"Now I don't have to be a cleaner anymore," Qiao said with relief.
"No, Grandpa," Qiao Xiaoluan replied, her gaze flickering. "Being a cleaner really sharpens the mind. I want to do it for a while longer."
The job of a cleaner not only hones one's mental strength but also tests one's rationality. Qiao Xiaoluan had become a model in the Cleaning Department, which others viewed as a positive phenomenon. However, to Huangfu Yan, her diligent demeanor felt like a thorn, subtly piercing his heart with pain.
She was merely retaliating against him, punishing herself as a way to get back at him for having ruthlessly exploited her.
As the clock quietly ticked towards ten, the silence in the building was broken only by the sound of Qiao Xiaoluan repeatedly washing the sink.
Huangfu Yan couldn't help but urge, "It's late; you can go home now."
She responded loudly, "Isn't it the general manager's rule that cleaners leave when he does? The general manager hasn't left yet, so according to the rules, I can't leave first."
In truth, Qiao Xiaoluan was just that kind of person—she put her all into everything she did.
Studying, learning the piano, working, and dating; she never relied on her family's influence. Such a girl was always well-liked.
Several times, Huangfu Yan considered revoking the rule that "Cleaners must leave later than him." However, having just taken over as general manager, he didn't want people to misunderstand and think he was trying to curry favor with Young Lady Qiao, so he kept postponing it.
Rubbing his temples, Huangfu Yan closed his folder. "Forget it; I'll deal with it tomorrow."
He didn't leave first but instead parked his car at the company entrance to wait for Qiao Xiaoluan. When she came out and saw him leaning against the car, her nose tinged with emotion.
In fact, she had already succeeded, hadn't she? He couldn't bear to see her working so hard, coming home late at night. His eyes were filled with pity and guilt.
"Oh, right, I just remembered something from the past." Qiao Xiaoluan suddenly spoke up, her voice laced with sarcasm. "All those things I did for you, were they all part of your calculations? Did you plan everything from the very beginning?"
"Xiaoluan, some things aren't as you think," Huangfu Yan said, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes as he tried to explain.
"Oh? Then how is it?" Qiao Xiaoluan stepped closer, her gaze piercing. "You schemed to get close to me, using my influence over Grandpa to achieve your own ambitions, all while pretending to care for me. Isn't that enough?"
"Xiaoluan, I..." Huangfu Yan opened his mouth but didn't know how to defend himself.
"Do you think I'm easy to deceive?" Qiao Xiaoluan sneered. "I've given so much for you, yet you haven't spoken a single truthful word."
"No, my feelings for you..." Huangfu Yan's voice grew urgent.
"Shut up!" Qiao Xiaoluan interrupted him. "I don't want to hear your excuses. Did you ever think about how hurt I would be when you used me? Did you ever consider my disappointment?"
Huangfu Yan lowered his head and remained silent for a long time. "I'm sorry; I let you down."
Qiao Xiaoluan scoffed coldly. "Do you think a simple apology can erase the pain you've caused me?"
Huangfu Yan had no words left and could only silently watch Qiao Xiaoluan.
"I'm telling you, from now on, we have nothing to do with each other."
Qiao Xiaoluan turned and walked away with determined strides.
Watching her retreating figure, Huangfu Yan felt a mix of emotions swirling within him.
He knew he had deeply hurt Qiao Xiaoluan, and mending their relationship would not be easy. Yet, he was unwilling to give up; he wanted her to understand that his feelings for her were not solely driven by ulterior motives.
Back at home, Qiao Xiaoluan lay on her bed, her mind racing with thoughts.
The sweet memories intertwined with the pain in her mind. She hated Huangfu Yan for his deceit, yet she found it difficult to let go of the feelings she had for him.
Meanwhile, Huangfu Yan stood by his car, gazing in the direction where Qiao Xiaoluan had disappeared. He lingered there for a long time, silently vowing to make amends for his mistakes and win back Qiao Xiaoluan's heart.
Indeed, Huangfu Yan stood outside Qiao Xiaoluan's building all night.
Typically, such moments would be accompanied by rain or snow to enhance the atmosphere, but on this winter night, there was nothing but the howling cold wind.
Qiao Xiaoluan hid behind the curtains, quietly observing him.
He stood below her window all night while she watched him from the side. As she saw his body shiver slightly in the cold wind, tears began to well up in her eyes.
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