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After much careful consideration, Xu Heng dialed Qi Zhengchen’s number.
Back when Qi confessed his feelings for Xu Heng’s sister, he was somewhat in the loop. That night, his sister had left the house full of joy, only to return with red, swollen eyes. She was so upset that she couldn’t even enjoy her birthday celebration the next day.
At first, Xu Heng thought it was just a minor spat between them and didn’t think much of it.
For more than half a year, Qi Zhengchen hadn’t approached Zhiyi, or at least, Xu Heng hadn’t seen him around when he was there. Eventually, his sister stopped playing badminton. After Xu Heng pressed her repeatedly, she finally admitted that their second brother had confessed his feelings to her.
Men value their pride, and being rejected is not something they want everyone to know. So, Xu Heng acted as if he was unaware.
It wasn’t until Qi Zhengchen suddenly got married that Xu Heng invited him out for a meal. Playing dumb, he asked what was really going on between him and Zhiyi. That was when Qi confessed everything.
Once you let yourself fall, it’s easy to be trapped in a cycle of pain.
Because Qi had once treated Zhiyi so well, Xu Heng felt the urge to help him out. Normally, he wouldn’t meddle in other people’s business, especially when it came to someone making a mess of themselves over feelings. But when it involved Zhiyi, it was hard for him to stand by and do nothing.
Zhiyi was different from his other siblings, probably because they shared the same bloodline. They even had the same picky eating habits.
They also shared similar interests.
Their parents and Xu Ningwei could never understand it—what was so fascinating about watching cars race in circles, where you could barely tell one car from another? But explaining the thrill of an F1 race to them was pointless, because their joys and sorrows were worlds apart.
However, Zhiyi understood. She could feel the same adrenaline rush watching the Grand Prix. Sometimes, they would stay up late talking about race teams at home.
“What’s up?”
The call connected, and from the sound of it, Qi Zhengchen was in a pretty good mood.
Xu Heng didn’t beat around the bush. “Wanna come meet my sister’s boyfriend?”
“Which… sister’s boyfriend?”
“How many sisters do I have?”
After a brief silence, Qi asked, “Zhiyi has a boyfriend?”
Xu Heng replied, “Almost. She’s going to Madrid for a concert with him.”
“Zhiyi’s already gone?”
“Not yet. She’s on a work trip to London with Jiang Sixun. Once they finish the project, she’ll fly straight to Madrid. I haven’t met this guy yet, so I figured it’s a good time to check him out. You in?”
It wasn’t that Qi Zhengchen was backing down, but he hesitated. “Does your sister’s boyfriend… have the last name Jiang?”
“Jiang? You know something?”
Qi felt a sharp pang in his chest. “It’s really Jiang Shenghe?” His voice sounded distant, almost like it wasn’t his own.
Xu Heng chuckled, amused. “You think you know everything, huh? No, it’s not Jiang Shenghe. Zhiyi said he’s three years older than her, so why would it be him?”
Qi wiped the sweat from his brow and quickly asked, “She said he’s three years older?”
“Yeah.”
Qi swallowed and breathed a sigh of relief. If the guy was only three years older, then it couldn’t be his best friend. It all made sense now—Jiang Sixun had been unusually calm lately, probably because he knew Zhiyi was about to start dating. No wonder he’d mentioned that if something were to happen with Shang Yun, the guy wouldn’t care about titles anymore.
Xu Heng patiently asked, “So, are you coming or not?”
“I’m coming.” Qi wanted to see what kind of person this guy was.
—
Meanwhile, in London.
As Jiang Sixun drove past the same restaurant where he had earlier spotted his father and Shen Qingfeng, they were still sitting there.
He asked the driver to pull over and rolled down the window. He then dialed Lu Jianbo’s number, watching as his father glanced at the caller ID, silenced the phone, and flipped it facedown on the table.
The ringing stopped, but Jiang Sixun called again.
Lu Jianbo never received back-to-back calls from his son, so eventually, he picked up, feeling uneasy.
“What is it?”
Jiang’s voice was calm as he gazed out the window. “Nothing urgent. Just wondering if you’re familiar with the paparazzi in Hong Kong.”
“What do you need paparazzi for?”
“To sell a few photos, make some extra cash.”
Lu Jianbo, sharp as ever, glanced at the roadside and locked eyes with his son. Selling photos? That was a threat.
No one had ever managed to threaten Lu Jianbo before.
“I’ve got plenty of contacts for paparazzi studios. Want some?”
The battle of wills between father and son was never one where Jiang Sixun would back down. “The more, the better.”
“Wait, I’ll send them over.” Lu Jianbo’s chest tightened as he hung up.
