Anna was participating in a highly anticipated reality show about gemstone identification. The show focused on how to recognize precious gems, semi-precious stones, and rare minerals. Because two of the original expert guests couldn't make it, Anna and her colleague Lily were called in as substitute guests.
The show adopted a team challenge format, with every two guests forming a pair, totaling ten participants. They drew lots to receive different mineral specimens, which they had to identify and explain the characteristics, history, and value of the minerals. Coincidentally, Anna and Lily were paired together, and they drew specimens like turquoise, amethyst, and some common mineral samples.
On camera, Anna couldn't help but ask the host, "Can we focus on explaining just a few key minerals? There are some we've never seen before."
The host shook his head with a smile. "No, no, no! Please try to identify them all comprehensively. Time is running out, so let's get started!"
Anna's face immediately scrunched up. She wasn't very skilled in gem appraisal, especially with common minerals like amethyst. Figuring out how to make an interesting interpretation on the show was a real challenge for her. Because it was a live broadcast, her vivid and genuine expressions made many viewers laugh in front of their screens. Quite a few people started taking screenshots of her various expressions and sharing them on social media.
Unexpectedly, Anna gained a bit of sudden fame because of this gemstone appraisal show.
That same day, Daniel was passing by the lounge during a company meeting break when he unexpectedly overheard a few interns discussing Anna's show. One girl was laughing while scrolling through videos. "She's just so adorable! Those chubby cheeks make me want to pinch them! Nowadays, many girls are so skinny for the camera; it's rare to see someone so naturally cute."
"She's not fat at all, just has a bit of baby fat," another girl chimed in. "Look, her arms and legs are still very slender, and her waist is slim too."
Daniel couldn't help but smile slightly, the corners of his mouth lifting as he fell into thought.
That evening, the city experienced its heaviest snowfall of the year. After finishing her day's work, Anna looked up at the window; snowflakes were swirling and falling, and the ground was covered with a thick layer of white. The streets were deserted, with only a few workers shoveling snow.
She stood hesitantly at the entrance of the building, pondering whether to walk half an hour to the subway station or stay at the office until the snow lessened. In this weather, catching a cab was out of the question.
In the distance, a large screen in the plaza was repeatedly playing an advertisement featuring the famous jewelry designer Jessica Hart. In the ad, Jessica smiled radiantly, the jewelry on her shimmering brilliantly, as if she were the most dazzling presence in the world.
Looking at the advertisement, Anna gradually felt a sense of helplessness and bitterness. If she had had such an opportunity back then—to become a darling in the jewelry design world—perhaps her life would be completely different now. Unfortunately, there are no "ifs" in life.
A cold wind swept by, and Anna couldn't help but shiver. She took a deep breath, lowered her head to look at the tips of her shoes, and a flood of past memories surged in her mind. She thought of colleagues who competed with her in gemstone identification, of opportunities she had missed, and of many predicaments she once didn't know how to face.
Just then, a warm men's coat was silently draped over her shoulders.
Anna looked up to see Daniel standing behind her. He was wearing a light gray suit, with a white scarf around his neck. Under the glow of the lights, he appeared both elegant and stern. His dark eyes glanced over her indifferently, then shifted to the distant advertisement screen in the plaza, a faint hint of sarcasm in his gaze.
"What are you doing here?" Anna asked in surprise, not expecting to encounter him under such circumstances.
"Just passing by," he replied blandly, his deep voice carrying a trace of nonchalance. His gaze returned to the large screen in the distance. In the advertisement, Jessica Hart still wore a radiant smile, seemingly showcasing her success and pride to the whole world.
Daniel's expression was indifferent and detached, as if he didn't care about anything. He never concealed his arrogance because, to him, what others pursued tirelessly was within his easy reach. The efforts and competitions of others were, in his eyes, meaningless struggles.
Anna suddenly understood some things. Her heart raced, memories returning to the time they spent together that evening and that unexpected kiss. She vaguely sensed that he had some interest in her, but his emotions were like a diamond—brilliant on the surface but hiding endless mysteries within.
She looked at Daniel, her eyes filled with a mix of unease and hope. She knew he was someone beyond her reach, yet she couldn't help harboring a trace of longing in her heart.
"You're more suited to this industry than she is," Daniel suddenly spoke, his tone calm but carrying an undeniable hint. His gaze shifted from the distant advertisement screen to her face, his eyes sharp and profound.
Anna's heart trembled; she hadn't expected him to say something so straightforward. Her face warmed slightly, her fingers unconsciously gripping the collar of the coat.
"Come to my place; it's snowing so heavily," Daniel said without further explanation, removing the scarf from around his neck and gently wrapping it around her.
At that moment, Anna felt her heartbeat accelerate, as if she were standing on the edge of a cliff—once she took that step forward, there would be no turning back.
In the days leading up to the New Year, Anna stayed at Daniel's place.
Looking back, she wondered why she had agreed to go with him that night. Perhaps it was the timing, the setting, and the people involved.
The unexpected heavy snowfall had blocked her path, and he had offered her a safe haven—a warm home and a broad, steady embrace. Perhaps also, it was a lingering unwillingness stirred by seeing Jessica Hart's giant billboards and advertisements.
After her shower, the snow outside continued to fall silently.
The living room lights were off; Daniel was focused on his laptop. His jacket was tossed aside, tie removed, and the soft glow of the screen illuminated his chiseled features, making them even more striking. There was an unintentional laziness about him.
She wrapped herself in a towel and cautiously peeked her head around the corner.
"Why not come over now that you're done?" he asked without looking up, fingers tapping on the keyboard. "Afraid I'll eat you?"
His voice was deep, tinged with a late-night languor.
There was another meaning to his words, with a hint of teasing.
Anna's face flushed deeply. "I don't have any clean clothes."
Only then did he look up at her, his gaze falling on her bare shoulders and then moving downward. His unabashed scrutiny contrasted sharply with her self-conscious clutching at her chest, making her seem overly coy.
She felt a bit annoyed inside.
Daniel stood up and went to his room, returning with a shirt in his hand.
After a moment's hesitation, Anna took it.
His shirt was large; when she tried it on, the hem reached down to her thighs.
"You want me to wear yours?"
"You don't have to wear anything," he teased.
She glared at him, cheeks burning, and grabbed the shirt before retreating to the room.
When she emerged, she felt a bit awkward, frequently tugging at the hem.
His shirt was big enough to cover her completely, but somehow it felt a bit... provocative.
She wondered if he had some particular preference.
But when she glanced at his handsome, indifferent face, she felt she might have been overthinking.
Seeing he was busy, she sat on a nearby armchair and played with her phone.
Her friend Sarah called, asking where she was and if she was safe being out alone. If she couldn't get a cab, Sarah could drive over to pick her up.
Anna felt a warmth in her heart. "I'm safe. I'm at..." She sneaked a glance at him, then whispered with a blush, "a friend's place."
Just then, he glanced up at her, a hint of a smile in his eyes.
Her face grew even hotter.
After finally reassuring Sarah, she sighed in relief and pretended to play Tetris calmly.
He didn't look at her again, but she couldn't help stealing glances at him. Soon, she grew bored of her game.
Putting down her phone, she moved closer to look at his laptop.
It was full of foreign reports; she recognized a few words but couldn't make sense of them together.
"What's it about?"
"It's a collaboration with the city government on building a biotech base," he explained briefly without going into detail.
Anna didn't understand and wasn't interested, so she returned to her seat to play on her phone.
About an hour later, he signed a document on his tablet, sent it off, and closed his laptop.