Chapter 43

Ji Jing: “…”

Tang Ruan stammered, her face flushed. “That’s a bit too wild, don’t you think? Almost animalistic. Don’t you agree?”

When her dramatic side took over, no one could stop her.

Ji Jing: “…”

He hadn’t even said anything yet, but his wife had already spun an entire narrative.

He twitched his lips, and when he caught the mischievous glint in Tang Ruan’s eyes, he pinned her against a tree. Leaning down, his gaze deepened as he looked at her. His voice was hoarse as he asked, “Are you looking forward to it?”

Tang Ruan shook her head quickly. “No, not at all.”

Her eyes widened as she fought to hold back a grin.

“Really?” Ji Jing, unhurried, began unbuttoning his shirt. As he did, he said, “Your face says otherwise—it’s practically written all over it.”

“You’re lying,” Tang Ruan protested, grabbing his hand. “I was just joking!”

She was quick to back down.

Bold enough to tease but too timid to admit it—Tang Ruan was exactly this kind of person.

As Ji Jing unfastened two buttons, Tang Ruan reacted swiftly, pressing a hand to his neck to stop him. “What are you doing? It’s freezing!”

Ji Jing’s dark gaze bore into her as he leaned closer, blowing softly into her ear. His voice was calm but carried an undeniable heat. “What do you think?”

He added, enunciating each word, “It seems my wife is craving some excitement. As her husband, I feel obligated to deliver.”

Tang Ruan: “…”

She let out an exaggerated exclamation and glared at him coquettishly. “I was just kidding!”

Faced with Ji Jing’s dark, intense stare, Tang Ruan wisely softened her tone and playfully pleaded, “I was just being cheeky. Don’t… tease me.”

If she really pushed him too far, Tang Ruan was certain it wouldn’t be Ji Jing who’d regret it—it would be her.

Ji Jing listened to her soft voice, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly.

Tang Ruan’s voice truly was captivating. Whether she was playfully coaxing him in the past or doing so now, her voice had always been a significant weapon against him. Whenever she softened her tone and acted coy, he found himself utterly defenseless.

It was as if she could ask for the world, and he’d gladly place it at her feet.

His eyes locked onto her slightly parted lips as she continued to speak. Before she could say more, he silenced her with a kiss.

—

The wind in the mountains was strong and cold, cutting through the air.

But when Ji Jing leaned closer, Tang Ruan could feel his warmth. His body radiated heat, except for his lips, which carried a slight chill. He brushed them against hers, softly nipping at her lips. Then, without warning, he pried her lips apart and deepened the kiss, catching her completely off guard.

Their tongues intertwined in a passionate kiss, reluctant to part.

Tang Ruan clung to Ji Jing, her entire weight supported only by his arms. Without a stable foothold, she instinctively tightened her hold on him, fearing she might slip.

A kiss was perhaps the most heart-racing experience in the world.

They kissed for an indeterminate amount of time, long enough for Tang Ruan’s lips to swell visibly red and for her lipstick to smudge all over Ji Jing’s lips and face. Yet neither showed any inclination to stop.

Tang Ruan felt this kiss was different from all their previous ones. This time, Ji Jing’s fervor carried an edge of intensity. If not for the unsuitable time and place, she doubted she would have escaped unscathed tonight.

The two held each other tightly, their breaths mingling. Tang Ruan could hear Ji Jing’s breathing by her ear—low and slightly restrained, carrying an unspoken emotion.

After holding her quietly for a while, Ji Jing gently nibbled at the corner of her lips and asked in a hoarse voice, “Ready to go home?”

“Yes,” Tang Ruan replied softly.

She hesitated for a moment and then looked up at him. “Are you… alright?”

Tang Ruan wasn’t completely clueless. While she lacked personal experience, she had read enough novels to understand certain male reactions.

And now, being held so closely by Ji Jing, she could tell.

Ji Jing didn’t respond immediately. He simply looked at her deeply, then bit her lip lightly. “Don’t move. Let me hold you for a while.”

…

They remained close for a long while, their heartbeats almost audible.

After about ten minutes, when Tang Ruan started to feel the chill, Ji Jing finally set her down and took her hand, leading her out.

“Let’s go home.”

–

Tang Ruan fell asleep in the car.

She had been drowsy all day, having barely napped in the afternoon. By the time they reached home, she was still fast asleep and had to be carried inside by Ji Jing.

“You’re awake?”

Tang Ruan blinked groggily, glanced around, and murmured, “Did I sleep that long?”

Ji Jing gently tousled her hair. “Go take a shower. I’ll get some ginger tea from Butler Li. You don’t want to catch a cold from that night breeze.”

“Alright.”

Tang Ruan also worried about falling ill. Though they hadn’t been rained on, the night air had been exceptionally chilly.

After her shower, Ji Jing brought her the ginger tea, handing it to her with care.

“Did you drink any?” Tang Ruan asked, her eyelashes fluttering as she blinked. “Go rest. I’ll take this down later.”

Ji Jing stared at her for a moment, silent.

Tang Ruan squirmed under his gaze, feeling slightly self-conscious. She licked her lips awkwardly and hesitated before asking, “… Do you want to sleep here?”

Ji Jing: “…”

He let out a soft chuckle, took the empty bowl from her hands, and said in a low voice, “Get some rest. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

Ji Jing left the room, closing the door behind him.

