IJLHTW - 48

The happiest moment upon waking up is perhaps finding the person you like lying beside you.

Her long hair was scattered loosely, partially covering her face. Her already petite face was almost entirely hidden. He gently moved, and she let out a soft hum, faint and kitten-like.

When had Yi Zhecheng ever seen her so docile?

When awake, she was always feisty, even on the bed insisting on being on top.

He quietly got up; his biological clock was accustomed to it—7 a.m. meant wake-up time. At home, he would run on the treadmill for thirty minutes before showering. Without a treadmill here, he decided to make breakfast instead.

“Huo Ci,” Yi Zhecheng prepared a simple breakfast and came back to wake her.

After nudging her twice with no response, he sat on the bed, ready to call her again when the sleepy voice mumbled, “No.”

So soft, just like a kitten.

“Get up and eat breakfast,” he said. Never having woken someone before, he was inexperienced, his voice gentle as if afraid to wake her.

The person on the bed stirred, humming twice, groggily saying, “Carry me to the bathroom.”

“How old are you?” Yi Zhecheng frowned, looking as if he was about to scold her.

But with a pout, she asked, “Are you going to carry me or not?”

Fine, her eyes still closed, yet she was already making trouble. Yi Zhecheng truly doted on her, sitting on the bed and saying, “Alright, hurry up and get on.”

Still wearing his loungewear, Huo Ci quickly climbed onto his back. Not only was this his first time waking someone, but it was also Huo Ci’s first time being woken since she grew up.

The curtains were already drawn, sunlight streaming in.

Outside was sunlight, inside was him.

After breakfast, the driver arrived to pick up Yi Zhecheng. He went into the room to change. Wearing a bespoke navy-blue suit, white shirt cuffs slightly exposed from under the suit sleeves, adorned with polished gemstone cufflinks. A light gray coat hung over his arm.

Huo Ci was sitting at the dining table drinking milk. As she looked up, she saw him emerge from the bedroom.

The tailored suit accentuated his tall and slender figure, sunlight enveloping him like a dazzling aura.

“I’m going to work,” Yi Zhecheng said softly.

At these words, Huo Ci felt an indescribable sensation. It was as if her heart had been pricked by a needle, continuously spilling sweetness that gradually enveloped her entire heart.

So, life could be this sweet.

She stood up and walked to the entrance, watching him put on his shoes. Once he finished, standing at the door, he chuckled lightly, “Why are you staring from so far away?”

Huo Ci took a step forward, and he asked, “Did you forget something?”

She was a bit stunned, seeing him empty-handed, confusedly asking, “Was it your briefcase? But do you even have one?”

Thinking of him carrying a briefcase, Huo Ci was about to laugh when the man leaned over. After thoroughly kissing her lips, he said calmly, “You forgot the goodbye kiss.”

You forgot the goodbye kiss.

Even after he entered the elevator and left, Huo Ci still stood at the entrance, touching her lips.

This man, how many tricks does he have?

Bai Yu soon came to pick her up; it was her first day back at the studio after recovering.

Seeing her cheerful mood, Bai Yu smiled and asked, “In such a good mood today, excited to get back to work?”

Huo Ci thought for a moment, expressionless, and said, “No.”

“So why so happy?” Bai Yu, knowing her for so long, could still tell her mood at a glance.

Huo Ci tilted her head thoughtfully and seriously said, “I discovered that dating is really nice.”

Bai Yu: “...” Damn, why did I open my mouth? Now I’m eating a mouthful of dog food early in the morning.

**

“Welcome back, boss!” As Huo Ci entered the studio, everyone stood up, clapping loudly.

She sneered, “Dramatic.”

Bai Yu chuckled and told them to get back to work. The two entered Huo Ci’s workspace, the largest office in the studio. One wall was covered with her works, all pieces she loved, never featured in any magazine. On the other side was a glass cabinet displaying her cameras.

“This afternoon we have to go to the studio; this ad is pretty straightforward—it’s a hard sell for a domestic jewelry company,” Bai Yu was reviewing her schedule.

Huo Ci was adjusting the lens, a lollipop in her mouth. Hearing this, she bit down sharply, crunching the candy.

Bai Yu heard the sound, feeling uneasy but dared not look up.

“What’s the deal with the T&A jewelry ad?” Huo Ci asked coolly.

Bai Yu forced a laugh, explaining, “It’s because you were sick this time, giving Nan Wan an opportunity.”

