Ever since she’d delivered that last file, Su Xiaotang sensed something had subtly shifted in Gu Yanchen’s attitude toward her. It wasn’t overt courting—just small, telling changes.

For instance, whenever Administration received documents that had to go to the top floor, the task used to fall to whoever happened to be free. Now Supervisor Wang always singled her out. At first the arrangement felt awkward, but after several trips she’d grown used to it.

Each time she entered Gu Yanchen’s office, he remained his usual cool self, yet he never failed to say a few words.

“The coffee’s good.”

“This report is acceptable.”

“It’s hot today—be careful of heatstroke.”

Ordinary sentences, yet coming from him they made her heart skip.

Zhang Meng teased her daily. “Xiaotang, tell the truth—President Gu’s wooing you, right? Otherwise why give you all these cushy errands?”

“Stop joking!” Su Xiaotang retorted, cheeks flaming. “It’s just work.”

“Work? Who else gets to run to the big boss every day?” Zhang Meng arched a brow. “I heard President Gu used to speak only to Assistant Lin. Now he chats with a female employee—unheard of.”

Su Xiaotang’s pulse fluttered, though she dared not hope. They lived in different worlds: he was the lofty president; she a rookie assistant.

That afternoon she was sorting files when Lin Zhou called.

“Miss Su, President Gu needs you upstairs to locate some documents.”

“On my way.”

She dropped her work and headed to the top floor.

Gu Yanchen was at his computer. Without looking up he pointed to a cabinet. “Third-quarter project reports, last year—second cabinet, third shelf.”

The cabinet was tall. She stretched but still couldn’t reach the inner folders.

“Need help?” His voice sounded behind her.

Startled, she turned—he’d come closer without her noticing.

“I-I can manage.” She rose on tiptoe again.

Her foot slipped; she toppled backward.

“Careful!”

Gu Yanchen’s arm circled her waist. Her face pressed to his chest; the steady thud of his heartbeat filled her ears. A faint cedar scent enveloped her.

Momentarily stunned, Gu Yanchen looked down at the soft hair brushing his chin. His hand lingered on her slender waist; he could feel her tremble.

They were so close their breaths mingled. Su Xiaotang’s cheeks burned. She scrambled upright and stepped back, mortified. “S-sorry, President Gu, I didn’t mean—”

He released her, straightening his shirt. “No harm.”

He reached up easily and pulled the file free, handing it to her.

“Th-thank you,” she stammered, fingers brushing his—an electric jolt.

Clutching the folder, she longed to flee.

“Wait.”

She froze.

“Are you free tomorrow evening?”

Su Xiaotang blinked. “Ah?”

“A partner is required for a dinner with investors. Assistant Lin said you handled last time’s reception well.”

Partner? Her pulse spiked. Wasn’t that rather intimate?

“It’s purely business,” Gu Yanchen added, as if reading her mind.

Hearing “purely business,” Su Xiaotang felt an odd pang of disappointment, yet nodded. “All right, President Gu.”

“Seven o’clock. Lin Zhou will pick you up.”

She fled back to Administration, heart still racing.

Zhang Meng pounced at once. “Saw the boss again? Your face is scarlet!”

Su Xiaotang recounted everything—omitting the almost-fall.

“Partner for a banquet?!” Zhang Meng squealed. “Half the city’s socialites would kill for that spot! Something’s definitely brewing.”

“It’s just work,” Su Xiaotang insisted, though anticipation stirred.

That afternoon she took a half-day off to buy a gown. After hours of searching she chose a simple, elegant lilac dress.

At six-thirty sharp Lin Zhou arrived. When he saw her, he smiled. “Miss Su looks lovely tonight.”

At the hotel entrance Gu Yanchen waited in a black suit, even more imposing. When he saw her, his eyes flickered—approval, gone in an instant.

“President Gu,” she greeted softly, nerves taut.

He offered his arm; after a brief hesitation she slipped her hand through. The solid warmth beneath the fabric set her heart drumming again.

Inside the ballroom heads turned. She instinctively moved closer. Gu Yanchen bent to murmur, “Stay with me. Don’t be afraid.”

His breath brushed her ear; heat flared across her cheeks.

Throughout the evening he guided her among industry giants. A middle-aged executive leered. “President Gu, introduce this pretty assistant? My son—”

Gu Yanchen shifted her behind him, voice glacial. “She’s taken.”

The man retreated.

Taken? Su Xiaotang’s heart somersaulted. What did he mean?

She opened her mouth to ask, but Gu Yanchen only handed her a glass of juice. “Drink something.”

Later an urgent call pulled him away. “Lin Zhou will drive you home. I have matters to handle.”

He paused at the exit. “You looked… beautiful tonight.” Then he was gone.

In the car Su Xiaotang watched city lights blur, a small smile curving her lips.

Perhaps Zhang Meng was right—sparks might already be flying.

The next morning Su Xiaotang arrived late—on purpose, per Gu Yanchen’s text—but when she entered Administration every eye followed her, buzzing with fresh gossip. She ignored it, cheeks warm, the echo of his quiet compliment still ringing in her ears.