When Hearts Collide: From Ashes to Love

The three of them took their seats, and Julian spoke first. "Old classmate, we've gone over the details before, and today's the day to see if this product is up to snuff. Our software will meet your needs—you'll see for yourself."

Aaron nodded, his polite business smile never quite reaching his eyes. "Alright, then let's take a look at the demo first."

Buzz—buzz—buzz.

Julian glanced down at his vibrating phone on the table: a call from his mother. Likely something concerning his father's health. With no time to worry about business etiquette, he apologized to Aaron. "Marian is very capable and knows our product inside and out," he said before stepping out the door.

In the spacious reception room, only Aaron and Marian remained.

Marian had never expected to cross paths with Aaron again. He had gone to the U.S. before even graduating; even if he did return to Xicheng one day, given their vastly different lives, she assumed they'd never see each other. The city's eastern and western districts were worlds apart.

Yet, not only had they met again, but they'd bumped into each other twice in quick succession. She realized that if they landed this YuTou project, they'd have to keep seeing each other. At that thought, she silently prayed the project would fall through.

"Mr. Fu, shall I begin?" she asked.

Aaron cast her a cool glance. "Go ahead."

Although Marian had only been at Xinruan Technology for a year, she had four years of prior experience and a passion for this industry. She quickly became a core member of her department, taking on a variety of projects. She was deeply familiar with the company's product line and personnel structure. This particular demo was her own work—delivering it posed no difficulty. She highlighted all the product's advantages and features brilliantly.

Across from her, Aaron watched her matter-of-fact manner, completely immersed in her presentation and seemingly unmoved by anything else. It reminded him of the cold shoulder she gave him after Saturday's reunion. A sullen tightness formed in his chest. Restless, he unbuttoned his shirt cuffs.

"Mr. Fu, I'm done. Any questions after hearing it all?" she asked.

Mr. Fu, Mr. Fu, Mr. Fu… She was quite fluent in calling him that.

"I have no questions. It's good. I'll have Yi Ming handle the contract details," Aaron replied.

Marian was taken aback, her hand trembling so much that a bit of coffee spilled. Hastily, she grabbed some tissues to wipe the table.

Aaron looked at her flustered face. "What's wrong?"

"Um…" Even Marian's usually composed demeanor cracked a little. "Isn't it too rushed to sign the contract right now? This is a twenty-million-dollar deal. I heard many suppliers are bidding on YuTou's project. Perhaps you should check out their demos before making your final decision."

Aaron gave a short laugh. "Marian, if Julian heard that, he'd probably blow a fuse. A boss can only dream of having an employee like you."

Inwardly, she finished his sentence: He can have me if he wants. But this man was now her client, so she bit her tongue.

She shrugged slightly. "I just meant, it never hurts to compare. Wouldn't want you signing only to regret it later."

Aaron arched an eyebrow. "If there are regrets, we'll just pay a penalty. That's none of your concern."

None of your concern…

A flash of red tinted Marian's face as she recalled his words from a few years ago: "You're overthinking it. I never liked you." Right now felt so much like back then.

Her entire body stiffened, her breathing growing labored. Ugh, I really am always… overthinking.

"Sorry. I overstepped," she murmured.

Aaron belatedly realized that his phrasing was harsh. He fell silent, offering no further comment.