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Chapter 25: Wet Lip Prints

Ji Zhen Tang stopped at the doorstep, as she heard him, she reached out her slender, white paw and swiftly snatched the umbrella.

Actually, when she went out, the rain outside had already eased, and she even saw the sun peeking out from the corners, enveloping her in a soft light, gradually clearing her vision.

“Hello, Mr. Ding Jialing.”

Ding Jialing didn’t realize at first that the person outside was talking to him. He was still dazed, but the next moment he saw the person open the back door and get in the car.

“Miss Ji, good morning,” he instantly put on a smile.

Ji Zhen Tang said, “Is your boss too stingy? Why doesn’t he invite a few more employees? Every time he sends you.”

“Mr. Zhong, there aren’t many people he values,” Ding Jialing said as he drove the car into the lingering mist.

“Oh,” she pondered for a moment, “So, you mean he doesn’t trust anyone, including the subordinates?”

Ding Jialing made a sharp inhale, pondering how to respond to this pointed question.

“Okay, I understand,” she nodded knowingly, “People’s hearts are inscrutable. Your business secrets are too important, and no one can eavesdrop. I understand.”

Ding Jialing chuckled, unsure how to respond, and said, “I have endless energy, making money doesn’t tire me out.”

Ji Zhen Tang looked at the back of his head and laughed.

Outside, the rain cleared, revealing a brilliant dawn. Ji Zhen Tang watched as the car descended down the mountain, leaning against the window frame, her emotions indifferent as she gazed at the increasingly beautiful sky.

“Have you ever driven other women in and out of here?” Ji Zhen Tang suddenly dug a pit for Ding Jialing.

He made another sharp inhale, visibly feeling the back of his neck tingle, looking at Ji Zhen Tang with restraint and unease, as if contemplating. Then he said, “Apparently not.”

“Don’t ‘apparently’ me,” she was dissatisfied.

“I have a poor memory.”

“Did you learn this impeccable skill of speaking from him too?” she teased.

Ding Jialing blushed at her words, “It’s true, I really can’t remember! Of course, I can’t rule out the possibility of me misremembering.”

Ji Zhen Tang laughed, comfortably reclining in the back seat. Whatever, seizing the moment was enough for now.

Seizing the opportunity, Ding Jialing added, “Anyway, I think you’re quite special to him.”

Ji Zhen Tang restrained her smile, no longer pressing him on what made her special. After pondering this statement for a moment, she suddenly talked to him about a book she read yesterday, “I have a novel that I quite like, it’s about an older man supporting a female student. Do you know about the canary? The girl describes herself as a bird kept in a cage, which is very apt. Whatever she wants, the older man gives her, he is elegant, caring, and provides everything for her: books, money, buys her large diamonds. But in the end, when the caged bird wants to fly away, guess what he does?”

“What does he do?” Ding Jialing played along.

Ji Zhen Tang raised a finger, pointing at Ding Jialing’s back, “Bang!”

She said ominously, “He shoots a man dead who was flirting with her in front of her, to assert his authority.”

Ding Jialing exclaimed in shock, “My God, is this a true story?”

“It’s a novel!” she gritted her teeth.

“Oh, okay,” Ding Jialing breathed a sigh of relief. After a while, he suddenly realized what she was talking about, “Oh, I don’t think Mr. Zhong would do something like that.”

“…,” Ji Zhen Tang was momentarily stunned, “That’s a big ‘would’.”

“He is himself, I am myself, I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think so,” Ding Jialing scratched his head.

“…,” she was speechless again.

Having a deep conversation with a simple man generally didn’t lead to satisfactory responses.

She didn’t know if Ding Jialing was genuinely tight-lipped or just plain naive.

Ji Zhen Tang kept quiet.

She propped up her forehead, lazily leaning against the window to watch the sunrise.

Beside her were the desserts and umbrella given by Zhong Yu Bai.

Ji Zhen Tang couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought that every time they parted, she seemed to take something from him. Like the last time, when she had blisters on her feet from high heels, he thoughtfully bought her band-aids before leaving. Or the rose that had been placed on her dormitory desk for a long time. Or the invisible pass engraved in her palm.

It all seemed like a silent and lengthy infiltration.

A term popped into her mind: boiling a frog in warm water?

Forget it, she didn’t want to think about it too much.

