Evening. The night was just beginning. Shen Tong, exhausted, changed into her work uniform. Just as she put her phone into her locker, it rang. It was another unknown number. Shen Tong hesitated for a moment but answered the call.
"Hello?" Shen Tong deliberately lowered her voice.
The call finally connected, and Liang Xiaoyuan, on the other end, let out a breath. "Shen Tong, it's me, Liang Xiaoyuan."
Shen Tong, lacking energy, replied, "Has it been a week already? Do you need my help again?"
"You sound tired. What's going on?" Liang Xiaoyuan, attentive as ever, noticed the lack of her usual liveliness in her voice and decided to change the topic.
Shen Tong, irritated, said, "Try working two jobs a day! I'm about to graduate and still have to prepare my thesis. I'm busy all the time, but telling you won't help."
"Why are you wearing yourself out? Is it necessary?" Liang Xiaoyuan genuinely felt sorry for Shen Tong. Even though he considered himself hardworking, he couldn't compare to Shen Tong's relentless drive.
Shen Tong was taken aback. Few people had ever said such things to her. Over the years, she had been labeled as "strong and independent" and "a career woman." No one ever doubted she might be tired because she never complained. Thinking about this, Shen Tong quickly responded loudly, "You don't need to worry about me, Liang Xiaoyuan. Just tell me what you need; I don't have time for chit-chat."
"You know I'm returning to China soon. The company's anniversary party is coming up, and I'd like you to accompany me. After our last dinner, everyone knows you, and they're hoping you'll attend," Liang Xiaoyuan said.
"If I accompany you, you have to pay me?" Shen Tong blurted out.
"Money, again? Shen Tong, I thought..." Liang Xiaoyuan was so provoked by Shen Tong's words that he couldn't finish his sentence.
"Did you think I had a crush on you? I accompanied you last time because you helped me. This time, I'll give you a discount since we are friends." Shen Tong thought she was being very generous.
Speechless, Liang Xiaoyuan finally said, "Deal. Name your price, and prepare your own outfit. I've already sent you the address. I'm at the venue now. Just find me when you arrive."
After hanging up, Shen Tong quickly asked the Chinese restaurant manager for time off. Missing one night of work wouldn't be too much of a loss. She took a taxi to a clothing store and rented a tube top strapless dress. After changing into the dress and shoes, she hurried to the location Liang Xiaoyuan had mentioned.
It was a hotel. Before she could enter, she was stopped.
"Excuse me, miss, do you have an invitation?" the doorman politely asked.
Shen Tong held her dress up and lifted her head. "Sorry, I forgot it. But why would I come to a company's anniversary party without being invited?"
The doorman hesitated, looking at Shen Tong. The beautiful woman in front of him was right. What she said made sense; the invitation was just a formality. While he was hesitating, Shen Tong turned and walked in.
The party had already been going for a while, and Liang Xiaoyuan was getting anxious. He was a little anxious, and he walked out of the hotel door and saw Shen Tong who was arriving fashionably late. She wore a pale yellow strapless dress, her figure graceful, her skin fair. She looked like a painting, pleasing to the eye.
"You still remember to meet me," Shen Tong rolled her eyes, walking in shoulder to shoulder with Liang Xiaoyuan.
The party had already started. The so-called anniversary party was basically a socializing event for peers in the same industry to exchange information and seek cooperation. Shen Tong accompanied Liang Xiaoyuan as he mingled with many strangers. It wasn't until much later that they had a moment alone to talk.
"Your company has grown so well in just three years. Impressive," Shen Tong said. She had learned that Liang Xiaoyuan had been in the UK for three years and co-founded a company, which was now doing very well.
Pride and a hint of sadness filled Liang Xiaoyuan's voice. "It is impressive, but I have to leave it behind. I'll only keep some shares, I don't know when I'll next return."
"I feel like you're going back to China not for yourself. Pardon my curiosity, is it because of her?" Shen Tong's gaze drifted to a spot not far away. Soft music played, and a woman in a white dress was playing the piano. If she remembered correctly, that woman was Xie Sangyan. At the previous dinner, Shen Tong had seen a three-year-old boy call Xie Sangyan "Mom."
Shen Tong couldn't believe this woman already had a child.
Liang Xiaoyuan remained silent.
Every time Sang Yan was mentioned, Liang Xiaoyuan fell silent, unlike his usual proud and humorous self. Finding this boring, Shen Tong turned and walked away. She picked up a glass of red wine and casually took a few sips. Her cheeks quickly turned rosy, making her look even more endearing.
She began to observe the hotel surroundings. The lavish and bright lights shone on people's faces, making everything seem so opulent. Soon, more people started approaching Shen Tong. Her outstanding appearance always drew attention, especially at such events. She had a few drinks with several people and exchanged business cards.
"Shen Tong, drink less. You're my date tonight, not a wine barrel!" Liang Xiaoyuan suddenly appeared behind Shen Tong. Though he hadn't followed her closely, he had been keeping an eye on her.
Shen Tong turned and smiled at him. "This wine is quite good. You underestimate me. Do you think I get drunk easily? Socializing is a must when you're out."
"Just drink less. I don't want to have to carry you back. Unless you want to stay at the hotel," Liang Xiaoyuan said.
"No way. I have to go back to school to sleep. I have to get up early to study tomorrow. Compared to you rich idle folks, don't I seem much more ambitious?" Shen Tong retorted.
"Nothing you say surprises me anymore. You bring too many surprises," Liang Xiaoyuan said, exasperated.
"..."
Just as Shen Tong was about to say something, someone behind them said, "Mr. Liang, please come over here."
"Go ahead. I'll wait here. Don't worry about me," Shen Tong said to Liang Xiaoyuan.
Liang Xiaoyuan nodded to Shen Tong. "Drink less. I'll be back soon."
"Okay. Go on."
Shen Tong put on an understanding act. If they were acting, they had to do it well, right? As she stood alone, the music changed. She looked up instinctively. Xie Sangyan was no longer at the piano; an older man had taken her place.