Although this did not seem like something Ji Xu'an would do, Ji Xu'an had already made exceptions for Jiang Jiang before. Once there is a first time, there will be countless times.
Following Xie Xiao's speculation, Jiang Jiang imagined it for a moment. A trace of hesitation appeared on her face. "Probably not."
As soon as her words fell, the phone placed on the washstand suddenly rang. Xie Xiao also looked over.
Jiang Jiang picked it up and saw that it was actually a call from Ji Xu'an.
She did not avoid Xie Xiao. After answering, she even turned on the speaker.
For the first few seconds, only the faint breathing of the two could be heard. In the end, Ji Xu'an was the first to speak. "Are you washing up?"
Although she had not heard the sound of water, when she had knocked on the door just now, Jiang Jiang had not opened it.
Compared to believing that the other woman was unwilling to open the door for her, Ji Xu'an preferred to believe that Jiang Jiang had not heard her.
Jiang Jiang was still wearing the clothes from daytime. She leaned against the sink, her fingertips idly playing with the ends of her hair.
"Mm."
Ji Xu'an seemed to let out a breath of relief. Jiang Jiang could not hear it very clearly, but she could clearly feel that Ji Xu'an's tone had softened considerably and even carried a trace of embarrassment.
"Then I'll wait until you're done washing before I come find you."
Although Ji Xu'an said this, she did not hang up immediately. Jiang Jiang lifted her eyes and met Xie Xiao's gossiping gaze. She lowered her long lashes again, and her cheeks unconsciously flushed red.
"Does Sister need something?"
The empty bathroom amplified Jiang Jiang's voice. The ending note seemed to carry an extra hint of lingering softness, echoing faintly by Ji Xu'an's ear.
Ji Xu'an did not speak. She tilted her head back and looked at the few scattered lights in the distant sky. The coldness between her brows was blown away by the breeze, leaving only a faint trace of tenderness hanging on her face.
Although several walls still separated them, Ji Xu'an seemed to see Jiang Jiang standing right in front of her—her long hair slightly messy, her eyes moist, her neck flushed pink by the steam, water droplets winding down and leaving crystal-clear wet trails.
She closed her eyes briefly and exhaled softly. Turning around, she picked up the glass on the coffee table, took a sip of warm water to moisten her throat, and only then replied, "Mm, I just warmed a cup of milk. Can you still drink it?"
Jiang Jiang did not answer immediately. Instead, she turned on the faucet in front of her. She extended her fingers under the stream, watching the water slip through the gaps between them. Her clear and pleasant voice seemed to be dampened by the mist as well. "After I finish showering, I'll come out and drink it. Is that okay?"
The sound of trickling water easily led one's thoughts astray, especially in an environment that was overly quiet, and especially when Ji Xu'an had only just suppressed certain spring-like images that had surfaced in her mind.
This unknown beauty was like an apple revealed only halfway, luring its prey to step closer and closer into the prepared trap.
Ji Xu'an was not an ignorant girl. She possessed the awareness and desires appropriate to an adult, and the person on the other end of the phone was the girl she liked.
It was difficult for her not to think of certain things.
To prevent herself from losing composure in front of Jiang Jiang, and also to stop this discourteous act of eavesdropping, Ji Xu'an only gave a very soft "Mm," and let Jiang Jiang hang up first.
Jiang Jiang obediently ended the call. At the same time that she put down her phone, she also turned off the faucet.
Xie Xiao had been tightly covering her mouth the entire time, not even daring to breathe loudly.
Only now did she finally lower her hand and chuckle. "Jiang Jiang, were you doing that on purpose just now?"
Clearly, she had done nothing, yet she told Ji Xu'an that she was showering and even turned on the faucet. Hearing the sound of water, Ji Xu'an might very well assume that she was not wearing any clothes at all.
No wonder when the call ended, Xie Xiao had vaguely felt that Ji Xu'an's tone was somewhat stiff.
With an auntie-like smile all over her face, Xie Xiao suddenly felt that this couple was quite shippable. "If you two sleep together again tonight, can Ji Xu'an really hold back?"
Hearing this, Jiang Jiang's face grew even redder. Xie Xiao seemed to see her smile faintly. Just as she was about to gossip a little more, she saw Jiang Jiang extend her hand toward her. The next second, Jiang Jiang's fingertip pressed against the White Jade Linglong Mirror.
