Chapter 38: Better Than Intertwining

Zhong Yu Bai moved the finger that was poking him to the side, gently clasping her hand on the armrest, while his other hand slowly fastened the shirt button that had been quietly undone by her.

Her expectant smile faded as he securely buttoned up, leaving her feeling distant.

“What’s the point of putting it back on? So aloof!”

“Even flirting has to be done so calmly, so restless!”

Zhong Yu Bai held onto her wrist like this, and in the end, almost reproachfully, said, “Cunning.”

She smiled slyly, looking into his eyes and shifting blame, “Blame Uncle for being too sexy. He looks so restrained and courteous, like a gentleman, but actually, he’s holding back his big move, secretly seducing people behind the scenes.”

Once again, she mentioned his withholding of a big move, and his seduction, which made him want to laugh, feeling innocent. Zhong Yu Bai showed a indulgent smile, conceding to her.

“It’s just a mole.”

But it was quite noticeable, right along his abdominal muscles.

“A temptation of two hundred percent!”

Ji Zhen Tang said, extending a finger and lightly touching his belt buckle, looking at him with what seemed like a weak plea, implying: Is it really not possible?

Meeting her unabashed gaze, Zhong Yu Bai stared and asked, “What can you offer me in exchange? Your secrets.”

Ji Zhen Tang’s throat tightened, “Do we have to exchange? Can’t I be greedy just once?”

Ignoring her plea, he lightly tapped her nose with a bent finger, “Think carefully.”

His voice was deep and clear, though he was adept at beating around the bush, masking his equally ambiguous intentions with a very serious tone, Ji Zhen Tang could still sense his slight anticipation.

Only Ji Zhen Tang couldn’t resist letting her inner thoughts burst out for a moment, bluntly asking if she could kiss.

Zhong Yu Bai only hinted that if she wanted to kiss him, she had to let him kiss her.

Certainly, benefits had to be mutually enjoyed to be interesting.

This tactic worked precisely on her because she indeed had a birthmark on her thigh.

Hearing him mention revealing a secret, Ji Zhen Tang instinctively tensed her limbs, fearing she would be scrutinized the next moment, her first reaction was one of apprehension.

The more she quickly and tensely responded, the more he understood two things: one, she wasn’t prepared, and two, she did have a secret indeed.

She must be quite conflicted inside, having some desires but lacking the courage to act on them. When it came down to the crucial moment, her courage wasn’t enough to support her desires.

Zhong Yu Bai didn’t seize her to inspect her; instead, he slowly let her go.

“Do you have a mirror?” Ji Zhen Tang immediately got up from her seat.

Seeing her searching around, he said, “I can be your mirror.”

Understanding his implicit meaning, Ji Zhen Tang didn’t insist on a mirror anymore. She turned back to him and pointed to her neck, “Help me check for any kiss marks?”

“Considering you have class tomorrow,” Zhong Yu Bai shook his head gently, “There are none.”

“…,” Ji Zhen Tang paused, “The way you say it, it’s like I should thank you for being so kind.”

The man smiled without speaking, leaning against the table with his hands in his pockets, appearing relaxed, but he had neatly tucked in the corner of his shirt that she had pulled out.

Ji Zhen Tang glimpsed it, feeling frustrated, “Why dress so neatly in the middle of the night, are you going to have a meeting with me?”

Two or three seconds later, Zhong Yu Bai discerned her accusation and glanced down at the neatly folded shirt cuffs, saying, “If you don’t plan to do something, don’t make yourself messy.”

“…”

Too meticulous!

“What’s wrong? Ready to go into battle at any time?” she mocked, “Are all you wealthy people so vigilant and suspicious, always on guard? Suspecting I’ll steal your money when you’re in disarray?”

Zhong Yu Bai smiled lightly, shaking his head as if reveling in her mockery, explaining, “It’s just my habit.”

Ji Zhen Tang didn’t pursue it further; she suddenly teased, “Nice abs, like a 20-year-old student, not like a 30-year-old boss who’s busy socializing every day.”

