The President's Tender Trap

Sunlight streamed through the curtains onto Su Wan's desk, warm and gentle. She looked down at her phone, feeling a surge of nervousness. Lu Ming had just sent her a message: "Are you free tonight? I'd love to treat you to dinner." This brief sentence made her heart beat faster, a mixture of anticipation and unease.

"How should I answer?" Su Wan muttered to herself. Her mind raced back to moments from the team-building activities with Lu Ming, especially his warm smile and attentive care. A wave of emotion welled up in her. She wondered what Lu Ming's invitation meant. Was he interested in her?

"Okay, go ahead." Finally, Su Wan mustered up the courage to reply: "Okay, what time will we meet?"

As she walked into the restaurant they'd arranged to meet, she felt a little uneasy. The setting was elegant, candlelight flickering, and the air was filled with a faint aroma. She glanced around and finally spotted Lu Ming in a corner by the window. He smiled and waved at her. "Su Wan, you're here." Lu Ming stood up, his expression warm and natural.

"Well, sorry to have kept you waiting." Su Wan smiled slightly, but she felt a little nervous. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of side of herself she should show today.

After the two sat down, Lu Ming casually flipped through the menu and said casually, "I've already ordered some dishes that I like. What do you think?"

"Sounds good." Su Wan relaxed a little, thinking to herself that Lu Ming's attentiveness made her feel comfortable.

The dishes arrived one after another, all looking delicious and fragrant. Lu Ming seemed to have good taste, and the dishes he ordered were all to her taste. As the two of them enjoyed the food, the atmosphere gradually became relaxed and pleasant.

"What do you like to do?" Lu Ming asked, his eyes gentle and focused.

"I like painting and occasionally participate in some illustration competitions." Su Wan answered, secretly glad that she could finally talk about what she loved.

"Illustrations? That must be very interesting! Can you show me your work?" Lu Ming's eyes flashed with curiosity.

"Of course, you can." Su Wan felt secretly delighted. Lu Ming's interest made her feel valued.

"You know, I've always believed that art and business complement each other. The passion you put into illustration may bring you a lot of inspiration." Lu Ming said seriously, as if he was considering a deeper topic.

"Thank you, this really motivates me." Su Wan smiled, secretly grateful. Lu Ming's attentiveness and consideration made her feel even more fond of him.

"Have you ever thought about expanding your illustration business in the future?" Lu Ming continued to ask, with encouragement in his eyes.

"Actually, I've always wanted to open my own studio and work on more creative projects," Su Wan said confidently, her eyes twinkling with dreams. "Very good! I believe you can do it," Lu Ming replied with a smile, as if giving her confidence.

Just then, the waiter brought the dessert—an exquisite chocolate mousse. Lu Ming gently scooped off a small piece with a spoon and handed it to Su Wan: "Try this, I think you will like it."

Su Wan was a little surprised, then took the chocolate and took a bite. The sweet taste blossomed on the tip of her tongue, and she couldn't help but exclaimed: "It's delicious!"

"I knew you would like it." There was a smirk in Lu Ming's eyes, as if he was enjoying this small victory.

As they enjoyed dessert, their conversation became more relaxed. Lu Ming shared his years of experience in the industry, while Su Wan shared the challenges and achievements she had faced in the illustration industry. The two of them felt a sense of resonance, as if the distance between them was shrinking.

"You know, sometimes I feel stressed at work, especially when I'm faced with important projects," Lu Ming suddenly said, his tone becoming serious. "I often think it would be much better if someone could understand and support me."

Su Wan was shocked. She had never expected Lu Ming to be so vulnerable. His honesty warmed her heart, and it seemed as if the relationship between them had become even closer.

"I have had such moments too, especially in the preparation stage before the competition. Sometimes I feel lonely, but I tell myself that hard work will always pay off." Su Wan nodded, with a glimmer of understanding in her eyes.

"That's right, hard work always pays off." Lu Ming's eyes were full of determination, as if conveying a kind of power.

After dinner, Lu Ming offered to take a walk in a nearby park. Su Wan readily agreed, her anticipation for the date growing stronger.

The park was charming at night, with soft light cast by the streetlights and the air filled with the fragrance of flowers. As they strolled along the path, a gentle breeze occasionally blew, ruffling Su Wan's hair. She couldn't help but sigh, "It's so beautiful here."

"Yes, it's especially suitable for walking." Lu Ming's eyes were gentle, as if he was appreciating everything around him.

"How long have you lived in this city?" Su Wan asked, trying to get to know each other better.

"It's been almost ten years. Everything was unfamiliar when I first arrived, but I gradually adapted." Lu Ming's tone revealed a hint of familiarity and attachment. "What about you?"

"I just moved here not long ago, so I'm still a little uncomfortable." Su Wanwei sighed, "But this city has a great artistic atmosphere, which makes me feel very inspired."

"That's good. Art requires constant inspiration and exploration." Lu Ming's voice was gentle but firm. "I believe you will find your own stage here."

Her heart was throbbing. Lu Ming's support made her feel the encouragement and warmth she hadn't felt in a long time. The two of them strolled in the park, and the topic shifted from work to life, as if everything had become natural and smooth.

"Su Wan, you are really special." Lu Ming suddenly said, his tone full of seriousness, "I am very happy to spend this night with you."

Su Wan's cheeks were slightly hot, but her heart was filled with sweetness. She lowered her head and said softly, "Me too."

At this moment, Lu Ming's eyes became more profound, as if he was thinking about something. He slowly approached, his voice low and gentle: "I hope to get to know you better."

Su Wan's heart raced, and the heat on her face spread to her ears. She knew there was something profound in Lu Ming's words, but at this moment, she didn't know how to respond. Her heart was filled with anticipation and uneasiness, as if the beauty of the night was about to face a new test.

"I...I hope so too." She mustered up her courage, raised her head slightly and looked at Lu Ming, praying silently in her heart that this relationship could develop smoothly.

Time stood still at that moment, and everything around them seemed to pause for their heartbeats. The stars twinkled in the night sky, as if witnessing all this. In that instant, Su Wan felt a special connection, and a throbbing sensation quietly grew in her heart.

As the night deepened, Lu Ming's gaze softened. He reached out and gently grasped Su Wan's hand. The warmth of her touch made her heart beat even faster. Her cheeks flushed slightly, yet she didn't know how to react. This simple gesture unexpectedly gave her an unprecedented sense of security.

"I'm very happy with tonight's date." Lu Ming said in a low voice, his eyes full of seriousness and anticipation.

"Me too." Su Wan's voice was soft, her heart filled with a complex mixture of anticipation and uneasiness.

On this romantic night, their hearts drew closer to each other, seemingly drawing them closer. As the night deepened, Su Wan's vision for the future became clearer. Perhaps, this was just the beginning of their story.