"Xiao, I won't talk to you for now. Let's chat next time."
Xie Xiao: ??
She suspected that Jiang Jiang was deliberately avoiding her question.
"Don't! Tell me!"
The corners of Jiang Jiang's lips curved slightly. Her face was pure and harmless, without the slightest hint that she was doing it on purpose.
"Sister is still waiting for me. If I delay too long, she'll become suspicious."
Xie Xiao looked at her unwillingly. Fine. No matter how bold Jiang Jiang might be, her nature was still far more reserved and shy than Xie Xiao's. Late-night adult topics between best friends were out of the question. Jiang Jiang would not tell her.
After putting away the White Jade Linglong Mirror, Jiang Jiang showered as quickly as possible. She wrapped herself in a bath towel and walked out of the bathroom. Only after changing into her pajamas did, she leave her room to look for Ji Xu'an.
Ji Xu'an had just finished washing up as well. She was sitting on the living room sofa looking at her phone. A grayish-purple long-sleeved silk pajama set completely wrapped her figure. The exposed neck and wrists were dazzlingly pale, reflecting a different kind of sheen under the light.
Jiang Jiang's steps paused slightly. "Sister."
Ji Xu'an turned her head to glance at her, then stood up and walked toward her. As she approached, Jiang Jiang caught a fresh and sweet scent, very different from the body wash Ji Xu'an usually used.
She could not help wrinkling her nose and sniffing twice. "Did Sister change body wash?"
Ji Xu'an stopped in front of Jiang Jiang. The fruity fragrance became even more obvious. Jiang Jiang was still thinking about what words to use to describe the scent and did not notice the fleeting unnatural expression on Ji Xu'an's face.
"Mm. Does it not smell good?" Ji Xu'an asked softly.
Jiang Jiang shook her head. "It smells very nice. It's like fully ripened grapes."
It just felt like this kind of scent was not something Ji Xu'an would normally use. But Jiang Jiang liked it very much.
Ji Xu'an lifted her hand and brushed her long hair back. When her fingertips grazed the back of her neck, the grape fragrance grew even stronger.
She went to the kitchen, brought out the warmed milk, and handed it to Jiang Jiang. "Drink something warm. You'll sleep better tonight."
Jiang Jiang drank it all in front of her. Ji Xu'an leaned quietly against the dining table watching her. After Jiang Jiang finished, Ji Xu'an naturally took the empty glass from her hand and even passed her a tissue.
"Sister, I'll wash it." Jiang Jiang followed her into the kitchen.
"It's fine." Ji Xu'an rinsed the milk residue clinging to the glass wall. When she lowered her eyes, her expression was serious, filled with meticulous focus.
Jiang Jiang felt embarrassed to just leave like that. She waited beside her. Only after Ji Xu'an placed the cleaned glass back in its original spot did she say goodnight.
"It's getting late. Sister should rest early too."
She truly had no intention of inviting Ji Xu'an to sleep together.
Ji Xu'an called out to her when Jiang Jiang reached the bedroom door. Jiang Jiang turned back. Ji Xu'an stood not far from her, her thick lashes half-lowered, her voice low and gentle. "Jiang Jiang, can I sleep in your room tonight?"
Jiang Jiang's first reaction upon hearing this was that if Xie Xiao found out Ji Xu'an could say something like this, she would probably be so excited that she would scream.
Hadn't Xie Xiao just been guessing whether Ji Xu'an would knock on her door in the middle of the night?
Unexpectedly, before midnight even arrived, Ji Xu'an had already taken the initiative to ask to sleep with Jiang Jiang.
So was that cup of milk just now only meant to lead into this sentence?
Before Jiang Jiang could respond, Ji Xu'an added softly, "If it's inconvenient, then forget it."
Jiang Jiang carefully studied Ji Xu'an's face. Her complexion did not look bad, but the exhaustion in her eyes was difficult to ignore.
"It's not inconvenient. Sister, come in."
As she spoke, Jiang Jiang stepped aside to let Ji Xu'an enter first.
After Ji Xu'an went in, Jiang Jiang casually closed the door. Neither of them spoke. The atmosphere suddenly felt somewhat heavy.
