Having his phone taken, He Xiaoyuan naturally watched Lu Chen carefully.
He caught every word Lu Chen said to Xu Ruomeng, and his heart skipped violently, eyes widening in disbelief.
Did he hear that right? Was he mistaken?
Lu Chen then said a polite “Thank you” to the other side, hung up with an ordinary expression, and returned the phone, calmly looking at He Xiaoyuan.
He Xiaoyuan’s eyes grew even wider. Through their gaze, he confirmed he hadn’t misheard and that Lu Chen wasn’t joking.
His heart pounded wildly.
A thought he had previously denied suddenly sprouted in his chest.
Seeing that He Xiaoyuan didn’t take the phone, Lu Chen put it down and said steadily, “You heard that? It’s a bit sudden.”
He hadn’t planned for this moment today. Coming back impulsively was only to avoid missing the chance—to have a meal with his Xiao Yuan on this particular day.
He always thought he’d have to “lay low” for a while longer.
The scene now wasn’t a result of careful planning; it was impulsive.
But impulsiveness was fine. That’s what feelings were all about.
Of course, Lu Chen wasn’t completely blind to the signs—Xiao Yuan’s recent reactions, including today’s, showed subtle, unusual hints. Otherwise, even his impulsiveness wouldn’t have led him to risk this.
Lu Chen was keenly perceptive and naturally daring. More than following routine, he excelled at seizing opportunities.
Now was one such opportunity.
He stared at He Xiaoyuan and stepped forward half a step. He Xiaoyuan’s eyes widened, instinctively taking a step back.
But he retreated less than Lu Chen advanced. Their distance still closed, adding a subtle, almost imperceptible pressure in their gaze, impossible to ignore.
Then Lu Chen spoke: “You can probably guess what I’m going to say next, right?”
Boom—
He Xiaoyuan’s face immediately burned red.
He could indeed guess. More than that—he had thought about it before.
When washing his hands earlier, over the past few days, that night after the report meeting…
He had thought… thought…
Thought about being this close to Lu Chen, maybe more than usual.
Thought about Lu Chen being so “unrestricted,” maybe meaning something about him.
And…
He Xiaoyuan’s face burned even hotter.
…And maybe, just maybe, he liked Lu Chen too?
Now Lu Chen asked directly. Those previously mulled-over speculations raced through his mind again.
Being so clearly read, as if every thought was written on his face—He Xiaoyuan felt exposed, heart racing, breath catching.
Lu Chen, knowing exactly what he was doing, seized the moment, striking with precision, leaving no words wasted. Straightforward: “Xiao Yuan, do you like me?”
A storm surged in He Xiaoyuan’s eyes.
Lu Chen continued calmly: “You already knew I liked you, right?”
Two sentences, flat yet blunt, impossible to avoid or evade.
He Xiaoyuan froze, speechless, standing there, eyes shimmering, heart pounding.
Lu Chen, in control yet slightly embarrassed, softened:
“I’ve never said ‘I like you’ to anyone before.”
After a pause, seeing He Xiaoyuan frozen, he gently continued:
“Xiao Yuan, we’ve always gotten along well, haven’t we?
We talk easily, have fun together, enjoy the same tastes, share similar values.
We’ve known each other for a while. In my heart, you’ve always been someone who takes life seriously, works responsibly, is ambitious, capable, kind, and good-natured.
Do you understand? I’ve always been drawn to you. I see your brilliance, your excellence, and every moment spent with you feels truly joyful.
When I see you, I can’t look away. When I don’t see you, I miss you.
I want to be close to you, to talk, to eat together, to spend time with you.
I want to be with you, always.”
He Xiaoyuan could barely breathe; his soul felt ablaze.
Lu Chen continued: “And you? How do you feel about me?”
Looking straight into He Xiaoyuan’s eyes, voice gentle and slow: “Do you feel the same? Miss me when I’m gone, happy when I’m here?”
He Xiaoyuan’s mind spun, entirely focused on Lu Chen and his words.
Lu Chen wasn’t just confessing—he was guiding He Xiaoyuan to reflect on his own feelings.
He added, “Xiao Yuan, we discussed this before—good relationships are rarer than good projects. If we find one, we must seize it. We can’t miss it, right?”
Lu Chen said, “I don’t want to miss out on you. What about you?”
“I think people should face their hearts honestly and make brave choices, right?”
He Xiaoyuan was silent for a long moment, then murmured, “Y-you’re saying too much.”
Quietly, almost under his breath: “The key point…”
The key point.
Lu Chen looked at him and smiled calmly. “The key point, of course, is—”
In a confident tone: “I like you. I think you like me too. Should we consider being together, give it a try?”
The most important part: “I confessed first. I’m pursuing you, and you have the right to choose.”
He Xiaoyuan felt his entire body ablaze from head to toe.
How on earth had things escalated to this point on Valentine’s Day?!
Now the ball was in He Xiaoyuan’s court.
“To be or not to be—that is the question.”
And Lu Chen was right about one thing that He Xiaoyuan fully agreed with: one must face their own heart and choose courageously.
He Xiaoyuan thought: He Xiaoyuan, what’s in your heart?
Lu Chen gently returned the phone to He Xiaoyuan and said softly, “I’ve said everything. It’s okay, no pressure. You can think it over, take your time.”
But He Xiaoyuan’s brain and mouth were not in sync, and he blurted out: “You clearly don’t actually think that way.”
Lu Chen smiled, acknowledging: “You’re right. I don’t really think that way. I just made it sound nice.”
