Grandma recovered quite quickly. After the surgery and receiving three bottles of intravenous fluids, she was able to drink chicken soup, and her complexion had regained a healthy, rosy hue. She said to Xie Ningbing, "Ningbing, look at Xiaolong—he's so thoughtful! You must learn from him!" Xie Ningbing looked at Gao Liang with deep gratitude, and Gao Liang smiled at her. After finishing her soup, Grandma lay down as instructed by the doctor to rest. Meanwhile, our Gao Liang and Xie Ningbing stepped out of the room and walked through the small garden near the hospital's inpatient building. "Xiaolong, I'm so grateful to you! Without your help, Grandma wouldn't have recovered so swiftly!" Xie Ningbing said, gazing at Gao Liang with heartfelt appreciation. "Oh, please! It's nothing at all. I just found your grandma so much like my own—so kind and warm!" Gao Liang recalled his own grandmother, drifting into a moment of memory. "Is your grandmother still living?" Xie Ningbing asked gently. "Unfortunately, no. She passed away three years ago." Gao Liang said, a touch "I'm sorry I mentioned your distress!" Xie Ningbing is a girl with great tact, and this quality deeply appreciates High Guang. "It's nothing at all, Ningbing. In fact, I was also raised by my grandmother for a long time when I was a child, just like you." Recalling the past, Guang continued, "My grandmother has always taken good care of me, so I've always deeply loved her. But she passed away due to illness. At that time, the treatment wasn't timely, and our region was economically underdeveloped with limited medical facilities, so we couldn't save her. Now, I feel that your grandmother is becoming more and more like mine. That's why I'm determined to save her and help her recover quickly—so that she can live a peaceful and healthy life, and only then will I feel at ease. Ningbing, it was a regret that my grandmother didn't receive timely treatment. But today, your grandmother has been treated promptly—this brings me great comfort!" "Oh! Guang, your filial devotion truly moves me!" Xie Ningbing was deeply moved by Gao Liang's gratitude toward his friend, his respect for elders, and his care for his elders. "Ningbing, your grandmother is actually my grandmother—this feeling is growing stronger every day!" Gao Liang's words suddenly awakened something in Xie Ningbing, the beautiful friend. "Oh! Really?" Xie Ningbing blinked in surprise—how could Gao Liang consider his own grandmother to be hers? "Absolutely!" Gao Liang replied with confidence. "Then I'll pass on my gratitude to your grandmother!" Xie Ningbing expressed her heartfelt thanks. "No need to thank me—thank your grandmother instead. It's all due to her good fortune, to the grace of heaven that saved her!" Gao Liang didn't want Xie Ningbing to say thank you to him. "Xiaolong, as you said, my grandmother has always been incredibly important to me. She raised me since childhood and has shown me such deep affection. Today, thanks to your help, she would have otherwise... I am truly grateful to you!" "Xie Ningbing still feels deeply grateful to Gao Liang, as her parents have been living abroad for years, and she has been living with her grandmother—her grandmother holds a truly significant place in her life." "As long as Grandma stays safe and healthy, that's all I can ask for," Gao Liang said, expressing his most sincere wish with heartfelt emotion—clearly, Gao Liang has already regarded Xie Ningbing's grandmother as his own. "Xiao Long, I'm so touched. I'm truly happy—I'm delighted to have you as such a close friend!" Xie Ningbing looked at Gao Liang with clear, bright eyes, as still as water. "Ningbing, whatever happens in your life is also my life. If there's anything I can do, just let me know—I'll do my best as a friend to support you." Gao Liang said to her with deep sincerity. "Xiao Long, you're absolutely wonderful!" Xie Ningbing reached out to Gao Liang, extending a small, pure and delicate hand—she did so willingly. Gao Liang held it—how warm it felt! Xie Ningbing's hands were soft and smooth. Holding such hands felt truly wonderful! Her face was slightly flushed, yet she still let Gao Liang hold them. At this moment, she felt that Gao Liang was a trustworthy man she could rely on—someone who could take away her daily fatigue when she was worn out from work. Should something particularly difficult arise, even