Ji Xu'an wanted to ask Jiang Jiang why she was unhappy. But the two of them had never made any explicit promises before. She could not link Jiang Jiang not letting her in earlier with Jiang Jiang being in a bad mood, so she could only swallow her doubts back down.
On the surface, Jiang Jiang's behavior seemed no different from before. Her attitude toward Ji Xu'an was not cold either. Yet Ji Xu'an simply felt that something was off. It was not until the two lay on the same bed that she understood why.
Jiang Jiang was not as proactive as before.
If previously it had always been Jiang Jiang persuading Ji Xu'an to stay, then tonight sharing the same bed was something Ji Xu'an had asked for herself. Her emotions were slightly complicated, as if she suddenly understood something.
Jiang Jiang would not always take the initiative. If she wanted to break through their current relationship with Jiang Jiang, she could no longer wait as she had before for Jiang Jiang to approach her.
Thinking of this, Ji Xu'an used the motion of tucking in the blanket as cover and subtly shifted a few inches closer to Jiang Jiang.
She recalled that just last night Jiang Jiang had held her arm while sleeping, and when they woke in the morning, they had even been tightly embracing each other. Yet tonight, she could not even brush against the hem of Jiang Jiang's clothes.
A sense of loss rose in Ji Xu'an's heart.
Jiang Jiang, however, seemed to feel none of this. Her breathing soon became steady, clearly indicating that she had already fallen asleep.
Ji Xu'an kept her eyes open and waited. It was rare for her to have insomnia. In her mind, she repeatedly replayed everything that had happened today. Which of her actions had made Jiang Jiang unhappy?
After an unknown amount of time, Ji Xu'an still had no answer. She let out a very soft breath and was just about to close her eyes and try to summon sleep when the person beside her suddenly turned over to face her. Their soft and warm bodies were now only a palm's width apart.
Ji Xu'an hardly needed any time to think before she reached her hand over. Her arm gently rested around Jiang Jiang's waist. The last bit of distance between them disappeared under Ji Xu'an's initiative.
Only after holding Jiang Jiang in her arms did Ji Xu'an finally feel somewhat at ease. Her mind, which had been unusually awake just moments before, gradually stopped thinking. She closed her eyes and soon fell into deep sleep.
Only after Ji Xu'an had completely fallen asleep did Jiang Jiang slowly open her eyes. There was no trace of drowsiness in them, only endless contemplation.
—
While the feelings between the two were gradually changing, He Xinyao in the hospital lay awake alone.
After a day of waiting, Zheng Zhouzhou had finally replied to her message. But it was not Zheng Zhouzhou herself who responded; it was one of her staff members who contacted He Xinyao.
The other party said that Zheng Zhouzhou was very busy and did not have the convenience to reply personally. He Xinyao believed it.
He Xinyao had failed to obtain the recording and had nearly offended Ji Xu'an. Now she was panicking, not knowing what to do.
The staff member had subtly mocked her several times, making He Xinyao furious. But thinking that she had indeed messed things up, she could only swallow her resentment.
At the same time, however, He Xinyao secretly swore that she would accomplish something major and make Zheng Zhouzhou look at her in a new light.
The chat between her and the staff member was not very long. Most of the time, she was the one talking, while the other party remained vague. But in the end, whether intentionally or not, the other party revealed a piece of information to He Xinyao.
Liang Junsheng was also in this hospital.
However, his ward was guarded twenty-four hours a day by police and bodyguards. It was very difficult for ordinary people to approach.
Even so, upon hearing this news, He Xinyao was overjoyed.
This was exactly what it meant by searching everywhere only to find it effortlessly in the end!
She had gone to such lengths to lure Xie Xiao, all to take advantage of the recent news and ruin Xie Xiao's reputation.
But if she could approach Liang Junsheng and obtain his personal admission, would that not be far more useful than Xie Xiao's words?!
He Xinyao believed that compared to her, Liang Junsheng's hatred toward Xie Xiao would only be greater. At that time, she would not even need to coerce or tempt him. Liang Junsheng would cooperate with her of his own accord.
What netizens loved most was a reversal of events. Even if everything Liang Junsheng said was false, people would still be very interested.
At that point, would she still have to worry about being unable to retaliate against Xie Xiao?
Once He Xinyao conceived this idea, she immediately felt restless, wishing she could rush to Liang Junsheng's ward at once.
