Chapter 76 "Next time, bite a different spot..."

In the dead of night, only the streetlights on either side of Milan's streets remain. The bustling and noisy outside has fallen silent, while inside the room, separated by a floor-to-ceiling window, passion and desire are intense and overflowing.

It's unclear what time it was, but almost the very next second after Liang Qi finished speaking, Jiang Nuanyu fell asleep.

As dawn broke and the morning light crept onto her bedside, she was still fast asleep, clutching a corner of Liang Qi's bathrobe in her hand.

Liang Qi woke up at the crack of dawn; his sleep has always been highly efficient. His systematic fitness routine, coupled with the rigorous training he received as an athlete, has given him a very high fatigue threshold. Last night's physical activity was far from pushing his body to its limits.

He quietly watched the sleeping person beside him for a while. Her eyes were closed, her hair was messy, and the small stray hairs on her forehead, damp with sweat and dried, stuck to her skin, making her look younger than she actually was.

Jiang Nuanyu is a very still sleeper, rarely turning over. She usually wakes up in the same position as before she falls asleep. At this moment, her breathing is heavy, and her chest is rising and falling rhythmically and noticeably, indicating she was truly exhausted from the previous night.

Seeing that she was sleeping soundly, Liang Qi didn't wake her. He kissed her temple and decided to get up first. As he got up, he felt a slight tug on his shoulder. He turned around and glanced at the hem of her robe in her hand. He then simply took off his robe and put it on the bed.

After washing up and changing, Liang Qi straightened his shirt in front of the mirror. He buttoned up the collar and just picked up his tie when he caught a glimpse of the suit she had hung up the night before on the clothes rack. He paused, then put on his tie and went into the inner room.

Liang Qi walked slowly to the bedside. Jiang Nuanyu was still sleeping in the same position as when he got up. He glanced at her, then leaned down and kissed her on the eyebrows and eyes.

Jiang Nuanyu was still fast asleep, completely still. Liang Qi reached out and touched her forehead, then gently stroked her earlobe, rubbing it lightly between his fingertips. With his movements, Jiang Nuanyu finally frowned, as if she were about to wake up.

"Are you up?" he called softly.

Jiang Nuanyu heard it.

But her eyebrows furrowed even more tightly, she tilted her head, twisted her upper body, and buried her face in the blanket.

Liang Qi still remembered the list of tasks she had compiled for today last night, and reminded her, "Didn't you say we had to go to the site early?"

Two seconds later, a muffled voice came from under the covers: "I'm not going..."

Liang Qi chuckled silently and didn't call her again.

Outside, Peng Ze delivered documents that required Liang Qi's personal review and signature.

Liang Qi finished half of his work, glanced at the time, and realized it was already late. He looked towards the inner room, then got up to call someone again.

This time, as soon as he turned inside, Jiang Nuanyu heard the noise, opened her eyes, pulled down the blanket, and looked at him.

Liang Qi stood by the bedside, looked down at her, and said with a slight smile, "Awake?"

Jiang Nuanyu didn't answer him. The night before, she had been crying so much that her eyes were a little swollen, and only the back half of her double eyelids were visible, like two chubby crescent moons.

She still had sleepiness in her eyes, the corners of her eyes were red, but her dark pupils were moist and bright, and she stared at him quietly.

Looking at her slightly resentful gaze, Liang Qi smiled, propped himself up on the edge of her pillow, glanced at her with interest, and said, "Any dissatisfaction?"

He hadn't clipped his tie yet, and as he leaned forward, his tie naturally fell down, lightly scratching Jiang Nuanyu's arm outside the blanket, making her feel itchy.

She raised her hand, grabbed his tie, and gently tugged at it.

Liang Qi glanced down at her movements and said, "What? You don't like this one either?"

Jiang Nuanyu complained, "Why are you so refreshed and radiant?" Her voice was hoarse, and because she had just woken up, her tone had a natural softness.

Liang Qi quickly understood what she was talking about and gave an ambiguous smile.

He brushed aside a few stray strands of hair from her temple, his gaze lingering on her eyes and brows, and said, "Want to know?"

Judging from his tone and eyes, Jiang Nuanyu had a feeling that he was trying to trap her again, so she kept her mouth shut and didn't say a word.

