The morning commute was heavily congested, especially near a few middle schools where the traffic crawled. Shen Duoyi left home on time, and when his car couldn’t move, he took a few bites of bread and casually observed the parents outside the schools. It wasn’t until he turned on the radio that he realized the high school entrance exams were happening these days.

It had been so long since he’d left school. If not for the news, he wouldn’t have remembered the exam dates. The parents waiting in the sweltering heat looked particularly worn out.

The traffic finally eased a bit. He set down his bread and focused on driving. In the rearview mirror, he took another glance at the weary parents. He remembered his own entrance exam day — it had been just as hot, and Lin Yuzhu had stuffed a large bottle of mung bean soup into his hands before he left.

Lost in thought, he soon arrived at the office building. The air conditioning inside was intense, making him consider putting on a jacket. Shen Duoyi swiped his card and dashed into a closing elevator, smiling as he greeted his colleagues already packed inside. “Good morning!”

A colleague from the legal department, who was quite familiar with him, suddenly asked, “Team Leader Shen, when was your work ID photo taken? You look so young there.”

Shen Duoyi joked, “Are you saying I look old now?”

“You look mature now, but when you smile, you still look young,” Annie chimed in. Out of courtesy, Shen Duoyi turned to look at her as she spoke. When she finished, he glanced at the elevator doors and finally noticed Qi Shi’an standing in the back, his height making him stand out.

He replied, “That ID photo was taken the year I graduated from college, in the campus print shop. The photographer even retouched it for me. I printed over forty copies — enough to last until retirement.”

Everyone in the elevator burst into laughter, including the usually composed Annie, who laughed heartily. Checking her watch, she said, still smiling, “I need to sit with my back to Team Leader Shen during the meeting. Otherwise, I’ll be laughing while taking notes.”

Shen Duoyi rarely made a fool of himself. He felt slightly embarrassed but seeing his colleagues so happy lifted his own mood. He caught a glimpse of Qi Shi’an through the elevator doors, noticing his downcast eyes and serious demeanor. Just as he worried that Qi Shi’an had something on his mind, he looked closer and saw the faintest upward curve at the corner of his mouth.

Pretending to be cool so early in the morning — typical.

The Consulting Department’s floor arrived, and Shen Duoyi stepped out quickly. He turned back to the elevator and said, “See you at the meeting!”

He didn’t address anyone specifically, so everyone assumed he was speaking to Annie, who smiled and nodded in response. Qi Shi’an leaned lazily against the wall, fully satisfied as he caught the subtle glance Shen Duoyi sent his way.

Half an hour later, all the meeting attendees were seated on the designated floor. Shen Duoyi had his notebook and pen ready, sitting next to Team Leader Qi, quietly waiting for the administrative assistant to hand out the necessary materials.

Since the weather had turned hot, Qi Shi’an had stopped wearing a suit jacket, appearing at work in just his shirt sleeves. Somehow, this made his presence even more commanding. He glanced at his watch and swept his gaze downward to confirm that everyone had their materials before speaking.

“Recently, we’ve been focusing heavily on forex investments. However, futures investments also account for fifty percent of the portfolio. The futures market is starting to feel like there’s a storm brewing on the horizon, so today, I want to discuss it.”

He emphasized, “I mean discuss. Feel free to speak openly. As long as you have logic and evidence, I don’t mind if you argue.”

The early morning tension dissipated with these words, and the atmosphere relaxed. Xiao Wang from the Futures Department said, “I’ve been on the day shift recently, and the market trends seem within reasonable bounds. I haven’t noticed anything unusual.”

Qi Shi’an nodded and launched a surprise attack. “Team Leader Qi, what’s your take?”

Shen Duoyi knew that in meetings, Qi Shi’an showed no favoritism, so he was ready to be called on. But to his surprise, the question was aimed at Team Leader Qi.

Team Leader Qi responded, “It could be an issue with the night sessions. We should take a closer look at the precious metals sector.”

The phrase “Very good” was Qi Shi’an’s signature compliment reserved for Shen Duoyi, who didn’t care for it much, but Qi Shi’an wouldn’t give it to anyone else either. “Team Leader Qi is right,” he said, clicking the remote. The screen at the front immediately displayed tables of precious metals indices.

