Duan Qingyu turned the steering wheel, his gaze fixed ahead. “So you just abandoned the BMW like that.”
“I’ll have someone drive it back tomorrow. I don’t feel like driving today.” Ji Xueli rolled down the window, letting the cold wind rush in and tousle her hair.
“So, you’re making me your chauffeur.” Duan Qingyu’s tone carried a hint of danger and impatience.
Ji Xueli turned to look at him, speaking bluntly, “I just wanted to spend a little more time with you.”
A red light ahead made Duan Qingyu slam on the brakes. Her body lurched forward uncontrollably, but thankfully, the seatbelt held her in place.
He glanced over, his gaze intense and direct. Though tinged with a smile, the aura of someone in a position of power was intimidating, exuding an indescribable sense of oppression.
“Why are you chasing after me?”
Hearing his question, Ji Xueli knew Cheng Du must have told him. She hadn’t planned on hiding it anyway.
“Spelling it out too clearly takes all the fun out of it.” Ji Xueli met his gaze without a trace of fear.
Duan Qingyu’s voice was calm. “Don’t you know we didn’t part on good terms before?”
“Isn’t that exactly why I want to end things on a pleasant note now?” Ji Xueli shrugged, acting nonchalant.
If things could have been pleasant, would she be in this situation now—begging for reconciliation online, chasing after someone?
“The light’s green.” Ji Xueli reminded him when she noticed he hadn’t moved.
Duan Qingyu couldn’t quite figure out the person beside him. If it was intentional, she should have stopped the moment she saw Ji Yanzhou, yet she chose to continue…
Well, let it continue then. In this thrilling game, let’s see who gives up first.
He concealed the long-dormant emotions in his eyes, stepped on the accelerator, and the car shot forward like an arrow. His voice was cold and harsh. “Ji Xueli, you’d better think this through. Once the arrow is released from the bow, there’s no turning back.”
“Since I’ve already said it, I’ve naturally thought it through.” Ji Xueli watched the scenery whizzing past outside the window, speaking indifferently.
She couldn’t just come out and say she wanted to reconcile. After all, she had left without a word all those years ago. Starting fresh would show sincerity, and the past should be left unspoken.
Even though she couldn’t remember it anyway.
“This game was started by you, but I’ll decide when it ends…” With a sharp turn, the car drifted swiftly, the tires screeching against the pavement. Duan Qingyu’s voice echoed alongside the sound.
He looked at her, the contours of her delicate face cast in a faint blur under the dim light. He curled his lips into a scornful smile, like an emperor looking down from on high, declaring the rules of this world.
“Ji Xueli, welcome back to Upper Capital District.”
Upper Capital District… a world of fame and fortune, a feast for the elite. He was like a mastermind running this game, while she was a newcomer who had accidentally provoked the big boss upon entering…
The gates of hell were about to open…
This successfully ignited Ji Xueli’s intense interest. If this was a game, then let’s see how she would conquer it—her big boss.
She smiled back. “Deal. But what if the Crown Prince deliberately makes things difficult?”
Ahead lay the famous affluent villa district of Huacheng. Duan Qingyu stopped in front of one of the villas, looking at her with leisurely composure, his tone casual. “In your eyes, am I that kind of person?”
Ji Xueli picked up her bag, leaned in, and slipped her business card into the pocket on his chest. The man’s cool fragrance enveloped her, his neckline smooth and fair, with faint traces of veins visible beneath the skin.
“I hope not.” She looked up, meeting his unfathomably deep gaze.
Duan Qingyu remained motionless, simply looking down at her actions.
“My phone number, see you tomorrow.” Ji Xueli waved at him, her coldly beautiful and peerlessly elegant face still carrying that same proud smile when she laughed.
Her figure disappeared, and soon after, the car started, the business card vanishing into the wind.
As soon as Ji Xueli entered the door, she patted her chest and gasped for breath. That man’s aura was too strong; acting opposite him was too difficult. Moreover, she had no hope that he would actually call her—she just wanted to make her presence known.
He might even throw her business card away.
“Li Li, don’t forget about tomorrow’s meal. I’ll have Uncle Li pick you up at ten in the morning.” Ji’s mother couldn’t help but remind her upon seeing her.
She had almost forgotten about this. Ji Xueli nodded, “Yes, I won’t forget.”
“Dress up nicely; after all, it’s been so long since you last met.” Ji’s mother walked over, touched her somewhat cold hands, and said.
“Mom, you’re not planning some business marriage arrangement, are you…” Hearing her say this, Ji Xueli asked suspiciously.
Ji’s mother was both amused and exasperated, “What are you talking about? Does our family even need something like that?”
True enough, that put her mind at ease.
“Li Li, your studio mentioned that you’ve started preparing to select scripts.” Ji’s father shifted his gaze from the computer and asked.
“Yes, after selecting scripts, I’ll have table reads and join the crew. Then you won’t see me for a while.” Ji Xueli hugged her mother’s arm and cooed.
Ji’s mother couldn’t bear the thought, “Can’t it be later? Rest for a few more months first.”
“The entertainment industry changes so quickly. Besides, I’ve already been away for three years. If I rest any longer, I’ll be completely forgotten.” Ji Xueli shook her head.
“I remember Yan Zhou owns an entertainment company. Why don’t you go under his company?” Ji’s mother suggested.
What Yan Zhou? Ji Xueli had no impression of him at all. Moreover, she had already found a place—Duan Qingyu’s company, which was a highly sought-after major entertainment company.
And it just happened to provide another opportunity to spend time together.
“No, no, I have my own plans.” Ji Xueli waved her hand in refusal.
“Alright then, don’t forget tomorrow’s dinner. Dress up nicely.” Ji’s mother reminded her.
With her mother repeatedly emphasizing this, Ji Xueli began to suspect the true purpose of this dinner. Surely they wouldn’t sell off their daughter, right…
Ji Xueli smiled, “I know, Mom. I’ll definitely dress up grandly.”