At the company's mid-year gala, my boss offered to set me up on a blind date. Drunk and emotional, I tearfully admitted I hadn't moved on from my ex. My colleagues, hungry for gossip, pressed for details. The boss sitting at the head of the table looked increasingly uncomfortable. "This ex of yours... his last name wouldn't happen to be Sterling, would it?" 1 The executives immediately sobered up, exchanging glances. I was slumped on the table, enjoying a baby-like slumber. I completely missed the boss's question. The colleagues around me, energized by the gossip, shook me vigorously. "Don't sleep, Autumn! Tell us more!" I lifted my head with difficulty. "Tell you what?" "Is your ex's family rich?" "Extremely, obscenely rich." I spread my arms wide. "His kitchen... has a whole row of fridges, all filled with premium seafood people gifted him." "How did you meet?" "We were high school classmates." I mumbled a response, sitting there trying to recover. My body found the camera before my eyes did. I immediately started managing my expression. Only to realize it was the big boss at the head of the table, Charles Chen, sneakily filming me with his phone. "Mr. Chen, why are you filming me?" Charles was handsome, and scandalous rumors about him were plentiful. Among the group executives, he was the most gossiped about. He was known as the Second Prince. He had a Crown Prince older brother above him. But a year ago, the Crown Prince was transferred, and Charles took over management. Rank-wise, I shouldn't be sitting at the same table as him. But today was the mid-year gala. And I was one of the top three revenue-generating streamers across all sectors last year. Sales, interviews, group broadcasts—I hit every target. To show appreciation, the leadership allowed top-performing employees to sit with them. Charles pursed his lips and gestured for me to continue. "Nothing, go on. I want to hear it too." "Let's not talk about relationships... it's embarrassing." I subconsciously dropped a cherry tomato into my wine glass. Realizing belatedly that I was drinking with clients (or bosses), I fished the fruit out and ate it. Sour. Charles hissed. "Embarrassing?" He seemed to want to laugh but held it back. "Is dating that ex of yours embarrassing?" I shook my head. "Not that he's embarrassing. I was just a failure back then." "That shouldn't be," he led the conversation. "If you were a failure, why would he be with you?" I didn't say anything. He winked at the people around him. Several half-drunk executives immediately got up, saying they were going to mingle at other tables. Seeing this, my colleagues also slipped away one by one. Baffled, I decided to leave with them. Charles quickly looked up, clearing his throat. "Where are you going? Your performance last year was excellent. Let's talk about a raise." I shivered and scooted back to my seat. I filled my glass, following muscle memory to give a thank-you speech. "Thank you for your appreciation, Mr. Chen. Cheers." "Sit, sit. Don't drink." He held down my glass. "Tell me, Sterling... how did your ex's mom persuade you to break up? Did she scold you or threaten you?" She didn't. She was very kind. That was when I was a senior in college. Since confirming my relationship with Ethan Sterling in sophomore year, I would stay at his place for a few days during winter and summer breaks. His mother showed up suddenly one afternoon. I was sleeping on the sofa and was startled awake by a knock. I thought Ethan was back. Running to open the door, I found a strange woman. She looked 30% like Ethan. She saw me and wasn't surprised. And she didn't seem to be looking for Ethan. I greeted her very slowly, "Hello, Auntie." "Autumn, hello." She smiled. "Shall we go inside and chat?" I guessed her intention immediately. She said her last name was Hoffman, from the Hoffman shipping family in Hong Kong. Her marriage to Mr. Sterling was an alliance. Their businesses complemented each other perfectly. They had been harmoniously married for years, and Ethan was their only son. Perhaps Mr. Sterling had selfish motives. But Ethan's position was secure. Provided he didn't mess up. Provided he didn't expose a weakness for outsiders to exploit. "Ethan is capable, and I trust him. He doesn't really need marriage to secure himself." Mrs. Sterling gathered her clutch, changing the subject. "However, marriage alliances are a way to gather support." "If he doesn't do it, someone else will." "If others realize his wife's family is weak and use marriage to find allies to wrestle with him, that wouldn't be good." With every sentence