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Chu Ning called Ying Jing, not going into too much detail, just asking if he had time to attend a cocktail party.
Ying Jing checked the date; unfortunately, he had already made plans to meet with friends.
Strangely, when Chu Ning heard that he had prior engagements, she felt relieved.
“Alright, then you go ahead and do your thing.”
“Wait, don’t hang up.” Ying Jing asked, “What kind of cocktail party? Is it important? Do I have to go? Or is it just to accompany you?”
Chu Ning briefly explained the purpose of this trip. “It’s fine if you have other plans.” She could just have Zhou Qin accompany her.
But Ying Jing quickly decided, “I’ll go!”
Chu Ning was amused by his tone, a slight smile lifting the corners of her mouth. She asked, “Didn’t you make plans with your friends?”
“They aren’t as important as you.” He couldn’t hide his true feelings.
From the other end came several voices of protest: “Never thought you were such a person! Sold out, sold out.”
Chu Ning moved the phone slightly away from her ear, guessing that Ying Jing was with his friends.
After a noisy commotion, Ying Jing said, “Move aside, move aside, I won’t let you hear her voice.” He probably moved to a quieter place, his voice becoming clearer: “What time? I’ll come over a day early.”
“The evening after tomorrow.”
“Alright, I’ll arrive in the morning. What would you like me to bring for you?” His voice was like spring water—clear and soft.
Chu Ning said, “No need, thank you.”
Ying Jing pouted, his enthusiasm dampened as he weakly replied, “Oh.”
After finalizing this matter, Chu Ning picked up a document nearby, opening the first page. It contained basic information about Xinya Group. Following that were their annual reports from last year. Real estate and catering remained the main sources of profit, but it was evident that the group intended to venture into the technology field. Two related projects were underway—one on drones and another on computer software design.
Chu Ning searched for information on these two collaborating companies. Both were mature and well-known in the industry. From this, she concluded that Xinya’s investment preferences leaned towards being conservative, stable, and not overly aggressive.
Chu Ning put down the report, rested her elbows on the desk, and gently pressed her temples.
Subsequently, she picked up the report again and flipped to the last two pages.
These two pages contained much more scattered information, all about the strong-willed CEO Zhai Min.
Zhai Min, 43 years old, Chief Executive Officer of Xinya Group’s Greater China region.
Next was her photo. She was slightly overweight, of medium height, well-groomed, but her features weren’t youthful, so her age was quite apparent.
Zhou Qin handled things meticulously, even exaggeratingly listing out Zhai Min’s past boyfriends. Confirmed relationships, rumors included—a male celebrity among them. Without exception, they were all young handsome men.
Chu Ning closed the report and casually placed it into the shredder.
The next morning, Chu Ning was still asleep when she was disturbed by a knock on the door. Burrowing deeper under the covers, annoyed, she covered her head with a pillow and continued to sleep. When the knocking stopped, her phone rang.
“Damn it!” Chu Ning’s temper flared upon waking up. She calmed down a bit after seeing who it was and, after answering, still scolded, “Can’t you let me sleep in peace this early in the morning?”
Ying Jing’s cheerful voice replied, “Open the door.”
“What?”
“Open the door, I’m here.”
Chu Ning skeptically checked the time again, truly impressed. “This early? Did you take a rocket?”
As she spoke, she got out of bed, picked up a shawl, and wrapped it around herself.
Before opening the door, she hesitated, retracting her hand and smoothing her hair.
When the door opened, Ying Jing’s face beamed with a radiant smile, much brighter than the morning sun. Today, he wore a white thin down jacket with a fur-lined hood. His face was clean, skin fair, and his thick eyebrows and starry eyes were particularly charming. Chu Ning rarely saw a boy look so good in white winter attire.
In an extremely short time, Chu Ning gave him a quick once-over. His shoes were the latest model from John Lobb, very stylish.
Ying Jing noticed her gaze and grinned. “My sister bought them for me. Aren’t they great?”
Chu Ning frowned, “Why are you here so early?”
“I took the six o’clock high-speed train.” Ying Jing carefully examined her a few times, then exclaimed, “So you look this good without makeup too!”
His tone was so sincere, without any hint of flattery.
Chu Ning felt somewhat uncomfortable and even slightly turned her head away, her morning anger instantly dissipating.
Ying Jing was very familiar with her home. After entering, he didn’t bother looking at the shoe cabinet—he knew there were no men’s slippers anyway. He took off his shoes and walked barefoot, like the master of the house, straight to the kitchen.
“If you’re still sleepy, you can rest a bit longer. I’ll make breakfast for you.”
