Summer in Your Name - 97

The second half of the year was always packed with endless industry conferences. As the head of a leading industry unicorn, Zhang Shu is either attending a conference or on his way to one.   

Thus, many conference-limited chat logs were born. Today, we’re revealing what these ‘old married couples’ talk about! Grab your popcorn and join us as we eavesdrop!      

arcialvisionZhangShu: “What are you doing?”  

(Team Lead Ren Pingzhou: Handsome guy, such a plain opener, very reassuring)    

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: "Eat.”  

arcialvisionZhangShu: “Transfer to a human rep."    

(Working on AI has scrambled your brain, huh Zhang Shu?)  

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “Eaten or not?”  

Zhang Shu sends a photo: 2024 AI Medical Innovation Ecosystem Development Conference Summit.jpg  

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “Still not done? It’s meal time!"      

arcialvisionZhangShu: “It's dragging on."  

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “When’s dismissal?” (Xia Xia plays along with the joke, so considerate)    

arcialvisionZhangShu: “Looking to skip class and date me?” (Classic B-King behavior.)  

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “Politely declining.jpg” (That’s a cute cat meme)  

arcialvisionZhangShu: “The profile pic is me, not satisfied?.jpg" (Where does he even dig up these messy memes?) 

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “Leaving.jpg”  

arcialvisionZhangShu: “Fine, I’ll just stay here thinking about you.”  

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “Alright, stay to observe you."    

arcialvisionZhangShu: “While you’re at it, think about me too?”  

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “Don't wanna. What’s the conference about?”  

arcialvisionZhangShu: “It’s about ‘Saying One Thing, Meaning Another.’”  

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “Can’t read. I'm out."  

  

@arcialvisionZhang: “Good timing, the conference is over, I’m out too.”  

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “Go eat, hurry.”  

arcialvisionZhangShu: “Understood. I have another meeting at the company this afternoon. I’ll wrap it up fast and come pick you up.”

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “Got it. Now go eat!"      

arcialvisionZhangShu: “Doesn’t stop me from replying to you."    

arcialvisionZhangShu: “Done. Heading home."    

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “So fast! I’m not ready yet~"  

arcialvisionZhangShu: “No rush.”  

arcialvisionZhangShu: “It’s raining outside, wifey. (voice message)”  

(Team Lead Ren Pingzhou: Lowering your voice like that, who are you trying to seduce?)

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “I’m still not ready! You here already?”  

@arcialvisionZhangShu: “Not yet, one more red light. (voice message)”  

xia [Thesis Draft Mode]: “Then I’ll speed up!”  

arcialvisionZhangShu: “.”  

---

Sheng Xia was always slow at getting ready, but Zhang Shu never rushed her. He'd either wait patiently in the car or come back inside to help her get ready. Today, for the first time ever, he replied with a "." he must be in a real hurry.

Sheng Xia quickly wrapped things up, grabbed her bag, double-checked the cake order with the restaurant, and headed downstairs. 

By the time she reached the entrance, Zhang Shu’s car was already parked outside. She jogged over and slid into the passenger seat, fumbling with the seatbelt as she mumbled, “It started raining, so I had to change outfits. Matching the shoes took a bit, did you wait long—”

Before she could click the belt, his hand cradled her jaw, tilting her face toward him, planting a domineering yet lingering kiss.  

He leaned across the console, pinning her against the seat. She felt his warmth, drowned in his scent, heard his ragged breaths beneath the patter-patter of raindrops drumming the windshield. Outside, the storm raged; inside, intimacy lingers as their kiss deepens.  

When Zhang Shu finally pulled away, his gaze traced her dazed expression. “While waiting at the red light, I really wanted to kiss you.”  

“Why…” She was breathless from the kiss, her voice soft and dazed, utterly adorable. 

He cupped her cheeks and pecked her lips again. “Hell if I know.”    

Waiting at a red light, he wants to kiss her. On a rainy day, he wants to kiss her. Every moment he spent alone, he missed her.    

Even when he was about to see her.  

Luckily, he was about to see her.  

Zhang Shu reached into the backseat to retrieve a velvet box, pulling out the custom-made necklace. Seeing this, Sheng Xia naturally tilted her head and gathered her hair to one side, letting him fasten it around her neck.  

It’s his birthday, yet he’s giving her a gift—she’s used to it by now. 

"Beautiful," Zhang Shu bragged shamelessly. "The jewelry industry should be grateful I didn’t go into it.”  

The lingering tension in the car dissolved, Sheng Xia chuckled softly, shooting him a glance. "So full of yourself. Hurry up, we’ll hit traffic soon.”  

“Not beautiful?” he pressed.  

Sheng Xia: “Beautiful.”  

“Don’t miss me?”  

"Alright, alright, I do!”  

Zhang Shu started the car, putting on an exaggerated look of disappointment. "Fine, no need to force it. An old man turning another year older should know his place.”  

Sheng Xia laughed, saying earnestly, “Happy birthday, husband.”  

Zhang Shu hit the brakes and stole another kiss.  

Alright, let’s quit eavesdropping on the lovebirds and let them enjoy their meal.  

In the end, the real pitiful one here is the poor organizer Ren Pingzhou!    

So here’s to Zhang Shu—a boss who struts around all high and mighty at work but remains the same cocky goof in front of his wife. Happy birthday! Meeting adjourned!  

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