Free Web NovelChapter 35: Chapter 35: Reply to the Confession
That night, Tang Yuanxiao wrote a reply to Su Li. It was the only letter he had ever written just for her, completely different from the family letters he used to write.
However, the writing didn’t go smoothly. He kept feeling that something was off.
The tone was off, the wording was off, and his handwriting wasn’t very good either...
He wrote, tore it up, and wrote again. Tang Yuanxiao wasted more than a dozen sheets of stationery. He started at eight in the evening and worked deep into the night, but still couldn’t get it right. Finally, feeling he couldn’t waste any more paper, he gritted his teeth and forced himself to finish the letter.
It was an awkward, confession-like letter. The gist of it was that he now understood Su Li’s feelings for him and that he would build a good life with her from now on.
He checked it a full three times, and once he felt there were no issues, Tang Yuanxiao folded the letter neatly and put it away. It was already past one, nearly two in the morning.
This single letter had taken more time and effort than writing a report.
The letter was finished, but when Tang Yuanxiao lay in bed, he couldn’t fall asleep. He usually kept a regular schedule and always slept well, but that night, he found himself unexpectedly sleepless.
He tossed and turned all night, only dozing off for a moment right before dawn. As soon as the sky brightened, he got up, faint dark circles under his eyes.
It was Chinese New Year’s Day, a time when most people were home resting for the holiday.
Come rain or shine, Tang Yuanxiao went for his workout. Afterward, he had breakfast and took the letter to mail it. On the way, however, he received a notice and had to change course to meet with a visiting superior.
Tang Yuanxiao had been working for many years and was now the captain of the research team. The entire team had fewer than thirty members—not a large number, but they were the most unique team in the factory.
The research team was the factory’s core. Tang Yuanxiao was the captain, and Yu Le was the vice-captain. While their titles might not sound lofty, both men had considerable seniority. In fact, everyone on the research team was highly experienced.
For someone of Tang Yuanxiao’s age, becoming captain was no easy feat. He had earned the promotion through one outstanding performance after another.
Tang Yuanxiao’s performance was excellent, and he was being groomed for leadership. Upon hearing that a superior wanted to see him, he secured the letter and promptly changed course.
This wasn’t Tang Yuanxiao’s first time meeting this particular superior. He had met him once, two years prior. The meeting had only lasted a few minutes, but it had left an impression so deep he still hadn’t forgotten it.
For one, this superior was the commander-in-chief of all the research teams. He was in charge of the teams at every branch factory in the country. He wasn’t Tang Yuanxiao’s direct supervisor, but he was his highest-ranking boss.
For another, the man was remarkably young, with looks and a presence so exceptional that even other men found him unforgettable.
Tang Yuanxiao was twenty-seven this year; this superior, a man named Wu Sheng, was only two years older.
He was the complete opposite of the stoic and reserved Tang Yuanxiao, exuding an air of nonchalance that was nonetheless impossible to ignore.
As Tang Yuanxiao opened the door and entered, his eyes landed on Captain Wu.
Beneath sharp, defined brows, Captain Wu’s eyes were cold and proud, seemingly unfocused. They swept nonchalantly over Tang Yuanxiao. While the depths of his dark eyes were calm, a dangerous aura emanated from his very being, making one want to keep a wide berth.
Tang Yuanxiao couldn’t find the words to describe him. He only knew that when facing this man, he would instinctively grow tense and vigilant.
Tang Yuanxiao’s entire demeanor shifted, becoming as sharp as a blade. The nonchalant look on Captain Wu’s face vanished as well. As their presences clashed, the atmosphere in the room grew taut, ready to snap at any moment.
A flash of appreciation appeared in Chief Wu’s eyes. He gave a slight nod, breaking the silence.
"Captain Tang, sit. No need to be so formal." He remembered Tang Yuanxiao as well.
"Yes, sir," Tang Yuanxiao replied. With their words, the tension in the air instantly vanished.
