The desk phone suddenly rang.
Shang Chi glanced at the department code on the display and picked up the receiver.
"Just saw the news. Aren't you updating the machine pet program lately? Why suddenly crave that abandoned program? Getting nostalgic for college days now that you're getting old?"
The voice on the other end sounded flippant.
Shang Chi remained expressionless. "It's useful. You didn't forget to back it up, did you?"
"Shang Chi, stop cursing me. Tan Min would never forget to back it up in this lifetime... Sending it over. Been too busy lately. Next time we go out for drinks, I'll accompany you, old man, and reminisce properly. Hanging up."
Shang Chi clicked open his computer and selected to receive the file.
The caller, Tan Min, was the leader of another team in the R&D department and also Shang Chi's university classmate.
Back in the day, they'd rented a clubhouse with a few tech-obsessed buddies and actually built a few gadgets, even cashing in on a couple patent royalties.
This file, casually named "1," was a prototype AI voice assistant they'd developed right before graduation. But when a major corporation launched a similar product, they'd abandoned it midway.
Shang Chi downloaded the program onto his computer, navigated to the administrator path with practiced ease, and began methodically modifying the code.
With a few tweaks, it could be repurposed as a gift for his daughter, Xiaozhu.
-
Time flew by in the midst of his work.
After spending most of the day coding, Shang Chi had Xiaofang book a recording studio to create a voice plugin for the program.
At exactly 5:30 PM, Shang Chi rose from his seat.
He casually grabbed his suit jacket and strode out of the office in a few quick steps.
Seeing Shang Chi walking while clocking out, Xiao Fang's first reaction was to glance outside to check the sky, then look down at his watch.
No mistake—it was 5:30 PM.
He hadn't lost track of time while immersed in work.
Shang Chi was actually leaving this early? Not staying behind at all?
Surprised, Xiao Fang hurriedly stood up. "Mr. Shang, let me drive you..."
Without looking up, Shang Chi waved his hand. "I'll go back on my own."
As he moved, the light caught the reflection off his wedding ring, momentarily dazzling Xiao Fang.
Just as he was about to walk away, Shang Chi paused as if remembering something, pausing slightly and glancing lazily over.
"Assistant Fang, you should head home early too."
Shang Chi smiled faintly. "That way, you won't look so lonely when everyone else is leaving to be with their girlfriends or wives."
Xiao Fang: "?"
Xiao Fang: "???"
Why mock him like that?!
Is being married really that great?!
Ignoring Fang's furious yet speechless expression, Shang Chi stepped out of the elevator with a lingering smile, got into his SUV, and drove away from the corporate building.
Five minutes earlier, he'd sent a message to the account with the piano sheet music profile picture on WeChat.
Shang Chi: "Work's done. Can I pick you up now?"
As the SUV rolled through the garage gate, Ming Zhuo replied.
Shang Chi held the steering wheel with one hand, leaning back lazily as he tapped the screen.
"Sure, I'll wait for you."
Her sweet voice flowed through the car's interior.
Shang Chi's lips curved upward. Another notification chimed as Mingzhuo sent a second message.
The voice note began with a hint of hesitation.
"Um... Jingjing said she'd like to meet you. Would you mind joining us for dinner?"
-
"Why are you two being so formal?"
Qi Kejing stared at the voice message Mingzhuo had sent, asking curiously.
Ming Zhu: "Um... well, I'm shy."
Her ears were indeed burning—from Qi Kejing's repeated calls of "your husband."
"Send your husband a message, ask if he can come over for dinner," "I'll see just what kind of heavenly beauty your husband is, snatching our little Zhu away without a word," "When does your husband get off work?"...
She whispered for Qi Kejing to use a different term.
Qi Kejing frowned: "Pick between 'Mr. Shang' and 'your husband'. But I'm afraid I've gotten too used to it—might not be able to switch back."
Ming Zhe: "..." Got it.
The phone in her hand vibrated twice.
Mingzhuo quickly spoke up, awkwardly diverting Qi Kejing's attention.
"He sent a message."
Her fingertip tapped, and the voice message played.
Shang Chi: "Alright. Have you ordered yet? Want me to grab something on my way over?"
His voice was deep and magnetic, tinged with coolness, yet softened by the faint smile in his tone.
