After experiencing repeated crises, Yu Group finally received some good news.
The overseas short drama project led by Gu Wanqing achieved far greater success than expected. Not only did it perform impressively on overseas platforms, but it also brought a large number of follow-up cooperation opportunities to Yu Group.
The good news returned to the country, greatly boosting morale throughout Yu Group.
"President Yu, this is the final revenue report and the offers extended by several overseas distributors."
Gu Wanqing placed a thick stack of documents on Yu Sheng's desk, her face unable to hide her excitement and pride.
Yu Sheng carefully flipped through the report, the corners of her lips unconsciously lifting. The fatigue of the past few days seemed to be washed away by this joy, and she couldn't help but praise, "You did an excellent job, Wanqing. You've worked hard this time. Double the team bonus, and I'll give you a week of paid leave—go get some proper rest."
"Thank you, President Yu. It's all thanks to your leadership." Gu Wanqing finished her mock flattery and then, with a bright smile, suggested, "Are you free tonight? I know a newly opened lounge bar with a nice atmosphere and good music. How about we go relax a bit and celebrate?"
Yu Sheng was in a good mood and nodded. "Sure. Invite Qingyu too—she's worked hard during this period as well."
"No problem."
At night, the lounge bar was softly lit, with gentle jazz music flowing in the background.
Yu Sheng, Gu Wanqing, and Su Qingyu sat in a corner booth, the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant.
Gu Wanqing raised her glass. "Come, to Yu Group riding the waves and heading toward the world—cheers."
"Cheers." Yu Sheng and Su Qingyu clinked glasses with smiles.
After a few drinks, the conversation gradually opened up, shifting from work to life, and the atmosphere grew even more harmonious.
At the same time, in the study at Jiuxi Bay.
After finishing the last document, Shen Yunmian rubbed her temples, a trace of lingering fatigue in her eyes.
Her phone screen lit up—it was an email message from Su Qingyu, briefly reporting on work, with an added line: "President Yu is in a great mood today, celebrating with Director Gu at 'Yunding' lounge bar."
That single short line made Shen Yunmian's gaze linger for a long time.
Celebrating… she must be very happy. Thinking of Yu Sheng's relaxed brows and the smile she might be showing, a nearly greedy longing welled up in her heart—even just to see her from afar would be enough.
Almost without hesitation, she dialed Qiao Wei's number.
"Well, look at that—the sun's rising from the west? Busy President Shen is actually calling me on her own."
Qiao Wei's teasing voice came from the receiver.
Ignoring her, Shen Yunmian asked directly, "Are you free? Let's go to 'Yunding' for a drink."
Qiao Wei was sharp enough to immediately sense something unusual. "'Yunding'? Hah, Shen Yunmian, don't tell me you're planning to use me as an excuse again to stage a 'coincidental encounter.'"
Exposed, Shen Yunmian remained silent.
Qiao Wei rolled her eyes on the other end. "Fine, fine. For the sake of your pitiful attempt at turning over a new leaf. Wait for me—I'll be there soon."
An hour later, at "Yunding" lounge bar.
Qiao Wei practically dragged Shen Yunmian along, her gaze sweeping the room before 'landing in surprise' on the corner booth. "Oh! Sheng Sheng, what a coincidence—you're here too."
Yu Sheng looked up at the sound of her voice. Seeing Qiao Wei and Shen Yunmian standing behind her with a slightly unnatural expression, a trace of surprise flashed in her eyes, but she still smiled politely. "Sister Qiao Wei, it really is a coincidence."
Gu Wanqing raised an eyebrow, giving Shen Yunmian a meaningful glance before smiling. "Since we've run into each other, come sit with us. The more, the merrier."
Qiao Wei sat down without ceremony, chattering nonstop. "Exactly! Yunmian and I just came for a drink. Didn't expect to run into you—it's fate."
As she spoke, she shot Shen Yunmian a look, signaling her to say something instead of sitting there like a statue.
Meeting Yu Sheng's gaze, Shen Yunmian's throat went dry. She only managed to say softly, "…Congratulations on the project's success."
"Thank you." Yu Sheng replied lightly.
The atmosphere became somewhat subtle. Su Qingyu spoke up at the right time, chatting with Qiao Wei and easing the mood.
