Chapter 7: I Like It So Much

Qin Huan’s eyes were on her laptop, but her peripheral vision remained on the two figures.

Jiang Jingchu, tall and leggy, with a reserved face, even a simple shirt and trousers looked effortlessly stylish. Beside him, Ji Jingya was bright and beautiful in a new off the shoulder white dress from a top designer.

Both were exceptionally elegant, attracting attention as they walked. Qin Huan saw them approaching.

Her fingers curled slightly on the table, her heart pounding faster.

In a moment, two shadows passed by, and when she looked up, Jiang Jingchu had walked past without a glance, leaving only a faint scent of sandalwood in the air.

Qin Huan felt a sudden emptiness, as if something had disappeared with Jiang Jingchu.

She checked her phone. Zou Shikai had just replied; she still had to wait half an hour.

She slumped her shoulders, letting out a deep breath.

After Jiang Jingchu and Ji Jingya sat down, Ji Jingya teased him, propping her chin on her hands.

“Rare to see the high and mighty Master Jiang descend to the mortal realm. Usually, you only sit in private rooms.”

Jiang Jingchu didn’t look up, scanning the menu. His long, thick eyelashes cast shadows on his lower eyelids.

“Private rooms are stuffy.  It’s brighter out here.”

After ordering a few dishes, he casually closed the menu.

“What else do you want?”

While Ji Jingya ordered, Jiang Jingchu glanced sideways, his deep gaze through the screen towards Qin Huan.

She seemed to be waiting for someone, looking at her watch every few minutes.

On her sixth check, a man approached from behind and sat opposite her.  Jiang Jingchu had a clear view; it was Zou Shikai.

Narrowing his eyes, Jiang Jingchu sipped his tea and texted Gao Fei.

“Is the photo thing done?”

Within seconds, Gao Fei replied.

“Sent it via same-city courier yesterday.”

Jiang Jingchu calmly put down his phone, watching the two with interest, his long fingers idly stroking his teacup.

“What do you think about what I told you the other day?”

Jiang Jingchu hummed, forcing himself to focus.

Ji Jingya smiled and glared at him.

“I knew you weren’t listening.”

She opened her phone, showing him some pictures.

“My mother keeps urging us to renovate the house.  Yesterday, I found a well known interior design company. Two designers have good styles. Take a look.”

Jiang Jingchu glanced at them casually.

“You decide.  It’s your mother’s gift anyway.”

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Ji Jingya’s eyes, quickly replaced by a smile.

“Just go through the motions. Otherwise, my mother will ask, and I’ll have nothing to say.”

She naturally took back her phone.

“If you don’t want to look now, I’ll ask you to see their first design proposal later.”

Jiang Jingchu was distracted, replying “We’ll see.”

Zou Shikai was looking at the 360° VR panorama. Qin Huan sat quietly opposite him, waiting for his questions.

Halfway through, Zou Shikai rubbed his nose tiredly.

“Sorry, I had a bit to drink. Can you explain it directly?”

Qin Huan nodded, immediately focusing, adjusting her laptop screen for both of them to see.

“Mr. Zou, let’s start with the entrance.”

Qin Huan’s soft voice was like a summer breeze, gently caressing Zou Shikai’s ears.

His gaze drifted to Qin Huan’s profile: her sharp jawline, delicate nose, and full lips…

Zou Shikai was mesmerized until Qin Huan called him several times.

Qin Huan smiled.

“Mr. Zou, did you not understand something?”

Zou Shikai awkwardly touched his nose.

“No, the screen is reflecting, making it hard to see.”

Qin Huan, without suspicion, said,

“Come sit here. It’ll be clearer.”

She moved slightly, making room for Zou Shikai.

They sat side by side, maintaining a normal social distance. But to Jiang Jingchu, it looked entirely different.

He saw Qin Huan and Zou Shikai sitting intimately, talking and laughing, like a couple in love.

A dark current surged in his deep eyes. Jiang Jingchu silently put down his chopsticks.

Ji Jingya looked at Jiang Jingchu, who had barely eaten.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like the food?”

Jiang Jingchu shrugged, leaning back lazily.

“Maybe they changed chefs.”

Ji Jingya didn’t suspect anything, since Jiang Jingchu was always picky.

“Let’s go somewhere else next time.”

Qin Huan explained meticulously, noting Zou Shikai’s comments. Their discussion went beyond the expected time.

Zou Shikai expressed his satisfaction and looked forward to the final design.

Before leaving, Qin Huan went to the restroom.

Jiang Jingchu startled her as she came out.

“What are you doing here?”

Jiang Jingchu leaned against the wall, his long fingers idly twirling his phone.

Hearing her voice, he opened his eyes.

“Why can’t I be here?”

Qin Huan was stunned.  He was just having dinner with his fiancée; he wasn’t here for her.

She nodded, hiding her disappointment and walked past him.

Jiang Jingchu stepped in front of her.

His height was imposing. Qin Huan’s heart pounded, but her expression remained unchanged.

She lifted her chin.

“What?”

Jiang Jingchu’s dark eyes fell on her stubborn face.

Her forehead, eyebrows, and eyelashes… everything was the same as in his memory, yet somehow felt completely different. Especially her eyes.

When they first met, they were filled with suspicion and rejection. Later, they were filled with tenderness. Even when they fought, there was at least annoyance.

Now, they were empty, devoid of emotion, as if they were strangers.

The word “stranger” popped into Jiang Jingchu’s mind.

A sharp pain pierced his heart.  He didn’t realize his expression had changed.

“You like him that much?”

So much that you pretend not to know he’s cheating?

The abrupt question broke Qin Huan’s composure.  Her eyebrows rose slightly.

“Who?”

Jiang Jingchu sneered.

“Besides him, are there many others?”

Qin Huan didn’t realize he was being sarcastic; she hadn’t even looked at the photos yet.  She thought he was still upset about her and Wen Li.

Remembering he was about to get married, she hardened her tone.

“Yes, I like him that much.”