White Roses and Red Roses - Chapter 3

At the beginning of April, Qin Rui mentioned to me that he had secured a significant contract, but it was too big for him to handle alone, so he was looking for a partner.

I was nibbling on my ice cream spoon and asked, “Have you found someone to collaborate with?”

“Le Hong.”

Le Hong is Xu Aile’s mother’s company, much larger in scale. They could easily handle the contract on their own, so why would they collaborate with Qin Rui?

Despite this, I said, “Then start with the official channels, and I’ll ask Aile if she can help.”

The air turned strangely silent for a moment.

I looked up in confusion, noticing a fleeting darkness in Qin Rui’s eyes. “No need, I’ll approach her myself.”

As we walked out after dinner, the commercial street was bustling. A child holding a rose tried to shove it into my arms, saying to Qin Rui, “Brother, buy a flower for your girlfriend!”

Qin Rui’s gaze remained unchanged as he walked straight ahead, “Not buying.”

Surrounded by several kids, I awkwardly lagged behind and fished out some change from my wallet, “Alright, alright, brother’s just shy. I’ll buy your flowers for him.”

The kids scattered after getting the money, and I jogged over to Qin Rui with a few roses in hand, “Flowers for you.”

He glanced sideways, “What’s the point of these?”

“They’re pretty, symbolize love.”

“So what’s the point?”

“…”

Qin Rui had never given me flowers. I guess it’s because he thinks flowers are pointless and doesn’t understand the secret, romantic thoughts girls have.

But what about when he gave flowers to Xu Aile?

On May 20th, after work, I rushed over and caught him handing a bouquet and gift to Xu Aile.

Xu Aile accepted them with a sweet smile, “It’s just a small favor, but you’re thanking me so much.”

Qin Rui’s voice was gentle, “It’s the least I could do.”

He had almost never spoken to me in such a tone.

A few steps away, I stood there holding my flowers, dazed.

The puddles on the ground reflected my messy hair, tangled from being caught by someone holding onto the subway handrail earlier.

With so many people, I carefully protected the red roses in my arms, but inevitably, many petals were crushed, leaving them looking a bit disheveled.

Meanwhile, the white roses Qin Rui handed to Xu Aile were still adorned with droplets, each bloom unfolding beautifully.

Suddenly, the blaring horn of an electric scooter sounded behind me. I hurriedly stepped aside, and water splashed up onto my dress.

I looked up in embarrassment, meeting the gaze of Qin Rui and Xu Aile.

Upon seeing me, Qin Rui’s expression didn’t change at all. He simply asked, “Why are you off work so early?”

Xu Aile stood beside him, holding the bouquet, her smile unchanged, “Xiao Yu, you’re here too?”

My eyes and heart felt a painful swell, and I clenched my skirt tightly with my free hand, taking several deep breaths before forcing a smile, “Why are you two together?”

“Not working overtime today. As I was leaving, Xiao Qin called, saying he had something for me.”

Xu Aile shook the flowers and gift bag in her hand, “Since you’re here, I’ll head off-Xiao Qin, looking forward to working together.”

Qin Rui, who used to show no kindness towards her, surprisingly raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Of course.”

May 20th is a homophone for ‘I love you’ in Chinese, often celebrated as a romantic day.