she spoke, my back stiffened a little more. Pins and needles. Let's get this over with. I kept my head down. "Mrs... Mrs. Sterling, what... what do you want me to do?" She watched me picking at my hands, seemingly with a hint of pity. "Autumn, I've known about you since high school." "Back then, Ethan mentioned your name all the time at home." "Later, I looked into your school. I know your parents are traditional, you came out of the mountains thanks to poverty alleviation programs, and got into a top university on grades alone." "A very difficult path for a girl." "You are smart and pretty." "But to be our daughter-in-law, you don't have to be exceptionally excellent, but you can't have too big of a shortcoming." "Originally, I didn't want to separate you two so quickly." "But Ethan is graduating. You're staying in the country, and he's unwilling to go abroad." "So, Autumn, consider him, and consider yourself." She opened her clutch. And pressed a thin check onto the coffee table. I quickly wiped my face, daring not look up. "Okay, okay, I understand. I won't... won't see you out, okay?" Her soft shawl brushed past my fluffy pajamas. The scent was faint, like sandalwood in a temple. The sandalwood scent faded. She closed the door as if she had never been there. I went to the room to pack. Only when I started packing did I realize there was so much stuff. Clothes and socks filled a corner of the walk-in closet. Jewelry, hair ties, and toiletries Ethan casually bought for me. Plants I raised, pillows, dolls, ornaments I bought, unused sanitary pads. It was impossible to fit into the one suitcase I came with. I stuffed things in and took them out. Jewelry with no obvious price tag stayed behind. Toiletries had to be taken. I definitely wouldn't bear to buy such expensive ones myself. Take more pajamas. That cashmere shawl was a celebrity style, very long. When we bought it, Ethan laughed that I was small but insisted on acting cool, looking like a manta ray in it. Take it. His sound system was the brand I picked, supposedly excellent. Although I realized after getting it that it was just internet hype. But I still liked it. Pity I really couldn't take that. What about the plants on the balcony I raised for two years? Change a place, spend another two years raising them? I sat by the messy suitcase and suddenly broke down. Footsteps outside the living room door. Sounds of footsteps and bags being placed on the table. "Autumn," Ethan called from outside. "Shall I cook for you?" I didn't answer. He muttered to himself in confusion. Probably glimpsed the check on the coffee table, his steps faltered. The bedroom door opened. "Who from my family came to see you..." Ethan's face was ugly, fingering the thin paper. I turned to look at him, quickly wiping my face with my sleeve. "Okay, don't cry, don't cry." He half-squatted, pulling me into his arms. "Who came? Tell me." His fingertips were a bit cold, his collar chilly. I rubbed my face against his coat, burying it in his warm sweater. But his cashmere sweater also smelled of sandalwood. They are a family. Was I dragging him down, putting him in a difficult spot? Panting, I tried to pull away, but he pulled me back. Fingers threaded through my hair, undeniably pressing the back of my head against his chest. "Speak. Was it a man or woman? How old?" He lowered his head, nose against my forehead, breathing with annoyance. I shook my head. "I... let's talk." "Talk about what? Autumn, what do you want to talk about? Breaking up?" His gaze was severe. "When we got together, didn't you promise not to give up easily?" I wanted to say we're together, but I dared not. He said he thought clearly when he confessed. So he hoped I would consider the obstacles we would face in the future before answering him. I promised him I would be with him properly. But being young, I always thought obstacles were light. Only when facing them did I realize one sentence was enough to negate everything. I retreated. Would he retreat at some moment too? "Why don't we... break up?" Meeting his gaze, my voice got smaller and smaller. "I'm afraid you, afraid you will regret it later, feel that I... am a burden..." "Enough!" Ethan interrupted me, swallowing hard several times. I spoke very little in high school. At first, classmates asked me questions. I didn't speak, just wrote down the solution steps for them. Classmates thought I was pretentious. The grade called me "the silent, pretentious exam expert." Later, teachers called on me to answer questions. After many times, they realized I had a speech impediment (stutter). So I got immunity from answering questions. No one made it difficult for me to speak. They just occasionally advised me to practice speaking more. Classes during the day, back to dorms at night, washing up time was tight. I couldn't find time to practice, nor was I willing. Only after getting together with Ethan did I occasionally open my mouth. He always waited for me to finish. Even if describing one thing took ten minutes. He had never interrupted me like this. I shut my mouth tight. "Autumn," he took a deep breath, cupping my face with both hands, "Do you still like me?" I looked at him and nodded. "Then don't mention breaking up. Just consider it for me, practice speaking well. I'll practice with you at home." He used a bit of force. "Hear me?" I nodded again. He pulled me into his arms, tightening his embrace. "Good girl." After that day, neither of us mentioned the two million dollar check. He hired a live-in maid to do housework and dragged me to chat all day. Sometimes I woke up late at night and heard him on the balcony on the phone. The tone on the other end probably wasn't good. He was silent for a long time, responding in low tones. Usually the next day he would apologize to me, saying he had to attend high-level meetings and would be away for a few days. I saw the documents on his desk. Meeting materials, industry reports, financial statements. Confidentiality level unknown. I didn't dare look closely. I only knew I was probably really dragging him down. When he wasn't there, I practiced with my phone. Opened a voice chat livestream. Regardless of whether anyone was there, I forced myself to speak. Some viewers who entered the room were startled. University classmates bumped into me in the woods and thought my mental state wasn't good. There was even a period where my weird livestream was screenshotted and discussed on forums for a while. I replied to comments one by one explaining the reason. Unexpectedly, netizens were very understanding and came specifically to chat with me. But it was so painful. The livestream got more popular. Some encouraged, some mocked. Some deliberately guided me to read bad comments. My speech was still stuttering. After accidentally reading vulgar words and homophones, the livestream room was banned again. I couldn't take it anymore. Why torture myself like this, and drag Ethan down too? How can chronic symptoms be recovered by short-term training? I wanted to give up. But this time I didn't have the courage to face Ethan. I left all miscellaneous items, only taking clothes I needed. At a hotel, I texted him to break up. That night he returned to the city. Insisted on talking face to face. I opened the door and saw a travel-worn Ethan. Eyes bloodshot, standing stiffly. Neither spoke. I couldn't hold back tears. Crying and crying. At the end of crying, I spoke the most fluent sentence. "Ethan, the pressure is too much, I really can't go on." He pursed his lips tight and asked me. "Really can't go on? Can't we try again?" I said, "I'm so tired." He put the gift bag on the floor, lowering his eyelids. "If it's really that painful, then forget it." I squatted on the floor, watching him turn his back. "Ethan!" He stopped, looked sideways. I realized then that his eyes were red too. I said, "Can we still be friends?" Will we meet again? He laughed lightly, "Mn. You can find me if you need anything." But I understood. He meant he wouldn't find me anymore. Later, indeed, no contact. It's been over three years. If he knew my speech is very, very clear now... Wonder if he would be happy for me. Alcohol brings up old memories. Illusory emotions rush to the head, ignoring reality. I lay on the table, completely forgetting this was a group mid-year gala. Sitting opposite was my boss's boss's boss. Charles Chen frowned and patted me. "Autumn, Autumn, wake up... Ancestor, probably alcohol poisoning? Dammit, Ethan Sterling is gonna chop me." I was shaken awake, face tilted from my bent arm. Exposing one eye to look at him. "Hm? Mr. Chen?" Charles breathed a sigh of relief. Handed a tissue, chin lifted. "Wipe your face, crying like that." "Sorry, drank too much, got emotional. This wine is strong, can't handle it." I forced a smile, realizing belatedly. "Hey, Mr. Chen, weren't we talking about a raise?" He waved his hand. "Raise, 50% raise. But tomorrow, no, day after tomorrow, you have to come with me to... um, a cross-company exchange meeting." "Is my rank high enough to attend with you?" "Oh, just a simple meal." "Oh. No can do, annual leave starts day after tomorrow." "Triple overtime pay. It's a rare networking opportunity, I'm taking you because you're motivated." Charles said with certainty. I didn't suspect him, making an OK gesture. He let out a breath, smiling like a smug fox. "I'll have the driver take you back, rest well. I'll pick you up day after tomorrow." 