Chapter 302 I hope you like it
Chapter 302 I hope you like it
"There's a call." My phone kept vibrating in my bag, and I said as I pulled it out. The screen flashed that familiar name. I sighed softly and pressed the answer button.
"Why didn't you come home today?" His voice on the other end of the phone carried a hint of coquetry, like a child complaining.
I smiled and tried to keep my tone relaxed: "I'll be going home later tonight. Qin Yu said..." Before I could finish, he interrupted me.
"Qin Yu? What kind of cooperation are you talking about now?" His voice suddenly turned cold, as if he had fallen from warm sunshine into an ice cellar.
"Yes, he has some collaboration matters to discuss." I tried to keep my voice calm, not wanting to complicate the conversation.
"Go home early." His tone carried an unquestionable air of command, as if he had lost his patience.
"Okay, I understand," I replied softly and hung up the phone.
The car stopped in front of the agreed restaurant, where Qin Yu was already waiting. He was wearing a well-tailored suit and carrying an exquisite gift box. When he saw me get out of the car, a polite smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Long time no see, how have you been?" He stepped forward, his tone gentle, like an old friend he hadn't seen in years.
"Not bad, how about yours?" I replied with a smile, took the gift box he handed me, opened it and saw a jade bracelet inside, crystal clear and with a faint luster.
"It's just a small token of my appreciation, I hope you like it." He nodded slightly, his tone tinged with humility.
"Thank you, it's beautiful." I put the bracelet away and followed him into the restaurant.
After sitting down, Qin Yu cut straight to the point without any pleasantries. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his gaze focused and steady, as if everything was under his control.
"I've already made a detailed plan regarding our collaboration on jade jewelry." He took a document out of his bag and pushed it in front of me, his tone calm but with an undeniable confidence. "I've done preliminary analysis on market research, supply chain integration, and brand positioning. I've also contacted Mr. Wen, and he's very interested in our collaboration."
I opened the document and quickly skimmed through a few pages. The data was detailed, the logic clear, and there were even some details I had never considered before. I have to admit, Qin Yu's preparation was indeed thorough, even exceeding my expectations.
“If we can reach a long-term cooperation agreement with President Wen, we can even extend it to fields such as gold and diamonds in the future.” Qin Yu’s voice was deep and powerful, as if it had a certain magic, drawing people in involuntarily to his ideas.
I nodded, but a vague unease lingered in my heart. His plan sounded flawless, but the more perfect something is, the more unreal it seems. I looked up at him, trying to glean something from his expression, but he only smiled faintly, his eyes unfathomable.
“There’s an international conference in a few days, and I’d like to invite you to attend,” he said suddenly, his tone as casual as if he were talking about the weather, but his eyes held a hint of anticipation.
"An international conference?" I was taken aback, somewhat surprised. Although I had attended some industry conferences before, this was my first time attending one at an international level.
“Yes, it’s mainly about exchanges within the jewelry and luxury goods industry.” He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and spoke casually, “I think this is a good opportunity for you to access more resources within the industry.”
I hesitated for a moment, but quickly nodded: "Okay, I'll go."
He seemed satisfied with my answer, a slight smile playing on his lips and a hint of amusement in his eyes. We chatted for a while longer, the conversation shifting from our collaboration ideas to interesting anecdotes within the industry, the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant. However, I remained uneasy, his tone from the phone call repeatedly replaying in my mind.
During that phone call, his voice was cold and distant, as if he was deliberately keeping his distance. Although his attitude was as polite as ever, that subtle sense of estrangement made me feel a little uneasy.
"How have you been lately?" Qin Yu suddenly asked, his tone filled with concern.
I snapped out of my daze and forced a smile: "Not bad, just a bit busy."
He nodded, without asking any further questions, and simply sighed softly: "Don't overwork yourself. Some things can be done slowly."
I lowered my head and remained silent. His words, though gentle, only deepened my inner turmoil. I knew he meant well, but the subtle distance between us left me feeling powerless.
It was time to leave, so I stood up. Qin Yu also stood up, his tone relaxed: "Then I'll wait for your message. I'll send you the details of the international conference."
I nodded, forcing a smile: "Okay, thank you."
Stepping out of the restaurant, the night breeze was slightly cool. I took a deep breath, took out my phone, and sent him a message: "I'll be right back."
His phone vibrated quickly, and his reply was brief and indifferent: "Hmm."
Qin Yu also stood up and nodded politely: "Okay, be careful on the road."
I put my phone away, feeling conflicted. Perhaps tonight's conversation wasn't just about cooperation, but some kind of invisible contest. And I seemed to have been drawn into a game from which I couldn't easily extricate myself.
When I got home, the house was quiet, except for the nightlight in the hallway. Grandma was already asleep, and I could hear her even breathing coming from her room. I tiptoed into the living room and saw her sitting on the sofa, holding a thick book, her brow slightly furrowed, as if she were studying some important document.
"You're back?" He looked up at me, his tone indifferent, revealing no emotion.
"Mm." I nodded, took off my coat and hung it on the hanger, then sat down next to him.
He closed the book, and only then did I see the cover—"The Encyclopedia of Prenatal Education." He was actually reading this kind of book? I couldn't help but laugh: "When did you become interested in this kind of thing?"
He raised an eyebrow, a hint of helplessness in his voice: "I can't let you worry about this all by yourself, can I? Besides, this is our child, I have to take responsibility."
Seeing his earnest expression warmed my heart, but I couldn't help teasing him, "So how do you plan to take responsibility? Will you read him poems or sing to him every day?"
He smiled, reached out and gently touched my belly, his gentle touch surprising me: "Anything is fine, as long as he likes it."
I looked down at his hands and suddenly noticed a faint line on my stomach. I paused, then leaned closer to the mirror for a better look. Sure enough, it was a stretch mark. Though faint, it was glaringly obvious to me.
PFC