Chapter 57

However, when Lu Jiu saw those obviously tired eyes, the shyness she had just felt all melted away into a soft spot in her heart. 

She pulled her hand away from his and took a step forward, wrapping her arms around him. But her boyfriend was so broad and tall that hugging him took some effort. Her entire face pressed against his chest, and all she could smell was his scent. 

As her ears started to warm up, she couldn’t help but feel relieved that it was winter. Otherwise, her face would be pressed right up against his chest muscles. 

Cough, cough… She had to stop thinking about it. Lu Jiu turned her head, burying her increasingly warm face completely into his chest. 

“Hiss…”  

Because of his girlfriend’s sudden closeness, Wei Shian sharply inhaled. 

He lowered his gaze, staring intently at her. 

He wanted to kiss her, wanted to merge her into his very being… 

Countless thoughts about her ran wild in his mind like untamed horses. 

But in the end, Wei Shian only placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head. It was a kiss filled with affection and reverence. 

Then, as his overwhelming emotions threatened to overflow, he bent down slightly, contentedly pulling her even closer into his arms, holding her tightly. “Peony, I…” 

“Oh my gosh! Sorry, sorry… you guys continue.” Luo Wei hadn’t expected to walk in on such an intimate moment between the couple. He quickly covered his eyes with one hand and tried to back out of the room while holding a kettle with the other. 

“Come back,” Wei Shian closed his eyes briefly, released his struggling girlfriend, and then shielded the easily embarrassed girl behind him. 

Luo Wei, with a pained expression, retracted his steps and offered a sheepish smile, “Boss, sister-in-law.” 

Wei Shian said, “You can come in. I’ll walk Peony back.” 

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Lu Jiu immediately refused, “No need, I can go back by myself.” 

Wei Shian insisted, “I’ll walk you.” 

Lu Jiu, exasperated, replied, “Then should I walk you back afterward?” 

“Silly girl, you can’t spoil a man like that.” After all, men tend to take advantage when you do. 

Wei Shian left quickly and returned just as fast. 

Luo Wei had only just gotten under the covers when he saw his captain return. He apologized again, “Boss, I’m really sorry… but you can’t blame me entirely, you should’ve closed the door.” 

Wei Shian ignored him, pulling open the wardrobe to hang up his down jacket. 

He hadn’t closed the door on purpose. Peony was his cherished treasure; how could he possibly do anything inappropriate in a place like the dormitory? 

Seeing that his captain wasn’t responding, Luo Wei, with a mischievous grin, sat up and teased, “Tsk tsk tsk… That smile you had for sister-in-law just now was priceless. I almost thought you’d turned soft after starting to date. Turns out you still show us your usual stern face.” 

“So, should I be gentler with you?” Wei Shian flashed a cold smile at his talkative subordinate. 

Feeling a chill, Luo Wei rubbed his arms, clearly startled, “N-no need.” 

After changing into his sleepwear, Wei Shian sat on the bed and sent a message to his older brother. Only after receiving a reply did he finally pull the covers over himself, ready to catch up on some sleep. 

But just as he lay down, a thought crossed his mind, and he sat up again. 

Luo Wei looked over curiously, only to see the captain pull a small potted plant out of a white paper bag. 

Obviously, this was a gift from sister-in-law. 

Luo Wei pouted, feeling a bit sour. He decided he wouldn’t ask about it, not wanting to give his boss the satisfaction of showing off. 

But to his surprise, some people don’t need others to join in to feel pleased with themselves. 

Sure enough, Wei Shian turned the little green plant a few times, finding the best angle before sincerely turning to his subordinate and saying, “Having a girlfriend is great.” 

Single Luo Wei’s face darkened… The boss was clearly still upset about him interrupting earlier. 

Such a petty grudge-holder. 

=== 

After the New Year, business at the flower shop gradually slowed down. 

Since there was no need to interview new employees for the time being, Lu Jiu didn’t stay at the shop long before heading to the farmers’ market in the old district. 

Ever since she placed an order for peony seeds there last year, the owner would contact her whenever they had special flower seeds. 

Lu Jiu had always positioned her flower shop as high-end. 

Now, six months later, flower enthusiasts had generally recognized the quality of flowers at “One Flower, One World.” 

So, it was about time to start selling the rare flowers she’d been cultivating in the villa’s greenhouse. 

It was rare for her to visit the old district. 

After buying the seeds, Lu Jiu didn’t rush home. 

She picked up some snacks her childhood friends and niece liked, planning to deliver them. 

In the office of the classroom, the soft-spoken, gentle-looking Zhu Qian was talking (bragging) to the teacher sitting across from her about her new outfit. “…Honestly, I didn’t even want it, but he insisted on buying it. It’s so embarrassing, it cost over eight hundred yuan…” 

Fang Jingjing, who was sitting by the window, rolled her eyes several times. 

Ever since their argument during last year’s matchmaking event, the two had completely fallen out. 

Seeing her reaction, Zhu Qian, who had always wanted to one-up her, frowned, “What do you mean, Fang? Are you jealous that I got a gift?” 

Fang Jingjing sneered, glancing at her a few times before retorting, “Jealous? Look at this,” she said, showing off the platinum necklace around her neck. “See this? Over ten thousand yuan, a gift from my wealthy childhood friend. Do you think I’d be jealous of you?” 

Zhu Qian was momentarily speechless. Back when they were still friends, she’d often heard Fang Jingjing talk about her wealthy childhood friend, who not only treated her well but was also exceptionally beautiful. 

But she hadn’t expected the friend to give something worth over ten thousand yuan. 

While Zhu Qian was envious, she couldn’t help but retort, “Who knows if it’s really from your childhood friend.” 

However, Fang Jingjing was already too happy to bother arguing with her annoying colleague. 

After reading a text, she jumped up excitedly, speaking into her phone as she walked out, “You said you brought me something to eat? You’re already at the school gate? Wow… Peony, you’re the best, I’m coming right now…” 

Her cheerful voice quickly disappeared down the hallway. 

Zhu Qian bit her lip, her curiosity getting the better of her, and followed her out. 

Fang Jingjing jogged all the way, and her steps lightened even more when she saw the familiar eye-catching pink sports car. 

Lu Jiu, sitting in the car, opened the door and got out.