Yun Daidai was doing something Zhou You found rather odd—but that was just her nature. Once she set her mind on something, she’d easily sink deep into it, unable to pull herself free.

A bit too self-absorbed, she barely cared what others thought—and wouldn’t tolerate anyone disagreeing with her.

Compared to Yun Daidai, "Sister Hua" felt far more comforting. At the very least, "Sister Hua" considered the feelings of those she valued and tried to change for them.

"Chairwoman?" Sun Qing held out the document, arm steady despite holding the pose for minutes. Yun Mingyue hadn’t taken it—lost in thought again.

It wasn’t the first time today.

"Are you unwell?"

"Hmm?" Yun Mingyue blinked back to reality. "Have I been spacing out often?"

"Seems like it," Sun Qing replied hesitantly. Maybe she’d imagined it.

"If you say so, then it’s true." Yun Mingyue accepted the file, flipped a page—and her gaze drifted once more. Clearly, work was the last thing on her mind.

The pen spun three times between her fingers, then stilled. Unfamiliar emotions, ones she’d never felt before, kept surfacing.

A faint unease stirred in her chest. She didn’t know how to handle it.

Sun Qing watched with quiet concern. She’d never seen Yun Mingyue like this.

"Can a sprout survive without sunlight and rain?" Yun Mingyue asked out of the blue—another oddly phrased question today.

"It depends on the variety," Sun Qing answered earnestly. "Some plants need very little."

"I see." Yun Mingyue pinched her cheek absently. "I suppose I’m the type who needs nothing..."

"But no matter the variety," Sun Qing added gently, "a sprout can never grow without sunlight and rain." She truly was treating it as a serious botanical discussion.

Yun Mingyue froze for a heartbeat—then let out a soft chuckle.

"You’re right. Everyone craves that nourishment. No one’s an exception."

She smoothed her expression back to its usual cool detachment. The familiar, composed aura Sun Qing knew so well returned.

"Sun Qing, go to HR. Have them notify all interns to start immediately."

Sun Qing nodded and left. Alone, Yun Mingyue signed a document and murmured:

"Indeed... a sprout still longs to grow."

"But what should I do?"

"So many interesting things I want to try..."

Her lips pressed together gently, the corners lifting ever so slightly.

...

...

Sun Qing moved fast. Zhou You soon got the call confirming his hire. After verifying details, he was in.

The next day, he arrived half an hour early, standing beneath the newly mounted plaque:

*New Industrial Chain Research Center*

An odd name—but perfectly aligned with government vision. The center monitored Hangzhou’s and the nation’s industrial trends: gathering street-level data, possibly liaising with foreign firms, compiling monthly reports on emerging industries for policy reference.

No profit expected. A deliberate loss-leader. But Yun Mingyue didn’t see it as a loss—relationship investment counted too. Others would kill for this chance.

"You’re early." Sun Qing clicked closer in stiletto heels, crisp business attire framing her figure.

"You are..." Zhou You frowned. This woman looked strangely familiar.

!!!

He replayed her face in his mind—eyes widened. *Wasn’t she Sister Hua’s secretary?*

"Aren’t you Sister Hua’s secretary? Why are you here?"

"You don’t know?"

"What *should* I know?"

Seeing his genuine confusion, Sun Qing didn’t spill anything. She offered an apologetic smile and stepped toward the corner, phone in hand.

*Beep... beep... beep...*

At home, Yun Mingyue—still torn between a sharp business suit and a gentle older-sister-style outfit—grabbed her phone. She’d been debating how to present herself to *him* today. Work demanded formality... yet she’d deliberately dressed younger before...

"Sun Qing? What is it?"

"Chairwoman, it’s like this—" A quick, concise update.

"He’s already here?"

"Yes."

Yun Mingyue snatched the business suit. "Bring him to my office. I’m on my way."

Sun Qing led Zhou You inside. Seated on the small sofa, realization dawned. *Did I randomly pick Sister Hua’s company for my internship?* Like how most only know TX belongs to Ma Huateng—no one memorizes every venture a tycoon owns. What a coincidence.

He glanced at the secretary in black stockings, wanting to ask but tongue-tied.

Silence stretched for thirty minutes.

Click-clack... click-clack...

The door opened. Cropped trousers hugged long legs; celadon heels revealed a sliver of fair instep. Every step was textbook-perfect. Flawless makeup, eyes slightly narrowed, expression unreadable. Her presence alone made the air feel heavier.

Yun Mingyue’s gaze swept the room. She settled into the executive chair, crossed her legs, and studied Zhou You with quiet curiosity.

Prepared for this, Zhou You remained steady beneath her aura. No false familiarity. Poised and respectful: "Chairwoman, how may I assist you?"

"You’re not trying to get chummy?" Yun Mingyue tilted her head. In his shoes, others might’ve assumed she was *theirs*.

"Your formal attire says it clearly: work is work, personal is personal. I see that."

Reading intent through appearance wasn’t hard for him—especially with someone he knew somewhat. He believed most could learn it with practice. He’d mastered it in a month.

"You’re absolutely right."

Yun Mingyue rested her chin on her palm, pinky tracing her lip. A soft light flickered in her eyes.

*Meeting someone who understands you... feels nice.*

Little did she know—Zhou You could read *many* people. Not just her.

At that time.