Chapter 32 - Melancholy Is Not The Feeling I Hated

"Everyone, thank you for making my day extra special. Anyway, I'm taking this opportunity to tell you guys that DS Mall signed the contract so expect a mountain of workloads." After receiving everyone's gifts, Zoey spoke while they listened.

"Awww." Upon hearing her last announcement, everyone was unsure if they should be thrilled or not. Regardless, it was clear on their face that they expected some stressful days ahead.

"So, just today, I'll treat everyone dinner." Zoey was well aware what's on their mind. Therefore, as she placed the gifts down on the desk nearby, she fiddled her handbag and took out her card from her wallet.

Upon laying their eyes on Zoey's credit card, everyone's eyes twinkled. "Have fun everyone! I can monitor your bills, ah?" Zoey chuckled before shoving the card to the most trusted employee standing near her.

"Boss Zhou, you're really the best!"

"Wohoo! Let's leave tomorrow's worries tomorrow!"

"Boss Zhou, won't you join us?" One after another, they spoke their jubilation as their worry for the upcoming stressful days vanished.

Who wouldn't want free drinks and food? Nothing could lift the mood more than free stuffs.

Zoey often treated everyone to company dinners and such. However, this has been the second time ever since the company was established that Zoey gave them too much freedom.

"Hmm, just have fun." Shaking her head sideways, Zoey tilted her lips to the side as she watched her employees celebrate before preparing their things to set out.

Glancing at Matthew Xi, Zoey offered a meek smile as she let the employees leave. "Tone it down, people." She humored because everyone speaks all at the same time.

"See you tomorrow, Boss Zhou! Bye Boss Darling!" Melanie Xue shouted before skipping her way out of the office.

When Zoey and Matthew Xi were the only ones who were left in the office. Matthew Xi finally moved, retracting his back from the wall. Without a word, Matthew Xi was about to leave but stopped when she spoke.

"Darling!" As he stopped in his tracks, Zoey glided towards him. "I'm sorry about earlier. Something happened so — but I'm glad you stayed." Zoey apologized and was about to explain but halted midway. Thus, she looked up to him. However, Matthew Xi didn't look back or even bothered to look at her.

After a second, Matthew Xi stepped forward, but Zoey instinctively held on to his arm. "Darling, are you mad?" She asked, noticing the usually cold vibe around him.

"No." Lacking emotions, Matthew Xi denied without batting an eye. "Why would I? We're strangers, after all." Slowly, Matthew Xi turned to face her and pulled his arms away from her.

"Miss Zhou, I truly appreciate that you saved me that night. However, I don't think I can agree on the terms about the payments." Matthew Xi's tone didn't falter, adamant on the words he was spewing. "I'll be returning to work and dating you, no matter if it was just one time, I don't think I can. I'll be compensating you for the trouble." Matthew Xi added and slightly bowed his head.

With that, Matthew Xi began walking away. Just as he was near the exit, Zoey spoke. "Don't."

Knitting his brows, Matthew Xi turned around to face her unreadable front. "Hmm?"

"Then, just don't pay me — I don't need it." Setting her gaze on his baffled countenance, Zoey exhaled heavily before turning to pick up the gifts. "Take care on your way. It was nice meeting you though." She said while picking up the gifts one after another.

After that, Zoey didn't even bat him a glance and headed to her office slash room. Matthew Xi studied her retreating back and must admit it surprised him.

Zoey acted as if she couldn't live without him, yet now that he was backing off with their deal, she seemed nonchalant about it. "Huh..." A faint scoffed escaped his lips as it rendered him speechless. "I can't believe her." He murmured as he shook his head sideways and left the premises.

****

Zoey placed all the gifts she received on top of the small table in the middle of the tiny living area of her place. "Ahh..." After placing the gifts down, Zoey plopped her body down on the sofa.

She covered her eyes with her arms, "Melancholy is not the feeling I hated..." she whispered.

Silenced bounced across the entire place as Zoey didn't speak a word and remained in that position for as long as she could remember.. No one knew what she was thinking behind her silence, but the surrounding atmosphere was nothing but peace.