Hidden truth, intricate love

Sunlight streamed onto Gu Beichen's desk, its golden glow intertwined with the scent of ink on documents, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and concentration. Gu Beichen's brow furrowed slightly, his gaze fixed on every clause of the contract, every word bearing upon the company's future. He knew that every decision could have enormous consequences, so he had to remain clear-headed and focused.

Just then, a gentle knock on the office door shattered the silence. Gu Beichen's assistant announced a visitor. He looked up to see a tall, elegant woman standing at the door, her eyes filled with a complex emotion.

"Beichen, long time no see." Lin Xiaoxuan's voice was soft and slightly trembling, as if it had traveled through the long river of time, carrying memories of the past and expectations for the future.

Gu Beichen's heartbeat quickened in his chest, and he stood up stiffly, as if overwhelmed by the sudden surprise and complex emotions. His eyes were fixed on Lin Xiaoxuan's face, trying to find clues to the changes in her expression over the years.

"Xiaoxuan, you have changed a lot. You have become more mature and charming." There was a hint of trembling in Gu Beichen's voice. His words contained both admiration for Lin Xiaoxuan's changes and memories of past feelings.

There was a hint of warmth in Lin Xiaoxuan's smile, and her eyes flashed with deep affection for Gu Beichen: "You too, Beichen. Your achievements make me proud." Her tone revealed her concern for Gu Beichen and her interest in the company.

During their conversation, Gu Beichen felt a long-lost sense of familiarity. Lin Xiaoxuan, his childhood sweetheart, had been his college sweetheart. Her departure had filled him with resentment and confusion. But now, she had suddenly reappeared in his life, leaving him feeling complicated.

Gu Beichen's gaze lingered on Lin Xiaoxuan, and his memories surged back like a floodgate. They had walked the tree-lined paths of campus together, studied hard in the corners of the library, and made promises for the future together under the stars. Those days were simple and pure, filled with the spirit of youth and endless longing for the future.

Their love was like a flower blooming in spring, beautiful yet fragile. They had thought it could withstand all the storms of the world, but reality dealt them a heavy blow. Lin Xiaoxuan's departure was like a sudden storm, shattering their love.

Gu Beichen remembered the day Lin Xiaoxuan left, the sky dark and gloomy as if it were bearing down on him. Her farewell at the airport was simple and hasty, without many words, only her tearful eyes, deeply etched in his heart. He stood in the airport lobby, watching her retreat, his heart filled with reluctance and helplessness.

During those days, Gu Beichen felt like he'd lost a part of his soul. His life had become mechanical and dull. He poured all his energy into work, trying to fill the void in his heart with busyness. But every night, when everyone was asleep, memories of Lin Xiaoxuan would flood back like a tide, keeping him awake.

And now, Lin Xiaoxuan was standing in front of him, her smile still bright, her eyes still gentle. An inexplicable emotion surged in Gu Beichen's heart, was it joy, surprise, or a hint of sadness?

"Beichen, I have been thinking about you all these years." Lin Xiaoxuan's voice broke the silence. There was a hint of trembling in her words, as if she was trying hard to suppress her inner excitement.

Gu Beichen's heart was shaken, and his eyes softened: "Xiaoxuan, I've been thinking about you too. Your leaving made me understand a lot of things."

"We've missed a lot, but maybe we still have a chance to start over." Lin Xiaoxuan's voice was filled with anticipation.

"No, Xiaoxuan, during the years you were away, I had new people to accompany me." Gu Beichen avoided some questions and continued, "How have you been these years? Is your life abroad okay?" Gu Beichen couldn't help but ask, with a hint of concern in his voice.

A hint of melancholy flashed across Lin Xiaoxuan's eyes, but was quickly covered up by her smile: "Life abroad is very fulfilling, but there's always something missing. I think that's the taste of home, and you."

A warm feeling welled up in Gu Beichen's heart. He knew that Lin Xiaoxuan's words held a deeper meaning. Although the feelings between them had been weathered by time, they didn't seem to have completely faded.

"Since you came back, this city has become different." Gu Beichen said softly, his eyes full of tenderness.

Lin Xiaoxuan nodded gently, with a hint of expectation in her eyes: "Yes, I am back, with expectations for the future and nostalgia for the past."

The conversation between the two flowed slowly in the office, as if time had stopped at this moment. Gu Beichen's heart was filled with complex emotions. He was surprised and uneasy. Lin Xiaoxuan's return undoubtedly brought new variables to his life, but he already had Su Wanqing, and he couldn't let her down.

"Let's find some time to have a good chat. I have so much to say to you over the years." Gu Beichen suggested, with a hint of anticipation in his voice.

Lin Xiaoxuan smiled and nodded, her eyes full of longing for the future: "Okay, I also have a lot to say to you."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Su Wanqing. Su Wanqing had just finished a meeting and walked into Gu Beichen's office to discuss the next work plan. When she saw Lin Xiaoxuan, she showed a hint of surprise in her eyes.

"Wanqing, this is Lin Xiaoxuan, my college classmate and old friend." Gu Beichen introduced.

Su Wanqing extended her hand politely, her tone carrying a hint of professional calmness: "Hello, Ms. Lin, I'm Su Wanqing, Beichen's assistant."

Lin Xiaoxuan held Su Wanqing's hand, her eyes carrying a hint of deep meaning: "Hello, Miss Su, I often hear Beichen mention you."

Gu Beichen noticed the subtle atmosphere between the two women and tried to ease it: "Wanqing, Xiaoxuan may be able to help the company when she returns this time. Her experience and insights will be very helpful to us."

Su Wanqing nodded, her eyes revealing a hint of caution, but also respect for Lin Xiaoxuan: "That's great, the company's development needs more talents."