Chapter 18: He Seems To Be Leaning In

On the day of the jewelry exhibition, nearing evening, Zhong Yu Bai came out of the company and sat in the back seat, lightly massaging his forehead with his fingertips, the setting sun scattered through his fingers.

“Jialing.” He remembered something and called out.

Ding Jialing responded.

Zhong Yu Bai said, “Remember to contact the charter company and fill the plane with fuel.”

“Are we going on a long trip today?”

He pondered for a moment, “The route hasn’t been decided yet, but it shouldn’t be far.”

In the end, they decided to meet at Luotang Pavilion. Ji Zhen Tang was afraid of attracting attention and being gossiped about. Shortly after, as they arrived at the intersection under the crabapple tree, Zhong Yu Bai was still working on his computer. When he looked up, he saw only the withered leaves of the hundred-year-old tree.

For some reason, he paused his gaze at the desolate autumn scenery.

Until a lively figure broke into his peripheral vision.

Ji Zhen Tang smiled brightly as she ran towards his car.

She wore a thin windbreaker over her dress, perhaps for warmth, or perhaps to conceal her elegant attire.

With an art background, her makeup choices were impeccable, not inferior to those of a professional.

Zhong Yu Bai got out of the car and watched her approach, smiling, “Long time no see, Cinderella.”

Ji Zhen Tang hit the brakes, her face blushing, covering her mouth as she chuckled.

Very shy.

Zhong Yu Bai slightly bowed and looked her in the eye, continuing in a teasing tone, “You should have waited at home for me to take you out.”

“I couldn’t wait.” She shook her disheveled hair, arranging her bangs to their most casual state. In the sinking sunlight, a few playful strands presented a light chestnut hue.

“Auntie isn’t here?” Zhong Yu Bai looked towards the distant shop door and asked.

“She would have caught me and interrogated me about where I got this outfit. Thanks to her absence.”

He chuckled.

“I searched online for this outfit, even popular celebrities have a hard time borrowing it. Will I be stealing the spotlight?” Ji Zhen Tang said as she took off her coat, revealing a deep blue dress underneath. Wanting to show it off, she twirled a little circle in front of him, then almost stumbled back into place. Zhong Yu Bai reached out, gently grasping her bare shoulder to steady her.

Her shoulders, feeling a bit cold, seemed to warm up under the man’s palm.

With a momentary touch, he let go.

He put his hand back in his pocket nonchalantly, saying, “That’s not my concern.”

Implicitly, their inability to borrow was their own problem.

Then, Zhong Yu Bai showed a bit of human touch, saying with heartfelt words, “Human relationships are not just about competition; appreciating each other is a virtue.”

Ji Zhen Tang laughed, “That makes sense!”

From the bottom of her heart, she felt that people with vision spoke differently. His few words made terms like ‘overshadowing others’ and ‘competing for beauty’ on the runway seem insignificant.

When Zhong Yu Bai looked into her smiling eyes, and she felt her mood improve, his smile seemed to brighten a little more as well. Even though it was still calm and difficult to capture.

In front of her, Zhong Yu Bai opened the high heels he had prepared for her.

Light blue stilettos that perfectly matched her dress, with diamond studs and red soles, probably another eye-catching luxury brand.

He opened the back door of the Rolls-Royce and asked her to sit diagonally.

Then he squatted in front of the car to help her put on her shoes.

Ji Zhen Tang felt embarrassed, “I can do it myself.”

Zhong Yu Bai held the shoes and glanced up at her.

She smiled and said, “Boss, how can you bend down for me? You might get caught by the media and end up with embarrassing headlines.”

He shook his head, smiling, “People always attach too much importance to a man’s dignity. Helping a lady with inconvenient shoes is just a casual and ordinary thing; I don’t think it damages my dignity in any way.”

“… “

Ji Zhen Tang quietly kicked off her original shoes and swiftly slipped her feet into the new ones. She felt a bit embarrassed about not letting him touch her feet.

