OSTF - 79

As Chi Suisui turned her head, everyone saw her.

Although some didn’t recognize her at first, those who did quickly filled in the rest. Initially, everyone thought He Xingwang had come here to eat by himself.

Su Mian and Song Miaoli were like spectators watching a show.

In the end, He Xingwang sat beside Chi Suisui.

“Why did you come directly?” Chi Suisui moved inward a bit. “I thought you were asking to pick me up.”

“In a way, that’s correct,” He Xingwang said.

He just felt it was better to come over than to wait in the car.

Song Miaoli coughed and spoke after the two exchanged glances: “Have you eaten? Should we get you an extra pair of chopsticks?”

He Xingwang slowly replied, “No need, thank you.”

Song Miaoli didn’t continue asking and focused on eating with Su Mian, while messaging her boyfriend: [My friend’s husband is really something.] Publicly declaring their relationship in front of everyone.

Gu Nanyan: [What did he do?]

Song Miaoli exaggeratedly recounted yesterday’s airport incident along with today’s events, not forgetting to praise He Xingwang at the end.

As Chi Suisui’s good friend, she was quite satisfied with He Xingwang.

Gu Nanyan was currently at Zhongyue Technology. A small robot on his desk was moving around, which he stopped.

Then, lowering his eyes, he replied: [Should I come over too?]

Song Miaoli: [What would you come over for?]

The lines of Gu Nanyan’s lips slightly tightened. Behind him was the floor-to-ceiling window of the office; the evening’s dim light intertwined with the lamplight, creating a somewhat lonely atmosphere.

After a while, Song Miaoli received a message.

Gu Nanyan: [Isn’t it normal for a boyfriend to accompany his girlfriend for dinner?]

She felt delighted. Xiao Gu was handsome and considerate, but upon careful consideration, she still declined since it wasn’t appropriate.

“Why did you suddenly think of picking me up?” Chi Suisui asked.

She was seated inside, and the faint gazes from around her were blocked by He Xingwang’s tall figure, making her feel very calm.

“I just wanted to mention the retirement matter to the family tonight,” He Xingwang lowered his voice and emphasized, “Mom and Dad are both here.”

It took Chi Suisui a few seconds to realize that her parents were also there.

She nodded: “I understand.”

Su Mian, sitting across, widened her eyes upon hearing the word “retirement” but couldn’t bring herself to ask with her idol right in front of her.

Chi Suisui noticed her emotions and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Su Mian hesitated before speaking: “Is He Shen retiring?”

Hearing this, He Xingwang nodded: “Yes.”

Su Mian felt both unsurprised and a bit melancholic.

From the perspective of being friends with Chief Editor Suisui, she thought He Shen’s decision was good for his family. But as a fan, she naturally felt sad.

“What’s there to be sad about?” Song Miaoli comforted, feeling cheerful. “Isn’t it great that while others won’t see He Shen anymore, you will frequently?”

Of course, it was great. Su Mian thought.

She could understand—He Shen had so many honors—but as a career fan, it was hard to reconcile her feelings all at once.

The atmosphere at their table was harmonious, but it was different in the restaurant.

He Xingwang walking boldly through the crowd was like when ordinary people who don’t chase stars see celebrities and follow the trend to take pictures. Those who were about to leave after eating didn’t leave.

Before long, countless photos were circulating on various social media platforms.

Yesterday’s airport news had just come out, and today they were openly showing affection, making many people a bit envious.

However, because they were seated in a corner, most people only captured side profiles or backs.

[He Shen: After I go public, it has nothing to do with me.] [Isn’t it deliberate? Just to show off their love!] [Alright, we know your relationship is good. Can you show your faces instead of turning your backs to the camera?] [No public display of affection allowed.]

[Wuwuwu, I originally thought no one was worthy of He Shen, but in this photo, the girl peeks out, and her profile is exquisite.] [The first photo looks so good. Suisui’s eyes are shining.] [This is real-life drama. I hope those directors can draw inspiration from reality. Promise me no cringe-worthy scenes, okay?!] [When I saw this news, I slapped my boyfriend next to me out of jealousy.] Especially on video-sharing apps.

