When Lin Mei returned to Zhuhua Villa after work, Xing Zheng had not yet returned. She first fed Lan Lan and Jiao Zi, releasing them from the balcony. Once free, the rabbit and dog unleashed their wild natures, running fearlessly around the living room.
Lin Mei had no idea how they communicated, but after a period of adjustment, they truly played together with great joy.
As Lin Mei was playing with the two pets, Xie Qin Jia called. Lin Mei answered, "Aunt Xie," she said, walking towards the window and stopping.
Xie Qin Jia's side was very quiet; she was likely in a hospital ward. "Why are you with that troublemaker? He can't give you happiness. A person like that doesn't deserve you."
"Tell me, did he force you? He knew Ming Zhe liked you, so he wanted to snatch you away. Ming Zhe has been gone for so many years, and he still..."
"It has nothing to do with Brother Ming Zhe," Lin Mei denied. "I am with him willingly. I like him."
How could Xie Qin Jia accept this reality? She couldn't understand at all. "What do you like about him? A person like that is hardly worth your affection. You're clearly not thinking straight..."
"When it comes to feelings, it's always like a person drinking water. You have a prejudice against him, but I feel he is the most worthy person to love in this world. I won't separate from him. I don't expect you to treat him like you treated Brother Ming Zhe, but could you please not interfere in our affairs?"
Even knowing that these words might stimulate Xie Qin Jia, she still spoke them. She didn't want to be ambiguous.
Xie Qin Jia was ultimately rendered speechless by Lin Mei's firm attitude. The phone call ended unpleasantly. Lin Mei had not uttered a single word of compromise from beginning to end. She thought Xie Qin Jia must have understood her stance.
However, the moment she turned, she saw Xing Zheng standing not far behind her, his deep eyes fixed on her face. Lin Mei's heart rate suddenly increased. When had he returned?
Had he heard everything she just said?
Could it be that she was so engrossed in stating her position to Xie Qin Jia that she hadn't noticed Xing Zheng's movements?
Lin Mei didn't want to face reality, especially Xing Zheng's gaze, which made her feel uneasy. She pretended nothing had happened. "I'll go make dinner."
As soon as she took a step, her arm was caught by the man beside her. Before she could react, she was pulled tightly into his embrace.
His lips brushed against her ear, his hot breath enveloping her. "What were you just saying?"
Lin Mei: "..."
His question confirmed he had heard everything. Her ears felt both itchy and numb, likely affected by his breath, and her body began to feel hot and weak.
He gently bit her ear. "Say it again." His tone held an unconcealed excitement.
Lin Mei found it incredible. From the time they had interacted, she had never seen him show such overt joy about anything.
Hearing her say "like," was he truly this happy?
"Didn't you hear it all?" Lin Mei said awkwardly. "I don't say nice things twice."
She had done so much before, all to provoke Xing Zheng into speaking first and declaring his feelings. The plan was going smoothly, but then a phone call had disrupted everything. He was going to be smug now, and there was no way she would repeat it to boost his ego!
"Shy?" Xing Zheng pinched her reddened ear. "Weren't you quite bold when you said it just now?"
Lin Mei: "..."
"Say it again, hmm?" he coaxed, lost in the satisfaction those words brought. Once was never enough.
"I won't say it, won't say it, won't say it, won't say it." Lin Mei refused several times. He wouldn't say a word himself, but he wanted her to repeat it. What kind of good deal was that?
"You're asking for it." He chuckled and playfully swatted her on the bottom. It didn't hurt; the force was clearly meant as flirtation.
Lin Mei's body grew even softer, and she leaned into his embrace. He felt it and laughed. "You can't handle this?"
"You only know how to bully me!" Lin Mei bit his chest.
He didn't dodge, letting her vent. "How have I bullied you? Didn't I make you feel good?"
Lin Mei bit him harder. Was that what she was talking about?
"You want me to say it, but why don't you say it yourself?" Her mind heated up, and on impulse, she blurted out what was on her mind. After saying it, she regretted it. How could she be so undisciplined!
"Do you want to hear me say it?" He stroked her ear and leaned down, planting a kiss on her cheek. "Coax me, and I'll say what you want to hear."
"Say it or don't say it!" Lin Mei pushed him away. She wanted him to say it first; what was the point of begging? If he didn't say it, then so be it. "I'm going to make dinner. Let me go."
"You still say you're easy to bully, but you have such a temper," Xing Zheng pulled her back. "I like you."
Just four words. Although spoken, Lin Mei was not entirely satisfied. She didn't know what she was bothered by; this was far from enough. She remained awkward and refused to speak. He spoke to her again, "There's no one else, only you."
Lin Mei's heart beat faster. All she could hear was the pounding of her heart, mingling with his husky breaths, assaulting her senses.
She hadn't been without people confessing to her, but this was Xing Zheng, someone she had been entangled with for so long. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond.
Finally, the urgent ringing of a phone interrupted the ambiguous atmosphere. It was Xing Zheng's phone. He released Lin Mei and went to answer it.
The call was from Liang Yu Feng. Yuanxi Capital's thirtieth-anniversary reception was the day after tomorrow. It was also Liang Yu Feng's first anniversary since solidifying his position. Xing Zheng had a close working relationship with him and was expected to attend personally to support him.
"Mm, I'll be there on time the day after tomorrow." His tone was very cheerful, his joy evident.
Although Liang Yu Feng had known Xing Zheng for many years and interacted frequently, he had never heard him speak in such a tone. He was curious. "Are you in a good mood today?"
"I'm alright." Despite saying he was alright, he was already smiling.
Liang Yu Feng found it hard to imagine what could make Xing Zheng this happy. He had never shown such a reaction even when closing that massive case. "What's going on that you're in such a good mood?"
Xing Zheng glanced towards Lin Mei. "You wouldn't understand."
Liang Yu Feng: "See you the day after tomorrow."
He likely wouldn't say anything more, so Liang Yu Feng wouldn't bother asking.
After finishing the call, Xing Zheng walked towards Lin Mei. He stopped and asked her, "What do you want to eat?"
"I'll do it," Lin Mei said, still immersed in the previous awkwardness and wanting to distract herself.
"I'll do it," Xing Zheng smiled, teasing her. "So you don't say I'm bullying you again."
As Xing Zheng went to cook, Lin Mei sat alone on the sofa, her face flushing as she recalled what had just happened. Her plan had failed spectacularly in such a dramatic fashion.
During dinner, Lin Mei was still awkward and didn't have the courage to meet Xing Zheng's gaze.
After avoiding his eyes for the umpteenth time, the man grew displeased. He picked up his bowl and chopsticks and sat down next to her.