But she still had some sense. She knew that with Liang Junsheng's status, if she acted rashly, she might not only fail to approach him, but might even be arrested as an accomplice.
Forcibly suppressing her excitement, He Xinyao began inquiring about Liang Junsheng's situation both openly and secretly.
If one were to say who knew the most about the people in a hospital, it would certainly be those who worked there. Even an inconspicuous little nurse knew many things that ordinary people did not.
Even if Ji Xu'an were capable no matter how powerful she was, could she really shut everyone's mouths?
He Xinyao was willing to spend money, and the questions she asked were not considered very private. Under heavy monetary temptation, she truly managed to pry out quite a bit of information.
He Xinyao temporarily had two plans.
The best-case scenario was that she could personally meet Liang Junsheng once. If that did not work, she would have someone record a segment of Liang Junsheng's own statement for her. As long as it could prove that all of this was Xie Xiao's doing, that would be enough.
Both of these plans had one common prerequisite: she had to bribe someone who could be of help.
After putting in some effort, He Xinyao finally got in touch with a nurse responsible for changing Liang Junsheng's medication.
She offered three hundred thousand, asking the other party to help her obtain the recording. The nurse, however, refused her without hesitation, the reason being that three hundred thousand was not enough to make her offend Ji Xu'an.
He Xinyao was furious. Inside the hospital room, she smashed things like crazy. "Bitch! Three hundred thousand still isn't enough!"
Her allowance now had less than one million left. After this, she still had to support Zheng Zhouzhou's merchandise and endorsement products; she could not spend all her money on this matter.
He Xinyao could not help but call her family again to ask for money. Her parents, who had always doted on her, refused her this time.
"Yaoyao, not long ago you just asked us for one hundred thousand. The allowance we give you is already not little. Mom and Dad buy you the clothes and bags you like. Spend less money on chasing idols," Mother He advised earnestly.
He Xinyao hung up before she finished speaking. They simply did not understand her at all!
And they still said she was forever the little princess of the family—yet they were unwilling to give her even this small amount of money.
He Xinyao bit her finger and added another one hundred thousand.
[Four hundred thousand. You just need to help me ask him one question. Don't worry. As long as your voice isn't recorded, Ji Xu'an won't find out!]
The other party did not reply to her message. In anger, He Xinyao smashed her phone as well.
But she did not know that the nurse immediately told the bodyguard sent by Ji Xu'an about this matter. The bodyguard did not dare to be careless and immediately contacted Ji Xu'an.
To be honest, Ji Xu'an was not surprised at He Xinyao's plan at all. In fact, as early as when she learned that the counselor had sent He Xinyao to this hospital, Ji Xu'an had already guessed that He Xinyao would do this.
Because even before the bodyguard called her, Ji Xu'an had already received the audio file sent by Secretary Zhao.
Secretary Zhao's efficiency in handling matters was indeed very high. Ji Xu'an had asked him to find a way to obtain the contents of the voice recorder, and not long after, he handled the matter beautifully.
After listening to the contents in the recorder regarding that night, Ji Xu'an immediately thought of Zheng Zhouzhou.
There were not many people who knew that Jiang Jiang was the other party involved in the news, and Zheng Zhouzhou just happened to be one of them.
Moreover, she had always disliked Jiang Jiang. Jiang Jiang had also said she could feel that Zheng Zhouzhou was intentionally or unintentionally targeting her. Added to that was Zheng Zhouzhou's strange "precognitive" ability regarding the future…
So Ji Xu'an asked Secretary Zhao to investigate from another angle, to see whether He Xinyao had the habit of chasing idols. Secretary Zhao agreed, but for the time being had not yet given her a reply.
If it was truly confirmed that He Xinyao was connected to Zheng Zhouzhou, this time Ji Xu'an would absolutely not let Zheng Zhouzhou off lightly again.
This person was like an indestructible cockroach, filled from head to toe with strangeness. Ji Xu'an had to have someone keep a close watch on her.
By comparison, He Xinyao was much easier to deal with. For example, at this very moment, Ji Xu'an was preparing to find an opportunity to deal with her, and He Xinyao had delivered herself right to the muzzle of the gun.
Earlier, when Jiang Jiang heard Ji Xu'an say "Don't bother with her" in the study, that was what Ji Xu'an had said to the nurse.
