Jiang Mian tilted her head up to meet the man's dark eyes, which were like a vast ocean of stars. Instantly, she was drawn in, forgetting what she had intended to say.
Ji Zhixiu's large palm seemed to possess a magical charm as it traced down her smooth, delicate back. A cascade of kisses fell upon her face, first her eyes, then her nose, her cheeks, and finally her soft lips, lingering and deepening, repeatedly.
He still carried the lingering fragrance of his recent shower, intoxicating. His movements were exceedingly gentle.
After a while, Jiang Mian mused that this man was indeed not drunk; his strength was like that of the fiercest beast, as if he wanted to devour her whole.
"Still distracted?"
Ji Zhixiu's deep, rich voice resonated, captivatingly pleasant.
Jiang Mian let out a soft whimper, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. This only made her appear more pitiable. In a fit of pique, she bit down on his shoulder.
...
With the Lunar New Year approaching, the movie "Class Three High School," which Jiang Mian had filmed with Song Xingjia, was set to be released on New Year's Day as a holiday film.
Jiang Mian was quite pleased. She sent Song Xingjia a message but received no reply. Knowing Song Xingjia's character, he would never see a message and not reply. There could only be one reason: he was too busy to check his messages.
She knew Song Xingjia hadn't appeared in public for a long time. Was he busy with family matters?
She pondered slowly, turning her head. She wondered if she would see Song Xingjia post on Weibo on the release day.
Then, her gaze was blocked by the man. Ji Zhixiu gently stroked her head and said casually, "Change your clothes. I'm taking you out."
"Where to?"
"I'm going to introduce you to a friend." He paused and added, "Wear whatever, but prioritize warmth."
Jiang Mian sat up and hurried upstairs to change.
She tied her hair into a messy bun. She wore a thick, beige hooded sweatshirt and jeans. Her legs looked long and straight.
She looked no different from a college student, approachable and cute. With a small lamb-shaped bag slung over her shoulder, she stood beside Ji Zhixiu, appearing incredibly youthful.
Ji Zhixiu stared at her for two seconds. "Go change."
Jiang Mian: ???
Ji Zhixiu pinched his brows. He was worried his scoundrel friends would tease him about dating someone so much younger; he was almost thirty.
Forgive him, he was still quite sensitive about his age.
Jiang Mian pouted. "Doesn't this outfit look good?"
"It looks good."
"Do you have other female friends?"
"I'm not sure if they're bringing dates."
Jiang Mian thought for a moment, then ran upstairs to change again. She then asked Ji Zhixiu, "Is this okay now?"
She had changed into a blue and white bow-adorned cotton jacket. She still had her hair in a bun, but her makeup was slightly different, making her look less youthful.
Ji Zhixiu nodded. "Yes."
Changing clothes took some time. By the time they reached the private room at Yanwangfu, many people had already arrived.
The room was lively, with about ten people. However, with Chang Qingqing, who was pregnant, present, everyone was considerate, and no one was smoking.
These young scions of wealthy families were born into wealth and influence, pampered by their families. It was impossible for them all to have perfect temperaments. The only commendable trait they possessed was a degree of consideration for the weak and women.
Chang Qingqing's pregnant belly was evident. She waved at Jiang Mian. They sat together, and Jiang Mian, gazing at her belly, asked with her captivating peach-shaped eyes full of curiosity, "Can I touch it?"
"Of course," Chang Qingqing replied softly.
Ji Zhixiu sat next to Chang Qin, raising an eyebrow. "He's not here yet?"
"He's picking up his sister."
Lu Cong came over. "Not everyone's here yet. Want to play a few rounds first?"
By "play a few rounds," he meant a few rounds of cards.
The private room was spacious, with mahjong and card tables nearby. One table was already occupied.
Ji Zhixiu had no interest in this. His expression was indifferent. He spoke with a slight curl of his thin lips, "No, I'm not interested."
