Fortunately, the woman did not cause me any trouble today. As the workday came to an end, Celeste and her group finally arrived at the company. Elated, I hurried downstairs to the office lobby to assist her with her luggage. She gazed at me with tender affection, and if it weren't for the crowd around us, I would have pulled her into an embrace without hesitation. Holding the luggage in one hand and her hand in the other, I led her towards the conference room, the surrounding people teasing us.

Sophie did not come downstairs but went directly to the conference room. Once everyone had arrived, she spoke, "Now that the representatives from Vanguard Industries are here, let us begin the meeting."

At that moment, Charlotte Hayes, with a playful glint in her eye, subtly gestured toward me, her smile sly as she murmured something to Celeste.

The meeting focused on the need to quickly organize the systems, regulations, and processes for the Vanguard Industries team here, ensuring alignment with the headquarters in Virelia without delay.

When the meeting finally concluded, Sophie inquired, "Angela, have the accommodations for our Vanguard Industries colleagues been arranged?"

"Yes, everything is set at the Starlight Pavilion Hotel," Angela replied. "After dinner, they can simply collect their keys at the front desk with their IDs. Here's the room allocation sheet for them to review. Of course, they may rearrange things if needed." The Starlight Pavilion was also where Sophie was staying.

As night fell and the city lights flickered to life, the hustle and bustle of the urban landscape seemed to set the stage for the evening's gathering. After the meeting, several company cars transported everyone to a nearby hot pot restaurant. The place was brimming with energy, the air filled with the tantalizing scent of simmering hot pot and the joyful sounds of laughter.

The employees from both Virelia Vanguard Industries and Eldoria entered in a steady stream, and at that moment, the bubbling hot pot became the symbol of connection, marking the beginning of a lively and passionate dinner.

I guided Celeste to a quiet corner. Unconsciously, she caressed my hand, and our gazes locked, filled with deep affection. Neither of us had any desire to focus on the meal; what we craved was a secluded space where we could embrace and converse intimately.

"Celeste, would you like to try this? I'll prepare it for you," I asked gently, lifting a slice of beef with my chopsticks.

"Is it very spicy?" She furrowed her brows slightly, her eyes filled with a hint of concern.

"I no longer find it spicy, but I'm not sure how you will react," I replied with a smile. I skillfully dipped the beef into the swirling, crimson broth, then carefully placed it in her bowl. "Give it a try."

The allure of hot pot lies in its ability to let people choose ingredients according to their own tastes, while controlling cooking time and temperature to achieve the perfect flavor. This autonomy and sense of participation make the experience of eating hot pot a delightful and interactive one.

"It's manageable—slightly spicy, but I can tolerate it," she said softly, taking a small bite. In that instant, the heat seemed to dance across her tongue, and her complexion blossomed, becoming as rosy as a ripened apple, her charm increasing by the second.

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Inside the hot pot restaurant, the atmosphere was alive with energy. Colleagues from Virelia and Eldoria exchanged stories, their laughter and chatter merging into a harmonious symphony, filling the room with warmth and camaraderie. At that moment, someone noticed the sweetness between Celeste and me, and the teasing began.

"Look at these two lovebirds—they're so sweet it's almost unbearable!" one colleague exclaimed, a mischievous smile spreading across their face.

"Exactly! Let's raise a glass to their lasting happiness!" another chimed in, lifting their drink in our direction.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, with everyone urging us to drink. Smiling, I shielded Celeste from much of the alcohol, while making sure to serve her food, pour her drinks, and tend to her every need.

On the other side of the room, Sophie sat quietly among the crowd, her eyes occasionally flicking toward us. A fleeting expression of complexity crossed her face, and when she overheard the comments about us as a couple, her demeanor darkened momentarily before quickly returning to its usual calm, as she rejoined the lively conversation.

The evening continued in an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie, with delicious ingredients swirling in the hot pot, and laughter and conversation blending into a harmonious melody. The cultural essence of hot pot lies not only in the flavors but in its ability to bring people together, fostering connections and strengthening bonds. In this warm and inviting environment, people let go of their defenses, opening their hearts and exchanging thoughts in a more genuine and natural way.

After the meal, the people from Vanguard Industries gradually made their way back to the hotel. Celeste and I walked behind, engaged in lighthearted conversation, when Sophie passed by me, softly humming. I paused for a moment, turning to glance at her retreating figure, a flicker of confusion stirring within me. Yet, I dismissed it quickly and resumed my conversation with Celeste.

Upon returning to the room, Celeste placed her luggage down and tidied up briefly before we ventured out for a quiet evening together. The streets were tranquil and serene, bathed in the silvery glow of moonlight, casting a soft sheen upon the ground.

Hand in hand, we walked slowly, savoring this rare moment of solitude.

"Celeste, there's something I need to tell you," I hesitated before speaking, finally deciding to break the silence.

Celeste lifted her gaze to meet mine, her eyes alight with anticipation. "What is it?"

"I'm going to Virelia tomorrow," I murmured softly.

She froze for a moment, her smile faltering, her eyes filled with sadness and reluctance. "Why so suddenly?"

I tightened my grip on her hand, explaining, "Sophie arranged it last minute. She has something urgent to attend to, and I have to accompany her. I may be gone for a few days."

Celeste lowered her gaze, falling silent for a moment, before looking up again, her lips curling into a faint, forced smile. "Then go ahead. Work is important." Yet, I could feel the sadness in her words.

"Don't be upset, my love," I gently pulled her into my arms. "I'll return soon. I'll call you every day to share everything that's happening over there."

She rested her head against my chest, her voice laced with a touch of complaint. "But I'll miss you."

I tenderly stroked her hair, offering comfort. "I know. I'll miss you too. When I return, we'll do so many fun things together, alright?"

Celeste remained silent, so I continued to coax her. "How about this—when I return, I'll bring you a gift. What would you like?"

She looked up at me, her eyes soft with sincerity. "I don't want anything. I just want you to come back soon."

My heart ached as I gazed at her. "Don't worry, my darling. I promise I'll return swiftly to be by your side."

With that, I gently kissed her forehead.

Finally, a smile graced her face. "You must keep your word."

I nodded solemnly. "I will!"

We then made our way to a quiet corner of the park, where the moonlight bathed our figures in a soft, ethereal glow.

I pulled her into my embrace once more, feeling the warmth of her body and the steady rhythm of her heart.

"Celeste, I love you," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

"I love you too," Celeste replied softly.

Slowly, our lips met, and we shared a deep, passionate kiss. In that moment, it seemed as though the entire world had faded away, leaving only the two of us, our troubles and worries dissolving like mist.

After a while, we slowly parted, our eyes locked, filled with love and longing.

"Let's go back. You have a journey ahead tomorrow," Celeste murmured.

I took her hand in mine. "Yes, let's return together."