Little Sweetheart

Xia Zhijun decided to find a topic to diffuse the current awkward situation.

He asked, "Uncle, are you waiting for someone?"

If he wasn't waiting for someone, he could be busy in his room, accompanied by his wife, and there would be no need to come downstairs.

Gu Zhiyuan nodded, "Yes."

Xia Zhijun said, "You're working hard, Uncle, still busy with work so late."

Gu Zhiyuan smiled, "It's alright, it's alright."

Xia Zhijun continued, "You're busy with work but still don't forget to spend time with your wife and daughter. Auntie is very fortunate to have such a good husband like you, and Siyi is lucky to have such a good father."

"…" Gu Zhiyuan felt a warmth spread through him, the corners of his eyes crinkling with a smile.

Gu Zhiyuan, chatting pleasantly with Xia Zhijun, said, "My staff just brought me a project feasibility report. Are you interested in taking a look and offering some suggestions?"

"…" Xia Zhijun hadn't expected this turn of events. Although he appeared calm and collected on the surface, he was itching to be with his girlfriend. However, since his future father-in-law had spoken, he smiled and replied, "I don't understand much, but I can take a look."

Gu Zhiyuan was in the real estate business. His company's scale couldn't compare to the leading enterprises, but it wasn't small either, with projects across multiple cities in the country.

Xia Zhijun put the paper bag aside, sat down, and began flipping through the feasibility report on his laptop.

Gu Zhiyuan regretted his offer almost immediately. Such a long report, dozens of pages, how long would it take to read? But Xia Zhijun's fingers flew across the pages at a speed beyond his imagination…

Gu Zhiyuan finished a cup of hot tea, and Xia Zhijun finished reading the report.

Gu Zhiyuan had thought it would just be a cursory glance, and he didn't want to make things difficult for the young man. He was about to suggest Xia Zhijun go upstairs when Xia Zhijun spoke, "The project's total investment has a financial department rate of return greater than the benchmark rate of return by 15%, and both the static and dynamic investment recovery periods are within one year, demonstrating good risk resistance. I believe this project is economically sound and can be invested in for development and construction."

Gu Zhiyuan looked at him in surprise. With such a fast browsing speed, he had actually absorbed the information?

As they sat face to face, Xia Zhijun's gaze had left the computer, yet he clearly remembered numerous data points.

Xia Zhijun continued, "Judging from the funding sources, bank loans and sales reinvestment rely heavily on sales proceeds. Preparations should be made early in this regard, targeting the target demographic with promotional campaigns to ensure the product's competitive advantage. Furthermore, during construction management, costs should be strictly controlled, and funding guarantees should be strengthened…"

Xia Zhijun spoke clearly and logically, point after point.

Gu Zhiyuan watched him for a long moment, then laughed, "Are you interested in this line of work in the future?"

Xia Zhijun politely declined with a smile, "I only minored in economics. I'm not very interested in real estate."

"What a waste, a loss of talent." As soon as Gu Zhiyuan finished speaking, he laughed again. "That's not right. A talent like you, a pillar of the country, should be in the high-tech industry."

Gu Zhiyuan patted Xia Zhijun's shoulder. "In the future, when this old man can't keep up with the times, I might have to rely on your help."

Xia Zhijun smiled, "Uncle, with your years of rich experience, how can I, a fledgling youngster, compare? But if you ever need me in the future, I will definitely do my utmost to help."

Their conversation flowed smoothly until Gu Siyi called.

Gu Siyi: "Why haven't you come up yet? I sent you a WeChat message, but you didn't reply. Are you busy?"

Xia Zhijun: "No, I'm downstairs. I've already bought the things. I'll be right up."

Gu Siyi: "Huh? Things? What things?"

Xia Zhijun: "I'll talk to you later. Gotta go."

Gu Zhiyuan, who had overheard Xia Zhijun's side of the conversation, suddenly remembered that Xia Zhijun had come for his daughter, not specifically to chat with him. After Xia Zhijun hung up, he hurriedly said, "You should go up."

Xia Zhijun didn't stand on ceremony. After saying goodbye, he picked up the items and walked towards the elevator.

Gu Zhiyuan watched his tall figure, his eyes full of appreciation.

A top scorer in the college entrance exam, his future was limitless.

Xia Zhijun carried the things upstairs and knocked on the door.