2 I slept until 2 PM thanks to the alcohol. Woke up and sat on the bed thinking for half an hour. I couldn't remember exactly what I said at the gala last night. But I didn't forget Charles Chen's mischievous expression at the end. His reputation with women wasn't good. Sending a female star to a cover shoot today. Dining with a newly debuted girl tomorrow. Although hadn't heard of him involved with female employees. Still scalp-numbing. Before I could think of an excuse to refuse, a work message popped up. "Tomorrow's dinner is a birthday celebration for a buddy of mine, you better bring a gift." "Seize the opportunity, maybe someone casually gives an opportunity, and you can pay hundreds of thousands more in taxes." "5:30 PM, Secretary Lee will pick you up." Your family gathering, I shouldn't go. I drank too much yesterday and blabbed, Mr. Chen please bear with me. There are people with better performance than me in the company, why not give them the chance? I deleted the refusal. Cowardly replied "Received." After washing up, realized I forgot to ask key info. Is his buddy old or young, prefers western or traditional style, sexual orientation. Know nothing. Searched gifts for leaders on phone, homepage showed shops I bought from before. Scarf, belt, briefcase. Prices weren't high, price range I couldn't choose now. But giving those to Ethan, he was always happy. I was suddenly in a trance. Not long later is Ethan's birthday too. He happened to be born around Lunar New Year. Every year on his birthday, he celebrated with me first, then rushed home to celebrate again. Came back the next day with bags big and small. Gifts from relatives and Sterling family partners. Some knew he was dating, so gifted popular new season luxury goods to please him. He picked through them, packing what I could use. Still had to be coy, wouldn't give to me easily. Insisted I circle him for half a day, stuttering anxiously. Only then would he lift his chin, slowly handing over the suitcase. I sat on the floor opening gift boxes one by one. Ethan bent his leg leaning aside, drinking water slowly. "Anything you like?" I held up the most satisfactory one to show him. He recognized it, smiling. "Got it, talk projects with their family more next year." I said, "You, you abuse power for personal gain." My birthday is in autumn. Specific day, unclear. His gifts piled aside, as if I also had a very good birthday. In the years apart, I haven't picked gifts for anyone. Nor received gifts from anyone. Screening items matching the other's temperament, preference, and status from massive options consumes energy. I emboldened myself to contact Charles. "Mr. Chen, what does your friend prefer? I'll prepare accordingly." He said, "Anything is fine." ... Then anything is fine. I asked someone to buy a tea cake, just said expensive. Sending tea can't be wrong. Shop owner said the tea cake grade I wanted wasn't low, the only one in the store happened to be reserved. Other stock needed time to transfer. Luckily delivered before the dinner. I picked a semi-formal commuter suit, carrying the gift box out. 3 Charles and his secretary were already waiting downstairs. I got in the car, instinctively wanted to say hello, didn't see anyone. Secretary Lee glanced at me. "Looking for Mr. Chen? We're picking him up now." "Oh, okay." I paused, "Secretary Lee, do you accompany Mr. Chen to these dinners?" "Mr. Chen doesn't drink much, no need for company. I wait in the car." "Then do you know who Mr. Chen is meeting this time?" "Not clear on this one." He slowed down, stopping by the roadside. Charles just walked out of a tea shop. The packaging bag in his hand looked very familiar. My back sweated, looking down at the gift box beside me. No way, such a coincidence? Charles opened the door, putting the stuff beside him casually. I peeked through the rearview mirror. Headache worsening. Identical gift, how to give? Eyes met. Charles reported a location, then asked me. "Autumn, brought the gift?" I turned back, slowly lifting the gift box for him to see. He almost choked laughing. "Young people drink this tea?" "But you bought it too." "I'm taking this to give to his dad casually! You're a bit tactless, only focused on picking expensive ones right?" "...Mr. Chen, men's gifts, get too personal and it crosses the