The revelation that Qin Feng was her landlord hung in the air between them, a tangible shift in the already charged atmosphere. Lin Wei found herself re-evaluating her surroundings, the sleek efficiency of her apartment now tinged with a sense of his unseen influence. It was as if she were living within the intricate workings of his vast technological empire, a feeling both unsettling and undeniably… intimate.
The Stellaris Tech Innovation Summit continued into the evening, the vibrant energy of the day mellowing into a more relaxed, conversational hum. Despite her newfound knowledge, Lin Wei found herself drawn back into discussions about the potential of AI, particularly the nuanced capabilities of Aura. The ethical implications, the societal impact – these were questions that resonated with her architectural vision of creating spaces that enhanced human well-being.
She found herself near a holographic display showcasing Aura's architectural applications, envisioning how such advanced AI could revolutionize design processes and create truly responsive living environments. Lost in thought, she didn't immediately notice Qin Feng approaching until he was standing beside her.
"Fascinating, isn't it?" he remarked, his voice a low rumble that sent a subtle tremor through her.
Lin Wei started slightly, turning to face him. The soft, ambient lighting of the atrium cast a warm glow on his features, softening the sharp angles of his jawline. For the first time, she saw a hint of genuine enthusiasm in his eyes as he gazed at the holographic architectural renderings.
"It is," she agreed, trying to keep her tone neutral. "The potential for integrating AI into our living spaces is immense."
"Indeed," Qin Feng said, his gaze shifting from the display to her. "A concept I know you are particularly passionate about, given your work on the Skybloom Residences."
Lin Wei nodded, a flicker of surprise at his direct acknowledgment of her project. "It's about creating a symbiotic relationship between technology and nature, enhancing human experience without sacrificing sustainability."
"A philosophy Stellaris Tech deeply values," Qin Feng replied, a hint of something akin to approval in his voice.
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, both observing the intricate holographic designs. The usual tension that crackled between them seemed momentarily subdued, replaced by a shared appreciation for the innovative possibilities displayed before them.
Then, a sudden surge of people moved towards a nearby refreshment station, jostling Lin Wei slightly. Before she could regain her balance, she stumbled, her ankle twisting awkwardly. A sharp intake of breath escaped her lips as a jolt of pain shot up her leg.
Instinctively, Qin Feng reacted. His hand shot out, his grip firm but gentle on her arm, steadying her before she could fall. For a brief, suspended moment, they were in close proximity, the warmth of his hand seeping through the fabric of her sleeve. The noise of the crowd seemed to fade into a distant hum, their focus narrowed to the unexpected physical contact.
Lin Wei looked up at him, her breath catching in her throat. His face was inches from hers, his dark eyes filled with a concern that seemed surprisingly genuine. She could feel the steady beat of his pulse through his hand on her arm, a tangible reminder of his presence. The air between them felt thick with an unspoken awareness, a subtle shift from their usual guarded interactions.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice low and laced with a note of urgency.
"Yes… yes, just a bit clumsy," Lin Wei managed to say, her voice slightly breathless. The pain in her ankle was a dull throb now, overshadowed by the unexpected closeness and the intensity of his gaze.
Qin Feng didn't release her immediately. His fingers tightened slightly on her arm, as if ensuring her stability. For a fleeting second, Lin Wei thought she saw something else in his eyes, a flicker of something beyond professional concern – a hint of… something akin to tenderness? The realization sent a strange flutter through her chest, a sensation she couldn't quite decipher.
Then, as quickly as it began, the moment passed. Qin Feng released her arm, stepping back slightly, his expression returning to its usual composed neutrality.
"Be careful, Ms. Lin Wei," he said, his tone once again formal. "The crowd can be quite… enthusiastic."
"Thank you," Lin Wei replied, trying to regain her composure. The lingering warmth on her arm served as a tangible reminder of their brief physical connection.
A slight awkwardness settled between them. The easy flow of their earlier conversation about AI architecture seemed to have been disrupted by this unexpected physical encounter. Lin Wei could feel the weight of her knowledge about his landlord status hanging in the air, an unspoken undercurrent that colored their interaction.
Qin Feng cleared his throat. "I should… attend to some other guests." He offered a curt nod, his eyes flickered to hers briefly, and then he turned and moved back into the throng of people.
Lin Wei stood there for a moment, her hand instinctively touching the spot where his had been. Her ankle throbbed, but the physical discomfort was secondary to the unexpected emotional tremor that had run through her during their brief closeness. The concern in his eyes, the firmness of his grip – it was a stark contrast to the arrogant CEO she often encountered.
The revelation about his landlord status had already begun to shift her perception of him, adding layers to his enigmatic persona. This momentary, almost intimate, encounter further complicated her understanding. Was there more to Qin Feng than the ruthless businessman and the arrogant rival from her past?
As the summit began to wind down, Lin Wei found herself pondering this question. The future of AI was certainly captivating, but the unexpected complexities of her present, particularly the intricate web she seemed to be caught in with Qin Feng, held an even more compelling, and slightly unsettling, intrigue. The shared space of Skyline Residences, now imbued with the knowledge of his ownership, felt different, charged with a potential for interactions that went far beyond the professional realm. And the memory of his touch, brief as it was, lingered like a faint echo in the bustling atrium.