His voice brushed low against her ear, sending a fine ripple of tingling sensations across Xu Youqing's skin.
She nodded hastily, pulled her hand free from his, and stepped back half a pace. "Th-thank you, Mr. Jin."
Every dish on the table looked delicious, but Xu Youqing had no appetite. She only wanted to get the matter settled and leave as quickly as possible.
"Mr. Jin, about that porcelain bowl…"
Jin Zongmin acted as if he hadn't heard her. "The chef here specializes in Pingcheng cuisine. Quite skilled. Have a taste."
Xu Youqing couldn't very well snub him, so she picked up her chopsticks and took a bite. Her eyes lit up—she hadn't expected the flavor to be so authentic, almost reminiscent of her mother's cooking.
She let her guard down a little. "Are you from Pingcheng too?" Xu Youqing was curious, especially about the fish dish—some out-of-towners couldn't stomach it.
Jin Zongmin took a sip of water, his expression calm. "My grandmother was."
She'd thought he might brush her off with a casual reply, but she hadn't expected Jin Zongmin to bring up his own family.
Xu Youqing gripped her chopsticks, trying to think of how to respond, unsure whether she should even ask. "Yesterday, were you going to…"
Jin Zongmin could tell what she wanted to ask. He had no reservations about it and nodded. "I went to pay respects to her and my grandfather."
"Was your grandfather also from Pingcheng?"
"No."
Jin Zongmin had spent the entire morning entertaining business associates—those shrewd types who flattered him to his face while probably complaining about him behind his back. A hint of weariness showed between his brows. Yet this meal with Xu Youqing felt oddly relaxing, like a release of pressure.
Jin Zongmin was in surprisingly good spirits, chatting with Xu Youqing about topics he wouldn't normally bring up with others.
"My old man had a remarkable talent for clinging on. Naturally, wherever my grandmother was, there he was too."
Jin Zongmin seemed to recall something and smiled. "The old man often said, 'Once you've set your eyes on something, don't let go.'"
"He lived by that principle his whole life."
In this moment, Jin Zongmin had shed that forceful edge. With his naturally handsome features, his smile was quite pleasing—almost warm and approachable.
Seeing Xu Youqing staring at him, Jin Zongmin looked back at her with a lazy, casual air. "What are you staring at me for?"
Xu Youqing snapped back to reality, embarrassed, and coughed twice. They both reached for the teapot at the same time.
His palm was warm as it brushed against the back of her hand, and Xu Youqing quickly withdrew hers.
She lowered her head, pretending to eat, keeping her eyes fixed on the dishes before her. But she could feel an intense gaze from above, making her scalp prickle.
Jin Zongmin said nothing more, and Xu Youqing picked at her food with careful, measured movements.
He'd called her here to discuss the porcelain bowl, yet he kept delaying the topic. Xu Youqing grew restless and asked softly, "Mr. Jin, about that porcelain bowl…"
Xu Youqing's whole body was tense; she clearly looked uncomfortable.
Jin Zongmin held his teacup and looked at her. "Are you afraid of me?"
When Jin Zongmin wasn't smiling, that overwhelming sense of pressure descended once more. Xu Youqing couldn't read his intentions, and after what Han Zheng had told her earlier, it would be a lie to say she wasn't at least a little afraid of him.
She couldn't very well tell the truth to his face. She spoke up: "No."
Then added, "You're very gentlemanly. A good person."
Say something he'd like to hear—he probably wouldn't make things difficult for her then. Xu Youqing forced what she thought was a natural smile.
Jin Zongmin studied Xu Youqing. She clearly had no idea how bad her acting was.
The waiter came over with a warm towel. Jin Zongmin picked it up, wiped his hands, and deliberately teased her: "You've only met me twice, and you already think I'm a good person?"
Jin Zongmin seemed to have taken an interest, lazily leaning back in his seat as he looked at her. "Then tell me, what exactly is good about me?"
