His voice was so soft that his assistant didn't hear him: "What?"
Han Jingnian realized that he had lost his composure and replied: "Nothing."
Three seconds later, he spoke again: "I'm going home."
The assistant was puzzled again, but before she could ask, Han Jingnian, as if suddenly realizing something, added, "The home where she is."
...
After finishing the SPA treatment, it was already one o'clock in the middle of the night.
Xia Wan'an, who didn't drive, was taken home by Song Youman who had obtained her driver's license when she reached adulthood.
Along the way, Song Youman was multitasking, driving and earnestly advising Xia Wan'an to get away from the bitter sea that is Han Jingnian.
After parting with Song Youman, Xia Wan'an watched her car disappear before getting into the elevator.
It was quite late, only Xia Wan'an was in the elevator. In the silent and narrow space, Xia Wan'an stared at the constantly changing red numbers on the floor indicator, suddenly recalling Song Youman's words, "Get away from the bitter sea that is Han Jingnian."
Bitter sea... indeed, it really was a bitter sea... secretly liking someone is always bitter, and as for getting away... if only it were possible... She wished more than anything that she didn't like him as much as she did.
Soon, the elevator reached her floor.
Exiting the elevator, Xia Wan'an swiftly typed in her password, pushed open the door, and reached out instinctively to turn on the light, only to find that the light in the room was already on.
She clearly remembered turning off the light... Xia Wan'an paused, and her gaze fell on a pair of black leather shoes placed in front of the shoe cabinet at the entrance.
Those shoes were incredibly familiar. They were the ones Han Jingnian had worn tonight...
So, he was back?
While Xia Wan'an was still shocked, the door to the study was pushed open, and Han Jingnian, still in his suit from the evening, walked out.
Upon suddenly seeing Han Jingnian, Xia Wan'an was somewhat flustered. To conceal her panic, she spoke without thinking, "Why are you back?"
As the words fell from her lips, Xia Wan'an sharply noticed Han Jingnian's slightly furrowed brow. Only then did she realize she had misspoken.
This was his home, there was no reason he couldn't come back...
Thinking about it, Xia Wan'an quickly added, "What I meant was, I thought you had an appointment and wouldn't be back, so I was surprised."
Her voice was gently soft, identical to her usual tone, and she managed to keep her emotions under control so nobody could detect the slightest clue. However, when she mentioned "appointment", a deep bitterness and a slight sting resonated clearly in her heart.
Han Jingnian didn't rush to respond. He looked at Xia Wan'an, his eyes so dark and deep that it was impossible to discern what he was thinking. Yet, his gaze was penetrating, seeming to see right through her.
However, within a mere dozen seconds, Xia Wan'an lowered her head and avoided Han Jingnian's gaze.
She wanted to find an excuse to cover the awkwardness. Before she could speak, he, who was standing not far away, spoke in a cool tone: "I came to get some documents."
It was only after he said this that Xia Wan'an noticed the file folder in his hand.
So he was home only to get something... It was a good thing she hadn't let her thoughts wander when she saw him at home...
Xia Wan'an really wanted to ask him, are you leaving again?
But the words died on her lips even before she could utter them.
Their relationship... seemed to have not yet reached the stage where she had the right to ask him about his whereabouts...