Secretly in Love

1. In college, the cool and taciturn Shen Zhixia met Lu Xue, a girl as radiant as the sun. She was like a ray of light, illuminating Shen Zhixia's awkward, anxious youth. Later, Shen Zhixia waited by the sea, determined to confess her feelings to Lu Xue. She waited from the first pale light of dawn until the moon hung hazily overhead, but all she got was a phone call from Lu Xue: "Shen Zhixia, I'm leaving the country tomorrow. Don't contact me again." She cried until she could barely speak, wanting to ask why, but Lu Xue wasn't even willing to see her one last time. The next day, standing by the boundless sea, Shen Zhixia sent her one final message: "Wishing you a bright future and a safe landing!" Her youthful crush had come to nothing, and Lu Xue became the secret Shen Zhixia had carried in her heart for years. 2. Eight years later, Shen Zhixia was invited as a VIP to attend Jingbei University's centennial celebration. By then, she was a rising star in Jingbei City's financial world, young and successful, surrounded by admirers. The auditorium entrance was crowded. When the principal introduced them, Shen Zhixia responded with polite formality, her voice flat. "Hello, Professor Lu." Their chance reunion awakened the unrequited love Lu Xue had buried deep in her heart for eight years. Faced with Shen Zhixia's cool distance, she didn't dare overstep. At a gathering with old friends, amid the glittering lights and lively crowd, Shen Zhixia caught sight of Lu Xue sitting among them, smiling brightly as she drank glass after glass. Their eyes met by chance. The sadness that surfaced in Lu Xue's eyes made Shen Zhixia ache as if she could hardly breathe. She pretended not to care and looked away, never expecting Lu Xue to deliberately approach her. In the dimly lit restroom, the woman pinned her firmly against the door. Her warm breath brushed Shen Zhixia's ear as she murmured in a husky, alluring voice, "Shen Zhixia, did you know I've loved you for eight years?" Innocent, stubborn teacher receiving the advances x proud, determined CEO pursuing One-on-one, both virgins, happy ending. Reunion after a long separation / From campus to the working world / Mutual unrequited love becomes mutual love. Blurb for the new novel, "Make Your Heart Flutter": Relationship consultant Ji Jinxi had never failed, until her ultimate nemesis, Ye Nanzhi, came along. No matter what tricks Ji taught her clients to win someone's heart, this woman remained unmoved. Proud of her skills at flirting with women, Ji Jinxi decided to put herself on the line and make Ye Nanzhi fall for her. Just as Ye Nanzhi was getting a headache from Ji Jinxi's relentless pursuit, she accidentally overheard Ji Jinxi making a bet with a friend: "If I so much as start falling for that wicked woman Ye Nanzhi, I'll go streaking!" When Ye Nanzhi learned the truth, she laughed in disbelief! She decided to play along and make Ji Jinxi, the compulsive liar, keep her promise to streak. - Ye Nanzhi posted an ad looking for a live-in housekeeper. The compulsive liar, unaware that the hunter and prey had already switched places, came running as soon as she heard about it. Living together day and night, the two each had their own agenda, and flirted with each other relentlessly. Ji Jinxi was successfully caught in the clutches of the seductive older woman, and sincerely confessed her love to Ye Nanzhi. To her surprise, Ye Nanzhi replied coldly, "Miss Ji, the game's over. You lost." Ji Jinxi refused to give up. "Do you really not like me at all?" Ye Nanzhi: "No." Heartbroken, Ji Jinxi moved out in the middle of a blizzard. - After Ji Jinxi left, Ye Nanzhi spent sleepless nights realizing that the compulsive liar had already stolen her heart. She tried everything to win her back, only to be mocked in return: "Director Ye, a game is only fun when you know when to stop. Falling for me was your mistake!" Oh, so she's gotten brave! Won't give in, no matter what? Then this big sister will just have to use her ultimate move! Ye Nanzhi hooked a finger into Ji Jinxi's belt and gave her a sultry look. "Miss Ji, where's the streaking you owe me?" Ji Jinxi: ... Scheming younger pursuer x cunning, seductive older woman Five-year age gap, one-on-one, both virgins, happy ending. Theme: Always have the confidence to be loved and the courage to love.