After being reborn, I became the big boss's darling.

Inside the café, sunlight streamed through the windows, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the wooden floor, while the air was filled with the rich aroma of coffee.

"Alright, alright, stop talking about me. Tell me about you. How are things going with your partner? Tell me quickly, I'm really curious." Seeing that Tang Zhi was still angry, Ji Nianci quickly changed the subject.

"What do you mean, 'my man'? He's just like that, what else can he be like?" Tang Zhi touched her nose and replied awkwardly.

Looking at her reaction, Ji Nianci's expression was one of disbelief: "No way, don't tell me you're not with him yet?"

"Oh no, it's just that I'm very busy at school. I have to do experiments and write papers, so my mind is focused on studying and I don't have time to think about anything else."

"Stop kidding, get serious. You think you're all focused on studying? I know you too well."

"..."

Tang Zhi fell silent.

"What are you thinking, Zhizhi? He's been pursuing you for years! You clearly like him too, so why haven't you said yes yet?" Ji Nianci was a little confused. Zhizhi was usually a decisive person.

Tang Zhi thought for a moment and then spoke up: "Actually, I'm often conflicted and don't know how to tell you. I do like him a lot, but I'm also a little afraid to be with him. You know, he's not the kind of boy who's just starting to fall in love; he's dated several girls before. I think this relationship—more than friends, but not quite lovers—is just fine. I'm afraid that if we were together, I'd feel awkward."

“But you can’t be friends forever. If he keeps chasing you like this, he’ll get tired eventually.” After saying that, Ji Nianci cut a piece of cake and handed it to her.

Tang Zhi's eyes still held worry and fear: "But he's not a very loyal person. He broke up with all his previous girlfriends. I always feel that even if we get together, we'll break up someday, and we won't even be able to be friends. You know, that's what happened with my last boyfriend. He was the one who pursued me first, but once the initial excitement wore off, he started giving me the silent treatment, forcing me to break up with him. I..."

“Zhizhi, you can’t condemn everyone just because you had an unhealthy relationship. Shi Xubai was a womanizer before, but he was very devoted to you. The eldest son of the Shi family abandoned his family company and gave up his comfortable life just to accompany you to study abroad. I believe you know better than I do how good he is to you.” After learning the reason, Ji Nianci understood why Tang Zhi was afraid to take that step, but she couldn’t just watch her keep hiding in her shell, so she could only slowly persuade her.

"He's going abroad to expand his overseas business..." Tang Zhi retorted softly.

“But he didn’t have to go,” Ji Nianci interrupted her.

Tang Zhi remained silent.

“Zhizhi, I’m telling you this not so that you can accept him, but so that you can see your own heart clearly and not do anything you’ll regret,” Ji Nianci said earnestly, holding her hand and looking into her eyes.

Tang Zhi remained silent for a long time before gently hugging her. "Thank you, baby. I will seriously consider our relationship."

……

Shi Xubai brought up a bunch of fine wines from the cellar.

"You really have no manners at all." Shen Ceyan sat casually on the sofa, crossed his long legs, and glanced at him indifferently.

"Of course, it's not easy to get something from you." Shi Xubai smiled, poured two glasses into stemmed glasses, and handed them over.

Shen Ceyan took it and shook it a few times in his hand: "What are your plans this time you're back?"

"What else could I be planning? To inherit the family business, of course." Shi Xubai took a sip of his wine and said calmly, "My dad has always wanted me to come back as soon as possible and take over the company's affairs. I can't stay abroad forever. Anyway, my Zhizhi has graduated. After I finish dealing with things over there, I'll come back with her."

"She agreed to give you back your house?" Shen Ceyan casually lifted his eyelids.

Speaking of this, Shi Xubai felt melancholy. He sighed deeply and said, "No, I'm still pursuing her. My Zhizhi is just too hard to win over."

"It's been so long and it still hasn't worked out? I never thought that Young Master Shi, who can flit from flower to flower without ever getting attached, would also have a time when his sincere feelings are not appreciated. It's really strange." Shen Ceyan chuckled, his long eyelashes casting a shadow on his eyelids.

"What are you talking about? My Zhizhi just had a bad relationship experience before and doesn't want to take that step again. But I'm very content now. She only has me by her side. As long as I'm good enough to her and sincere enough, one day she will be willing to open her heart to me. I'm willing to wait for her." After Shi Xubai finished speaking, he downed a large glass of wine.

Shen Ceyan slightly curled the corners of his lips. It's true what they say, everyone has their match. But isn't he the same way?

"Oh, by the way, have your little Nianci praise me to Zhizhi, whisper it in her ear," Shi Xubai reminded her.

Shen Ceyan clicked his tongue lightly: "You need my wife to handle your people?"

"Are we still brothers? Cheers." Shi Xubai was already a little tipsy, and watched him down another drink.

"Alright, I won't say anything more. You've just come back, and you might be a little unaccustomed to taking over the company. If you encounter any difficulties, come to me." Shen Ceyan poured himself another glass of wine and said casually.

"I know, do you need to tell me?"

Shen Ceyan: "..."

Before long, Shi Xubai was completely drunk.

"Waaah... Why won't Zhizhi accept me? I've been so good to her, I've practically given her my heart, why won't she let me be her boyfriend... What am I doing wrong? Am I too ugly? I think I'm pretty handsome. Aren't I handsome, Shen Ceyan?"

"..."

Shen Ceyan looked at the drunkard lying on the sofa, clutching a bottle of liquor and howling, his eyes filled with disgust.

"housekeeper."

The butler came running at the sound: "Sir, what can I do for you?"

"Get him to the guest room." Shen Ceyan looked at the mess on the floor and rubbed his temples.

"Ok sir."

Just then, Ji Nianci called, and Shen Ceyan answered, "Niannian, are you done?"

"Okay, come over here now."

"Okay, wait for me there. By the way, Shi Xubai is at our house, he's drunk. Ask Tang Zhi if she wants to come over too."

"Huh? What happened? I'll tell her about it in a bit."

After hanging up the phone, Ji Nianci looked at Tang Zhi, who was touching up her makeup next to her, and said, "Um, Shen Ceyan said that Shi Xubai got drunk at my house. Why don't you come back with me?"

"What? Drunk?" Tang Zhi's hand holding the eyeliner trembled, leaving a thin line on her eyelid.