Chapter 11

After confirming their relationship, Liang Shi went out alone with Li Junqian for the first time. Even though it was to the cemetery, he treated it as their first date.

Unable to sleep at all, Liang Shi got up at six o'clock for the first time, took a shower, put on a face mask, did makeup and picked out clothes, doing everything as if she were taking the TCF exam.

In the end, however, Liang Shi decided to stick to light makeup, using only foundation to cover up minor blemishes on her face and applying lipstick.

The clothes were no longer particular; they were all black.

Liang Shi prepared everything, but it was still early. She lay on the bed for a while, sat on the sofa for a while, and lingered in every corner for a while, but her efforts to kill time had little effect.

Then she started complaining about Li Junqian, saying that this jerk usually gets up early to run or go to work, but why didn't he send her a single message at 7:30 today!

She took out her phone and started typing messages, from a complaining tone like "Why aren't you here yet?" to a commanding tone like "I'm all ready, hurry up and pick me up." But no matter which one she typed, she deleted and re-deleted, without sending a single one.

She needed to be reserved and rational, because the other person was even more reserved and rational than she was.

Liang Shi's naturally arched eyebrows were almost creased together, and his expression only eased a little when the doorbell rang.

Aside from delivery drivers and property management staff, she's unlikely to be bothered by anyone, especially so early in the morning.

Liang Shi walked to the door and saw the man she had been waiting for through the peephole. What to do? She was too happy; she couldn't hide her smile. The doorbell rang again. Liang Shi pursed her lips, quickly concealing her emotions, pressed the doorknob, and slightly opened her door.

Regardless of whether it's a stereotype about going to a cemetery, the two of them didn't agree on anything, but they both wore black clothes, especially black overcoats, which Liang Shi felt was due to their tacit understanding.

"You're here so early?"

Li Junqian smiled at her: "You're here early too, I brought you breakfast."

Liang Shi felt a little embarrassed. She was indeed early, since she could just put on a pair of shoes, grab a bag, and leave immediately.

In her house, it was he who did the cooking; something just didn't feel right. Li Junqian put the fried beef dumplings on a plate and invited her to eat, feeling as if he were the one who truly owned the place.

The beef dumplings smelled delicious, but compared to the food, she wanted to taste the man's flavor even more. Although her thoughts were a bit arrogant, Liang Shi just couldn't stop thinking about it. After that time, she didn't know what he was thinking, but she was still unsatisfied.

His first experience with her was wonderful.

"dislike?"

Li Junqian got up early to queue up and buy them. She used to love the beef dumplings made by their housekeeper, so he specifically sought out a long-established Shanghai restaurant. Perhaps her tastes had changed after being away for so long?

Liang Shi walked over, her fingers tracing the cold marble tabletop. It was the first time she'd ever asked a man for a kiss; she was extremely nervous inside, but outwardly remained remarkably calm. Li Junqian, true to his name, was a gentleman. She wondered if he would refuse her.

"This stuff has a very strong flavor; if you eat it, you'll have to brush your teeth."

Li Junqian sat in the dining chair, looking up at her. How could he not see the meaning behind her actions and eyes?

But he seemed to be doing it on purpose, looking away and picking up his chopsticks: "I'll buy you something else on the way. I'm a little hungry. After we eat, we'll leave."

He picked up the beef dumplings, and Liang Shi, no longer wanting to pretend, snatched the chopsticks from his hand and threw them on the table: "You're not allowed to eat now."

Liang Shi saw him raise an eyebrow at her, a silent gesture that spoke volumes.

She was very flexible and had long legs; with a slight lift and bend, she sat on his lap. This was a scene that often appeared in her dreams, and today it had come true.

"You won't let me eat, and you won't even let me look?"

She completely covered the plate of fried dumplings: "I'm so pretty, why would you want to look at dumplings instead of me? Li Junqian, I'm not even as good as a few fried dumplings?"

She's already sitting on his lap, and this man is still pretending to be prim and proper! It's just the two of them, and they've even had an intimate relationship. How could this man not understand such an ambiguous position between a lone man and a woman?

A sudden itch appeared on her waist. When did his hand get on her waist? Well, there aren't that many virtuous men in the world!

