Chapter 05

Xin Xia Nuan did not hear clearly the words that Lu Zi Ang said afterwards. At this moment, she had already entered a semi-sleep state, her lips slightly parted, and the sound of her even breathing could be heard. She was deeply asleep, lying on Lu Zi Ang's back, just as they used to do before. ... A brief back, a few minutes ...

Xin Xia turned her head slightly and said, "Don't look down on people, I... I will be wanted by someone." Her voice lacked confidence, and it was evident that over the years, apart from Liao Xiu, there seemed to be no one else interested in her. Manni said it was because she had limited exposure, and with her looks, she could definitely attract a few wealthy suitors to play with.

Xin Xianuan felt a rush of heat to her face, her blood boiling once again. "As long as he is a man, I can handle it. I want to prove that I have this power, so don't look down on me." Xin Xianuan was indeed a bit angered. You might wonder why, with such good conditions, she was in such a dire situation, and why she had to let Lu Zi'ang see her as a joke.

Lu Ziang chuckled softly and patted her on the back of the head, "Get out of the car." He got out first. Xin Xianuan's flushed face had returned to normal, and her heart was at peace. She had truly grown older, no longer like before, filled with wild thoughts and speculating like a young girl about the meaning of his words.

Xin Xia Nuan bitterly smiled, feeling truly embarrassed; she knew that everyone was aware of her predicament. The more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became. She wanted to live a better life, not allowing him to witness her misfortune, thus satisfying her inner contemptible mindset of "sour grapes". She constantly reminded herself that not being able to have Lu Zi Ang did not necessarily mean she could not be happy. She wanted to live a very happy life. She always reminded herself that not being able to have Lu Zi Ang did not necessarily mean she could not be happy. She wanted to live a very happy life

After a moment, Lu Ziang gently turned his head and said, "Warm, let us get married."

Xin Xia Nuan had learned from her mother about Lu Zi Ang having a girlfriend abroad long ago. At that time, she merely smiled lightly, truly not caring much about it. Long before, Xin Xia Nuan had realized that no matter how much she cared, it was all in vain. The relationship between her and Lu Zi Ang could not be transcended. Perhaps this is the greatest sorrow, the death of the heart.

At that time, she was easily satisfied. She felt that fifteen minutes each day was the most beautiful and luxurious hourglass in her years. She enjoyed watching the sand trickle down the hourglass slowly, silently counting the time, and in the limited and pressing remaining time, she listened to the most genuine cry of her heart: slow down, even slower.

Xin Xia Nuan raised her face, which was redder than ever, and said with a pained expression: "You clearly know how strong this wine is, why didn't you stop me?"

But now, with no career and no love, how can I say that I am happy when I feel like a failure in every aspect of my life

Each villa has its own parking garage. Lu Ziang parked the car in the villa's garage, turned off the engine, and the headlights also went out. Suddenly, the entire garage became dim, and the inside of the car was very quiet. With the faint light, Xin Xianuan tried to discern Lu Ziang's expression, but she only saw him staring straight ahead, as if looking at something far away.

She sulkily downed the wine in the cup on the table, pouting and remaining silent... It is truly infuriating...

A sly taste lingered at the corners of his mouth, but Xin Xia did not pay attention to his insinuation. She picked up the red wine on the table, poured herself half a glass, and drank it all in one go. "I understand what you mean. Alright, I will tell you a secret."

Lu Ziang glanced at the nearby clock, the hour hand already pointing to 10. He knew that Xin Xiangnuan's family had strict rules, so he stood up and said: "Let's go, I will escort you home"

Lu Ziang raised his eyebrows, signaling her to continue speaking

She put down her wine glass with a hint of disappointment and asked, "Brother, do you enjoy it like this abroad as well? Red wine paired with beautiful women?" She wanted to bite her own tongue for saying such a sour thing; it was not in her character.

Xin Xia Nuan was momentarily taken aback, then poured half a glass of red wine into her cup, clinked it against his, and downed it in one go. After finishing the wine, she finally understood the difference in the alcohol... This wine could be consumed like plain water without irritating the throat, but after drinking it...

Xin Xia Nuan was momentarily taken aback, her heart tightening, feeling her blood boil all over her body. In a fluster, she spoke incoherently: "Brother, stop joking with me, I am getting old and cannot take such teasing."

Lu Ziang raised an eyebrow and pouted, "I know you feel pitiful, with your lover abroad, left alone in an empty room". Lu Ziang's words carried no bitterness, but rather a tone of mockery.

The villa in the Lotus Community is not newly built; it can be considered semi-new. Lu Ziang took the key and opened the door. Upon entering the house, he turned on the crystal chandelier in the hall, which shone brightly. The furniture appeared to be new, while the decor seemed to have some history. Xin Xianuan looked at the house and couldn't help but ask, "Did you buy it?"

Xin Xia Nuan could only fall silent as well

"Because I just want you to be intoxicated." Lu Ziang suddenly smiled mischievously, picked her up, and said with a gentle smile, "I want to carry you, just like we used to."

