The next day, as Su Ding was cooking at home, Jiang Chu came to visit.
"Su Ding, I need your help with something."
"What is it?"
Su Ding, busy in the kitchen, called out to the household servant, "Zhang Sao, please make some tea."
Jiang Chu walked to the kitchen door with a smile, leaning against the frame to chat. "It's alright, you don't need to fuss over me. I'll just stand here and tell you."
Su Ding, unable to refuse him, asked, "Go ahead, what is it?"
Jiang Chu found her in her loungewear and apron to be exceptionally beautiful, exuding the gentle affection of a mature woman.
He coughed lightly, "Tomorrow afternoon there's an outdoor party. It's my friend's cousin's birthday, and he insisted I bring a female companion. So, I've come to ask you."
"A birthday party," Su Ding stirred the pot, carefully preventing her sleeve from slipping. "Why did he insist you bring a female companion?"
Jiang Chu slowly walked in and circled behind Su Ding. "Otherwise, he'll suspect I'm gay."
Su Ding, startled by his sudden closeness, put down the pot, her sleeve having already slid down.
"Why did you come in?"
She glared at him playfully, her hands still wet, comically rolling up her sleeve.
"Let me help you roll it up."
Jiang Chu chuckled softly and walked over, extending his long, well-defined hand to gently help her roll up her sleeve.
He looked at her fair, slender wrist as it was revealed, his heart beating a little faster.
"Thanks."
Su Ding smiled and turned back to her cooking.
Jiang Chu, however, gazed at her fair wrist for a few more moments before looking away, clearing his throat with a feigned cough. "Your hands are so small."
Su Ding burst into laughter. "Are you just trying to make conversation?"
Jiang Chu felt a strange warmth creeping up, and seeing Su Ding's teasing gaze, his heart tightened further, and he didn't know where to look.
He looked like a shy boy infatuated with his crush!
"Look at mine," he presented his hand to Su Ding. "Want to compare yours with mine?"
Su Ding chuckled, "I can't be bothered. My hands are covered in water."
Hearing her words, Jiang Chu felt an even greater sense of impatience. He deliberately said, "Afraid to compare?"
"Are you a child?"
Su Ding put down the vegetables in her hand and perfunctorily extended one hand.
Jiang Chu saw the small, fair hand, which, compared to his long, large hand, appeared even more delicate and slender.
His heart stirred, and his actions outpaced his thoughts!
He suddenly reached out and grasped Su Ding's hand, his large palm tightly enclosing the small hand that made his heart flutter, but he released it in a moment.
"What are you doing!" Su Ding exclaimed in surprise, turning to glare at him.
"Uh," Jiang Chu retreated two steps, flustered, unsure where to put his hands, as if caught doing something wrong.
"I, I haven't touched a girl's hand in two years. I was just curious about the feel."
He retreated, his face flushed, his words stammering. His gentlemanly and warm-hearted persona in front of Su Ding vanished instantly, leaving no trace of his former composure or dignity.
"You..."
Su Ding was at a loss for words for a moment.
She turned back to continue cooking, but a sense of discomfort arose within her. She had a good impression of Jiang Chu, but physical contact still made her uneasy.
"I'm sorry."
Seeing Su Ding's silence, Jiang Chu grew flustered, regretting his impulsiveness.
What possessed him to suddenly grab her hand?
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became at himself. He wanted to say something but hesitated, finally sighing heavily. "I, I didn't mean to."
Su Ding didn't want him to feel too guilty; it wasn't a big deal.
She said gently, "It's alright, you just startled me."
As she spoke, the awkward atmosphere gradually dissipated.
Jiang Chu gave an uncomfortable chuckle. "To get back to what I was saying, he's a friend I met abroad. He's always spreading rumors in our shared social circles that I like men. I really need your help."
"Pfft, your friend is quite something."
Su Ding chuckled lightly. "Alright, I'm free tomorrow afternoon. I'll help you."
Jiang Chu had looked out for her a lot during her time in the Southern Territory, and he was currently her closest friend.
Jiang Chu finally breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "I knew you'd agree. I brought the dress for you; it's in the living room."