"You should eat more, your waist is too thin."

This man is such a spoilsport. Even now, he's still pretending, still changing the subject. Or perhaps, her method of seducing men is too old-fashioned?

Forget it, some things require mutual consent. One person is willing to give and the other is unwilling to receive; a forced relationship won't be sweet.

Liang Shi pushed against his shoulders with both hands, trying to get off him, but before she knew it, her waist was pressed against the marble dining table, and the back of her head was being forcefully pulled by his hands. Instantly, he was pinned to the table, and instinctively, she pushed against his powerful chest muscles with both hands.

"What...are you doing?"

Li Junqian leaned closer to her, brushed her slightly messy hair aside with his other hand, and smiled, "I thought you were expecting me to... kiss you."

"I don't!"

Her thoughts had been guessed again. Now that things had come to this, no matter how bold she had been just moments before, she chickened out. Liang Shi looked down on her; she had actually given in so easily!

As soon as she finished speaking, he pulled her back to her original sitting position, as if he were about to blurt out, "In that case, get off my lap and have breakfast."

But Liang Shi really didn't want to miss this opportunity! The faint scent of his perfume was just too alluring. Who says only women can seduce men? That damned Li Junqian, his charm is too great; Liang Shi has been captivated by him for far too many years.

"Alright, whether you give it to me or not, just give me the answer."

Liang Shi met his gaze, and slowly, his smile widened, and the warmth of anticipation descended. Liang Shi couldn't help but let out a coquettish pout.

Feeling dizzy and disoriented from all the kisses, Liang Shi couldn't resist leaning in for more when he pushed her away.

"It's getting late."

When Li Junqian said this, his voice was somewhat suppressed, and his eyes were even more somber. If he didn't control himself, things would probably turn upside down very soon.

Today, they still have important things to do.

Liang Shi blushed and rested her head against his chest, showing her feminine side to him for the first time: "Li Junqian, it's all your fault for wearing that perfume, it bewitched me."

Li Junqian was absolutely smitten with her adorable yet fierce demeanor today, and couldn't resist reaching out to touch Liang Shi's rosy cheeks: "Is there any possibility that I didn't wear perfume today?"

Liang Shi scoffed, "Without the bewitching incense, you think you can make me beg for your hand in marriage? Do you think you're a panda?!"

Li Junqian knew that this woman had switched to her prickly mode again: "Shall I feed you breakfast?"

Liang Shi seized the opportunity and got off him: "No need for you to do this, I have hands!"

...

It was a 40-kilometer journey, but she set off early and arrived in Jinshan District in just one hour. She had only been there once before, when Uncle Li passed away.

So many years had passed. But Li Guangting's kindness to her was still vivid in her memory. She regarded him as her second parents.

Liang Shi stood in front of Li Guangting's tombstone, arm in arm with Li Junqian. The tombstone was very clean; she knew that Li Junqian must have asked the gardeners to clean it every day.

“Li Junqian, your father not only saved me, but also gave me unimaginable care. I am able to get to where I am today thanks to Uncle Li.”

He took her warm hand in his: "Xiaoshi, you are excellent in yourself."

Liang Shi thought of his past self and laughed at himself for hiding his past self so well that he had misjudged her.

She closed her eyes, as if the darkness hidden by concrete was right before her: "I will never forget that nightmarish earthquake that took my family away. I was covered in mud, crushed by heavy bricks. That's when I learned what despair meant. I screamed for help until my mouth cracked. There was no water, no food. The pain made you forget the insects you used to be afraid of. You might even envy those insects that could crawl out. But all I could do was lie quietly in the ruins, conserve my strength, and wait for rescue."

"In that darkness, you lose track of time; the physical and mental exhaustion and pain make each second feel like an eternity. When I heard your father's voice from above, I saw hope. When a person is about to die, they will grasp at any straw they see. I begged your father not to abandon me. Perhaps I was too pitiful at the time, but more than that, it was your father who had a compassionate heart, and he actually took me away from Wenchuan. Li Junqian, I don't know how you felt when you saw a stranger in your home, but it was indeed me who intruded into your lives."

