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Chu Ning ate her breakfast quickly, finishing a bowl of porridge and setting down her chopsticks.
Cui Jingshu let out a surprised sound, “You’re eating so little? Is it not to your taste?”
“No, it’s delicious,” Chu Ning pointed to the silver-thread rolls, “Auntie, did you make these yourself?”
“Yes, I kneaded the dough and let it ferment. Little Jing is picky; he doesn’t eat buns from outside.”
“No wonder, they taste great.” Chu Ning’s praise was natural, clearly heartfelt. Cui Jingshu beamed with joy, perhaps thinking that this young lady was mindful of her figure, so she didn’t press further. Humming a Yue opera tune, she called upstairs, “Old Ying, hurry up! The porridge is getting cold.”
The thudding of footsteps descending the stairs grew louder as Ying Yizhang sang in a drawn-out tone, “Coming, coming~~”
Cui Jingshu packed dumplings into a lunchbox, one after another, her movements swift. She raised her voice, “Little Jing, when you go out later, take this to your brother-in-law.”
The bustling atmosphere reflected the long-lasting tranquility of an ordinary household.
Ying Jing, raised in such a family, was plain, simple, upright, and full of positivity.
What a noble family tradition.
When Ying Yizhang came downstairs, Chu Ning, mindful of politeness and decorum, chatted with him naturally.
Ying Yizhang didn’t put on airs; he could keep up with the conversation, which significantly eased Chu Ning’s initial nervousness.
Ten minutes later, an accompanying officer knocked on the door. A red Hongqi car was parked outside; Ying Yizhang was going to an August First Commendation Meeting at the military district today. Cui Jingshu cleared the tableware and tidied up the house.
Only then did Chu Ning go upstairs.
The door to the second bedroom was closed. As she passed by, she slowed her steps. Suddenly, the door opened as if it had eyes, and an arm reached out, pulling her inside.
The door slammed shut behind them.
Chu Ning frowned at the loud noise, reminding softly, “Hey, don’t slam it so hard. Your mom is still downstairs.”
Ying Jing placed both hands on the door, trapping her inside. His dark, shiny eyes gazed at her without saying a word.
This look was unbearable.
Chu Ning poked his forehead with her index finger, “Beep—Speak card.”
Ying Jing’s lips curled up, his eyes slightly curved, but he remained silent.
Chu Ning’s index finger touched the tip of his nose, gently saying, “Beep—No being a wooden man card.”
Ying Jing raised an eyebrow, tilting his head.
Her delicate index finger traced lightly from his nose downward, stopping on his lips. The gentle touch spread through her fingertips, making her heart flutter. She whispered, “...Talk, little one.”
The three words “little one” successfully broke Ying Jing’s composure. His eyes flew open, and he angrily hooked his arms around her waist, planting a loud kiss on her cheek, “You human trafficker, do you really think you’re abducting a minor?”
Chu Ning giggled, tilting her head back.
“Still laughing!” Ying Jing’s kisses landed on her eyebrows, eyes, and nose bridge, one after another, like venting frustration.
“Stop, stop, it tickles.” Chu Ning laughed, dodging by turning her head, “I need to talk to you about something important.”
Ying Jing’s breathing became uneven again as he held her close, “What is it?”
“I have to return to Beijing this morning.”
His body stiffened, and Ying Jing looked at her gloomily, “Why so soon?”
“It’s still a workday. My office phone hasn’t stopped ringing, and there are many things waiting for me to handle.” Chu Ning patiently explained, listing them one by one: “Sheng Lun’s goods need to be inspected, two project processes need to be examined, and the market research report has been approved. I have no choice but to go back.”
Ying Jing felt suffocated, utterly dispirited.
“Can you stay two more days?”
Chu Ning hesitated, then made her biggest concession: “One day.”
“Then forget it; you’d better go back.” Ying Jing’s breath brushed against the top of her head, hot and tingling, “Don’t delay your money-making.”
“Are you mocking me again?” Chu Ning narrowed her eyes slightly.
“There’s no need for mockery now. If I’m truly unhappy, I’ll just tie you up.” Ying Jing embraced her, looking down at her.
Chu Ning understood that this was consideration and respect for her decision.
“What about the ticket? Did you buy it already?” Ying Jing squeezed her hand.
