"You seem really passionate about design. Have you ever thought about going further with it?" Daniel suddenly asked.
Anna blinked, caught off guard. She hesitated before nodding slightly. "I've thought about it, but right now, I just want to gain more hands-on experience, learn how to handle real-world projects."
He nodded thoughtfully. "That's one way to grow," he agreed with a slight smile, "but academic learning and practical experience don't have to be mutually exclusive. You can pursue both."
His words struck a chord with her. Anna had never expected this kind of acknowledgment from someone like him—someone so high up, so seemingly untouchable. And yet, here he was, sitting next to her, genuinely interested in her thoughts and dreams.
Encouraged by his interest, she opened up further, sharing pieces of her past: growing up in a poor household, losing her parents at a young age, and being raised by relatives under difficult circumstances.
Daniel listened without interrupting, his face calm and contemplative. After she finished, he sighed softly and asked, "And then? How did you get to where you are now?"
Anna dropped her gaze, her voice low but firm. "I moved in with relatives. It wasn't easy, but I never let go of hope. I always knew what I wanted."
Her voice wavered slightly, but the conviction in her tone was unmistakable.
Daniel didn't speak right away. His gaze softened, and he placed a warm hand gently on her shoulder. His voice was low and steady. "You're strong."
For a long moment, he said nothing else.
"You probably think it's silly," Anna muttered, dropping her head.
It wasn't easy for her to talk about this. After all, no girl wants to expose her most vulnerable side to someone she likes. But then again, she figured if he was going to find out eventually, it might as well come from her.
"And also," she paused before admitting quietly, "I never went to college."
She continued, confessing the insecurity that had been bothering her lately.
"Sometimes I feel like I can't fully understand some of the design concepts."
This was the first time she had revealed her educational background, and it made her feel naked, like she was exposing a part of herself she usually kept hidden.
Daniel didn't seem surprised. His expression remained the same as always—calm and composed.
"Have you thought about going back to school?" he asked.
"Maybe one day, if the opportunity comes," she said, shyly flashing a smile that revealed her small, adorable dimples. "But right now, I'm more focused on making money."
For a moment, Daniel thought she resembled a feisty little cat—adorable when calm, but with the potential to scratch and bite if provoked.
The thought amused him, and a slight smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Anna felt a flutter in her chest, the warmth of his hand on her shoulder lingering in her mind. It was a kind of comfort and reassurance she wasn't used to. She had spent most of her life facing challenges alone, never expecting or needing anyone's comfort. But now, that sense of vulnerability took her by surprise.
"Don't push yourself too hard," he said softly, as if he could see right through her tough exterior.
Anna bit her lip, trying to hold back the emotions that threatened to surface. She lifted her head and forced a small smile. "I've gotten used to it."
Daniel studied her, as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately remained silent.
They sat there, side by side, the silence stretching between them, though it didn't feel awkward. In that moment, it was as if time had stopped, and they were in their own world, unhurried and still.
That evening, they talked for hours, and before they knew it, the moon had quietly risen above the treetops. Anna and Daniel found their conversation becoming increasingly effortless, and the atmosphere grew warm. Finally, he grabbed his jacket and said softly, "Let me walk you home."
Anna was about to refuse but held back. "Why not drop me off at my new apartment? The old place is too far," she said half-jokingly.
"You've already moved to a new place?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Not yet, but the bed's already there. I can make do for the night," she nodded, explaining.
However, Daniel neither took her back to her old place nor directly to the new apartment. The car hadn't gone far before it stopped.
When Anna stepped out of the car, she was stunned.
She stood beneath a towering skyscraper, the surroundings both unfamiliar and somewhat recognizable. She realized this was the central tower of Platinum Plaza. Although she passed by here every day on her way to work, she never imagined she'd one day be standing right in front of it.
This building housed luxurious high-end residences, with prices per square foot well into six figures. Glancing around in confusion, she followed him into the elevator. Daniel expertly swiped a card, and the elevator went straight to the top floor.
When he unlocked the door with his fingerprint, a mix of unease and curiosity arose in Anna's heart.
Unlike the historic townhouse she had visited before, this spacious penthouse exuded a strong modern vibe. Stepping into the living room, the expansive open design, glass walls, and contemporary decor showcased sheer luxury. Standing in the eastern living room, she could overlook the city's dazzling nightscape through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows. The distant crossroads sparkled like a galaxy.
"Do you usually live here?" Anna couldn't help but ask.
"Occasionally. It's close to the office," he replied flatly, as if it were the most ordinary thing.
"It's beautiful here, but I feel like living in a place like this would make me feel like I'm still at work after hours," Anna joked, her eyes wandering around again.
"Do you like it?" he suddenly asked, a hint of a smile in his eyes.
"Yes," she nodded honestly.
Daniel walked up to her, took her hand, and before she could react, placed a set of keys and an elevator card into her palm. "Then feel free to come by often."
Anna looked up at him, filled with confusion. "What do you mean?"
He didn't elaborate, just gave a slight smile, then turned and walked toward the kitchen to pour her a glass of water.
Watching his back, Anna's confusion deepened. She sat on the sofa in the living room, looking down at the keys and elevator card in her hand, unsure of his intentions.
Just then, Daniel emerged from the bathroom after a shower, wearing a white turtleneck sweater that made him look especially at home. He walked over, casually toweling his damp hair, exuding a relaxed ease.