Chapter 42

“Why not?”

Gu Tian: “…”

He couldn’t figure Ji Jing out. For someone of Ji Jing’s status and family background, allowing his wife to step into the spotlight seemed inconceivable.

Their family might be liberal, but they were still cautious and considerate about such things.

“What about your parents?” Gu Tian hesitated. “Would they agree?”

From what he knew, Ji Jing’s father wasn’t particularly fond of Tang Ruan. His mother, on the other hand, seemed indifferent and didn’t interfere much with their affairs.

Ji Jing paused and said in a low voice, “I’ll handle them. Just help me ask around.”

“No problem. I’ll send the details later.”

“Mm.”

After hanging up, Ji Jing thought for a moment and sent Tang Ruan a message: What are you up to?

—

When Ji Jing’s message came through, Tang Ruan was lying in bed with a pillow, watching videos. She had been browsing An Xun’s old posts, meticulously noting down all relevant information to prepare for an upcoming test.

She was determined to audition.

Smiling at the message, Tang Ruan replied: Watching videos. Missing me?

Ji Jing: Yes. Are you free tonight?

Tang Ruan: I’m free.

Ji Jing: Let me take you out for dinner. I’ll pick you up after work.

Tang Ruan smiled, her lips curling upwards as she responded: Alright.

She didn’t know why Ji Jing suddenly wanted to take her out for dinner, but she figured it wouldn’t hurt to go out for a bit.

They didn’t chat much further. Ji Jing was busy, and Tang Ruan made it a point not to disturb him unless necessary.

Tang Ruan focused on her videos, taking detailed notes as she went.

When it came to things she loved, Tang Ruan was more meticulous than most. If she genuinely liked something, she would dedicate ten or even a hundred times more effort than others.

After finishing a video and her notes, Tang Ruan headed to her small attic, where she practiced a makeup look she had just learned. She recorded the results, wiped it off, and practiced again, repeating the process to perfect her technique.

…

—

That evening, Ji Jing came home to pick her up for dinner. Seeing Tang Ruan’s clean, makeup-free face, his brow arched. “No makeup?”

Tang Ruan rubbed her face and teased, “I was fussing over it all afternoon. My face needs a break.”

Ji Jing chuckled, pinching her soft, fair cheek and leaning down to kiss her. “You’re beautiful.”

Tang Ruan’s eyes curved as she smiled, her gaze shining. “That’s a perfect score compliment.”

Who doesn’t like being praised by someone they care about? Especially when it’s about their bare face. Even though Tang Ruan knew she looked slightly different without makeup, she couldn’t help but marvel at her own skin. It was fair, soft, and smooth, with barely any visible pores. When viewed up close, you could even see the fine peach fuzz on her cheeks.

Ji Jing smiled, leaned in, and gently brushed his nose against her cheek before pulling back.

He reached out to button her coat and said softly, “Let’s go eat first.”

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll find out when we get there.”

Tang Ruan didn’t press further. She wasn’t the curious type, and she figured she’d know soon enough.

Ji Jing didn’t let the driver take them. Instead, he drove the car himself. After a few twists and turns, they finally arrived at their dining destination.

Tang Ruan was taken aback by the place in front of her—it was in the mountains. Halfway up the hill, there was a restaurant. At first glance, you wouldn’t even think it was a restaurant. The exterior was old and rustic, made entirely of large stones, with green vines creeping along the walls. Strings of trendy star-shaped lights hung above, glowing softly in the evening.

Blinking in surprise, Tang Ruan let Ji Jing lead her by the hand. Unable to resist her curiosity, she asked, “This place… is it familiar to you?”

Ji Jing nodded, his voice reassuring. “A friend’s place. Don’t worry.”

“Alright.”

As they passed through the courtyard and entered, it turned out to be unexpectedly beautiful inside. The space opened into a large courtyard filled with trees and flowers. Even at night, everything was clearly visible under the warm lights.

Tang Ruan glanced around, silently impressed.

She had to admit… wealthy people truly knew how to enjoy life.

When Ji Jing led her inside, there weren’t many customers—just two occupied tables.

“Only this few?” Tang Ruan asked.

Ji Jing nodded. “This place only serves five tables a night, all by reservation.”

“You made a reservation?”

“No.” Ji Jing smiled. “A friend owns it.”

Tang Ruan: “…”

“I’ll introduce you later.”

“Okay.”

—

After placing their orders, the chef himself came out to greet them. He turned out to be Ji Jing’s friend. According to Ji Jing, all the food here was personally prepared by the owner, so the portions were limited. However, the prices were astronomical.

Most people couldn’t afford to eat here.

Or rather, most people didn’t even know this place existed.

Dinner carried a distinct air of romance. Every corner of the restaurant had been meticulously designed. As Tang Ruan surveyed the surroundings, she asked softly, “Do they live here?”

“Yes, but they go down the mountain occasionally,” Ji Jing replied.

Tang Ruan blinked in surprise, finding it hard to believe. “They just stay here all the time?”

Ji Jing chuckled and explained, “The owner and his girlfriend run the place together. His girlfriend is probably busy in the back right now. Aside from the two of them, there are only two servers. The staff here aren’t like regular employees—they’re hired more intuitively and live here in the mountains.”

Hearing this, Tang Ruan began to understand.