Zhong Yu Bai’s smile momentarily dimmed.

He said, “I’m 29.”

“Huh?” Ji Zhen Tang found it strange, “But last year when your grandmother turned a year older, you told me you were 30, how come you’re younger after a year?”

In the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, it’s customary to speak in fictitious ages.

Zhong Yu Bai inherited the calculation method of the older generation. When he was 28, he would say he’s 30. Initially, he found this method useful since the men he interacted with daily always looked down upon those who were too young, regarding experience too highly.

Slowly, he realized that age had become a weapon of “humiliation.”

So, in front of her, he would be less than a day away from his birthday, not even 30.

Looking at her playful expression, Zhong Yu Bai lightly said, “Do you really think I have no temper?”

Ji Zhen Tang became even more amused, “Sure, go ahead and lose your temper, make a mess of yourself, go crazy, yell at me, let me see what you’re really like when you’re mad.”

Using this provocative method, perhaps he would really consider showing some aggression.

However, after Ji Zhen Tang finished speaking, she hugged him and acted spoiled.

Being affectionate and intimate, Ji Zhen Tang rubbed her cheek against his chest, this behavior was like giving a slap and then offering candy, nothing more.

“But it’s okay, no matter how old you are, I like you.”

Ji Zhen Tang smiled sweetly, looking up at him, her eyes sparkling, “Twenty-year-old men are not good, they’re dumb, arrogant, and immature, thinking they’re the best, always trying to take charge. The boys in my class are like that, very annoying. It’s better to be a little older, mature, with character and substance, not like a half-filled bottle, constantly wandering around, giving me a headache.”

Zhong Yu Bai chuckled softly, raising a hand from his pocket to gently stroke her hair, speaking with a relaxed tone.

“I really don’t understand you.”

“I’m serious. Am I not sincere when I speak? Look into my sincere eyes,” Ji Zhen Tang said, laughing and blinking rapidly at him, then pouting, “Unlike you, I don’t speak as if I’m always giving you riddles to ponder over.”

He leaned lightly on the edge of the table, smoothing her hair. With a slight arch in his back, he allowed her head to tilt up, so she could easily rest on his shoulder.

Ji Zhen Tang was wearing a cute chiffon shirt today. The fabric rustled as he tidied up the collar that had been disheveled by their kisses. His fingertips picked up her body warmth, spreading a hint of warmth bit by bit.

Although the study was heated adequately, Zhong Yu Bai, in his thin shirt, still felt a chill deep within his body. It wasn’t until now that he truly felt warmed by the soft body of a young girl.

In the final embrace, his fingertips sank into her soft, curled golden brown hair. Suddenly, there was a feeling of entanglement between body and heart, not through physical contact but through an intertwined sensation.

Outside, the spring thunder rumbled heavily, marking the transition from winter to spring, shrouded in thick mist. The west tower was bathed in moonlight.

With just a shallow embrace, both felt damp and warm. In this dim and heavy atmosphere akin to a scene under red candles and embroidered curtains, it was hard to say who was more deeply ensnared.

He inexplicably wished for time to stretch a bit longer.

He hadn’t actually made her change into each piece of clothing.

Zhong Yu Bai let her choose her favorite to wear, saying he wanted to hold her while sleeping.

In his room.

He glanced lightly over her well-proportioned figure.

Ji Zhen Tang chose a simple black strapless dress. He said red suited her, but black was also good. It had an air of elegance that complemented her light colored hair and sharp features.

The dress itself wasn’t outstanding, with even the brand logo embroidered on the cuff using thin lines. He still wanted to praise its suitability, but felt that using the same word too many times might come off as perfunctory.

She was already a painting with a bright and alluring base color. Whatever color was added to her would only enhance her beauty.

At this moment, this painting was confined under his palm.

Zhong Yu Bai lay on his side, with Ji Zhen Tang in his arms.

She fiddled with the hem of her skirt, exposing her knees, comfortably resting them on his lap through the fabric of his trousers, legs intertwining.