Real-life stories weren’t so perilous, and she just needed to graciously accept his kindness. The road outside was flat, the sunlight was abundant, stinging her eyes a bit, but she tried her best to keep them open, facing the high-hanging sun directly.

Zhong Yu Bai’s encouraging words echoed in her ears.

She didn’t think about their future, but she remembered his encouragement.

Ji Zhen Tang opened her phone, logged out of the social account with a few followers, and immediately registered a new one under her brand name.

Begonia. After typing this word, looking at the newly registered empty account, she suddenly felt much lighter, as if basking in the warmth of the sun.

A fresh adventure, starting from scratch.

Arriving at the school gate, Ji Zhen Tang saw something and said, “Please drop me off at the newsstand ahead, thank you!”

As usual, she bought a fashion magazine every week. After paying, Ji Zhen Tang tore open the cover. The eye-catching headline in bright red caught her attention: Zhao’s stock price repeatedly plummets, heir suspected of failed financing.

She was stunned for a moment.

Then, she quickly flipped to that page. The news font was large, but the actual content was not much, mostly summarized in two lines of headlines.

Ji Zhen Tang then opened her phone and searched, confirming that this matter had indeed made headlines.

As soon as she entered the classroom, she heard others discussing:

“Isn’t he supposed to be amazing? The Zhao family’s wealthy father can’t be in trouble, right?”

“It shouldn’t be. Even if the Zhao family goes down, what’s so difficult about starting a public company? They can gather some money together.”

“That’s right, can’t a luxury brand be managed properly?”

“He made such a big fuss, and in the end, the main investor withdrew, it’s really embarrassing. How did he manage to offend someone?”

“Can anyone say? I feel like he’s not that good. Even with heavy promotion, his jewelry looks ugly.”

“I’ve been wanting to say, men shouldn’t dabble in design.”

…”

The four characters “金主爸爸” (“wealthy father”) made Ji Zhen Tang’s heart skip a beat, triggering suspicions about the direct cause of this upheaval. She sat still in her seat, her mind blank for a moment.

No wonder Zhao Siqi hadn’t been attending class these past few days. Was he busy raising money? The promotional video was all set, but nothing came of it? Just thinking about it made her angry.

“Tang! I have some great news to tell you,” Lin Guixue exclaimed, patting her shoulder enthusiastically and beaming.

“What is it?” Ji Zhen Tang asked.

“Have you seen the message the dean sent in the group?”

Ji Zhen Tang lowered her head to look at her phone and indeed found a piece of good news related to her.

The dean had sent the list of nominees for the international jewelry competition awards. She hadn’t had high hopes initially, casually submitting a jade piece for the competition, but unexpectedly, luck was on her side, and she made it to the national finals.

“Wow, is this real?!” Ji Zhen Tang couldn’t contain her excitement. “I made it to the finals?”

If she could win the top prize in this competition, she would receive a considerable sum of money.

Then she wouldn’t have to worry about her startup funds anymore!

“Dinner’s on me tonight! Everyone’s invited,” her roommate cheered from behind.

“Great! Very good! Let’s feast!”

Although her situation couldn’t compare to Zhao Siqi’s massive support network, she was already quite satisfied. After all, going from zero to one was the most challenging step.

As the whispers related to Zhao Siqi continued, Ji Zhen Tang secretly rejoiced. What did they say about perseverance paying off? What about fortunes changing? She must win the prize and make him regret it!

This matter had brightened her mood these past few days, and she spread her cheerful energy across the campus as she rode her electric scooter.

The good news soon reached Ji Xinhe’s ears.

Her aunt smiled and congratulated her, “Don’t celebrate until it’s done. Don’t jinx it by talking about it everywhere.”

“No, no! Please don’t say that,” Ji Zhen Tang hurriedly covered her mouth, then sat on the other side of the sewing machine, happily daydreaming about what she would do with the money. After outlining her plans, she’d already secured three mansions…

Ji Xinhe listened, feeling amused.

Finally, she said, “Do you still feel that relying on your own efforts is more reliable?”

This question caught Ji Zhen Tang off guard. She stared at her aunt, clearly sensing an underlying meaning.

Ji Xinhe didn’t beat around the bush and continued, “I saw his car the other day.”

Before revealing who “he” was, Ji Zhen Tang hastily defended herself, “There’s nothing between us.”

Ji Xinhe looked at her.

“Really, he just accompanied me to eat dumplings that day, that’s all.”

