Zhao Linxiu always told himself: Take it slow. Don't rush, don't rush. But Zheng Zaisheng was a mimosa tucked beneath a crack in the rocks. If you didn't take the initiative, he could hide in one place for a lifetime.
But a person's lifetime was so short.
Zhao Linxiu had also grown more accustomed to taking the initiative.
Zheng Zaisheng hid, and Zhao Linxiu let him hide. But within this tiny space, once emotions began to show, there was nowhere left to conceal them. Sure enough, Zhao Linxiu's silence and stare became a soundless urging, a silent pressure. The panic in Zheng Zaisheng's eyes gradually faded, turning into the heavy darkness of everything having been laid bare.
Zheng Zaisheng spoke. "President Zhao."
"Go ahead."
"Have you been in many relationships?"
An odd expression flashed across Zhao Linxiu's face. "Even though I look like a playboy, Director Zheng, I have to explain—I've only dated twice. At most, I held hands."
The answer was somewhat beyond Zheng Zaisheng's expectations, and surprise appeared on his face.
Zhao Linxiu added helplessly, "Director Zheng, I have a two-way obsession with cleanliness when it comes to both the mind and emotions, okay?"
Zheng Zaisheng pursed his lips and smiled, but the smile quickly faded. "Two relationships... then I need to reconsider things." He looked at Zhao Linxiu, not avoiding his gaze this time. "President Zhao, with your status, you should have access to many outstanding people. As for me, I'm like a person used to delicacies suddenly tasting a bowl of bitter vegetable porridge. You think it's good. You think it's fresh..."
"Zheng Zaisheng." Zhao Linxiu interrupted him. "You can reject me, but don't make assumptions about me. That isn't fair to me."
"I..."
"If you're convinced that I'm only interested on a whim, why not