You Must Marry Me! - Chapter 44
Chapter 44
Yu Xiaotao gave an awkward smile. The image of Yan Yiyun’s bunny-like retreat flashed through her mind. She definitely couldn’t tell Qi Zhen that just one second before she opened the door, the young lady had bolted like a frightened rabbit.
“Uh… she had something to do,” Yu Xiaotao led Qi Zhen into the break room and laid out the lunchboxes on the table. “She’ll be back in the afternoon.”
Qi Zhen nodded without asking further.
If she wanted to know where Yan Yiyun had gone, she could just ask her directly. Why bother taking the long way around and asking Yu Xiaotao?
Yu Xiaotao lowered her head, beginning to open the lunchboxes. Her heart was full of curiosity. Normally, the two of them would eat and leave work together. Why did the young lady run off after seeing Qi Zhen today? And why wasn’t Qi Zhen asking anything?
Did they have a fight?
Yu Xiaotao immediately started to panic.
She really didn’t want Yan Yiyun and Qi Zhen to have a falling-out. After all, who’s in a good mood after a fight?
Yan Yiyun was her direct boss. If she was in a bad mood, the temperature in this office would drop by at least three degrees—and her own days wouldn’t be any easier.
Yu Xiaotao wanted to give Qi Zhen a little hint, maybe tell her what the young lady had said before leaving. But her professional ethics held her tongue.
If she said anything, Yan Yiyun might fire her the moment she returned.
As an assistant, the most important thing was to prioritize the boss’s needs—and never reveal her personal matters to others.
Yu Xiaotao was torn, her brows furrowed tightly in indecision.
Qi Zhen calmly opened the lunchboxes one by one and arranged them on the break room’s dining table. Seeing Yu Xiaotao sitting there with furrowed brows deep in thought, she didn’t disturb her. Instead, she unwrapped her utensils and pushed them toward Yu Xiaotao with the lunchbox, quietly waiting for her to snap out of it.
With all the food in front of her, it would be too much if Yu Xiaotao kept spacing out.
She lowered her head, picked up her chopsticks, and smiled at Qi Zhen. “Thank you.”
Qi Zhen replied coolly, “You’re welcome.”
Yu Xiaotao felt all kinds of nervous. In the past, when she and Yan Yiyun bumped into Qi Zhen, Qi Zhen would still hand her a yogurt or something out of courtesy for Yan Yiyun’s sake. She always seemed a little cold, but there was still some warmth—some trace of human touch.
But today’s Qi Zhen had returned to how she was before Yan Yiyun joined the company—
An immovable iceberg, impossible to approach.
Yu Xiaotao rubbed her nose and quietly ate her food.
For a while, the only sound in the break room was chopsticks tapping against bowls—so quiet it was almost suffocating.
But Qi Zhen didn’t feel uncomfortable. She had always been a quiet person. Only around Yan Yiyun would she talk a little more. This silent atmosphere—this was her normal.
Yu Xiaotao uncomfortably finished the meal and sat stiffly by the table, utterly conflicted inside.
She really wanted to find an excuse to slip away, but before leaving, Yan Yiyun had told her, “Eat with Qi Zhen.”
Which meant she couldn’t leave the office until Qi Zhen finished eating. Only then would her task be complete.
Qi Zhen was sipping soup. Auntie Li had made cordyceps chicken soup today. In the small white porcelain bowl was a golden, clear broth, simmered overnight to absorb all the flavor of the black chicken and cordyceps flowers. Sweet and savory, with the soup ingredients carefully strained out, it was as perfect as a soup could get.
She drank the soup while observing Yu Xiaotao’s expression.
It was clear that Yu Xiaotao was extremely nervous.
Even though her eyes were on the table, her eyelids twitched constantly, betraying her inner desire to leave. Her hands were hidden under the table, but Qi Zhen could guess—they were probably fidgeting, trying to ease the anxiety.
Qi Zhen had seen Yu Xiaotao before and knew she was a capable assistant. There was no way she’d be this nervous over a simple meal. That raised a lot of questions in Qi Zhen’s mind.
Was Yu Xiaotao this tense because Yan Yiyun had said something to her?
She set down her bowl, wiped her lips, and asked unhurriedly, “Xiaotao.”
“Hmm?” Yu Xiaotao was daydreaming and jumped at the sound of her name.
Her reaction didn’t escape Qi Zhen’s notice. Qi Zhen’s heart skipped a beat. She pushed down her unease and gave her signature gentle smile.
“Are you nervous?” she asked.
Yu Xiaotao, being caught, actually became more candid. “A little.”
“Why?” Qi Zhen asked.
