Chapter 139: Deliver the Message |
An Yuanyao felt the scene before her was different from what she had imagined.
There was no romantic world of just the two of them.
Inside the office, Liu Changqing had specially set up a computer for her. Meanwhile, Feng Shuyan, whom she hadn’t seen in a while, was squeezed beside Liu Xiazhi, scribbling and sketching in a notebook.
Feng Qian wore a stern expression, and Liu Changqing was focused on his computer. An Yuanyao, holding a graphics tablet, stared blankly at her screen.
Her neck stiffly turned toward Liu Changqing, resembling a rusty part that hadn’t been oiled, her expression filled with melancholy.
“Liar...”
“Huh? When did I lie to you?”
Hearing her words, Liu Changqing stopped what he was doing and turned to look at her. Seeing her holding the graphics tablet but not starting, he asked, “You’ve never used a tablet before?”
An Yuanyao didn’t respond, simply giving him a reproachful look.
“I couldn’t help it. We’re short on staff! Just bear with it!”
“That’s not the issue!”
She glanced pointedly at Feng Qian and muttered, “I thought... it would just be the two of us...”
“Two of us? What are you talking about?”
“Nothing...”
Her voice grew softer, and her expression seemed a little downcast as she lowered her head slightly.
Liu Changqing looked at her profile and spoke in a deep voice,
“Work hard, and there’ll be a reward...”
“Huh?”
Startled, An Yuanyao snapped her head toward him, their eyes meeting.
“What reward?”
“I can’t tell you now. Do your work first. I explained everything earlier, and you’ve seen it—it’s not that hard.”
Saying this, Liu Changqing moved his chair closer to her.
“And about the tablet, it’s a recent model. You might not be used to it yet...”
He reached for the tablet.
“Watch my movements closely. With your skills, you’ll pick it up quickly.”
“Oh... okay...”
Though she answered, her mind was elsewhere, stuck on the word “reward.”
What could it be?
An Yuanyao had received many gifts growing up, and she thought she had long lost excitement for such things. Yet when Liu Changqing mentioned a reward, the word consumed her thoughts.
Why would he give me a gift?
I already agreed to help him; there’s no need for a reward. And yet he said that...
Her gaze shifted from Liu Changqing’s hands to his face.
He was intently focused on the screen, his hands moving skillfully as he explained,
“Just like this. See? It’s not difficult. You might feel clumsy at first, but you’ll get the hang of it soon...”
He suddenly stopped, looking at her. After a moment, he raised his hand and pressed it against her forehead.
“Are you feeling unwell? Your face is all red.”
“Huh?”
An Yuanyao glanced upward, feeling his hand on her forehead. Realizing what was happening, her face flushed even more. Her gaze darted nervously, and she stammered,
“I... I don’t know. Am I hot?”
Just as she floundered for words, her phone rang from her bag.
Both froze for a moment before Liu Changqing withdrew his hand.
“Your phone’s ringing. Also... if you’re not feeling well, you should go rest.”
“I’m fine.”
Shaking her head gently, the ringing phone seemed to cool her flustered emotions. She reached for her bag, opened it, and pulled out her phone.
Liu Changqing, curious, leaned over and asked,
“Who’s calling you? Hmm... Qianxun? Who’s that?”
“My younger brother. Wait, I’ll go take this call.”
Not noticing his raised tone, An Yuanyao replied absentmindedly, setting her bag aside and stepping out with her phone.
Watching her leave, Liu Changqing’s expression turned complicated.
Qianxun... younger brother?
“Hey, Liu...”
Feng Qian’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He looked over to see Feng Qian hesitating, his expression conflicted before he finally spoke.
“Be mindful in the office...”
“Mindful of what?”
Before Feng Qian could answer, Liu Changqing noticed that not only was Feng Qian watching him, but the two girls, who had been busy drawing, were also staring at him.
Feeling a chill under their collective gaze, Liu Changqing froze before abandoning his composure and scooting back to his computer. He picked up his tablet and muttered,
“Get back to work. No talking!”
Meanwhile, An Yuanyao found a quiet spot to return the call. After a few rings, her brother picked up. Holding the phone to her ear, she suddenly felt a pang of nervousness. As soon as the call connected, she asked,
“Have Mom and Dad arrived yet?”
“Not yet, but... they did ask me to pass on a message,” her brother replied.
Hearing this, she let out a sigh of relief and took a few deep breaths.
“What’s the message?”
“Dad says he won’t interfere with your personal freedom anymore, but you need to settle this matter by the end of the year... and bring that... Liu Changqing back home.”
“Huh?”
“By the way... who is Liu Changqing? I don’t remember you mentioning someone like that.”
“...”
Hearing her father demand she bring home the fictitious Liu Changqing, An Yuanyao lost all interest in continuing the call. Her brother’s curious voice faded into the background as she hung up, her mind blank.
Bring him back...
But how?