After Tang Yuanxiao sat down, Captain Wu dispensed with the pleasantries and got straight to business, his manner swift and decisive.
Tang Yuanxiao’s own style was just as direct, so the discussion proceeded smoothly.
Half an hour later, their business was concluded. Tang Yuanxiao was about to take his leave when Captain Wu, uncharacteristically, made a bit of small talk.
"Off to mail a letter? I happened to overhear some people chatting just now. They said you received a sweater personally knitted by your wife back home. How come you’re not wearing it today?"
Captain Wu’s tone was teasing as his gaze fell on Tang Yuanxiao’s breast pocket.
The letter Tang Yuanxiao had written to Su Li was tucked inside, a small corner of the envelope peeking out.
Tang Yuanxiao glanced down and flushed, hemming and hawing, unsure of how to respond.
"Alright, since you’re so flustered, I’ll stop teasing you."
Captain Wu’s smile softened as he spoke in a more serious tone. "If you’re worried about your family, you can arrange for them to come here."
"Yes, sir. Thank you." Tang Yuanxiao breathed a sigh of relief and took his leave. The moment he stepped out, he saw Yu Le peeking and peering around the corner.
Tang Yuanxiao shot Yu Le a cool look. Yu Le rubbed his nose.
"Why are you looking at me like that? I was just making small talk! Who would’ve thought... Everyone’s so envious of you. You don’t know how good you have it."
"Big mouth," Tang Yuanxiao snorted.
Yu Le chuckled. "Well, by now, basically everyone knows you received a hand-knitted sweater from your wife."
Tang Yuanxiao wasn’t surprised in the least. He brushed past him and walked off quickly, continuing on his way to mail the letter.
"What’re you running for? It’s just a sweater someone knitted for you, what’s the big deal? When your wife gets here, I’ll ask her to knit one for me too—one that’s even nicer than yours!"
Yu Le didn’t seem to mind, hollering as he followed right at his heels.
"Dream on," Tang Yuanxiao replied with two words.
"Tch, showing your true colors at last, are you!" Yu Le slung an arm around Tang Yuanxiao’s shoulders, his hands itching to make a move.
"Hey, Captain Tang, want me to be your advisor on this? Did you put enough sweet talk in that letter? Let me take a look, give it a final check for you?"
Tang Yuanxiao’s face stiffened. He shook off Yu Le’s arm. "I don’t need your help. Stop pestering me, and stop following me!"
Watching Tang Yuanxiao’s hasty retreat, Yu Le rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
’Something’s definitely up. Looks like he really did write some sweet talk! Man, I’d love to see it... But then again, no way. He’s such an old stick-in-the-mud.’
Yu Le thought for a moment before adding another jab. ’A little old man!’ Only then was he satisfied. He snorted, scratched his nose, and walked away.
Yu Le and Tang Yuanxiao had started in the same year. They had once shared a dorm and had been through thick and thin together. After all these years, they were as close as brothers. freёweɓnovel.com
When Tang Yuanxiao went to buy a stamp, he was told that since it was the holiday, the postal workers were also on break. His letter couldn’t be sent until after the New Year.
Tang Yuanxiao was disappointed, but there was nothing to be done. He bought a stamp and affixed it to the envelope, hoping the postal worker would mail it as soon as they returned to work.
Because the postal workers were on holiday, Tang Yuanxiao naturally didn’t receive the subsequent letter Su Li had sent, either. Su Li’s hope that her letter would arrive before or at the same time as her package was dashed.
What’s more, Tang Yuanxiao was convinced Su Li was interested in him—and on top of that, he was going to wear her sweater!
This was something Su Li could never have predicted. It was a good thing she couldn’t, too. Otherwise, she would have been too angry to enjoy the New Year and would have found herself cursing in her sleep.
As for her sweater, Tang Yuanxiao hadn’t actually found an opportunity to wear it yet. Nevertheless, he had already claimed it as his own. He folded it neatly and, treating it like a treasure, placed it carefully on the top shelf of his wardrobe.