Three seconds later, the door opened, and Gu Siyi's pretty face appeared.

It was late autumn in November, and the weather was getting colder. She was wearing jeans and a deep V-neck top, revealing her delicate shoulders.

Xia Zhijun handed her the items. Gu Siyi's face lit up with a smile when she saw the logo on the bag. "You bought this on the way?"

She happily took the bag and walked into the room.

Xia Zhijun closed the door behind him and followed.

Gu Siyi had just placed the bag on the table and hadn't even taken anything out when Xia Zhijun embraced her from behind.

He lowered his head, nuzzling her shoulder, and inhaled her scent.

Gu Siyi squirmed. "Hey… don't leave marks… How am I going to wear this outfit tomorrow…"

"Then don't wear it. Change into something else," he said hoarsely.

He didn't want anyone else to see her in this languid state; it was too alluring.

Ignoring Gu Siyi's protests, Xia Zhijun left several small love bites, his actions possessive and passionate, drawing soft moans from Gu Siyi.

He carried her to the sofa, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her deeply.

At this moment, words were unnecessary. Only physical intimacy could express the emotions in their hearts, satisfying their deep bond and longing.

After showering Gu Siyi with kisses, just as she was lost in the moment, Xia Zhijun stood up and said, "I have to go."

"…Huh?" Gu Siyi couldn't react. One second she was immersed in a sea of passion, and the next, instead of a tempestuous climax, she was left with an abrupt ending?

She stared blankly at Xia Zhijun, her heated mind a muddled mess, forgetting to even cover her exposed shoulders.

Xia Zhijun, seeing her dazed expression and alluring appearance, felt his self-control slipping.

This silly girl was sometimes a combination of angel and devil, enough to drive a man crazy.

Xia Zhijun took a deep breath, turned around, put his hands on his hips, and explained briefly, "Your dad was downstairs when I came up. He was waiting for someone, and he might still be there now. It wouldn't be good if I didn't go back down after such a long time."

"You're my boyfriend. What's wrong with you coming up to see me?" Gu Siyi retorted softly.

"It's not good if it takes too long. It could lead to misunderstandings."

"Misunderstandings about what?"

"Misunderstandings about me taking advantage of you…" As soon as he said the words, Xia Zhijun felt his face burn. The truth was, he had already taken advantage of her, and quite thoroughly.

Xia Zhijun said, "Your parents definitely wouldn't be happy if I… you know… so soon. After graduation, it will be better. For now, it's best not to let them know, so as not to give them a bad impression of me."

He understood parents' concerns for their children. He was still a student, not even old enough to marry. Any promises he made would seem hollow, and her parents would naturally have more reservations. It was better not to worry them. After graduation, after they were married, they could be open about it…

"So, I'll go now." Xia Zhijun picked up his jacket from where he had tossed it and walked to the door.

Just as he was about to open the door, a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind.

Gu Siyi nuzzled her head against his back, her hands restless…

Xia Zhijun's body tensed. He said hoarsely, "…What are you doing?"

Gu Siyi's voice was soft and coquettish, "I miss you…"

No matter how strong Xia Zhijun's willpower was, it crumbled in the face of Gu Siyi's initiative.

He turned the tables, pinning Gu Siyi down, and kissed her fiercely.

They both yearned for each other, their desires igniting with a single touch, the experience incredibly exhilarating.

Xia Zhijun made it quick, bringing her to satisfaction before reaching his own release.

He went to the bathroom to quickly tidy himself up.

This time, Gu Siyi didn't stop him from leaving. She lay limply on the sofa, her cheeks flushed, her body weak.

Xia Zhijun kissed her forehead. "Call me tomorrow, and I'll pick you up and take you back to school."

Gu Siyi nodded, her eyelashes fluttering, her eyes filled with an unspoken allure.

Xia Zhijun felt a pang of regret. If it weren't for the special circumstances, once wouldn't have been enough…

He smoothed her hair and prepared to leave.

Downstairs, Xia Zhijun deliberately glanced towards the lobby lounge but didn't see Gu Siyi's father.

"…" He felt a slight twinge of disappointment. He hadn't stayed the night precisely so her father would see him leaving.

As Xia Zhijun walked out of the hotel, he happened to see Gu Zhiyuan about to get into a car.

