Chapter Seven, The Forest is Drenched in Color (Seven)
"Zheng Xian." After Zhou Zhengxian and the other two entered following the greeter, a middle-aged man in his fifties immediately approached and said, "You have finally arrived; we have all been waiting for you."
"Hmm, is it okay?" Lin Jinran tousled her short hair, appearing indifferent.
Lin Jinran smiled slightly, carrying a hint of loneliness.
Lin Jinran smiled and said, "Mr. Zhou looks even better. In this suit, I estimate that no one can overshadow your charm."
Lin Jinran was taken aback for a moment and slowly said, "Am I not just an ordinary person? Why does Mr. Zhou ask this?"
Zhou Zhengxian curled his lips, but it was only for a moment; his sinister demeanor vanished completely, and the gentle and refined appearance returned. "I suppose so"
Sure, so what? He suddenly realized that he no longer wanted to pretend anything, nor did he feel like explaining anything. His intuition told him that this woman simply did not care at all
Lin Jinran had been quietly staying by Zhou Zhengxian's side. Upon witnessing Ji Henghui's actions, she instinctively looked at the girl called "Hanhang".
You are too kind
After the three individuals exited the private clothing store, they got back into the car and proceeded directly to their destination
The three quickly left, and Lin Jinran looked at their departing figures and said to Zhou Yan, "Hey, aren't you going to follow them?"
Ke Lin Jinran was unaware; at this moment, her slightly tilted head and mischievous expression were quite unlike her usual demeanor. The sense of keeping others at a distance had faded, replaced by a liveliness characteristic of a young girl.
"Hanhan, didn't you say you had something to give to Zhengxian? Why haven't you taken it out?" Ji Henghui said with a smile
Lin Jinran was taken aback, "Hmm?"
Lin Jinran glanced at him and said, "Going to the restroom, what, do you want to go together?"
How are you here? Lin Jinran was so engrossed in watching the show that she had no time to hide when Zhou Zhengxian suddenly turned his head.
Lin Jinran, with her naturally tall and slender figure, complemented by her neat shoulder-length hair and a pair of eyes that exude a subtle chill, surprisingly looks quite fitting in a women's suit. The suit conveys a sense of heroism, yet when paired with the high heels on her feet, it adds an alluring aura to her overall presence
Lin Jinran raised an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth slightly curling up
He did not see her; he simply lowered his gaze, focused on standing in front of the trash can in the restroom, drying his hands. After finishing, he neatly tossed the handkerchief he held into the trash can.
After finishing in the restroom, Lin Jinran did not return immediately, but instead sat on the windowsill at the corner of the restroom. She estimated that Zhou Zhengxian would not come out so soon since he was discussing serious matters, so she remained there, standing was also standing, and it was truly boring.
Lin Jinran blinked and asked, "Can you do it?"
The sound of light footsteps is heard; someone is coming
Really? Did you bring me a gift as well
Zhou Zhengxian squinted his eyes. Not far away, a woman had one hand in her suit pocket and the other hand holding a cigarette. Amidst the swirling mist, she smiled at him with a charming expression... It was not a flirtatious charm, but rather a casual and solitary allure.
Oh, can I not cooperate?" Lin Jinran chuckled, looking at him with a hint of pride.
... ...
"Give me one." Zhou Zhengxian does not smoke, but it just slipped out.
Zhou Zhengxian looked at her smiling eyes, his brows slightly furrowed. Her appearance made him feel inexplicably familiar, yet he could not grasp this sense of familiarity
Zhou Zhengxian's expressionless demeanor was extremely indifferent, in stark contrast to the way he had just appeared before that father and daughter. However, Lin Jinran found it to be genuine. Yes... this was the real him. The Zhou Zhengxian who smiled and spoke eloquently in front of others was merely wearing a mask.
Zhou Zhengxian was not embarrassed at all by being hit, "So what if it is."
Lin Jinran was somewhat speechless, "Isn't this already extinguished?"
Lin Jinran let out a sound, "Then you wait here."
The destination is a private estate where the host is throwing a party. Many people have been invited, but those who are invited are either wealthy or of high status
The feeling is fleeting, leaving him no opportunity to react
Zhou Zhengxian smiled faintly and remained silent
Zhou Zhengxian slightly lowered her eyes; a woman who is so well-suited to a suit is indeed a rarity
After watching for a while, Lin Jinran withdrew her gaze. She instinctively reached into her pocket and unexpectedly touched a square box.
"Oh, you still remember me? I thought you had forgotten about me," Ji Han said with a hint of reproach.
Where are you going?" Zhou Yan grasped her arm
"Lin Jinran, who are you?" Zhou Zhengxian suddenly asked
In fact, she did not have a smoking addiction before; it was merely that after having that dream repeatedly, she developed a sense of restlessness. With a constant feeling of an unfulfilled void within her, she resorted to this nonsensical method. Later on, as she continued to smoke, it became a habit, and she no longer wished to quit.
Hmm? Ji Han was taken aback, clearly not expecting Zhou Zhengxian to have such a good impression of her. "Really, is that true?"
Ah..." Ji Han pressed her lips together, looking quite embarrassed. "Zhengxian Gege, this is for you. This was purchased at the auction last time. I heard that you really like this kind of jade.
Lin Jinran turned around and jumped down from the windowsill
"Well, not bad," Zhou Zhengxian stood up, not hesitating to show his appreciation in his eyes, "It looks very good."
Zhou Zhengxian glanced at her and said, "You don't let me smoke but you smoke yourself; are you trying to make me inhale secondhand smoke?"