Huo Ci stared at him emotionlessly, crunching the candy loudly. Under her gaze, Bai Yu felt his scalp tingle, finally whispering, “Huo Ci, let’s not fight with Nan Wan this time. They gave the T&A ad to her, but it doesn’t mean they’ll let her take the next one.”

“Tell me, what backing does Nan Wan have now that makes you so scared?” Huo Ci sneered.

Cold sweat dripped down Bai Yu’s back; he knew nothing could be hidden from her. He whispered, “Apparently, Nan Wan directly secured the vice president in charge of marketing for T&A Greater China this time. That’s how she managed to snatch this deal despite our strong relationship.”

Actually, people from T&A mentioned that Huo Ci was the photographer favored by headquarters. They weren’t saying they wouldn’t work with Huo Ci anymore, but this jewelry ad definitely belonged to Nan Wan. They urged both parties to avoid conflict, promoting harmony within the industry.

When Bai Yu heard this, he was furious, wanting to curse.

They were the ones who had their deal snatched, yet they were expected to swallow this insult.

If not for considering future opportunities and not offending T&A outright, Bai Yu would’ve loved to kill both T&A and Nan Wan.

“Forget it, such low tactics—we shouldn’t stoop to her level,” Bai Yu was genuinely afraid of Huo Ci. Even injured by a gunshot, she stormed a wedding at a hotel to avenge her friend.

Last time, her friend was bullied, and she acted fiercely. This time, being wronged herself, Bai Yu couldn’t imagine how she’d retaliate against Nan Wan.

During this sensitive period, it was best to stay calm.

But the more he wanted peace, the more trouble seemed to find him.

In the afternoon, he drove Huo Ci and a few others from the studio to the photo studio, only to discover it wasn’t free yet. Bai Yu immediately frowned, saying, “We specifically stated when booking this studio that those using it before us must finish by 3 p.m.”

Looking at his watch, he added, “It’s almost 3:30 now. What’s going on?”

Originally, this studio was booked by Bai Yu first, but for the afternoon. The manager came to plead, saying there was an urgent job needing the morning slot. Thinking he didn’t need it in the morning, he granted the favor.

Unexpectedly, they hadn’t finished by this time.

As he finished speaking, a girl emerged from inside, impatiently saying, “Teacher Nan is shooting inside. Can you stop making noise at the door? Have some manners.”

After her rant, she realized it was Bai Yu, turning awkward.

Not only Bai Yu, but Huo Ci also recognized the person—Nan Wan’s assistant. Hmph, quite arrogant.

“Sorry, Teacher Huo, I didn’t realize it was you,” the assistant immediately apologized. She was indeed委屈 (victimized), sent out by Nan Wan to complain about the noise affecting the shoot.

In the past six months, Nan Wan’s popularity soared, and her entourage was flattered to arrogance. So the assistant came out, eyes not even looking at people, scolding. Only after finishing did she realize she had offended someone important.

Huo Ci looked at her calmly, “It’s fine.”

Her tone was good, not making things difficult for the young girl. She wasn’t one to bully with power. However, she glanced at her wristwatch and softly said, “It’s 3:32 now. Go tell them to vacate the place by 3:40.”

The assistant was truly frightened. Though Huo Ci spoke softly, her words carried an authority that made her obey.

Huo Ci raised her eyelids, “Hurry up.”

The assistant didn’t dare hesitate further, rushing back inside.

Less than a minute later, Nan Wan’s agent, Xu Wei, emerged. Smiling broadly, she said, “Teacher Huo, are you feeling better? I’ve always wanted to visit you but was afraid of disturbing your recovery.”

Bai Yu noticed her bringing up Huo Ci’s injury—though seemingly concerned, it was uncomfortable.

Before he could speak, Huo Ci had already glanced at Xu Wei, “Instead of worrying about me, you should hurry inside and oversee clearing things up. You have six minutes left.”

“Teacher Huo, Nan Wan is shooting the T&A jewelry ad inside. As a photographer, you understand the difficulties photographers face.”

Huo Ci sneered, “Not every photographer is like her.”

Xu Wei was taken aback by her sarcasm.

“Huo Ci, they’re shooting the T&A jewelry ad inside. You know how strict T&A’s requirements are. So Nan Wan being a little late, please understand,” Xu Wei said sarcastically.

She deliberately mentioned T&A to provoke Huo Ci.

