A figure nearly a meter and ninety tall, clad in casual slacks and a simple white shirt with sleeves neatly rolled up to reveal evenly muscled forearms. His handsome face held a hint of coolness, which only softened into tenderness the moment their eyes met.
Jiang Shiyu blinked, finding herself momentarily unable to decipher the man's gentle gaze.
It seemed as though this man had been treating her with great familiarity since last night.
Yet, she couldn't recall ever meeting him before.
"What are you spacing out for? Let's go."
The man's voice was deep and warm as he took Jiang Shiyu's hand and led her inside.
His palm was warm and steady.
Reassuring.
Queuing, taking vows, signing, taking photos, stamping, receiving the certificate!
The entire process took less than half an hour.
She held the freshly minted marriage certificate, still warm to the touch.
Jiang Shiyu's mind felt a little fuzzy.
"This is the key to the marital home, Villa Jingyuan, number 008. You can move in anytime you wish."
Murong Cheng placed a key into Jiang Shiyu's palm.
A circular electronic lock key was also attached to the keyring.
Jingyuan was one of the most expensive residential areas in Hai City, with prices exceeding one hundred thousand per square meter. Even the keys were gold-plated and felt heavy in the hand.
How could Murong Cheng, with a monthly salary of five thousand, afford a property in Jingyuan?
"A friend's place."
Before Jiang Shiyu could even ask, Murong Cheng preemptively explained.
"Where do you live?" Jiang Shiyu blinked, wondering if they were going to live together.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything to you without your consent before the wedding ceremony."
"Oh!" Jiang Shiyu nodded.
Murong Cheng lowered his gaze to Jiang Shiyu's expression. She looked so adorably naive. His mood lifted, a faint smile gracing his lips as he reached out and ruffled her hair. "Let's go home!"
Home…
Jiang Shiyu hadn't heard that word in a long time. Led by the man's hand, she followed closely behind his imposing figure, a faint mist clouding her eyes.
This was the first time anyone had spoken the word "home" to her since her maternal grandfather passed away.
As she had an interview the next morning, Jiang Shiyu went directly to Jingyuan with Murong Cheng.
The apartment was vast, easily two to three hundred square meters, occupying an entire floor. The decor was modern, and the furniture was all smart.
Murong Cheng truly had many wealthy friends.
With the interview at Ling Sheng Group tomorrow, Jiang Shiyu arrived at Jingyuan between seven and eight. After taking a shower, she emerged in her pajamas to find Murong Cheng cooking in the open-plan kitchen.
He wore an apron, his slightly tousled hair brushing against his forehead. His physique and skin were excellent, showing no signs of his twenty-eight years; one could easily mistake him for a young man in his early twenties.
"All washed up? I've made noodles; have some later."
Just as Jiang Shiyu was about to say she didn't like noodles, only zhajiangmian, Murong Cheng presented her with a bowl of zhajiangmian.
Was this man a mind-reader? How did he know what she liked to eat?
The aroma was enticing, and her appetite was whetted. Jiang Shiyu swallowed, and without waiting to ask, finished the entire bowl in one go.
It was truly delicious; she hadn't expected Murong Cheng to be such a good cook.
"Eat slowly; no one's going to snatch it from you."
A rare softness softened the man's usually frosty, handsome face. He raised his hand and wiped a smudge of sauce from the corner of Jiang Shiyu's mouth with his thumb.
Jiang Shiyu watched, wide-eyed, as the man brought his finger to his lips and sucked on it, a look of pure enjoyment on his handsome face, as if savoring a delicacy.
"Tastes good, very sweet."
The zhajiangmian was clearly savory, yet he called it sweet.
He wasn't referring to the sweetness of the sauce…
"I… I'll wash the dishes. You should get some sleep!"
Jiang Shiyu picked up the bowl and went into the kitchen, her face flushing like a boiled shrimp!
When she finished washing the dishes and walked out of the kitchen, she found the man holding her resume.
Hearing Jiang Shiyu emerge, Murong Cheng turned his head slightly and looked at her deeply. "Why didn't you tell me you were interviewing at Ling Sheng Group?"
"What use would it be if I told you? You're not the CEO of Ling Sheng. Ling Sheng is the most powerful investment company in Hai City, with a market value of hundreds of billions. If I succeed in the interview tomorrow, my life will be made."
Ling Sheng was a dream company for countless graduates. She had aspired to join Ling Sheng even before graduating, not because of the salary, but because of that man, who also worked at Ling Sheng.
A deep, subtle smile flickered in Murong Cheng's eyes. "Well then, I wish you success in your interview."
"Thank you!" Jiang Shiyu smiled brightly, carefully putting her resume away. Then she remembered, "Oh right, where do you work?"
"A friend's small company. It's getting late, so get some rest."
Murong Cheng had already prepared a master bedroom for Jiang Shiyu. After she entered the room, he made a phone call. Su Qi—Su Qi Kan Shu Wu. Xia
The next day, Jiang Shiyu left half an hour early, and Murong Cheng drove her to Ling Sheng Group.
Strangely, Murong Cheng seemed very familiar with the route to Ling Sheng Group, driving directly to the building without needing navigation.
"Good luck with your interview." As Jiang Shiyu pushed open the car door, she heard the man say from behind. Xu Lin Yun—Xu Lin Yun
Jiang Shiyu turned to look at the man in the driver's seat.
The morning sun, filtering through the partially rolled-down window, seemed to cast a halo around him.
The man's profile was sharply defined, captivating at first glance.
"Mhm! Thank you!" Jiang Shiyu's face flushed, and she hastily closed the door.
Clutching her resume, she entered the skyscraper of Ling Sheng Group.
The interview was unexpectedly smooth.
She was directly accepted as an intern.
"Your good wishes worked! I passed the interview! I'm treating tonight, a big meal!"
Jiang Shiyu walked while texting Murong Cheng on her phone.
She couldn't hide the smile on her face when she suddenly heard two familiar voices, and her steps faltered.
Down the corridor, a perfect couple was approaching.
The man was tall and handsome, while the woman, five months pregnant, her belly protruding, leaned into his embrace, her smile radiant.
"Wow, the eldest daughter of the Murong family! One is young and promising, the other fair and beautiful, truly a perfect match!"
A colleague beside them exclaimed in admiration.
The smile on Jiang Shiyu's face froze. She stood rooted to the spot.
Watching the affectionate couple, she felt as if her face had been slapped, burning with pain.
When Su Jiamu saw Jiang Shiyu, she had already turned and entered the elevator.
"Xia…"
As Su Jiamu took a step forward, Murong Xue grabbed his arm.
"Jiamu, have you forgotten what kind of woman she is? And the cooperation the Murong family needs. I've already discussed it with my brother; it might be approved…"
Hearing these words, Su Jiamu stopped. He cast one last glance at Jiang Shiyu's retreating back, but did not pursue her. Instead, with a smile, he put his arm around Murong Xue. "Darling, whatever you say!"