Chapter 18 Zhao Zonglan's throat tightened

Shen Jingni followed Chang An.

The Maybach's door opened from the outside, and she leaned in, her soft, long hair cascading down her shoulders, carrying a light, pure fragrance.

What brings you here?

Zhao Zonglan stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, and without looking up, he grabbed her wrist with his strong hand and pulled her into his arms.

Shen Jingni was forced to sit on his lap.

Although the two had been intimate before, she still felt somewhat uncomfortable.

However, his appearance is truly outstanding, so it's acceptable.

Zhao Zonglan lifted his eyelids to look at her, his expression indifferent, "Didn't you see the message?"

Shen Jingni was stunned for a moment before she realized what was happening. She then opened her phone and found that Zhao Zonglan had replied to her message.

He said he would come pick her up for dinner.

"I'm sorry, I was busy and didn't see it."

She apologized sincerely, her eyes bright and clear, without a trace of impurity.

As she spoke, her rosy lips moved constantly, her full and lovely lip tips.

Zhao Zonglan simply gave a faint "hmm," his fingers rubbing against the back of her slender neck, his eyes deep in thought.

The next instant, he captured her lips in his mouth.

His kisses were always forceful.

It bordered on a kind of insane obsession.

He pried open her lips and teeth, relentlessly attacking and sucking her until it hurt a little.

But he was also restrained, probably because he didn't want to hurt her.

Finally, he gently held her lips in his mouth, caressing them little by little.

His kiss carried a faint scent of woody tobacco and the strong aroma of alcohol, as if he wanted to draw her into a state of intoxication.

Until the sound of pattering rain came from outside the window.

Zhao Zonglan then released her.

Shen Jingni's heart was pounding. She tried to calm herself and didn't dare to look at him: "Zhao Zonglan, I'm afraid I can't have dinner with you tonight."

In this capital city, only a handful of people can be invited by Mr. Zhao.

No one dared to refuse his invitation.

Zhao Zonglan looked displeased and said in a cold tone, "Reason."

Shen Jingni suddenly raised both hands and waved the backs of her hands in front of him. "I'm going to get a hand spa and a manicure. It might take a lot of time."

Afraid he wouldn't believe her, she took out her phone again and showed him the appointment records: "They're all booked."

Shen Jingni is a person who is absolutely confident in her appearance, but she is also refined and loves beauty.

Like many heiresses in the entertainment industry, she regularly gets skincare, haircare, dental treatments, and so on.

People say there are no ugly women in this world, only lazy women.

Girls should treat themselves better.

You should spend the money you earn on yourself.

"I've been so busy these past few months, it's a rare treat to have so much free time today."

"This manicure hasn't been changed in three weeks; it's way out of style."

She muttered a complaint.

Zhao Zonglan frowned as he listened.

What kind of reason is that?

Seeing his indifferent and unmoved expression, Shen Jingni immediately frowned, tugged at his suit jacket, and said in a very aggrieved tone, "I can't even have this much freedom, can I? It would be too pitiful to be Mr. Zhao's girlfriend."

As she spoke, it looked like she was about to cry.

Zhao Zonglan's dark eyes were cold and sharp as he pressed down on her hand. "Pity?"

"Isn't that right? I can't look beautiful when I'm with you."

Shen Jingni met his gaze with great pride, her eyes pleading.

It was actually a test.

What she values ​​most is freedom.

If she can't even fight for this little bit of freedom, then she'll find a way to leave this horrible man as soon as possible.

Zhao Zonglan lowered his eyes, clearly having lost his patience.

The rain outside the window was getting heavier, leaving streaks of water on the car window and blurring the view.

Shen Jingni thought he would use force.

After all, Zhao Zonglan probably couldn't understand a girl's obsession with beauty.

Unexpectedly, a moment later, she heard the man speak, his voice low and indifferent.

"Chang'an, invite the people Miss Shen needs to the Zijing Tan Garden."

-

It was called an invitation, but it wasn't really an invitation.

The word "please" was merely a facade, a basic display of Zhao Zonglan's refinement.

When Chang'an sent people there, the beauty salon owner, upon hearing that it was Mr. Zhao's order, couldn't wait to move the entire beauty salon there.

After all, being able to climb the social ladder to Mr. Zhao's position is something many people could only dream of in their entire lives.

Before the senior beauty and nail technicians left, the boss repeatedly reminded them to provide excellent service to the VIP customer, promising them a bonus upon their return.

Shen Jingni had seen Xu Ningwan arrange for beauty salon staff to provide in-home services before.

Although it's convenient and saves time, she usually still meets up with friends at the store to chat about gossip or watch a movie, enjoying a leisurely and comfortable time.

She didn't expect Zhao Zonglan to call people to his home.

But his place is pretty good too; he has everything you could want.

It was raining outside, and the raindrops hit the camellias before slowly rolling down the petals into the soil.

Shen Jingni was leisurely leaning back on the bench, having already finished her hand spa treatment, and was now getting her nails done.

The table next to them was covered with tea, desserts and fruit.

She took a sip of the milk tea that the maid brought her. It was rich in milk flavor, with a light tea aroma. The brewing time and the proportion of ingredients were just right, and it wasn't too sweet or greasy.

Rainy days are good for sleeping because the sound of rain is the most classic lullaby.

Shen Jingni fell asleep without realizing it.

The nail technician became even gentler and more careful with her hands, not daring to startle her.

A young maid came over and carefully covered her with a plush blanket.

Upon closer inspection, Miss Shen's appearance was indeed outstanding. Her features were exquisite and perfect, her skin was so smooth it seemed like you could squeeze water out of it, her eyelashes were as long as wings, and her sleeping posture was serene.

A true beauty, whether in motion or at rest, exudes a lively and vibrant energy.

It is impressive even with just a slight glance.

The maid didn't dare to look any longer and carefully retreated.

Zhao Zonglan answered a phone call.

The call came from the US about an acquisition of a California tech company. They've run into some problems and the talks have been going on for quite a while.

When he finished the phone call and went downstairs, the beauticians had already finished their work and had been sent away by Chang An's people.

But his little lazy cat was still sleeping.

One moment she was clamoring to go to the beauty salon, and the next she was asleep here.

He's obviously heartless.

Chang An came over and asked in a low voice, "Sir, dinner is ready. Would you like to eat now?"

No rush.

Zhao Zonglan raised his chin, gesturing for him to leave.

Night fell, and the rain continued to drizzle.

Zhao Zonglan leaned against the mahogany square table, lit a cigarette, casually bent his long legs, and had a calm expression on his face.

From his angle, he could just see Shen Jingni's hands outside the blanket.

Her fingers were slender and long, with delicately formed knuckles, the knuckles tinged with a pale pink. The skin on the back of her hands was smooth, like the finest white jade, with faintly visible winding veins.

The nails were neatly trimmed, with a semi-transparent agate red base color, like blurred rouge. Upon closer inspection, delicate patterns were also outlined on the nail surface.

It's a butterfly.

These hands...

Zhao Zonglan's throat tightened.

He lowered his eyes, got up and walked to the window, taking a deep drag of his cigarette.

At this moment, Shen Jingni woke up.

She yawned, her mind still foggy, and gazed sleepily at the man's tall, straight back.

His voice carried a lazy weariness: "Zhao Zonglan, I'm hungry."