Xu Youqing thought she had been clever, but she had only dug herself into a hole.
With no other choice, she could only say what sounded nice.
"That day when you were discussing antiques with Mr. Zheng, it was clear that you have a unique sense of aesthetics and discernment—you're not someone who only looks at the surface."
What she said wasn't entirely flattery. Listening to Jin Zongmin converse with Boss Zheng that day, he truly wasn't someone with empty thoughts—he even had quite insightful opinions.
Xu Youqing's praise was sincere and well-founded.
Jin Zongmin lifted his eyelids slightly, as if he wasn't buying it. "Have you sweet-talked other men like this too?"
Xu Youqing's first reaction was to deny it. "No… I've never sweet-talked anyone."
The moment the words left her mouth, she sensed something was off. Afraid Jin Zongmin might misunderstand, she hastily added: "It's not sweet-talking—I'm just stating the truth."
A mischievous glint spread across Jin Zongmin's eyes. "You're lying."
He deliberately baited her. "I don't quite believe you."
"If you don't believe me… I can't really explain it."
Jin Zongmin glanced at her sideways, his tone slow and deliberate, carrying a hint of playful probing. "Never sweet-talked a boyfriend either?"
He probably assumed Han Zheng was her boyfriend. Xu Youqing didn't intend to correct him, only shaking her head. "No."
Jin Zongmin studied Xu Youqing. Whether her words were half true or half false, at least at this moment, he was indeed quite pleased.
Jin Zongmin didn't say anything more, but his unwavering gaze made Xu Youqing deeply uneasy. She spoke up: "You're also very respectful of others."
Jin Zongmin let out a low chuckle and glanced at her sideways. "Calling me out, are you?"
After all, she was still a young girl with thin skin. Jin Zongmin didn't plan to keep teasing her. "Alright, let's get back to business—otherwise it might seem like I'm not being respectful, wouldn't you say?"
Xu Youqing maintained a facade of composure, but inwardly she breathed a sigh of relief.
However, Jin Zongmin didn't bring up the porcelain bowl. Instead, he said: "You have good craftsmanship. I have an item I'd like you to repair."
Absolutely must not accept. That was Xu Youqing's first reaction.
"I'm really sorry, but I've been quite busy with school lately. I'm afraid I won't be able to find the time."
Jin Zongmin seemed to have anticipated her response. "No rush—any time works."
Her excuse had been deflected. Xu Youqing changed her strategy. "I know a few seniors with excellent craftsmanship. I could introduce them to you—they have more experience than I do."
Jin Zongmin gave her a deep look, seeing right through her little scheme—she was clearly finding roundabout ways to refuse.
Seeing Jin Zongmin's scrutinizing gaze, Xu Youqing didn't dare meet his eyes. She looked away and took a sip from the cup of water in front of her.
Jin Zongmin watched her slightly tense face, saw her fingers clench nervously to the tips. He didn't press further, his tone easing. "No rush. We'll talk about it later."
…
On the way back to school, Xu Youqing sat pressed against the car door. The empty space between them could easily fit two more people.
When they were nearly at the school gate, Xu Youqing said: "If you don't mind, stopping here is fine."
Jin Zongmin glanced out the window. She was trying to avoid any appearance of impropriety. He let out a soft laugh—this was the first time someone had been so eager to distance themselves from him.
The driver glanced up at the rearview mirror, slowing the car, waiting for Jin Zongmin's signal.
"Stop the car."
At Jin Zongmin's word, the driver pulled the car over to the side of the road.
Xu Youqing thanked him and got out.
Plane tree leaves rustled down at the school gate. The temperature had clearly dropped, and the wind sent Xu Youqing's hair flying as she hugged her arms and walked toward the entrance.
Behind her came the sound of a car door closing. She turned to see Jin Zongmin getting out as well.