“Take a good look. To make it easier for you, I stayed up late calculating these.” Qi Shi’an took a sip of coffee, scanning the room. “The contracts starting with ‘19’ are mostly main contracts, but trading is sluggish, and we’re still far from the delivery date. Doesn’t that strike you as odd?”

Shen Duoyi muttered under his breath, “Probably another case of market manipulation — retail investors better run.”

"..." Qi Shi’an heard it clearly and resisted the urge to look toward the Consulting Department. Instead, he remarked pointedly, “Some retail investors dwell on one loss forever. If they redirected that energy into new investments, they might have already recouped their losses.”

Shen Duoyi wasn’t foolish; he clearly understood that those words were directed at him. He politely asked, “Mr. Qi, I think that compared to stumbling in the same place again, it’s wiser to cut losses decisively.”

Qi Shi’an replied, “Why would you stumble in the same place again? The value of failure is exchanging frustration for experience. If you fall again for the same reason, you can’t blame the market for that level of skill — you’ll likely stumble anywhere.”

He looked at Shen Duoyi, their gazes meeting in a spark of challenge. Capital never sleeps, and a person’s mind only stops working the moment they die. If the market is a game that never ends, then your knowledge and wisdom are resources that will never be exhausted.

At first, Qi Shi’an thought Shen Duoyi was just challenging him for the sake of it. But after a few words, he genuinely worried that Shen Duoyi would become the type to be “once bitten, twice shy.” Ignoring the presence of colleagues, he added, “Team Leader Shen, you design great games, so you must be good at playing them too, right?”

Shen Duoyi finally recognized what was making him uneasy. As an actuary, he used to anticipate every possible risk, quantifying uncertainties ahead of time. He’d start from scratch, building data models to create stable, reliable structures.

Everything was calculated, designed, and finalized by him. Once the product was ready, others only needed to understand and use it. He was so accustomed to being in control, setting the rules, that the investment market — where rules were not his to dictate — was an entirely different battlefield. Even if he understood the trends, he couldn’t always make the market bend to his will.

Qi Shi’an had reminded him that he should approach the investment market like a problem to be solved, not with the rigid mindset of a judge hoping to conquer it.

Looking back at Qi Shi’an, Shen Duoyi rubbed his brow and said, “You’re right, Mr. Qi. I’ll keep that in mind.”

The meeting continued. After this back-and-forth exchange, everyone loosened up, and the professionals from the Futures Department provided in-depth analyses, while other departments countered with seemingly valid points.

The meeting stretched until noon, and there was still a sense of enthusiasm lingering in the air. Qi Shi’an closed his notebook and said, “There’s a bit more to cover, but the afternoon schedule is set, so we can’t go over time. We’ll handle it later — Annie, gather everyone’s opinions. Majority rules. Alright, go have lunch and get some rest.”

Some managers suggested, “Mr. Qi, we can meet during the lunch break or after work. While ideas are fresh, it’s better to finish it today.”

“Alright then,” Qi Shi’an glanced at the clock. “After work it is. Everyone needs a break at noon.”

The group headed to the company cafeteria. Shen Duoyi, never one to overthink, ordered a large portion of pineapple fried rice. Seeing this, Qi Shi’an followed suit and ordered two portions, ensuring they could sit together.

“You seem in a good mood,” Qi Shi’an commented, habitually wiping his spoon before eating. “The food hit the spot today?”

“Yeah, something sweet and sour is perfect for summer,” Shen Duoyi replied, eating enthusiastically and occasionally sipping on his plum juice. He was mid-bite when Zhang Yiming approached, carrying a bowl of noodles.

“Mind if I sit here?” Zhang Yiming slid into the seat next to Qi Shi’an. “Team Leader Shen, Team Leader Qi was just looking for you. I didn’t know you were here.”

Shen Duoyi answered sheepishly, “Team Leader Qi always picks the longest line. I was too hungry to wait.”

Zhang Yiming suddenly remembered the recent dinner gathering where they ran into You Si. The key point was that You Si completely ignored him but greeted Qi Shi’an with the usual warmth — clearly trying to spite him. He suddenly launched an attack, “Director Qi, stop eating so much. I heard from the chef that last time you bought out all the afternoon tea pastries.”

Qi Shi’an had no idea why Zhang Yiming was acting up, and he didn’t care to respond. But with Shen Duoyi present, losing face wasn’t an option. Just as he was about to retort, Shen Duoyi spoke up first.