“My secretary booked it; it’s at eleven o’clock.”
“Then we need to leave now.” Ying Jing squeezed her arm again, finally placing his hand on her waist, pulling her tightly toward him.
At the same time, footsteps were heard outside.
Chu Ning instantly resisted, “Let go, your mom is outside.”
“So what if she’s outside? Even if she comes in, I’ll still hold you like this.” Ying Jing lowered his voice, blowing into her ear.
Chu Ning tensed slightly, “There won’t be enough time for the high-speed train.”
Ying Jing reluctantly released her.
Chu Ning pressed her ear against the door, hearing the footsteps descend the stairs. She carefully peeked left and right before stepping out of the bedroom.
Ying Jing spoke in a low tone, “Are you acting like a thief?”
Chu Ning glanced at him, “Yes, a thief of hearts.”
She slipped away quickly.
Ying Jing stood there, his face flushed and heart racing, feeling annoyed. He had been checkmated by her again.
________________________________________
Chu Ning told Cui Jingshu that she needed to leave early and asked her to pass along a message to Ying Yizhang, who was busy. Cui Jingshu warmly tried to persuade her to stay, exchanging a few polite words, but eventually, those who needed to leave did.
Ying Jing called a ride-hailing car to take her to the high-speed rail station.
It was too hot, and there were many people queuing to collect tickets. The air conditioning wasn’t doing much. Ying Jing let her wait at the first-floor entrance. After collecting the tickets ten minutes later, he found her and handed her a bottle of icy water.
Chu Ning took it and nodded, “Alright, I’m leaving.”
Just as she was about to turn around, Ying Jing grabbed her hand, “...Aren’t you even a bit reluctant?” he said gloomily.
Chu Ning was quite puzzled, “Why would I feel reluctant?”
“...” Ying Jing was sweating profusely from the heat, speechless, “We’ll be apart for so long!”
“How long? It’s just a summer vacation, isn’t it?” Chu Ning carefully calculated, correcting him: “No, it’s half a summer vacation.”
A month or so would pass quickly.
Chu Ning handed the icy water back to him, “You take it; I don’t drink cold things.”
But Ying Jing suddenly changed his expression, stubbornly insisting, “Then wait a moment.”
“What for?”
“If you don’t drink cold water, I’ll buy you something non-cold.”
“I don’t want it; I’m not thirsty.”
Ying Jing acted as if he hadn’t heard, turning around and running to the convenience store.
Soon, “Here.”
He panted, forcefully placing the Nongfu Spring bottle in her hand, his expression far from happy.
“...” Chu Ning really didn’t understand this inexplicable persistence. But when she met his somewhat aggrieved gaze, her heart melted like mint chocolate ice cream on a summer day.
Chu Ning stepped forward, “Lower your head a bit.”
Ying Jing’s eyelashes fluttered, unsure, unresponsive.
Chu Ning raised her right hand, hooking his neck and pulling him down. Standing on tiptoe, she kissed his right cheek.
Passersby all looked at them, several glancing back even after walking away.
“Really leaving.” Chu Ning patted his face, softly coaxing, “Text me if anything happens, call me too, okay?”
This kiss completely melted Ying Jing’s heart.
His mood soared like a roller coaster. He forced a smile and handed her the bag.
Chu Ning entered the station, checked her ticket, went through security, and disappeared into the second-floor waiting hall with the escalator.
She never looked back, so she didn’t see Ying Jing standing there like a loyal stone, unwilling to leave.
As the train started moving, she received a WeChat message: “I put a sun umbrella in your bag so you won’t get sunburned.”
Opening it, she saw a blue floral-patterned parasol.
Her phone vibrated again: “I’ve already started missing you [cry][cry][cry]~~”
In the tunnel, the signal was poor.
After about ten minutes, Chu Ning replied:
“Good boy.”
________________________________________
Forty minutes later, Beijing West.
The company car was already waiting at the exit. The cool air conditioning inside was refreshing. Driver Wang Xiaoqiang politely greeted, “Ms. Ning.”
“Thank you for your hard work, Master Wang.” Chu Ning got into the car.
“This is a document Zhou Secretary asked me to bring for your signature.” The driver handed over a file folder, “Xiao Zhou said you’ll be heading home afterward. I’ll take you there first and then bring the documents back to the company.”