He had taken off his overcoat and held it out to her. The fabric was fine cashmere, still carrying his scent—cool and distant, yet with a hint of warmth beneath, like moonlight falling on one's shoulders on a winter night.
"No need, Mr. Jin," Xu Youqing said, waving her hand and stepping back half a pace. "Please put it back on. Don't catch a cold."
Jin Zongmin didn't move. His hand remained steady in the air, with no intention of withdrawing. "It's not cold in the car."
"Really, there's no need. My dormitory is very close."
Jin Zongmin seemed to lose patience. He stepped forward directly and draped the overcoat over her shoulders, his motion leaving no room for refusal.
He reached out to smooth the collar for her, looking down at her. "Wear it. The wind is strong."
They were standing very close, and with him gazing at her so directly, Xu Youqing's ears grew hot. People were coming and going around them, and not wanting to draw attention, she murmured a quiet thank you and hurried toward the school gate.
When she entered the dormitory, Lin Xiao hadn't returned yet.
Xu Youqing took off the overcoat and carefully lifted it by the collar, preparing to hang it on the rack. On the inner lining, along the side seam, she spotted a label with a neatly embroidered character: "Jin."
…
Sunlight streamed through the window.
In the study of the old Jin family residence, Jin Anping sat back in a huanghuali armchair, a half-burned custom cigarette pinched between his fingers, his brows knitted tightly.
Jin Zongmin pushed the door open and entered. He didn't approach, merely leaning askew against the curio shelf.
Hearing the movement, Jin Anping didn't look up. "The Jin family can hardly contain you anymore. Coming home is harder than climbing to heaven."
Jin Zongmin didn't respond. He walked over to the fish tank nearby and casually tapped it with his fingertip.
Jin Anping finally raised his eyes, his gaze sharp. "Your eldest brother and second sister are both married. What about you? How much longer do you plan to stay a bachelor?"
Jin Zongmin was nonchalant, watching the fish swim, paying no heed to his father's irritation. "Dad, stop beating around the bush."
He reached for some fish food. "Just tell me directly—whose daughter have you set your sights on this time? The Song family? The Li family? Or have you come up with something new?"
"You—" Jin Anping was furious and stubbed out his cigarette butt with force.
Jin Anping leaned back in his chair, his gaze settling on the face of his most difficult-to-tame youngest son. "Your grandfather doted on you most when he was alive. He said you were most like him in your bones—that you could accomplish the most."
The more he spoke, the angrier he grew. Jin Anping slapped the small rosewood paperweight on the desk. "Where's that competitive drive you used to have? Where did it all go?"
Jin Zongmin didn't answer. He pinched some fish food and tossed it into the tank.
He brushed the crumbs from his hands. "With you and eldest brother around, isn't it enough that I just handle the odds and ends?"
Jin Anping felt a tightness in his chest as he listened. The eldest, Zongheng, was too steady and conservative in his ways—not as competitive or as resourceful as Zongmin.
But Jin Zongmin simply had no ambition for it. And after that business with the Lin family, he had grown increasingly unrestrained, and no amount of persuasion did any good.
Jin Anping let out a heavy sigh. "In a few more years, no one can say for sure whether this situation will hold steady."
He leaned forward, looking at Jin Zongmin. "Rules are set by the strong. That's a principle you were taught from childhood."
"Is that all you called me here to say?"
"I'm reminding you that in the Jin family, the family's glory always comes before the individual."
Jin Zongmin's fingers, which were pinching the fish food, paused briefly.
He knew all too well how important the Jin family's glory was in this household. Even his eldest brother and second sister's seemingly glamorous marriages… were nothing more than cogs required for the operation of the massive machine that was "family glory."
The study fell into a brief silence, broken only by the silent burning of the cigarette in Jin Anping's hand.
"You should rein yourself in." Jin Anping's voice deepened, carrying an unyielding authority.
Jin Zongmin turned sideways, casually deflecting the topic. "Dean Nie isn't home again?"
