Discreet Affection

I'm happy to assist in making this text more readable and expanding it. Here's an extended version of the original text:

Gu An Tong was uncertain whether Si Zhenxuan admired her skin for a prolonged period or simply liked her skin. Her body bore numerous marks and traces, some of which even bore dark purple hues.

After a refreshing shower, Gu An Tong still carried the lingering memory of their intimacy from the previous night. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and reached for a white suit to put on.

This particular white suit, she noticed, was even whiter than her company's standard uniform. Si Zhenxuan had previously instructed her not to wear the company uniform, ensuring she wouldn't have to concern herself with corporate regulations.

As she pondered their relationship, Gu Antong realized that her thoughts frequently revolved around Si Zhenxuan. She couldn't help but feel that something wasn't quite right about what Lu Yulin had said.

Lu Yulin's assertion was that a relationship between two people would undergo significant transformations.

Si Zhenxuan seemed to be showing a gentler side, while Gu An Tong found herself sinking deeper into her feelings. She began to experience the emotional whirlwind that often accompanies newfound love, while Si Zhenxuan remained composed.

After sharing a breakfast, Si Zhenxuan and Gu Antong prepared to leave for work together.

Gu An Tong, donning a pair of uncomfortable high heels, couldn't help but furrow her brow as she muttered, "It doesn't seem fair. Why do men appear unaffected?"

Startled by Gu An Tong's abrupt halt, Si Zhen Xuan turned back to inquire, "What's the matter?"

"It's just... I'm not feeling quite well. My legs are a bit shaky," Gu An Tong confessed, her face blushing like a drop of blood, her embarrassment evident.

She had considered taking a leave of absence, but her project team was already struggling. Requesting another leave might only burden her colleagues further. In various aspects of her life, she often felt like a half-hearted participant, whether it was in her relationship with her husband or her entry-level job.

This job was relatively new for Gu Antong, and she was still unfamiliar with its intricacies. Meng Mei, on the other hand, seemed more adept. When she introduced Si Zhenxuan to Xie Jianchen, it appeared that Meng Mei had it all figured out from the beginning.

As the mention of weak legs crossed their conversation, Si Zhenxuan's eyes darkened slightly. He swiftly approached and bent down to support Gu An Tong.

Gu An Tong let out a soft gasp and looped her arms around Si Zhen Xuan's neck, blushing as she whispered, "To avoid unnecessary attention. Someone might see us."

"Not here."

With that, Si Zhenxuan carried her to Shu Xun's car. Shu Xun had been listening to music through earphones but was so taken aback by the sight that he couldn't believe his eyes. He rubbed them, thinking he must be seeing things.

"Good Lord! Si Zhenxuan is carrying Gu An Tong in his arms. This is major news!"

"Drive," Si Zhenxuan instructed. He appeared unfazed by Shu Xun's astonishment, but Gu An Tong's face was flushed with embarrassment.

"Yes," Shu Xun replied quickly, starting the car. Yet, his eyes were constantly drawn to the rearview mirror, unable to resist stealing glances.

Throughout the journey, Gu An Tong nestled close to Si Zhenxuan. Her legs were indeed still wobbly, and her embarrassment persisted. She hadn't dared to envision that she and Si Zhenxuan had now become a bona fide couple.

While passing a tea shop, Gu An Tong asked Shu Xun to stop the car so she could purchase some drinks. However, before she could get out, Si Zhenxuan reached for her hand and asked, "What would you like to buy?"

"Hot cocoa," Gu An Tong replied without hesitation. She had abandoned her embarrassment.

"I'll handle it," Si Zhenxuan offered. He exited the car, his tall, elegant figure clad in a black suit catching the attention of everyone he passed. Their gazes were not just for his handsome face but also for the aura he exuded.

A few minutes later, Si Zhenxuan returned with a cup of hot cocoa in hand.

Gu An Tong received the cocoa and felt the warmth emanating from it. Si Zhen Xuan's gesture momentarily steadied her legs.

Shu Xun observed their affectionate interaction in the rearview mirror but refrained from interrupting. He waited for Gu An Tong to take a sip of hot cocoa before continuing the journey to the company.

From the parking lot, they parted ways to head into the company.

Si Zhenxuan had his own private elevator, while Gu An Tong had to wait for the employee elevator.

Her legs still felt shaky.

As soon as she stepped out of the car, she felt a rush of emotions.

Now that he had arrived at the company, Gu Antong remained silent. Instead, he turned to bid farewell to Si Zhenxuan, saying, "I'll head up first."

Dressed in a sharp white suit that accentuated his perfect figure, and with impeccable makeup, Gu An Tong looked particularly alluring. As she took a step, her slender legs carried her forward. Si Zhenxuan's mind drifted to the passionate moments of the previous night. He reached out, gently pulled Gu An Tong closer, and planted a kiss on her lips right in front of Shu Xun.

Gu An Tong blushed, feeling a bit flustered. She pushed him away. "I'll go on ahead."

"Go ahead," Si Zhenxuan said gently as he released her.

