Old Acquaintance

As the workday drew close, Tang Qing had already become familiar with the new environment and completed her work. Just as she was about to leave, she received a notice from Cici informing her that Yanyan wanted to see her. Immediately, the image of the boy's gloomy brows involuntarily appeared in Tang Qing's mind. But when those piercing, icy eyes looked at her again, Tang Qing could not forget the turmoil within her.

"Alright, Tang Qing, go tidy yourself up. Don't keep Yanyan waiting," Cici reminded.

Yes, except for Tang Qing, Yanyan didn't like to keep anyone waiting.

At this moment, Tang Qing was filled with unease.

Tang Qing's heartbeat gradually quickened as she went to Yanyan's office. She was uncertain about what to face but had prepared for anything. 

When Tang Qing arrived at the office door, she saw a familiar face - Special Assistant Zhang, Yan Yan's assistant. In the past, the person Tang Qing admired the most was Special Assistant Zhang. He could always satisfy all of Yan Yan's unreasonable demands.

Tang Qing had always held Special Assistant Zhang in high regard. She admired how the assistant could excel at various tasks and always managed to fulfill all of Yan Yan's requests. Special Assistant Zhang demonstrated remarkable capability and wisdom when handling daily affairs or emergencies.

"Miss Tang, come in quickly. Sir has been waiting for a long time," said Special Assistant Zhang as she pushed the door open and gestured for Tang Qing to enter.

As soon as she stepped into Yan Yan's office, Tang Qing felt a strong presence, unique to Yan Yan, like a sip of herbal tea in winter - strong but somber. Yan stood with his back to Tang Qing, wearing black clothes looking thinner than before. However, his arrogance and sense of nobility remained unchanged.

Tang Qing noticed that Yan Yan had lost weight but maintained his proud bearing and lofty demeanor. 

"Qingqing, come here quickly," Yan's voice rang out, as deep and rich as a cello.

Perhaps because he had been in power all this time, Yan Yan's tone carried a quality that brooked no refusal. Tang Qing found herself walking towards him unconsciously.

When she reached Yan Yan's side, he forcefully pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his head in her neck.

"Qingqing, it's been so long." His voice was hoarse and sensual.

Yan Yan studied Tang Qing's face as if searching for something. His eyes once filled with love.

"It has been a long time; don't be like this." Feeling Yan Yan nuzzling against her neck, Tang Qing struggled to push him away. 

It had been five years since they last saw each other. She had once thought him as innocent as he appeared, unaware that it was merely a facade. In truth, Yan Yan was like a wolf - equally cruel.

Yet, to her surprise, in the face of her rejection, Yan Yan only held her tighter.

"Have you missed me?" Yan lifted his head, his eyes filled with longing and obsession, as if he only wanted to see Tang Qing this way.

Tang Qing remained silent and did not answer his question.

"You didn't miss me, did you?" Yan's voice was filled with a sense of loss, and the initially bright light in his eyes dimmed.

"But I've been thinking of you daily for the past five years, Qingqing." Yan looked at Tang Qing firmly, then kissed her lips to capture her attention.

"Look at me, okay?" Who would have thought such a pleading and humble tone could come from the arrogant and self-assured Yan Yan?

Tang Qing's heart raced as Yan Yan's lips pressed against hers. His kiss was a storm of memories and longing, threatening to sweep her away. But she couldn't let it—not again.

"Yan Yan," she whispered, breaking free from his embrace. "This can't happen."

He looked wounded, his eyes searching hers for answers. "Why?" he demanded. "Why do you keep pushing me away?"

Tang Qing took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Because we're different now," she said. "Too much has changed."

"But I still love you," Yan Yan confessed, his voice raw. "Even after everything."

She shook her head. "Love isn't enough," she replied. "Not when it's built on lies and betrayal."

His jaw clenched. "I did what I had to do," he said. "For us."

"For us?" Tang Qing laughed bitterly. "You destroyed everything we had. You chose power over me."

Yan Yan's fingers tightened into fists. "I thought it was the only way," he said. "To protect you."

"Protect me?" Tang Qing's anger flared. "You broke my heart."

He stepped closer, desperation in his eyes. "Give me another chance," he pleaded. "Let me make it right."

But Tang Qing knew better. The past couldn't be undone, and scars ran deep. "There's no going back," she said. "Not for us."

Yan Yan's gaze dropped, defeat etched across his face. "I'll never stop loving you," he murmured.

Love and pride had torn them apart. Now, only time would tell if they could find a way back—together or apart.

Tang Qing looked at Yan Yan, "Well, what did you come to me for? If there's nothing, I'll leave now, Mr. Yan." Her tone was distant, utterly different from Yan Yan's.

"Qingqing, please don't talk to me like this, okay?" Yan Yan's tone was full of grievance as if he was about to cry.

"I just wanted to see you." He said, still tightly embracing Tang Qing, unwilling to let go.

Tang Qing couldn't help but sigh, "Alright, alright, don't be like this; I still have to get off work." She spoke in a soothing tone.

"Let's have dinner tonight, " Yan said as if he was sure Tang Qing would agree. If she disagreed, it seemed Tang Qing would have difficulty leaving.

Tang Qing hesitated momentarily, then replied, "Alright, but just dinner."

Yan's face lit up with delight, and he finally loosened his grip on Tang Qing. "Wonderful! I'll make the arrangements." He smiled, his expression akin to a child who had just received a long-awaited gift.