Lu Cong glanced past him at Chang Qin. Chang Qin wasn't keen on this, especially with his wife present. He shook his head. "Not playing."
Lu Cong clicked his tongue and decided not to go either. He plopped down and greeted Jiang Mian, "Long time no see, little sister-in-law!"
Jiang Mian looked up and smiled at him. "It really has been a long time."
Lu Cong peeled a walnut, getting walnut skins all over his hands. He blew on the skins and said, "Come out and play sometime. It's so boring staying at home. Brother Xiu keeps such a tight watch on you, like you're a prized treasure."
Ji Zhixiu scoffed. "Do you think everyone is as idle as you are?"
Lu Cong was the third son in his family, and the burden of managing the family business wouldn't fall on him. His sole contribution was to enjoy himself and not cause trouble for the family.
The Chang family's father was still working at the company, and Chang Qin occasionally lent a hand. All things considered, Ji Zhixiu was the busiest among them, and the one who truly relied solely on himself.
Lu Cong rubbed his nose. "Life is short, seize the day."
He handed the shelled walnut kernels to Chang Qingqing and Jiang Mian. "Here, ladies first."
Chang Qingqing took them from his hand. "Thank you."
Jiang Mian shook her head. "You eat more."
Lu Cong: ???
Why did he feel that his little sister-in-law was looking at him with a trace of pity?
"Excuse me for keeping you waiting," a gentle voice said.
Shen Muyuan entered, unbuttoning his gray scarf. Upon seeing Ji Zhixiu, his smile widened. "Zhixiu, Lu San, Ah Qin."
Many years had passed, but his friends remained the same.
He sat next to Lu Cong. "I originally just wanted a casual gathering with you all."
"That won't do! We must give you a grand welcome now that you're back," Lu Cong said.
The host of the welcome banquet had arrived, and the card game dispersed.
Several people crowded around. "Brother Shen, you've been abroad for so many years. Why didn't you bring a girlfriend back?"
"Are you returning to take over Uncle Shen's company?"
"You're not leaving again, right?"
They peppered him with questions, and Shen Muyuan answered each one. "I'm not leaving. Please, have a seat first."
"Didn't you go to pick up your sister?" someone asked.
"She'll be here any moment."
As they were speaking, Shen Tingyu pushed the door open. Somehow, her back straightened a little.
There are some people who, by nature, command the most attention in a crowd. Natural protagonists, wherever they go. Shen Tingyu blinked, reluctantly averting her gaze from Ji Zhixiu. She deliberately ignored Jiang Mian.
She sat down next to Shen Muyuan.
Shen Muyuan looked at her, his eyes filled with undisguised affection. "You're here. We can start serving the food."
Shen Tingyu was exceptionally obedient. "Okay."
Jiang Mian was chatting with Chang Qingqing, her head tilted. Among this group, they were the only two women. A few had wanted to strike up a conversation with Jiang Mian, but upon seeing Ji Zhixiu's subtle gaze resting on her, they hesitated and abandoned the idea.
Chang Qingqing, in the later stages of her pregnancy, had a decent appetite and enjoyed everything. However, as a doctor herself, she knew her limits. While she could eat anything, she didn't eat much of any one dish.
Once the dishes were served, she ate a little and was full.
Jiang Mian quite liked the cuisine at Yanwangfu. She spotted a glutinous rice meatball and, with a swift and accurate flick of her chopsticks, reached for it.
"Lu Cong!" With a loud bang, the door was violently pushed open, and a young woman burst in.
Jiang Mian didn't have time to turn her head. Startled, she dropped her chopsticks. She watched helplessly as the meatball rolled off the table.
With a hint of regret, she then turned to look.
The woman who had burst in looked about her own age. She wore oversized earrings, red and black high boots, and a high ponytail. Her eye makeup was heavy, and her entire look was a bold, European style. She exuded a confident, mature aura.
Her thunderous entrance caused everyone in the private room to turn and look.
