Almost Ripe

[Audio rights sold. Search the same title on Ximalaya for the audiobook.] The Morandi palette refers to muted gray tones with low saturation and none of the clamor of everyday life. Chen Ningxi, who seemed untouched by worldly concerns, found herself unable to resist Cheng Qiaobei, a man in Morandi shades.

When they first met, Cheng Qiaobei represented the contractor, while Chen Ningxi represented the client. The client was dissatisfied, and the contractor was worked to the bone. Three days later, Cheng Qiaobei was making his rounds at the hotel, while Chen Ningxi was a VIP guest whose complaint call went straight to his office. Half a month later, the newly built chain hotel urgently needed its electrical equipment connected. Chen Ningxi was in charge of approving the electrical facilities, so Cheng Qiaobei had no choice but to pay her a personal visit. He arrived just as she was on a blind date. After weighing the pros and cons, she press-ganged him into posing as her date to get her out of trouble. One look was all it took: each got what they needed. He got the approval documents, and she escaped the matchmaking.

As they spent time together under the pretense of a fake relationship, their feelings became real. He got blackout drunk, and she listened attentively. He was busy beyond belief, and she focused on her work. He didn’t approach her, and she didn’t bother him. Chen Ningxi realized she might have found someone who was easy to be with and whose company never wore thin.

When it came to love, Chen Ningxi knew how to love, but also how to hold herself back. When it came to his career, Cheng Qiaobei had the ability to turn the tide, and the ability to make a comeback. As for the two of them, they were a couple wandering through a Morandi palette.