"I heard your mother went to a meeting." Jin Anping frowned, clearly dissatisfied with Jin Zongmin's attempt to change the subject.
"Dean Nie is certainly a busy woman." Jin Zongmin curled the corner of his mouth, his tone revealing neither praise nor criticism.
"Did you understand what I said?" Jin Anping pulled the conversation back.
"I've received your important instructions." Jin Zongmin stood up and straightened his collar. "I still have things to do. I'll be going now."
Jin Zongmin stepped out and had just reached the corridor when he ran into Auntie Juan, the housekeeper, coming toward him.
Auntie Juan's face broke into a smile when she saw him. "Zongmin, I was just heading to the kitchen to make you some sweet soup."
Jin Zongmin stopped, and the cold, hard lines of his profile softened slightly.
"You have rheumatism. Don't trouble yourself when it's cold out."
"What's the harm in that!" Auntie Juan's smile lines deepened, her eyes filled with pure affection. "As long as you like it, Auntie Juan is happy to make it."
Jin Zongmin rarely showed a smile in this household, but he smiled now. "You still treat me like a child."
Auntie Juan looked at him, then suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right—Jiahao mentioned you bought him a big house recently. How could you let yourself spend so much money on him? Jiahao really doesn't know any better."
"The housing problem's solved—now he just needs to hurry up and get married before that girl gets away." Jin Zongmin teased with a smile. "If anything comes up, have Jiahao contact Secretary Gao. Between you and me, there's no need for formalities."
Auntie Juan's eyes grew slightly warm. She had raised Jin Zongmin since he was small. Outsiders all said the Third Young Master of the Jin family was the coldest and most inscrutable, but she alone knew that he was the most loyal-hearted one in this family.
The black sedan gradually pulled away from the Jin family's old estate. Jin Zongmin leaned back in the rear seat, rubbing his brow.
The car stopped at Duan Sikai's private club located in a traditional courtyard house.
When Jin Zongmin walked in, Duan Sikai immediately rose to greet him. "Finally here—I was starting to think the family had you locked up."
Jin Zongmin handed his coat to a server and loosened his collar. "The family couldn't lock me up even if they tried."
His gaze had already swept across the room—a few familiar faces, all figures with intertwined interests in this circle.
After taking his seat, the conversation turned to a shipping investment currently in progress.
As they spoke, another composed figure walked over. It was Duan Sikai's elder brother, Duan Sicheng. Two years older than both Duan Sikai and Jin Zongmin, his bearing was more reserved and steady.
Everyone rose to their feet, except Jin Zongmin, who remained firmly seated in the host's position with a faint smile on his face. "Brother Sicheng, congratulations on the promotion."
Duan Sicheng took his seat and raised his glass with a sincere smile. "Zongmin, I owe this to you—thanks for giving me that push at the critical moment."
Jin Zongmin clinked glasses with him and said with a smile, "You know me—I never help people for nothing."
It sounded like a joke, but Duan Sicheng understood perfectly: Jin Zongmin wanted the Duan family to continue cooperating wholeheartedly with the Jin family, no matter how they developed in the future.
Although Duan Sikai and Jin Zongmin had grown up together since childhood, in this circle, debts of favor often weighed heavier than gold and silver, and were even harder to repay.
"We'll look out for each other." Duan Sicheng responded tactfully, downing the wine in his glass in one gulp.
After a few rounds of drinks, Duan Sikai leaned in close to Jin Zongmin while refilling his glass. "I heard you brought a pretty girl along last week?"
Duan Sikai was genuinely curious. "What's the story? Who managed to catch your eye?"
Jin Zongmin swirled his glass. "What's this, Boss Duan? You run an open-door business, but now you're keeping tabs on who your guests bring?"
Just as they were laughing and chatting, Jin Zongmin's phone buzzed.
Few people knew his private number, so he picked up.
"Hello…"
A young woman's crisp, clear voice came through the phone.