line." Cufflinks, ties, belts, watches, all intimate items. Truly versatile are tobacco, alcohol, tea. Turning the intersection, the car stopped by a Chinese courtyard. I carried the gift following Charles. In the restaurant private room, several people were chatting. Turned to glimpse us, greeting and pulling chairs. I locked eyes with one person, both stunned for seconds. Zack, seeing me enter with Charles one after another, eyes wide. I nodded at him, heart skipped a beat. Running into a high school alum here? I wasn't close with Zack. Met a few times, all because of Ethan. Noise all around. "Early, Prince Chen, not late this time?" "Hm? Brought a sister too?" "Changed taste? Remember the last one wasn't this style." "We gather once, only you bring a girl." "Seriously, restrain your playing. If we had your scandals, our legs would be broken." Charles scoffed. "Sick? Go treat it. This is my employee. Autumn, put your gift on that table." Gifts on the table were open. Jade raw stones, jewelry, riding crops, watches. Two identical tea cakes placed there, incredibly abrupt. Teasing that just calmed down returned. "Why give the same thing?" "Wearing couple outfits, giving couple gifts?" "Zack, usually you talk the most, why silent now?" Zack looked indescribable, squeezed out words after a while. "This... I dare not say." I sat in the corner smiling bitterly. This kind of occasion, can't pass without a few teases. Footsteps approached steadily from the corridor. People around suddenly started touching things quickly. The second the door opened, confetti exploded. "Congrats Prince Sterling on getting another year older!" I applauded with everyone, suddenly sitting up straight. Who? Named Sterling? Confetti fell. The person at the door dusted confetti off his shoulder, half helpless half silent. "How many times you gonna play this trick?" Across years, voice no longer familiar. Shedding some clarity, adding steadiness. My back stiffened, face steaming. Ethan stood by the door hands in pockets, face slowly cooling. Silence for a moment. People at the table confused, looking at each other. "Prince Sterling come sit." Waiter waited aside, waiting to take his coat. I lowered my head, actively avoiding gaze. Zack coughed a few times, smoothing things over. "Sit first Ethan, talk later." After a while, he pulled a chair and sat. Drank a glass of warm water, eyelids lowered looking at Charles. "Not introducing?" Charles patted my chair back. "Autumn, my company's most capable streamer, whatever she pushes goes viral. Brought her to meet people, you guys look after her if there's business." I stood up and smiled at the right time, bowing slightly. "Whoa, who's worth you bringing personally for face?" "Should we call her sister-in-law?" Zack held back, "Stop asking, stop asking." Charles cleared his throat. "Just have fun with me, don't drag innocent people in, is this really my girlfriend?" "So she's here." Ethan didn't lift his head, "Thought I'd be drinking Prince Chen's wedding wine soon." I stared at the cup in front of me, playing background. Two or three at the table responded. "Sorry girl, I'll punish myself a cup." "Charles Chen you too, not discussing business, why bring an employee?" "Right, haven't toasted the birthday boy yet. Come come come drink one." "Fortune as wide as the East Sea, life as long as the South Mountain ha." "Stealing my lines?" Ethan refused no one, drinking toasts one by one. I listened to laughter, feeling unreal. Brain buzzing, dizziness like just waking up. His birthday, isn't it in New Year? Everyone toasted, only I was silent. Charles kicked my chair leg lightly. I snapped back from silence, holding wine glass standing up. "I'm clumsy with words, wish President Sterling success in career, good health." Ethan leaned back in the chair, raising hand for someone to pass the bottle. Drank half glass in front of him, refilled. He raised glass casually, toasting me, drinking it all. Charles half joking. "Cup after cup, haven't seen your capacity this big usually, don't drink too much." He pressed his brow, tone indifferent. "Can talk if you can speak." Atmosphere weird, someone threw the topic to me. "How many years has Miss Autumn done new media?" "Two years." "Results so good in just two years." That person slightly surprised, "Solid foundation?" I smiled, "What foundation, back then I had a speech impediment. Later graduated and did sales for a year, forcing speech fluent." Zack stunned, "Sales with your degree?" People looked sideways. "Zack, you know her?" "Met a few times before." Zack explained, looking at