Dusk brought a cool autumn breeze.
At Xucheng Academy's entrance, Chen Yansen checked his watch just as Song Yuncheng ran up, panting, with a tan backpack.
"Take your suitcase. We're taxiing to Pengcheng first. Time is tight." He pushed the suitcase towards her and hailed a cab.
"Damn it, why isn't the ride-hailing app online yet?" he cursed as several full taxis passed.
"Why Pengcheng? I thought we were going to Shenzhen?" Song Yuncheng asked, wiping sweat.
"Xucheng has no airport." Chen Yansen looked her over. "Your outfit isn't good enough. You look like a struggling intern. To make an impression, you need better clothes."
"I am a working girl," she retorted.
"Do you want to be one forever?" Chen Yansen shot back.
Song Yuncheng fell silent. She understood, but couldn't afford nice clothes. Chen Yansen's shirts cost two months of her living expenses.
Who wouldn't want to dress well? But it cost money.
He got into a taxi. "Pengcheng Guanyin Airport. Get there before 8:30, and there's an extra 100 yuan tip."
"Don't worry, sir. If I'm a minute late, I'll refund you 100," the driver promised.
"Chen Yansen, why did you bring me? I'm just a UI designer," Song Yuncheng stammered after a while.
"I don't like you. I wanted to mess with you. Is that wrong?" Chen Yansen reclined, teasing her.
"Hmph! Skinflint!" she muttered.
"My ears are sharp! You're insulting me? I'm trying to train you. Do you think you'll achieve anything as just a UI designer?" Anger made his words harsh.
"Thank you for your magnanimity, Mr. Chen." Song Yuncheng bowed slightly, gritting her teeth. Her hand brushed her backpack's side pocket, where a hard brick was hidden.
She had debated coming, remembering his past behavior.
"Wake me when we arrive. I'm napping." Chen Yansen yawned and was soon snoring.
"Miss, your boyfriend sleeps soundly," the driver remarked.
"He's not my boyfriend. He's my boss."
Boss? The driver fell silent, thinking it an excuse to end the conversation.
An hour later, at 8:28 PM, they arrived.
Chen Yansen paid and headed inside. Song Yuncheng followed, dragging her bags.
"Take out your ID. Check in at counter D70 first." He explained the boarding process.
After half an hour, they had their passes and sat in the waiting area.
"First time flying?" Chen Yansen noticed her nervousness.
"Yes."
"Then watch this movie. It'll calm you down." His eyes lit up as he handed her his phone.
Puzzled, Song Yuncheng took it and stared at the screen.
She soon realized something was off. When the plane exploded in the movie, she understood his trick.
Yet, the suspenseful film held her attention until the end.
"Now I'm even more scared," she said, handing back the phone.
"Watching Final Destination shows you how rare plane crashes are. Without the movie, you'd never see one," Chen Yansen said with a straight face.
"You did this on purpose." She didn't believe him, missing the security of the brick in her checked bag.
"Boarding for flight HU7730 to Shenzhen will begin shortly."
Chen Yansen patted her shoulder. They lined up and soon found their seats in the first row of economy.
Song Yuncheng sat by the window, glanced outside, then turned away, breathing deeply.
The plane taxied and took off with a roar.
The sound triggered movie scenes in her mind. She gripped Chen Yansen's hand tightly.
"Taking advantage of me?" he asked, feigning displeasure.
"Let me hold on. I'm scared." Her lips were pale with regret.
"You'll get used to it." He offered casual comfort.
Terrified, she clung to his hand, eyes shut.
"We have two hours. I'm sleeping." Chen Yansen smiled, pulled her head to his chest, and held her there. She was too scared to resist.
Even the fiercest wildcat is still just a cat.
Chen Yansen inhaled her faint scent and drifted off.
"You sleep longer than a pig," Song Yuncheng murmured, her mind wandering to her hometown and brother before his heartbeat pulled her back.
His scent reminded her of home—cypress wood, fresh and spicy, then warm and soothing.
Soon, she was also asleep, breathing heavily.
Chen Yansen woke when the flight attendant turned on the lights. Song Yuncheng was drooling on his shirt.
He wiped it clean with a tissue and shook her awake.
"Huh? Why is your shirt wet?" she asked, seeing her handiwork.
"Wipe your mouth first." He handed her a tissue with a look of disgust.
"Sorry, boss." Her face turned crimson with embarrassment.
Chen Yansen ignored her, got two light meals from a flight attendant, and tossed one to her.
"We're meeting Tencent's compliance head tomorrow. At the hotel, prepare FoxTao's promotional materials. Think about what you'll say as the chairman's assistant."
Another chairman's assistant role? Song Yuncheng nodded with a wry smile, feeling the pressure.
At 5:55 AM, they landed.
"Your backpack was your only luggage. Why check it? Did you pack a brick?" Chen Yansen asked at baggage claim.
"Ah! No... It's my first flight. I didn't know." Flustered, she denied it.
By taxi, they reached the hotel at 1:30 AM.
The opulent exterior, azure pool, and luxurious lobby stunned Song Yuncheng. "Mr. Chen, let's find a cheaper hotel. This looks expensive."
"It's not your money." Chen Yansen took her ID and checked in.
Only in the top-floor suite did she realize there was only one large bed.
Romantic scenes flashed through her mind as she stared blankly.
"Why are you looking at me? You sleep on the sofa. And remember to prepare the documents." He dragged his suitcase into the bedroom. The suite's sofa was larger than her dorm bed.
"Boss, can we prepare tomorrow? It's 1:30 AM."
"If anyone else said that, I'd fire them on the spot." He smiled and closed the door.
"Boss, I'll get it done!" Song Yuncheng jumped, pulling out her laptop, inwardly cursing him. She knew he'd dock her pay otherwise.
The next day, Song Yuncheng looked dejected, clutching her laptop as she followed Chen Yansen.
"Smile! Or I'll dock your pay!" he warned.
"Okay, I'll smile!" She forced a smile, lips pursed, cursing him inwardly.
Their meeting was at 10 AM, but Chen Yansen had a detour first. He glanced at her and shook his head slightly.