“When I saw that Uncle Li had such a happy and fulfilling family, I felt extremely scared and inferior. I was afraid that you would have a rift because of me. And it is true, your mother didn’t like me. During that time, Uncle Li was always scolded by Aunt Zhao because of me. At that time, I had already prepared for the worst. The worst thing would be to go to the welfare home.”

At this point, Liang Shi felt a chill on her face, and tears welled up in her eyes. She had told herself not to cry, but for the first time speaking her heart aloud, she couldn't help but weep.

His warm, large hands wiped away her tears, and Liang Shi was pulled into his arms.

"Hours have passed."

Perhaps it's because those who are loved are fearless, and those who are hugged can be unrestrained. Liang Shi couldn't hold back her emotions anymore, and she cried so hard that her shoulders were shaking. Li Junqian gently patted her back.

“Li Junqian, before the earthquake, I was the worst student in my class and even the whole grade. My teachers didn’t like me, and my parents had a headache with me. I’ve smoked and fought. I thought I would live a muddled life forever, until I met you.”

“You are completely different from the people I’ve ever met. You don’t smoke or get perms, you’re always polite, smart and cheerful. I feel like an ugly duckling seeing a real swan. I finally understand what the difference between heaven and earth means.”

When Li Junqian first met Liang, he knew she wasn't a city girl. Her skin wasn't fair, and her exposed ankles and arms were covered in scabbed wounds. When she stared at him, her eyes were full of wariness.

At that time, Li Guangting called him aside to his study and said that this was a child he had brought back from Wenchuan, whose parents and relatives had all died in that natural disaster. He told him to treat her as family, and that his father had been his role model since childhood, being responsible and capable, so he would naturally not do anything to her.

He couldn't bring himself to 'abuse' an orphan.

"Everyone has their own destiny. Liang Shi, the way we are now is also due to fate. And there is no difference between us, we are all ordinary people. It's just that China is too big, and I am fortunate to have been born in Shanghai."

Liang Shi thought he was just trying to comfort her: "No, that's not it. You're the best guy I've ever met. It's because of you that I've become a better person. When I first came to your house, I often thought about how arrogant and domineering I used to be, hanging out with those low-class guys. I felt like I didn't deserve to stand next to you. I told myself I had to change, I had to work hard, no, I had to work even harder. Back then, I even dreamed about memorizing French vocabulary, wanting to show you that I wasn't a country bumpkin, that I could also work hard to do something well. Li Junqian, I'm really grateful to your father, and to you, really..."

The shadow of the disaster lingered in her memory for life, and so did Li Junqian. When he learned that Li Guangting had gone to the disaster area for rescue work, as his son, he was naturally nervous. With the college entrance examination approaching, he had no heart to study. He dared not disturb him by phone and could only follow the news from the earthquake zone every day. Only when Li Guangting returned did he feel at ease.

"More than a decade has passed since you were little. Let's put those painful memories aside for now. From now on, I will protect you well."

Whenever Zhao Jiaren saw him all alone, she would always say a few words to him, saying that he had a good appearance and a good temper that women liked, but he could never learn to love others, or rather, he only loved himself, and he valued his own joys and sorrows, work and life the most, and there was never anyone by his side who could last.

Li Junqian agreed with Zhao Jiaren. From childhood, he had clear goals and worked hard to get what he wanted. He was more mature and sensible than his peers. His parents were never harsh on him, but he was used to being self-sufficient and was used to being alone.

Of course, he also had romantic relationships and had dated a few people. However, Li Junqian knew that he was not someone who was willing to compromise with others. Everyone is free, and so is he. If being with someone made him uncomfortable, he would push them away.

Li Junqian never imagined he would utter the words "protect someone." But regarding Liang Shi and her past, he seemed to empathize deeply, and those words came out without hesitation.

He thought that if there was someone by his side in the future, it would be Liang Shi. For the rest of his life, he would protect her.

“Li Junqian, I’m not perfect. If you saw me back then, when I was a rebellious teenager, you would definitely feel disgusted with me. Even now, so many years later, I’ve become someone many people envy, but when I’m with you, I always feel like I’m deceiving you. When I see so many women admiring you, I feel like I’m not good enough for you at all…”

His warm hand covered her mouth, and Liang Shi looked up at him with tears in her eyes. Her vision was blurry, and she blinked, trying to make him clearer.