Chu Ning leaned against the doorway, watching him buzz around busily like a little bee. He worked efficiently and had even brought a large bag of ingredients. One by one, he took out ham slices, fresh vegetables with dewdrops, noodles, and a small bag of ginger.
Chu Ning glanced at the supermarket name on the plastic bag and immediately deduced, “You didn’t come this morning.”
Ying Jing’s hand twitched, continuing his work without speaking.
Chu Ning remained calm and asked, “Where did you sleep last night?”
Ying Jing lowered his head, his movements slowing. “At a hotel near your neighborhood.”
“Why did you come so early?”
He set down what he was doing, placing the bag aside, and turned to look at her. “Why do you think?”
Chu Ning was momentarily stunned.
Ying Jing’s casual glance stirred waves in her heart.
He turned back to his tasks, slicing sausages. “I wanted to see you earlier. I haven’t seen you for half a month, and you’ve been so cold to me. Tell me, have you found someone else?”
Chu Ning raised an eyebrow, walked behind him, and tugged on his ear. “What nonsense are you spouting, huh?”
Ying Jing bared his teeth, “Let go.”
Chu Ning lifted her chin, applying more force.
“Let go,” he repeated, a warning now evident in his tone.
At this moment, Chu Ning felt a bit apprehensive.
Just as she was about to let go, Ying Jing suddenly hugged her waist with arms like iron bars, easily lifting her onto the stove.
“Ahh!!” Caught off guard, Chu Ning screamed and instinctively clung to Ying Jing’s neck.
He moved forward, trapping her securely atop the stove. This position left almost no space between them. Faced with no other choice, Chu Ning’s legs dangled on either side, with Ying Jing snugly wedged in between.
There was a brazen sensuality to it.
Chu Ning swiftly released her hold on his neck.
Ying Jing held her waist firmly, showing no intention of letting go.
Chu Ning warned softly, “Let go.”
Ying Jing’s eyes were moist, like a young beast awakened by the morning sun.
Just as Chu Ning was about to lose her temper, he suddenly buried his head into her chest. His voice was muffled, tinged with a hint of grievance. He said, “...I really wanted to see you...please believe me...okay...”
Chu Ning’s sharp tongue melted in this moment, turning into cotton candy on her tongue, silently swallowed down.
“You let go first.”
Ying Jing shook his head, rubbing against her until her chest felt warm.
“...Let go.”
“Do you believe me?” he muttered.
Seeing her unresponsive, he tightened his grip around her waist.
Chu Ning surrendered, “Mm.”
Ying Jing lifted his head, a satisfied smile on his face.
Seizing the opportunity, Chu Ning pried his hands open and jumped down from the stove, fleeing toward the door.
Ying Jing remained calm, “Why are you avoiding me?”
Chu Ning turned around, exasperated, “I need to change clothes!”
Without looking, she could imagine Ying Jing’s smug expression. Annoyed, she cursed inwardly, thinking about picking an auspicious day to get rid of him.
After adjusting her mood and changing clothes, she emerged from the bedroom to find two fragrant bowls of noodles on the dining table.
Chu Ning sat down nonchalantly, tasted a couple of bites, and without praise, asked indifferently, “What are your plans today?”
Ying Jing bowed his head to drink the noodle soup and said, “I’ll stay at home and read.”
Upon hearing this, Chu Ning corrected, “It’s my home.”
Ying Jing responded with an “Oh,” “Is there a difference?”
“...”
Too lazy to respond, Chu Ning said, “Whatever. The keys are in the drawer of the shoe cabinet.”
This time, Ying Jing was obedient, “Got it.”
And so, Ying Jing dutifully played the role of a male housekeeper for two days.
For the first time in her life, Chu Ning experienced the warmth of coming home to someone, enjoying hot meals and a cozy domestic atmosphere.
Today, he cooked a braised fish dish, whose color, aroma, and taste were exquisite, and also prepared a small pot of chicken soup for her. Chu Ning seriously suspected that he wasn’t studying at C Hang, but rather at New Oriental Cooking School.
“You don’t need to secretly analyze me,” Ying Jing ate calmly, suddenly speaking. “As long as you say the word, I’ll show you anything.”
Chu Ning snorted, “Eat your food.”
“It’s the food I made.”
“...”
Chu Ning mentally died.
“By the way, help me decide something later,” Ying Jing consciously changed the topic. He had roughly figured out Chu Ning’s personality, knowing which points were off-limits, maintaining just the right distance, enough to unsettle her.
“Decide what?”
“The clothes I’ll wear tomorrow.”
Only then did she realize he had actually brought a suit from Xingcheng.