Ji Xu'an's original words were, "Leave her hanging for two days first. After she raises the price a bit higher, then agree to her."
The nurse felt uneasy, but still followed Ji Xu'an's instructions and waited two days without replying to He Xinyao.
He Xinyao was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. From Zheng Zhouzhou's staff, she learned that Ji Xu'an would be going to City B on a business trip over the weekend, and Xie Xiao would also be going along.
He Xinyao thought that she had to seize this opportunity to quickly obtain Liang Junsheng's exculpatory recording.
These past two days she had sent many messages to that nurse, even raising the price to six hundred thousand. In the end, the other party finally relented and agreed to meet her.
As soon as they met, the other party did not waste words and went straight to the point.
"I won't help you ask, but I can secretly take you in. Whatever you want to do, you'll do it yourself."
"If this matter is discovered, I will push all responsibility onto you. You cannot drag me down with you."
He Xinyao gritted her teeth and agreed. "Fine."
This result was even better than she had expected. At least she could personally see Liang Junsheng.
The nurse nodded and glanced warily at the door. "Tomorrow I'll bring a spare set of work clothes for you. Tomorrow night, change into them and come in with me."
Upon hearing this, He Xinyao's heart pounded rapidly. Doing something bad right under Ji Xu'an's nose made her both nervous and excited, while at the same time filling her with a tragic sense of sacrificing herself for her idol.
After the matter happened, given Ji Xu'an's vindictive personality, she most likely would not let her off easily. But it did not matter. As long as she could help Zhouzhou get rid of Xie Xiao, all her sacrifices would be worth it!
By then, Zhouzhou would definitely realize that she was the one who loved her most in this world. Only she was willing to devote everything of herself for Zhouzhou!
At this moment, He Xinyao was already moved beyond measure by the scenes she had imagined herself, completely forgetting that Zheng Zhouzhou was now unwilling even to personally reply to her messages. Nor did she consider in the slightest what kind of blow her family would suffer if Ji Xu'an truly decided to retaliate against her.
He Xinyao was immersed in self-moved emotion, thinking only about how happy Zhouzhou would be after success, completely unable to recall what consequences she herself would bear if she failed.
She was looking forward to tomorrow night's arrival, while Jiang Jiang had already boarded the plane with Ji Xu'an.
This was Jiang Jiang's first time taking a plane. She was reluctant even to blink, following behind Ji Xu'an like a curious baby the entire time.
There were several other people traveling together as well. Jiang Jiang only politely greeted everyone at the beginning, and afterward directed her attention elsewhere. However, those few people would glance at Jiang Jiang from time to time, the gossip in their eyes nearly overflowing.
So this was the boss's girlfriend?
Last time they had not seen her in person, only heard people talking about her in the company group chat. They had not expected the real person to look like this.
That face was bright and striking enough, yet one could still faintly see a bit of baby fat, inexplicably giving her a somewhat youthful air, as though she had not fully grown into her features yet.
In addition, Jiang Jiang did not like heavy makeup. Her usual makeup was light; even her lipstick was in gentle shades, making her look even younger.
Walking together with Ji Xu'an, they were completely different styles, yet not abrupt. Because in front of Jiang Jiang, Ji Xu'an would always restrain her imposing aura. Even when speaking, she would slightly lower her head to accommodate Jiang Jiang, causing several subordinates to marvel.
Sure enough, no matter how decisive and vigorous someone usually was, once she was in love, she would be gentle and attentive.
Secretary Zhao bought first-class tickets for Ji Xu'an and Jiang Jiang. The others were not sitting with them. Seeing this, Jiang Jiang did not ask further.
Everything before boarding was normal. When Jiang Jiang and Ji Xu'an walked one after the other into the waiting lounge, Ji Xu'an, who was walking ahead, suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong, Sister?"
Jiang Jiang poked her head out from behind Ji Xu'an, only to meet a pair of familiar eyes.
"Jiang Jiang!" Fu Xiaoyin waved at her cheerfully. "What a coincidence. I didn't expect we'd meet here."
Jiang Jiang instinctively looked at Ji Xu'an's expression. Sure enough, Ji Xu'an's face was indifferent. Not only did she use half her body to block Jiang Jiang, she also switched the suitcase she had been pulling with her left hand to her right, completely separating Jiang Jiang from Fu Xiaoyin.