When Zhong Yu Bai kissed her, this little kitten started to nuzzle again, consciously or unconsciously.

This time, her target territory was his legs.

He gently held her shoulders with his hands, feeling the urge to draw closer but afraid of startling her, unsure of how to control this unbearable distance. Her young age was one of the reasons why he had so many concerns.

And yet, she could be carefree.

At moments like these, he felt completely at a disadvantage, and at the same time, he felt that being a man was quite difficult.

The kiss didn’t last more than ten minutes before Zhong Yu Bai was almost ignited.

He opened his eyes.

Suddenly interrupted, Ji Zhen Tang looked at him drowsily, “What’s wrong?”

Supporting himself on the bed, Zhong Yu Bai slowly got up, “Just a reaction, I’ll deal with it.”

Zhong Yu Bai said hoarsely as he walked to the bathroom.

“…”

Ji Zhen Tang sat up in panic, wondering if she had misheard. She pressed her temples, waking up from the kiss. But his words were clear, and those few words that popped out left no room for misinterpretation. With a belated realization, her face turned warm with embarrassment.

As Zhong Yu Bai entered the room, Ji Zhen Tang stepped barefoot on the carpet, tiptoeing to the door he had closed tightly, listening intently.

Her faint courage reached its peak at this moment.

Her hearing became so sensitive that even the sound of swallowing saliva seemed unusually solemn.

Trying to catch any sound.

However, after a moment of silence, there was a light knock from behind.

“Don’t listen, just go to sleep.”

“…!!”

His voice was deep, “Don’t make it difficult for me all night.”

“…”

Ji Zhen Tang remained silent for a while, feeling a bit guilty, fearing that she might affect his rest, “Then I’ll… go sleep in the room from last time.”

After a while, he responded, “Okay.”

It sounded resigned, regretful yet relieved. With a single word, she could hear the mixed emotions.

The next day, one went to class, the other to work.

Before parting ways, Ji Zhen Tang took a pen and drew a clock on Zhong Yu Bai’s hand, saying that she used to draw time on her hand when she was little, pretending to have a watch.

Seeing that he didn’t have one, she “put” one on him, pointing to the time she drew—seven-thirty—and mischievously said, “There’s a play performance today at this time. Please come and watch.”

Zhong Yu Bai looked down at the cartoon watch she drew with a fountain pen, the lines delicate, the hands distinct, and the bold 7:30 drawn to ensure he wouldn’t forget.

He smiled, thinking about how using this method to make him remember showed a lack of trust.

But he didn’t erase it, saying he would keep it in mind.

That afternoon, Zhong Yu Bai went to a mountain stream. He had someone take him to a specific place, his first visit here.

Guiding him was Shen Shu, asking if they should close the road for his visit.

Zhong Yu Bai interrupted, saying it wasn’t necessary, “Just take a casual look.”

The mountain stream was located on the outskirts of Qingcheng and was a new scenic spot. At the foot of the mountain were several government-funded resorts, ideal places for holiday leisure.

The old imperial garden he photographed wasn’t large, but those who had seen it said it had excellent Feng Shui.

At this moment, there were crowds of tourists outside, while Zhong Yu Bai sat in a pavilion sipping tea. Shen Shu being a refined person, pointing out the origins of the calligraphy and paintings on the walls, but Zhong Yu Bai listened absentmindedly, lifting his gaze to the withered branches of the cherry blossoms outside.

These flowers were called autumn cherry blossoms. He had heard about them while dining with others. In spring, they would bloom all over the mountain, serving as a marketing gimmick used by the tourism department, especially during the late-night spring tours, complemented by the garden lights, making for a beautiful sight.

After Shen Shu finished introducing the historical sites, he returned to the topic of investment, “Are you really planning to invest this money in Miss Ji’s name?”

The original land purchase was Shen Shu’s responsibility, with Zhong Yu Bai essentially assisting him and agreeing to provide some funding. Now, he took the initiative to buy this relatively expensive yet perfect piece of land, which cost him a fortune.

