Ouyang Lanruo's Confusion

Murong Feng, now with an elevated state of mind, was naturally tolerant and did not harbor any resentment from his previous unpleasant experience at the Beijing Club. Seeing Tang Qing, he smiled calmly, "Oh, Miss Tang is here too, hello!"

He stepped forward, extending his hand politely, "I apologize for leaving abruptly last time at the club. I had an urgent matter and hope you can forgive me."

Tang Qing had long forgotten the incident. To her, Murong Feng was just a small figure. Though she was angry at the time, she quickly put it behind her. Today, however, as she came to see Ouyang Lanruo, the memory of her embarrassment surfaced, and she initially planned to give him a hard time. Yet, seeing Murong Feng approaching with a smile and speaking politely, she involuntarily stood up and shook his hand, replying courteously, "No problem, Mr. Murong. I understand if you had something urgent."

After saying this, she watched Murong Feng turn to speak with Ouyang Lanruo, wondering what had just happened. She had planned to scold him but ended up being polite instead. She realized that she had been overpowered by Murong Feng's aura, a demeanor she had only seen in her elder relatives.

This completely changed her perception of Murong Feng.

Recalling Murong Feng's dignified presence at the Beijing Club and seeing him now speaking calmly and confidently with the editor-in-chief, she realized he was indeed an exceptional young talent.

Murong Feng assumed Ouyang Lanruo wanted to discuss his recent frequent absences from the office. He explained, "Sister Lan, the school's drama club invited us alumni to help with the play rehearsals, which has taken up a lot of my time recently. But rest assured, there will be no issues with my submissions. I won't leave any blank pages."

Ouyang Lanruo smiled teasingly at him, "I have complete faith in you. That's not why I called you here. I heard that your drama club's program for the school arts festival is excellent this year. I'm here to ask for tickets. Don't forget, I'm your senior too—I also graduated from Northern University. Naturally, I want to see the drama club's performance, especially since you are starring in it. I must come to support you."

Murong Feng was taken aback, realizing that Ouyang Lanruo wanted to see the play. He laughed, "Sister Lan, you enjoy watching dramas? No problem, I'll get you a few tickets. But my performance is mediocre, so don't laugh at me."

Ouyang Lanruo laughed, "How could I? Even though I graduated a few years before you, I know you were a star in the drama club during your time at school." This surprised Murong Feng; he had never heard Ouyang Lanruo mention she knew about his past activities at university.

Hearing this, Tang Qing, who was nearby, smiled and said, "Mr. Murong also acts in dramas? Coincidentally, I'm very interested in theater too. Would it be possible for me to join you as well?"

Ouyang Lanruo looked at Tang Qing in surprise. She knew Tang Qing's background very well. Despite her friendly demeanor, Tang Qing was extremely proud and rarely took an interest in people. Yet here she was, showing interest in Murong Feng, which was quite unusual.

Murong Feng noticed the expectant look in Tang Qing's eyes. She was indeed beautiful, with features like a painting and eyes that were as gentle as flowing water. Smiling, he said, "Since Miss Tang is interested, you are more than welcome. I'll get a few extra tickets and have Sister Lan give them to you."

Tang Qing detected a slight distance in his tone but didn't mind. She smiled and thanked him.

It felt novel to her. Over the years, due to her family background and beauty, men had always tried to impress her, seeking her favor. It was the first time a man treated her with such indifference. Remembering his suave exit at the Beijing Club, she suddenly found his cool demeanor not so unpleasant.

After briefly discussing some recent matters with Ouyang Lanruo, Murong Feng left her office.

Due to Tang Qing's presence, Ouyang Lanruo couldn't chat with Murong Feng for long. Watching him leave and close the door behind him, she felt a bit disappointed. She caught Tang Qing's thoughtful, playful look and quickly changed her mood, laughing, "Qing'er, since when do you watch theater? This love for joining in the fun isn't the Tang Qing I know!"

Tang Qing saw the hint of disappointment in Ouyang Lanruo's eyes as Murong Feng left and decided to tease her, "Ruoruo, have you developed feelings for your subordinate? It seems someone has a little crush."