“That’s because Mr. Qi has a heavy workload, and he’s been in the military. This appetite is completely normal.”

Zhang Yiming hadn’t expected Shen Duoyi to defend Qi Shi’an and fired back, “How do you know he’s been in the military?”

“It’s obvious,” Shen Duoyi responded swiftly. “Mr. Qi’s posture, whether standing or sitting, is noticeably straighter than most people’s. His demeanor is different, too. Compared to you, it’s clear you’re just a regular civilian.”

“…” Zhang Yiming clutched his chest dramatically, as though the words physically hurt. “Regular is good — at least I’m not a brute.”

Qi Shi’an quietly continued eating his pineapple fried rice, though the tanginess seemed to have disappeared, leaving only sweetness. Refusing to admit defeat, Zhang Yiming attempted another jab. “I heard there’s an overtime meeting tonight. Why the low efficiency? Couldn’t finish the discussion all morning?”

Shen Duoyi, having finished his meal, wiped his mouth and replied, “It’s not that the main task wasn’t finished; we’re just tackling extra problems.”

Zhang Yiming twirled his noodles. “Now you’re defending him?”

Shen Duoyi casually pushed his unfinished chicken cutlet forward. “Mr. Zhang, since Mr. Qi’s busy eating, I figured I’d answer on his behalf. Don’t mind me.”

Zhang Yiming scoffed, “I’m in charge of the Consulting Department. Aren’t you afraid I’ll make things difficult for you?”

Shen Duoyi shot back, “Then I’ll request a transfer to the Investment Department. Meeting clients all day is exhausting, after all.”

“In your dreams,” Zhang Yiming said, finishing his meal and getting up. “You’re just getting too close to him during these meetings. Look at Team Leader Qi — now that’s dedication.”

With the seats finally empty, Qi Shi’an finished the remaining pieces of chicken cutlet. His mind replayed the way Shen Duoyi had just defended him. Being cared for in these small, seemingly trivial ways felt unexpectedly heartwarming. He glanced at Shen Duoyi and said, “If you really want to join the Investment Department, submit an application. I’ll approve it within five minutes.”

Shen Duoyi, feeling drowsy, teased, “Five minutes? I thought you’d do it in three.”

“Three it is then,” Qi Shi’an replied. “I’ll personally guide you through trading so you can buy another apartment at Wenhu Apartments next year.”

They lingered over the scraps of their meal, chatting idly. As their colleagues gradually left for their lunch breaks, the cafeteria staff finished cleaning up. It was as if they had the entire floor to themselves, with no one to interrupt even if they shouted.

“Lying here is uncomfortable. Go nap in the break room on the 30th floor.”

Shen Duoyi, head down, mumbled, “If Annie sees that, I’ll have to explain everything.”

Qi Shi’an remained silent, allowing Shen Duoyi to rest properly. He took out his phone, reviewed the notes from the morning meeting, and then opened the camera app.

The floor-to-ceiling window behind them framed the city skyline. Shen Duoyi, having eaten his fill, was slumped over the table, his hair and eyelashes glimmering with a soft golden hue from the sunlight. His waterproof watch ticked reliably, exuding a very "waterproof" confidence.

Qi Shi’an pressed the shutter button. The gallery now held a new entry: “Duoduo insisting on napping in the cafeteria.”

After work, they had to finish the morning’s meeting. As the end of the day approached, no one rushed to pack up. Shen Duoyi had just informed Grandpa Shen that he’d be home late when he received an internal call from Zhang Yiming’s office.

“Mr. Zhang, do you need something?”

“Is the final draft of the ‘Advanced Platform’ proposal ready?”

Shen Duoyi found a red folder on his desk. “I finished it this afternoon. Would you like to see it now?”

“Bring it up to the 30th floor. Director Qi and I will review it together.”

Zhang Yiming hung up. Before heading up, he informed Qi Shi’an. Shen Duoyi grabbed the folder and his notebook and left, expecting to go straight into the meeting afterward.

Once everyone was assembled, Qi Shi’an said, “Mr. Li from the Securities Regulatory Commission mentioned there’s a new announcement coming soon, so this proposal needs some revisions.”

Shen Duoyi nodded. “Please review it and let me know what needs changing. I’ll prepare a revised version.”

