Chapter 19: Miss Xia, Very Special

Both shared a full bowl of noodles. When it was time to pay, Shen Shichuan reached for his wallet, but Xia Yangyang quickly interjected, "I said I'd treat you. I can afford a bowl of beef noodles."

Shen Shichuan smiled gently, put away his wallet, and let her pay. Afterward, he took her to Time's prop room—a vast storage area, almost like a prop supermarket, brimming with ancient and modern items. He helped her select everything she needed.

He then instructed Zhou Fei, "Help Miss Xia deliver these props to her school."

"Certainly, President," Zhou Fei replied.

Zhou Fei then produced a small box. "President, this was just delivered by Miss Manbing's assistant."

Xia Yangyang was present. The small, black box, adorned with a scenic design, contained a diamond-studded Rolex watch and a note: "Happy birthday to my dearest brother."

Shen Shichuan smiled, putting the watch away. Xia Yangyang was surprised. "It's your birthday today?"

"Yes," he replied warmly.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Xia Yangyang said. "I shouldn't have treated you to just beef noodles. I should have done something better."

"Having someone to eat with is more than enough," Shen Shichuan said. "Besides, isn't it tradition to eat noodles on one's birthday? Yangyang, I was very happy today. Thank you for lunch."

Something in his words saddened Xia Yangyang. Despite his high standing, he seemed lonely. She guessed he'd seized the opportunity to dine with her because he was alone on his birthday.

Unsure what to say, she offered, "If you ever need a lunch companion, feel free to ask. I may not be able to afford fancy restaurants, but I know all the best snack places."

"Alright," he replied softly.

Xia Yangyang said goodbye and left with Zhou Fei. During the drive, Zhou Fei kept glancing at her through the rearview mirror, smiling subtly.

"Secretary Zhou, what's so amusing?" Xia Yangyang asked.

"Apart from Miss Manbing," he replied, "you're the first person to elicit such a gentle smile from the President."

Xia Yangyang found this strange; she'd always perceived Shen Shichuan as gentle.

"Why didn't the President have anyone to eat with on his birthday? Wasn't he lonely?" she asked.

Zhou Fei almost laughed. "He received hundreds of birthday telegrams, not to mention calls and texts. Many people wanted to treat him to dinner, but he's too busy."

"If he's so busy, why did he eat with me?"

"That's why Miss Xia holds a special place in the President's heart," Zhou Fei explained. "He only makes time to eat with you and help you find props."

"He values every second, but today he spent two hours helping you find props, Miss Xia."

Xia Yangyang frowned. It had seemed like she was accompanying him; how had it become the other way around? Even if Shen Shichuan treated her specially, it was likely due to Gu Qichen's influence.

They arrived at the school. Zhou Fei helped unload the props into the auditorium. Wen Xiaochu and the others were astonished. "Yangyang, where did you get all these exquisite props and costumes?"