The soft glow of the Neo-Shanghai sunrise filtered through the panoramic window of Qin Feng's bedroom, painting the minimalist space in hues of pale gold and soft lavender. Lin Wei awoke on the chaise lounge, the plush material surprisingly comfortable despite its makeshift nature. A lingering stiffness in her neck served as a reminder of the unconventional sleeping arrangements.
The room was quiet, the only sound the faint hum of the city outside. She glanced towards the bed, the crisp white linens undisturbed. Qin Feng was nowhere in sight. A sense of relief, mixed with a subtle curiosity, washed over her.
She rose, stretching her stiff limbs, and made her way to the en-suite bathroom to freshen up. As she brushed her teeth, the memory of the previous night's unexpected encounter flickered in her mind, bringing with it a faint blush that warmed her cheeks. The brief, unguarded glimpse of Qin Feng had been jarring, a stark contrast to his usual composed and impenetrable demeanor.
Emerging from the bathroom, dressed in the simple clothes she had worn the day before, Lin Wei found Qin Feng already in the main living area. He was standing by the automated coffee maker, his back to her, dressed in a crisp, dark business shirt. The air held the rich aroma of freshly brewed synth-coffee.
He turned as he heard her approach, his expression as carefully neutral as ever. "Good morning, Ms. Lin Wei. I trust you slept adequately?"
"Good morning, CEO Qin," she replied, her voice a little husky. "Yes, thank you. The chaise was… sufficient." She avoided direct eye contact, the memory of the previous night still lingering.
A brief silence ensued as the coffee maker finished its cycle. Qin Feng poured two cups, offering one to Lin Wei. "The schedule for today includes a brief meeting with the PR team to discuss the public perception following the wedding, and then… your return to your architectural projects."
"Understood," Lin Wei replied, accepting the cup. The return to normalcy, to the familiar rhythm of work, felt like a welcome anchor in the surreal reality of their current situation.
As they sipped their coffee in a somewhat strained silence, the automated doors to Mei Qin's suite opened. The elderly woman entered the living area, her eyes bright and alert.
"Good morning, my dears!" she chirped, her gaze immediately flitting between Lin Wei and Qin Feng. "Did you both sleep well?" There was a playful emphasis on the word "both."
Qin Feng's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "Good morning, Nai Nai. Lin Wei slept in the guest suite." He lie his tone was carefully casual.
Mei Qin's eyebrows rose in mock surprise. "The guest suite? Still? Oh, Feng'er, you are a most… considerate host." She turned to Lin Wei, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Sometimes, my dear, the best blueprints are the ones you draw together in the quiet hours."
Lin Wei's blush returned, this time more pronounced. She took a quick sip of her coffee, avoiding Mei Qin's knowing gaze.
Qin Feng cleared his throat. "Nai Nai, Lin Wei has a busy day ahead with her projects. We should allow her to prepare." He offered Lin Wei a subtle, almost apologetic glance.
Mei Qin chuckled softly. "Of course, of course. Business calls. But don't let business entirely eclipse… pleasure, my dears." She winked at Lin Wei before moving towards the dining area.
The awkwardness in the room thickened. Lin Wei felt a strong urge to disappear into the familiar sanctuary of her office.
"I should… get ready for the day," she said, placing her half-empty cup on the sleek counter. "Thank you for the coffee, CEO Qin."
"Indeed," he replied, his gaze following her as she moved towards the guest suite. "The vehicle will be ready whenever you are."
As Lin Wei retreated to the privacy of the guest quarters, she couldn't help but smile faintly at Mei Qin's persistent teasing. The elderly woman's unwavering belief in their supposed romance was both endearing and a constant source of mild panic. The night after their wedding had been anything but conventional, marked by a shared sanctuary, a divided space, an unexpected glimpse, and the lingering weight of unspoken words, all under the knowing, hopeful gaze of Qin Feng's grandmother. The charade, it seemed, would continue, one awkward morning after another.