Ji Xinhe listened without much surprise. She paused for a moment, thinking about how to respond.

“Oh, by the way, good things come in pairs,” Ji Zhen Tang urgently changed the subject, “I suddenly remembered the drama club I joined in freshman year is still rehearsing a play. I went to watch it recently, and they needed an actor. Since I’m quite familiar with the club president, he arranged for me to join. Rehearsals might start after New Year’s.”

Ji Xinhe simply nodded. She usually didn’t bring up these trivial matters from her school life, and now, trying to avoid mentioning someone’s name was quite obvious. She smiled and didn’t say much.

“I want to find something that satisfies me, just… find an outlet. What do you think?” Ji Zhen Tang asked.

Ji Xinhe was pleased, “Look at you, much better now, right? Keep your mind active, and your surroundings will change accordingly.”

Ji Zhen Tang nodded in agreement, “Changing it up!”

Outside, the dry winter wind blew, and the sky was bleak and pale. She felt a bit cold, so she rubbed her fingers together and squatted by the small stove nearby to warm herself.

Ji Xinhe remembered something, “I made a cheongsam for a lady a while back, but she didn’t like it, so she didn’t take it. I thought it would fit you. Do you want to try it on?”

Ji Zhen Tang was displeased, “How can people just cancel orders like that? It’s terrible.”

Ji Xinhe said, “She didn’t let me lose out either. She gave me a hairpin.”

Ji Zhen Tang put on the cheongsam. The moon-white silk with golden peony embroidery flowed like petals from her neckline to her knees, seemingly tailored for her. The elegant color, paired with golden threads, made it look exceptionally precious and beautiful, truly worthy of a wealthy lady’s attire.

In her hand, she held a black sandalwood hairpin, adorned with a translucent agate bauble.

With Ji Xinhe’s assistance, she styled her light hair, pinning it up with the hairpin, revealing her fair neck.

“I remember the old days,” Ji Xinhe said, “Mrs. Chen loved wearing cheongsams. You know, in Xingzhou, where she’s from, there are many ethnic groups. Some wrap their heads in scarves, some wear saris, but when Mrs. Chen wore a cheongsam, wow, she exuded such grace.”

She twirled around the mirror, reminiscing happily.

Ji Xinhe covered her bare arms with a beige velvet coat. The cuffs and collar were adorned with thick lamb fur.

“People judge others by their appearance. With this attire, you look like a young lady from a wealthy family,” Ji Xinhe smiled, admiring her beauty.

Ji Zhen Tang was also satisfied and said with a smile, “I’ll take some photos to show the president of the drama club. I’ll go for the role of Chen Bailu tomorrow!”

“Alright, no need to show off again.”

A day later, Ji Zhen Tang didn’t really go for the audition, but dressed extravagantly and went to the Yunyu Tower—

As Zhong Yu Bai had mentioned, the high-end tea house.

She didn’t really expect him to be there.

Nor did she understand her own motives. In hindsight, after dressing up so beautifully, her first thought was to show it to her crush.

At that time, she hadn’t thought much about having a crush; she just really wanted to see him.

Zhong Yu Bai has recently had some success in his career.

He has achieved top performance domestically and in the past two years has shown a trend of dominating the industry. Good news came from his partners in Xingzhou; the casino and hotel he invested in three years ago have recently started to turn a profit, giving him a sense of satisfaction in reaping the rewards. However, he no longer seems to enjoy making money as much as before, feeling rather numb to it all.

The Chen family started their business with casinos in Xingzhou, but due to poor management by the patriarch, their fortunes declined, and over the years, they gradually moved their assets back to their homeland, with most of their relatives returning as well.

It’s time for him to bid farewell to Xingzhou.

Unexpectedly, some seeds were inadvertently sown, slowly sprouting and needing to be harvested. The intricate connections always seemed unbreakable.

At Yuyun Pavilion, when Shen Shu wasn’t around, Zhong Yu Bai hesitated whether to leave or wait for a while longer. In the meantime, others were invited to play at the card table, so he decided to pass the time by playing a few rounds of mahjong.

He took off his coat, had the attendant take care of it, leaving himself in a loose, light apricot-colored sweater. Leaning back in the redwood armchair, he hadn’t been sitting for long when he heard footsteps downstairs.

Initially, he didn’t pay much attention, but a clear response caught his ear, forcing him to take notice.

