Tonight, in Shades of Black

At thirty, Guan Qinxing finds herself inexplicably fascinated by the naturally clueless young screenwriter working for one of her business partners, and ends up offending another ally because of it.

It takes her half a month to win the screenwriter over. She loves every shy reaction the other woman gives her at night, until she grows bored. Then she tosses out a check, her voice hiding a note of jealousy: "Whatever Jiang Juesheng can give you, I can give you too. Take the money and move on to a new relationship. Don't cling to me."

The passion fades from the screenwriter's brown eyes. "I hope President Guan won't go around telling people that our ending was no different from a rotten pot matched with a rotten lid."

The check lies quietly on the table as the screenwriter pulls on her white springtime dress and storms out.

Guan Qinxing holds the check, still scented with the screenwriter's hand cream, and falls into thought.

.

He Jindai has been holed up in the company's R&D department for about a year. Her boss, the boss's wife, and her supervisor all agree she still hasn't gotten over her breakup.

The boss's wife asks, "Want to learn kendo from me, or should I finish her off with one strike?"

He Jindai replies, "Neither."

The boss says, "Then I'll acquire Xinxing Star and make her your subordinate."

He Jindai says, "Juesheng belongs to Director Jiang now..."

The boss frowns at the news about Guan Qinxing. "Right. Lao Ma, hurry up and turn off the video."

Lao Ma looks at He Jindai. "Too late."

The voice on the phone turns grating: "Sources say Guan Qinxing has registered her marriage with her current partner. The two are enjoying a sweet honeymoon."

.

Guan Qinxing runs into He Jindai at an event, dressed with elegant sensuality in a way Guan had only ever seen in private before. She is absolutely captivating.

The people gathered around the winner of the Best Screenplay award look at her with feverish admiration. They've forgotten the rumors that He Jindai used to be a country bumpkin and are eager to get to know her better.

Guan Qinxing rushes over. "Darling, it's time to go home after the awards ceremony."

He Jindai looks at her empty hands. "Who are you?"

That night, Guan Qinxing holds her captive in her arms, kissing He Jindai urgently. "Screenwriter He, you certainly have a short memory."

He Jindai tilts her aching neck and says coldly, "You told me to start a new relationship. Besides... you're already married."

Guan Qinxing shows off both her hands. "Do you think I've ever worn a wedding ring?"

"Your new relationship can only start with me."

Helpless in Guan Qinxing's arms, He Jindai melts into her embrace. She tells herself she's only giving in for tonight, and will run away at dawn.

Reader's guide:

The couple is Guan, a CEO with the woman she loves engraved on her heart, and screenwriter He Jindai.

Age gap: 8 years. Both are each other's first and only.

Please note: The story opens with a dramatic breakup, features a misunderstanding that leads to a painful reconciliation in the middle, and ends with them showing off their love. Older woman dotes exclusively on her younger partner. Their feelings for each other grow stronger over time.

A short story.

Story planning began: 2026/8/1

Blurb screenshot: 2026/8/19

Theme: Please develop a healthy attitude toward love.