If You Could Hear My Heart

"Don't worry. You'll be back by New Year's," Xu Chaomu comforted her.

"True, but I've been so busy lately that I don't really feel bored. I just miss them a bit."

"Yeah, it's only natural."

Shen Chi put down his phone after being busy for a while and glanced over at Xu Chaomu, who was still chatting enthusiastically.

Xia Chuqing seemed to realize something and sent a few words: "Sister Chaomu, it's getting late over there. Go to bed early. If we keep talking, President Shen might come after me."

With that, Xia Chuqing went offline.

Xu Chaomu glanced at the screen reluctantly, then at Shen Chi, and finally put her phone down obediently to go to sleep.

The winter in C City was getting deeper, and the temperature was dropping rapidly. Sometimes, when you woke up in the morning, the air was filled with white mist and frost.

The leaves had gradually fallen off, the withered grass turned yellow, and the plants in the gardens had withered, leaving the colors very dull.

On occasions when it rained, the temperature would drop steeply, making the winter atmosphere even more pronounced.

One Monday morning, Shen Chi mentioned that Lou Yanli would be visiting Shen Group today, prompting Xu Chaomu to climb out of bed.

"Lou Yanli said before that he'd gone abroad for a business trip," Xu Chaomu remarked.

"So proactive?" Shen Chi raised his eyebrows. He hadn't forgotten how close Xu Chaomu and Lou Yanli used to be as kids.

He had a particularly sharp memory when it came to matters from their childhood...

"What are you thinking? I'm just looking to discuss the studio with him since it's been hard to find time. Today's a good opportunity."

"Got it. I might as well learn something about design while I'm at it."

"You're planning to eavesdrop on us?!"

"Huh? Can't I? I want to learn too," Shen Chi replied, looking completely innocent.

Xu Chaomu massaged her temples—such a grandiose excuse!

Forget it. Xu Chaomu realized there was no arguing with him; whatever excuse she came up with, he'd counter it.

So, Xu Chaomu got ready, putting on a black-and-white checkered coat and tying a dark red scarf around her neck.

Every winter, Shen Chi loved wearing the gray scarf Xu Chaomu had knitted for him.

"Mumu, when will you make me another one? Always wearing the same color is too boring," Shen Chi asked, letting her adjust his scarf.

"Sure, I'll knit you one!" Xu Chaomu smiled mischievously. "But since you're so busy, maybe you should stop meddling with our design discussion?"

Xu Chaomu was making a veiled threat—if he stopped interfering with her and Lou Yanli's discussion, she'd knit him a new scarf!

Shen Chi caught on. A blatant threat.

Well, would you look at that—Xu Chaomu was learning how to threaten people now.

"I can't give up a chance to learn just for a scarf."

As he spoke, Shen Chi playfully touched her cheek with a smirk.

With that, he headed downstairs.

"..." Xu Chaomu was left speechless.

Wait, was he saying he didn't even want the scarf? Or did he already figure out that she wasn't planning to knit him one, since she'd be busy knitting sweaters for their little ones?

Xu Chaomu felt both amused and annoyed, but in the end, she could only hop into his car after breakfast.

When they arrived at the company, Lou Yanli hadn't arrived yet, so Xu Chaomu stayed in Shen Chi's office to pass the time.

"Don't mess around on the computer. If you delete any files, you'll have to compensate with your life," Shen Chi warned her.

"Got it!" Xu Chaomu rolled her eyes at him.

Bored, Xu Chaomu fiddled with his computer while Shen Chi went to an early meeting.

There wasn't much on his computer, except for one photo album.

Curiosity got the better of her, and Xu Chaomu clicked on it, feeling a small jolt of surprise.

It turned out to be photos he had taken of her during a seaside trip—she hadn't expected Shen Chi's photography skills to be so good. He'd managed to take ordinary scenery shots that looked just like professional movie stills.

Xu Chaomu flipped through the photos one by one. She hadn't even seen these before.

At the time, she hadn't been in a great mood, and later, the whole matter of the photos just slipped her mind.

She didn't expect that Shen Chi had taken so many candid shots of her—of her smiling, frowning, looking pensive with her head tilted down...

She also didn't expect that he would save this album on his computer all this time.

A sweet smile spread across Xu Chaomu's lips. Did he pull these out to look at during boring workdays?

She knew that she had always occupied a special place in his heart.

But this guy had always been reserved, keeping his emotions locked tightly away.

Luckily, she wasn't as reserved as he was. Otherwise, they might have never ended up together in this lifetime...

Just as she was flipping through the photos, there was a knock at the office door.

"Chaomu?" The person at the door stood there, smiling warmly.

"Lou Yanli! My idol!" Xu Chaomu quickly closed the album and stood up from the chair.

It had been such a long time since she'd last seen him—and somehow, he'd grown even more handsome and charismatic.

The tailored black suit he wore accentuated his tall, graceful frame.

Xu Chaomu couldn't help but marvel: Time, instead of wearing on her idol, seemed to have been a master sculptor, chiseling him into greater perfection.

"Ahem." Lou Yanli coughed lightly.

That's when Xu Chaomu noticed someone peeking out from behind him.

She realized that Lou Yanli had brought along a young woman.

With big eyes, shoulder-length hair, and a light dab of makeup, the girl looked no older than twenty-two or twenty-three.

She resembled the photo Lou Yanli had shown her before, and Xu Chaomu suddenly remembered—this must be his girlfriend, Tong Shuyi.

"Hello," Tong Shuyi greeted shyly.

"Hi, you must be Lou Yanli's girlfriend," Xu Chaomu said with a smile.

"Yes, that's me," Tong Shuyi replied, sounding a little nervous.

"Lou Yanli and I were schoolmates in high school," Xu Chaomu explained.

"I know; Yanli told me." Tong Shuyi smiled faintly.

Xu Chaomu suddenly felt a bit awkward—she wasn't very good at chatting with strangers, especially young women.

"Chaomu, I'm here today to give you an invitation—Shuyi and I are getting engaged." Lou Yanli took out a red invitation and handed it to Xu Chaomu.

"You two are getting engaged?" Xu Chaomu accepted it, delighted.

The red cover gleamed with festive gold lettering.

"Yes, it's happening on New Year's Day," Lou Yanli said with a gentle smile.

Xu Chaomu felt a wave of emotions—had so many years really passed?

"I'll definitely be there," she promised.

"Great. Be sure to bring President Shen and the little ones," Lou Yanli said with a teasing smile.

"Alright."

Xu Chaomu led them to the lounge next door. Since Lou Yanli wanted to discuss business with her, Tong Shuyi went off to the café by herself.

"Your girlfriend is beautiful—great taste," Xu Chaomu complimented.

"I've always had great taste," Lou Yanli replied with a teasing smile.

The two started reminiscing about their teenage years, quickly shedding any awkwardness and chatting more freely.

"I suppose you're right," Xu Chaomu said, not bothering with modesty.

"How have you been lately?" Lou Yanli asked. "I've been abroad on business trips recently, but I heard you and President Shen had another baby. Have to admit, you're always a step ahead of me."

"Are you calling me an early bride and mother?"

"No, I'm saying you even beat me at young love."

"What?! When did that happen?" Xu Chaomu exclaimed. "Why don't I know about it?"

"Oh, it was a one-sided crush." Lou Yanli chuckled.