Talk my ass!
Jiang Qiqi was feeling unusually helpless. She was sandwiched in the middle of the back seat, flanked on both sides by burly bodyguards. Each of them was wider than two of her put together, making her look tiny and fragile in comparison.
Furious, she glared fiercely at Jiang Heng sitting in the front passenger seat. If looks could kill, Jiang Heng’s head would have been blown apart by now.
Jiang Heng looked up and met her gaze in the rearview mirror. He beamed with delight and asked cheerfully, Is Miss Jiang falling for me?
Jiang Qiqi: …
When it comes to narcissism, you really are top tier.
Jiang Heng accepted the compliment but said, Not quite as much as my nephew though. I still have room for improvement.
Jiang Qiqi wiped her face and looked around. Where are you taking me?
To eat.
To eat?
Aren’t you hungry?
She was just about to say no when her stomach let out a loud growl, completely betraying her. She hesitated for two seconds. Are you treating?
Receiving a nod of confirmation, she leaned back comfortably and signaled the bodyguards next to her to move over because they were crowding her. With Jiang Heng’s approval, the two giants squeezed themselves against the car doors, wishing they could shrink instantly. Unfortunately, due to their size, they only managed to free up a little bit of space for her.
She probably wouldn’t be going home anytime soon. Jiang Qiqi took out her phone to text Qin Jiao, but just then the car arrived. Remembering she had already told him she might be back very late and told him to rest early, she felt relieved and put her phone away again.
The restaurant Jiang Heng took her to was obviously high-end. The name was in English; Jiang Qiqi looked at it twice, confirmed she didn’t understand a word, and promptly forgot about it.
As soon as she walked in, the smell of money hit her, making her feel like Granny Liu entering the Grand View Garden. The Western-style architecture complemented the warm yellow lighting, creating an indescribably romantic atmosphere. Couples walked in and out arm-in-arm.
The waiter led them to the sixth floor. Opening the door to the private room, the entire city of A was spread out before them through the floor-to-ceiling window. Neon lights stretched out in all directions, illuminating the vast metropolis. The towering Clock of Time, standing tall in the city center, had weathered over a hundred years yet remained majestic.
Classical music played softly in the background, and with the melody, her tiredness seemed to melt away. The busyness of the day finally settled.
Do you like it here?
Jiang Qiqi didn’t say she liked it, just remarked, Expensive things have their reasons.
Jiang Heng leaned closer and rested his hand on her shoulder. If you like it, I’ll bring you again next time.
Jiang Qiqi glanced at his hand. Considering you accidentally helped me out today, I’ll give you a chance. Take your hand off.
Jiang Heng didn’t get angry. He obediently pulled away and raised both hands in surrender, grinning playfully. Jiang Qiqi just stared blankly, feeling more and more that this man was impossible.
She really wanted to go home. She missed her Jiaojiao.
Jiang Heng pulled out a chair for her to sit down and placed the menu in front of her. Order whatever you want.
She knew it must be expensive, but when she opened it, she was still stunned. She muttered, Even robbing banks isn’t this fast.
Most of the menu was in English, and she could barely understand any of it. She flipped from start to finish, noticing the prices mostly ranged from three to five thousand. Hardly anything was under three digits, and some were even tens of thousands.
Oh my god, she exclaimed as she read, then asked cautiously, You are really paying, right?
She’d be bankrupt if she ate here even a few times.
Jiang Heng didn’t care in the slightest. Order whatever you want, it’s fine. This restaurant belongs to the Jiang family.
Jiang Qiqi: … Damn capitalism.
She aggressively ordered over a dozen dishes, specifically picking the most expensive ones without blinking. It wasn’t her money, after all.
During the meal, Jiang Qiqi was waiting for Jiang Heng to get to the point. She didn’t believe for a second that he invited her just to eat, especially after that ridiculous proposal. But she finished her meal and even had several desserts, and Jiang Heng still said nothing.
Jiang Qiqi wiped her mouth and looked up, only to find him resting his chin in his hands, just watching her eat.
It was creepy. So creepy she wanted to call the police.
What are you doing? she asked.
Is it good? he asked.
She felt like she was at a Hongmen banquet. A chill ran down her spine. It’s… okay?
Full?
Why did this feel like the last meal before execution? She didn’t answer, just looked at him warily.
Jiang Heng finally laughed openly. Miss Jiang’s sense of caution really comes and goes.
She couldn’t argue, it was true. She glared at him again, which only made him laugh more.
What exactly do you want?
I want to ask Miss Jiang something.
Jiang Qiqi sat up straight. Go ahead.
Does Miss Jiang believe in God?
No.
Jiang Heng seemed thoughtful. Then he asked, Does Miss Jiang still remember Ruirui’s birthday?
The question came out of nowhere, and Jiang Qiqi instantly tensed up. Did her recent strange behavior make him suspicious? But she had never interacted with him before. Who would think about it in that direction? At most, they’d just think her personality had changed!
She chose her words carefully. People who aren’t important… I’ve forgotten.
Jiang Heng waved his hand, telling her not to be so defensive, and started talking on his own.
Actually, a few years ago, I was an atheist too. But one day, I realized… maybe there really is something like a God in this world. Someone who controls our actions, manipulates our thoughts. The moment I realized that, everything and everyone became so boring.
It’s just like a line of code written long ago. Press run, and it executes automatically in order. Dull and meaningless.
Jiang Qiqi rubbed her fingers, her heart pounding harder and harder, but she kept her face calm. You think too much.
Jiang Heng took off his glasses. I thought so too. He sat up straighter. But then… I saw someone who broke free from the script.
His gaze was intense and gentle, like someone looking at their beloved. But Jiang Qiqi was not his beloved. Being looked at like that only made her feel violated.
She stood up to leave. Jiang Heng didn’t stop her, but he called out, My proposal… always stands.
Jiang Qiqi replied clearly, And my answer… will never change.
The night wind was cold, biting enough to wake her up completely. Shivering, she hailed a taxi and headed home.
It was past midnight when she arrived. She got out of the car and looked up. The windows, which should have been dark, were still lit up. Her heart softened, and she ran upstairs quickly.
She opened the door. The living room light was still on. Qin Jiao was curled up on the sofa, hugging a pillow, fast asleep.