Jiang Mian covered her head with one hand, and when she saw where her other small hand was placed, she immediately let go as if scalded.
Her eagerness to get rid of the hot potato was truly amusing. Ji Zhixiu narrowed his long, narrow eyes, feeling a sense of helplessness at being cornered by her.
The atmosphere in the air was a little awkward.
Her bright, agile eyes rolled, and then she pretended nothing had happened, "You, you're awake. So early."
She just felt like her palm was still burning, and she unconsciously rubbed it against the bedsheet. As if this could remove the scorching sensation.
Ji Zhixiu looked at the lively second person beneath him, his voice tinged with a hint of forbearance. He called out in a low voice, "Jiang Mian."
"W-what?" She felt a little guilty, not daring to look up. Being caught red-handed lusting after someone was truly embarrassing.
"The fire you started, you extinguish." His voice was husky and lazy from just waking up, unlike his usual cold, distant tone. Yet, it held an undeniable assertiveness.
"…!"
…
Half an hour later, Jiang Mian rubbed her wrist, a look of resentment on her face. Ji Zhixiu was neatly dressed and refreshed.
Seeing the young girl's indignant expression, he was in a good mood. "I'm going to the company. I'll be back for dinner tonight."
Jiang Mian snorted, "I'm sorry, I have plans tonight."
"With your roommates?"
"Yes."
Ji Lanruo had invited her several times before, but she was busy on set. Now that she had time, of course, she had to go.
"At Seattle."
Ji Zhixiu was pleased with her "reporting," his Adam's apple bobbing as he smiled. He lowered his head, staring at the young girl sitting on the bed, "Shall I pick you up tonight?"
Jiang Mian hesitated for a moment, "No need, I can come back by myself."
After seeing Ji Zhixiu off, Jiang Mian went downstairs for a meal.
Then she went upstairs to catch up on sleep. Spring fatigue, summer weariness, autumn drowsiness, winter hibernation – there wasn't a day she didn't feel sleepy.
She woke up again because Xiao Yugan's fluffy tail swept across her face. The soft touch was like the finest brush. Jiang Mian grabbed its tail, and Xiao Yugan, seeing this, nestled into her arms asking for pets.
Outside, the lights were as bright as day, but the room was pitch black. Jiang Mian reached for the bedside lamp and flicked it on. She squinted slightly, her eyes slowly adjusting to the light.
There was a moment of absentmindedness, and her head felt a little weightless.
Xiao Yugan snuggled obediently in her arms, keeping her company. After a while, Jiang Mian finally came to her senses. She played with Xiao Yugan for a while, calculated the time, and then unhurriedly got up to change her clothes.
Seattle's nights were always so lively.
Jiang Mian parked her car and handed the keys to the doorman, who led her inside.
The doorman already recognized her; people working here had a certain level of perceptiveness.
Seeing Jiang Mian arrive, he called someone. Soon, a waiter approached, "Miss Jiang, are you alone today?"
Jiang Mian nodded, "I booked a booth. There are four of us in total."
Her eyes scanned the surroundings until she saw Ji Lanruo waving at her. Jiang Mian smiled, "Thank you, I found them. You can go ahead."
"Certainly, Miss Jiang. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask us."
Jiang Mian navigated through the crowd to the booth opposite the stage. Ji Lanruo and the others were already seated.
Ji Lanruo was wearing a camisole and shorts. She hadn't arrived much earlier than Jiang Mian.
Jiang Mian glanced at her attire, slightly surprised, "You're wearing this little?"
It was December in Kyoto, and although it wasn't snowing, it was still cold. One would need at least a coat.
Zhang Duoduo poured them wine. "Her coat accidentally had wine spilled on it earlier, so she took it to be cleaned."
Jiang Mian relaxed, leaning back on the sofa. "I thought you were really prioritizing style over warmth."
Ji Lanruo pouted, "Am I that kind of person?"
As soon as she said that, the other three nodded emphatically, "Yes!"
Ji Lanruo pouted playfully, "Alright, teasing me the moment we meet."
Wen Su rubbed her hands together, "It's been a while since we all got together."
"Yes, it feels like just yesterday we were at school. I miss the days of going to and from classes together."
Jiang Mian swirled her wine glass, "Long time no see, cheers first!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"Let's agree now, no getting drunk this time."
The memory of taking care of two drunkards was still vivid.
"Don't worry, definitely not this time."