Fu Xiaoyin curled her lips. "Is it necessary to guard against me like I'm a thief?"
"If I remember correctly, Manager Fu does not seem to be on leave these two days." Ji Xu'an had Jiang Jiang sit on the sofa at the other side, while she herself sat between Jiang Jiang and Fu Xiaoyin.
"I took leave." Fu Xiaoyin smiled, revealing a mouthful of white teeth. "I applied this afternoon. President Ji might not have seen my leave request yet, but I think President Ji will approve it."
Ji Xu'an's expression was cold. "Is that so."
"Anyway, I'm already here. If it really doesn't work out, President Ji, you can just deduct my salary." Fu Xiaoyin shrugged, completely ignoring Ji Xu'an's indifferent attitude.
She admitted she had deliberately followed them. Originally, another colleague happened to be on leave these two days, and this time she should have been the one accompanying Ji Xu'an on the business trip. Who knew Ji Xu'an would choose someone else instead.
At first, Fu Xiaoyin could not understand why. Later, after secretly inquiring and learning that Jiang Jiang would also be going, she understood Ji Xu'an's intention.
Wasn't it just that Ji Xu'an was afraid she would poach her girlfriend?
Fu Xiaoyin secretly rolled her eyes. She had not intended to do that at first, but who would have thought that Ji Xu'an would guard against her like this.
Instead, Fu Xiaoyin's rebellious streak was provoked. She insisted on coming along!
Didn't Ji Xu'an want to use work time to fall in love?
No way!
The atmosphere in the waiting lounge was not pleasant. Fu Xiaoyin kept finding topics to chat with Jiang Jiang. Ji Xu'an could not stuff a rag into her mouth, so she could only sit to the side with a stiff expression, practically writing I'm unhappy across her face.
Although Jiang Jiang was listening to Fu Xiaoyin most of the time, she did not completely ignore Ji Xu'an.
Among the snacks prepared in the lounge, there was a brand of chips that Jiang Jiang particularly liked. She ate two pieces herself, then picked up one and held it to Ji Xu'an's lips.
"Sister, you should try some too."
Fu Xiaoyin, who had been chattering nonstop, suddenly seemed as though someone had grabbed her by the throat. She widened her eyes at this scene, feeling that her presence was extremely superfluous.
Ji Xu'an also froze for a moment. She lifted her eyes toward Jiang Jiang. Jiang Jiang was looking at her with full expectation, her black-and-white almond eyes clearly reflecting Ji Xu'an's figure.
Ji Xu'an's originally restless mood was instantly soothed. A smile appeared on her face. Her thin lips parted slightly as she bit into the chip Jiang Jiang was feeding her.
This chip was a bit large. Ji Xu'an only bit off half. Her gaze remained fixed steadily on Jiang Jiang's face. Jiang Jiang's face turned red unconsciously. She pressed her lips together and instinctively withdrew her hand.
The remaining half of the chip in her hand felt like a hot potato. Jiang Jiang did not know what came over her. She stared at the broken edge of the chip for a moment, then suddenly stuffed it into her own mouth.
Ji Xu'an paused at first, then silently lowered her gaze. The fingers resting on her lap curled slightly.
Jiang Jiang's face instantly flushed scarlet. It was as if she only realized what she had done after doing it. With the half chip in her mouth, she could neither swallow nor spit it out. Her entire body stiffened.
The two who had been leaning close together so naturally just now suddenly became restrained, like two strangers who did not know each other, not even letting their eyes meet for a moment.
Feeling the strange atmosphere in the waiting lounge, Fu Xiaoyin gradually figured something out.
Wait, weren't the two of them fiancées?
Why were they still this innocent?
It wasn't even really an indirect kiss, yet it made both of them blush and unable to look at each other.
Fu Xiaoyin could not help thinking, if it were truly a mouth-to-mouth kiss, would these two faint on the spot?
What to do, she was suddenly a little expectant.
Should she give them a push?
—
T/N: If you're enjoying this translation, feel free to check out my Patreon. If you're unable to support financially, you can still subscribe for free and receive chapters two hours earlier, along with updates and announcements. Paid tiers offer early access and daily chapters.
Thank you so much for reading!
patreon.com/Baenz