The servers who worked here likely had their own stories and chose to stay in the mountains for their own reasons. That was her interpretation.

She looked up at Ji Jing, who sat across from her, and couldn’t help but ask, “What made you suddenly decide to bring me here for dinner tonight?”

“To woo you,” Ji Jing replied simply.

Tang Ruan: “…”

She laughed. Just this afternoon, Ji Jing had denied ever pursuing her, yet here he was making a straightforward statement through his actions.

“And all it took was a dinner date?” she teased.

Ji Jing sipped his tea and replied concisely, “After dinner, I’ll take you for a stroll.”

Tang Ruan chuckled. “Alright.”

—

By the time dinner was over, it was already close to 10 p.m. Ji Jing did take her for a walk, leading her to an open area nearby. The place was spacious, surrounded by greenery.

Tang Ruan glanced at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You’re not planning to set off fireworks, are you?”

Ji Jing: “…”

“Did I guess right?”

Ji Jing looked at her helplessly. “Fireworks aren’t allowed in the mountains.”

He wanted to, but it wasn’t something he could do. Starting a fire would be disastrous.

“Oh,” Tang Ruan said, visibly relieved. “So, why did you bring me here?”

“Close your eyes,” Ji Jing said softly, his deep voice both gentle and reassuring.

Tang Ruan had always known Ji Jing’s voice was mesmerizing. In the past, she had tried hard to ignore it, but now… it was impossible. She pinched her burning ears and obediently closed her eyes.

The moment she did, Ji Jing took her hand and slowly guided her forward.

A little nervous, Tang Ruan joked, “You’re not planning to murder your wife, are you?”

Ji Jing was momentarily speechless, stunned by her wild imagination.

“What are you even thinking? If I killed you, who would replace my wife?”

“There are plenty of options,” Tang Ruan replied. “Half the women in this country would love to marry you.”

Ji Jing curved his lips into a faint smile. “Jealous?”

“Who’s jealous?” Tang Ruan retorted.

Ji Jing chuckled but didn’t say anything.

They eventually came to a stop. Ji Jing placed his hands over her eyes, then slowly moved them away. Standing close behind her, he leaned in, his breath brushing against her ear as he murmured, “You can open your eyes now, wife.”

Tang Ruan’s eyelashes fluttered slightly before she slowly opened her eyes.

The moment her eyes opened, she was utterly stunned by the sight before her. Gazing at the glowing objects around her, she reached out to poke one and asked, “Fireflies?”

Then she muttered to herself, “No, that’s not right.”

At this time of year, there shouldn’t be any fireflies, and even if there were, they wouldn’t look like this.

She turned her head, her eyes brimming with delight as she looked at Ji Jing. “What is this?”

Ji Jing explained, “They’re not real insects. They were carried here by the wind—single-use artificial fireflies that emit light.”

Tang Ruan didn’t fully understand but could guess it was something Ji Jing had arranged.

Her lips curved into a smile, her impression of Ji Jing rising significantly. “How did you think of this?”

“Do you like it?”

“Of course I do.”

How could she not? She was just an ordinary person, and when it came to surprises from someone she liked, she naturally felt overjoyed. Tang Ruan twirled around in the glowing lights, feeling as though they were dancing around her. She was absolutely elated.

Watching the radiant smile on her face, Ji Jing felt a deep sense of fulfillment.

So what if it had been troublesome or a little foolish? As long as she was happy, that was all that mattered.

—

The two wandered around the area, which was adorned with countless twinkling lights. Ji Jing had them set up specifically for this evening to create a unique experience for her.

Tang Ruan chuckled and, after admiring the view, leaned closer to Ji Jing and praised him, “Husband, you’re amazing.”

Ji Jing pinched her earlobe and leaned in close. “You like it that much?”

Tang Ruan’s delight was so evident that it was impossible for him to ignore.

“Mm-hmm, I really do,” Tang Ruan said with a bright smile. “This is the first time anyone’s prepared such a surprise for me.”

In the past, Ji Jing had apologized or given her gifts—things she liked, too—but those gestures couldn’t compare to this. This was thoughtful and heartfelt.

She reached out, wrapped her arms around Ji Jing’s neck, and leaned in to kiss him. “Thank you.”

Tang Ruan wasn’t the shy type. When it came to expressing gratitude or affection, she was straightforward.

Ji Jing thoroughly enjoyed his wife’s initiative. As they kissed, their breaths mingled, filled with each other’s presence.

After a while, Tang Ruan found herself overwhelmed—her lack of skill showing.

Ji Jing chuckled, his gaze darkening as he bit gently on the corner of her lips. He pulled her closer, holding her tightly. His laughter was low and husky as he teased her, nibbling on her lips. Only when Tang Ruan was out of breath did she push him away.

He licked her earlobe and asked with a smirk, “Already worn out?”

Tang Ruan gasped for air, glaring at him playfully. “You’re amazing, okay?”

Hearing this, Ji Jing didn’t feign modesty and hummed in agreement. “You’ll know just how amazing if we try.”

His words carried a teasing implication about the future.

To her surprise, as soon as the words left her mouth, Tang Ruan widened her eyes and looked at him as if he were a beast. She even pretended to clutch her clothes dramatically and said, “Could it be that you’re thinking of… something wild?”