He strode over and greeted him.

Gu Zhiyuan saw that it was Xia Zhijun. "Why didn't you stay with Siyi a little longer?"

"It's late; she should rest," Xia Zhijun said. "I have to go back to school too."

Gu Zhiyuan smiled. "Alright, I'll arrange for someone to drive you."

"No need, Uncle. I've already called a car."

"Okay then, take care."

After getting into the car, Xia Zhijun sent Gu Siyi a message: "I ran into your dad again downstairs."

Gu Siyi: "[Wide-eyed emoji] [Wide-eyed emoji]"

Xia Zhijun: "[Sweatdrop emoji] Luckily, I was sensible and didn't stay long. I don't think I lost any points with him."

Gu Siyi: "Hahaha, where's the cool and arrogant top student gone? A middle-aged dad has you trembling in your boots?"

Xia Zhijun: "That's your dad. If I want to marry his daughter, I need his approval."

Gu Siyi: "[Grinning emoji] [Grinning emoji]"

Xia Zhijun: "Have you showered yet?"

Gu Siyi: "Not yet…"

Her instant reply told him she hadn't showered yet. Knowing her showering habits, she wouldn't be out in less than half an hour.

Xia Zhijun: "Go shower quickly."

Gu Siyi: "Okay."

Putting down her phone, she dragged her aching but satisfied body to the bathroom for a shower.

After showering and putting on her pajamas, she saw the tea and dessert on the table. Her eyes lit up as she took them out to enjoy.

While eating, Gu Siyi took a picture and sent it to Zheng Peipei.

Gu Siyi: "Late-night food porn~"

Zheng Peipei: "Don't tempt me! I can't order this takeout here!!"

Gu Siyi: "I can't order it either. My top student boyfriend brought it to me~ [Grinning emoji]"

Zheng Peipei: "Holy crap, you little minx, you're just showing off your love life!"

Gu Siyi: "[Shy emoji] [Shy emoji]"

Zheng Peipei: "Look at you, all lovey-dovey… tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk…"

Gu Siyi: "Not really~ I just wanted to say~ being in love is great~ having a boyfriend is great~"

Gu Siyi leaned back on the sofa, slowly sipping her tea and savoring the delicious dessert, reliving the sweet and heart-fluttering moments from earlier, and the words Xia Zhijun had spoken to her… Her heart was filled with joy, immersed in the blissful afterglow, unable to pull herself away.

Zheng Peipei: "It's not just having a boyfriend that's great, it's that your boyfriend is especially great [Crying emoji] [Crying emoji]"

Gu Siyi: "Isn't your Su Han great?"

Zheng Peipei: "Sis, don't poke at my wounds, I've just healed [Crying emoji]"

Gu Siyi: "What happened?"

Zheng Peipei: "I knew you weren't someone who followed entertainment gossip, and you're not in any fan circles, so you wouldn't understand…"

Gu Siyi: "Tell me about it?"

Zheng Peipei: "After we came back from our trip, someone took a picture of Su Han and me holding hands and posted it online. I asked Su Han to clarify on Weibo that we're not in a relationship."

Gu Siyi stared at the message, her fingers hovering over the screen, unsure what to say.

After a while, she typed: "~"

Zheng Peipei: "Geez, after waiting so long, I thought you were going to give me an 800-word essay of comfort."

Gu Siyi: "It's in my heart… My expressive abilities are limited…"

Zheng Peipei: "Forget it, I'm fine. I was sad for a while, but I'm over it now! It's just that he's been so busy lately. It's been almost two months since our trip, and we haven't had a chance to see each other. I don't dare to go looking for him either, afraid of causing more trouble."

Gu Siyi: "If he has time, he'll definitely come find you!"

Zheng Peipei: "I know, he's so popular now, his schedule is completely packed."

Gu Siyi: "~"

Zheng Peipei: "He said he'll try to make time to see me before New Year's [Crying emoji] [Crying emoji]"

Gu Siyi: "Mm-hmm, he's trying his best~ In a few years, when the management realizes he's grown up, he'll be able to announce it publicly."

Zheng Peipei: "I'm looking forward to that day [Pouting emoji]"

Gu Siyi: "Perseverance is victory! Hang in there, girl, you're the best!"

After chatting with Zheng Peipei for a while, Gu Siyi exited the chat and saw a WeChat message from Xia Zhijun.