if Gao Liang couldn't solve it himself, as he had said, he would do his best as a friend to share the burden with her. How beautifully he said it! Thinking back on her twenty-something years of youth, she had never encountered a man like this—one who had personally spoken these words to her. If she could have such a man to share her burdens, that would be truly wonderful. After all, no matter how strong she was, she remained a delicate woman. Beyond her professional life, she was still a young woman who needed to be cared for, cherished, and nurtured. If we could have a man as outstanding as Gao Liang—excelling at work, deeply attentive, comfortable both in the boardroom and in the kitchen—such men are now truly rare. Among our sister friends, when chatting, they often remark that men who are strong at work yet at home remain rooted in the domestic sphere are becoming increasingly scarce—such men are truly rare treasures. When we meet one, we must treasure them deeply and never miss the opportunity. Gao Liang, however, has been growing more and more excellent over time. I didn’t notice it much in the past, but after going through so many experiences, I’ve come to truly appreciate how exceptionally good he has become. Didn’t I often say in front of him that I admire outstanding men? Gao Liang surely knows this. Now, does he understand my heart? For whom has he truly grown more excellent? Xie Ningbing pondered deeply: If Gao Liang's excellence truly stems from himself, then heaven has destined him to be the one I've always envisioned. Since it's heaven's will, I will cherish this precious opportunity. After a week of treatment and rest, Xie Ningbing's grandmother recovered swiftly and was discharged from the hospital. That day, Gao Liang and Xie Ningbing gently supported their vibrant, spirited, and radiant grandmother, who looked like a couple, drawing admiration from the patients and nurses and doctors: "What a wonderful pair! How fortunate this elderly lady is—she has such loving, devoted children!" "The man is handsome, the woman is elegant—such a perfect match!" "A handsome man and a beautiful woman together—simply delightful to watch!" Xie Ningbing listened to the comments, her cheeks flushed and her head lowered. Yet her grandmother heard everything, and she smiled happily, saying, "Ningning, I can manage on my own! Don't hold me up—go and chat with each other!" "Xie Ningbing sighed softly and said, 'Grandma, I and Xiao Long are colleagues. Please don't worry so much—what's most important is that you take good care of yourself! I also need to head back to the office soon!' 'Ningning! Every time I mention it, you're always talking about work. Xiao Long is quite different—he's always busy, but he's such a thoughtful child. Even when he's swamped with work, he always finds time to visit me. If everyone were as busy as you are, I wouldn't have recovered so quickly...' Grandma scolded Xie Ningbing, clearly showing her deep affection for Gao Liang. 'Grandma!' Xie Ningbing was about to speak, but was gently pulled by Gao Liang at her sleeve. He said, 'Grandma, Ningbing is the company manager. The company needs her, and right now she has an important meeting she must attend—she won't have time to drive you home. How about this? I'm free now, so I'll take you both home!' 'Oh! Oh!" Look, Ningning, how thoughtful and caring Xiao Long is! Now go about your business. I'll have Xiao Long drive me back. Remember to come home early in the evening—I have something to tell you! Grandma smiled happily as she spoke. Thanking High Bright warmly, Xie Ningbing said, "I'll have to rely on you again!" "Ningbing, we're friends now! How could it be otherwise? Your family's matters are my matters, and your grandma is my grandma!" What a warm and touching thing High Bright said! Hearing this, Grandma beamed with joy, her eyes crinkling into a narrow smile. "Xiao Long, you're truly wonderful! No one has ever treated me so kindly and thoughtfully—truly!" Xie Ningbing was suddenly moved to emotion. What a wonderful High Bright! If her grandmother weren't there by her side, she might not have been able to control her emotions, because she felt that in front of Gao Liang, she wasn't really a company manager—once she shed the outer shell of that position, she was simply a young woman who needed care and attention. Yes, being a young woman cared for