"Liang Shi, I can't see your past, and I don't care, but I'm sure our future can be wonderful. Did you lose your confidence today because you weren't wearing high heels? Xiao Shi, I love the way you hold your chin up proudly, fearless and doing whatever you want. I'll always be by your side."

Tears streamed down Liang Shi's face as she finally saw the man before her clearly—the real, living man who had asked her to be his girlfriend.

The man she'd liked since she was sixteen was now saying things that made her blush and her heart race. Yes, he was just that charming. Even in his seventies or eighties, he'd still be the man who captivated countless older women.

Liang Shi pushed him away, ignoring her expensive coat, and wiped away her tears with her sleeve without hesitation. In an instant, she knelt down and reached out to stop the hands that were trying to help her up.

“Li Junqian, what I just said to you was also for Uncle Li’s ears. He reached out and pulled me out of the abyss, letting me see the light and even live so freely. That little delinquent girl from back then is no more. From now on, I will work hard and strive to be worthy of your father.”

After saying that, she bent down and kowtowed deeply to the tombstone.

"Uncle Li, I'm sorry it's been so many years before I come to see you. But believe me, I've been thinking of you every single moment all these years. Thank you for your guidance, which has made me who I am today. I'm with... Brother Junqian now. No matter what the future holds, I hope you can bless us both to be well."

Liang Shi smiled slightly and bowed again to the tombstone.

As they left, Liang Shi was held in his arms, almost as if he were carrying her in a princess carry. In such a solemn place, she naturally had to walk down step by step.

Once inside the car, Liang Shi frantically searched for tissues to wipe her face and touched up her makeup in the mirror on the sun visor.

"Li Junqian, I thought you were very thoughtful! Are your coat pockets just for show? You didn't even prepare some tissues!"

It was indeed a lack of consideration on his part, but she didn't expect that she would suddenly get angry as soon as she got into the car. How should I put it, it felt like she was being coquettish with him, which was quite... cute?

"I'll be more careful next time. Are your eyes alright?"

Fortunately, her eyes weren't the type to swell up easily after crying. After applying a layer of loose powder, Liang Shi regained her original expression.

"Li Junqian, I was a bit unreasonable up there just now, please don't take it to heart."

Suddenly, he grabbed her hand that was holding her bag. Liang Shi looked into his eyes. Damn man, how could he have such beautiful eyes? They were so captivating!

"Why are you holding my hand if you're not driving?"

Li Junqian has always been more outgoing in matters of the heart than at work. Perhaps it was the lingering warmth of her home this morning, or the feeling of her confiding in him at her grave, that made him want to hug her and perhaps even do something more intimate.

Liang Shi didn't expect him to unbuckle his seatbelt and lean over to kiss her, but how could she refuse a kiss from such a handsome man? She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck. The man had such a great physique that Liang Shi felt incredibly safe with his shoulders and back. She hugged him tightly, as if someone might snatch him away at any moment.

But Li Junqian was also rational. He paused at the edge of the line and raised his hand to wipe his lips, which had become red from the kiss.

Liang Shi opened her eyes and saw the man so close to her smiling at her, as if he was laughing at her for not being satisfied! She was proud, so she quickly pushed him away, pulled down the sun visor, and quickly took out a Chanel lipstick from her bag.

"Mr. Li, you're taking your employees out to sweep the tombs on a weekday, are you going to make me go back to work for the rest of the time?"

“When I was little, I called myself Karsten.”

I really don't know if the name 'President Li' is a landmine. Does this jerk of a man really not want to hear it?

Her rebellious streak kicked in, and she was determined to confront him today: "Mr. Li, let me be frank with you, I'm not in a good mood today, my eyes are red, and I'm not fit to work. Besides, my boyfriend is flying to Oslo tomorrow to see the Northern Lights. Could you please give us a day off?"