Xia Zhijun: "I'm back at school."

Gu Siyi: "Get some rest~"

Xia Zhijun: "You too."

Gu Siyi: "Okay. Good night~"

Xia Zhijun: "Good night."

Because of the events of that night, Gu Siyi was lectured by her father the next day during dinner.

"While boyfriends should dote on their girlfriends, you shouldn't be too demanding or unreasonable. Don't make him drive halfway across the city to bring you late-night snacks in the future."

"Okay…" Gu Siyi obediently replied.

"If you drive Xia Zhijun away, you won't find another boy as outstanding as him."

Gu Siyi couldn't help but retort, "Dad, I'm your daughter! Why are you always criticizing me?"

"Precisely because you're my daughter, I know you well enough. You're lucky you met such an outstanding and reliable boy like Xia Zhijun. Otherwise, with your intelligence, you'd be sold off and still be helping them count the money."

"That's too much, Dad…"

Xu Jiahui chimed in from the side, "Don't you have any self-awareness? You really are all brawn and no brains."

"…?! " I must have been picked up from a trash can.

Gu Siyi had a sudden thought and hummed, "Well, at least my boyfriend is smart enough! He's a genius! He can handle all the brain work!"

Xu Jiahui laughed, "Ignorance is bliss. Heaven gave you a genius, so take it easy, don't let those toxic online pronouncements get to you and make you torment him."

"I haven't…" Gu Siyi was speechless. Other parents worried about their daughters being bullied by their boyfriends, but her parents were worried she'd drive her boyfriend away? At this moment, she just wanted to throw out a couple of crying-laughing emojis.

…

December arrived, and the end of the month approached quickly. Gu Siyi was incredibly busy. The department was organizing a New Year's Eve party, and her class was having a gathering as well. As a student union officer and class representative, she had a mountain of tasks to coordinate, arrange, and implement.

While Gu Siyi was busy with school activities, Xia Zhijun was immersed in his studies in the lab.

Zhang Sicheng held the position of Vice President in the department's student union. From Gu Siyi's class, besides her, Wen Ying was also in the student union, and they were in the same department, the Activities Department. The department also included Qi Xuan from the neighboring class, the shy boy who had secretly slipped notes into Gu Siyi's books but hadn't received any response.

The most crucial aspect of this New Year's Eve party was securing sponsorships. With sponsors' financial support, things would be much easier, and the party could be a resounding success. Zhang Sicheng was in charge of this and had shortlisted a few companies. He took Gu Siyi and Wen Ying with him to solicit sponsorships.

Although Zhang Sicheng was from a wealthy family, he didn't want to ask his family for money for this. If word got out, he would be ridiculed. Only by securing funding from other companies could he demonstrate his abilities. This was the first time he had shouldered such a responsibility, and he wanted to do a perfect job and impress everyone.

Blue Fox Technology was his most important target this time. After making an appointment, he set off with his two "subordinates."

Blue Fox Technology, as a rising star in recent years, had launched a mobile phone that was very popular among young people, with students being the main consumer group. Zhang Sicheng was quite confident he could secure a deal.

Upon arriving at the company, they were led to a conference room by the logistics manager. Zhang Sicheng presented his PowerPoint, speaking eloquently for fifteen minutes. Afterwards, the manager gave a faint smile and said, "We need to discuss this in a meeting. We'll give you an answer this week."

Zhang Sicheng: "If you don't have the authority to decide, could you arrange for us to meet with your CEO?"

"I'm sorry, the CEO is very busy and doesn't have time." Manager Wang continued to smile politely.

Zhang Sicheng felt a surge of annoyance. However, this city was full of prestigious universities, and a department student union officer from one university didn't really hold enough weight to warrant a formal reception.

After they said their goodbyes, Zhang Sicheng figured there was no hope with this company.

The three of them went downstairs together and waited for the elevator.

The elevator doors opened, and a man in a suit stepped out, surrounded by several people.

Those around him nodded and greeted him: "Mr. Zhou." "Hello, Mr. Zhou."

Gu Siyi's eyes swept over the man, and she froze slightly.

The man's gaze casually scanned the group, then stopped on Gu Siyi's face. He paused, turned to look at her, and asked, "Gu Siyi, what are you doing here?"

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