforting presence, she could feel the trembling of her body gradually subsiding.
Throughout the entire moment, he didn’t say a word, and that was exactly the quiet reassurance Zhou Zhuofei needed.
The dim lighting in the hallway spared her the worry of Xiao Wang seeing her expression, so she slowly closed her eyes, allowing herself a minute of vulnerability.
Today’s ordeal had far exceeded what she could handle. Even if given another chance, she wasn’t sure she could have done any better.
"Feeling better?"
She didn’t know how much time had passed when she heard Xiao Wang’s question, and she immediately pulled away from his embrace.
Sensing her intention to retreat, he obligingly loosened his hold.
The minute was up—it was time to pull herself together!
Zhou Zhuofei took a deep breath. The sensation had been so comforting that she hadn’t even had time to think, simply letting her mind go blank to steady her emotions.
"Much better. Thank you, Secretary Xiao."
Xiao Wang hadn’t quite processed the shift either. His arms suddenly felt empty, and an inexplicable sense of loss settled in his chest.
But he knew his earlier action could already be considered presumptuous. Even if his intention was to help Zhou Zhuofei, acting without warning might easily have upset her.
So he simply lowered his hands slowly. "No problem. I’m glad it helped."
Though her emotions had stabilized, Zhou Zhuofei wasn’t yet at the point where she could casually chat with Xiao Wang. There were still things she needed to sort through on her own.
So after stepping away, she turned toward the door without another word, completely unaware that something had fallen from her pocket.
It wasn’t until Xiao Wang called out to her that she turned back—only to find him already bending down to pick up the item for her.
"Here." Xiao Wang glanced at the slip of paper in his hand. Though his mind was in turmoil, his expression remained composed as he handed it to her with a gentle reminder, "Keep it safe."
Zhou Zhuofei’s heart sank when she saw it—the check Xie Huai had given her. She had absentmindedly stuffed it into her pocket when getting out of the car, and now that it had fallen out, Xiao Wang must have clearly seen what it was.
This was even worse than him spotting her in Xie Huai’s car. At least in the car, she could have made up an excuse. But how could she explain holding a check?
"Secretary Xiao, it’s not what you think."
Without hesitation, she crumpled the check into a ball and shoved it back into her pocket. Once crumpled, cashing it would be nearly impossible.
Xiao Wang instinctively moved to stop her the moment he saw her action, but then hesitated and held back.
He watched quietly as she did this before finally speaking. "Zhuofei, if you’re in any trouble, you can tell me..."
After years of work and investments with friends, he had some savings. Though he couldn’t match Xie Huai’s wealth, he could still help in an emergency.
If Zhou Zhuofei was facing difficulties, he was willing to step in.
Zhou Zhuofei nearly groaned. The misunderstanding was only getting worse. Was she playing some tragic heroine in need of rescuing?
Wait—wasn’t that Cen Huan’s role?
She waved her hands frantically. "No, no! I’m perfectly healthy, my parents are fine, I have no debts—Secretary Xiao, you’ve got it all wrong! This is just..."
But how could she explain the rest? Being dismissed with money was humiliating enough—did she really need to announce to the world that some rich man was trying to buy her off?
Especially when she recalled Xie Huai’s arrogant, self-assured expression, as if he already had her in his grasp. The thought made her furious.
Through gritted teeth, she replied, "Just some self-important jerk."
"Related to President Xie?"
Zhou Zhuofei figured Xiao Wang must have seen Xie Huai’s signature, so she didn’t bother denying it. She nodded but decided not to elaborate to avoid complicating things further.
"Let’s not talk about this anymore. We should head upstairs."
"But if we don’t clarify, how can it be resolved?"
Xiao Wang had finally gotten a legitimate chance to discuss this with Zhou Zhuofei, and he wasn’t about to let it slip away.
His tone was so serious it bordered on stern as he said, "Zhuofei, some things shouldn’t be delayed. The longer you wait, the worse they’ll get."
"I know. I’ll handle it as soon as possible." Even as she said it, she didn’t quite believe herself. Xie Huai didn’t seem like the type to respect others’ wishes.
"You can tell me. I really want to help you." Xiao Wang’s gentle voice echoed softly in the hallway.
The scene couldn’t help but remind Zhou Zhuofei of that night outside New World, when Xiao Wang had appeared at just the right moment, making it impossible for her to refuse.
But this time was different. She couldn’t drag him into trouble.
"Secretary Xiao..."
She was still searching for a way to decline when he spoke again. "Didn’t you say before that if I’m too polite, it’d make you uncomfortable? Shouldn’t we help each other?"
"Well, yes, but small things are one thing—this is a big deal..."
"Exactly because it’s a big deal, you should talk it through with someone, right? I doubt you’d hesitate this much with Miss Du Yu."
With Du Yu, she had zero reservations—she’d tell her every little thing without a second thought.
Now that he mentioned it, he had a point.
At its core, she still felt her problems weren’t worth wasting Xiao Wang’s time. Despite her talk of mutual support, deep down, she hadn’t truly treated their relationship as equal.
