Chapter 37: Meeting Yuan Ling

Xie Zhi could only gently wipe the tears from her face and kissed her tenderly. “Jiaojiao, we are going to get married, we’re going to be together for life. How can you just say ‘no’ and walk away?”

Xu Jiaojiao took a deep breath, feeling like she was going to be driven mad by this man. “When did I say I didn’t want to? Isn’t it good to date? Don’t all men like relationships where they don’t have to take responsibility?”

Xie Zhi smiled bitterly, realizing that Jiaojiao was right. Men do like relationships like that. “Jiaojiao, let’s stop talking about this. Let me take you to eat first.”

He took her hand and led her outside. They had left in a hurry, without any introduction letter, and weren’t sure if they could even book a room at the guest house. If they were caught, they might face charges for indecency.

They walked out of the courtyard onto an asphalt road, clean and neat, lined with osmanthus trees, offering a pleasant shade.

Jiaojiao didn’t feel like eating anymore. Her mind was filled with thoughts of the clothing factory that Mr. Hu had introduced her to, and she couldn’t wait to check it out.

They reached a nearby bus stop, and after finding the Qingcheng Clothing Factory on the notice board, her face shifted from sadness to joy.

Xie Zhi followed behind her, not speaking, but his mind couldn’t stop spinning, replaying Jiaojiao’s words. She was right; he was too useless. Apart from relying on his family, he had nothing. His monthly salary couldn’t accomplish anything. He kept thinking about it even as Jiaojiao got off the bus, and by the time they reached the clothing factory, his mind was still reeling.

The clothing factory was a large building with a sign clearly marking it as the Qingcheng Clothing Factory, and the area was filled with stores selling clothes. Jiaojiao walked into a store and noticed the styles were much better than in the small county town she came from. A middle-aged woman was trying on clothes, and Jiaojiao watched with interest as the sales assistant recommended a loose black dress adorned with pearls.

The middle-aged woman commented on the dress in the mirror, “Wow, this really suits you. It makes you look so elegant.”

She turned to Jiaojiao and asked, “What do you think, dear?”

Jiaojiao blinked her big eyes and pointed to herself. When she got an affirmative look, she began observing the woman’s clothing more closely. The woman was pear-shaped, with a small chest, so she easily looked sophisticated in the right clothes.

Jiaojiao found a black sleeveless long dress for the woman, and added a decorative belt to enhance her waistline. “Try this.”

Xie Zhi had just returned with freshly made pastries, still warm and fragrant. “Jiaojiao, eat something. You’ll get a stomach ache if you stay hungry.”

Jiaojiao glanced at Xie Zhi’s pleased smile, her nose tingling. She took the pastries and the two of them sat down, enjoying the food quietly. At least pastries wouldn’t draw attention from others.

The middle-aged woman came out in the dress, and the sales assistant immediately noticed the change. The woman now looked much better, and the silver belt around her waist was the perfect touch.

The woman admired herself in the mirror, nodding in satisfaction. “You really have a good eye. You should be in the clothing business.”

“Is Auntie ready?” Yuan Ling, who had been shopping in the men’s section, appeared, clearly impatient when he saw the woman in her new outfit.

“Wow, Auntie, you’ve got a great eye. This looks much better than before.”

“Of course, it was this young lady who helped me pick it out. She’s not only beautiful but also has great taste.”

Yuan Ling followed his aunt’s gaze and was instantly caught by the sight of the girl he had been longing for. His expression was playful, and he called out, “Hey, little cake, long time no see.”

Xu Jiaojiao felt a chill run down her spine. The moment she saw Yuan Ling, she was reminded of their previous encounter. Her heart tightened, and she almost stumbled as she got up, falling into Xie Zhi’s arms when Yuan Ling walked over.

Xie Zhi caught her and asked, “What happened, Jiaojiao?”

“Xiao Ling, do you know this young lady?”

Xie Zhi’s sharp eyes swept over Yuan Ling, his gaze cold as he held the girl in his arms. Xu Jiaojiao was panting heavily.

Yuan Ling clicked his tongue, “You again.”

Jiaojiao forced herself to stand up, grabbing Xie Zhi’s hand and quickly walking out. She really didn’t want to see that madman again.

The middle-aged woman looked confused. “Do you two know each other?”

Yuan Ling swallowed the candy in his mouth and licked his lips. The taste reminded him of the girl’s scent. His voice carried an air of determination. “Auntie, I like her. She’s sweet, like a little cake.”

“You see her boyfriend is right there.”

“So what? Since we’ve met, this won’t be the last time.”

Xie Zhi tried to calm the girl, but his fury was so great that he almost wanted to kill Yuan Ling. However, his remaining rationality told him not to act on it.

Because they didn’t have an introduction letter, the two of them ultimately returned to the Xie family. Jiaojiao had originally planned to check out the clothing factory, but seeing Yuan Ling had completely ruined her mood.

When they returned, Wen Jing and her mother were sitting cozily with Xie Zhi’s mother, chatting on the couch.

“Xie Zhi’s mother, you’re so beautiful. You should use this skincare product. My uncle brought it from abroad, and I thought of you immediately.”

Xie Zhi’s mother, Ming Zhen, was overjoyed. “Wen Jing, thank you. If only Xie Zhi had such good fortune.”

The door was pushed open heavily, and Xie Zhi, holding Jiaojiao’s hand, walked upstairs without giving them a second glance. Ming Zhen blushed with embarrassment and quickly followed them.

“Jiaojiao, Auntie didn’t mean it. Don’t be angry, Jiaojiao.”

Jiaojiao smiled gracefully, “Auntie, it’s okay. I understand. After all, Xie Zhi is so outstanding.”

“Really? Jiaojiao, you can understand?” Ming Zhen asked, surprised.

When Jiaojiao entered the room and collapsed on the sofa, Xie Zhi quietly started putting away his things, packing them into a box. That’s when Ming Zhen realized something was off.

She grabbed his hand, stopping him. “Xiao Zhi, are you leaving?”

Xie Zhi coldly shook off his mother’s hand, looking at her with a detached expression. “Mom, I can see you’re getting along well with Wen Jing. I won’t be in your way.”

“You haven’t even had dinner at home. How can you leave? Xiao Zhi, I won’t let you go.”

Seeing her son still packing his things, Ming Zhen couldn’t hold back anymore. She stepped forward and tried to stop him, tears streaming down her beautiful face.

“Xiao Zhi, don’t you want your mother anymore?”

Xie Zhi firmly pushed his mother aside. “Mom, Jiaojiao is the woman I’ve chosen. I hope you’ll respect her. You’ve already met her. We’ll come back next time.”

Ming Zhen shot a resentful glance at Jiaojiao, her anger intensifying as she saw the girl looking indifferent.