Naturally, Zhong Yu Bai didn’t make any sudden moves either. He just held up the diamond chain at the back of the shoe design, trying to fasten it.

From this angle, she looked at his graceful nose bridge, the beautiful lines that accentuated his elegant appearance, his slightly pursed lips, and then down to his suit, shirt, and tie, all impeccable.

Through this exquisite appearance, she seemed to see the refinement hidden deep within the man. Slowly seeping out through his words and actions.

She thought he was a good person.

But they said he was a bad person.

She pondered, can a gentleman and a scoundrel coexist?

“When standing on your feet, you can cut off the straps at the back, it won’t affect walking.” Zhong Yu Bai helped her fasten the chain, slightly frowning when he noticed that a few diamonds were just pressing against her ankle bone.

Aesthetic but flawed design.

Even swinging outside the shoe, it seemed somewhat unnecessary.

Ji Zhen Tang was surprised by his wording, “Ah? Cut it off,” she whispered extremely softly, “those are diamonds, incredibly expensive.”

He said, “Even if they are expensive, comfort comes first.”

She couldn’t empathize with his statement, feeling a bit lost she said, “I dare not, my aunt said, wearing things I can’t afford will have consequences. Wearing it is already unforgivable, should I also ruin it?”

Zhong Yu Bai stood up, leaning against the open car door, his gaze relaxed as he looked at her against the light, asking seriously, “Why do you feel that way?”

“How else should I feel?”

“Shoes should serve people, not the other way around. Ultimately, it’s just an object, you are life.” The man’s voice was low, magnetic, as he continued, revealing a slightly coaxing posture, “It’s just a thing, not more precious than you.”

She looked up at him, trying to digest his words.

Zhong Yu Bai smiled faintly, suddenly bending forward, and lightly tapped her head twice, “With such a small head, do you only use it to worry needlessly?”

The scent of his light fragrance lingered in the carriage, gentle and alluring.

“…” Ji Zhen Tang shyly smiled and didn’t respond. She lifted her foot, admiring her shoe with curiosity, “So beautiful. I don’t want to take them off, can I wear them forever?”

He indulgently smiled, nodding, “Then don’t take them off, wear them forever.”

As the car drove onto the road, Ji Zhen Tang sat beside him. Zhong Yu Bai, fearing she might catch a cold, draped his coat over her shoulders as she continued studying her high heels.

“One’s knowledge grows gradually, right? If I do something wrong, just remind me quietly. Once bitten, twice shy.” It seemed like self-consolation, she suddenly said.

But Zhong Yu Bai replied, “Always thinking about gaining knowledge, isn’t that carrying a burden all the time? Treat it like an amusement park, have fun, and this journey won’t be in vain.”

Ji Zhen Tang chuckled after hearing this, “Assimilation is still useful, I’ve learned a bit from your way of thinking now. When one path seems blocked, find another way.”

Zhong Yu Bai also smiled, agreeing, “Gaining something is also a kind of enlightenment.”

Soon, the Rolls-Royce stopped steadily at the hotel’s platform.

Media cameras were set up, and stars’ nanny cars drove in one by one, but their car could only park in the parking lot, away from the cameras. Ji Zhen Tang observed and noticed that only Zhong Yu Bai’s car seemed to be allowed in, so they naturally avoided all areas with cameras.

Ji Zhen Tang stepped out of the car, looking up at the night sky and the towering luxury hotel. She remembered what Lin Guixue had said, that life is a gamble.

In this vast and bustling arena.

Lose, and you’ll face the storms of Shanghai.

Win, and you’ll enjoy a dreamlike life in Shanghai.

The moonlight that hung that night seemed gentle, yet it stung her eyes with tears.

“Oh, you got an invitation too.”

Out of the blue, a familiar yet sharp voice sounded in her ears. Then, with a sneer, two syllables were spat out: “bitch.”

Ji Zhen Tang’s ears rang, and she quickly turned her head, seeing Zhao Siqi’s sneer, her heart skipping a beat.