Though their relationship had taken a step forward, sleeping in the same bed still felt premature. Tang Ruan wasn’t ready, and Ji Jing—despite his desires—would never force her. He was willing to give her time to adjust and prepare.

…

In truth, Tang Ruan wasn’t entirely against the idea of sharing a bed with Ji Jing. She knew she liked him—maybe even more than she let on.

She didn’t dislike the thought of being close to him, nor did it make her uncomfortable.

But there was one problem:

When grown men and women share a bed, how often do they merely chat under the covers?

Moreover, as Ji Jing’s lawful wife, their intimacy was bound to happen eventually. And yet, Tang Ruan was a little scared. Though she wasn’t a timid person by nature, this felt different.

After all, novels often described that kind of thing as… painful.

Burying her face in her blanket, Tang Ruan sighed. Perhaps she’d talk to Ji Jing about it another time. It wouldn’t do to act too eager now.

–

The next morning, Tang Ruan and Ji Jing enjoyed a peaceful start to the day, watering flowers in the courtyard. Their time together felt tranquil and pleasant.

By afternoon, they each returned to their respective tasks. That evening, Ji Jing unexpectedly asked Tang Ruan out to watch a movie.

She couldn’t help but laugh as she looked at him. “Who taught you this?”

Ji Jing raised an eyebrow. “Do I need someone to teach me?”

“Not really,” Tang Ruan replied, her tone teasing. “But I did notice Gu Tian posted something on his Moments today.”

Ji Jing frowned slightly. “What did he post?”

“He asked for movie recommendations. I commented on it.”

Ji Jing: “… What did you say?”

“I recommended the one we’re watching tonight,” she said, smiling with no hint of embarrassment. “The one you invited me to.”

That afternoon, she had casually replied to Gu Tian’s post, recommending the film because she was genuinely interested. A historical martial arts movie, it had been delayed in release due to its unique themes. Now that it was finally showing, Tang Ruan didn’t want to miss it.

Had Ji Jing not invited her, she would’ve watched it later in the week, either alone or with a friend. But she was happy to share the experience with him tonight.

So, when Gu Tian had asked for recommendations, she instinctively left a comment.

Ji Jing froze for a moment, completely taken aback. He hadn’t expected that the movie Gu Tian recommended was the very one Tang Ruan had commented on. At this point, all he wanted to do was give Gu Tian a good beating. And yet, Gu Tian had the audacity to boast, claiming that the movie was carefully chosen and that Tang Ruan would definitely love it.

Ji Jing let out a silent scoff.

Tang Ruan smiled at his profile. “Let’s go. I’ve been looking forward to it.”

Ji Jing glanced at her. “Does it bother you?”

“What does?”

“That I asked Gu Tian.”

“Not at all,” Tang Ruan shook her head with a light smile. “Why would it? The fact that you cared enough to ask is what matters.”

Besides, Ji Jing was incredibly busy. For him to take time out of his packed schedule to watch a movie, have dinner, and go out with her was already a rarity. Success never comes purely from luck—he must have worked incredibly hard to achieve what he had.

Tang Ruan firmly believed that.

Ji Jing ruffled her hair gently and led her toward the cinema.

—

The cinema entrance was bustling with people. Being a weekend, long lines formed everywhere.

The two had bought their tickets online, and after retrieving them, they stood off to the side, waiting quietly.

But while they wished to keep a low profile, others were unwilling to let them.

The moment they entered, they attracted attention. Ji Jing wasn’t a public figure; most of the Ji Group’s business didn’t require his direct involvement. Public appearances were usually handled by the vice president. Although Ji Jing had appeared on occasion, his face was rarely seen on screens—especially since many women don’t follow financial news.

As for Tang Ruan, her fame as a makeup video creator hadn’t reached the level where people recognized her everywhere she went.

Yet, the two of them together sparked quite the discussion.

With their striking appearances, they were bound to turn heads wherever they went. And now, in the early days of winter, North City had grown colder. Both Ji Jing and Tang Ruan were dressed in the latest winter collection, wearing matching woolen coats in a couple’s style.

Ji Jing’s sharp black coat made him look like a character straight out of a manga. Tang Ruan herself had been momentarily stunned when she saw him dressed like that before they left the house, even commenting that he suited such outfits perfectly.

Now, everyone’s attention seemed to fix on Ji Jing, accompanied by a low buzz of conversation.

“Look at that guy over there. Isn’t he ridiculously handsome? Is he a celebrity?”

“I don’t think so.”

“He’s so good-looking! Should I go ask for his number?”

“Don’t. That’s probably his girlfriend next to him, and she’s pretty too.”

“They’re even wearing matching outfits.”

“Yeah, but wow, that guy is so good-looking and classy.”

…

The girls’ chatter wasn’t loud, but it wasn’t quiet enough to escape Tang Ruan’s ears.

She listened, silently grinding her teeth in agreement—Ji Jing did have an aura about him, a kind of natural elegance that no one could imitate. But even so, the whispers made her a little annoyed.

She shot Ji Jing a glare.

Ji Jing, clueless about why he was being glared at, asked with a puzzled expression, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Tang Ruan replied, turning her head away unhappily. “There’s still over ten minutes until it’s our turn.”

Which meant they had to endure being the center of attention for another ten minutes.

Ji Jing glanced around and noticed her mood. Smiling faintly, he reached out to pat her head. “Jealous already?”

Tang Ruan didn’t reply. She shifted her position and was just about to say something when Ji Jing suddenly leaned in, kissed her lightly, and asked, “Feel it now?”