“You should answer me now—right this second, immediately.”
“Best if you nod and we just start being together.”
He Xiaoyuan pursed his lips, his mouth twitching slightly, betraying no real expression.
Lu Chen laughed lightly, unable to resist reaching out to ruffle He Xiaoyuan’s hair quickly: “Think about it, take your time. I can wait.”
His attitude was naturally generous.
He Xiaoyuan looked at him, then lowered his gaze, behaving more quietly and obediently than he ever had in his life.
Not long after, Lu Chen, having confessed, naturally went back to the sofa, picked up his wine, and while drinking, didn’t forget to remind He Xiaoyuan to call Xu Ruomeng back.
He Xiaoyuan dialed back, turning slightly so his back faced the sofa, clearly feeling awkward, ears flushed red.
Lu Chen glanced up, pressed his lips together, and smiled.
On the other end, Xu Ruomeng quickly picked up, cautiously: “H-hello? Lu…Ge?”
He Xiaoyuan cleared his throat: “It’s me.”
Silence fell immediately, with neither side saying a word, a tacit understanding passing between them.
He Xiaoyuan: “…”
Xu Ruomeng: “…”
Xu Ruomeng: “…”
He Xiaoyuan: “…”
Finally, Xu Ruomeng cautiously asked: “Y-you… are you no longer single?”
He Xiaoyuan paused: “Not yet.”
Xu Ruomeng: “Will you be?”
He Xiaoyuan: “I don’t know.”
Xu Ruomeng: “Don’t know?”
He Xiaoyuan: “Mm.”
Xu Ruomeng understood: “You haven’t given an answer yet?”
He Xiaoyuan: “Mm.”
Xu Ruomeng: “What are you hesitating for?”
He Xiaoyuan remained silent.
Xu Ruomeng, blunt yet philosophical: “Think about his executive salary—he earns enough in a year to support you for half a lifetime.”
He Xiaoyuan: “…”
Xu Ruomeng: “Or is he just wasting it all?”
He Xiaoyuan was speechless. Was this about money?
Xu Ruomeng, sighing lightly: “Xiao Yuan, think bigger.”
He Xiaoyuan sincerely asked: “Think bigger how?”
Xu Ruomeng suddenly raised her voice: “No, think about it—if you didn’t like him, why would you be out with him on Valentine’s Day?”
“You can’t tell me you’re just out for a casual meal.”
He Xiaoyuan: “…?”
Xu Ruomeng: “Most people eating out on Valentine’s Day aren’t alone, you know. And you’ve been calling him ‘Lu Ge’ all day like that?”
“And what’s more—you’re a straight guy. If you didn’t want him, just reject him. What’s with not answering?”
“Are you… thinking it over?”
Xu Ruomeng: “Thinking it over—doesn’t that mean you do have feelings?!”
He Xiaoyuan: “…”
Truly, a bystander sees it all.
He Xiaoyuan didn’t say more: “I’ll hang up first.”
Xu Ruomeng: “Then think it over carefully. Once there’s a result, you must tell me. Don’t keep it from me.”
He Xiaoyuan: “Mm.”
After hanging up, he exhaled heavily, turned slowly, and saw Lu Chen nearby, having put his suit back on.
Seeing He Xiaoyuan finish the call, Lu Chen said casually: “Let’s go. It’s late. I’ve called a car to take you home.”
He Xiaoyuan: “Mm.”
He walked to the sofa without saying anything, went to the coffee table, and picked up his wine to drink.
Lu Chen saw this and said: “Don’t drink anymore. You have work tomorrow.”
Then he added: “Thirsty? Want me to get you some water?”
He Xiaoyuan set down the cup, then asked: “How should I reply to you?”
Should he say it directly? Face to face? Text? Call?
He Xiaoyuan had no experience at all.
Lu Chen looked at him thoughtfully: “Your flower?”
The one you bought today?
He Xiaoyuan: “In the entryway.”
An art vase by the entrance.
Lu Chen, knowing He Xiaoyuan’s shy nature, guessed a direct answer might embarrass him, and suggested: “If your answer is yes, place the flower on the 11th-floor terrace at the company. There’s a vase there. I’ll see it and know.”
If the answer was no, Lu Chen didn’t mention it—simply don’t put the flower in the vase.
He Xiaoyuan replied, “Oh.”
The two of them left, and the car arranged by the holiday villa arrived. He Xiaoyuan and Lu Chen got in.
When they reached the apartment building, He Xiaoyuan got out first. Lu Chen spoke gently: “Don’t overthink. Go to bed early.”
Seeing that He Xiaoyuan had been drinking, he added, “Don’t force yourself to wake up early tomorrow. Rest well before work.”
He Xiaoyuan stood outside the car: “Okay, bye.”
—
The elevator doors opened, and Lu Chen walked out.
He went to the sofa, loosened his collar, looked relaxed, sat down, leaned back, and closed his eyes.
The whole day had been exhausting.
Rushing through work, rushing to get somewhere, rushing to catch flights, rushing through dinner dates, rushing to confess…
He took a deep breath. The rushing itself wasn’t the problem, but the confession… now, thinking back, he wondered if the timing had been off.
Matters of the heart weren’t like work or investments. He could take risks, but on Xiao Yuan’s side…
His phone vibrated in his jacket pocket.
Lu Chen guessed it was He Xiaoyuan checking in to see if he’d gotten home. He opened his eyes, reached into his jacket, grabbed the phone, checked it—and immediately sat upright with wide eyes.
He Xiaoyuan had sent him a photo: a single rose placed in a vase.