Zhong Yu Bai also halted his steps upon hearing this, casting a sidelong glance at the speaker.

A fleeting glance.

Zhao Siqi then noticed the man walking towards Ji Zhen Tang, his face froze, then, as if nothing had happened, he quickly turned his head and walked away, as if escaping.

When Zhong Yu Bai stepped into the room, he didn’t seem as preoccupied as she was. He answered the phone, which was from Ding Jialing, asking him, “Mr. Zhong, which flight are you taking tonight? I’ll make arrangements in advance.”

Zhong Yu Bai replied simply, “To Xingzhou, without landing.”

These few words made Ji Zhen Tang look up at him.

She didn’t know what the person on the other end of the phone was saying.

Seconds later, Zhong Yu Bai hung up the phone. He immediately lowered his eyebrows and glanced at her, asking calmly, “A classmate?”

Ji Zhen Tang hesitated for a moment before realizing he was probably asking about Zhao Siqi.

Subconsciously, she looked back, but there was no one there.

She said, “Let’s not talk about this right now.”

Standing under the bright lights, she attempted to hide the unsightly personal grievances.

Inappropriate places naturally required concealing emotions.

Zhong Yu Bai looked at her again for a moment, asked twice, and when she didn’t answer, he became aware of maintaining distance. Then he said softly, “You could speak louder during introductions. Not everyone may hear, but those who care will naturally remember.”

Ji Zhen Tang smiled and asked, “Should I also introduce my expertise, like when submitting a resume?”

He also smiled faintly and told her, “Take it easy.”

Under the round floral arch ahead, there were several people chatting with champagne in hand. Ji Zhen Tang had done her homework and recognized the two foreign gentlemen as the brand’s CEO and general manager.

Zhong Yu Bai also glanced over and said, “Although the titles are grand, the foreigners’ main stage is not here. It’s worth getting to know them, but it’s not a priority.”

He slightly lowered his voice and said to her, “I’ll go say hello.”

She understood his implication, “Alright, then I’ll go around.”

The scene was lively, and the stars started to arrive one after another for the red carpet segment.

Some new products were on display, each of great value. Jewelry brands loved animal elements as symbols, and the K brand’s element was the fox. It was hot and vibrant. Ji Zhen Tang stared at the delicate diamonds in front of her, feeling dazzled.

When Zhong Yu Bai approached, he saw Ji Zhen Tang examining a necklace. He came up behind her, lightly touched her waist to indicate a reminder, then let go and asked her softly, “Would you like a drink?”

Ji Zhen Tang’s waist was tickled, and she slightly recoiled. When she turned to see him, she relaxed her guard a bit and said softly, “But I’d like some juice. Do they have any?”

He smiled but didn’t confirm, “Come, have a seat.”

Zhong Yu Bai led her to the seat, and the juice she wanted was quickly brought over. Unlike the champagne glasses of other guests, Ji Zhen Tang held a glass, drank a little nervously, and looked around. Suddenly, she felt very immature.

She quietly put down the glass.

Zhong Yu Bai sat quietly on the other side of the sofa.

It seemed that after greeting the CEO, he had nothing else to do, and the rest of the socializing didn’t require his personal attention anymore.

He held a glass of champagne, lightly resting it on his knee. Perhaps he wasn’t in the mood for drinking, just holding it there without taking a sip.

The sofa seated three people, and she moved a bit towards the middle and whispered to him, “I only knew about your maritime trade and ship investment. I didn’t expect you to be involved in jewelry and diamonds, and to be so successful at it.”

Ji Zhen Tang couldn’t find the right words to describe her thoughts.

Perhaps, she knew that Boyang had investment projects in many industries, but she couldn’t imagine that this tycoon’s presence would be equally impressive in a slightly niche field. His demeanor was far from the glamour and extravagance that defined the jewelry industry.

