Chapter 63: Sneaking into Xie Zhi’s Bed at Night, Attracting Customers

The dark sky was drenched in rain and storm, with howling winds rattling the windows violently. The shadows of trees flashing past the window terrified Xu Jiaojiao.

Her brain went blank for a moment. She sat up and looked toward the mirror across from her. The full-length mirror occasionally reflected flickers of light, which frightened her even more. Her heart pounded rapidly, and she clutched her chest in fear. Not even bothering to put on her shoes, she ran straight into Xie Zhi’s room.

Xie Zhi was lying on an unfamiliar bed, unable to sleep. He stared blankly at the ceiling. When he heard the footsteps outside, he sat up, ready to catch the girl who would soon barge in.

Xu Jiaojiao threw herself into his arms, her voice trembling as she whimpered, “Hubby, I’m so scared… I think I better sleep with you tonight.”

But just then, her bare legs dangled outside the bed, and she quickly pulled them in, startled. Xie Zhi turned on the small bedside lamp and saw her lying on his chest, already crying like a baby.

His heart ached. He pulled out a handkerchief, gently wiped her feet, and kissed her tear-streaked cheek while whispering softly, “It’s okay, it’s okay. Don’t be afraid, Jiaojiao.”

She softly responded, feeling extremely safe in his arms. But it was agony for Xie Zhi. Jiaojiao wore a short floral dress, revealing her delicate collarbones and smooth, fair skin.

Two thin straps held up her entire dress, and when he looked down, all he saw was soft whiteness pressed against his firm chest. He didn’t dare look at her. He could only use his large hands to gently soothe her.

In truth, he was already burning up inside, his muscles tense, heart feeling like it was being roasted over a fire.

And the girl didn’t help—her warm breath brushing over his neck and Adam’s apple. Xie Zhi shifted positions, trying to control himself, enduring the temptation with great difficulty.

Wrapped in his warm embrace, Xu Jiaojiao soon drifted into a deep sleep. Xie Zhi carefully tucked her into the blanket and lay beside her, the two of them falling asleep cuddled together.

Xu Shu woke up at exactly 5:30 a.m. He figured his sister was a grown woman now, so it wasn’t appropriate to go to her room. Talking to Xie Zhi would be the same.

He knocked gently but got no response. Shaking his head, he thought: young people these days are too lazy, always sleeping in. He pushed the door open.

Inside, he saw Xie Zhi sitting up in bed, holding a book with gold-rimmed glasses on his face. He looked every bit the scholarly type. But the blanket over his chest was clearly lumpy, obviously hiding someone underneath.

Xu Shu’s expression darkened instantly. Was Jiaojiao really so impatient? She couldn’t even wait one day? He took a deep breath and said quietly, “Jiaojiao’s awake. Go to the cafeteria for breakfast. The meal tickets are on the table. They stop serving at ten.”

“Got it, big brother,” Xie Zhi replied.

Xu Shu gently closed the door behind him, but as he left the courtyard, he was still furious. His precious baby sister, the one he’d raised with such care, had been snatched away just like that. If it weren’t for basic manners, he would’ve shouted to the heavens in despair.

Xu Jiaojiao woke up at nine o’clock. Since she’d gone to bed early, she was feeling well-rested. She stretched lazily, and her fingers brushed against something warm—realizing what it was, she sat up immediately.

Xie Zhi, unfazed, grabbed her chin and kissed her cheek. His long dark eyes gazed at her with a teasing smile. “Jiaojiao, are you that eager? Just a bit more patience, okay?”

“I was not!” she shouted, cheeks turning a creamy pink like a ripe peach begging to be bitten.

His eyes darkened again. What had just subsided now flared back up. He leaned in and gave her a playful nip on the cheek. “Go wash up. We need to head out for breakfast.”

Xu Jiaojiao chose the pale yellow princess dress her brother bought yesterday. She tied her hair with a matching yellow ribbon and styled it into a modern braided look, tugging a bit to add volume and make it look extra full.

On her feet were white heels adorned with pearls, a popular style nowadays.

She painted her cheeks with a rosy oil-paint style blush—very different from her usual makeup. Xu Jiaojiao had a special talent: she was extremely good at highlighting her best features and adjusting her makeup to match her outfit perfectly.

She slung her handmade purse from her mother across her shoulder, which added a touch of warmth to her striking beauty. Satisfied with her reflection, she nodded.

“So pretty, Xu Jiaojiao,” she told herself with a grin.

Excitedly, she linked arms with Xie Zhi and headed out. He wore his usual white shirt and black pants. In this era, men didn’t wear many colors—too bright, and people might assume you were a delinquent.

After yesterday’s downpour, the weather was now clear and pleasantly cool. Even the sun wasn’t too harsh.

As they walked out of Xu Shu’s courtyard, they caught the attention of many onlookers—children, women, middle-aged ladies, and elderly women. Seeing a new face, and especially the direction they were coming from, they instantly made the connection.

“That must be Officer Xu’s sister. She’s too beautiful!”

“My goodness, how can someone look like that?” a warm-hearted older sister said.

Xu Jiaojiao beamed, letting go of Xie Zhi and grabbing the woman’s hand. “Sister, it’s all about the right styling—clothes, hairstyle, and makeup.”

“Aiya, I don’t know anything about that! I thought Yuan Li was exaggerating, but you really are that pretty,” Liu Dajie said, eyes wide as she examined Xu Jiaojiao with childlike curiosity.

“Her skin’s so smooth—my god, even smoother and more fragrant than soap!”

“Liu Jie, let the girl go eat. If she’s late, the food will be gone.”

“True! Officer Xu’s got good genes, and this sister is gorgeous too. Even the fiancé is stunning!”

Xu Jiaojiao found them endlessly amusing. She tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled, “If you want to look pretty too, come find me later. I’ll give you a little makeover.”

“Oh, that’d be wonderful! I won’t say no,” Liu Honghua’s eyes lit up. As they parted ways, she couldn’t help but keep staring after them, dazzled.

Xu Jiaojiao leaned in and whispered to Xie Zhi, “I’ll practice with these ladies first. When I open my store, my real customers will be different. I need to learn now.”

“You’ll definitely succeed, Jiaojiao,” Xie Zhi said encouragingly.

Though she hadn’t officially started her money-making plan, her mind was already filled with golden coins and bright red renminbi. She was determined to do it well—take pictures for future promotion. The effect, she was sure, would be top-notch.