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Chapter 11 - SHADOWS OF THE PAST

As time elapsed since their encounter in the park, Xin Yue couldn't shake the lingering sensation of Chang Yi's presence. She found herself stealing glances whenever Chang Yi was near, her heart skipping a beat at the mere sight of her. Desperate for any opportunity to be in Chang Yi's company, Xin Yue devised small tasks just to catch a glimpse of her, relishing every moment spent in her presence.

On this particular occasion, Xin Yue called upon Chang Yi for assistance with a mundane task, knowing full well it was merely an excuse to bask in her presence once more. As she watched Chang Yi effortlessly fold her shirt with those long, elegant fingers, preparing tea with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly, Xin Yue couldn't help but feel a rush of longing wash over her.

Chang Yi's demeanor exuded a quiet confidence that captivated Xin Yue. With each subtle movement and serene smile, she seemed to effortlessly command the room, her presence drawing others to her like moths to a flame. Yet, beneath the facade of composure, Xin Yue detected glimpses of vulnerability in Chang Yi's eyes—tiny cracks in the armor that hinted at a depth of emotion hidden beneath the surface.

Xin Yue watched Chang Yi's calm facade, a storm of emotions raged within her. She couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration, wondering why she seemed to be the only one swept up in the magnetic attraction between them. Did Chang Yi not feel the same pull? Was she alone in longing for the intimacy they shared?

The contrast between their outward appearances gnawed at Xin Yue's insecurities. While she was consumed by thoughts of Chang Yi, unable to shake the desire for their connection to deepen, Chang Yi remained unfazed, her demeanor unchanged. Did she not feel the same electricity in the air? Or was she simply better at hiding her emotions?

Xin Yue's mind raced with questions, each one fueling her uncertainty. Was she reading too much into their interactions? Was she misinterpreting Chang Yi's aloofness as disinterest? The fear of rejection loomed large in her mind, leaving her grappling with her own feelings of desire and insecurity.

Even with her doubts, Xin Yue couldn't deny the intensity of her emotions. She longed for clarity, for a sign that Chang Yi felt the same pull towards her. But until then, she was left to navigate the murky waters of their complicated connection, unsure how to create the right connections between them.

Chang Yi placed the steaming cup of tea in front of Xin Yue, a rush of emotions swept over her. She missed Xin Yue deeply, and she could sense that Xin Yue felt the same way. Yet, despite the undeniable connection between them, something held them back from moving forward.

"Thank you," Xin Yue responded shakily, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't help but marvel at how Chang Yi's mere presence had the power to affect her so deeply. It was as if every word, every gesture, ignited a fire within her, stirring up feelings she hadn't experienced in years.

But as much as Xin Yue longed to reach out and embrace Chang Yi, a nagging doubt lingered in the back of her mind. What if she was misinterpreting Chang Yi's actions? What if their connection was nothing more than a figment of her imagination?

Chang Yi, too, grappled with her own internal turmoil. She yearned to express the depth of her feelings for Xin Yue, to pull her close and never let go. But something held her back—a fear of rejection, perhaps, or the uncertainty of what the future might hold. So she played the role of the aloof confidante, masking her true emotions behind a facade of calm and composure.

And so, as they sat together in silence, sipping their tea and stealing glances at one another, both Xin Yue and Chang Yi wrestled with the unspoken longing that simmered beneath the surface. Despite the undeniable chemistry between them, they remained trapped in a delicate dance of desire and restraint, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

Suddenly a knock echoed through the room, Xin Yue and Chang Yi jumped in surprise, their intimate moment abruptly interrupted. Xin Lang, Xin Yue's brother, stepped into the room, oblivious to the tension that hung in the air. "Sis, anything I can do to help with the presentation tomorrow?" he asked, his voice breaking through the awkward silence.

Feeling a rush of relief at the sudden distraction, Xin Yue forced a smile and nodded, grateful for the chance to regain her composure. "Yes, thanks, Xin Lang. Can you double-check the figures on the slides for me?" she replied, gesturing towards her desk where the presentation lay scattered.


Unaware of the unspoken tension between his sister and Chang Yi, Xin Lang walked over to Xin Yue's desk and began to review the slides, his focus solely on the task at hand.

Meanwhile, Chang Yi felt a hit of disappointment as she realized their intimate moment had come to an abrupt end. Sensing the need to give Xin Yue space, she excused herself from the room, her heart heavy with unspoken emotions.

As Chang Yi made her way out, Xin Yue couldn't help but feel a sense of longing wash over her. She watched silently as Chang Yi disappeared from view, the weight of their unspoken connection hanging heavy in the air. Despite the interruption, the memory of their brief moment together lingered in Xin Yue's mind, leaving her heart racing and her thoughts consumed by the enigmatic woman who had captured her attention.

As the night wore on, Xin Yue contemplated calling it a day. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, and she longed for the solace of her own home. Lost in her reverie, she was startled when she heard Chang Yi's voice coming from the other end of the phone line as she stepped out of her office room. It dawned on her suddenly that Chang Yi wouldn't leave the office until she did.

Normally, Chang Yi exuded an air of calm and composure, her voice measured and structured even in the face of adversity. But tonight was different—there was an unmistakable edge to her tone, a hint of disturbance that piqued Xin Yue's curiosity. Without intending to eavesdrop, Xin Yue found herself lingering outside her office, unable to tear herself away as she listened to Chang Yi's conversation.

With each passing moment, Xin Yue's concern grew. What could be troubling Chang Yi? Was it a personal matter, or something related to work? The tension in the air was palpable, and Xin Yue couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to be there for Chang Yi, to offer support in whatever form she could.

So she waited, silently, her heart heavy with worry and uncertainty. As the minutes ticked by, Xin Yue couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay hidden beneath Chang Yi's composed exterior, and what role she might play in unraveling them.

While Chang Yi finished her call, her brow furrowed in concern, Xin Yue approached her quietly, her footsteps barely audible on the carpeted floor. "Is everything okay?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with genuine concern.

Chang Yi's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected sound of Xin Yue's voice, causing her to momentarily lose her composure. With a deep breath, she steadied herself, her emotions carefully concealed behind a facade of calm. "Yes," she replied evenly, "I am sorry you heard me like that." Her words were terse, a clear indication that she wished to bring the conversation to an abrupt end.

However, Xin Yue persisted, her concern evident in the gentle furrow of her brows. "Tomorrow is our big day," she remarked, her voice warm and reassuring. "Don't let this disturb you, dear. Just take some rest, okay?" Her words were filled with genuine care, an attempt to divert Chang Yi's attention away from her own troubles and onto the upcoming event.