Watching Gu Antong's retreating figure, Si Zhenxuan's deep eyes followed her for a moment. Suddenly, he heard Shu Xun's quiet laughter, and a rare smile graced his lips. "Shu Xun," Si Zhenxuan said unexpectedly.

Shu Xun was taken aback. "Yes, boss."

Si Zhenxuan stepped out of the car and closed the door. He lowered his head and confided in Shu Xun, "If you have some free time today, go to her floor. If you find Xie Jianchen, call her to my office."

Shu Xun was surprised. Then he realized, "Boss, are you worried that Xie Jianchen might try to steal your woman? After all, he's still our partner. Is this appropriate?"

"It's personal business. I won't let him interfere," Si Zhenxuan replied casually. In this moment, his self-confidence radiated, standing tall and charming. But last night, to ensure that Xie Jianchen didn't make a move, he had marked Gu Antong as his own.

He had forgotten how to treat her strictly.

Shu Xun nodded understandingly. "Don't worry, boss. I won't let Xie Jianchen get anywhere near your wife."

The word "wife" caused Si Zhenxuan to smirk, and he entered his private elevator, heading upstairs.

Ten days after Si Zhenxuan's departure, Shu Xun couldn't help but shiver. The typically serious person was suddenly smiling. It was quite puzzling.

Today, the topic of discussion in the project team revolved around romance.

Lin Yue was the most enthusiastic member of the group, eagerly pushing the conversation toward Xie Jianchen.

Lin Yue made a cup of coffee and handed it to Gu Antong, who had been yawning. "You were late this morning. Mr. Xie left a box of beautifully wrapped cakes on your desk. You're really lucky."

Gu An Tong gave a wry smile. Why did everyone think that Xie Jianchen was pursuing her?

She held the delicately packaged box of cakes in her hand and pushed it towards Lin Yue. "You talk too much sometimes."

With a smile, Lin Yue inquired, "Team leader, you don't seem interested in someone like Mr. Xie pursuing you. Do you have someone special in mind? While we were discussing earlier, we were wondering what kind of person you'd be interested in."

Once reserved and distant, Gu An Tong now felt more at ease with her colleagues. She couldn't refuse questions from her coworkers, so she responded with a smile, "I like a mature man who takes everything seriously, appears aloof but is kind at heart, and is diligent in his work."

Lin Yue and Shen Yinghe exchanged glances. Shen Yinghe couldn't help but mutter, "It sounds like the company's director."

With a slightly flushed face, Gu An Tong cleared her throat. "Alright, let's get back to work. Has it been busy lately?"

Lin Yue and Shen Yinghe playfully stick out their tongues at each other.

Gu Antong rises from his seat to prepare a cup of coffee. The office's tea room is situated between two project teams. As he approaches the coffee machine, he notices Jiang Nuan sitting at one of the tables in the tea room.

Upon spotting Gu Antong, Jiang Nuan's expression changes. She turns sharply and remarks, "Team leader Gu, do you realize what time it is? Are you aware of how late you are?"

Gu Antong pays little heed to her question. "I apologize, but the company's regulations don't specifically mention punctuality. There are also corresponding rules for salary deductions due to tardiness. Director Jiang is expecting, so it's best not to cause her any unnecessary stress."

Jiang Nuan's face shifts once again.

Gu Antong prepares a cup of coffee, contemplating his next words. He intends to return to Jiang Nuan's table. "Jiang Nuan, instead of focusing on my minor slip-ups, you should think about your role as Si Yueyun's wife and how you can excel to impress everyone in Si's group. Do you realize how many people are waiting to see you stumble?"

"Am I in need of your reminders?" Jiang Nuan gazes at him coldly, her eyes showing a hint of disdain. "Si's group belongs to Yue Yun. What nonsense can they dare to utter?"

Gu Antong seldom opens up to Jiang Nuan. "You're right; it's indeed Si Yueyun's group. I also acknowledge that Zhenxuan was raised by his family, and he hasn't considered taking it over. But Jiang Nuan, I remember in university you were passionate about your career. Why did you come here only to engage in petty disputes with me instead of focusing on your role? A significant project has been entrusted to you, and for now, you and I are in the same boat. Whether I succeed or fail has an impact on your reputation and performance. Yet, you're constantly at odds with me. Is that really necessary?"

Jiang Nuan narrows her eyes, taken aback by Gu Antong's unexpected words. "And will you succeed?"

Gu Antong chuckles, "Why wouldn't I succeed? Don't you want Si Enterprises' approval as well?"

With that, she gets up and leaves with her coffee.

She knows that her words are likely to have some effect.

Though Gu Antong may not like Jiang Nuan, it doesn't mean he doesn't want a harmonious working relationship. Dealing with someone who constantly stirs up trouble and interferes with her work over trivial matters has become exhausting.

Jiang Nuan isn't a fool; she has just been momentarily blinded. Gu Antong believes that she should understand that even if they no longer interact, they still share the same position on this project. Just as she reaches the staircase, Shu Ten, a colleague, waves to her. "Gu team leader, cough."

Someone passing by nearby hears and clenches their fist. "The department director is requesting your presence."