Gu Wanqing also occasionally leaned in to whisper something to Yu Sheng, letting out soft laughs now and then. Most of the time, Shen Yunmian remained silent, quietly listening, yet her gaze seemed magnetically drawn, unconsciously landing on Yu Sheng again and again.
Watching her slightly flushed cheeks from the alcohol, the curve of her eyes when she listened to Gu Wanqing, the slender hand holding her glass—
Seeing Yu Sheng pick up another beautifully colored cocktail, seemingly about to drink it all in one go—
Shen Yunmian almost instinctively leaned forward to stop her, concern in her voice. "That one's strong—don't drink too much."
Yu Sheng paused, the glass still in her hand.
Gu Wanqing, sharp-eared, immediately caught that remark. Curling her red lips, she teased, "Oh? President Shen, you're already divorced—isn't that a bit too much control?"
Shen Yunmian's expression stiffened instantly, as if cold water had been splashed over her, her face turning awkward.
Yu Sheng frowned and lightly nudged Gu Wanqing's arm. "Wanqing. It's all in the past—don't bring it up anymore."
After saying that, she took a sip of the drink as if nothing had happened, without looking at Shen Yunmian again.
It felt like a fine needle pierced Shen Yunmian's heart, a dense, lingering pain. She silently sat up straight and downed the remaining strong liquor in her glass in one gulp. The burning liquid traveled to her stomach, but it couldn't suppress the cold emptiness in her heart.
Seeing this, Qiao Wei quickly smoothed things over and changed the topic.
As the night deepened, more and more empty glasses accumulated on the table.
Gu Wanqing clearly had the lowest tolerance—she was already slumped over the table, muttering incoherently with drunken eyes.
Yu Sheng was also seven to eight parts drunk, propping her head with one hand, her eyes no longer as clear as usual, her reactions a beat slower.
Qiao Wei and Su Qingyu exchanged a look, understanding each other without words.
"Oh dear, Wanqing is this drunk," Qiao Wei stood up first, pretending to be troubled. "Qingyu and I will take her back. Sheng Sheng…" She looked at Yu Sheng, then glanced at Shen Yunmian beside her. "Yunmian, Sheng Sheng has had quite a bit to drink too—can you take her home?"
Naturally, Shen Yunmian couldn't have asked for more.
Yu Sheng rubbed her temples, her thoughts sluggish, as if she hadn't fully processed it yet.
But Shen Yunmian's heartbeat suddenly sped up. Looking at Yu Sheng's defenseless face in her drunken state, her throat went dry, her fingertips trembling slightly as she almost immediately agreed, "…Alright. I'll make sure to get her home safely."
Qiao Wei shot Su Qingyu a look, and together they helped the limp Gu Wanqing up and quickly left the scene.
"…Let's go, Sheng Sheng." Shen Yunmian stood up and extended her hand, wanting to help her.
Yu Sheng looked up at her, her gaze slightly unfocused, but she didn't refuse, using her support to stand.
Her steps were unsteady. Shen Yunmian instinctively held her arm; through the thin fabric, she could feel the warmth of her skin.
Shen Yunmian's body stiffened instantly, even her breathing lightening.
A gust of evening wind blew, and Yu Sheng seemed to sober slightly. She withdrew her hand. "…I can walk by myself."
Shen Yunmian hesitated, carefully loosening her hold, but still staying very close, hovering protectively in case she might fall.
The car they called arrived quickly. The two stumbled slightly as they got in.
The car door closed, shutting out the noise of the outside world.
Yu Sheng was heavily drunk. As soon as she got in, she leaned weakly against the window, her brows slightly furrowed, seeming uncomfortable.
Shen Yunmian hesitated for a moment, then carefully reached out, letting her lean against her.
"Lean on me, it'll be more comfortable." Her voice was very low, carrying a slight tremor.
Yu Sheng didn't refuse—perhaps she was too drunk to have the strength, or perhaps the position really was more comfortable. She obediently leaned against Shen Yunmian's shoulder, her warm breath brushing against Shen Yunmian's neck, carrying her own faint, elegant scent.
Shen Yunmian's whole body stiffened, her heartbeat pounding like a drum.
She could clearly feel the softness and warmth of Yu Sheng's body through the thin fabric, like an electric current rushing through her limbs.
She didn't dare move at all, even lightening her breathing, afraid of disturbing this stolen moment of intimacy.
Outside the window, dazzling neon lights streaked past, casting shifting glows across Yu Sheng's face.