To ensure Qi Kejing could hear clearly, Mingzhu held the phone slightly higher and turned the volume all the way up.
The speaker pressed against her earlobe. As the voice played, it felt like a feather lightly brushing her ear bone, sending a faint tingling sensation through her.
Mingzhu drew a quiet breath.
Thankfully, her momentary daze wasn't too obvious.
"Holy crap! Sis Mingzhuo, your husband's voice is way too smooth! He could totally be a voice actor!" The receptionist girl gasped, cupping her face.
Qi Kejing was also startled by that beautiful voice. Hearing the receptionist's praise, she playfully grabbed the girl's ear and gave it a little tug.
"Didn't you meet Sister He's son last time? Haven't you heard him speak? Why so surprised?"
When Shang Chi had brought He Yin to class, only the front desk girl had seen him.
Just moments ago, she'd been pounding her chest in assurance to Qi Kejing, declaring how handsome he was—a perfect match for Sister Mingzhu.
The receptionist desperately tried to save her ears: "He really hasn't spoken! Otherwise, I'd definitely remember. That rich, deep bass—I've only heard it in radio dramas! Sister Xiao Zhuo, help me!"
Sister Xiao Zhuo didn't have time to rescue her.
Instead, she held her phone, lightly grazing her teeth against the inside of her soft lips, and replied cheerfully to the voice message.
"No need. Jingjing already ordered. Just come over."
Yueshen Group wasn't far from Qi Kejing's studio.
Less than ten minutes later, the phone buzzed.
Shang Chi sent a voice message, its background the sound of a car door closing.
"I'm here."
Mingzhu shot to her feet. "He's here! I'll go get him."
Qi Kejing directed the receptionist to open the takeout box. Before she could reach for it, Ming Zhu darted out like a rabbit.
Relying on her familiarity with the layout, her steps were unusually swift.
"—Ming Xiaozhu, slow down!"
Her fingertips brushed against the patterned wallpaper. Only after rounding the corner did Ming Zhu slow her pace, hugging the wall as she made her way outside.
Just as she reached the front desk area, the wind chime hanging by the door tinkled softly.
"Xiaozhu."
The man's voice carried a faint smile. "Here to pick me up?"
Ming Zhu hummed a muffled response.
She heard Qi Kejing's footsteps behind her—the other woman had followed, unable to shake her concern.
Her body acted faster than her mind.
Mingzhu strode forward, her hand—previously used for feeling her way—clutching the man's collar as she pressed herself against him.
When she tilted her head back, her jet-black hair slid down the edge of her ear, revealing flushed earlobes.
"You... you came," Mingzhu took a deep breath, forcing her voice to be clear. "Husband."
Her soft voice trembled with nervousness, and she nearly bit her tongue when she stuttered.
Yet it was still incredibly melodious.
Shang Chi's expression froze momentarily. His Adam's apple bobbed as he extended his arm, shielding Mingzhu's side.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a figure peeking around the corner. Lowering his gaze, he met a clear, clean face that couldn't hide its tension.
As if worried he wouldn't understand.
The slender white fingers resting on his chest shifted again, tugging gently as if to prompt him. Her pale pink lips parted slightly, whispering "husband" once more.
"...Mm."
Shang Chi responded hoarsely, drawing his arm closer to encircle her slender, supple waist.
He lowered his head, his lips lightly brushing against her soft, pale cheek.
"I missed you."
Ming Yue's eyes widened, round and wide.
Each breath drew in the crisp scent of the man. Though the kiss had been as light as a dragonfly skimming water, it seemed to silently ignite a spark, making her blush from her cheeks all the way to her fingertips.
He'd only intended to show affection, to ease Qi Kejing's worries.
But this... was too intimate.
Mingzhu's lashes fluttered, her unease palpable, until Shang Chi's hushed voice asked, "Did you miss me?"
Her cheeks flushed crimson. "Mm," she murmured softly.
Shang Chi let out a low chuckle, as if satisfied with her answer. He lowered his head again, this time planting a kiss on her other cheek.
Not far away, Qi Kejing called out, "...Alright, Xiao Zhu, bring your husband in for dinner."
Enough.
She had no desire to be a spectator to their affection.