Two contracts, a technical supplement agreement. Chu Ning scrutinized the payment terms most carefully.
After signing, she leaned back against the seat, closing her eyes to rest. Just as her eyes closed, the phone rang.
Chu Ning pressed to answer, “I’m already on the way.”
The other side spoke a few sentences.
“I can’t make the high-speed train grow wings, how do you expect me to be any faster?” Chu Ning frowned, “Hang up.”
Returning to the Zhao family.
Chen Yue had been impatiently waiting. As soon as Chu Ning entered the house, Chen Yue wore a displeased expression, “These past couple of days, you weren’t at the company or home. Where did you go?”
Chu Ning bent down to change her shoes, calmly responding, “On a business trip.”
“What are you planning to do about Feng Ziyang?”
Her actions paused, lifting her head, “We broke up. What else is there to plan?”
Chen Yue was extremely anxious, walking to her left, “You actually broke up?”
Chu Ning sidestepped to the right, taking off her shoes, “What else?”
Chen Yue circled to her right, holding her scarf, sighing, “Which man doesn’t stray a little?”
Chu Ning shot her a glance, “Enough with this nonsense. There are plenty of good men in the world. In your eyes, are they all scoundrels?” She was in a good mood, teasing, “Blame it on the Zhao family!”
Chen Yue was irritated by her attitude, muttering from behind, “This matter isn’t entirely Feng Ziyang’s fault. How many times have I told you not to focus solely on work? You two barely meet a few times a month. It’s strange if this relationship could be good. Look at you, a young woman, working so hard in business—can you compete with men?”
“Stop, stop.” Chu Ning was annoyed, irritably throwing out, “What men and women? That’s gender discrimination. Aren’t you a woman too? Does belittling yourself make sense?”
Chen Yue: “Don’t be so impulsive because you’re young. Are you not getting married? Are you not having children?”
Chu Ning: “Don’t confuse concepts; they’re not the same thing. If I get married, does that mean I can’t work anymore? If I have children, do I become a professional wet nurse?”
Deep down, Chen Yue had a bit of traditional mindset. Marrying into the Zhao family these years made her inferiority complex more pronounced. She was conservative, afraid to cause trouble, and gradually believed that women should ultimately return to the family, not strive outside.
“You argue with me so sharply; someday you’ll suffer for it!” Chen Yue lamented, frustratedly adjusting her shawl, “I’m warning you. If you can reconcile with Feng Ziyang, do it. Without his support, look at the Zhao family...”
This statement carried some anger, spoken without much thought. Chu Ning shot her a glance, and Chen Yue, though intimidated, reluctantly silenced herself.
“Mom, I really don’t understand why you care so much about others’ feelings. Are you living for them? Or do you depend on them for sustenance? Isn’t my money enough to support you? Do you have to be so servile?”
Chu Ning was also annoyed by the lecture upon returning, “What servility.”
With that, she turned to leave.
Chen Yue was infuriated, “Stop, stop right there, Chu Ning!”
Chu Ning, with a clear conscience, put on her sunglasses, opened the small floral umbrella Ying Jing gave her, and calmly left the Zhao residence.
________________________________________
In the ten days since returning to Beijing, Chu Ning was genuinely busy.
Qiming Industries planned to expand its artificial intelligence business and set it as the key focus for the second half of the year. The new energy vehicle R&D team they had been interested in for a long while finally reached a substantial collaboration. Wei Qilin entrusted Chu Ning with the task of handling the contact through Ningjing Investment.
Although a professional team was involved, Chu Ning, as the implementation leader, had to oversee all matters.
Countless meetings stretched on until late nights. Finally, a proposal was compiled, revised three times, and submitted to Wei Qilin, awaiting feedback before proceeding to the next step.
Finally, there was a brief respite, concluding a phase.
Initially, Chu Ning was worried that Ying Jing might be upset, but recently, he was taking a driving test in Xingcheng, claiming to complete a fifteen-day intensive training to get the license. Li Kun arranged a familiar person from the military transport team to teach him, practicing day and night, leaving no time for romance.
Chu Ning liked this state of their relationship; both were busy, synchronized in pace, saving a lot of trouble.
On Friday afternoon, after finishing her tasks, Chu Ning felt refreshed and called Guan Yu, “Do you have plans tonight? —No? Good, accompany me shopping.”