me, "Why not find an easier job?" I mocked myself. "Who wants an employee who can't speak fluently?" Every year prestigious graduates are countless, companies can choose the best. Motivated, strong ability, energetic. Willing to learn, self-reflecting, good image and temperament. Introversion became a big flaw. Poor communication skills, couldn't pass round one. Used to circle a safe zone with Ethan. Always felt he wouldn't ignore me. With him, it would be fine. Since someone covers the bottom, why work hard? I escaped every day. After all, doing one thing might encounter many difficulties. But doing nothing, the only difficulty is making up your mind. Until after breakup I started facing my own issues. Can't speak fluently, waiting to starve without finding work. Fall recruitment, spring recruitment, thesis, graduation destination confirmation, urging employment. I practiced retelling news broadcasts every day, gave up fall recruitment. Spring recruitment failed again. Soon finished thesis and graduated. Then became a member of the unemployed army. At a dead end, I found the gift Ethan gave me on breakup day. Wanted to sell it, exchange for some buffer living expenses. Opened to find a rare leather bag in the box. And a two million dollar check. The one his mom gave was torn long ago. In the gift box was a new one, signed in his name. He still left me a way out. I sat in the cramped rental, suddenly lost control of emotions. Everything ended. From the moment I decided to use this money, it was parting ways, never seeing again. With that money, I didn't worry about livelihood. So found a sales job. Rejected in interview. I stopped HR, said I didn't want base salary. Just give me a platform to open my mouth. Successfully stayed. Every morning and evening, company required employees to read work goals aloud, excited like chicken blood. Those looking not wild enough would be nitpicked for attitude. I let go, called out and scolded many times. After morning reading, back to desk making harassment calls. Hung up directly when lucky. Cursed parents when unlucky. Every time cursed by clients on the other side, I sincerely said thank you. Other side confused, I took opportunity to sell insurance. Then cursed idiot again, hung up. When lucky, could cover rent with sales. No one mocked my stuttering anymore. I switched jobs, started as assistant streamer. Promoted to streamer on face, stricter work requirements, often scolded by audience and supervisor. Secretly cried at first. But when I earned 50k a month for the first time, didn't feel scolding anymore. I love work. I want money to fill the spent savings. Like making up two million makes me owe Ethan nothing. Work is busy. Rarely have time to think of him. I miss him very much. Ethan focused on food. I watched him secretly. Picking key nodes, stating past few years truthfully. Not far away, someone handed a business card. "My friend's designer brand doing promotion recently. If Miss Autumn is interested, can contact her to discuss cooperation." I quickly took the card. New jewelry brand in the industry. Invited promotion ambassadors usually famous rich wives and ladies. Normally I couldn't take this private job. Charles raised a brow, "Take it if they flatter you, doesn't count as private work." I put palms together bowing, whispering. "Thank you boss." Turning face, met Ethan's gaze. He lowered eyes looking at phone, stood up leaving table. "I'll make a call, you continue." Birthday boy left, atmosphere relaxed immediately. I stopped participating, eating silently. Charles turned to me. "Open another table for you next door, call Secretary Lee to send you back after eating." "No need, Mr. Chen eat slowly, I'll go back myself." I took bag to leave. Just out the door, uproar in the private room. Zack jumped up pouncing on Charles. Grabbing collar, exasperated. "Good one Charles Chen, I kindly told you stories, you brought the protagonist to stir shit right?" "Autumn can't forget him, isn't it good for them to meet? Maybe Ethan still likes her, just reunite." "Does he look like he's still interested?" Charles laughed loudly. "Zack you haven't dated don't bark. I say they are guaranteed to get back together, believe it?" Several unrecognizable voices mixed together. "No... what are you saying?" "What do you mean still like? That was Prince Sterling's ex?" "Brain damage crashing ex bureau, bro stumbled onto guillotine. Whoever joked about her apologize quickly." "I see no feelings left." "That's best." Conversations faded, turning to toasting.
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