It was probably the second half of the sentence that made him laugh. Seeing him relax his brows, Liang Shi pursed his lipstick and said, "Let's find a place and talk. Even if we were once close boyfriend and girlfriend, it's been years since we've seen each other. Li Junqian, I'm not trying to dig up any deep secrets or... romantic escapades. I just want to know more about you. Of course, you can also ask me about my situation. What do you think?"

Li Junqian had no objection; after all, the two of them should indeed get to know each other better.

Where do you want to go?

Liang Shi lowered his head to smell the air freshener in his car. The scent was unusual; he guessed it was one he had mixed himself in the lab.

"Are you sure you want to ask a pidgin who just came back from France, you native Shanghainese?"

As she spoke, she winked at him again; Liang Shi was quite confident in his almond-shaped eyes.

"You are very knowledgeable. This is our first date. Don't disappoint me, Brother Junqian."

After Liang Shi finished speaking, she felt that her ability to act coquettishly was truly innate, or rather, only with him could she be so shameless as to pull off such a stunt. She just didn't know if he would fall for it.

Li Junqian's emotional control, which he had maintained for so many years, crumbled little by little in front of this woman.

He shifted into park, looked straight ahead, and floored the accelerator, driving off. Of course, since it was a suburban road, there weren't many cars or traffic lights. This was the first time Li Junqian had ever driven so fast.

Liang Shi, gripping the roof railing, was terrified by the car's speed: "Are you out of your mind? You just want to know about your romantic escapades? Fine, I don't want to know! I don't want to die with you at such a young age!"

The car slowed down, and the woman in the passenger seat let out a deep sigh of relief. Li Junqian laughed, "I really didn't know I had any romantic affairs."

Liang Shi glared at him: "Really? You know Marry is a gossip, right? She talks about you and different women in the office every day, and she does it so realistically that I almost believed her."

He chuckled: "You can ask the person involved yourself later."

Liang Shi looked at him in surprise, but quickly shook his head: "Even if I asked, you wouldn't really tell me. You men always have a way of spreading rumors, especially about the relationship between exes and current partners. Of course, I don't really want to hear it either, anyway, you're mine now."

No longer terrified, Liang Shi came to his senses: "So, why did you suddenly act like you had rabies? Did you think this was a German highway? Driving so fast!"

When Li Junqian heard the words "rabies," he frowned slightly. This woman's thinking was really jumping around. Well, she was quite worthy of the title of creative director.

He said frankly, "When we were little, if it weren't for the fact that you had just touched up your lipstick and that you had just been so affectionate with me, I really would have wanted to kiss you again, or even..."

Liang Shi thought to himself, "He really falls for her act!" But what did his hesitant look at the back seat mean?

As a woman with only one sexual experience, even though she had been in open-minded Paris for so long, it took her a while to understand his unspoken words and that look in his eyes!

Unable to hold back any longer, Liang Shi raised her hand and slapped his arm: "Li Junqian, I never thought you were this kind of person! What happened to your civility and manners? Wait... you wouldn't have been in the car with another woman... Li Junqian, I really misjudged you!"

Li Junqian: "..."

"No words? You're admitting it? Li Junqian, stop the car, I want to get out!"

Li Junqian sighed, wondering what had happened to her in Paris all these years. Had she been watching too many dramas?

"Xiao Shi, don't get excited. I've never done anything like this before."

Liang Shi gave him an expression that said, "I'm utterly disappointed in you" and "Do you think I'd believe that?": "You swear?"

Li Junqian wasn't lying, but he really didn't want to play along with such childish behavior as making a vow.

"Xiaoshi, I won't lie to you. I'm not swearing because... I think we can give it a try in the future."

Liang Shi couldn't help but hit him again: "I told you, even the most gentle and refined men have their flaws! Who wants to try this with you! You drive, I'm going to take a nap, don't bother me, and don't drive fast again!"

Li Junqian rested his hands on the steering wheel and looked at the woman who was deliberately turning her head away and sleeping against the car door. She was the one who had provoked him, but now she was furious and blushing, as if he were the really heinous villain.

How to put it... the Liang Shi standing before him, both familiar and unfamiliar, was very similar to the timid, crybaby he remembered, yet completely different. Of course, she was much younger then; now she was clearly a woman who could arouse a man's desire.