Wangfujing.
Guan Yu arrived on time. Chu Ning treated her to sashimi, chatting casually.
During the meal, Chu Ning checked her phone several times, smiling each time and replying meticulously.
Guan Yu observed her several times, “You seem very happy.”
Chu Ning didn’t lift her head, typing on the screen, smiling, “Really?”
“You rarely check your phone. Today’s unusual.” Guan Yu intentionally stretched her neck, “Oh, it’s WeChat. Fishing in the sea of messages?”
Chu Ning set aside her phone, picking up a piece of lettuce, “I don’t hook up.”
“I believe that.” Guan Yu rolled a slice of fish, dipped it in sauce, and handed it to her, “I kind of wish you would hook up. Look at you, beautiful, wealthy, and well-built. Living like a monk—women should enjoy life. Don’t act like a robot all the time.”
Chu Ning nodded repeatedly, then lifted her head, her brows arching, “Is there a robot as beautiful as me?”
Guan Yu snorted, “You’re the prettiest, alright?”
The meal was light-hearted and relaxed, clearly showing Chu Ning’s genuine happiness.
Later, they shopped in the mall. Chu Ning had a purpose, leading the way to the men’s section.
If Guan Yu couldn’t discern this, she’d be wasting her years of experience.
“Hold on,” she grabbed Chu Ning’s hand, pretending to be serious, “Spill it. Something’s up.”
Chu Ning chuckled, “Interrogating a prisoner?”
Guan Yu glared at her.
“Alright, alright.” Chu Ning raised her hands in surrender, merely going through the motions. Her heart was already open, her tone natural, as if discussing daily meals: “I’m dating someone.”
Guan Yu guessed it, not surprised, curious about the person, “Who is he?”
“You know him.”
“Ah?” Guan Yu pondered, naming several people.
Chu Ning arched an eyebrow, remaining silent.
Unable to guess, Guan Yu’s curiosity grew, “Stop teasing, tell me!”
Chu Ning candidly admitted, “Ying Jing.”
Guan Yu gasped, confirming multiple times, “That college student? The one from the aerospace engine project?”
“Yes.”
“Wow.” Guan Yu was incredulous, retreating three steps, “You two… When did this happen?”
Chu Ning’s smile never faded, walking and talking, “Not long ago, just started dating—what’s with your expression? Like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Guan Yu digested the information, amused, “Ning Er, you’re quite something, liking this type?”
“Don’t say it so disgustingly.” Chu Ning walked to the Tissot counter, her words filled with protection, “He’s a great guy.”
“OK, OK, congratulations.” Guan Yu fully processed it. Though, given Chu Ning’s age and capital, dating would be easy, she was different. There was a certain righteousness about her, as if the romantic moments and fleeting years couldn’t attract her.
Guan Yu had known Chu Ning for over a decade.
Chu Ning’s standards were impeccable, excelling in everything except for a certain softness in her heart.
Reflecting on this, Chu Ning enthusiastically pointed to the counter, “Doesn’t this watch look nice?”
Guan Yu examined it, pointing, “For him? This one suits better.”
After comparing, Chu Ning found more flaws, “Let’s go, check some others.”
Walking and browsing, Guan Yu clicked her tongue, “You didn’t have this habit before. Why so picky today?”
Chu Ning smiled, not speaking.
“Oh my, you’ve changed, changed.” Guan Yu teased her, tilting her head, “Let me see, are you blushing?”
... Not a hint of red.
Getting serious, Guan Yu lowered her voice, winking mischievously at her, “Have you two done it yet?”
“Done what?” Chu Ning momentarily didn’t understand, too engrossed in choosing gifts.
“Love.”
“...” Chu Ning’s throat itched, suddenly breaking into a cough.
Private conversations between close friends, once started, were casual.
Taking advantage of her cough, Guan Yu deepened the inquiry, “Between him and Huo Liming, who’s more comfortable?”
Huo Liming was Chu Ning’s ex-boyfriend from years ago. Hearing this name, Chu Ning was momentarily startled. Realizing, she showed a look of exasperation, refraining from commenting.
Guan Yu’s eyes widened with surprise, leaning closer to whisper, “No way, you haven’t done it? With Huo Liming being such a capable person, he didn’t manage to win you over?”