Predominantly dark gray, it looked monochromatic at first glance, but a slight shift in angle revealed faint gray and gold threads interwoven in the fabric. Horizontal and vertical lines spaced two fingers apart, giving it a highly three-dimensional effect. This understated flamboyance paired well with Ying Jing’s demeanor.
Standing at 185 cm, he wore formal attire and turned around from the mirror.
“How’s it look?”
As he spoke, he adjusted the collar of his white shirt with one hand, his Adam’s apple slightly protruding. As he spoke, an implicit curve rolled out. Swallowing, his Adam’s apple moved. There was a saying that the sexiness above innocence and below maturity was most lethal.
Though Chu Ning didn’t say anything, she had already surrendered internally. What could she do? Damn it, he was so handsome she wanted to die.
Ying Jing’s eyes were fervent, waiting for her response.
Chu Ning crouched in front of the TV cabinet, finding an exquisite wooden box. Then she handed it to him, “Wear these.”
They were a pair of deep blue agate cufflinks.
Ying Jing recognized the brand—luxurious and expensive. He became suspicious, “How do you have men’s things?”
Chu Ning: “Oh, my ex-boyfriend left them here.”
Ying Jing didn’t get upset; instead, he calmly put them on himself and said, “Not bad, making my ex jealous.”
Chu Ning smiled, intentionally or not, and said, “They belong to Feng Ziyang. He left them in my car, probably forgot about them. You use them for now.”
The next day at eight o’clock, the two arrived at the cocktail party on time.
On the way, Chu Ning briefed him on the basic situation and some complex interpersonal relationships. Ying Jing listened carefully, occasionally asking questions.
“That Zhai CEO you just mentioned, if she asks me questions, is there anything I should be mindful of?”
Chu Ning paused and said, “No need to be mindful. Whatever you say, she will probably like to hear.”
This statement circled in Ying Jing’s mind; doubt flickered in his eyes, but he didn’t pursue it further.
The venue for the cocktail party was at Park Hyatt, a gathering of celebrities.
The massive crystal chandelier above the banquet hall seemed to have brought the galaxy indoors.
Ying Jing wasn’t used to such scenes; upon entering, the lights dazzled him a bit.
Chu Ning timely supported his arm and whispered, “Are you alright?”
Ying Jing turned his head to her, “Mm, I’m fine.” After a pause, he added, “Hold onto me.”
“...”
“Hurry up, I feel dizzy.”
“...”
Reluctantly, Chu Ning hooked her arm through his. The two—one handsome and vibrant, the other graceful and flowing—black and white, oddly harmonious.
Passersby couldn’t help but look back repeatedly.
Chu Ning’s poise was flawless, a smile always on her face, beautiful and approachable.
Walking, she told Ying Jing, “That’s the CEO of J.ckog Greater China, second from the left.”
Ying Jing whispered, “The older one?”
“Yes.” Chu Ning reminded him, “A major supplier of high-end molecular materials in the country. Many models are monopolized by them. No harm in getting acquainted.”
Ying Jing: “Others might not want to know me.”
Chu Ning smirked, “Good, you’re aware of yourself.”
Only then did she realize, it was intentional.
Ying Jing scoffed, “Your waist itching again?”
Chu Ning suddenly remembered the kitchen and stove from yesterday morning. Her cheeks flushed lightly, suppressing her guilt, refraining from provoking him further.
At this level of cocktail party, only representatives from prominent companies in various industries were invited. Thanks to Feng Ziyang, otherwise, someone of Chu Ning’s standing wouldn’t have had the chance to attend.
Halfway through, Ying Jing suddenly slowed his steps. Following his gaze, both of them stopped unconsciously.
Through four or five people, Zhai Min stood there, dressed in a bright red strapless gown, noble and imposing, clinking glasses with others.
This dress accentuated the figure, but her body type wasn’t slim. With wide hips and full breasts, she was the epitome of a mature woman.
Chu Ning gathered herself, ready to remind Ying Jing not to be nervous.
“Don’t be nervous,” Ying Jing surprisingly said it first.
Chu Ning was startled, turning her head to look at him.
Ying Jing patted the hand she had hooked around his arm, his palm pressing against her hand, hot and burning.
He said, “Leave it to me.”
With that, he took the initiative, leading Chu Ning towards Zhai Min.
Ying Jing politely avoided passersby, standing before Zhai Min with a polite and proper smile, “President Zhai, hello.”
Zhai Min turned half her body, still holding a half-filled glass of red wine in her right hand.
Her gaze swept over Ying Jing, waiting silently.
“My name is Ying Jing. Mr. Feng recommended us to meet. It’s an honor.” Ying Jing extended his hand confidently.