That brat was going to drive him mad.
Shen Qingfeng noticed Jiang’s car as well and smiled faintly. “Your son, he’s got a temper just like yours.”
“If my son isn’t like me, who else would he take after?”
As Lu Jianbo scrolled through his messages, he found old contacts from paparazzi asking him for gossip. The requests had lessened in recent years, but back when the family’s eldest son announced his marriage, and word got out that Shen Qingfeng was his wife, Lu’s phone had nearly exploded with messages.
He forwarded five numbers to his son, his irritation clear in the message: “Is that enough? If not, I’ll find more!”
Jiang Sixun responded: “That’ll do. When I get the money from selling the photos, I’ll give you half.”
Lu Jianbo resisted the urge to smash his phone.
He cared about very few people, but that brat ranked number one, and it was infuriating.
Shen Qingfeng elegantly set her coffee cup down and smiled. “Why don’t you explain to Sixun that I’m the one who approached you first?”
Lu Jianbo’s tone was indifferent. “That’s between me and my son. No need for you to worry.”
Shen smiled, unfazed by his sharp words. She watched as Jiang’s car pulled away. “I should’ve had a child back then. They’d probably be just like you.”
Watching her son, who resembled him so much, Shen Qingfeng felt a pang of jealousy towards Jiang Yue Ru. During the two years after his divorce, when they were entangled, she tried everything but couldn’t get pregnant. She even started to doubt whether she could have children.
Lu Jianbo had once told her, “It’s impossible for us to have children.”
Shen Qingfeng’s expression shifted momentarily but quickly returned to a smile. She chose not to delve into the meaning behind his words. “That’s all in the past. No need to bring it up.”
Her phone buzzed incessantly in her bag. She pulled it out and read the messages from her secretary, who was in the nearby café and had seen Jiang Sixun.
President Shen, Jiang Sixun might have taken photos.
He already has a grudge against you. Could he be planning to give the photos to the media?
She had come to have afternoon tea with Lu Jianbo to get photos to show Lu Jianliang that his youngest brother was still hung up on her.
Men are often so fickle, especially those from the Lu family. What they don’t cherish today might become a treasure tomorrow if someone else shows interest.
She might even send the photos to Jiang Yue Ru. Even after thirty years, Jiang Yue Ru remained a thorn in her side.
Shen Qingfeng only ever loved money, ever since she was a teenager. The only man she had ever truly cared about was Lu Jianbo. Back then, she had thought that once they parted ways, Lu Jianbo would surely find a new lover. After all, it was almost impossible for a man who had lived in the whirlwind of relationships to stay faithful.
But she hadn’t expected him to give up the Lu family’s enormous fortune and head to Wall Street alone, founding Yuanwei Capital, the same name as his ex-wife’s company.
Of course, she hadn’t remained single either, dating only the wealthy or influential. Yet, her heart remained unsatisfied.
She instructed her secretary: [Hold off on sending the photos for now. Let’s see what happens with Jiang Sixun.]
Meanwhile…
Jiang Sixun forwarded the paparazzi contacts to his bodyguard and instructed him to leak the photos after he finished accompanying Zhiyi to the concert. For now, he didn’t have time to deal with it.
“Make sure to include my name when you leak them.”
The bodyguard hesitated. “Mr. Jiang, isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”
“There’s nothing inappropriate about it. If I’m doing it, I’ll own up to it,” Jiang Sixun replied confidently.
The afternoon meeting, which was supposed to start at 3 PM, ended up finishing around 6 PM. Unexpectedly, the negotiations went smoothly, and the other party decided on the spot to sign the letter of intent.
After the signing, there was a celebratory dinner, and Jiang Sixun didn’t leave the banquet until almost 10 PM.
“Sorry for making you dine alone tonight,” he apologized to Xu Zhiyi.
Xu Zhiyi smiled. “I’m happy to eat alone. You’re making money for Yuanwei Capital. I’ll get my bonus at the end of the year.”
She asked, “Was the dinner over so quickly?”
Jiang Sixun replied, “I didn’t want you to wait too long. I also wanted to see you as soon as possible.”
“……”
Perhaps it was his vibrant shirts and the Lu family’s genes that gave him a charming, flirtatious aura. His sweet talk sounded perfectly natural coming from him.
Xu Zhiyi chose to remain silent, pretending she didn’t hear.
Jiang Sixun chuckled. “I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes.”
Xu Zhiyi had already changed into her outfit and was waiting for him downstairs.
He arrived twelve minutes earlier than expected, and as soon as she got into the car, the interior light was off. “Shall we head straight to the bar?”
“Do you want a late-night snack? If not, we’ll go straight to the bar.”
