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His blueprint was so grand, and his pace so swift. While admiring him, Su Wanqing also felt an invisible pressure, and with it, an even stronger desire to follow.

"Don't worry, I will definitely defend Hangzhou for you and make it bigger." She said solemnly, as if she had made a solemn pledge.

Lei Guoliang looked at the firelight dancing in her eyes—it was ambition, loyalty, and unwavering trust in him.

He had seen that look in Ji Fanyin's eyes—dependence; in Shen Mo's eyes—desperation; and in Han Mei's eyes—unwavering resilience.

But in Su Wanqing's case, there seemed to be an added layer of... understanding? Or rather, a resonance of trying to understand his enormous ambition.

"I know," he replied simply, yet his words carried immense weight.

After finishing their meal, the snow had stopped. The two stepped out of the restaurant, the crisp, cool air invigorating them. A thin layer of snow covered the ground, gleaming white in the moonlight and streetlights.

"Let's take a walk to digest our food," Lei Guoliang suggested.

The two walked slowly along the quiet path by the lake. The snow crunched softly under their feet. After the night snowfall at West Lake, all was quiet except for the faint lights in the distance and the gentle lapping of the lake water against the shore.

Neither of them spoke, yet there was no awkwardness. A strange tranquility and tacit understanding flowed between them.

It's as if, outside of the hustle and bustle of business battles, this tranquil West Lake on a snowy night is a safe haven where one can temporarily lay down their armor and catch their breath.

Reaching a lakeside platform, with a wide view, Su Wanqing stopped and gazed at the lake surface after the snow, bathed in the hazy moonlight, gently exhaling a puff of white breath.

"So beautiful," she whispered.

Lei Guoliang stood half a step behind her, his gaze also fixed on the distance, but not on the lake. Instead, it fell on her gentle yet resolute profile, illuminated by the moonlight and snow.

"Hmm," he responded, whether in agreement with the scenery or something else, it was unclear.

A night breeze blew by, stirring up the snow on the platform. Su Wanqing instinctively flinched.

The next second, a thick cashmere coat, still warm from her body, was gently draped over her shoulders. It was Lei Guoliang's coat.

Su Wanqing stiffened, not turning around, but she could clearly feel his approaching presence, mixed with the unique, cool woody scent lingering on his coat.

The scent instantly enveloped her, carrying an irresistible warmth and power.

"Mr. Lei, I'm not cold..." Her voice was a little strained.

"Wear it." Lei Guoliang's voice rang in her ears, deep and commanding, but his arm pulled her closer to him with an irresistible force, letting her cool back rest against his warm chest.

Su Wanqing trembled. This was much more direct and aggressive than the previous feigned embrace.

She could clearly feel the rise and fall of his chest and the steady heartbeat, which, even through his clothes, carried a scorching heat.

Her body stiffened instantly, her cheeks burned, and her mind went blank, but she did not struggle.

The night wind seemed to be blocked by him; only his scent and warmth enveloped her completely.

"President Lei..." Her voice was barely audible, tinged with panic and helplessness.

"If you're cold, come closer." Lei Guoliang's chin seemed to gently brush against the top of her head. His voice didn't reveal much emotion, but the strength in his arm didn't loosen.

This action nearly stopped Su Wanqing's heart. What did he mean? Was it a superior's concern for a subordinate? Or... a man's... feelings for a woman?

She dared not think too deeply, feeling utterly weak and almost unable to stand. She could only obediently lean against him, gazing at the hazy lake and snow-covered landscape, her mind a jumble of emotions. Was it anticipation? Was it fear? Or both?

He maintained this position for a little longer. It wasn't until Su Wanqing felt her face burning that Lei Guoliang slowly released his arm, but one hand naturally slid down and grasped her slightly cool hand.

"Let's go back," he said, his tone returning to calm, and led her back.

Su Wanqing was dizzy as he led her by the hand. His hand was dry and warm, with just the right amount of strength, yet it carried a sense of control that she could not break free from.

She felt like she was walking on clouds, following along with unsteady steps. All her thoughts about work, the market, and the team were shattered by this sudden close contact.

The car stopped in front of the hotel where Su Wanqing was staying. The car was silent. Su Wanqing's hand was still being held by Lei Guoliang; she didn't pull it away, but simply lowered her head, her heart pounding.

"We're here." Lei Guoliang let go of her hand and turned to look at her.

"Hmm..." Su Wanqing responded, but didn't move. She mustered her courage and looked up at him.

In the dim light inside the car, his profile was clearly defined, his eyes deep, as he quietly looked back at her.

That gaze was no longer as sharp and cold as it was when he was working; instead, it carried a profound meaning that she couldn't understand, like the West Lake under the night sky, where undercurrents surge beneath the calm surface.

"Mr. Lei..." she heard her slightly hoarse voice say, "Would you like to... come upstairs for a while? Have a cup of tea to sober up? Thank you for tonight...."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she was startled, and her cheeks burned even hotter. The invitation was almost direct, carrying a desperate courage and an unspeakable anticipation.

Lei Guoliang looked at her. In her eyes were clear emotions, dependence, and a hint of nervousness and resolute determination.

He wasn't some naive young man oblivious to romance; he had experienced and seen through things in both his past and present lives. Love was a luxury, a weakness.

But desire is instinct, an embellishment, a bit of comfort on a tense journey, and also a way to deepen bonds and strengthen loyalty.

Ji Fanyin is a haven, Shen Mo is both an accident and a transaction, and Su Wanqing... is a capable assistant and a companion who understands his ambition.

At this moment, she is also a beautiful and intelligent woman who admires him.

The atmosphere had been built up to this point, and she did not back down, nor did he need to be coy.

"Okay." He readily agreed, pushed open the door, and got out of the car.

Su Wanqing's heart skipped a beat. She quickly got out of the car and led him into the hotel lobby and upstairs. Her heart was pounding wildly, almost bursting out of her chest.

The room was a one-bedroom apartment in a hotel-style building, clean and cozy.

Su Wanqing hurriedly went to boil water and make tea, while Lei Guoliang took off his coat, sat down on the sofa, relaxed, and calmly surveyed this temporary little nest that was full of her personal touch.

The tea was ready. Su Wanqing brought over two cups, sat down a seat next to him, and handed him the teacups. Their fingertips touched, and another subtle electric current surged through them.

"The tea... might not be as good as the restaurant's," she said softly.

"It's okay." Lei Guoliang took a sip, his gaze falling on her lips, which were slightly pursed due to nervousness. That night outside the bar in Shanghai, those lips had awkwardly pressed against the corner of his lips.

The air seemed to freeze again. The rising steam from the tea wafted between the two of them.

"Wanqing," Lei Guoliang put down his teacup and suddenly called her by her name instead of President Su.

Su Wanqing tensed up and looked at him.

"Following me will be very tiring, stressful, and potentially risky," Lei Guoliang said calmly as he looked at her.

"I'm a person with clear goals, and sometimes I can be quite ruthless. I don't make empty promises to anyone. Do you understand?"

Su Wanqing met his gaze, and her initial panic gradually subsided, replaced by a clear and firm resolve.

"I understand. From the moment you pulled me out of the mire in Shanghai and gave me direction, I knew what I wanted."

What I need is a stage where I can unleash my ambitions and realize my value, and someone who can lead me to see a higher perspective.

"I'm willing to bear the fatigue, the pressure, and the risks. As for the rest..." She paused, her cheeks slightly flushed, but her eyes didn't waver: "I don't need empty promises."

All I know is that I want to follow you, regardless of my status or the means. I'm willing to do so.

These words were not only a statement of opinion, but also a heartfelt expression, and a subtle response.