Mr. Zhou
"Oh, you can, but I have never seen you smoke," Lin Jinran said as she extinguished the cigarette. "However, even if you could, I would not give it to you. As your doctor, I have the obligation to ensure your health"
Lin Jinran sat there for a long time, the place was very quiet, and from this angle, she could clearly see Zhou Yan's position. Zhou Yan stood quietly to the side, waiting for Zhou Zhengxian, seemingly lifeless without Zhou Zhengxian.
He actually threw it into the trash can without any hesitation
This piece of wood has been with Zhou Zhengxian for about twenty years, accompanying him from childhood to adulthood. It is likely that his belief in his heart is the same as that of her father, that Zhou Zhengxian is the most important, while others... cannot even be compared to him
And Zhou Yan exclaimed directly, "A suit?!"
Uncle Ji, I have come this time to discuss the matter regarding the previous project. Shall we find a place to talk now
Smoke
"Ah, Mr. Zhou," Lin Jinran paused for a moment and raised her hand to greet him. However, when she raised her hand, she realized that her right hand's index and middle fingers were still holding a cigarette
In that moment, he appeared somewhat distracted
Lin Jinran cast a faint glance, still unopened, not yet knowing what was inside, but already feeling fond of it. Indeed, the value of a gift depends on who presents it.
Mr. Zhou, I suggested that this young lady wear a nice dress, but she said she is your... little assistant, and a suit is more convenient for movement. The shopkeeper said, however, that this suit is also particularly suitable for this young lady, and she looks even more handsome in it than a man.
Ji Han glanced at Zhou Zhengxian and said, "I know, Dad"
I remember that Miss Ji's appearance is certainly unforgettable
Zhou Zhengxian frowned; indeed, he did not know why he suddenly asked this question, it was merely instinctive, driven by his heart
Ji Henghui's gaze shifted back and forth between the two, and it seemed promising... Deep down, he truly wished to bring his daughter and Zhou Zhengxian together. If he could arrange for his daughter to marry into the Zhou family, it would be akin to a powerful alliance, providing a strong backing and a substantial financial supporter in the future, ensuring a steady flow of wealth.
Likewise
"It is good that you have come, it is good that you have come." Ji Henghui said as he waved to the girl not far away, "Hanhan, come over, weren't you calling out to see Zhengxian for a long time already?"
I thought Mr. Zhou was very fond of Miss Ji, but it turns out I was overthinking it. Lin Jinran recalled the way he wiped his hands just now; could it be that he was so disdainful because his hands had been held by someone else
Zhou Yan
This may seem like a party, but in reality, it involves business dealings in the marketplace
Zhou Zhengxian put down the magazine he had casually picked up to look at and raised his gaze towards the newcomer. However, at first glance, he was momentarily taken aback.
Zhou Zhengxian did not speak, he simply looked at her. Lin Jinran calmly met his gaze, "Mr. Zhou, did you just throw away Miss Ji's belongings?"
"Brother Zhengxian, I finally get to see you." The girl's sweet and melodious voice made Lin Jinran shiver three times. However, the person being addressed in such an affectionate manner remained unfazed.
Lin Jinran shook again ... Today, it is a bit cold
Zhou Zhengxian stepped forward towards her, and only when he reached in front of her did he suddenly come to his senses, as she seemed to have witnessed everything that had just happened
Zhou Yan
"Oh? I almost forgot about you." While changing clothes, I happened to put the cigarettes from my original pocket here, and now I can smoke one. Lin Jinran felt a slight excitement in her heart.
Well, not even pretending, it seems to be a case of a broken pot being thrown away.
"This is for you, young master." Zhou Yan stepped forward and handed the gift box he had been holding in his hand to Ji Han
Zhou Zhengxian changed his clothes first. As he was waiting for Lin Jinran, he sat down on the sofa. A few minutes later, the shop owner led Lin Jinran out.
Lin Jinran walked out of the crowded back garden filled with guests. After inquiring with a server, she headed towards the nearest restroom
She originally thought that since someone had come, she would no longer stay, but unexpectedly, the person who arrived was Zhou Zhengxian
Zhou Zhengxian chuckled coldly and said, "What do you think?"
Continuing, Lin Jinran saw him take out a small box from his pocket. If she was not mistaken, it was the jade stone that Ji Han had just given him.
Zhou Zhengxian took it over and seemed to seriously open the box to take a look, "It's very beautiful, I really like it. Oh right, actually I also brought gifts for Miss Ji and Uncle Ji this time."
It has nothing to do with us; we just need to wait here for the young master
Thank you, Brother Zhengxian, I really like it very much
"Lin Jinran, there are some things you need not say." This was the first time Zhou Zhengxian directly called her by name, and Lin Jinran suddenly found it somewhat amusing, "Are you trying to silence me?"
Ji Henghui raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "Alright, let's go to the inner room. Hanhan, you come over too; in the future, you will need to learn more from Zhengxian about matters in the marketplace."
A faint spark slowly illuminated, and Lin Jinran took a puff, exhaling a smoke ring
Not far away, a girl approached with a shy smile, dressed in a white short dress, her long legs fair and delicate, drawing a great deal of attention.
He could not articulate the feeling of that moment, he could only say that she... was somewhat special. Moreover, he had never seen a woman like her, who did not resemble a woman.
Zhou Zhengxian extended his hand to shake with him, saying, "I apologize for keeping Ji Bo waiting for a long time; I was delayed due to some matters at home"
Miss Ji, it has been a long time since we last met