Ouyang Lanruo's face reddened slightly, "Nonsense, I'm much older than him. I'm his senior."

Tang Qing, laughing and hugging her, said, "Alright, we're sisters, just be honest. Older women with younger men is trendy now. Besides, your junior is quite special."

Ouyang Lanruo's heart skipped a beat. She turned to Tang Qing, teasing, "Wow, has our noble lady Tang Qing also taken a liking to my junior? You even asked for theater tickets! I've never seen you watch a play before."

Tang Qing patted her face playfully, "So you admit it, huh? Don't worry, no one will steal your crush."

"Alright, I need to go. I was going to ask you out shopping, but I just remembered I have something else to do. Let's talk later." Tang Qing turned to leave but looked back at the door, saying, "Ruoruo, if you really like him, don't miss the chance. This man is quite special."

After Tang Qing left, Ouyang Lanruo fell into deep thought.

Did she like Murong Feng? Perhaps a little. The first time she met Murong Feng, something about him touched her.

When he started writing for Weili Magazine, he was at his lowest point. Yet, he never showed a frown or complained about his fate. He faced life's setbacks with a calm demeanor, finding satisfaction and happiness within himself.

She vividly remembered one day after discussing work with Murong Feng, they were walking down the street. A couple from out of town, carrying a child, approached them seeking help. Ouyang Lanruo, having lived in Beijing for many years and grown accustomed to such situations, waved them away and tried to sidestep. However, Murong Feng stopped, listened to their story seriously, and gave them 100 yuan for food and transportation.

Afterwards, she advised Murong Feng not to be so trusting, warning him about the abundance of scammers in Beijing. He merely smiled and said, "For the sake of that 3 or 4-year-old child, even if they are scammers, the child is innocent. As long as ten yuan of that money is spent on feeding the child, I'm satisfied." Ouyang Lanruo was speechless, but she gained a deeper respect for him.

When she heard that Murong Feng and his girlfriend had broken up, she felt a tiny bit of joy. His close proximity while working at the magazine added some unexplainable joy and vague anticipation to her life.

But she didn't dare act on it. Age was certainly one factor. She had also grown accustomed to her role as his senior. This role allowed them to be close without awkwardness, and she feared that making any moves might ruin this balance. Watching him from afar seemed fine too.

Suddenly, she recalled Tang Qing's meaningful words as she left, and her heart tightened. Yes, Murong Feng was indeed a special man. He was handsome, kind, and had an outstanding temperament, qualities that made him attractive to young women everywhere. Moreover, he seemed to have recently become quite wealthy. Wealth often brings maturity and charm, and Murong Feng was clearly undergoing such a transformation.

As Tang Qing had said, she should seize the opportunity. If she wasn't careful, another woman might capture his heart—perhaps even Tang Qing!

Ouyang Lanruo suddenly realized that Tang Qing's behavior today was unusual. Tang Qing rarely showed interest in a man, let alone praised one as special. If Tang Qing was interested in Murong Feng… Ouyang Lanruo felt a pang of insecurity. Tang Qing, with her bewitching beauty, would be tough to compete with!

Sighing deeply, Ouyang Lanruo found herself confused. She decided to wait and see. Murong Feng was busy with his drama rehearsals at school and spent less time at the company. Maybe after the performance, she would find a good opportunity to talk to him.

As for what she wanted to discuss with Murong Feng, Ouyang Lanruo blushed and decided not to dwell on it.

Murong Feng had no idea that after he left, the two beautiful women in the office were discussing and musing about him. He returned to his desk, exchanged warm greetings with the enthusiastic female editors, and opened his laptop. After handling some submissions from authors, he began writing a new film review.

The previous night, he had rewatched the classic *Schindler's List* in his home theater. Coincidentally, a similar domestic film, *Nanjing! Nanjing!* was about to be released. Themes of war and humanity, massacre and redemption, forgetting and remembering filled his mind. He felt grateful for his job, which provided a platform to express his thoughts and share them with a broader audience.

He wrote vigorously. When he looked up again, it was already lunchtime.