“Call me Yan Chen.”

His voice was soft, yet it landed in Su Xiaotang’s heart like a pebble tossed into a still lake, sending ripples across its surface. Her face flared scarlet; she parted her lips, but no sound came out.

Call him Yan Chen?

That was far too intimate.

Gu Yan Chen watched her flustered reaction and a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. “What? Afraid to?”

“N-no… I just… I’m not used to it,” she mumbled, lowering her head and twisting the hem of her blouse between nervous fingers.

“You’ll get used to it,” he said gently. With a soft laugh he brushed the tip of her nose. “Silly girl.”

Su Xiaotang’s cheeks burned even hotter; her heart threatened to leap out of her throat. The gesture was far too affectionate.

The pantry suddenly felt too small, the air tinged with pink bubbles of tension.

Just then Zhang Meng’s voice drifted in from the corridor. “Xiaotang, are you in there? Supervisor Wang is looking for you…”

Startled, Su Xiaotang sprang away from Gu Yan Chen, smoothing her clothes. “I-I’m here!”

Gu Yan Chen gave her an exasperated smile and moved to the window, pretending to admire the view.

She opened the door to find Zhang Meng standing outside, eyes sparkling with curiosity, a knowing grin on her face.

“What did Supervisor Wang need?” Su Xiaotang asked quickly.

“Just some photocopying,” Zhang Meng replied, her gaze sliding between Su Xiaotang and Gu Yan Chen. “So… what were you two ‘working on’ in here?”

“J-just work,” Su Xiaotang said, cheeks flaming again.

“Mmm-hmm, ‘work,’” Zhang Meng drawled, clearly unconvinced. She winked. “Off you go, then—I’ll leave you lovebirds to it.”

Watching Zhang Meng walk away, Su Xiaotang sighed. Her friend would definitely jump to conclusions.

She glanced back at Gu Yan Chen; he was still watching her, eyes warm.

“I-I’ll head back down.”

“Mm,” he nodded. “I’ll drive you home tonight.”

“That’s really not—”

“It’s settled,” he cut in gently but firmly. “Wait for me at the main entrance after work.”

Su Xiaotang wanted to protest, but he had already turned toward his office.

That evening she dragged her feet to the lobby. A black Bentley idled at the curb—low-key, luxurious. Lin Zhou opened the door with a smile. “Miss Su, please.”

Inside, soft music played. Gu Yan Chen was reviewing documents; his profile looked relaxed.

Stealing a glance, she summoned her courage. “Y-Yan Chen… why are you driving me home?”

He lifted his gaze. “Because I want to. Unless you’d rather I didn’t?”

“N-no, that’s not it…” she stammered.

“Then it’s settled.” He smiled and returned to his file.

The ride was quiet, yet every beat of her heart felt sweet.

When the car stopped at her complex, he called her name softly.

“Su Xiaotang.”

“Mm?” She turned.

His eyes were serious. “I like you.”

Her mind went blank.

“I said—I like you,” he repeated, voice steady. “From the moment you spilled coffee on me in the lobby, I noticed you. I know there’s a gap between our worlds, and you might think this is just a whim, but I’m sincere. I want to be with you. Will you give me a chance?”

Tears pricked her eyes. She had never imagined someone like him could fall for an ordinary girl like her. All the little kindnesses—shielding her from drink, firing Zhao Man, the quiet care—flashed through her mind.

“I will,” she whispered, nodding, voice thick.

His eyes lit up, a brilliant smile breaking across his face—sunshine itself. He took her hand gently; his large, warm fingers wrapped around hers, steady and reassuring.

“Then from this moment, you’re my girlfriend—Gu Yan Chen’s girlfriend.”

Her heart felt as if it were dipped in honey.

“So… we’re officially dating?” she asked shyly.

“Officially.” He squeezed her hand. “Tomorrow morning I’ll pick you up for work.”

“That’s really not necessary—”

“It is. A boyfriend driving his girlfriend to work is the most natural thing in the world.”

She stepped out of the car, cheeks warm, watching the Bentley disappear before touching her burning face and smiling uncontrollably.

The next day Su Xiaotang rose early, choosing a white sundress and light make-up—fresh and sweet. Gu Yan Chen was already waiting downstairs, a breakfast bag in hand.

“Still warm—your favorite sandwich and milk,” he said, handing it over.

“You remembered…” she murmured, heart softening.

At the office he kissed her cheek before she could escape. “See you tonight.”

Inside Admin, Zhang Meng pounced. “I saw you get out of President Gu’s car! Details—now!”

Su Xiaotang’s blush was answer enough. Zhang Meng squealed, half the office echoing her excitement.

Yes, Su Xiaotang thought—she was probably the luckiest girl in the world.