Her long eyelashes cast faint shadows beneath her eyes. Without her usual distant disguise, she now looked soft and fragile, completely defenseless as she nestled beside her. Shen Yunmian lowered her gaze, greedily yet restrainedly staring at the face so close to her, bitterness and tenderness surging together, almost drowning her.
She carefully, extremely slowly adjusted her posture, letting Yu Sheng lean more comfortably.
She hoped the road would be a little longer.
She prayed humbly in her heart.
However, no matter how long the road was, it still had an end. The car soon came to a smooth stop in front of Jingshui Bay Apartments.
"We're here," the driver reminded.
The weight on her shoulder shifted slightly. Yu Sheng seemed to wake, groggily opening her eyes. Realizing she had been leaning on Shen Yunmian's shoulder, she sobered by half in an instant, straightening up immediately and creating distance, a trace of embarrassment flashing across her face.
"…We're here." Her voice was low, still hoarse from just waking, as she reached to push the car door open.
Shen Yunmian felt a sudden emptiness in her chest. She quickly paid the fare and got out after her.
"I'll walk you upstairs."
She took a couple of quick steps to walk beside Yu Sheng, her tone firm, carrying a hint of barely noticeable nervousness.
It was late at night—she really couldn't feel at ease letting her go up alone.
Yu Sheng's steps were still unsteady. She rubbed her aching temple and didn't refuse, silently heading toward the elevator.
The elevator rose steadily. In the confined space, the atmosphere became even more subtle.
They stood side by side without speaking, the faint hum of the elevator the only sound.
Shen Yunmian's gaze rested on the changing floor numbers, yet the corner of her eye remained fixed on the person beside her.
"Ding—" The elevator arrived.
Yu Sheng stepped out, searching for her keys in her bag.
Shen Yunmian followed a step behind, maintaining a careful distance.
The door opened, and warm lights automatically turned on.
Yu Sheng stood at the doorway, turned around, and looked at Shen Yunmian. Her tone returned to its usual distance. "I'm home. Thank you for bringing me back—be careful on your way."
A clear dismissal.
Shen Yunmian's feet seemed nailed to the ground. She looked at the warm light inside the doorway, as if it formed an invisible barrier keeping her outside.
She greedily took in Yu Sheng's face, still tinged with drunken fatigue. Countless words clogged in her chest, but in the end, they only turned into a dry sentence: "Alright. You… get some rest early. Drink some honey water to sober up."
"…Mm." Yu Sheng responded, without anything more, reaching to close the door.
Just as the door was about to shut, Shen Yunmian, not knowing where she found the courage, suddenly reached out and pressed against it.
Yu Sheng paused, looking up at her in surprise, her hazy, drunken eyes questioning.
"Sheng Sheng…" Shen Yunmian's voice was hoarse, carrying a desperate kind of courage. "Can I… come in for a glass of water? Just one…"
The air froze for a few seconds.
Yu Sheng looked at her in silence. Shen Yunmian couldn't stop trembling.
Alcohol seemed to dull a person's judgment, and also weakened their defenses.
In the end, Yu Sheng released her grip on the doorknob and stepped aside. "…Come in."
Shen Yunmian felt as if she had been granted amnesty, almost stumbling as she followed her inside.
The apartment was quiet, filled only with the faint hum of the air conditioner.
Yu Sheng walked straight to the kitchen, took a bottle of water from the fridge, and handed it to her. "Here."
Shen Yunmian took the bottle, their fingertips brushing unintentionally. Both of them withdrew as if burned.
The bottle nearly slipped, but Shen Yunmian caught it in a fluster.
"Sorry…" she said softly, unscrewing the cap and taking a few gulps of cold water, trying to suppress the dryness in her throat and the restless surge in her chest.
Yu Sheng said nothing. She walked to the sofa and sat down, rubbing her increasingly throbbing temples.
The aftereffects of the alcohol had fully set in, muddling her thoughts.
Shen Yunmian set the bottle down, standing there awkwardly.
Her gaze wandered uncontrollably over Yu Sheng—her cheeks flushed from alcohol, the delicate collarbone visible beneath her slightly open collar, her long hair lazily draped over her shoulders… every detail radiated a silent allure.
The air was filled with a dangerous ambiguity, with alcohol as the perfect catalyst.
"You…" Yu Sheng seemed about to say something, but just as she spoke, a stronger wave of dizziness hit her, and her body swayed.