Xin Xia Nuan suddenly felt a rush of warmth throughout her body, her blood surged directly to her cheeks, which felt as if they were on fire. Was this perhaps a reaction to the lie she was about to tell? Her confidence wavered slightly, "I am about to be promoted. I was originally an assistant to the secretary, but in a few days, I will be the secretary to the president"

Lu Ziang was at a loss for words, unable to decide whether to laugh or cry. He could only raise the glass of red wine he was toying with, pretending to toast, "No need for that, I know you will definitely succeed. Let me first wish you well in becoming the executive secretary."

Upon hearing Xin Xiannu's words, Lu Ziang paused for a moment, then managed to pull out a faint smile, which seemed to be a bitter smile, or perhaps a mocking one, "I returned to my country to marry you, what sister-in-law is there?"

Xin Xia Nuan immediately shot him a glance, picked up the wine glass he handed her, and took a gentle sip, pretending to savor it. In reality, she was just a country bumpkin, completely unfamiliar with wine; she merely wanted to try something new and see what made this expensive wine so different. The result showed that for those who do not understand, no matter what level of wine they drink, it all tastes the same

Lu Ziang also pulled out a chair and sat opposite her, watching her face, which was flushed either from drinking or from anger. "Seeing you so pitiful, I might as well take you in."

She is well aware that calling him "brother" for over ten years is merely a teasing joke, and this has happened not just once or twice, but so many times that she has lost count.

Lu Ziang looked at her with amusement, "So confident? On what basis?"

I intend to seduce our new president to become my lover, and I must succeed

"Hmm, alright." As Xin Xia Nuan stood up, her head felt heavy, and her limbs went out of control, nearly causing her to fall. Fortunately, Lu Zi Ang caught her just in time, chuckling softly, "You dare to drink this kind of wine in one gulp, with your meager drinking capacity." Even he, with his good tolerance for alcohol, would not dare to drink like that.

Xin Xia Nuan is not the type of woman who enjoys playing around; to put it nicely, she is a well-behaved person who follows the rules, but to put it harshly, she is a socially withdrawn and unambitious homebody. In any case, Manni has come to the conclusion that Xin Xia Nuan is wasting her good looks

The Lotus Garden community consists solely of villas, with no single-story houses available. In fact, the facilities in this community are similar to those in other local communities; it is simply that the location is more favorable, resulting in higher property prices

At this moment, Lu Ziang was toying with the wine glass in his hand, turning it around and watching the red wine sway inside. He chuckled lightly, "I have always held you in high regard, Nuan." He slightly raised his eyes to look at her, "Such a lovely woman, who wouldn't want you, right? Hmm?"

As they grew older, Xin Xiaonuan, in order to help Lu Ziang get ahead in his studies, would always complete her own homework during breaks. After school, she would assist Lu Ziang in finishing his assignments, much like a diligent and caring nanny. The free-spirited young master Lu Ziang would take his basketball and go out to play, often losing track of time while he exercised. When he returned, the bored Xin Xiaonuan would pass the time waiting by sleeping. Lu Ziang never disturbed her; instead, he would gently carry her back, just as he did when they were children. Later, when Lu Ziang returned early, Xin Xiaonuan was still sound asleep. He was at a loss and carried her again. In truth, Xin Xiaonuan was not really asleep; she simply wanted him to carry her home. She found his back wide and warm, allowing her to enjoy a brief yet satisfying fifteen minutes.

Xin Xia Nuan did not expect that Lu Zi Ang's home was not the one that was only a hundred steps away from her house. The car traveled for no more than five minutes, and before she could even settle into her seat, the vehicle came to a stop at the Lotus Community

Lu Ziang felt somewhat helpless, furrowing his brows as he smiled, "So confident? I bet you don't even know who your new president is."

Xin Xia warmly walked over, pulled out a chair beside him, sat down, and said with a smile: "A big man casually lives in such a large house, aren't you afraid of loneliness? By the way, where is your wife?"

Lu Ziang has a very caring little sister who follows him around, while Xin Xianuan has a domineering and sharp-tongued older brother. Xin Xianuan and Lu Ziang are neighbors, living in a bungalow in the same community. Their families live directly across from each other on the same floor. They attend the same school, which is not far away, just a fifteen-minute walk. Xin Xianuan always waits for Lu Ziang, who is a grade above her, to come home. Lu Ziang does not like studying at home, so Uncle Lu orders him to finish his homework at school before returning home; if he hasn't completed it, he is not allowed to enter the house. He often takes a long time, and she always waits a long time. No matter how late it is, she always moves a chair to sit beside him, resting her chin on her hands, quietly waiting for him, this half-hearted student, to finish his homework, without making a sound or a fuss, like a statue. Each time, she inevitably falls asleep out of boredom, and it is always Lu Ziang who carries her back home.

Only in this way will she understand. Being with the person you like, every second counts

Her head felt heavy, and she was somewhat drowsy. The flush on her cheeks would not dissipate, and her whole body felt as if it were on fire. She knew she had overindulged, and she was somewhat intoxicated; at this moment, the effects of the alcohol were taking hold.

"It's just a casual place to stay, the new house is on Wansong Mountain. I only go there on weekends, next time I'll take you to see it." Lu Zi'ang walked to the bar, picked up a bottle of red wine, and poured it into a goblet, filling it one-third full.