“I’m not hungry.”
The driver turned the car around and headed to the bar.
Jiang Sixun apologized, “I didn’t have time to change clothes.”
He had promised to wear a shirt matching her outfit, but in the rush, he was still in the suit and shirt from the afternoon meeting.
“What color are you wearing now?” he asked, turning on the reading light.
Xu Zhiyi looked down at her outfit. “It’s like a dusty pink?”
She wasn’t entirely sure; all her clothes were custom-made by He Yi’an.
The design was unique: from the waist up, it was an embroidered, sheer, deep-V gown with a few stitches adorned with pink gems. However, the bottom wasn’t a skirt. He Yi’an had asked the designer to modify it into a jumpsuit for practicality, preventing any embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions outdoors.
Jiang Sixun avoided looking too closely at her curvaceous figure, turned off the reading light, and changed the subject. “How many outfits did you bring?”
Xu Zhiyi answered, “Two suitcases full of clothes.”
“Then I don’t have as many as you.”
“……”
Xu Zhiyi turned her gaze out the window, choosing not to respond.
Jiang Sixun smiled and handed her a bottle of water.
They hadn’t had their fill the last time they were at the bar, so Xu Zhiyi ordered four cocktails tonight.
Jiang Sixun suggested, “How about three cocktails to start, and we can add more if you want?”
He added, “It’s not like there won’t be other opportunities. I’ll take you here often in the future.”
Xu Zhiyi hesitated between four and three cocktails. She didn’t feel much after having three last time.
In the dim bar, where you had to be close to see someone’s face clearly, Jiang Sixun held her neck and kissed her softly, nibbling on her lips. “How about just three?”
It was clear that lust had clouded Xu Zhiyi’s judgment when she realized she had nodded in agreement.
As Jiang Sixun released her and prepared to head back to the bar for more drinks, Xu Zhiyi wrapped her arms around his waist.
Startled by the unexpected embrace, Jiang Sixun stiffened momentarily.
Xu Zhiyi steadied her breath and looked up at him. “Four drinks, is that okay?”
Jiang Sixun swallowed hard, conceding, “Alright.” Almost instinctively, he placed one hand on her soft waist and wrapped the other around her shoulders, finally holding the woman he had dreamt about in his arms.
He leaned in and kissed her tenderly, savoring her lips.
Xu Zhiyi’s breathing was no longer her own. The dim lighting gave her courage, and she stood on tiptoe, managing to press a kiss to his lips.
Jiang Sixun’s body temperature soared. Feeling the change, he quickly released her, stepping back a couple of paces.
“Four drinks. No more after that.”
“I won’t ask for more.”
“Drink slowly. Not like last time.”
“Got it.”
Their conversation continued as if nothing unusual had happened.
Xu Zhiyi rested her chin on her hand, holding a beautiful, transparent glass.
Tonight, the bar was quieter than usual, lacking the lively atmosphere of her previous visit, but her world was bustling with excitement.
As she sipped her drink, she tilted her head and watched him.
Noticing her gaze, Jiang Sixun asked, “What are you thinking about?”
Xu Zhiyi replied, “I’m wondering what it would be like to date you.”
“Isn’t this dating?”
“When I first saw you, my instinct was to discuss work.”
Jiang Sixun chuckled, understanding that she was subtly hinting that their relationship still felt like a professional one.
People began trickling into the bar, many wearing hoodies and hats, indicating it was raining outside.
Having finished her third drink, Xu Zhiyi cherished her fourth, sipping it slowly. “Did you bring an umbrella?”
“No need for an umbrella.”
“Aren’t you worried about getting your expensive suit wet?”
“I’ll shield you from the rain.”
They seemed to be talking past each other, but both understood the underlying meaning.
After finishing the last cocktail, Jiang Sixun expected her to be tipsy and drowsy, so he planned to carry her to the car. However, she put down her glass and appeared perfectly normal.
Jiang Sixun stared at her. “Aren’t you tired?”
Xu Zhiyi shook her head. “Not at all.”
“You were so exhausted last time, you could hardly keep your eyes open.”
“That was because I hadn’t slept well.”
“Does alcohol have nothing to do with it?”
“Nope.”
Without further discussion, Jiang Sixun took off his suit jacket and handed it to her.
Xu Zhiyi accepted the jacket, grateful for its lingering warmth, and put it on.
Outside the bar, the wind was strong, and the rain was a light drizzle.
The rain was just enough to make you question whether or not to use an umbrella.
Jiang Sixun asked, “Do you still see me as a boss?”
Xu Zhiyi hesitated for a few seconds.
Before she could answer, Jiang Sixun picked her up in his arms, gazing into her eyes. “Do you still see me that way?”
