Yi Hansheng picked up a dish for Jiang Fuyue. “This one’s delicious. Try it.”
Ling Qingzhou followed suit. “This one’s not bad either.”
Xie Dingyuan, sitting across from her, reached for the sweet-and-sour ribs closest to him and said with great poise, “Too far from you. I’m worried you can’t reach.”
Uhh…
Jiang Fuyue wanted to say—she’d tasted everything on the table before any of them.
And if she really wanted something, she could reach across the whole table if needed.
“Uh… You guys eat your food, no need to fuss over me. You’re the guests today—make sure you eat and drink well.”
Only then did the three men stop their competitive food-offering.
Looking at the towering stack of dishes in front of her, Jiang Fuyue had zero appetite, just a pounding headache.
Seriously, what’s gotten into them all?
Once the meal was finally over, Ling Qingzhou and Yi Hansheng, both busy men, were interrupted by calls throughout the meal and really couldn’t stay longer.
As Jiang Fuyue walked them out, Xie Dingyuan stood shoulder to shoulder with her.
At first glance, they looked like the classic host couple seeing guests off.
Ling Qingzhou’s gaze dimmed slightly.
Yi Hansheng immediately said, “President Xie, you’re not leaving?”
“You two big shots are busy. I’m just a free man—might as well stick around a bit longer.”
Ling and Yi exchanged a look: this brat.
Xie Dingyuan smiled faintly. “Well then, I won’t bother walking you out.”
Yi Hansheng raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t that be Yueyue’s line?”
Yueyue…
That nickname made Xie Dingyuan frown slightly.
Yi Hansheng, satisfied, puffed up like a proud rooster, strutted off with his feathers metaphorically fluffed.
Ling Qingzhou gave a warm smile. “Tianxing Plaza belongs to Mingji Real Estate. The Ling Group is a major shareholder of Mingji. If you need help with anything going forward, just say the word. Between us…”
He paused, noticing the brat’s face turning visibly darker, and for some reason, he felt inexplicably pleased.
Ling Qingzhou continued with a slightly broader smile, “There’s no need to be formal.”
Jiang Fuyue nodded.
Indeed, there was no need to be formal with Yi Hansheng and Ling Qingzhou. You could tell from their cooperation during the demolition of the Mingxin building—she never treated them as outsiders.
“The weather’s turning cold—make sure to stay warm and don’t catch a cold,” he added before walking away with unhurried steps.
Soon, the Bentley and Rolls-Royce drove off.
Jiang Fuyue turned to head back into the store—
And ran straight into a warm chest.
“?”
Just a moment ago, Xie Dingyuan was still standing beside her. How did he suddenly end up behind her?
Without any warning, she bumped right into him. Even at 173 cm, she barely reached his upper chest—somewhere between his Adam’s apple and sternum.
She could feel the heat of his breath brushing her skin, like a sudden wave of warmth.
Out of reflex, she took a step back, but before she could move away, a large hand grabbed her wrist and firmly pulled her back.
With that, Jiang Fuyue landed squarely in his arms.
The subtle scent of neroli and amber wrapped around her. Xie Dingyuan’s nostrils flared slightly, his Adam’s apple bobbing, heart beating faster with a subtle restlessness.
“You…”
“You…”
They spoke at the same time, and simultaneously looked up.
Eyes locked—
Xie Dingyuan: “Are you okay?”
Jiang Fuyue: “Did I hurt you when I bumped into you?”
They both shook their heads at the same time.
“Nope.”
That unspoken chemistry? Unmatched.
“You’re not heading back to the lab?” she asked.
“Not in a rush. I can stay a bit longer.”
“?” Since when did Xie Dingyuan enjoy hanging out outside?
As if sensing her unspoken question, the man gave a slight cough and explained, “It’s good to get some fresh air now and then.”