Liang Qi said, "Being passive all the time will definitely get tiring. You can take the initiative and move up—"

"Ah!" Jiang Nuanyu interrupted him abruptly, guessing the second half of his sentence. Her face instantly burned, her voice half commanding and half pleading, "You're not allowed to say it..."

In matters of the heart, she sometimes said one thing and did another, but Liang Qi seemed to fall for it. A pleasant smile slowly spread across his lips as he deliberately raised an eyebrow at her: "Do you know what I'm going to say?"

"I don't know." Jiang Nuanyu refused to admit it, loosened his tie, and turned over.

Seeing his hand propped up on the pillow, she leaned over and hugged him tightly, nuzzling him affectionately with her head.

Liang Qi smiled at her, knowing she was shy, and didn't tease her anymore. This matter needs to be taken slowly.

Jiang Nuanyu rested her face on his hand, and as if possessed, she grabbed one of his fingers and bit it.

Her bite didn't hurt much, but Liang Qi's jaw tightened, and his gaze towards her held a different meaning.

Jiang Nuanyu was completely unaware of his thoughts at that moment, thinking that his expression meant he was unhappy that she had bitten him. After releasing him, she touched the faint teeth marks on his fingers and guiltily explained, "You bit me last night too..."

Liang Qi remained silent, his gaze growing even more intense.

Jiang Nuanyu may be tough on the outside, but her actions are always soft and honest. She rubbed the spot where she had bitten him, and as the mark faded, she pouted and gave him a kiss.

She pressed her lips to his fingers, then looked up at him and asked, "Is it done yet?"

Liang Qi pursed his lips but didn't answer her.

He was patient enough to take things slowly with her, but it was her own choice.

He stared at her for a moment, glanced at the view of her neckline, and said, "Next time, bite somewhere else."

"Where to bite?" Jiang Nuanyu asked instinctively, not quite understanding.

Liang Qi's eyes were filled with turbulent emotions. He suddenly straightened up, tightened his tie which she had loosened, looked down at her, and said, "You'll find out next time."

Jiang Nuanyu watched him turn and leave with suspicion, still not understanding where she should bite.

The sun was already high in the sky. She sat up, stretched, and got out of bed to wash up.

While brushing her teeth in the bathroom, Jiang Nuanyu looked at herself in the mirror and suddenly realized the meaning of Liang Qi's words.

She cursed him for his lewdness in her heart, but her face turned completely red.

*

After Liang Qi finished his remaining work, Jiang Nuanyu had already put on makeup, changed her clothes, and was adjusting her accessories in front of the mirror at the small table.

On the table was a small box containing a complete set of jewelry that she had put together before leaving for Milan.

She took out the thin metal bracelet and put it on her wrist, pinching both sides with her fingers and fastening it with a "click". Then she wrapped the necklace around the back of her neck and bent down to fasten the clasp.

Hearing Liang Qi come in, she turned her head and saw that he had already put on his coat. She said, "Wait a moment, I'll be right there."

Liang Qi walked over to her, propped his legs up against the edge of the table, and watched her untangle her hair from the thin chain.

She didn't curl her hair today; her straight, black hair was smooth and lustrous. The knitted dress she wore clung loosely to her figure, with varying shades of gray lines interspersed with touches of deep berry purple, making her look both gentle and capable.

Liang Qi's gaze swept over the jewelry box on the table, and he casually picked up an earring. Several tiny diamonds formed a small arc, exquisitely crafted. He held the earring's slender shank, twirling it absentmindedly between his fingers.

Jiang Nuanyu adjusted the necklace around her neck, saw him holding her earring, immediately smiled, turned her face to the side, tucked the hair behind her ear, and tilted her head up at him.

Liang Qi naturally understood what she meant. He took a step closer to her and pierced the earring in his hand through her small, delicate earlobe.

She handed him the earplugs: "Here you go." He took them and put them on.

Jiang Nuanyu turned her face to the other side, feeling perfectly justified in pushing her luck: "I want this side too."

When he could be gentle, Liang Qi was generous and good-naturedly took out another one and put it on her.

