CHAPTER 334: CHAPTER 324: WEN NUAN AND TAN QING’S FIRST INTIMATE ENCOUNTER

Different city, same sky.

Wen Nuan sat in her new office, staring blankly at the computer screen.

It had been half a month since she arrived in E City. From today, she officially became a designer for MT’s E City branch. This meant that her work base was now in E City, and the chances to return to N City would be rare.

Leng Ye had already returned to N City. Lin Xue and Tan Qing also went back today. The director gave her the afternoon off, meaning she didn’t have to work.

Wen Nuan had a casual lunch with Lin Xue and Tan Qing, then sent them to the airport. When they got to the departure hall, Lin Xue winked at the two of them, "I’ll go in first, you two have a chat."

She then squeezed Wen Nuan’s hand and leaned towards her ear, whispering, "He’s a gem of a man, Nuannuan, don’t miss the chance."

As a mentor, she had given up on Leng Yan, always hoping to match Tan Qing and Wen Nuan. Before, Wen Nuan’s married status had prevented it, but now since there were no ties, she was willing to help them grow closer.

Wen Nuan’s face immediately turned red, her heart rife with feelings too complicated to describe in one word like "complex."

"It’s almost time. You should go, don’t miss your flight."

Wen Nuan wanted to urge Tan Qing to leave, but he insisted, "Nuannuan, come with me to the café for a drink."

Saying that, Tan Qing glanced at her, then headed to the second floor where there was a café.

"Go on!" Lin Xue gave her a push and made a "fighting!" gesture, which left Wen Nuan crying and laughing at the same time. She waved goodbye to Lin Xue, bit her lip, and resignedly followed.

Tan Qing didn’t actually go into the café as he said he would but stopped in a resting area. It was a quiet corner with barely anyone around.

Wen Nuan’s heart was racing, and she bowed her head slightly. She knew what Tan Qing wanted to say. But was what he thought really possible?

"Nuannuan, look at me." Tan Qing took a breath, his voice gentle yet commanding.

Wen Nuan raised her head to meet Tan Qing’s meaningful gaze. The intensity in his eyes made her breath hitch as she tried to say something, but no words came out.

After a moment of silence, Tan Qing reached out, holding her nervously entangled fingers, making it impossible for her to escape. His profound gaze locked onto hers, a deep emotion flowing from his enchanting phoenix eyes, "Nuannuan, finally, I have my chance, don’t I?"

His voice was soft, tender, laced with a hint of a sigh.

Wen Nuan’s heartbeat intensified relentlessly.

She understood his meaning, yet she had always avoided this topic, even avoiding meeting him alone for fear he would utter those very words.

But some things must come; avoidance never solves anything.

Wen Nuan bit her lip hard, unsure how to respond. Silence stretched between them. Faced with the overflowing affection in Tan Qing’s phoenix eyes, her face flushed with warmth.

Is it possible?

She didn’t feel worthy of Tan Qing. He was young, handsome, talented, and most importantly...unmarried. From any perspective, he was a great catch.

And she, although her marriage was not legal, had been married once.

Between them lay an insurmountable chasm.

Moreover...

She couldn’t deny it; leaving Leng Yan was pure resolve, but her heart hadn’t fully come back with her.

In the dead of night, she still thought of him, even dreamt of him, all the good and bad, the happiness and pain; his shadow lingered in her dreams.

Face like jade, a tall and upright physique.

"Nuannuan." Tan Qing saw her head drooping again, gently lifting her chin, "I’ve liked you since we first met. I thought it was simply your indifference that made you stand out, but as your time at MT extended, those feelings subtly changed, and I found myself wanting to see you more and more. I know, I’ve been captivated by you."

As he spoke, he leaned in slightly, and she, wearing high heels today, could feel the real warmth of his breath across her cheeks as they stood face to face. So close that the slightest movement from him could bring their lips together.

Wen Nuan’s body became tense, not daring to move, yet she could feel his breaths change.

A sense of heat...

In the quiet space, an unusual feeling was rising.

He leaned down, slowly closing the distance between them.

Wen Nuan’s heart startled, her instinct was to dodge, but his lips had already touched down, though due to her evasion, they fell on her flushed cheek, and soon, her body was enveloped in his embrace.

It was the first time he had made such an intimate gesture towards her, leaving Wen Nuan’s mind blank, anxiety rampaging through her chest.

"Tan Qing." Wen Nuan struggled to push him away, but Tan Qing’s arm around her waist tightened, binding her firmly. His lips descended again, decisively capturing hers.

An overwhelming feeling of panic!

Wen Nuan’s eyes widened, and she used all her strength to push him away.

"Tan Qing!"

She softly called his name, seeing the confusion in his eyes, her heart ached, "I’m sorry."

"I should be the one apologizing."

Regret and apology surfaced in Tan Qing’s eyes. "I couldn’t control myself."

"It’s not your fault." Wen Nuan shook her head slowly, sitting down in a chair beside them, burying her head in her knees, "I know your heart, but I still can’t accept it yet."

All along, she had blamed herself, never Tan Qing, not even for a moment.

"Have you decided to give up on him?" Tan Qing crouched beside her, his question tinged with a trace of hesitation, "Nuannuan, be honest, do you want to go back to him?"

"No!" Wen Nuan reflexively lifted her head and shook it vigorously, "I won’t go back."

She had truly decided to give up on that relationship, thought it over a thousand times, and when faced with such a question, she could answer without hesitation.

"Then, let me pursue you."

Tan Qing smiled mildly, "Give me a chance to care for you, to look after you. Nuannuan, since you don’t want to be with him, try accepting me."

He didn’t ask her if it was okay, as he didn’t want to give her a choice. Then, he patted her shoulder and stood up, "Nuannuan, there’s a meeting tomorrow, so I must hurry back to N City. Take good care of yourself here, I’ll come to see you."

"Tan Qing!"

Tan Qing nearly stood up and left right after speaking, not giving her a chance to respond. Wen Nuan wanted to stop him, but he merely turned back and smiled at her, "Wait for me."