Bai Yu couldn’t tolerate it, “Xu Wei, this place was booked by me first. You barged in without notice and are refusing to leave. Kindly take your photographer Ma Mengxia and vacate the premises.”

Since she brought up T&A to mock them, Bai Yu didn’t bother giving her face.

Hearing him publicly call Nan Wan by her real name, Xu Wei’s face flushed red and pale alternately. Those around, initially puzzled about who Ma Mengxia was, quickly understood.

Nan Wan, Ma Mengxia.

“You shouldn’t push too far. If T&A finds out, it won’t look good on any of us,” Xu Wei said smugly.

Huo Ci’s success in the industry relied heavily on collaborations with big companies. Now that Nan Wan could snatch one from T&A, she believed she could snatch others.

“Nan Wan,” a soft voice called from behind. Nan Wan, dressed in a knitted long dress, emerged. Unlike Huo Ci’s tall stature, she was petite, appearing shorter in the outfit.

This was why Bai Yu and others despised Nan Wan—she shamelessly copied Huo Ci.

Despite Huo Ci’s style not suiting her, she still tried.

Nan Wan looked at Huo Ci tenderly, softly saying, “Huo Ci, I’m truly sorry for delaying your time. Since it’s T&A’s jewelry ad, I can’t afford any carelessness. I hope you understand.”

Hearing them repeatedly mention T&A, Huo Ci found it amusing. It seemed they believed losing T&A meant she wouldn’t survive in the industry.

She stepped forward, startling Xu Wei into retreating a step.

Huo Ci appeared cold and sharp, and Xu Wei was genuinely intimidated.

“Shooting it doesn’t mean it will be used,” Huo Ci sneered.

Nan Wan trembled with anger. She had won the contract, so why could Huo Ci remain so calm and say such words?

“We’ll see if this ad of mine gets used,” Nan Wan glared, determined.

Just as she finished, Xu Wei’s phone rang. She excused herself to answer. Shortly after, Bai Yu’s phone rang too.

Xu Wei suddenly raised her voice, “What? Terminate the contract? How can that be?”

Before she finished, she glanced warily at Bai Yu. After ending the call, she hurriedly pulled Nan Wan to leave. Nan Wan naturally resisted, wanting to flaunt more. Xu Wei was truly anxious.

Whispering to Nan Wan, she panicked upon hearing, “How could they terminate the contract?”

Turning to glare at Huo Ci, she accused venomously, “It’s you, isn’t it? You’re the one scheming behind the scenes, making T&A terminate my contract!”

Xu Wei failed to stop her from blurting it out.

T&A terminated her contract? Huo Ci was genuinely surprised.

Only after Nan Wan was forcibly dragged away by Xu Wei did Bai Yu have the chance to tell Huo Ci, “I just received a call from T&A. They said headquarters urgently terminated Nan Wan’s collaboration and asked if you’d be willing to take over this jewelry ad?”

Finished speaking, Bai Yu hugged her shoulders. If not outside, he would’ve burst into laughter. He had never seen such a satisfying slap in the face. He squeezed her shoulders tightly, “Good job, Huo Ci.”

Huo Ci said lightly, “I didn’t do anything.”

Bai Yu exclaimed joyfully, “Could it be divine intervention?”

She didn’t know if it was divine intervention, but she felt it was related to someone.

**

Yi Zhecheng had just finished handling documents and dialed the internal line to have the secretary take them away when Huo Ci’s call came through. He answered softly, “How was work today?”

Huo Ci gazed out the window, a distant artificial lake shimmering golden.

Biting her lip, she asked, “Is Nan Wan’s termination related to you?”

There was a brief silence on the other end before a faint laughter came through. He asked, “So you received the gift I sent for your first day back at work?”

Huo Ci hadn’t expected it to be related to him.

She was momentarily at a loss for words, finally asking, “How did you...”

“She gained this job in a certain way, and I made sure she lost it the same way.”

Huo Ci looked into the distance, her lips curving upwards. Perhaps she should say thank you. Always standing in front, now someone was shielding her from the wind and rain.

“You like taking photos; such trivial matters, leave them to me.”

The man’s voice was calm and casual, treating it as if it were a minor issue unworthy of mention.

Huo Ci softly hummed in response, feeling as if the floor beneath her feet had turned soft, as if she might float away.

Until he said lightly, “With me here, no one can take what’s yours.”