Xu Zhiyi’s heart raced. In the moment her mind went blank, he kissed her again, his lips lingering on hers as he asked, “Still?”
Xu Zhiyi wrapped her arms around his neck. “If I don’t answer, will you just keep holding me?”
“Hmm.”
So she remained silent.
Jiang Sixun laughed, holding her tightly in his jacket, occasionally bending down to kiss her.
They walked a considerable distance before Jiang Sixun looked up and realized there were no cars ahead.
Xu Zhiyi came back to her senses and helped him find the car, only to see it was far behind them.
The driver and bodyguard were quietly waiting in the car. Seeing their boss pass by without any sign of stopping, they didn’t say anything.
After all, the rain wasn’t too heavy.
…
The next day, they flew to Madrid.
The bodyguard stayed behind to keep an eye on Shen Qingfeng’s movements.
Xu Zhiyi asked about the missing bodyguard.
Jiang Sixun, not wanting to mention Shen Qingfeng, simply said, “I gave him a few days off.”
They arrived in Madrid in the afternoon. After checking in, they each took their luggage to their rooms. Their suite was on the same floor, with a terrace offering a stunning view of Madrid and a beautiful sunset.
Jiang Sixun called her, asking what color she would be wearing. “I’ll match your color scheme.”
Xu Zhiyi joked, “I’m wearing pink. Do you have anything to match?”
Jiang Sixun replied, “I do. Pink it is.”
“…” She had a pink, golden-embroidered halter gown in her suitcase. If she wore that with his pink shirt, it would be quite eye-catching.
Xu Zhiyi responded, “I’m wearing navy blue.”
This color was understated and would not attract too much attention for a couple’s outfit.
She chose a navy blue gown with layers of blue and black sheer fabric, featuring an irregular wide-shoulder design and studded with rhinestones.
After changing into the gown and pinning up her long hair, she selected a matching chain strap purse and headed out.
Passing by Jiang Sixun’s room, he happened to open the door, dressed in a navy blue casual shirt with rolled-up sleeves.
They had matched outfits before, but today’s coordinated look was intentional, and the feeling was indescribable.
In six years, this was the first time they both truly enjoyed a vacation together.
Their first meal in Madrid naturally had to be her favorite: Spanish paella. Xu Zhiyi added, “And I also want some skewers, grilled octopus, and potatoes.”
After eating, they strolled through the streets. The sunset was scheduled for just after eight-thirty, so there was still plenty of time.
Xu Zhiyi asked Jiang Sixun, “Do you ever get bored?”
“Are you bored?” he replied.
“Not at all,” she said, genuinely enjoying herself.
“Well then,” Jiang Sixun said with a smile.
He bought her a taro-flavored ice cream and held her hand, intertwining their fingers.
In the foreign streets, no one paid them any mind.
With the wind in her face, Xu Zhiyi savored the crispy cone of her ice cream.
Her phone buzzed in her bag, so she had to pull her hand away from Jiang Sixun’s to retrieve it. With one hand holding the ice cream, Jiang Sixun helped her open her bag and handed her the phone.
“Hello, Brother.”
Xu Heng had also arrived in Madrid. Having skipped lunch, he was out with Qi Zhengchen, looking for a place to eat. He asked his sister, “Have you arrived?”
“Yep, I’ve already had dinner.” She took a bite of the crunchy cone.
“Is that guy you’re seeing with you?”
“…Yeah.”
“Didn’t Jiang Sixun come with you?”
Xu Zhiyi quickly gathered her thoughts while finishing the cone. “Why would he come with me?”
Xu Heng said, “To keep an eye on you. I forgot to tell him to have someone follow you.”
“No need for that. I’ve got a driver with me.” The driver was her personal security, who had been with her for six years and still was.
“Okay, I won’t keep you. I’m shopping now. I’ll call you back at the hotel tonight.”
“Remember to video call.”
“I will.”
As soon as Xu Heng hung up, someone tapped him on the shoulder.
“Look… look across the street,” Qi Zhengchen said with a trembling voice, his tone uncertain, as if afraid he was seeing things.
“Where?” Xu Heng searched the crowd, his eyes widening.
There was no mistaking it—it was Jiang Sixun and his sister.
Just as they were walking, Xu Heng suddenly stumbled forward. The uneven, weather-worn pavement had tripped him up.
Many people had walked over this spot without incident, but he had been unlucky enough to get caught.
Though Qi Zhengchen was slow to react, he quickly steadied the startled Xu Heng, afraid he might fall. He didn’t dare let go.
Xu Heng managed to stay upright, but unexpectedly, Xu Heng couldn’t hold himself together.