Shen Yunmian instinctively stepped forward to steady her. "Careful."
Her hand rested on Yu Sheng's arm, the heat of her palm passing through the thin fabric.
They were extremely close now, their breaths almost mingling.
Yu Sheng lifted her gaze, looking at the person so close to her with unfocused eyes. Shen Yunmian's gaze was deep like a whirlpool, filled with emotions she couldn't fully read, and also a desire that was unmistakable at a glance.
It wasn't that she couldn't see clearly—Shen Yunmian had fallen in love with her, seemingly as humbly as she once had.
"Shen Yunmian, don't love me…" Yu Sheng's voice sounded like an unconscious murmur.
Those words were like a ruthless blade meant to sever what little connection remained between them. In an instant, all of Shen Yunmian's rationality collapsed.
She suddenly lowered her head and kissed those slightly parted lips, stopping her from continuing.
The kiss carried a desperate recklessness and long-suppressed longing—fierce to the point of near despair. Yet upon touching that softness, it turned unexpectedly gentle, filled with cautious probing and humble pleading.
Yu Sheng's mind blanked for a moment. The alcohol numbed her nerves and dissolved her resistance.
That familiar scent, that desperate, passionate kiss—it was like a key, instantly unlocking sealed memories deep within her body, along with a desire she herself refused to acknowledge.
Even at their most strained, she had still been intimate with this woman.
"Making love out of hate"—it truly fit perfectly.
Yu Sheng's hazy mind couldn't help but find it amusing, and she actually let out a soft laugh.
In the end, she didn't push her away.
She even responded faintly after a brief stiffness.
That slight response was like the strongest stimulant, completely igniting Shen Yunmian.
She deepened the kiss, wrapping her arms around Yu Sheng's waist and pulling them tightly together.
Their breathing grew hot and uneven. It was unclear who moved first, but they stumbled together, entangled, from the living room into the bedroom, falling onto the soft bed.
Shen Yunmian hovered above Yu Sheng, breathing rapidly, flames burning in her eyes, yet still retaining a trace of restraint as she trembled and asked, "Sheng Sheng… is this okay?"
Yu Sheng didn't answer. She simply wrapped her arms around her neck and lifted her head to kiss her again.
That was a silent permission—every restraint shattered in that moment.
Clothes were hastily removed and scattered across the floor.
Their skin pressed together, the heat nearly melting them both.
Shen Yunmian's kisses fell densely—from lips to chin, to neck, to collarbone… filled with endless longing and the trembling of something regained. Her movements were sometimes urgent, sometimes gentle, as if she were handling a priceless treasure.
Yu Sheng gripped her jaw and commanded in a hoarse voice, "…Don't move."
Shen Yunmian immediately froze, obediently stopping all movement, looking up at her with moist eyes filled with desire and submission.
Yu Sheng turned over, taking control.
She looked down at the person beneath her—her flushed cheeks, dazed eyes, slightly trembling body. A complicated emotion mixed with physical desire began to grow within her.
Her fingertips traced over Shen Yunmian's skin with deliberate slowness, feeling her intense trembling and suppressed breaths.
"Sheng Sheng…" Shen Yunmian pleaded, her body like a bow drawn to its limit.
Yu Sheng lowered her head and kissed her, swallowing all her sounds.
Her movements carried undeniable dominance, completely taking possession of her.
After an unknown amount of time, the bedroom was filled with the lingering atmosphere that follows passion.
The heavy breathing gradually calmed, leaving only the faint hum of the air conditioner.
Yu Sheng turned over and lay to the side, pulling the blanket over her body, eyes closed, her chest still rising and falling slightly.
Alcohol and exertion left her mind in chaos, exhaustion crashing over her.
Shen Yunmian lay on her side, greedily gazing at Yu Sheng's profile, her heart still racing, filled with a nearly unreal joy and overwhelming unease.
She carefully reached out, wanting to touch her—but just before her fingers met her skin, she timidly withdrew.
She didn't dare imagine what she would face when she woke up tomorrow.
Would Sheng Sheng be angry? Would she hate her even more? Would she completely drive her out of her world?
Fear rose like an icy tide, bit by bit flooding her heart, swallowing the fleeting joy from just now.
Amid extreme exhaustion and unease, she ultimately couldn't resist the toll on her body and fell into a deep sleep.
—
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