Zhong Yu Bai didn’t seem to grasp her sense of admiration in her words. He just replied, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

She said, “I understand. Just like some people speculate in real estate, some speculate in diamonds. You handle both, so that if one industry declines one day, you can still thrive.”

As she spoke, she tightened her fists.

Zhong Yu Bai responded casually and insightfully, expressing his thoughts broadly and tactfully, “Nothing lasts forever. One day as a monk, one day hitting the bell.”

Sometimes, some of the cruel yet philosophical words he spoke made her want to take notes.

“The basic laws of development, the key points of Ma Zhe’s exam.” Ji Zhen Tang tapped her head in distress. “Why am I thinking about exams here? Ugh, I hate it.”

After saying that, she took a few sips of juice, then looked up to find Zhong Yu Bai still looking at her.

He looked at her with a warm smile.

Once again, she felt the kind of indulgence she had in the moment.

Ji Zhen Tang’s eyes paused, “Am I not holding the glass elegantly? How should I do it to be more graceful?”

Zhong Yu Bai said, “There are no rules, no need to be restrained.”

As he spoke, he leaned closer and gently reminded her with a smile, “In an amusement park, having fun is the most important thing.”

Looking at the warmth in his eyes, Ji Zhen Tang’s heart stirred slightly.

In the revolving light and shadow, she slightly sensed a hint of fatigue from Zhong Yu Bai, but it wasn’t exhaustion. He hadn’t even had time to loosen his tie after work, yet he was responsible for bringing her here to this “amusement park.”

He seemed forever calm, without any temper.

Even her father, Ji Huan, had never treated her with such care and effort.

“Mr. Zhong, nice to see you again. Can we have dinner together tonight?”

Interrupting her thoughts was a tall and elegant beauty walking towards them, Fang Mo.

“What do you need, Miss Fang? Just say it.” Zhong Yu Bai stood up, and Ji Zhen Tang was about to stand up with him, but he gently pressed her hand to signal her to stay seated.

So she sat back in the corner.

Fang Mo quickly glanced at Ji Zhen Tang, then turned her gaze to Zhong Yu Bai with infinite expectations and said with a smile, “Since you asked like that, I won’t beat around the bush. I just heard that the executive CEO is looking for a new spokesperson. I’m attending today as a close friend, so I dare to ask if this title can be elevated a bit more.”

After thinking for a moment, Zhong Yu Bai said, “If I remember correctly, Miss Fang has an endorsement for a French jewelry brand. It’s not exactly top luxury, but it’s quite renowned. The design concept incorporates elements of narcissus flowers, which matches your independent and ethereal temperament. I admire their eye for choosing spokespersons.”

“Since we’re close friends, you should be well aware that the philosophy of brand K is quite different from your previous endorsement. It’s bold and unrestrained, just like their animal symbol, the fox.”

“Narcissus and the fox don’t seem to match. So, there’s probably going to be a significant gap in the choice of spokesperson between these two brands.”

In the end, he smiled and said, “It’s just my opinion. If my words can be of any use, I’ll definitely speak well for you, but all I can do is speak well.”

In a lengthy statement, Ji Zhen Tang understood that the translation was: Your image is good, but it doesn’t fit the brand positioning, and this matter is not within my jurisdiction, so I can’t help.

And finally, not losing face, he added a sentence offering to help speak positively.

This bit of help was better than nothing.

From his meticulously chosen words, Ji Zhen Tang realized what made it comfortable to be around Zhong Yu Bai was that he would tell you some rules and principles, but they were objective enough; he would never recklessly hurt the other’s pride.

Even when Ji Zhen Tang first heard Fang Mo’s words, the first thought that came to mind was: he hadn’t seen a popular star fight tooth and nail for an endorsement deal like this before; Fang Mo’s status probably wasn’t up to the level of endorsing brand K.

But he didn’t point out her clearly overreaching ambition.

Nor would he disdainfully say: This isn’t for you; don’t be greedy for it.

Whether it was to comfort her or if he truly felt it wasn’t appropriate, this method of discouragement was moderate and gentle.