After a couple of drinks, the girls' faces had a slight flush. They all started chatting animatedly. Jiang Mian leaned against Ji Lanruo, listening to Wen Su prattle on, occasionally asking, "And then?"
…
At the booth opposite, Shen Jun squinted, lifted his chin, and asked, "Those girls over there are hot. Do you know them?"
His subordinate followed his gaze, nodded, and then shook his head, "They are indeed attractive, but I don't know them."
Shen Jun glanced at him sideways, "What are you standing there for? Go over."
The subordinate licked his lips, hesitating slightly, "Young master, this is the territory of the Chang family's young master."
Shen Jun's eyebrows drooped. He grunted from his throat and then said, "Turn around."
The subordinate didn't understand but obediently turned around. "Young… Young master…"
Shen Jun kicked him in the backside, cursing, "Are you crazy? I'm here to pick up girls, not to start trouble. Even if Chang Qin is here, I'd dare."
The subordinate stumbled from the kick, quickly got up, and repeatedly begged for mercy, "I'm sorry, young master, I was wrong, I was wrong! I'll go now."
He ordered two bottles of wine and some desserts, then ran to the booth next to Jiang Mian's, bent over, and opened his mouth.
Jiang Mian and the others were engrossed in conversation, and with the loud music in the bar, they didn't notice his invitation.
The subordinate held his breath, unsure whether to speak again. If he spoke and was rejected, he wouldn't get good treatment. If he didn't speak, he still wouldn't get good treatment when he went back.
To get their attention, he raised his voice slightly, "Excuse me."
Jiang Mian and the others were successfully interrupted.
Ji Lanruo glanced at the tray in his hand, "We didn't order anything."
Subordinate: …
He grinned shamelessly, pointing in Shen Jun's direction, "Our master invites the ladies to come over and have some fun."
Ji Lanruo didn't even look, knowing what kind of invitation this was. A hint of arrogance appeared on her brow, "No, get lost!"
The subordinate returned sheepishly.
Seeing his dejected look, Shen Jun knew it hadn't worked. He raised his glass and drank it down, cursing, "Useless."
The subordinate looked crestfallen.
"What did she say?"
"She said…"
"Say it!"
"'No, get lost!'"
It must be said that this subordinate was quite a character. He wasn't just repeating it, but he perfectly mimicked Ji Lanruo's disdainful tone.
Shen Jun's face darkened upon hearing this, "Damn it, she's quite feisty."
He ground his molars. He had been trying to pick up girls at Chang Qin's bar for so long. He usually succeeded, based on mutual consent. He hadn't failed before.
The girls this time were particularly to his liking, especially the one in the pink sweater; she looked delicious.
He thought about it, feeling increasingly restless.
"Keep an eye on them."
"Got it."
Jiang Mian had a few drinks and shook her head, refusing to drink anymore. The others didn't urge her.
Ji Lanruo was drinking quite heavily, one cup after another. Jiang Mian grabbed her hand, "Why are you drinking so much?" httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"The wine is good," she smiled, "it eases the sorrow."
She then mumbled softly, and only Jiang Mian caught the words "Song Xingjia" and "bastard."
Her brows furrowed imperceptibly, her eyes filled with worry, "Are you drunk?"
Ji Lanruo shook her head, "I'm not drunk. I can drink ten cups!"
Jiang Mian sighed softly, not understanding what had happened between her and Song Xingjia.
Ji Lanruo firmly clasped her hand, "Don't worry, I'm really not drunk."
It's just that she suddenly felt a bit tipsy.
"Okay, I'm going to the restroom first," she said, getting up.
"Young master, a girl is leaving."
Shen Jun's eyes lit up, and he quickly got up, "Got it, you stay. I'll follow her."
Shen Jun watched her enter the women's restroom and then squatted on the path she would inevitably take to return.
When Jiang Mian came out after washing her hands, she was blocked. The smile on her lips flattened, her eyebrows slightly raised, and she remained silent.
Shen Jun's heart pounded. God, up close, she was too beautiful.
Her face looked so tender, it could almost be squeezed!
He eagerly extended his palm, introducing himself, "Hello, I'm Shen Jun, the Crown Prince of the Shen family…"
Jiang Mian tilted her head, her expression completely darkening. "Sorry, I haven't heard of you."
Shen Jun's hand missed. He looked a bit embarrassed. Haven't heard of him? He, the dignified Crown Prince of the Shen family, the most cherished treasure of this generation, and someone claimed not to have heard of him?
