Chapter 61: Leaked Information

Jiang Xia walked ahead, and although it was his first time here, he skillfully swiped his ticket to enter the park.

When he encountered something he didn't understand, he would smile and ask the staff, and then politely express his gratitude.

Wu Zhou followed behind him, watching how skillfully he handled the process. Only after swiping his ticket and entering the gate did he speak in a low voice: "You've been here before? You came with Wu Ming?"

Jiang Xia turned around, looked at him, and explained with a smile, "No. But the procedures for entering parks and similar attractions are all pretty much the same. When Wu Ming and I went out to play before, I was the one who handled these things."

Wu Ming has always disliked trouble.

On one occasion, he took the initiative to make a travel plan, but things went wrong on the first day of the trip. The two of them missed their high-speed train because they misread the time.

Finally, the two were stranded at the high-speed rail station for three hours.

Jiang Xia carefully put away the two tickets and pointed to the small pavilion in the distance: "Although the ticket stubs were torn up, you can use them to exchange for scenic bookmarks when you come out."

"I saw bookmarks online; they were metal bookmarks, very beautiful..."

Jiang Xia stopped mid-sentence, realizing that Wu Zhou might not care about such things, so he had no choice but to shut up.

The bookmark isn't worth much; he just wanted it as a keepsake.

Wu Zhou saw through his thoughts and said, "We'll come and get it when we go down the mountain."

"Huh?" Jiang Xia was somewhat surprised.

Wu Zhou looked directly into his eyes and said solemnly, "Your happiness is the most important thing."

He made no attempt to hide his intentions—he was chasing after Jiang Xia.

Since Jiang Xia did not explicitly refuse, it means that he still has a chance.

Jiang Xia, on the contrary, blushed under his gaze and could only hurriedly turn around, cough, and point into the distance.

"Let's go."

The two stood side by side, and Jiang Xia didn't know what to talk about with him, so she took a bite of the rice ball in her hand, using eating as an excuse to avoid the conversation.

Jiang Xia looked at the rice ball: "It's delicious, did you add chili peppers?"

Wu Zhou replied, "I know that people in Duliang tend to prefer spicy food."

However, the food in Montreal is generally on the sweeter side or emphasizes the original flavor of the food.

When the boss asked about his preferences, Wu Zhou specifically instructed that he wanted a non-sweet chili sauce, which wasn't very spicy but just right for Jiangxia's taste.

"Thank you, it tastes very good." His voice softened.

He really wanted to ask Wu Zhou why he was so sure he liked spicy food.

After all, when buying food for others, not adding chili is the safest decision.

But she swallowed the words back—"How did you know I eat spicy food?" This sounded like she was coaxing Wu Zhou.

More importantly, since the other party has noticed this, there's no guarantee they won't use this opportunity to say something sweet. How should I respond?

Jiang Xia's earlobes burned, and she only said, "Wu Ming said I'll gain a little weight in winter, so it's better to eat less."

Wu Zhou frowned and retorted, "He's nobody to you, you don't need to take his opinion into consideration. But I do hope you gain a little more weight."

Jiang Xia pursed her lips and didn't reply. She couldn't very well say, "Then you're not anyone to me either..." It sounded like an argument.

Ask the other person in return, "Who am I to them?" Or is it like the playful banter between lovers?

Jiang Xia fell silent; only the sound of his shoes crunching over fallen leaves could be heard.

The two walked up to the mountaintop, where, apart from the sound of falling leaves and flowing water, the noise of the outside world was completely shut out.

The park is built on a small hill, with tall trees lining the winding mountain path, guiding people uphill.

Because it's a paid park and located right next to a hospital, there were still very few visitors at noon.

The two continued upwards.

With her nerves relaxed, Jiang Xia realized that she had lost her appetite after receiving Mr. Wu's call at noon and had barely eaten anything. Now she was starving.

He secretly took another bite of the rice ball and chewed silently.

As he took his third bite, Wu Zhou chuckled and said, "I knew you were hungry."

Jiang Xia clenched his fist and coughed softly, not daring to reply, but his face quietly turned red and hot.

Fortunately, the other party didn't say anything more that made her blush, and the atmosphere eased temporarily.

As the two walked side by side, at some bend or under a big tree, Wu Zhou suddenly approached and gently took his hand.

The palm was so hot that Jiang Xia could hardly bear it, and he instinctively pulled his hand back.

Jiang Xia's voice was tense: "Others will see it."

Instead of being annoyed, Wu Zhou smiled and asked firmly, word by word, "Jiang Xia, you're not afraid of me, and you're not angry that I held your hand. You're just afraid of being seen, right?"