You know he’s influential, and you can also see that he’s accommodating.

She couldn’t help but think of Zhao Siqi. What did it mean to be like a half-filled bottle of water? This saying made sense. A full bottle of water would be more respectful and humble.

The hierarchy in the entertainment industry was portrayed vividly, and Fang Mo had probably been drenched in cold water numerous times. Thus, this polite yet distant admonition warmed her heart.

“My WeChat number is written on top for easy contact.”

When saying goodbye, Fang Mo handed over a business card with a meaningful tone.

After reading it, Zhong Yu Bai remained calm.

Ji Zhen Tang observed that Fang Mo’s somewhat restless and expectant eyes indicated that she was also taking a gamble.

In the end, he just smiled faintly, “Convenience depends on fate.”

With just a few words, Zhong Yu Bai declined her.

Fang Mo’s expression seemed somewhat unnatural, and Zhong Yu Bai held onto that business card, but Ji Zhen Tang guessed that what was written on it probably wasn’t a WeChat number.

This led her to speculate about some romantic affairs, thinking that there were probably quite a few people who wanted to get into bed with him.

Whether it was for this face, this figure, or for other reasons.

It wasn’t clear which guest it was when another one came over to exchange greetings, but seeing a woman approach, Zhong Yu Bai slightly solemnly introduced her to Ji Zhen Tang, “Huang Xinkui, editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine, and the executive CEO of the group.”

She immediately stood up with a dignified expression.

“What a beautiful dress. Who is this young lady?” The elegant woman in her forties was adept at socializing and had a very poised demeanor.

Zhong Yu Bai smiled and replied, “My niece, she studies jewelry design.”

She clearly enunciated her name: “I’m Ji Zhen Tang.”

Smart people don’t need hints.

Zhong Yu Bai bringing a girl with an unfamiliar face to the exhibition had no ulterior motives.

Huang Xinkui was one of those smart people, and when she left, she smiled and said, “Let’s exchange WeChat later and visit the exhibition together next time.”

She patted Ji Zhen Tang’s head affectionately, displaying a very kind and indulgent demeanor.

Tonight, every overwhelmed glance made her feel like she was walking on thin ice here.

Ji Zhen Tang suddenly understood the meaning of being constantly on the move, which might not only refer to some work tasks. What was even more admirable was how Zhong Yu Bai, with his mind always running at high speed, still appeared extremely calm and composed.

She silently thought that if she wanted to become a boss, it seemed like there was still a lot to learn.

“In the future, when I’m out, should I use your niece’s image?”

Finally dispersing, as they sat in the car waiting at the entrance, she scrolled through Huang Xinkui’s Moments and asked Zhong Yu Bai.

With his legs crossed and loosening the Windsor knot on his tie, he still showed no signs of fatigue and said, “After calling me uncle for so long, I should at least make the uncle-niece relationship more legitimate.”

She chuckled coyly.

“Do you know, just now inside, every second felt so tense; I didn’t dare move my shoulders, and the curve of my mouth almost froze on my face—just like that, barely revealing two teeth, afraid that I couldn’t smile, yet afraid of smiling too much.”

As Ji Zhen Tang spoke, she used her fingers to push up the corners of her mouth, revealing two front teeth for him to imitate. “My goodness, I don’t know how those female stars are trained; each one is more dignified than the last. I was just thinking, when I go out, I must do a quick set of radio calisthenics.”

Listening to her, Zhong Yu Bai smiled ambiguously, finally generously saying, “Go ahead, do it right here.”

Given permission, she quickly put down the string of jewelry necklaces she had been given as a gift from a major brand, loosened her muscles with three twists to the left and three to the right.

It was so satisfying.

Zhong Yu Bai looked at her, showing a gentle smile of peaceful years, and asked her, “Is it fun?”

Ji Zhen Tang nodded.

“Are you tired?” he asked again.

“Not tired.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Second half?”

She exclaimed in surprise, “There’s more? Alright.”

