Su Nian couldn't concentrate the entire morning. She hastily reviewed the contents of the collaboration, which was a guaranteed profitable scheme for them and required no negotiation. For their company, it was pure benefit; once there, she just needed to sign her name to finalize the contract.
As time neared eleven o'clock, Su Nian straightened out the documents and took a deep breath to calm her nerves before leaving the company alone.
The company and the café were separated by just a street. Upon entering, a burst of cool air hit her, making Su Nian shiver. The café's lighting was not bright, and amid the dimness flowed soothing music. European-style decorations and paintings every few steps gave off a uniquely romantic atmosphere.
Following the server to room 209, Su Nian held the doorknob, took a deep breath, and then opened the door.
The room wasn't large. Warm yellow lighting gave it a cozy feel. A rectangular marble table was adorned with a bouquet and red wine, flanked by two luxurious deep blue European sofas.
Su Nian stood at the entrance and observed the room. There were no partitions, so the other party had not yet arrived.
The dim lighting in the room made her feel unsafe, so she walked over to the window and pulled back the curtains, letting sunlight pour in—bright and warm.
Restlessly waiting from eleven until twelve, just as she hesitated on whether to leave or not, there came movement at the door.
The lock was turned, and the door cracked open slightly, showing only half the body of the café worker. Thinking the client might have arrived, Su Nian stood up ready to greet them.
She only heard the worker's respectful voice from outside: "Sir, please come in."
As Su Nian turned her head to look, the sight of the man entering literally froze her. Her gaze was fixed on him, certain she was hallucinating from hunger!
The man wore a traditional black suit. His tall stature exuded the aura of a sovereign—silent, yet his presence impossible to ignore.
The cold aura from him was the same as before, and even his gaze upon her was chilly.
Eyes locked, Su Nian caught her breath, turned around in a flurry, and started to gather the folders on the table, wanting to leave.
She only hoped that all of this was a dream, that upon opening her eyes, she would still be in her bed at home, with Su Zhen and Su Bao safely by her side.
Shen Hanxiu approached and grabbed her trembling hand, stopping her from packing the files. The coldness spread from the palm of his hand.
Su Nian quickly withdrew her hand, turned around, and was met with his broad chest, very close by.
Shen Hanxiu placed his hands on either side of her, trapping her against the table, looking down at her disarray.
Su Nian's cheeks flushed red, not daring to look up at him, her breath mingled with the familiar scent of him. For a moment, no one spoke, and Su Nian could hear her own rapid, anxious breathing.
Having hidden for four years, she ultimately was found by him. What did he want with her? Wasn't he supposed to be happily living with that woman? Why disrupt her life again? Or... was he here to take Su Zhen and Su Bao?!
"You used to talk a lot, didn't you?"
Su Nian awkwardly turned her head aside, not answering. Her hands in front of her tried to push him away, but he only moved closer, aggressively: "Su Nian, I divorced as you wished. Why are you still hiding?"
He didn't seem to want a reply, freeing a hand to pull hers behind her back and continued speaking: "Because of our child?"
Su Nian gave a disdainful laugh, a hint of resentment in her eyes, looking up at him: "Our child? You've forgotten that our child was long gone!"
Shen Hanxiu's expression remained as still as still water: "Those two children."
He already knew about the children. Was he truly here for them? Immediate panic led Su Nian to deny: "The children are not yours!"