The two senior partners examined the proposal for a while, making adjustments based on hints about the new policy. Qi Shi’an, ever efficient, wrote down clear instructions in the margins to lighten Shen Duoyi’s workload.

When they finished, Annie knocked and entered. “Mr. Qi, Ms. You from Zhesi is here.”

You Si walked in with a paper bag in hand, surprised to see others present. “Are you still busy? Our company just clocked out. I brought gifts from my recent trip.”

“We’re done now,” Qi Shi’an replied. “We have a meeting shortly.”

You Si placed the bag on the table and noticed Shen Duoyi, whom she didn’t recognize. She nodded in greeting. Qi Shi’an introduced them.

“This is Team Leader Shen Duoyi from the Consulting Department.”

“Got it.” You Si shook Shen Duoyi’s hand and pulled out a box of handmade cookies from her bag. “You have a nice voice, Team Leader Shen. I didn’t expect you to be so handsome, too. I was rude over the phone last time, so take these cookies as my apology. They’re for when you get hungry during the meeting.”

Shen Duoyi accepted the cookies, noticing the colorful doodles on the box — clearly designed for children. Smiling, he thanked her politely. “Ms. You, you’re even more beautiful than I imagined.”

Qi Shi’an, ever the stoic, interrupted. “Enough compliments. Get ready for the meeting.”

Even someone as poised as You Si couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She turned to leave. “The gifts are the same for everyone; split them however you like. My brother’s waiting downstairs. Team Leader Shen, let’s chat next time.”

Zhang Yiming, feeling ignored, followed her. “When’s next time? I’ve got no plans lately. How about we go out this weekend? Plenty of time to chat.”

Without looking back, You Si replied, “I wasn’t talking to you.”

Zhang Yiming persisted. “It’s settled then. This weekend, we’re going out. Team Leader Shen, you must come. You two can chat all you want.”

The office was now empty, leaving only Qi Shi’an and Shen Duoyi. Both were focused on their work, uninterested in others' subtle games of pursuit and retreat. They grabbed their materials and headed straight to the meeting floor.

They quickly slipped into work mode, continuing the analysis from the morning. Qi Shi’an, seated at the head of the table, faced the group, his eyes fixed on the data charts. “Looking at the recent performance of 06, there are some new short positions opening. Moving forward, the chance of a spike followed by a peak is low.”

He glanced up at the attendees, his gaze sweeping the room evenly until it landed on Shen Duoyi, who was attentively watching him. Under the watchful eyes of the room, a subtle thrill passed through Qi Shi’an.

He no longer cared to avert his gaze. Fixing his eyes on Shen Duoyi, he continued, “There’s another aspect we need to consider — whether we should hedge. Please turn to page twenty-eight of your materials.”

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone else looked down to flip through their materials. Shen Duoyi, caught in Qi Shi’an’s gaze, froze for a moment. Just as he came back to his senses and prepared to look down, he caught Qi Shi’an giving him a quick, deliberate wink — with his left eye only.

A flirtatious glance, right in the middle of a summer meeting.

And Qi Shi’an’s 'flirtation' was so blatant that had anyone looked up, it would have been immediately obvious.

Shen Duoyi stayed stunned for a few seconds before hurriedly looking down. His heart pounded in his chest, frazzled by their professional setting but stirred by Qi Shi’an’s handsome and mischievous move.

He pressed his lips together to calm himself, then quietly picked up his phone.

Less than half a minute later, Qi Shi’an’s phone buzzed on the table. He picked it up with a composed expression, but when he read the message, his eyes gleamed.

On the screen, a message from Shen Duoyi read: “Why are you such a flirt?”

The night had fallen, but the overtime crowd seemed tireless. Qi Shi’an, as if receiving the highest praise, spun half a circle in his chair. He stared out the floor-to-ceiling windows, unsure if the lights flickering were from the building’s interior or the stars outside.

All he knew was that from the moment Shen Duoyi’s eyes met his in the elevator that morning to now, with Shen Duoyi sending him sneaky texts, his mood would stay lifted until he fell asleep tonight.

Turning to a blank page in his notebook, Qi Shi’an glanced at Shen Duoyi and penned down:

“Before I met you, how could I have known?

Smuggling this affection feels like the sweetest dream.”

Author’s Note:

Shen Duoyi, your boyfriend just sent you a wink attack!