“I’m with Zhong Yu Bai’s group, I know he’s here; I saw his car.”

The man at the card table relaxed a bit at that moment.

The newcomer quickly approached, exuding an air of elegance and luxury, with a hint of white tea fragrance. Swinging the agate ornament on her head, she walked into his line of sight with a brilliant smile.

She sat down beside him without hesitation, occupying the small chair next to him where she could see the cards. Then, with a mischievous smile, she said, “Hehe, what a coincidence.”

As if she were explaining her abrupt appearance.

Zhong Yu Bai glanced at her, smiling indulgently, without asking anything.

Ji Zhen Tang watched him play his cards, with his wooden straight-mouthed cup by his side. To make room for herself, she moved the cup to the edge of the table. Glancing at it, she saw it was filled with the hot water he requested.

“Huang Xinkui has messaged me a few times, saying she’ll take me to see an exhibition.” She started a conversation, extending her hand while she hesitated, playfully flicking a card out for him, “Wow, she’s so talented; does she dress up nicely for exhibitions too?”

Zhong Yu Bai glanced at the card, then used his finger to push it away, calmly saying, “Let her have her fun; Editor Huang is a good person.”

A hint of cunning flashed in her eyes; “A good person? Compared to you?”

Zhong Yu Bai replied blandly, “I’m irredeemable; naturally, anyone is better than me.”

She chuckled, “Do you hold grudges against me?”

Then, she taunted him again, “Well, she probably doesn’t need to wake up early to pay respects to the Buddha. Not compassionate enough, not hypocritical enough, not like you.”

The smile on Zhong Yu Bai’s face deepened slightly, with a hint of laughter. He didn’t get angry, but focused on playing cards.

After she finished her abrupt sentence, she gradually fell silent. He took the initiative to ask, “Was this ‘coincidental’ encounter just to tell me that?”

This time, it was his turn to ask why, for their meeting was anything but coincidental.

If only he could directly ask, “What do you want?” just like last time in Chenzhang Garden, and then unconditionally fulfill her wishes.

Ji Zhen Tang sat up straight.

“In your eyes, am I some extravagant person? Are you Santa Claus? Every time I see you, it’s about asking for gifts. Your opening lines are always the same, so boring. Clearly, when you come looking for me, you’re not reasonable either, now you’re starting to ask for reasons.”

She pouted, propping up her cheek, refusing to look at him, pretending to be angry.

Zhong Yu Bai tilted his head to look at her.

Ji Zhen Tang had already turned her head to the other side in a huff, leaving only the soft fur of her collar for him to see.

Zhong Yu Bai reached out with one hand and gently stroked her soft hair, adopting a somewhat coaxing posture, slowly saying, “Don’t be angry; I won’t ask anymore.”

She retorted, “Okay, then you’re not allowed to ask in the future.”

He nodded, saying, “I won’t ask, I promise.”

Ji Zhen Tang blossomed with joy in her heart, but restrained it on her face, just pursing her lips and smiling.

She said, “Zhao Siqi’s financing has run into trouble, did you know? It made headlines in magazines, causing quite a stir.”

Zhong Yu Bai obviously knew, but didn’t take it seriously, “But is a lack of startup capital worth all the fuss?”

His words hinted at his thoughts: you youngsters really know how to make a scene.

Ji Zhen Tang said, “He’s very high-profile, a rising star designer, with many eyes watching him.”

The cup nearby was steaming, indicating the water was almost gone. Ji Zhen Tang picked it up, taking a sip.

“Is it related to you?” she asked.

Zhong Yu Bai’s peripheral vision caught her drinking, and he said, “Too many obstacles in the way, just clearing a few casually, hardly worth mentioning.”

Ji Zhen Tang’s mind didn’t quite catch up, holding the cup, freezing for a moment. At first, could he really have conflicts with Zhao Siqi? Could Zhao Siqi compete with Zhong Yu Bai? Obviously, in his eyes, Zhao seemed like a fly or ant that could be swatted with a single slap.

“Who’s he obstructing?” she stopped guessing.

Holding his tea, she took another sip, keeping her eyes on him, afraid of missing any important answers.

Then she put the cup down.

Zhong Yu Bai looked at his cup, a faint wet lip mark lingering on the rim before slowly evaporating from his sight.

Ji Zhen Tang’s bright eyes were fixed on him.

He played his winning card, knocking them all down, declaring victory.

“My person.”

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