Chapter 38

His voice was deep and low, carrying a hint of laughter.

It sounded teasing, yet there was something else beneath the surface—an implication that made Tang Ruan’s heart stir.

To her ears, it felt deliberate. Ji Jing had intentionally asked that question. He had intentionally come out without wearing a shirt.

Tang Ruan shot him a glare and retreated further under the covers. “Why aren’t you wearing clothes?”

Hearing this, Ji Jing studied her expression, finding it amusing—so amusing he couldn’t resist teasing her more. He never would have guessed that Tang Ruan, who had acted so bold and straightforward with him before, was actually this shy. Her confident words and actions from before had clearly been a performance.

And now, seeing the drastic contrast between the real her and the persona she had portrayed was… fascinating.

Ji Jing leaned forward, one hand resting on the edge of the bed as his intense gaze bore into her. He answered matter-of-factly, “I’m used to sleeping naked.”

Tang Ruan: “…”

Her eyes widened in shock before she stammered, “What’s wrong with sleeping with clothes on?”

Ji Jing replied, “It’s uncomfortable.”

“That’s not acceptable.” Tang Ruan’s tone was firm. “You can take them off later, but for now, put something on.”

Ji Jing kept smiling, remaining silent.

Tang Ruan let out a frustrated sigh, then suddenly threw her arms around his neck, pouting coquettishly. “Please put on some clothes, okay?”

If Ji Jing stayed like this, Tang Ruan knew she’d explode before the night was over. She hadn’t dared to take a good look at him yet, but if he kept parading around shirtless, she wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold back.

After all, she was still a single woman at heart.

She didn’t want to reveal her more… indecent side so soon into their first trip together.

Girls should be reserved. Reserved!

Ji Jing froze, surprised by her sudden embrace. Her fingers were cool against his neck, and since she wasn’t wearing much, he could feel her warmth even through the thin layers of fabric.

He stiffened momentarily, her scent—fresh and clean, the same body wash he had used—filling his senses. But on her, it was unexpectedly captivating.

His Adam’s apple bobbed. Resisting temptation, he scooped her up and tucked her into bed. His voice, now hoarse, muttered, “Fine. I’ll put something on. Go to sleep.”

If he continued to tease her, he might be the one losing control.

Tang Ruan: “…”

She blinked in confusion at his tone, then glanced down at herself. Blushing furiously, she rolled over and wrapped herself tightly in the blanket like a cocoon.

“Hurry up and change.”

–

When Ji Jing emerged again, he had changed into a shirt and even dried his hair.

Tang Ruan lay under the covers, distracting herself by playing on her phone. Hearing movement, she glanced at him briefly, then quickly looked away.

She was texting her friend Cheng Mushi, who had just landed a minor acting role and was staying up late filming night scenes.

“What are you doing?” Ji Jing asked.

“Talking to Cheng Mushi,” she replied absently.

When she glanced again, Ji Jing had slipped into his side of the bed. Although they were sharing the same bed, they each had their own blanket.

Tang Ruan turned her attention back to him. “What time are you getting up tomorrow?”

“The ribbon-cutting is at eight.” Ji Jing did a quick calculation. “So, around six.”

Tang Ruan did the math herself and gasped. “You’d better sleep then. It’s already past midnight—barely five hours left!”

Ji Jing chuckled at her urgency and gave her a sidelong glance. “Are you nervous?”

“Who’s nervous?” she retorted stubbornly. “I’m just worried you won’t get enough sleep and might not feel well tomorrow.”

His smile deepened. “If you’re not nervous, why are you sleeping so far away from me?”

Tang Ruan: “…”

She realized she was practically hanging off the edge of the bed, barely clinging to the mattress.

“Oh,” she muttered, scooting closer to him. But before she fully closed the distance, Ji Jing pulled her into his arms.

He bent down to kiss her, holding her gently but firmly. Settling her beside him, he whispered, “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” she whispered back, relaxing in his embrace and staying completely still.

Of course, the main reason she didn’t move was—

She didn’t dare to.

The night grew quieter. Even the once-bustling streets outside had fallen silent, mirroring the narrowing distance between Tang Ruan and Ji Jing.

–

The next morning, when Tang Ruan woke up, Ji Jing was already gone.

She had been vaguely aware of his movements earlier but had drifted back to sleep.

It was just past nine. Not too late, but remembering his words from before, she hurried to get out of bed.

After washing up, she was just about to start her makeup when Ji Jing returned.

He wore a tailored black suit and crisp white shirt, every inch the picture of elegance and refinement. Though it wasn’t the first time Tang Ruan had seen him dressed like this, each time felt like a fresh experience.

To her, suits seemed to have been invented just for him.

On Ji Jing, they weren’t just clothing—they were a statement of charisma and poise.

She stared for a moment. “Why are you back so soon?”

He answered casually, loosening his tie. The simple motion had Tang Ruan feeling dazed by his effortless charm. She jumped up and stood before him, eyes sparkling.

“Do that again.”

“What?”

She pointed at his tie. “Take it off again.”

Ji Jing: “…”

He lowered his eyes, gazing at the person before him. A glimmer of excitement sparkled in Tang Ruan’s eyes, as if she had stumbled upon something she absolutely adored. Her gaze, filled with anticipation, burned brightly as she looked at him.

“You like it when I take off my tie?”