"You..." Su Ding was exasperated.
"Don't be mad, don't be mad. We're friends, aren't we? Can you bear to see a friend in trouble and not help?"
Jiang Chu said jokingly, having regained his usual ease.
Su Ding shook her head helplessly. "I'm on the boat now, so I have no choice but to go along with it."
Jiang Chu looked at her amusing little expression, his gaze becoming even more tender and fond.
Why hadn't he tried to woo her when they were abroad?
What a shame!
Su Ding finished stir-frying the last dish and glanced at the man standing at the doorway. "Come in and help."
Jiang Chu walked over with a smile. "Are you treating me to a meal?"
Su Ding glanced at the dishes in the kitchen. "What do you think? With so much food, Zhang Sao and I can't finish it all."
"Then I'll help you finish some. No need to thank me."
Jiang Chu's smile widened, and he helped carry the dishes out, feeling an inexplicable sense of domestic bliss.
If only it were real.
After dinner, Jiang Chu didn't linger and left.
The next afternoon, as Su Ding finished her makeup and put on the off-the-shoulder white gown he had brought, he arrived as promised to pick her up.
Jiang Chu was stunned.
The woman before him had a perfect figure, exuding an aura of cool elegance, like a noble lady from an aristocratic family, exuding an imposing presence.
"What?"
Su Ding frowned, slightly puzzled by the man's hesitant demeanor.
Seeing her lift her eyes to speak to him, her captivating eyes reflecting his nervousness, Jiang Chu felt his heart tighten even more.
He forced himself to take a deep breath to steady his wavering emotions. "Nothing, let's go."
Su Ding nodded and got into the car with him.
After about a thirty-minute drive, they arrived at the birthday party venue.
On the expansive lawn, there was an archway woven with vibrant flowers, allowing a glimpse of the grand and luxurious venue decoration from the entrance.
"We're here."
Jiang Chu, dressed in a crisp suit and with his hair neatly styled, looked exceptionally handsome.
He opened the car door with gentlemanly flair and extended his hand. "Be careful."
Su Ding placed her hand in his broad palm and slowly alighted from the car. A gust of wind blew at the opportune moment, causing her skirt to flutter, her slightly curled hair to fall loosely...
Her exquisite and beautiful face was gradually revealed.
Her slightly upturned eyes held a cool light, giving her an otherworldly, ethereal aura, as if a fairy had descended to earth.
Instantly, guests about to enter turned to look.
"Who is she?"
"So beautiful, like a fairy."
"..."
Su Ding was still somewhat sensitive. Noticing people looking at her, she instinctively felt fear.
She felt as though someone recognized her as the scandal-ridden actress.
Then, she expected endless insults and attacks.
Subconsciously, she lowered her head, her face paling slightly. She hid behind Jiang Chu and nervously asked, "Did they, did they recognize me?"
Jiang Chu, who had initially thought she was shy, felt a sharp stab in his heart upon hearing her words.
He immediately raised his arm, put it around her shoulder, and said softly, "No, they're complimenting your beauty. Don't worry, the Southern Territory doesn't pay as much attention to entertainment gossip as Jiangcheng does."
Su Ding bit her lip and nodded.
She took a deep breath, turned around, and slightly bent down to grasp the hem of her skirt. With a ripping sound—
A piece of the tulle hem was torn off by her!
She tied the sheer fabric over her face, making it look like part of the outfit, her stunningly beautiful face appearing faintly through the veil.
This way, it didn't seem out of place; rather, it added a touch of mystique.
Witnessing her series of actions, Jiang Chu felt his most tender spot being touched, and he said softly, "You look beautiful like this too."
Su Ding raised her captivating eyes and smiled at him.
"Let's go."
"Okay, link my arm."
Jiang Chu bent his arm, allowing Su Ding to link hers, truly a match made in heaven!
But just as they had taken a few steps, they heard a voice from not far away, "Brother Jin Ye, you really came!"
Cold sweat broke out on Su Ding's back, and her body stiffened.
She dared not even turn her head.
It couldn't be such a coincidence, could it...?