Chapter 5 Chapter 5 He is just a gangster [Catching Bugs]

As Xu Zhixi walked into the elevator, her cell phone screen suddenly lit up. She looked down and saw several messages from her childhood friend Gao Yue.

Gao Yue: [Celebrate together! Great joy!]

Gao Yue: [I resigned!]

Xu Zhixi: “…”

Is this something to celebrate?

Just as Xu Zhixi was about to reply, another message came in: [I’m going to start my own business and never be a corporate slave again!]

Xu Zhixi: [Starting a business? What kind of business do you want to start?]

Gao Yue is Xu Zhixi's friend since childhood. They are both from Zhangcheng, but Xu Zhixi went to Hangzhou for university, while Gao Yue chose to stay in the local city.

During college, Gao Yue had been interning at a beauty company. After graduation, she was successfully hired as a full-time employee with a very good salary and benefits. I guess she has saved some money, but she wouldn't quit just a few months after being hired as a full-time employee, right?

During our normal chats, I didn't hear her showing any signs of quitting, so why...

Gao Yue sent a message in a flurry, then fell silent. Xu Zhixi clicked on the voice call to ask for clarification, but before he could dial out, the elevator stopped.

The elevator door moved away, the view gradually widened, and the lights from the corridor squeezed in.

Xu Zhixi emerged from the elevator and looked up to see a tall, graceful man standing at his door. He was still wearing the same gray shirt from the company, the cuffs casually rolled up, revealing a sleek, contoured forearm. He was carrying a bag of fresh vegetables in each hand, a heavy one that had whitened his knuckles.

When his eyes fell on Xu Zhixi's figure, the dullness in his eyes disappeared and became a little warmer.

Xu Zhixi put away his phone, walked over, and reached out to take the bag: "Why did you buy so much..."

Song Jing dodged and put the two bags in one hand. Then he put his arm around her shoulders and looked towards the door: "Go open it."

Xu Zhixi looked up at him, whispered "Oh", turned around and entered the password to open the door.

Although they were already a couple and it was not working hours, Xu Zhixi sometimes still treated him as her boss.

There's nothing I can do about it, because she found a boyfriend with such a strong aura.

Song Jing followed Xu Zhixi in, changed into slippers, and walked into the kitchen with ease, as natural as if he was at home, without any politeness at all.

Xu Zhixi watched him enter the kitchen, put his bag in the living room, and then followed him. Song Jing was standing in front of the sink, washing rice. His movements were skillful, and his profile was deep and clear in the light, adding a touch of worldly charm.

"Can I help you?" Xu Zhixi stood at the doorway, afraid to interrupt his rhythm. Although she could cook, her skills were only third-rate and not very impressive. She rarely cooked after work, usually eating out before coming back, or just making some noodles.

Song Jing turned off the faucet and turned around.

The girl stood outside, leaning against the doorframe, her smile shy and peaceful. She was wearing a slim-fitting, coffee-colored V-neck sweater that made her skin look even more fair.

Song Jing raised the corners of his lips slightly: "Help me tie an apron?"

Xu Zhixi got the task and came in immediately: "Okay."

There was only one apron in the house, a pink one with a cat pattern, which Xu's father had specially picked out for Xu Zhixi.

Because they came from a single-parent family, he loved Xu Zhixi especially, fearing that his daughter would be sad because she had no mother. He almost treated Xu Zhixi like a princess and spoiled her, and the things he gave her were very girly.

Xu Zhixi opened her apron and handed it to Song Jing: "Here you go."

Song Jing had just drained the rice. Hearing this, he turned around, leaned over slightly, and his eyes fell on her beautiful face: "Help me tie it."

Xu Zhixi was stunned for a moment, then noticed his wet hands. Without saying anything, she took a half step forward and put the apron over his head and neck. Then, she carefully put her hands around his waist and helped him tie the rope.

Even if she was careful, it was inevitable that they would touch in this position. Her whole body seemed to be thrown into his arms, and her whole body was surrounded by his breath, which was clear and warm, making her unconsciously tense.

It seemed as if his breath was still passing over her head, ruffling her hair. Although the man did not make any movement, she still unconsciously held her breath, her heartbeat somewhat uncontrollably.

It was only a small matter of one minute, but Xu Zhixi felt that time had become extraordinarily slow. After finally tying her apron, she breathed a sigh of relief and immediately stepped back.

"alright."

But the man opposite didn't seem to intend to let her go, with a faint smile in his eyes: "Tie an apron, our Xixi is so embarrassed, what are we going to do in the future, huh?"