Yu Xiaotao hesitated and said, “Nothing really. Everyone feels nervous around you. You’re our company’s famous ice queen.”
As expected of someone qualified to be Yan Yiyun’s assistant—she quickly turned the conversation into a joke.
“We’re all afraid of the cold,” she added playfully.
Qi Zhen paused. She hadn’t expected that answer.
Since joining the company, she had been focused solely on work and never thought about how others viewed her. Hearing this from Yu Xiaotao now, a trace of doubt crept into her heart.
Could it be that Yan Yiyun also thought that?
She recalled their interactions. It was always Yan Yiyun who approached her first—whether in the break room or at the convenience store. She was always the one to initiate meals. Even later on, it was mostly Yan Yiyun who took the initiative.
Qi Zhen pressed her lips together.
She clearly liked Yan Yiyun. So why was she always the one holding back?
She knew the reason—because she saw Yan Yiyun as the future CEO. They weren’t on the same level. She was afraid she would become a burden.
But that was her own weakness. It had nothing to do with Yan Yiyun.
She could work hard to become someone more worthy of Yan Yiyun. But before that, shouldn’t she at least try to be a little more proactive?
Otherwise… what would Yan Yiyun think?
If this continued, the tiny spark of affection Yan Yiyun had for her might just fade away.
Qi Zhen’s expression grew more serious. She looked at Yu Xiaotao and said, “I understand. Thank you.”
Yu Xiaotao: “???”
She had no idea Qi Zhen had just turned her into a mouthpiece for Yan Yiyun, translating her joke into something deeply meaningful—and silently resolving to be more enthusiastic.
Still, even though Yu Xiaotao didn’t understand, she knew she had to remember every word Qi Zhen said. After all, today’s free lunch was thanks to her.
So she smiled like a proper assistant and said, “You’re welcome.”
Qi Zhen glanced at the clock and stood up. “It’s getting late. I’ll head back first.”
She gathered her things and left the office.
Lunch break was already halfway over. When she and Yan Yiyun were together, it was mutually enjoyable. But today, Yu Xiaotao was obviously working overtime. She should at least let her get some rest.
As soon as Qi Zhen left, Yu Xiaotao pulled out her phone and messaged Yan Yiyun:
“Boss, we’ve finished eating.”
Yan Yiyun had just returned from outside. She was standing at the end of the corridor near the elevator when her phone buzzed.
She lowered her head and glanced at the message, her lips curling involuntarily.
The few minutes she spent outside seemed to have calmed her down. Now, thinking back to her ridiculous reaction from earlier, she could only sigh helplessly.
She had been frightened off by Qi Zhen.
Yes… frightened.
The moment she saw Qi Zhen standing outside with a lunchbox, her first instinct wasn’t joy or anticipation—but panic.
She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t know how to face her. She couldn’t act like nothing had happened, pretending they were still in that hazy in-between state before the kiss.
She knew Qi Zhen was too calm, and that scared her.
It felt like, if she said something wrong or acted too presumptuously, everything that had been building up between them would disappear in an instant.
But if she didn’t say anything, didn’t do anything, what was she expecting to happen?
That Qi Zhen would keep waiting?
Or that her own feelings would just go away?
…She had been running in circles by herself for so long, and she was tired.
She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
After calming down, she turned around and walked back toward the office.
She had just reached the door when she saw Yu Xiaotao standing inside with her phone, clearly texting her.
The moment Yu Xiaotao saw her, her eyes widened.
“Miss Yan!” she called out with alarm.
Yan Yiyun raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, just… you’re back already?” Yu Xiaotao put away her phone in a panic. “President Qi just left a few minutes ago.”
“Hmm.” Yan Yiyun responded noncommittally.
She walked to her desk and sat down, pretending to sort through the documents, but in truth, her mind was still on that lunchbox.
That chicken soup… was one of her favorites.
She had mentioned it once in passing before. Did Qi Zhen remember?
She opened the drawer beside her and looked at the familiar pair of chopsticks Qi Zhen had once left behind. Her fingers hovered above them for a long moment, but she didn’t take them out.
Yu Xiaotao stood quietly to the side, observing her boss’s expression—then wisely decided to shut up.
That was enough drama for one lunch break.
When Yan Yiyun heard Qi Zhen’s words, her face flushed.
She awkwardly fiddled with her bowtie, opened the office door, stepped aside to let her in, deliberately avoided looking at Qi Zhen, and said, “Let’s go.”
Qi Zhen let out a quiet chuckle and followed her into the direct-access elevator.
Uncle Li had already been waiting in the car. When he saw that Yan Yiyun came down with Qi Zhen, he quietly let out a breath of relief.
