The black car parked quietly beside a relatively quiet boulevard near the west gate of Zhengfa University.
Zhao Chen just opened the car door and walked to the appointed place by the lake.
As soon as he approached, a light figure, like a nestling swallow, with a faint, familiar fragrance, jumped into his arms without hesitation.
It's Shen Zhiyi.
She almost ran over, the first time she saw him.
Under the slightly surprised gazes of the students who were passing by, they threw themselves into his arms without hesitation, wrapped their arms tightly around his waist, and buried their cheeks deeply in his chest.
This was the first time that she hugged him so bravely and proactively in a public place where acquaintances might see her.
There was no skill in this hug, and it was even a little clumsy because of too much force, but it was full of hot, unmistakable heartache and support.
She didn't say anything, but she clearly conveyed her thoughts with this action:
I am here, I have seen everything you have endured, and I will warm you with all my warmth.
Zhao Chen was slightly shaken by the collision, and then caught her firmly.
The slight trembling of the body in his arms and the unreserved dependence were like a warm current, instantly dispelling the last bit of chill he had brought from the concrete jungle.
He tightened his arms and held her tightly, his chin gently resting on the top of her soft hair, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath of the sweet, sunny scent of her hair.
"You're here..." Her voice was waxy and nasal, but she tried her best to raise a bright smile.
"Are you hungry? Shall we go eat first? Or... do you want to take a walk?"
"Let's take a walk." Zhao Chen took her hand and intertwined their fingers naturally, "Just here by the lake, be quiet."
On the campus lakeside in the late spring evening, there are weeping willows and the water surface is shimmering with fine golden light.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the company and the Internet, there are only students in twos and threes walking or reading, and the air is filled with the smell of green grass and evening breeze.
Zhao Chen held hands with Shen Zhiyi and walked slowly along the familiar stone road. No one spoke first, but there was a quiet tranquility flowing between the two of them.
After walking for a while, Zhao Chen took the initiative to break the silence, his voice was much softer than when he was at the company. "Board of Directors was very noisy that day."
Shen Zhiyi immediately turned to look at him, his eyes focused and encouraging without interrupting.
"Lin Wanqing wanted to use Bank Loan Suspension to force me to give up Contraction Strategy, so I threw out Subscription Plan."
Zhao Chen briefly described it in as calm a tone as possible, avoiding sharp threats and undercurrents of murderous intent, "She jumped up on the spot."
Shen Zhiyi held his hand tightly and asked in a low voice, "Is it difficult?"
"As expected."
Zhao Chen shook his head, and the corners of his mouth even curled up with a slight arc that was almost invisible.
"Forcibly promoting Rights Issue is a key step in my plan. Her fierce opposition just shows that I hit the key point. It's just..."
He paused and looked at the sparkling lake,
"I didn't expect that she would expose my Father Zhao Jianguo case to the media so early, in this way... hurting the enemy by one thousand and damaging herself by eight hundred."
When he mentioned Zhao Jianguo, his tone was obviously hesitant.
Shen Zhiyi was keenly aware of it, and she held his hand tighter, using her body temperature to iron the coolness of his fingertips.
"Don't take those words on the Internet seriously."
Her voice was soft, but with unquestionable firmness,
" I have read the statement made by Sister Sister Su and the school, and everyone understands it. As for the case being made public... have you ever thought that this might be the case?"
Zhao Chen glanced at her in surprise and nodded:
"Yes, Contingency Plan does. I just didn't expect it to come so quickly and so violently."
He did not explain the content of Contingency Plan in detail, but this frankness was the greatest trust in her.
Shen Zhiyi didn't ask for details, such as why he had to fight with his father to such an extent, or how much dirt and evil was hidden under that glorious business empire.
She just listened Jingjing, held his hand, and told him with all her being:
I may not understand those complicated capital games and human calculations, but I understand your fatigue at this moment. I believe in the choice you make, and I will stand by your side.
This silent trust and support can soothe Zhao Chen's complicated heart at this moment more than any rational analysis or passionate encouragement.
Zhao Chen Although his tone was calm, there was still a trace of lingering solemnity between his eyebrows, and Shen Zhiyi felt as if his heart was pinched lightly.
She didn't want those dirty calculations and heavy pressure to continue to occupy his rare moment of relaxation.
So, she gently shook the hands they were holding, and deliberately started another topic in a brisk and even gossipy tone:
"Hey, let me tell you something interesting. Zhou Xiaowen, I guess you will have to make us cry again this weekend."
Zhao Chen was pulled back from her thoughts and looked at her:
"Huh? What happened to her?"
He was deeply impressed by these lively roommates Shen Zhiyi.