A tea house unrelated to his own business could be considered an independent venture. Zhong Yu Bai rarely wasted his efforts on pointless tasks, especially when it came to investing time and resources in unrelated directions.

At this moment, he said, “Could it be that you’ve been joking with me all along?”

“Have you discussed it with her?”

Zhong Yu Bai replied, “It’s not too late to discuss it later. Let’s first see how the market goes. If there’s a loss, it’s on me. When we truly profit, then she can be happy.”

However, despite saying this, the possibility of loss was zero.

It was like him giving her a hundred bucks to buy a lottery ticket, allowing her to scratch it. Even if she only made one dollar in the end, it would still be considered a profit to her.

Ji Zhen Tang had no need to worry about this matter at all.

Shen Shu looked at him with a subtle probing gaze, intending to extract some gossip, and said, “You’re thinking quite far ahead.”

Zhong Yu Bai remained silent for a moment, not engaging with him, and said frankly, “Besides me, no one else will plan for her.”

Shen Shu’s face carried a knowing smile, nodding in understanding.

In the business world, friendships were scarce. For Zhong Yu Bai, Shen Shu was one of them.

Why? He was a good person, easy to talk to, free-spirited, indifferent, and sincere. All of these qualities were present, but most importantly, it was about the connection between people, a matter of fate and chemistry.

The same applied to women. Faced with similar beauty and ambition, he could only accept and tolerate one person.

On the way back, Ding Jialing drove ahead, unable to resist asking him why.

Zhong Yu Bai furrowed his brows slightly. “Isn’t it because of her insensitive father?”

Ji Huan’s attitude towards his daughter probably fell into the category of being willing to provide some dowry and considering himself generous.

People’s views and preferences wouldn’t change based on their wealth. Even though he was worth billions, he still portrayed the character of Gelong Tai in front of his daughter.

Zhong Yu Bai didn’t want to dwell on those deeply ingrained and overly outdated things. The cruelty of favoring sons over daughters, rooted deep in his mind, was distant to him. He hoped these things would stay far away from her.

The truth was harsh, so people needed to find ways to soften it.

“Resting in the shade of a big tree may be pleasant, but that tree can’t always be me.”

Zhong Yu Bai said, lowering the back window and looking at the awakening flower branches on both sides of the mountain road, along with the scattered clouds in the clear sky. He continued, “People are the most fickle. Circumstances change, hearts change, even life and death are uncertain. Living for decades, the goal is nothing more than experiencing feelings. Wealth and nobility are experiences, as is loneliness. Few can maintain a lifetime of glory. I can’t see clearly the ups and downs of tomorrow, so while there’s some, I’ll give her a little more.”

His words were profound. It seemed like he was speaking to himself, yet upon closer listening, it didn’t seem so. Ding Jialing listened with only partial understanding, glancing at his boss through the rearview mirror.

Sometimes, he felt that Zhong Yu Bai lived quite burdensomely. But he seemed to have everything. Where was the burden? At this moment, he somewhat found an answer.

There was a faint sense of despondency about him, based on reality, a despair that couldn’t discern right from wrong.

That’s why such a person cared so much about external forces intervening, needing the support of the Bodhisattva to maintain some upward positivity.

“Enjoy the present pleasures.” Zhong Yu Bai summed up his thoughts to Ding Jialing, who was pondering in confusion.

“I understand,” Ding Jialing nodded.

As long as Zhong Yu Bai remained in the Zhong family for a day, sitting in the position of power, his loneliness and despondency would remain unrelieved.

He was a person who lived on the edge, grasping at wealth amidst danger. How long could he hold onto this precarious wealth? It was hard to say.

“Oh, by the way,” Ding Jialing changed the subject, bringing up something interesting, “Is that watch on your wrist painted on?”

Zhong Yu Bai raised an eyebrow, looking at his wrist. “It’s the time for our date.”

He smirked slightly, asking, “Looks good?”

“Oh, it’s painted? I thought it was real,” Ding Jialing was the best at flattery.

Zhong Yu Bai’s smile deepened, and there was a hint of pride in his tone. “We have a little artist at home.”

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