Most people liked to shoot videos, almost unable to wait for beautification before posting them. Many who scrolled found nearly the same topic.

From He Xingwang entering to sitting beside Chi Suisui.

It was like a one-take shot in filming. Even those watching the video couldn’t help but be drawn in as it progressed.

Until their eyes met.

While the internet buzzed with heated discussions, Chi Suisui and He Xingwang had already returned to the He family home.

Retirement was a significant matter. Although he had mentioned it to Coach Zhu and his family, it still needed to be formally announced.

When they arrived, Chi Mei Yuan was chatting with Jiang Hui Yue about the latest composition.

Chi Mei Yuan had basically retired behind the scenes but now loved composing. Her husband, Qi Xin Cheng, only knew how to flatter her, leaving only her best friend to speak the truth.

As for the two men, they had long gone to the study to discuss business matters.

“Suisui, Xingwang,” Jiang Hui Yue smiled.

“Xingwang said he was going to pick you up. Why did you return so late?” Chi Mei Yuan asked.

“He came when I was having dinner with Miaoli and the others outside,” Chi Suisui walked over and sat beside Grandma He. “Grandma.”

The elderly woman looked up, “Suisui is here?”

Chi Suisui smiled and asked, “Did you have any sweets today?”

At the mention of this, Grandma He immediately harrumphed and glanced sideways at where Jiang Huiyue was sitting. “Someone won’t let Grandma eat sweets.”

Chi Suisui patted her hand to comfort her.

As she grew older, Grandma He’s temperament became more capricious, like an old child. The family indulged her in everything except for eating sweets.

But now, this was her only hobby.

Chi Suisui said, “Grandma, stop thinking about sweets. We have important news to share today.”

Grandma He asked, “What important news?”

Chi Suisui glanced at He Xingwang. “Let your grandson tell you himself later. Let’s keep it a mystery for now.”

The suspense didn’t last long.

He Xingwang announced his plans, and the He family didn’t react much since they had been informed beforehand. Moreover, he had already gradually taken over part of He Corporation.

Jiang Huiyue and He Minghua both supported his retirement.

On the contrary, Qi Xincheng spoke up: “So soon?”

A question identical to that of his daughter.

He Xingwang nodded, his tone quite serious: “I’ve achieved what I wanted. It’s more important to focus on family from now on.”

He said it very matter-of-factly.

However, Jiang Huiyue looked at Chi Suisui and smiled with pursed lips: “Retiring is good. You’ve been married for half a year. It’s time for some good news.”

She teased them a bit.

Parents worry about many things every day. Jiang Huiyue had just discussed this matter with Chi Mei Yuan.

Upon hearing this, Chi Suisui glanced at He Xingwang.

He Xingwang calmly accepted her gaze.

For so long, the two of them had been using protection; occasionally, they would use withdrawal. They hadn’t thought about having children early.

“No rush,” Chi Suisui arched her eyebrows slightly, casually changing the topic. “There’s still plenty of time.”

She had only been married for half a year.

Before the adults could speak, He Xingwang hummed in agreement and followed up by changing the subject: “Let’s consider wedding plans for now.”

The wedding was naturally the top priority.

As the two leading enterprises in Nancheng, He Corporation and Qi Corporation had kept a low profile when their children got their marriage certificate, but the wedding couldn’t be treated lightly.

This wasn’t just for them but also to announce to everyone.

Qi Xincheng felt quite melancholic. Even after leaving the He household late at night, Chi Mei Yuan couldn’t help but comment: “What’s with that expression?”

“The wedding… Do I have to give Suisui’s hand away?” Qi Xincheng asked while sitting in the car.

“Do you want someone else to do it?” Chi Mei Yuan asked.

“Of course not!” Qi Xincheng snorted coldly.

It was customary for a father to walk his daughter down the aisle during her wedding. He certainly wouldn’t let anyone else have that opportunity.

“They’ve already gotten their marriage certificate. It’s just a wedding. Why think so much? It’s not like she’s not coming back.” Chi Mei Yuan was very open-minded.

She believed He Xingwang was a perfect match for her daughter.

When Chi Mei Yuan and Jiang Huiyue arranged the childhood betrothal shortly after the children were born, they had indeed considered canceling it when the children were older.