Jiang Nuanyu's ear piercings are very small, and she usually pokes herself when wearing earrings. Liang Qi helped her put on two earrings, but it didn't hurt her at all.

She lifted her eyelids to look at his ears, but didn't see any piercings. A surge of jealousy welled up inside her, and she shifted her gaze to his eyes.

Liang Qi met her probing and slightly interrogative gaze, ignored her for a moment, fastened his earring, and then calmly asked, "What's wrong?"

Jiang Nuanyu pursed her lips and said, "You've put earrings on other people before?"

Liang Qi was taken aback, wondering where her strange ideas came from, and truthfully replied, "No."

Jiang Nuanyu blinked and remained silent. The little flower that had been twisting inside her suddenly relaxed and began to unfold its petals with a flourish.

Liang Qi didn't dwell on her question; his gaze was drawn to her makeup today. At first glance, Jiang Nuanyu looked almost the same with and without makeup, but upon closer inspection, they were completely different.

Her eyes are rather long, and she usually has a reserved and aloof temperament. However, with a thin eyeliner, the same look in her eyes becomes more powerful and gives her quite an aura.

His gaze naturally fell on her lips. Perhaps to match the color of her dress, she had chosen a similar lipstick. He looked at it and felt that the color of her lips now was remarkably similar to the color of the raspberries in the small dish from last night.

Thinking this, he turned to the side, bent down, and kissed her on the lips.

Jiang Nuanyu's heart skipped a beat at his sudden action. Without thinking, she stood up, tiptoed, and placed her feet on his chest, giving him a kiss in return.

Unlike Liang Qi's gentle touch, her kiss was real and solid, leaving some color on his lips.

"Ah..." she gasped, her eyebrows raised high. "Oh no!" She quickly wiped him with her hands.

This lipstick spreads so well today, just a swipe of her finger and it's all smudged. She switched to a clean finger and continued.

Liang Qi lowered his eyes, letting her rub his lips against hers. She glanced at him furtively, and when their eyes met, she quickly smiled, her eyes narrowing, "I'm so sorry..."

Liang Qi looked at her, smiled helplessly, and had nothing to say.

"Alright." Jiang Nuanyu finally cleaned up her "criminal" traces and was about to withdraw her hand when Liang Qi grabbed her halfway and held it in his hand.

He scanned her from head to toe and asked, "Can we go now?"

Jiang Nuanyu nodded: "Mm!"

Her inexplicably obedient tone made him smile again. He held her hand firmly in his palm and led her outside.

The elevator descended to the second floor, and the doors opened. In the elevator lobby directly opposite, a small group of men and women were exchanging pleasantries. Seeing this, Jiang Nuanyu still subconsciously wanted to pull her hand away from Liang Qi's grasp.

Liang Qi glanced at her sideways. His eyes were calm and composed. He didn't say anything, but it seemed as if he had told her a lot.

Jiang Nuanyu suddenly remembered what he had told her the night before, about "cheating" and the meaning of being together. Thinking of his confession, her heart became calm and resolute, and she silently held his hand tighter.

The people who were talking turned to look when they saw Liang Qi appear.

Liang Qi had no intention of exchanging pleasantries, but he didn't choose to ignore them either. He calmly swept his gaze over everyone, gave a slight nod as a greeting. The people opposite him understood and politely returned the greeting with smiles and nods, without rushing forward to strike up a conversation.

At this moment, Liang Qi exuded an aura of composure, seemingly effortless yet incredibly powerful, having switched into "Mr. Liang" mode. Jiang Nuanyu, holding his hand and walking beside him, couldn't help but restrain her expression as well.

Peng Ze was waiting in the elevator lobby. When he saw the two of them, he stepped forward to greet them: "Mr. Liang."

He smiled slightly at Jiang Nuanyu again: "Ms. Jiang." Realizing that Jiang Nuanyu was most likely there on business, he immediately changed his address with a smile: "Editor Jiang, hello."

During this period, Peng Ze would occasionally go to Paris with Liang Qi, so when he saw Jiang Nuanyu just now, he was not surprised at all. On the contrary, he felt a natural familiarity with her, which is why he called her by the wrong name for a moment.