Zhong Yu Bai raised his chin slightly, and said to the driver in front, “Let’s go.”

–

Late at night, the car arrived at the end of the elevated highway. Half an hour later, they arrived at a deserted airstrip.

When Ji Zhen Tang got out of the car, she saw a brightly lit plane parked in front of her. In the dim darkness of the night, with the chilling wind blowing across the open space, she stood still in front of the car, her hair disheveled, covering half of her expression. Yet, her astonishment and inexplicable feeling were still evident: “Where are we going by plane? I didn’t buy a ticket.”

Although she vaguely sensed something, she instinctively blurted out such a silly question.

He gently told her, “Its surname is Zhong.”

Ji Zhen Tang remained silent until several minutes later when she sat into the cabin. She still seemed quite bewildered, situated in a spacious room resembling a large flat, facing Zhong Yu Bai who was seated on a long sofa with various bottles of liquor placed on the table in front of him.

“Wow, this is so luxurious,” she exclaimed in astonishment.

Zhong Yu Bai’s gaze lingered lightly on her, a hint of deep blue reflected in the depths of his retina. His voice was steady as he spoke, with faint wisps of clouds floating behind him. It wasn’t until she saw the boundless coastline that she slowly realized they were truly on his private plane.

Compared to before, he exuded a more leisurely demeanor now, one arm draped casually over the back of the sofa.

Zhong Yu Bai leisurely took a sip of wine and said, “Dressed to impress, naturally, it calls for a grand night.”

Undisturbed by others.

A night belonging to them.

Ji Zhen Tang gradually adjusted to the situation. Touched, she smiled, “It seems like quite an extravagant gesture, I still want to know why.”

“I’ve said before, I hope you’re happy.”

She guessed, “Is it because I called you suddenly that day?”

Zhong Yu Bai pondered for a moment, “That’s not the only reason.”

She stopped probing further.

He knew she wasn’t happy, but he wouldn’t pry into her secrets.

The best comfort was companionship.

“A major mistake today, choosing the wrong shoes.”

Approaching her, Zhong Yu Bai squatted down, “My oversight.”

He gently removed her shoe heel, using the word “oversight,” which seemed unlikely to appear in his personal label. When he lowered his gaze, she noticed a subtle change in his eyes, as if pebbles had fallen into a deep pool, splashing into tiny ripples of tenderness.

Her feet weren’t blistered, but there were faint red marks.

He personally helped her put on her shoes and then took them off.

Zhong Yu Bai said apologetically, “Learn from mistakes, next time I’ll be more considerate.”

A pair of disposable slippers was placed in front of her, and Ji Zhen Tang slipped her feet into them.

It didn’t hurt; it wasn’t as painful as the canvas shoes she usually wore. She suddenly said, “Every time I’m with you, my illness improves significantly.”

Zhong Yu Bai returned to the sofa beside her, leaning slightly, his elbow resting on the armrest, inching closer to her. Maintaining a subtle body language that neither of them noticed, for quite a while.

There weren’t many thoughts, just following up with a casual remark, “Then let’s always be together.”

In the instant silence that ensued due to his words, a flicker of ambiguity flashed.

When Zhong Yu Bai looked over, he caught a fleeting glimpse of the same fleeting unease, anxiety, and disbelief in her eyes. She leaned back slightly, with a hint of retreat.

In a moment, he could discern many things.

He chuckled inwardly but didn’t show it.

“Come work as my assistant, how about it?” Zhong Yu Bai adeptly maneuvered, smoothly redirecting the highly ambiguous previous conversation.

Ji Zhen Tang breathed a sigh of relief internally and asked, “What about your assistant, Jialing?”

He replied, “He’s my right-hand person, there won’t be conflicts.”

She smiled, “Then you’ll have to offer a high price, I’m not easy to hire.”

Zhong Yu Bai’s tone softened as if he were seriously negotiating with her, “It can’t be higher than Jialing’s, he works hard.”

She stubbornly said, “If I do join, I’ll work tirelessly.”

