Stealing The Wind But Not The Moon [Completed]

72. Shen Ruozhen, You Gave Me A Fright.

Xiang Mingzhang gently grasped Shen Ruozhen's hand and guided him out of the data center. Behind them, the door closed, locking away the secrets and the warmth they had shared.

As they emerged from the research facility, the surroundings were engulfed in darkness. Parking was prohibited in front of the building, and they were met by a patrolling security guard.

He greeted them, "Mr. Xiang, is this your vehicle?"

Shen Ruozhen instinctively tried to withdraw his hand, but Xiang Mingzhang held on firmly and replied, "Yes, it's mine. Let's leave immediately."

The security guard resumed his patrol, and Xiang Mingzhang opened the car door, guiding Shen Ruozhen into the passenger seat. He bent down, pulled out the seat belt, and helped Shen Ruozhen fasten it.

No matter the circumstances, he brought people alive, breathing life into their very soul.

Xiang Mingzhang tested the tightness of the seat belt by hooking his index finger through it. He pressed his knuckles against Shen Ruozhen's chest, purposefully pushing it, and addressed him with feigned respect, "President Shen?"

Startled, Shen Ruozhen's senses and hearing were momentarily jolted, and he asked, "What is it?"

Xiang Mingzhang smiled and said, "Your cell phone is ringing."

Once the car door closed, Shen Ruozhen retrieved his cell phone. It was a call from Peng Xin. He hesitated to answer, and by the time he made up his mind, the ringtone had stopped, replaced by a WeChat message.

The project team was organizing a dinner to celebrate the successful conclusion of the second exchange. The restaurant had already been booked, and Peng Xin had sent him the address.

Xiang Mingzhang settled into the driver's seat, started the engine, and drove out of the parking lot.

Shen Ruozhen hadn't responded yet, so he said, "Director Peng invited you for dinner. Do you want to go?"

Although Shen Ruozhen was happy to celebrate with his colleagues, he felt restless today, as if he had shed his "Chu Zhichen" persona suddenly, and he didn't know how to face everyone.

He hesitated and replied, "Maybe I'll pass."

Xiang Mingzhang understood what was on Shen Ruozhen's mind, and since they still had some distance to go, he felt it necessary to keep moving forward.

He suggested, "Having a meal and chatting can help relax your mood. It might be a good idea for us to go together."

The restaurant was located in a star-rated hotel and featured live jazz performances. The ambiance was casual and perfect for a gathering. The project team had completed a demanding phase and was in dire need of some relaxation.

As the team members unwound and enjoyed themselves, Shen Ruozhen arrived accompanied by Xiang Mingzhang, who had never attended a staff dinner before.

Peng Xin was momentarily taken aback but quickly reacted, saying, "Mr. Xiang, Secretary Chu, we've been waiting for you."

Xiang Mingzhang and Shen Ruozhen settled into their seats, finding a menu placed on the table. Everyone had just finished ordering, but the atmosphere became slightly restrained upon the president's arrival.

Shen Ruozhen inquired, "What type of cuisine does this restaurant offer?"

A junior assistant sitting across from them replied, "They serve fusion dishes."

Taking the lead, Xiang Mingzhang said, "In that case, let's order some additional dishes. It's my treat tonight."

The team members immediately grew excited. As the dishes arrived, they raised their glasses in a toast, celebrating the success of the second exchange. Shen Ruozhen, fearing he might lose control of his emotions, filled his cup with tea instead of wine.