"I’m sorry, Secretary Xiao." Zhou Zhuofei sighed. "I just didn’t want to put you in a difficult position."
"I’m not in any difficulty. Right now, you’re the only one struggling."
Xiao Wang had never once thought Zhou Zhuofei would bring him trouble.
On the contrary, she was always considering others, putting herself last, ignoring her own feelings and needs.
Like last time—her first reaction hadn’t even been anger at being harassed, but concern for her friend.
Just how distressed had she been earlier to finally reach out to him for help?
"I guess... I’m just used to it." Zhou Zhuofei rubbed her nose awkwardly. Maybe she was too stubborn, too accustomed to handling everything alone, too afraid and anxious to ask for help.
As Du Yu often said, she was too guarded—she’d rather tough it out than show weakness.
"But this story is a long one."
"In that case, I might not have enough time now." Xiao Wang checked his watch and asked, "Can we talk after work? Maybe over dinner?"
"Eh?"
Zhou Zhuofei was momentarily taken aback. Just a moment ago, they had been discussing troubles, and now suddenly it was about dinner?
"Even the biggest troubles can’t stop us from eating, right?"
"Right."
"Then let’s meet in the parking lot after work? Do you know where my car is parked?"
"Uh… not really."
"Area A, spot 24."
"Got it."
"Let’s head back up first."
The two emerged from the fire escape and took the elevator together, arriving at the administrative department’s floor in no time. Zhou Zhuofei’s mind was still in a daze as she stepped out, with Xiao Wang reminding her not to forget.
"Call me if anything comes up."
"Okay…"
Back at her desk, surrounded by the familiar hum of conversations and phone calls, Zhou Zhuofei’s thoughts gradually cleared.
She suddenly remembered the letter she had left at the front desk. But if she went down now, her colleagues might start asking questions, so she hesitated, reluctant to get up.
Just then, Du Yu’s chat icon flashed on her computer screen, and she absentmindedly clicked on the message.
[Ugh, life’s been so boring lately. Wanna grab dinner tonight?]
[Can’t today.]
[You’re going back to play games again, aren’t you?!]
[No, I’m having dinner with someone else.]
[What?! You’re betraying me by eating with someone else? You heartless woman!]
[Get a grip. I’m having dinner with Secretary Xiao.]
[??????]
Even through the screen, Du Yu’s confusion was palpable. And honestly, Zhou Zhuofei herself was just as bewildered. She even wondered if this was Xiao Wang’s strategy—noticing her earlier distress and deliberately diverting her attention.
But it worked. Now, she had no mental bandwidth left to dwell on that nouveau riche Xie Huai. Her mind was entirely occupied by what had just happened in the fire escape.
If she hadn’t already agreed to dinner with Xiao Wang, she probably would’ve asked Du Yu out tonight anyway. After everything that had happened, she needed to talk to someone, or she wouldn’t be able to hold it together.
[I’ll fill you in later. There’s definitely stuff I need to tell you.]
[First, define ‘later.’ Do you have any idea how agonizing the wait will be for me?]
[I’ll call you right after dinner, okay?]
[Fine. So, where are you two eating?]
[No idea. We haven’t decided yet.]
They chatted idly until work pulled Zhou Zhuofei’s attention away. After bidding Du Yu a quick goodbye, she focused on her tasks, and once immersed, some things simply faded into the background.
Emotions are personal, but the body belongs to the company—such is the life of a modern office worker.
By the time the workday ended, colleagues began packing up, but Zhou Zhuofei, unusually, slowed her movements.
Everyone knew she didn’t own a car. If she headed to the underground parking lot in front of everyone, it would be way too conspicuous. So, unlike her usual eagerness to leave, she lingered.
Zhan Zilang had already clocked out and returned to his desk, only to find Zhou Zhuofei still seated—uncharacteristically so. He couldn’t help but ask, "Working late today, Zhou-jie?"
"Nope, I’ll head out soon."
"Alright, see you tomorrow then."
After Zhan Zilang left, Zhou Zhuofei waited until most of the office had cleared out, estimating the elevator lobby would be empty, before grabbing her bag to leave.
Just minutes earlier, Xiao Wang had messaged to ask if she was off work. Replying as she walked, Zhou Zhuofei made her way to the elevators.
Inside, she inevitably ran into familiar colleagues—unavoidable, really. Had she worked in any other department, she might’ve gone a year without recognizing half the staff. But such was the nature of the administrative department.
The elevator descended a few more floors before stopping again. The doors opened to reveal Chu Qing, standing there in a bright yellow professional suit, impossible to miss in the crowd.
Once inside, Chu Qing effortlessly exchanged pleasantries with acquaintances, Zhou Zhuofei included.
"Off work, Zhuofei? Heading home to game?"
Having followed Zhou Zhuofei’s social media for a while, Chu Qing had pieced together her routines.
Zhou Zhuofei was a bona fide homebody—averse to outings, indifferent to novelty, and notoriously hard to invite anywhere.
Moreover, her relationship with Xiao Wang wasn’t as close as Chu Qing had assumed. At least outside work, they seemed to have little interaction, and workplace camaraderie alone didn’t mean much.