Zhong Yu Bai laughed and said, “No one would have the heart to let you work tirelessly.”

Ji Zhen Tang withdrew from the brief unease earlier and smiled easily, lowering her head to adjust her skirt. In doing so, something tucked away in the corner of the sofa was brushed out.

She picked it up, a yellow sachet with several bamboo branches painted on it, with a line of text: “The heart is like floating clouds, with nowhere to anchor; events are like spring dreams, leaving no trace.”

Zhong Yu Bai also glanced at it and explained, “It’s from Xiyuan Temple, a protective sachet.”

She thought to herself, rich people believe in Feng Shui. Worshipping a Buddha eight hundred times a day, I wonder if it’s out of guilt for many wrongdoings?

“The events are like spring dreams, leaving no trace,” a poem she instantly liked, vividly portraying her current situation with words.

It felt as if Jia Baoyu had stumbled into the illusory realm of the Grand View Garden. Dreamlike and awakening, detached from the land, suspended in the vast sky, overlooking the boundless world, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and dreams.

Seeing her silent, this time he didn’t understand her thoughts, “If you like it, I’ll give it to you.”

Ji Zhen Tang said, “Is it so casual? It carries your good luck.”

Without hesitation, Zhong Yu Bai said, “I’ll send you my good luck as well.”

Excessive generosity inevitably arouses suspicion.

“What kind of person is your sister?” she couldn’t help but ask, genuinely believing in the saying “like meets like.”

After gazing out the window for a long while, Zhong Yu Bai replied, “If she grew up smoothly, she should be naive and free-spirited now. Without worries, without pain.”

Then he looked at her and added, “And healthy.”

If she grew up smoothly? Judging from his tone, she guessed his sister had likely met an untimely end.

Ji Zhen Tang glanced at him with some regret, wanting to say “condolences,” but feeling that the matter of life and death was too sensitive, she opted to remain silent.

“Why aren’t you wearing the jewelry?” Zhong Yu Bai pointed to the box sent by the brand.

As he spoke, he took it over to open.

Ji Zhen Tang uttered a sound of surprise, wanting to stop his action.

He really stopped and asked what was wrong.

She wanted to say: she hadn’t taken a photo with it yet!

But this small matter, in this situation, seemed somewhat difficult to mention. Even though if she did, Zhong Yu Bai would surely indulge her, Ji Zhen Tang still restrained herself.

It’s okay, she would have many more opportunities in the future.

“Go ahead,” she said with a pang.

He swiftly unpacked it, without any reluctance, quickly revealing a sparkling set of jewelry. He picked out a pair of earrings, “These are beautiful, would you like to try them?”

Zhong Yu Bai spoke, then lowered his gaze slightly, leaning in to observe her earlobes closely, as if checking for pierced ears.

Ji Zhen Tang glanced at the two classic pearl earrings in his hand, holding her breath as she said, “Okay.”

A slightly cool finger reached over and brushed through her hair.

The man leaned in, lifting her earlobe to locate the small piercing.

A slender silver needle pierced through her flesh, cool against both her skin and his knuckles, yet his breath against her cheek almost melted her with its warmth.

Ji Zhen Tang carefully controlled her breathing.

His voice, closer than ever before, was steady, devoid of emotion, as he succinctly informed her, “Your ears are turning red.”

His voice was deep, inexplicably carrying a sense of allure.

After Zhong Yu Bai finished speaking, he shifted his gaze forward, meeting her eyes, but Ji Zhen Tang displayed a slight evasion, acting unnaturally, unlike herself.

He raised his index and middle fingers, lightly pinching her earlobe—more like a squeeze than a pinch.

A hint of ambiguity lingered between them from this casual touch.

He handled it skillfully and naturally, as if not intentionally, but merely seeking the reason behind it.

Soon, Zhong Yu Bai smiled as if relieved, “It’s warm.”

Then, he softly added, “Thank goodness it’s just shyness; I thought I had hurt you.”

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