Jiang Nuanyu sensed the thoughtfulness and respect in his words, smiled in return, and softly replied, "Hello."

The three walked into the meeting room, and Peng Ze explained the situation to Liang Qi from his side.

Peng Ze spoke briefly in a low voice, outlining who was present and who Liang Qi should keep an eye out for, suggesting they might initiate conversation. Jiang Nuanyu listened, surprised that a high-ranking official from the Milan city government was among the guests.

This is a very high standard for a foundation's charity auction.

As she stepped out of the elevator lobby, the layout of the auction hall ahead surprised Jiang Nuanyu even more.

Unlike the cool white tones commonly used in conventional auction venues, the decorations at this event incorporated many cultural elements from both the East and the West. Rows of seats were arranged in an arc around the main stage, with a few seats in each group, interspersed with floral stands that were clearly in the style of Chinese flower arranging.

The light beige carpet in the center was surrounded by a floor with Italian mosaic patterns; the backstage area was naturally separated from the stage by silk screens and light-colored embossed decorative panels.

The juxtaposition of two completely different cultural elements surprisingly harmonized naturally. Jiang Nuanyu looked around, a faint yet lingering tremor stirring within her.

"Culture" is not just something to be shouted about; it is a real, warm, and powerful entity.

Upon reaching the front row seats, Peng Ze continued his report: "In addition, the item your father donated will be handed over by Ms. Jing with a speech. After discussing with Ms. Lan Xin, we have tentatively decided to have it auctioned last."

Liang Qi hadn't commented until now, when he thought for a moment and said, "The last time is too late. Let's move it to the second one after the opening."

“Okay.” Peng Ze nodded and added, “I have already confirmed the specific procedures and flow of the unveiling ceremony with Ms. Julie’s assistant. You can have a final quick rehearsal with Ms. Julie backstage later.”

Liang Qi nodded: "Mm."

The moment Julie's name appeared, Jiang Nuanyu heard it, but she didn't specifically look at Liang Qi's expression.

This is his official business; she doesn't need to worry about it too much.

The hall was already quite full, with guests chatting in small groups. Suddenly, in the distance, Jiang Nuanyu spotted Eric in the crowd.

She gently tugged at Liang Qi's hand, pointed towards Eric, and turned her head to say, "Liang Qi, I'm going to my colleagues' place first."

Liang Qi turned to look at her and nodded: "Okay."

Jiang Nuanyu let go of him, waved to him, and turned to leave.

As soon as Jiang Nuanyu left, Song Lanxin and her group came toward Liang Qi, including Golini, who had given the opening speech with her at the banquet the night before, and was the person in charge of the Conti Foundation.

Upon seeing Liang Qi, the other person quickly stepped forward, smiled, and extended his hand to shake hands and exchange pleasantries, his words full of flattery.

Liang Qi remained calm and composed, responding appropriately in just a few words. He also subtly brought up Song Lanxin's position, highlighting her influence in this matter.

Song Lanxin walked beside Liang Qi, listened to these words, curled the corners of her lips, and glanced at him sideways.

As they chatted, they walked toward the center of the venue. After saying what needed to be said and showing their faces, they tactfully took their leave and dispersed.

Song Lanxin stayed behind, and after everyone had walked a distance, she raised her eyebrows and said to Liang Qi, "Brother Liang Qi, you were really kind of you just now!"

Liang Qi casually glanced around the scene, nodded, and said, "Well done."

Song Lanxin sensed the praise in his words, immediately straightened her back and said seriously, "Don't worry! I will definitely accomplish whatever President Liang arranges!"

Liang Qi glanced at her, and was about to say his second compliment when he suddenly didn't want to say it anymore.

Song Lanxin, wearing high heels, took small steps to the chair in the center, stretched out her hand, and fawned over Liang Qi's name on the back of the chair, saying, "Absolutely the center position."

Liang Qi shook his head, walked over, unbuttoned his suit jacket, and sat down.

Song Lanxin sat down next to him, turned halfway to the side, glanced around, and said, "Brother Liang Qi, that Golini guy was so annoying. We're practically equals, right? But he kept mentioning Vice President Liu when he talked to me. He just looks down on me!"