Ever since the young lady returned to China, the person she was closest to was this little girl. If they had really argued like he suspected, she would probably be down in the dumps for several days.
Yan Yiyun got in the car and told Uncle Li the destination.
He recognized the address—it was the same residential complex Yan Yiyun had visited last week. He knew the way and drove off.
In the backseat, Yan Yiyun sat beside Qi Zhen, but unlike her usual chatty self, she stared blankly out the window in silence the entire ride.
Qi Zhen found it odd. What’s up with her?
Yan Yiyun felt off today—very off.
Qi Zhen wanted to ask, but with Uncle Li driving, she decided to hold her tongue.
Maybe Yan Yiyun didn’t want Uncle Li to know.
Wangyue Lake was about thirty minutes from Xingyue Entertainment. After listening to a few songs, Uncle Li pulled into the complex’s underground parking.
Yan Yiyun and Qi Zhen got out and walked toward the lobby—about a five-minute walk.
Qi Zhen seized the moment and gently called, “Ruan Ruan.”
Yan Yiyun couldn’t bear being called that by her, especially when Qi Zhen looked so soft and sweet today. Honestly, Qi Zhen was the one who looked like a walking marshmallow.
She put on a stern voice and barked, “What?!”
Qi Zhen’s voice carried a hint of grievance, making her sound even softer and gentler.
“Nothing.”
She hadn’t really said anything, but Yan Yiyun felt like she was being accused: Why are you being so mean to me?
Yan Yiyun panicked a little. She turned her head to look at Qi Zhen, but Qi Zhen didn’t meet her gaze—just pressed her lips together in silence.
Yan Yiyun reached out to hold her hand and was met with a chill. Her heart sank with regret. Why did I speak to her like that? Now I’ve scared her off, haven’t I?
She shook their joined hands and muttered, “I didn’t mean to be harsh.”
She noticed the faint curl at the corner of Qi Zhen’s lips, her voice tinged with laughter: “When did I say you were being harsh?”
Yan Yiyun: “……”
She fell into Qi Zhen’s trap again.
Yan Yiyun flung her hand away. “You’re so annoying!”
Her tone lifted at the end—it didn’t sound angry, more like a sulky pout.
Qi Zhen unhurriedly took her hand again, wrapping it in her own, applying a gentle firmness that carried a quiet resolve. “Am I?”
As soon as Qi Zhen held her hand, Yan Yiyun felt all her restlessness melt away. She turned obedient in an instant, like a golden retriever. In a tiny voice, she mumbled, “No, how could I ever be annoyed with you?”
Qi Zhen’s smile deepened.
She was almost certain now—Yan Yiyun’s feelings for her had changed.
That “how could I ever be annoyed with you” was so sweet and coquettish, it made her heart feel like mush.
She really wanted to tell Yan Yiyun right then—tell her how she felt and see her reaction.
Would she be shy? Would she blush?
Qi Zhen found herself lost in fantasy, a smile lingering on her lips. Yan Yiyun looked at her face, noticing the silent smile, and couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.
She wasn’t good at hiding her emotions. After walking a few steps, she finally asked, “Zhenzhen, what are you smiling at?”
Qi Zhen quickly reined in her expression and replied, “I’m just happy I’ll be living on my own.”
She really did want to confess to Yan Yiyun, but not now.
What did she have right now? Nothing.
A rocky family, and she had only just taken her first step toward independence—she didn’t feel qualified to ask Yan Yiyun to be her girlfriend.
It wasn’t that she felt inferior—just that the time wasn’t right.
Qi Zhen subconsciously bit her lip. She needed to move faster.
She wanted to move out on her own, film some projects, reconnect with her old studio, shoot some short films, submit them to film festivals. Once she had an award under her belt, she would finally have the confidence to ask Yan Yiyun to be her girlfriend.
Thinking of this, Qi Zhen’s smile returned. None of this seemed difficult to her.
She only hoped that Yan Yiyun could like her a little more—and for a little longer.
Seeing her smile deepen, Yan Yiyun asked curiously, “You’re really that happy to be moving out?”
She couldn’t quite relate. When she lived abroad alone, it was just getting by each day. Everything else could be outsourced, but meals were the worst—no one could match Auntie Li’s cooking.
And she missed her parents terribly, video-calling them daily—she was a real homebody.
Now seeing Qi Zhen so excited about moving out, she found it hard to understand.
Qi Zhen didn’t answer directly. “Didn’t you buy the place across from mine?”
As soon as Yan Yiyun heard that, her heart started pounding.
W-What did she mean by that?!
Could it be that Qi Zhen was happy to move out because she would be living across from her?!
Did Qi Zhen want to be neighbors with her?!