What later?

Xu Zhixi's ears burned. Not wanting to discuss this with this scoundrel, he simply pretended to be deaf and dumb: "I'm going to class. Call me when dinner is ready."

He said good-naturedly, "I'll call you in about an hour."

After coming out of the kitchen, Xu Zhixi went to the bathroom to wash his face, and then went to the bedroom to attend class. He really didn't intend to pay any attention to the rogue boss in the kitchen.

The exam was in early December and it was now March. Although he had more than half a year to prepare, Xu Zhixi did not forget that he got off work late and actually did not have much time to study every day, so the time was still tight.

What's more, the practical test has five major modules, plus the material analysis and essay writing of the application essay, the workload of each module is not small.

Xu Zhixi has almost finished the online course on data analysis for the civil service exam. Now he has to practice questions every day to consolidate his knowledge, do a review, and then move on to the next module.

As he opened the textbook and prepared to attend class, Xu Zhixi suddenly thought of Gao Yue and took out his cell phone to call her.

I don't know what they were busy with over there, the phone rang several times but no one answered.

Xu Zhixi had no choice but to send a message asking her to call back when she was free, then picked up a pen and paper and started the class.

Today I have to make up for the two classes of Data Analysis and Graphical Reasoning that I missed yesterday. Each class is about two hours long and can be finished in four hours if played at double the speed.

Xu Zhixi found graphical reasoning somewhat difficult, especially the spatial reconstruction part at the end, which he rarely got right. Data analysis was relatively easy, focusing on learning how to solve problems quickly and avoid unnecessary mistakes.

Otherwise, no matter how smart you are, it will be useless if you can't improve your speed in the exam.

The online course instructor was very thorough and patient, and his approach to teaching was very user-friendly for beginners. It was common for him to cover a question twice or even three times. Xu Zhixi listened to the replay, and could scroll through the progress bar for questions he had already mastered, without affecting his listening efficiency.

Xu Zhixi was so engrossed in her studies that she had forgotten about Song Jing, who was busy in the kitchen. It wasn't until forty minutes later, when a knock on the door brought her back to reality.

Xu Zhixi was immersed in the course, and without even looking up, he casually replied, "Come in."

Then continue learning.

Half a minute later, the door was unusually quiet, and Xu Zhixi turned around in confusion.

Under the open bedroom door frame, Song Jing, having taken off his apron, stood tall and straight. The soft light shone on his face, outlining the sharp corners and curves, further highlighting his innate noble temperament. At this moment, he was no longer reminiscent of the homely appearance in the kitchen just now.

Seeing that she finally turned her attention to him, Song Jing's expressionless face finally broke into a smile, and he whispered, "You can come out for dinner now."

Xu Zhixi said, "Right away."

Although it was said to be immediate, in fact, several minutes had passed.

Xu Zhixi found it difficult to withdraw once she was in the zone. Her entire heart was focused on the course, her brows furrowed at times, then relaxed. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the man standing at the door. Belatedly, she realized something and quickly glanced in his direction. "Well, you eat first. I'll be out in a minute."

Song Jing: “…”

Can this be considered perfunctory?

But what does it matter if she is perfunctory? After all, she is the girlfriend he has chosen with all his heart. Even if she is treated perfunctorily like this, he can only accept it completely.

After watching Xu Zhixi concentrating on studying for a while, Song Jing seemed to finally compromise and left the bedroom.

But he didn't leave. Instead, he leaned against the wall, where Xu Zhixi couldn't see him, and waited quietly. He would look down at his watch from time to time, counting the time.

About five or six minutes later, the sound of the online class stopped and footsteps were heard.

After an hour's class, Xu Zhixi felt a little drowsy and confused. He took a few sips of water to feel a little better, then came out of the bedroom.

When she reached the door, she caught a glimpse of a man standing against the wall. She suddenly stopped and turned her head.

The man crossed his arms, his face looking even more handsome under the light. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Have you finished studying?"

Xu Zhixi stared at him blankly: "You didn't go to eat?"

"Wait for you."

He spoke lightly, without a trace of dissatisfaction on his face. Xu Zhixi couldn't help but blush: "I was too immersed in the moment and made you wait so long."

The main reason was that she didn't expect Song Jing to have been waiting for her. If she knew, she would definitely feel embarrassed to make him wait like this and would come out as soon as possible.

"As long as you're not hungry."

He simply passed the topic over, then lowered his eyes to look at his watch. Seeing that it was already nine o'clock, his brows furrowed. "What time do you go to bed every day?"

