Chen Mo rode his bicycle straight to the university dorms, weaving through the sea of students dragging luggage and rushing about. Binhai University had officially started the winter holiday yesterday, and Xiaoyu had booked a ticket for tonight.
They'd gone out together last night, and he'd promised to see her off today. He nearly forgot—too absorbed in his work—but luckily, he checked the time at the last second.
Skidding to a stop outside the dormitory, Chen Mo spotted Xiaoyu standing in the cold wind, waiting patiently.
"Xiaoyu, sorry! I got so caught up, I almost missed it." He hopped off the bike, gently grabbing her ice-cold hands and holding them between his.
"I was just thinking of how to punish you," she said, pretending to pout. But seeing how flustered and guilty he looked, her irritation melted into a sweet smile.
"Oh? And what's the punishment?"
Chen Mo took her suitcase and started walking her toward the gate.
"You can drive me there," Xiaoyu said, pointing at the electric scooter next to her roommate, Li Ruoxi. She handed him the keys. "It's cold today. No need to freeze in a taxi."
"I don't mind the cold," Chen Mo said, smiling. "But since this is my punishment, I accept my fate."
Just as he loaded the suitcase onto the scooter and got on, Xiaoyu slipped behind him and hugged him tightly.
"Let's go! If I miss this train, you're a dead man."
Her voice sounded threatening, but her eyes—though he couldn't see them—were smiling.
"Hold tight," Chen Mo said as he started the scooter.
The evening chill had set in, and everyone on the street was bundled up in thick coats. Xiaoyu pressed close against his back, her whole body warm against his.
"Once I get home, you better head back right away," she said softly.
"Sure," Chen Mo nodded. "But if you miss me, call me."
"I won't miss you. Don't flatter yourself." She squeezed his arm playfully. "But after the New Year, I'll send you a surprise."
"Oh? What kind of surprise?" Chen Mo asked.
"Figure it out yourself."
Chen Mo laughed. "Just be careful not to get caught by your family."
"Caught doing what?" she raised an eyebrow.
"You know… going on blind dates and finding someone taller, richer, and more handsome than me."
"Oh please," Xiaoyu snorted. "Taller than you? Easy. More handsome? Hmm, not so sure."
"See? I've got you there," he teased.
"I'll find someone richer, then."
"Now that one's tough. I might actually win in that category."
"Wait, so are you a millionaire now? Or a multi-millionaire?" she asked with a giggle.
"I've got enough to take care of you. You, my dear, are priceless—but don't sell for much."
Xiaoyu turned red and smacked his back lightly. "You've gotten so cheesy. Do you say this stuff to all the girls?"
"Of course not. Just you."
"Shameless."
They bantered all the way to the station. By the time they arrived, Chen Mo's face was frozen stiff, but Xiaoyu looked warm, her cheeks glowing red.
After collecting her ticket, they entered the waiting area.
"There's still ten minutes before boarding. Lucky you made it in time," Xiaoyu said, pulling a black-and-white scarf from her bag and wrapping it around Chen Mo's neck. "Here. A gift. Stay warm, okay?"
"Call me when you get home."
With a wave, she headed to the platform. Chen Mo watched until she was out of sight before riding back to the school, returning the scooter to Li Ruoxi, and heading back to his rented apartment.
By the time he got home, night had fallen. After a quick shower, he sat down at his desk and continued studying the material he'd begun earlier that day.
Artificial intelligence.
The word still caused debate. Many feared that developing AI would lead to disaster—images of rogue machines taking over the world like in movies. Some even called for a halt in AI research altogether.
But technological progress wouldn't stop for anyone's fear. AI wasn't a question of if, but when. No country would willingly fall behind in the race.
The next morning, Chen Mo dressed neatly and wrapped Xiaoyu's scarf around his neck before leaving the house.
At the company headquarters, Zhao Min was already buried in documents.
Things had calmed down since the previous commotion. Most of the troublemakers had been handled, and what remained were small fry. The company was stable now, and with the new year approaching, everything was settling into rhythm.
"Director Zhao, there's a gentleman here to see you," a staff member knocked and stepped in.
"Let him in," she said, not looking up.
As the door opened, she raised her head—and blinked in surprise.
Chen Mo, wearing casual clothes and the black-and-white scarf, stood at the door.
"Well, look who decided to show up. Did the sun rise in the west today?" Zhao Min grinned. "You actually came to the office?"
Since the company's founding, Chen Mo had only shown up a few times. Most employees didn't even know what their mysterious chairman looked like. Even some executives had never seen him in person.
"I figured I should check in before heading home for the holidays," Chen Mo said, taking a seat on the sofa.
"You're looking quite dashing today," Zhao Min teased.
"Thanks." He smiled. "How's everything going?"
"Perfect timing." She handed over some documents. "Here are the financial reports and Butterfly Eye's market performance."
Chen Mo skimmed through them and handed them back.
"Seems like the company's doing well?"
"We're in a rapid growth phase. I've rented the top ten floors of the Phoenix Building as a temporary headquarters. Your office and lab are on the top floor. Should be ready for you anytime."
"Great." Chen Mo nodded. "Give out ¥20 million as year-end bonuses. You decide how to distribute it."
"You're the kind of boss people dream about," Zhao Min said with a grin. "Thanks. I'll handle it."
"No problem. I'm heading back home now. Call me if anything urgent comes up."
By noon, suitcase in hand, Chen Mo left the city.
His hometown wasn't far—just five hours by car. As he passed familiar scenery, his heart felt lighter.
When he arrived, the first thing he saw was his mother's busy figure in the kitchen.
"Mom," he called out with a smile.
She froze, then turned, her face lighting up. "You're home already? You didn't say you'd be back this early!"
"You say that every time," Chen Mo laughed. "Am I looking thinner again?"
"Always thinner," she said, shooing him toward the living room. "Go sit down and wait for dinner. It'll be ready soon."
"Where's Dad?"
"Still at work. Oh, and I'll call Xiaoxiao over later."
Chen Mo blinked. "Huh? Why are you calling Xiaoxiao?"
But his mother didn't answer. She just smiled mysteriously and returned to the kitchen.
Chen Mo shrugged it off, set his luggage down, and sank into the couch to watch TV.
Busy for so long… being home felt like real rest.
Not long after, his mother came out again, smiling slyly.
"Tomorrow, you'll come with me to Xiaoxiao's house."
"What for?"
"You'll see," she said, grinning, then vanished back into the kitchen.