From last night until now, her heart had been in constant turmoil, every beat a sweet torment. She wanted to see Qi Zhen, talk to her, be even closer.
Every time her mind wandered from work, these thoughts flooded back.
Is this what it feels like to like someone?
Suddenly, nothing else seemed to matter. The only thing that did was the person in her heart—they became her whole world.
Yan Yiyun had never felt this way before. It was both exhilarating and scary.
What if I get sad every time I can’t see her?
What will I do on weekends? What about nights?
A lightbulb went off in her head—whenever Qi Zhen moved in, she’d have to schedule it into her life too!
Didn’t Qi Zhen say it herself?
She bought the place across from hers!
Wasn’t that a hint?!
That thought made Yan Yiyun beam with joy. She couldn’t hide how happy she was.
Hand in hand with Qi Zhen, she cheerfully entered the real estate sales office.
A staff member greeted them with a smile. “Here to—?”
Qi Zhen simply said, “I bought a unit previously. Just here to pick up the keys.”
The staff led them to a reception room, poured them tea, laid out some snacks, and then went to retrieve the keys.
As he left, his eyes fell on their interlocked hands. He wondered: Are they just friends?
Holding hands to pick up keys—it felt more like a couple buying a home together. But they were both girls and didn’t even meet each other’s eyes when they spoke—truly a mystery.
Everyone in real estate had seen their fair share of unusual clients. But when he finally fetched the keys, he was still a little stunned.
Holding two sets of keys, he recalled the gossip he’d just heard as he walked back to the reception.
Apparently, one of them bought a unit first. Then the other came to visit her, didn’t even look around, and immediately bought the one across the hall.
Came out for dinner, bought a house—what kind of rich people were these?!
The staff felt a wave of envy—rich people’s happiness is truly unimaginable.
When he returned, Qi Zhen and Yan Yiyun were peeling mandarins, snacking while they waited. Neither had eaten dinner yet and were getting hungry.
Qi Zhen peeled while asking, “What do you want for dinner?”
Yan Yiyun made a thoughtful sound. She’d been eating at home lately. Her family loved spicy food, and Auntie Li constantly came up with new spicy dishes—it was getting a bit overwhelming.
She thought for a moment and said, “Didn’t you mention clear broth hotpot last time? Let’s have that.”
Qi Zhen nodded with a smile, pulled out her phone, and sent a WeChat message to the restaurant to book a table.
The staff member waited until they finished talking before handing them the keys with a bright smile. “Congratulations! Here are your new home keys. Would you like me to show you the unit?”
Qi Zhen and Yan Yiyun exchanged a glance—and both saw reluctance in the other’s eyes.
Qi Zhen had already seen the place. She’d checked out all the floor plans, picked the floor and location carefully, and confirmed everything in writing before signing—no need for another walkthrough.
Yan Yiyun had a simpler reason: she only bought the unit to be near Qi Zhen. She didn’t really care what it looked like.
Qi Zhen whispered, “Want to go see?”
Yan Yiyun said, “I’m hungry.”
Once Qi Zhen confirmed she really didn’t want to, she waved to the staff and said, “We’ll skip the tour. Thank you for everything today.”
The staff was stunned. It was his first time seeing new homeowners not even bother to look at their place after getting the keys.
They really don’t care at all, huh?
For Qi Zhen, the apartment was just a place to stay. She had no sentimental attachment to the concept of “home.” Besides, it wasn’t even her first property. A few years back, she had so many apartments and commercial units, she couldn’t count them all—this was old news.
Feeling relaxed, she said, “One more thing—could you help me get a number for a moving company? I’m moving in on Saturday.”
The staff quickly agreed, still reeling from everything that had just happened.
With everything arranged, Qi Zhen finally relaxed—and promptly realized she was hungry too.
She slipped her arm through Yan Yiyun’s and smiled. “Let’s go eat.”
Yan Yiyun had never seen her so forward before—it made her heart float. She smiled brighter than the sun.
She let Qi Zhen link arms with her and even worried it might be uncomfortable, so she asked, “Cold? Do you want to put your hand in my pocket?”
The sky had already gone dark, and Qi Zhen’s outfit today didn’t look very warm. Indoors was fine, but with the wind outside, it would be easy to catch a cold.
Qi Zhen obediently slipped her hand into the pocket. “Cold. Warm me up.”
Her hand, soft as silk, nestled into Yan Yiyun’s palm. Her fingertips were slightly cool, her skin smooth like top-grade jade. Yan Yiyun felt a jolt to her scalp—like she forgot how to speak.
She stammered, “Then… if I hold your hand, you won’t be cold anymore.”