and nurtured was truly a happy state—having a man who loved and cherished her, how wonderful! What a blessing it would be if one day I could become such a happy young woman, cherished and protected by the man I love! Is Gao Liang a real man? Can I leave him? If he truly is the man heaven has arranged to accompany me for life, then how blessed I would be! Xie Ningbing had a late meeting at work, and after dragging herself home, she collapsed onto the elegant leather sofa as soon as she entered, eyes half-closed, motionless—clearly, she had been utterly exhausted that day. "Ningning, you've come home!" "Grandma stepped out of her room." "Uh-huh!" Xie Ningbing only murmured, without opening her eyes. "Ningning, have you had your meal yet?" Grandma asked. "Not yet! The company has so many things to attend to—I simply don’t have time!" Xie Ningbing lay on the sofa, unwilling to move even an inch. "How can that be? Working without eating will surely exhaust your body!" Seeing her niece so worn out, Grandma felt deeply concerned. "I’ll have something to eat now!" Xie Ningbing said, though she really had no intention of getting up. "No need, there’s already food ready." Grandma smiled. "Huh? Grandma can now cook? Isn’t that surprising! Just after being discharged from the hospital, you’re supposed to rest well!" Xie Ningbing found this quite strange. After all, Grandma was known to cook well, but the doctor had specifically emphasized the need for rest after recovery. "Grandma has a treat—someone is cooking, and the food is absolutely delicious!" Grandma’s reply sounded mysterious. "Ah, so it’s takeout?" "Xie Ningbing guessed." "Stop being so silly! Haven't you thought about who it might be?" the aunt reminded her niece. "Who?" As soon as Xie Ningbing asked, it seemed as though she suddenly remembered something: "Auntie, is it Xiaolong?" "Hmph! You're only now realizing it! Xiaolong is so wonderful—he's already prepared such delicious meals for us! Come on, get up! Come and try his cooking!" the aunt urged Xie Ningbing. "Ah!" Xie Ningbing leapt straight off the sofa, completely ignoring her day's fatigue. Excited, she wanted to see how these bright, fresh dishes compared to the boxed meals she usually ate at work—or to the meals from the hotels and restaurants she often visited. Under her grandmother's invitation, they settled at the dining table near the kitchen. As they looked at the beautifully prepared dishes—colorful, fragrant, and delicious—their eyes lit up. Without hesitation, they picked up their bowls and chopsticks and began eating quickly. At home, the polished manager image vanished—no one noticed, and after all, the grandmother wasn't an outsider. "Slow down, don't choke! Look at you—so hungry! If Xiaolong saw you like this, he'd be absolutely stunned. You're practically a ghost of hunger, a starved one!" The grandmother watched Shé Níngbīng devour her food, feeling both tenderly concerned and slightly scolding. "Have you eaten enough, Níngníng?" she asked, gently touching her granddaughter's belly. "Yes, yes, I'm full, I'm full!" Níngbīng nodded vigorously, currently enjoying a dish she particularly loved. "Is it delicious?" the grandmother asked, fondly watching this eager, hungry girl. "Yes, yes, absolutely wonderful—better than the boxed meals at the office or the dining services in high-end hotels. It's as if it was specially made just for me I know all the dishes you like—no wonder, no wonder...” Xie Ningbing sipped her delicious meal, reflecting. “What? You know all the dishes I like—Xiao Long does?...” Grandma was astonished. “Yes! I never told him! How did he find out?” Xie Ningbing suddenly remembered that when Gao Liang celebrated her birthday, he had ordered every dish she liked. When she asked him, he said it was a secret he couldn’t share—hmm, this Gao Liang, still keeping things from me! But that didn’t matter—what mattered was that he knew what I liked. “Ningning, Xiao Long has been so thoughtful and attentive to you. Don’t let him down, please!” Grandma said with heartfelt concern. “Grandma, I know Xiao Long has been kind to me, but we’re just colleagues!” Xie Ningbing wanted to make things clear about her relationship with Gao Liang. “Really?” Grandma blinked, looking puzzled. “Grandma, you’ve just been discharged and are tired—I’ll help you to your bed and rest now! Xie Ningbing changed the