The next day, Jiang Xizhi accompanied Ji Han Zhuo to work again, though it was him working while she sat nearby, munching on low-sugar snacks and binge-watching dramas.
In truth, Jiang Xizhi had considered that if Ji Han Zhuo weren’t so obsessive and possessive, he wouldn’t be a bad partner to settle down with—handsome, fit, and generous with spending on her. Counting it up, he actually had quite a few good points.
But the moment she remembered her tragic end in her past life, Jiang Xizhi dismissed the thought. Being kept as a caged canary, only to end up with two lives lost—it was too cruel. She had no desire to go through that again.
On Saturday morning, Jiang Xizhi woke up early without needing Ji Han Zhuo to urge her. After all, leaving a little earlier meant she could stay out longer and breathe in more fresh air.
Since she’d woken up early today, Jiang Xizhi picked out their outfits—something she’d negotiated with Ji Han Zhuo the night before. To secure this privilege, she’d paid a hefty price.
But there was no other way. She couldn’t bear the thought of Ji Han Zhuo accompanying her shopping in his usual formal business attire—how awkward would that be?
Jiang Xizhi chose similar outfits for both of them: simple white T-shirts with black jackets and black pants. For herself, she picked wide-leg trousers; for Ji Han Zhuo, sweatpants, paired with sneakers.
Aside from loungewear, she rarely saw Ji Han Zhuo in casual clothes—it had been the same in her past life. So now, given the chance, she wanted him to wear them as much as possible. If she really left someday, she might never see him like this again.
By the time she brought the clothes to Ji Han Zhuo, Jiang Xizhi was already dressed—white top, black pants, white sneakers, her hair tied up high in a ponytail with a small sun-shaped hair tie, looking youthful and vibrant.
When Ji Han Zhuo saw her, his eyes visibly brightened. But noticing the shoes on her feet, he frowned, glanced at his own shoes, and without a word, took his black pair into the walk-in closet.
Jiang Xizhi was puzzled by what the man was up to.
But when he emerged carrying a pair of white sneakers identical to hers—a couple’s set—she instantly understood. This dog of a man was quite particular about the details.
While changing, Ji Han Zhuo shooed Jiang Xizhi out of the room. She waited by the bedroom door for ten minutes, but he still hadn’t come out.
How could a grown man take longer to change than she did?
Impatient, she started knocking. “Ji Han Zhuo, are you done yet? Hurry up, the driver’s waiting downstairs!”
After a while, a somewhat awkward voice came from inside. “Almost.”
Jiang Xizhi patted her cheeks. She must have misheard—since when did Ji Han Zhuo sound awkward?
In reality, she hadn’t misheard. Ji Han Zhuo was indeed feeling self-conscious.
Inside the bedroom, the man stood before the full-length mirror in his white T-shirt and black pants, examining himself from multiple angles, adjusting his hair, before finally gathering the courage to open the door.
Outwardly composed, inwardly he was a nervous wreck, closely watching Jiang Xizhi’s expression, not wanting to miss even the slightest change.
Would he look good dressed like this? Would Xi Xi like it? This was the first time he’d worn such clothes in front of her.
Who would have thought the formidable head of the Ji family could have such worries?
As it turned out, Ji Han Zhuo’s worries were unnecessary—because Jiang Xizhi was already staring, utterly captivated. If her mouth hadn’t been closed, she might have drooled all over the floor.
The man before her—no, perhaps he could also be called a boy—wore a white shirt and black pants, exuding an exceptional youthful aura. Even in the most ordinary clothes, his extraordinary beauty could not be concealed. The stray strands of hair falling over his forehead caught the sunlight streaming through the corridor’s bay window, reflecting a dazzling golden glow.
His complexion was exceptionally fair, his features deep and exquisite, with a bone structure of remarkable elegance. His eyes, usually cold, now gazed cautiously at the girl before him, resembling a little puppy seeking affection. Often, the simplest clothes could carry the most unique charm.
It wasn’t until the man asked, “Do I look good?” that Jiang Xizhi snapped out of her daze. Her eyes sparkled as she nodded vigorously—so handsome she felt like taking a bite out of him.
Seeing this, the man let out a sigh of relief, seemingly pleased by the girl’s reaction. He took her hand and led her downstairs, a smile curling at his lips as he said, “Today is all yours. I’ll accompany you wherever you want to go.”