Zhai Min lightly exclaimed, “You?” Her eye makeup was heavy, the eyeliner drawing a seductive upward arc. This time, she scrutinized Ying Jing longer before shaking his hand, smiling and saying, “Yes, Mr. Feng mentioned you.”
Ying Jing’s palm was warm, gripping firmly and briefly before releasing.
Zhai Min was particularly fond of men with his looks, full of vigor, much more appealing than those oily hormones.
“And you work in…?”
“Virtual modeling technology for aircraft engines.” It was Chu Ning who answered. She stepped forward and extended her hand, “President Zhai, hello, I am…”
However, Zhai Min didn’t acknowledge her, still smiling at Ying Jing, repeating her earlier question, “What do you work on? Hmm?”
Ying Jing remained composed, “Virtual modeling for aircraft engines.”
“Not bad, I’ve heard a bit about it. Are you from C Hang?”
“Yes.”
“Which year?”
“Fourth year.”
Zhai Min’s smile broadened further, extending an invitation, “Shall we find a place to talk? Can you introduce your project to me?”
Ying Jing nodded, “It’s my honor.”
Though the words were somewhat deliberately ingratiating, they pleased Zhai Min greatly.
Her secretary was also nearby, highly efficient, leading the way ahead.
From start to finish, Zhai Min never looked directly at Chu Ning nor allowed her to join. Chu Ning was left awkwardly standing there.
Ying Jing turned his head, whispering quickly, “Wait for me here. I’ll go alone.”
With that, he strode off with Zhai Min to the right.
Chu Ning stood alone, momentarily stunned for three seconds, watching his decisive back, her heart filled with complex emotions.
So, she was the one being abandoned?
Well, Ying Jing wasn’t that important. For the sake of funding, enduring some cold treatment was nothing. Unlike ordinary girls who were concerned with face-saving, Chu Ning was relatively carefree in this aspect. Society was complicated, filled with all kinds of people. In business negotiations, sometimes you dealt with burly coal bosses, sometimes with penny-pinching misers. If conditions weren’t met, faces had been known to turn sour.
If you were too concerned with face-saving, how could you survive?
Chu Ning adjusted her mood, telling herself to stay calm.
Ten minutes passed, and she was still fairly relaxed.
Twenty minutes later, she asked a server for a glass of red wine.
Forty minutes in, she had gone through the motions, exchanging business cards with a few decent company heads.
Fifty minutes in, Chu Ning ordered her second drink and occasionally glanced to the right—the direction where Ying Jing and Zhai Min had disappeared.
An hour passed, and they still hadn’t emerged.
Chu Ning subtly tightened her grip on the delicate stem of the wine glass, looking left and right, picking up a slice of fruit from the platter, only realizing it was watermelon when it reached her lips.
Damn it! Who eats watermelon in the middle of winter!
She applied slightly more force, tossing the poor piece of watermelon back into the plate. Unbeknownst to her, this subtle anger arose mysteriously.
Another fifteen minutes passed, and Chu Ning no longer wanted to wait. She called her driver, pocketed a bunch of business cards, and left the banquet hall, far from happy.
She arrived home an hour later. Her phone screen was cold, no calls or messages.
Chu Ning casually placed her phone on the table and went to take a shower.
After finishing, she subconsciously glanced at it again—still no calls.
The clock struck eleven.
Chu Ning’s heart was like a tranquil lake.
She walked to the kitchen, poured a glass of water, and took her daily multivitamin. Just as she was about to turn and go to bed, she stopped, then calmly turned back. Chu Ning walked to the right side of the counter, raised her hand, and turned on the water heater.
Only then did she leisurely return to her bedroom.
Due to her busy work schedule, Chu Ning usually didn’t have time to be sentimental or overthink things, so her sleep quality was generally good. She could fall asleep the moment her head hit the pillow, but tonight she fussed around for another half hour before finally closing her eyes.
Ying Jing returned just before midnight.
He opened the door hastily, the door slamming against the wall with a dull thud. Seeing the lit aromatherapy lamp in the living room, he breathed a huge sigh of relief. Good, good, she was at home. On the way back, Ying Jing had tried calling her, but her phone was off. Worried, he kept urging the driver to hurry.
Chu Ning’s bedroom door was tightly shut; she was probably asleep.
Ying Jing rubbed his stiff neck, shedding a bit of his fatigue. Alright, he’d report the situation to her tomorrow.
Ying Jing rummaged through his backpack for a change of clothes and headed to the bathroom for a shower.
However.
This shower.
Uh...
Ying Jing, naked, fiddled around in the bathroom for a while. Why was there only cold water?!
———
Inside the bedroom.
Chu Ning turned over languidly, hugging her blanket and yawning.
...Hmm, now she could sleep comfortably.
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