subject. "This child always changes the topic when sensitive topics come up—there's simply no way!" Grandma shook her head and said. Gaoliang is very good at living a balanced life. While doing household chores at my home, he excels—every floor is polished to a shine, the windowpanes are wiped clean and gleaming, and all items are neatly arranged. Grandma’s room clearly reflects careful attention to detail: the rose plant by the window has been watered, and thanks to regular irrigation, it blooms more vividly and beautifully each day. The fragrance is truly refreshing when you get close—enough to ease three-quarters of the daily fatigue. It’s no wonder Grandma constantly praises Gaoliang. Indeed, he truly stands out. At work, he is an outstanding technical engineer; at home, however, he is an excellent home-loving man who handles household duties with great care. While men typically prioritize their careers, those who also take responsibility for household chores demonstrate their love for family—such men are truly exceptional. Think about today's men—they especially don't like doing housework. They always step back when it comes to their wives, leaving all the heavy chores to her alone. While working, she returns home to find a pile of household tasks waiting for her—how could she possibly not be exhausted! Yet, Gao Liang, you quietly and consistently take care of your home, and that deeply moves me. Reflecting on myself, I've always been someone who avoids housework, citing work commitments as an excuse. Now, seeing Gao Liang, I feel truly ashamed. Through your dedication to household duties, I've come to truly know you—not only are you outstanding at work, but you're equally outstanding at home. A man like you, Gao Liang, is truly rare. I've always said I admire men who are excellent, and you've continuously strived to become exceptionally so. At the office, you're outstanding—deeply admirable. And at home, you're equally excellent. Today, I've witnessed your performance, and I can confidently say you are a truly outstanding man. Such a wonderful man—exactly what I need and what I truly admire. One day, just as Gao Liang had returned home to the Guiyuan residential area, the door was knocked. When he looked out, Liu Qingsong was there. "Oh? What's on your mind today, Liu?" Gao Liang was a thoughtful man—able to read Liu's expression and gauge his mood. "Ah! Liu, I'm not going to hide it—recently, I've been facing some work difficulties!" Liu shared his concerns. "Oh? Then go on—let me see if I can do anything to help!" Gao Liang was genuinely enthusiastic about helping his friend, and this was one of the reasons Liu relied on him more and more. "Real brotherhood—Zhang really knows how to be there for you!" Liu Qingsong, in front of Dong Mengyao and Gao Liang, didn't hesitate at all—after all, they were all friends, so he opened up: "Zhang, here's the situation. I've recently been dealing with a particularly persistent client who keeps calling me every day. Today I resolved his issue, but by tomorrow he says there's another problem with our automotive computer monitoring system. I explain and resolve it again, only for him to raise yet another issue the day after that. It's almost daily. I've never encountered a client this persistent—this is pure harassment!" Zhang, I'm really at a loss with this kind of customer. I originally intended to seek your help, but seeing that you've been very busy lately—constantly traveling or deeply involved in key technical projects at the company—I decided not to disturb you. Instead, I reached out to Ye Jun, whom we consider our top-tier technical engineer, asking him to come on-site and provide maintenance support. However, he's currently committed to supporting another critical client and simply doesn't have the time. I then reported this situation to Zhang Shijie, the manager of the Sales & Technical Department. Zhang explained that the department is currently actively rolling out new technical initiatives under the company's guidance, and everyone is already overwhelmed with their current responsibilities—there's simply no room to spare for this customer. He only asked me to handle this challenging client in a satisfactory, albeit somewhat superficial, manner, as long as I don't create any additional issues, since the company simply doesn't have the manpower available to resolve it properly.