When Geng Sitian saw herself in the mirror, she could hardly believe it.
The once exceptionally ordinary girl now exuded an uncommon charm in this dress, making even herself feel like a stranger.
"Miss, this dress is truly perfect on you," the sales assistant exclaimed, her eyes filled with admiration. "Honestly, many customers have admired this dress, but you are the one it suits the best."
Geng Sitian had to admit that she was captivated by the dress, but… the thought of its price made her unable to feel entirely happy.
Led by the sales assistant, they returned to the store.
Zhan Yang was momentarily taken aback when he saw Geng Sitian. He had initially found her to be a refined woman, but now, accentuated by the red dress, she possessed a hint of allure.
"Zhan… President Zhan…" Geng Sitian felt a pang of shyness. This was the first time she had worn such an outfit.
She had felt alright in the fitting room, but facing Zhan Yang now, she couldn't help but feel embarrassed.
She was eager for Zhan Yang's evaluation but also dreaded hearing it.
"Mm, good, we'll take this one," Zhan Yang nodded, making an immediate decision.
Geng Sitian quickly waved her hands. "President Zhan, this is too expensive. I… I really can't afford it…"
Her voice grew softer towards the end. She was acutely aware that she didn't belong in this place, nor did this dress suit her.
Zhan Yang pretended not to hear and said to the sales assistant, "Get her a pair of shoes to match."
"President Zhan!" Geng Sitian pleaded, shaking her head at Zhan Yang.
Her gesture clearly meant, "Don't buy anything else."
After the sales assistant left to make arrangements, Zhan Yang said to Geng Sitian, "Since I brought you here to shop, you don't need to worry about the price at all. I'll pay."
"But…" Geng Sitian felt a warmth in her heart, yet her rationality told her that her status didn't warrant such treatment from Zhan Yang.
"Alright, since you're my assistant, consider this a work perk. You'll need many things later, and it's for the company's project. Don't be polite; consider it my investment."
Zhan Yang's tone was casual. It was still within his means to buy these clothes.
Moreover, as he said, these items were necessary, and if the project succeeded, it would all be worthwhile.
Yet, Geng Sitian felt enveloped in a pinkish atmosphere. She tried her best to ignore her feelings, but… why did Zhan Yang always stir her heart, no matter the time?
She wasn't a woman who cared about money, but when Zhan Yang was willing to buy her these things, she couldn't help but feel a flutter.
Whether it was Zhan Yang helping her choose clothes or him willing to spend money on her, it all made her heart race.
It even gave her a fleeting illusion that she was someone he doted on at this moment.
However, Zhan Yang was entirely unaware of Geng Sitian's feelings, believing it was all for work.
Still, Geng Sitian was indeed quite likable.
Once everything was ready, Geng Sitian was transformed. Zhan Yang was confident in his judgment.
They arrived at the pre-booked private room. There were still ten minutes until the scheduled time, so the business partner hadn't arrived yet.
"President Zhan, does this look too strange on me?" Geng Sitian was still a little worried. It was her first time meeting clients dressed like this.
"No, you look beautiful," Zhan Yang said, wanting to boost Geng Sitian's confidence.
But Geng Sitian's face still flushed red. She secretly noted that Zhan Yang seemed to like this style.
Although she couldn't afford such clothes, she could find more affordable alternatives. She at least hoped to transform herself into someone Zhan Yang would find appealing.
With only Zhan Yang and Geng Sitian in the private room, the atmosphere became somewhat delicate.
Normally, they were only alone in the office, and their interactions were strictly work-related, leaving no room for her to indulge in fanciful thoughts.
Perhaps it was the ambiguous ambiance of the private room that made Geng Sitian's heart pound incessantly, so much so that she found the sound of her own heartbeat unbearable.
This also made her subconsciously maintain a deliberate distance from Zhan Yang.
Zhan Yang sat in the center of the sofa, while she had already moved to its edge.
Zhan Yang looked at Geng Sitian with a hint of helplessness. He had no idea what she was thinking, but such a distance would make onlookers believe he was a harsh boss to his subordinate.
"Come closer," Zhan Yang said directly.
"Ah?"
Zhan Yang's sudden utterance nearly made Geng Sitian's heart skip a beat.
"If you sit there, how will we discuss the project together later?"
After all, the room was spacious, and the sofa was long enough.
Geng Sitian was nervous, but she had to admit Zhan Yang's words made sense. However, she genuinely feared that if she moved closer to Zhan Yang now, her racing heart would be the death of her.
"Alright, look at me, take a deep breath."
As Zhan Yang spoke, Geng Sitian followed his instructions.
"I know this is your first time attending such a social event, but you don't need to be too nervous. I've learned about the project manager; he's not a stubborn person. I think he'd prefer you to be more relaxed."
Zhan Yang simply believed that Geng Sitian was feeling anxious.
Geng Sitian nodded. "I understand."
She took a few more deep breaths, finally managing to relax a little before tentatively moving a bit closer to Zhan Yang.
However, she eventually stopped at a certain distance. She still couldn't be too close to Zhan Yang. Even with the two-seat gap between them, she felt enveloped by his men's cologne.
This time, Zhan Yang didn't say anything, letting her sit there.
They didn't wait long before Jiang Feng, the project manager, arrived at the private room.
"My apologies, I'm late. Something unexpected came up at the company, which caused a delay," Jiang Feng said politely.
"It's alright, we just arrived as well, and it's exactly our agreed-upon time, so you're not late," Zhan Yang said, extending his hand politely.
Jiang Feng shook it with equal courtesy.
"Right, let me introduce you," Jiang Feng said, turning towards the door. "For this project, we've found an image ambassador. As you know, our theme for the cultural district is 'time travel,' and we'll be hiring a famous model for ancient costume endorsements."
As he finished speaking, a familiar figure walked in from outside the door.
Zhan Yang blinked in surprise, and Chen Yutong froze as well.
This was Chen Yutong's first job since being discharged from the hospital. In reality, she wasn't supposed to be discharged yet, but she couldn't stand staying any longer. Besides, if she remained in the hospital, how could she possibly win back Zhan Yang?