Chapter 23: Every Day

So now, he could be considered her friend too.

His long, narrow eyes were filled with Wen Jiu, locking onto her like a hunter zeroing in on prey about to fall into a trap.

A moment later, a gently affectionate voice called out, “Jiujiu,” and landed softly in her ears.

She froze.

Then tried hard to suppress the corners of her lips from curling up.

Stupid mouth, don’t embarrass yourself!!!

Letting out a breath, Wen Jiu patted her flushed cheeks.

This kind of effortless charm was far too dangerous—it could easily break one’s defenses.

Jiang Yanci was nothing like what Mu Ling described. She said he had no experience with girls, but everything about him screamed seasoned player.

Wen Jiu grumbled inwardly. After shifting her attention, the shyness that had just bubbled up had mostly faded.

When they arrived at the dining room, there were already four or five dishes on the table.

Jiang Yanci pulled out a chair for her and explained, “Auntie Li is a local from Gangcheng. These are her specialties. Try and see if you like them.”

After speaking, he sat down as well. Seeing Wen Jiu waiting for him, he added, “Go ahead and eat.”

Only then did he pick up his chopsticks, and Wen Jiu followed.

They didn’t talk much during the meal, but Wen Jiu’s relaxed expression showed how much she enjoyed it.

She couldn’t help it—the translucent shrimp dumplings burst with savory juice in one bite, the shrimp sweet and crunchy, nearly causing her to bite her tongue.

The sweet-and-sour pork had crispy skin and tender, bouncy meat inside—absolutely mouthwatering.

Seeing that Jiang Yanci’s guest had eaten most of the dishes, Auntie Li came to collect the plates and praised her.

“You’ve got a good appetite, young lady.”

Though she spoke in the local Gangcheng dialect, Wen Jiu could just about understand it.

She smiled, eyes crescent-shaped, and her clear, fair skin glowed with a healthy blush from being full.

Her sweet and obedient smile was absolutely heart-melting.

“Thank you, Auntie Li. It was delicious. Just like my mom’s cooking.”

Ever since discovering her daughter’s love for food, Mu Wan had taken up cooking herself—just to see Wen Jiu wiggle in delight when eating something tasty.

“Aiyo~” Auntie Li was so moved by her words that her heart melted. Being compared to a mom’s cooking was the highest praise.

Unable to resist, she pinched Wen Jiu’s cheek. Seeing the girl shy but not annoyed, she liked her even more.

“Next time, tell Ah-Yan ahead of time what you’d like to eat, and I’ll make it for you.”

Wen Jiu nodded sweetly. “Okay~ Thank you, Auntie.”

“Good girl.” Auntie Li left, smiling contentedly.

“Have you thought about when next time will be?” came a voice.

“Hmm?” Wen Jiu looked up in confusion and met Jiang Yanci’s playful gaze.

Propping up her head with one hand, she asked, “Why?”

“I’m afraid Auntie Li will be disappointed,” he replied nonchalantly. It was hard to tell whether he was truly concerned or had some other motive.

Wen Jiu paused, then responded thoughtfully:

“Whether or not she’s disappointed isn’t up to me—it depends on you.”

“If President Jiang invites me, I’ll come.” She smiled, bold and charming, without even realizing it.

Jiang Yanci’s eyes darkened slightly. “Every day?”

Wen Jiu raised a brow, then shook her head. “I politely decline.”

Every day? Dream on!

This guy really knew how to push his luck, but Wen Jiu wasn’t going to give him the chance.

Ignoring the disappointed look on his face, Wen Jiu elegantly dabbed at her mouth. “I’m full. I’ll head back first. Goodbye, President Jiang…”

“Mn, goodbye.” Though Jiang Yanci knew he had been brushed off, he didn’t take it to heart.

Even while saying “goodbye,” he naturally followed her steps. “I’ll take you back.”

“You’re not busy?” Wen Jiu glanced sideways at him. “If there’s a driver, just have him take me.”

“I am busy,” Jiang Yanci said, blocking her path and leaning down slightly. “But I’m happy to take you. If I don’t put in the effort, I’ll get rejected again and be embarrassed.”

“Heh…” Wen Jiu smirked and lightly patted his shoulder. “Then good luck.”

Good luck… but how?

How could he try hard enough to make Wen Jiu willing to come eat every day—or even greedier, to stay with him every moment of every day?

As Jiang Yanci mulled this over on the way back, he returned to the Jiang family’s old residence to find Auntie Li still sitting on the sofa, even though she should’ve gone to bed.

“Auntie Li,” he walked over. “Why aren’t you resting?”

“Waiting for you.” She stood and looked at him with gentle affection. “That girl from earlier—she’s the one you like?”

Wen Jiu’s face appeared in his mind, and Jiang Yanci’s always cool expression softened. He nodded.

“She’s the girl I like.”

“And does she like you?” Auntie Li asked anxiously. Before he could answer, she went on, “With your personality, girls have never liked you. Even the few who dared approach were scared off.”

“Ah-Yan, if you like her, treat her well. When you propose, don’t forget to bring what your mom left for her future daughter-in-law…”

Seeing Auntie Li getting more and more carried away, Jiang Yanci quickly interrupted her.

“Auntie Li, I don’t even know if she’ll like me yet. Isn’t this a bit early?”

“……”

Her beautiful fantasy popped like a bubble. Auntie Li glared at him. “Useless.”

Jiang Yanci: “……”

A wave of helplessness washed over him, and he sighed. “She’s only here in Gangcheng for a trip. She’ll probably leave soon.”

“So what? You should go after her! If you win her over, she could settle here. With you in Gangcheng, there’s no way she’d be mistreated.”

“It’s not that simple,” Jiang Yanci said, rubbing his temples. Qi Qin had said similar things.

Everyone seemed to assume that if they got together, Wen Jiu should give up her life and stay in Gangcheng.

But that wasn’t fair to her. She wasn’t his accessory—she was a free person who could go wherever she wanted.

“Auntie Li, Wen Jiu is free. Where she stays depends on her own will.”

“What if she doesn’t want to stay here in the future?” Auntie Li frowned, surprised that the usually domineering Jiang Yanci seemed like a different person when it came to Wen Jiu.

Without any hesitation, Jiang Yanci replied, “Then I’ll go wherever she is.”

He hadn’t climbed to the top of the power pyramid to restrict the freedom of the person he loved.

“Foolish,” Auntie Li said, gently knocking his head. “Then you better work hard and get that girl to like you soon. Otherwise… even if you go to her, she might not want to see you.”

“I will,” Jiang Yanci promised.

If not for the fact that Wen Jiu had just come out of a relationship, he wouldn’t be using this slow, gentle approach to win her over.

In his entire life, Jiang Yanci felt this was the toughest challenge he’d ever faced.

But at least, from the way Wen Jiu had acted today—she didn’t seem to dislike him.

  Characters:

溫酒 (Wen Jiu) – Playful and confident, flustered by Jiang Yanci’s charm

江硯辭 (Jiang Yanci) – Persistent and serious about pursuing Wen Jiu, shows rare gentleness

李姨 (Auntie Li) – Caring housekeeper, warmly supportive of Jiang and Wen’s relationship