C36 So Boring

Feeling a tad embarrassed under his gaze, Ye Tian quickly laughed it off, "Back then, I really only gave a little help."

Kawase Yuki returned the smile, "That's why this is my way of saying thanks, a token of appreciation for your work. Consider it a reunion gift as well."

Indeed, having the opportunity to photograph him was a dream many top photographers couldn't even hope to achieve.

With this in mind, Ye Tian playfully shook her camera at him and cheerfully asked, "So, are we ready to start shooting now? I've heard the contract with the studio is all set, and I can get straight to taking pictures."

"Sure," Kawase Yuki nodded, "We're just doing some work-related shots. Keep it simple."

He then stood up and led Ye Tian towards the office.

Surveying the expansive reception area and hearing about the specially prepared office, Ye Tian no longer found it surprising.

After all, she was dealing with the current president of the Kawase family; a certain level of opulence was to be expected.

She then couldn't help but reflect on how the little beggar she once assisted had come so far, while she seemed to be lagging behind.

Ah well, such is life!

Caught up in her musings, she was ushered into the office. She took in the decor, assessed the lighting and shadows, and swiftly immersed herself in her work.

They worked seamlessly together, and before long, Ye Tian handed the camera over to Kawase Yuki, content with the session.

"Mr. Kawase, I think we've got it. Are you pleased with the results? If so, I'll wrap up for the day."

Kawase Yuki reviewed the images and smiled approvingly, "You've done an excellent job. I'm very pleased."

He offered the camera back to her, but held on as she reached out to take it.

Looking up, puzzled, Ye Tian met his teasing smile. "There's no need for formalities with me. After all, you are my savior. Feel free to call me Yuki, or just Kawase if that's more comfortable for you."

Upon hearing his suggestion, Ye Tian initially felt a bit hesitant. But then she thought, since he had already extended the invitation, it would seem rather pretentious of her to decline.

With this in mind, she offered a warm smile and replied, "Alright, Kawase."

"My work here is done, so I'll be heading out," she announced, carefully stowing her camera in its bag. As she prepared to leave, she noticed Kawase Yuki rising to his feet, grabbing his woolen coat from the rack, and turning to her with a grin. "It's been years since we've seen each other. Now that we've finished our work, why don't we have dinner together tonight?"

Ye Tian was just about to refuse when he started walking out, casually mentioning, "Come on, I've already reserved a private room at the Mingxiu Club."

Sometimes, presenting someone with a fait accompli can be quite effective.

Left with little choice, Ye Tian reluctantly followed him.

Dinner was going fine until Ye Tian began to feel unwell. She inwardly cursed her luck, wondering if her period had decided to make an untimely appearance.

She gave Kawase Yuki an apologetic smile and excused herself, "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

To her relief, it turned out to be a false alarm. Though still not feeling great, she decided to push through, aiming to wrap up dinner and head home for some rest.

However, no sooner had she stepped out of the restroom than she ran into Gu Qinian rounding the corner of the hallway.

Dressed in a sharp black suit, his approach was steady and confident. Upon spotting Ye Tian, he paused momentarily before advancing with a somewhat stern look on his face.

Ye Tian inwardly groaned at her misfortune. How was it that she kept running into this infuriating man?

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice chilly as he stopped before her in the empty corridor.

Ye Tian rolled her eyes in response. "Why shouldn't I be here? Do you own this place?"

Gu Qinian's gaze was piercing as he suddenly cracked a sardonic smile.

"The Mingxiu Club is a five-star establishment owned by Gu's," he informed her.

Ye Tian was momentarily at a loss for words.

So it was indeed his place!

Annoyed, she pursed her lips and muttered under her breath, "So it's yours, fine. No need to gloat. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to get back to my meal."

Gu Qinian had grown accustomed to her attitude; their encounters had never been anything but tense.

Yet, he found himself puzzled by her presence here. Given her financial situation, it seemed highly unlikely that she would choose to dine at this venue.

Could it be...

A possibility crossed his mind, causing his gaze to darken. His chiseled jaw tensed, and his words came out as if forced through clenched teeth.

"Ye Tian, remember the warning I gave you. You'd better not let me catch you stepping out of line."

Ye Tian, however, was unfazed, responding with a mocking laugh, her expressive eyes brimming with indifference.

"Gu Qinian, we'd do well to stay out of each other's way. I'm grateful for the help you're giving my grandfather, and I'll comply with your requests. But spare me the constant warnings. It's rather dull to hear such threats from someone who strays as you do."

With that, she walked past him without a second glance.

She had come to a realization over the past few days: she would be thankful if he chose to help, but she also recognized that he was not to be relied upon. He had never truly supported her.

With that in mind, she knew she had to be ready for anything. She would work harder to earn more money, and when the time came for her grandfather's surgery, she would take out loans or borrow if necessary—she could not stand idly by and watch him suffer.

She was tired of feeling subservient in Gu Qinian's presence. If push came to shove, she was prepared to go down fighting.

His ears still ringing with her biting words, Gu Qinian watched her figure vanish into the distance, his eyes a deep well of shadow, his lips pressed into a thin line.

"President, what's the matter?"

At that moment, Han Cheng, noticing the CEO hadn't returned to the banquet, came looking. Seeing him standing still in the corridor, he couldn't help but be puzzled.

Without a word, Gu Qinian strode away, his face set in a grim expression.

After returning, Ye Tian pushed through her discomfort to exchange pleasantries with Kawase Yuki before deciding to call it a night.

As they approached the elevator, the doors slid open. Ye Tian stepped inside first, and upon turning, she saw Gu Qinian approaching, flanked by a cadre of sharply dressed men.

For some inexplicable reason, she felt a surge of nervousness. As Kawase Yuki entered, she hastily pressed the elevator's close button before he could even turn around.

The doors drew together slowly. Gu Qinian's gaze remained fixed on them from afar, his eyes exuding a profound depth.

"...Director Gu? Director Gu?"

The voice of a colleague snapped him back to reality. He offered a slight smile and subtly shifted his gaze away.

Yet, once he was in the car, the image of that moment before the elevator replayed in his mind. He didn't recognize the man's silhouette, but it inexplicably filled him with irritation.

Staring out the window, his expression turned dark, his pupils reflecting a complex emotion.

"Han Cheng," he called out abruptly, but fell silent as Han Cheng turned to look at him.

He had intended to ask Han Cheng to find out who that man was, but then it hit him—he was becoming increasingly fixated on Ye Tian.

This was not a good sign; he shouldn't be investing so much of his thoughts on her.

With a silent admonition to himself, he massaged his temples and spoke in a measured tone, "Let's head back to the office."