While he was still stunned, Jiang Mian had already walked past him and returned to their booth.
Shen Jun unwillingly pursued her but stopped. Damn it, on Chang Qin's territory, causing a scene wouldn't be worth it.
It's fine, he could wait.
Jiang Mian breathed a sigh of relief when she saw he didn't pester her further.
The group chatted until ten o'clock. Seeing that it was getting late, they prepared to leave.
Jiang Mian and Ji Lanruo first saw Zhang Duoduo and Wen Su into a taxi. Then Ji Lanruo looked at Jiang Mian, "How are you getting back? Shall I give you a ride?"
Jiang Mian eyed her suspiciously, "You're really not drunk? If you dare to drive, I don't dare to ride."
Ji Lanruo nodded blankly, "Oh right, I forgot I also drank."
Jiang Mian said helplessly, "Let's get a designated driver."
"Get… a designated driver?"
Seeing her like this, Jiang Mian directly dialed Ji Lanyu's number.
Twenty minutes later, Ji Lanyu took Ji Lanruo from Jiang Mian's hands. It had been a long time since they last met.
Ji Lanyu, as usual, smiled when he saw her, "Sorry to keep you waiting. Thank you for waiting with this little drunkard for so long. It's good for her to sober up."
Before Jiang Mian could speak, Ji Lanruo interjected indignantly, "I'm really not drunk, you're my brother, I know you."
Never try to reason with a drunkard. The two exchanged a knowing glance. "Yes, you're not drunk."
He put Ji Lanruo into the car, then looked at Jiang Mian, "How are you getting back? I'm going that way, I can give you a ride?"
It was so late, and even with Ji Lanruo present, Jiang Mian didn't want to trouble Ji Lanyu. She gently shook her head, "No need, I'll just take a taxi. You should go back quickly, it's cold outside."
Ji Lanyu felt an expected sense of disappointment in his heart but didn't say anything else. "Okay, see you later."
"Be safe."
Watching the car drive away, Jiang Mian stamped her foot lightly and turned back to Seattle. Her bag was still inside…
Taking her bag from the waiter, Jiang Mian turned to leave. Just then, a figure appeared before her, "Little beauty, don't be in such a hurry."
The greasy tone made Jiang Mian instinctively get goosebumps. The waiter stepped forward to block Jiang Mian, "Young Master Shen."
Shen Jun raised his chin, a bit smug. "What? You're going to stop me from talking to a beautiful woman?"
"This lady is a distinguished guest of our Seattle, a friend of Mr. Chang."
The Shen family's young master was always a scoundrel in the capital's circles, but since he was their only son, doted on and pampered, the staff didn't want to cause trouble and had to invoke their boss, Chang Qin.
Upon hearing this, Shen Jun laughed even harder, arrogantly saying, "I've already asked, your Mr. Chang isn't here today."
Jiang Mian had encountered many people like Shen Jun in her social circles years ago. They relied on their family's wealth to boss women around, treating them like playthings. In reality, their bodies looked weak, their steps unsteady, and dark circles under their eyes. They were ugly and loved to put on airs, like peacocks displaying their feathers.
Now, being blocked, she gently curved her lips and said unhurriedly, "I don't fancy someone like you."
This blatant disdain made Shen Jun's expression turn unpleasant.
"I fancy you, it's your good fortune. How dare you be disgusted?"
Seeing that the situation was about to escalate, the waiter quickly lowered his voice to call the manager.
Jiang Mian nodded, sizing him up. "Meeting you is my bad luck."
Shen Jun had never been spoken to like this by any woman in his life. His brow furrowed, truly angered, with a hint of excitement. A look of determination flashed in his eyes. "Alright, she's a feisty one, I like her even more."
"If you spend the night with me, this matter will be over. If you refuse, don't blame me. No one, not even if they came here today, would be able to help you!" Shen Jun's arrogance was palpable.
The manager quickly rushed over. "Young Master Shen, this lady is indeed a distinguished guest of our Mr. Chang. Are you sure you want to offend Mr. Chang?"
He smiled outwardly, but his voice held no warmth.
Shen Jun hesitated for a moment. Of course, he didn't want to offend Chang Qin, but such a beauty was rare!
He stroked his chin, his eyes darting around. "You're trying to trick me. Chang Qin isn't even here! Who would believe you!"
"Chang Qin isn't here, but I am. Can I?"