But seeing that the two children got along well, they decided not to bring it up again.

Now, thinking back, they were glad they hadn’t canceled it. Otherwise, who knows how things would have turned out.

“I just can’t bear to let her go,” Qi Xincheng sighed deeply. “When Suisui was little, she complained to me that Xingwang ignored her. How did she become so fond of him now?”

He had consoled Chi Suisui back then, calling He Xingwang a silent gourd.

“If she didn’t like him, why would she complain to you?” Chi Mei Yuan understood her daughter well. “Has she ever complained to you about anyone else?”

With one sentence, his wife ended Qi Xincheng’s reminiscence and reflections.

In the brightly lit Nancheng nearing nine o’clock, the distant lights resembled fireworks, reflected in Chi Suisui’s clear eyes like stars in the night sky that couldn’t be hidden by darkness—dazzling and enchanting.

“Though we say as soon as possible, I estimate the wedding won’t happen until next year,” Chi Suisui turned her head and said.

Custom-made wedding dresses alone took several months, and taking wedding photos was also troublesome.

Thinking about all this, Chi Suisui’s slight anticipation for the wedding seemed to plummet.

“Time flies quickly,” He Xingwang said gently. “It’s already been half a year since we got married.”

“And then?” Chi Suisui asked.

“I don’t think you want a rushed wedding,” He Xingwang’s deep eyes gazed at her. “After all, you have so many sisters in your social circle.”

“...”

At the mention of the word “sisters,” Chi Suisui thought of the group name “Men come and go, but sisters stay” that he once saw.

While thinking about it, He Xingwang’s phone rang.

Taking advantage of him answering the call, Chi Suisui lowered her head to check her phone.

Su Mian had sent several links hours ago, all discussing the recent news of He Xingwang and her appearing together tonight.

From pictures to videos, everything was there.

Su Mian: [Boss, you look great in the video, and I look great too.] Song Miaoli: [Everyone looks great, especially me.] Su Mian: [Dr. Song, you only showed up halfway.] Song Miaoli: [Anyway, let’s hype ourselves first.jpg] Song Miaoli: [My boyfriend says I’m the most beautiful in the world.] Su Mian replied: [Mr. Gu is absolutely right.]

The two chatted about various topics. Often, before finishing one topic, they would veer off to another.

Su Mian: [Dr. Song, I found a video where you appear.] Nearly an hour later, around eight o’clock, Song Miaoli finally appeared in the group: [Send it over quick.] Su Mian asked: [Where were you earlier? Why didn’t you reply?] Song Miaoli: [Little Cotton, don’t you know you need aerobic exercise after meals?] Su Mian: [MY EYES!! MY EYES!!] Chi Suisui couldn’t help but laugh heartily at the end. Though they hadn’t known each other for long, the two got along surprisingly well.

She turned off her phone and looked beside her.

From his conversation, she could hear He Xingwang talking to someone at the Shooting Sports Center. In her opinion, he was spouting big principles.

Her eyes narrowed elegantly, adding a touch of allure under the soft light.

He Xingwang noticed the gaze beside him and turned to look at her. Chi Suisui’s eyes curved slightly, seemingly alluring.

He frowned and averted his gaze.

Seeing his expressionless face, Chi Suisui reached out and circled his leg with her hand. A few seconds later, like fingertips dancing, she gradually moved upward.

A deliberate provocation, yet seductive.

He Xingwang remained unmoved. “The retirement decision is final. Don’t worry about it. It’s something I’ve already decided.”

His voice lowered slightly.

After hanging up, He Xingwang grabbed Chi Suisui’s mischievous hand and patiently said: “I don’t think this is the place you want.”

“I’m just giving you a massage,” Chi Suisui said solemnly. “You’re overthinking it.”

He Xingwang merely looked at her without saying anything.

Chi Suisui’s eyes flickered, leaning against him and moving closer to He Xingwang’s ear, gently blowing air: “Actually, I’m not unwilling either, hubby.”

She grinned brilliantly.

When Chi Suisui called him “hubby,” her tone rose playfully, carrying a deliberately teasing breath, exuding a flirtatious and alluring charm.