Liang Qiliang said, "You have no relevant experience and no connections here, so people definitely don't trust you that much."

Song Lanxin was a little unconvinced and said, "But I didn't make any mistakes."

Liang Qi glanced at her and asked, "What mistake are you trying to make?"

Song Lanxin was taken aback: "No!" she quickly said, "How could I dare to make a mistake?"

Liang Qi glanced at her again but didn't reply.

Song Lanxin said sweetly, "You saw his expression when you praised me in front of him just now, right? Humph, let him look down on me. I have someone backing me up."

Liang Qi didn't give her much face, saying, "You think you can make a mistake with this?"

Song Lanxin: "..." This person really doesn't know how to talk.

But since she had accepted the money, she assured him, "I didn't mean to make a mistake."

Liang Qi ignored her and glanced unintentionally at one side of the venue, but caught a glimpse of Jiang Nuanyu sitting in the media area.

The media area was located in the transition zone between the main stage and the VIP seating area, with seats on both sides that rose in tiers, allowing for simultaneous observation of the stage and the auction seats. Jiang Nuanyu was sitting on the lowest tier, talking with her colleague.

As she spoke, she pointed to the contents of the other person's notebook with her pen. The other person was probably explaining something to her. She pursed her lips, seemingly thinking, then nodded and wrote something down in her own notebook.

"What are you looking at?" Song Lanxin moved closer to Liang Qi, turned her head and followed his gaze, only to see a crowd of people.

Liang Qi withdrew his gaze, his eyes falling on the hands clasped in front of his abdomen, and said nothing.

"I guessed right, didn't I?" Song Lanxin chuckled mischievously and lowered her voice. "I knew your boyfriend was definitely in Europe!"

Liang Qi remained unmoved, but Song Lanxin shook his arm, her eyes searching hard in the crowd, and relentlessly asked, "Where is she? Point her out to me!"

Liang Qi still ignored her.

A few seconds later, Song Lanxin suddenly exclaimed in a low voice, "Found it!"

Liang Qi tilted his head slightly and looked in the direction she was pointing.

At this moment, Jiang Nuanyu was probably discussing the shooting angle with the photographer, and she was looking up at the direction of the main stage.

Song Lanxin secretly observed Liang Qi's expression and tentatively asked, "But, Brother Liang Qi, wasn't she... with Jing Yao?"

Liang Qi glanced at her sideways, his gaze indifferent and without any obvious meaning, yet it made Song Lanxin subconsciously shrug her shoulders.

"...Why are you looking at me like that?" Song Lanxin explained weakly, "I was just asking, I didn't mean anything by it."

Liang Qi looked away and didn't speak.

After a short while, Song Lanxin asked again, "Are you serious?" Afraid that Liang Qi would look at her like that again, she quickly added as soon as he raised his chin slightly, "What I mean is, if you're serious, then I definitely need to get to know my 'sister-in-law' better!"

Her eyes lit up, and she excitedly suggested, "How about we have afternoon tea together after the auction?"

Liang Qi paused for a moment, then said, "Let's talk about it later."

Song Lanxin's expression fell, and she complained with slight dissatisfaction, "What... what gives you the right to reject me on my behalf?"

Liang Qi smiled slightly. This girl was quite confident; she spoke as if she was certain that the other person was also willing to "build a relationship" with her.

Song Lanxin sensed the mockery and disdain in his silent laughter, and muttered resentfully, "I'll go add her on WeChat!" With that, she got up and started to walk towards Jiang Nuanyu.

Liang Qi immediately reached out and gently tugged at her arm, then looked up, narrowing his eyes and warning her, "What are you doing?"

"Don't worry!" Song Lanxin smiled, seeing his protective attitude, and assured him, "I'm great at interacting with pretty girls, I definitely won't make her feel awkward, hmm?"

Song Lanxin walked away briskly. Liang Qi paused for a few seconds, his hand sliding down his suit jacket before landing on his lap, and he slowly exhaled.

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A note from the author:

The first rule of survival alongside Prince Duan: Sister-in-law is always more important than brother. —by the witty Lan Xin

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P.S.: I'll be finishing the main story in a few more chapters. If my estimate is accurate, the final chapter will be around chapters 80 or 81.