She seemed to recognize no one but Lu Cong. However, she showed no signs of embarrassment, instead lifting her chin. "You're not eating with me because you're having a gathering with others? I want to join too!"
Lu Cong shakily dropped his chopsticks, his face contorted into a frown. He looked at Ji Zhixiu. "Save me, Brother Xiu!"
How had this demon woman found him! What a curse!
Shen Muyuan raised an eyebrow at him, teasing, "Your romantic entanglement?"
Lu Cong repeatedly waved his hands, a look of utter despair on his face. "No, my karmic retribution."
He grabbed Shen Muyuan's arm. "Please, get rid of her for me..."
The young woman waited for a long time without anyone speaking. She then casually pulled up a stool and sat down. "Don't just stand there, eat!"
"Oh, right. Let me introduce myself. I'm Lu Cong's fiancée."
Lu Cong could no longer stand it. He abruptly stood up. "Lu Nanning, are you not tired of this! How many times have I told you! I don't like you. Can you stop harassing me!"
In front of so many people, Lu Nanning's face paled. But perhaps thinking of something, she held back. "I don't care. My aunt said we'll be husband and wife in the future. Since we're to be husband and wife, what's wrong with me saying this now?"
Chang Qingqing and Jiang Mian exchanged a look. She's quite fierce!
The onlookers stared at Lu Cong with the expressions of those watching a spectacle. Lu Cong had been relentlessly pursued by her lately, yet this woman was still like a persistent shadow. He frowned, feeling utterly humiliated in front of his friends.
Although the second young master of the Fang family wanted to spectate, he could see that Lu Cong was genuinely annoyed, and watching a show required appropriate timing. He picked up his coat from behind his chair. "My mother needs me for something. I'll head back now."
"I also have some company matters. Since Brother Shen is back, we can always gather another time."
"Then we'll be going. Let's meet again soon."
Those with keen senses got up one after another, their excuses becoming increasingly flimsy.
In the blink of an eye, only a few of them remained. Lu Cong was truly fed up; his brow had been furrowed since he saw this woman.
Jiang Mian rested her chin on her hand, openly enjoying the show.
Ji Zhixiu glanced at Lu Cong's demeanor, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Lu Cong felt a bit embarrassed. What was supposed to be a welcome banquet for his good brother had turned into a dampener.
Shen Muyuan smiled. "Perhaps you two should have a proper talk?"
"Okay, okay! I also think we need to have a good talk," Lu Nanning agreed.
Lu Cong got up from his seat. "Let's go talk outside."
Lu Nanning obediently followed him.
With most of the guests gone, Shen Muyuan finally noticed Jiang Mian opposite him. He almost suspected he was mistaken, his brow twitching. However, he had seen her just a few days ago, so he couldn't be wrong.
Could she have been brought by Lu Cong?
He tapped the table with his finger, tentatively asking, "Is that Lu Cong's new girlfriend?"
Chang Qin chuckled. "You've misjudged that."
"Could it be Zhixiu? Since when?" Shen Muyuan asked in surprise.
He knew his good friend had been with his sister before. It seemed Zhixiu truly no longer had feelings for Tingyu.
He sighed, mentally extinguishing any nascent budding affections.
Ji Zhixiu, in a relaxed posture, replied to him nonchalantly, "After you left."
Chang Qin glanced at him subtly.
Shen Tingyu listened to their conversation with a blank expression. It was fine; she could wait. Jiang Mian wouldn't be smug for long.
Jiang Mian appropriately raised her head, thinking that this must be Shen Tingyu's brother.
He looked somewhat familiar, didn't he?
Oh! Wasn't this the person who had helped her in Seattle a few days ago? Jiang Mian's mind flashed, and she suddenly remembered.
The world truly was small; she couldn't help but sigh.
A moment later, Lu Cong returned.
Shen Muyuan looked behind him. "Did she leave?"