Tang Ruan nodded eagerly. “I thought your move just now was incredibly handsome. Do it again.”

With a casual tug at the center of his tie, his long fingers effortlessly loosened it before pulling it off. The motion, combined with his innate charisma, seemed overwhelmingly captivating.

Ji Jing arched a brow and then stuffed the tie into her hands.

“What’s this?”

“Help me put it back on.” He leaned closer, his voice a low, velvety murmur.

Tang Ruan: “…I don’t know how.”

She actually did, but it felt like he was setting a trap for her, and she had no intention of stepping into it.

Ji Jing’s lips curled into a slight smile, the corners of his eyes lifting. “Really?”

“Really.”

Tang Ruan nodded so quickly it seemed her head would fall off. “I have no idea.”

“Then I’ll teach you.”

…

Sunlight streamed generously through the window, casting a warm glow into the room.

On the clear glass, two figures—one tall and one shorter—stood face to face, their reflection subtly etched into the surface. Between them hung a dark blue tie, their hands both holding it.

The man lowered his head slightly, while the woman tilted hers up. Together, they made a scene that radiated warmth and intimacy, as if time had paused just for them.

Ji Jing was genuinely teaching her how to tie a proper knot. Tang Ruan, half-annoyed, half-amused, followed along with his instructions. Eventually, she managed to secure the tie neatly around his collar.

There was something distinctly different about him when the tie was in place. The suit took on a more formal air, his already magnetic aura intensified. Seeing him like this… it stirred certain thoughts—thoughts of undoing that tie, of loosening the collar, unfastening each button…

But of course, those were merely fleeting fantasies.

Her courage wasn’t nearly strong enough to follow through on such notions.

Once finished, she inspected her handiwork and then glanced at him. “Alright, now take it off again so I can watch one more time.”

Ji Jing, humoring her, undid the tie as requested. But instead of keeping it in his hands, he draped it around her neck.

Before she could react, he leaned in closer. Tang Ruan instinctively shut her eyes.

…

One second passed.

Ji Jing let out a soft, amused chuckle.

Tang Ruan opened her eyes, realizing she had fallen for his teasing once again. She was about to scold him, but he took the chance to tilt her chin upward and press his lips against hers, his kiss deep, fervent, and utterly consuming.

His lips moved with such tenderness yet such command that she found herself powerless. Her mind, her very breath, were ensnared.

As the kiss deepened, a sudden thought bubbled up in her mind: it was often said that men were instinctively skilled in matters like this. At this moment, she wholeheartedly agreed. Just days ago, Ji Jing had been clumsy enough to bite her tongue. Now, though, he had become exquisitely adept.

“Distracted?” Ji Jing nipped the corner of her lips, pulling her focus back to him.

Later that morning, Tang Ruan would struggle to recall exactly how long they had kissed.

Long enough that her legs turned weak and her breath came shallow. It wasn’t until his own restraint faltered that he finally let her go.

By the time they finished freshening up and headed outside, it was well past noon—just in time for lunch.

–

They decided to grab lunch together. Ji Jing’s schedule for the day only included the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Had Tang Ruan not joined him, he would have likely attended a business meal afterward.

Instead, he sent Ning Ming in his place.

Glancing sideways at the radiant woman beside him, he asked, “What do you feel like eating?”

Tang Ruan shook her head. “Let’s try some local specialties.”

“Alright.”

After a quick search online, they found a place and headed over. Despite its reputation, the food didn’t quite live up to expectations. Tang Ruan privately thought her own cooking was better.

Once their meal was done, they decided to wander around without a particular destination, taking in the natural beauty of the area. Even though the scenery had lost much of its vibrance with the approach of winter, it still held a certain quiet charm.

At one point, Tang Ruan tugged Ji Jing’s sleeve, eager to take some pictures.

“Are you good at taking photos?”

Ji Jing chuckled. “Stand over there, and I’ll show you.”

“Okay!”

When she reviewed the pictures, she was genuinely impressed. “Wow, these are amazing!”

He had a knack for finding just the right angles and framing each shot beautifully. The photos carried a cinematic quality that left her thoroughly satisfied.

He reached out and playfully ruffled her hair. “Want to take more?”

“Nah.” She wasn’t obsessed with photography, just happy to capture a few good shots.

They meandered along at a leisurely pace, content to explore without any urgency.

Eventually, Tang Ruan grew tired and pulled Ji Jing into a small shop for a rest, treating herself to a cup of hot milk tea. In the chill of winter, nothing felt more comforting than warming her hands around a steaming cup.

Suddenly, Ji Jing excused himself, asking her to wait while he bought something outside.

She didn’t question it, simply nodded and went back to scrolling through her phone.

Moments later, whispers and murmurs filled the shop.

“Wow, those flowers are gorgeous!”

“And the guy carrying them… He’s so handsome, like a celebrity!”

Tang Ruan lifted her eyes from her phone, her curiosity piqued. She turned toward the source of the commotion and saw a familiar figure—Ji Jing—approaching her with a bouquet in his arms.

She blinked, half-convinced she was imagining things.

Standing before her, he held out the flowers.

“Why… are you giving me flowers?”

Meeting her gaze, his voice dropped to a soft murmur. “Do you like them?”

“I like them”

Ji Jing nodded, then sat down across from her and casually said, “Courting my wife.”