Clearly, getting closer through Zhou Zhuofei wasn’t a viable strategy, so Chu Qing had long abandoned the idea.
"Gaming’s definitely on the agenda," Zhou Zhuofei replied vaguely, relieved that Chu Qing had finally backed off. If she found out about the dinner with Xiao Wang, the interrogation would never end.
Chu Qing’s demeanor toward her had noticeably cooled, and after a few perfunctory exchanges, she fell silent, much to Zhou Zhuofei’s relief.
When the elevator reached the first floor, most passengers disembarked. Chu Qing shot Zhou Zhuofei another glance—she knew the woman didn’t own a car.
Zhou Zhuofei hadn’t thought much of it, but under Chu Qing’s gaze, she inexplicably felt a twinge of guilt. Still, she kept her composure, pretending not to notice.
At the basement level, she deliberately waited until everyone else had exited before stepping out.
Finding spot 24 in Area A required zero effort—Xiao Wang’s car was already running, headlights on, impossible to miss.
They’d texted just before she left the elevator, with Xiao Wang telling her not to rush. She’d assumed he wasn’t there yet, but he was already in the driver’s seat.
Quickening her pace, Zhou Zhuofei reached the car and slid into the passenger side.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"No worries, I just got here too," Xiao Wang replied, subtly observing her. She seemed completely composed now, none of the earlier distress visible.
"Any cravings for dinner?"
Without hesitation, Zhou Zhuofei said, "Anything’s fine. I’m not picky."
Xiao Wang thought for a moment. "I’d recommend two places—one’s famous for seafood, the other for its soups. Which would you prefer?"
"Hmm…" After a pause, Zhou Zhuofei answered, "Let’s go with the cheaper one."
She still wasn’t sure what this dinner was about, but since Xiao Wang was trying to help, she intended to pay. Her wallet couldn’t handle anything too extravagant.
It wasn’t like Secretary Xiao hadn’t tasted good food before. The gesture mattered more.
Xiao Wang chuckled, long accustomed to Zhou Zhuofei’s unique way of thinking. "Then it’s the second one."
"Sounds good."
The car rolled toward the parking lot exit, soon merging into the flow of traffic.
Zhou Zhuofei stayed quiet, her mind drifting back to those troubling thoughts now that work was over.
Xiao Wang, too, remained silent, filling the quiet only with the soft strains of music from the car stereo.
After a few songs, they arrived at a neighborhood Zhou Zhuofei had never visited before. The unfamiliar sights pushed her worries aside, and she found herself curiously studying the streets around her.
Xiao Wang was quite familiar with the area, and noticing Zhou Zhuofei's curiosity, he began introducing the surroundings to her.
"Secretary Xiao, you seem very familiar with this place. Do you come here often?"
"More or less. I often accompany General Manager Ling here."
"General Manager Ling, huh..."
Speaking of Ling Yu, Zhou Zhuofei's curiosity about him had nearly vanished by now. Perhaps it was because too much time had passed, dulling her interest in the plot, or maybe it was due to the many experiences she'd recently gone through, stripping away the mystique she once associated with powerful CEOs.
Fundamentally, Ling Yu was no different from Xie Huai.
Ling Yu and Cen Huan's love story followed the classic "marriage before love" trope.
Ling Yu had been pressured into marriage by his family but had no interest in it, which was why he set his sights on Cen Huan.
She had no background, no family connections, and was burdened with massive debt—giving Ling Yu ample leverage to negotiate. In exchange for clearing her debts, he demanded a contractual marriage, where she would play the role of Mrs. Ling flawlessly. After five years, they would divorce.
But somewhere along the way, while pretending, real feelings developed, turning their arrangement into something genuine.
Aside from this twist—exclusive to the "main characters"—the rest of the situation was identical to Xie Huai's. Both men used money to solve their problems, paying others to fulfill their "demands."
The only difference was that Xie Huai demanded the selling of one's body, while Ling Yu only demanded labor.
Once the romantic sugarcoating was peeled away, the remaining framework was so starkly realistic that it sent a chill down Zhou Zhuofei's spine.
If all male leads were like this, what hope did she have left for love in this world?
Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice the car had stopped until Xiao Wang reminded her to get out.
Following him into the restaurant, she could tell from the upscale decor—no open seating, only private rooms—that this place was going to be expensive.
When she saw the menu prices, though, she mentally prepared herself. It was pricey, but spending on Xiao Wang was worth it.
While ordering, he effortlessly listed off the restaurant’s specialties, recommending several dishes to her.
Zhou Zhuofei didn’t hold back, enthusiastically ordering whatever caught her eye. If she couldn’t finish, she’d just take the leftovers home.
Xiao Wang was pleased by her straightforwardness, glad she wasn’t being overly polite.
After witnessing her interactions with Du Yu, he realized the version of Zhou Zhuofei he’d seen before wasn’t her truest self. Now, he looked forward to engaging with the real her.
"Then let’s order everything," he agreed without hesitation. A good appetite was a good sign—it meant her mood wasn’t too bad.
