Chapter 10

When I got home from work that evening, a bouquet of 99 deep red roses was waiting for me.

They were vibrant and dewy, with a card tucked inside bearing a romantic quote in English.

His intentions were crystal clear.

I didn’t understand.

When had he started to like me?

After a moment of silence, I opened my chat with Lu Xiao for the first time. The only things there were the system notification from when we first added each other and the “Playing hard to get?” text from a few days ago.

I typed out a thank you:

[Thanks, I got the flowers.]

He replied instantly: [Do you like them?]

[I do, but… but you don’t have to send any more. I don’t have a vase for them at home, and it’s a bit of a waste.]

I typed hesitantly, trying to refuse him gently.

But Lu Xiao didn’t seem to get the hint.

[Okay, no more flowers then. I’ll pick you up from work every day and take you to dinner instead.]

[I don’t think that’s appropriate…]

[What’s not appropriate about it?]

I mustered my courage and tried to be a little more direct:

[I’m just a regular corporate drone. You’re different. I don’t think we’re a good match.]

He was silent for a moment.

[Is that why you’ve been afraid to express your feelings, choosing instead to carefully reel me in?]

[You’re so skilled at this, why are you so timid?]

?

Reel him in?

Who was reeling him in?!

Who was skilled at what?!

I was about to type a question, but Lu Xiao delivered the final word.

[Don’t be scared. It’s my turn to pursue you now.]