Chu Ning pursed her lips. How could she respond? It wasn’t exactly a glorious matter.
Besides, bringing up old affairs wasn’t her style.
Guan Yu sank into memories, murmuring, “Looks like Huo Liming truly loved you.” She chuckled, “But Ying Jing’s not bad either. Met him twice, top-notch physique.”
Chu Ning couldn’t bear to hear more, “You’re getting outrageous.”
Guan Yu eyed her twice, then mysteriously cautioned, “Don’t blame me for not warning you. These young guys easily get excited and impulsive. Holding hands can get them hard. If you’re just playing around, control the boundaries. Once they get attached, they’re impossible to shake off.”
Chu Ning’s gaze remained calm, peacefully saying, “If I wanted to play, I wouldn’t wait until now.”
Guan Yu was speechless, enlightened yet incredulous.
Wow! She was serious.
After visiting several stores, Chu Ning bought a watch at Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Guan Yu noticed her unwavering determination, frowning slightly, “Are you sure about giving him such an expensive gift?”
Chu Ning didn’t blink, swiping her card to pay, “It’s fine. Watches are potential appreciating assets.” Finally, she added to herself, “He deserves something this good.”
Before nine o’clock, they each returned home.
Guan Yu’s boyfriend came to pick her up. Chu Ning focused and realized it wasn’t the same person from last time. A scholarly-looking man with glasses was being passionately kissed French-style by Guan Yu.
Chu Ning honked, raised her eyebrows, and closed the car window.
The car’s air conditioning circulated fragrance, and the world quieted down.
There are indeed many kinds of relationships in the world.
Some seek thrills, some are born adventurers, some indulge in edge-play, and some love as they go, prioritizing happiness.
Chu Ning suddenly smiled to herself, murmuring, “Loving as we go... Being true to oneself is the happiest.”
________________________________________
After returning home and taking a bath, it was late at night.
Chu Ning, wearing a camisole and barefoot, sat on the bay window, opening her phone. Oh, Ying Jing had sent her a WeChat message half an hour ago, which she hadn’t noticed while driving.
Over ten messages; she scrolled up.
“I passed my driving test.”
“Girlfriend, girlfriend please reply.”
“If you don’t reply soon, you’re a pig.”
“...Little Piggy Chu Ning.”
Chu Ning’s lips curled slightly, preparing to reply, “I was driving. Congratulations.”
Before pressing send, the doorbell rang.
Who could it be this late?
Chu Ning’s alertness kicked in. She quietly approached the door, ready to peek through the peephole when her phone suddenly buzzed.
“Open the door.”
She quickly glanced at it, tsk-ing internally—it was really him!
She opened the door, just a crack, and the fiery ball from outside rushed in. Chu Ning retreated three steps, startled, dumbfounded, “You... How did you get here?”
Ying Jing smelled of dust and sweat, dressed simply in a white T-shirt. It had been over ten days since they last saw each other.
Hmm... He got tanned.
Before Chu Ning could take a good look, he scooped her up, lifting her feet off the ground. Instinctively, she clung tightly to his neck, “Ah!”
Ying Jing pushed her against the door. As the door clicked shut, his passionate kisses rained down on her.
Chu Ning murmured.
His wet, hot tongue ravaged the inner walls of her mouth. She wanted to move, but Ying Jing pinned her hands firmly against the wall, kissing deeper and deeper, determined to convey all his longing for the past ten days.
From shock, to adaptation, to slowly reciprocating.
Ying Jing couldn’t take it anymore, abruptly lifting his head to look at her, then burying his head in her shoulder.
“I missed you so much, truly so much.”
Chu Ning was amused by his tone, her voice unconsciously soft, gently stroking his soft hair, teasing, “How much, little one... Did you die of longing?”
Ying Jing buried his head in her shoulder, embracing her tightly, muttering, “I thought of you while practicing driving, during meals, even during the exam. Every time I slept, I dreamed of you.”
He didn’t dare say the latter part.
Dreams were all about her.
All sorts of her.
Ying Jing tilted his head, biting her collarbone lightly yet forcefully, leaving two rows of teeth marks, mumbling, “...In my dreams, I’ve died several times.”
Chu Ning’s heart trembled fiercely.
A torrent of tenderness surged from the soles of her feet to the crown of her head.
Mmm... How could there be such a well-behaved boyfriend...
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