Xu Zhixi didn't expect him to ask this. He uttered an "ah," then hesitated and said, "I'm not sure. Sometimes it's eleven o'clock, sometimes... around twelve o'clock, right? It depends on what time I get off work every day."

She actually answered with some reservations.

If she could get off work by 5 or 6, she'd definitely be in bed by 11 or 12. The problem was, she often got off work around 7 or 8, or even 8 or 9, so she often had to study until the wee hours. She had to make sure she'd fully absorbed everything she'd learned the previous day, otherwise it would have been wasted.

Song Jing's brows furrowed even deeper.

Xu Zhixi could only pretend not to see it and hurried to the restaurant, asking, "What dishes did you make?"

Song Jing didn't expose her and followed her.

"Smells so good." Xu Zhixi's eyes lit up when she saw the dishes on the table. She turned around and smiled, "So you're such a good cook."

"There's a lot you don't know."

"Is it that powerful?"

“Very impressive.”

Xu Zhixi pulled out a chair and sat down. Hearing what he said, he couldn't help but laugh: "Can you be more humble?"

He touched her hair, the corners of his lips raised slightly: "Any reward?"

"What reward do you want?"

He raised his slender finger and pointed at his cheek: "This."

“…”

She just knew it.

Ever since they confirmed their relationship, Song Jing was no longer the cold and aloof leader in her eyes, but a cunning fox, a peacock with its tail spread out, and a rogue man.

"You wish." She turned her face away, picked up her chopsticks and prepared to eat.

The man laughed softly: "My girlfriend is beautiful, so naturally I have beautiful thoughts too."

Xu Zhixi's cheeks flushed, and she raised her eyes and glared at him: "Aren't you hungry?"

"Hungry."

"Since you're hungry, you..." In a flash, a certain image flashed through Xu Zhixi's mind. She stopped herself from talking in time, met his half-smile eyes, bit her lip and said, "Eat quickly."

I almost got tricked again.

What does it mean to be hungry or not? To him, this “hunger” is not that “hunger”.

He is just a gangster.

She had always misjudged him. No, everyone in the company had misjudged him.

The so-called cold and exiled immortal is all an illusion.

With the online class still on his mind, Xu Zhixi lowered his head and hurried to eat, just wanting to finish it quickly. However, after taking two bites, he found that the food was more delicious than he had imagined. He suddenly felt hungry, so he ate an extra bowl of rice.

After eating and drinking her fill, she hurriedly stood up to clear the dishes. As her fingertips touched the cold edge of the porcelain bowl, a warm hand reached over, its texture slightly different from hers, slightly rough. Without a word, it enveloped her hand, stopping her in her tracks.

She was startled and looked up.

Song Jing didn't let go of his hand, but tightened it instead: "Go to class, and rest early after class. I'll clean up here."

Xu Zhixi felt as if a feather had gently scratched the tip of her heart, causing a slight itch: "Just collect the bowls, it's quick, no delay..."

"Listen to me." Song Jing interrupted gently, and touched her soft hair with his other hand. His voice was gentle but unquestionable. "As your boyfriend, I can't help you much with your studies, but can't I take care of this little thing?"

The soft light outlined his deep profile, casting a faint warmth. Xu Zhixi looked at him, unable to describe the feeling in her heart. Her voice softened, "Then... remember to let me know when you leave. I'm going to class first."

The corners of his lips curved up: "Okay."

Xu Zhixi lowered his eyes and looked at the two people's still tightly clasped hands: "You..."

Song Jing rubbed her hair twice more before releasing his hand. His deep voice was particularly pleasant: "Go ahead."

After hearing what he said, Xu Zhixi naturally stopped being coy. She watched him skillfully put away the dishes and chopsticks, then returned to her bedroom and continued with her class.

But when she sat down, she couldn't help but look at the door.

The sight of the man, who usually possessed a refined and elegant demeanor, suddenly picking up the dishes made her feel a little uncomfortable. Although he wasn't some wealthy young man, having earned a place in Hangzhou through his own hard work, she still found it particularly awkward for him to do these chores.

But his movements were so familiar and smooth, obviously he had done these chores a lot at home.

Maybe she was thinking too much.

Xu Zhixi shook off the random thoughts in his mind, lowered his eyes, and attended the class seriously.

The author has something to say:

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Song Jing: Let’s eat! Let’s eat! [Spread the flowers]

Focus on learning the stream: Turtle chanting sutra Turtle chanting sutra [plus one]

Song Jing: Very good, then I will chant [dog head holding a rose]

Hahahaha