The warmth of his palm burned him.

The heat spread from his palms to his body, and Jiang Xia had to admit that he wasn't afraid of Wu Zhou, but rather afraid of being exposed to such overly enthusiastic behavior.

Why would he like himself?

The person Wu Ming described seemed to be very far removed from their circle, and he felt unqualified to get close.

Jiang Xia felt a mix of emotions—embarrassment, bitterness, and even a secret sense of pleasure.

It was as if, without his knowledge, he had defeated Wu Ming, overturning all of Wu Ming's past denigration.

However, I cannot easily get together with someone else just because I hold a grudge against Wu Ming.

Besides, Wu Zhou is a man.

Jiang Xia's expression turned strange.

He had never thought of developing a relationship with Wu Ming beyond friendship, nor had he considered any closer contact.

But Wu Zhou was different. He really liked kissing himself. When the other person kissed him, his skin would get hot all over, and he was clearly aroused.

Jiang Xia's expression changed rapidly, and finally his ears became burning hot, as if they were about to be burned.

The two walked forward side by side.

Wu Zhou moved a little closer, and Jiang Xia instinctively wanted to move to the side, but the path was paved with stone slabs, and if he moved any closer, he would have to step into the bushes.

As they walked, Wu Zhou's fingers gently touched Jiang Xia's fingertips.

Jiang Xia curled his fingers, his body trembling slightly. Was it an accidental touch?

After seeing no further developments, Jiang Xia pretended not to care and silently ate his rice ball—because he didn't want to talk to General Manager Wu.

Jiangxia felt a bit greasy after eating.

He was actually full when he had eaten three-quarters of the food, but thinking that he couldn't waste food, he forced himself to eat more—and ate until he was stuffed.

He felt his mouth was still stuffed full, but thankfully, after the walk, he didn't feel too full.

The sadness was real, but so was the stuff I put in my mouth.

The two had climbed to the top of the mountain, and after a brief look around, they descended.

However, the next moment, Wu Zhou gently grasped his fingertips, without applying any force, just like in the hospital.

When Jiang Xia saw a main road ahead, he wanted to move to the side, but Wu Zhou firmly gripped his hand and slowly intertwined their fingers.

As his fingers rubbed against the soft flesh between Jiang Xia's fingers, Jiang Xia trembled all over. Just as he was about to lash out, he saw a family going up the mountain in the distance. Not wanting them to see him, he quickly pulled Wu Zhou aside and ran past them.

Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, Wu Zhou voluntarily opened up the river gorge.

Jiang Xia coughed, but didn't say anything. He went to exchange his bookmark for a bookmark and handed one to him.

The metal bookmarks are engraved with park scenery and are quite exquisite.

Jiang Xia liked it very much; the bookmark was very useful. Wu Zhou took one of them and drove Jiang Xia home.

Jiang Xia initially wanted to refuse, but Wu Zhou grabbed him and forcefully pulled him to the car, opening the passenger door for Jiang Xia.

"I accompanied you to the park, can you drive me around?"

He argued illogically, but his reasons were quite respectable.

Jiang Xia forced a smile, and after a long and awkward standoff, finally agreed with a somewhat defeated expression.

Jiang Xia sat in the passenger seat. It was strange to have Mr. Wu drive for him. He wanted to help drive, but he was afraid of scratching the car. Most importantly, he had never driven such a nice car before.

Once home, Jiang Xia unbuckled his seatbelt, thanked them, and got out of the car.

The next moment, Wu Zhou turned to the side and said, "Jiang Xia, I will send you the medical report tonight."

Jiang Xia pushed him away slightly and asked somewhat awkwardly, "Wu Ming's? President Zhan has already sent me the full version."

“It’s not his,” Wu Zhou looked him straight in the eye. “It’s my medical report. I’m sending it to you. Whether you want to see it or not is up to you.”

Jiang Xia hummed in agreement, said goodbye, and was about to open the door to get out of the car when suddenly her body swayed and she was pulled into Wu Zhou's arms.

My face is pressed against the other person's chest, listening to the thumping of their heartbeat.

Wu Zhou's voice was hoarse: "Jiang Xia, I look forward to the day when you take the initiative to kiss me. I want you to kiss me first, I want you to crave me, and after a long day at work, to rush into my arms because you miss me."

He placed his hand on Jiang Xia's back and said softly, "You're a bit thin. You could be a little fatter so it'll be more comfortable to hug you."

Jiang Xia pushed him away, quickly got out of the car, coughed, and tried to say calmly, "I'm leaving now."

After saying that, he turned around and quickly went upstairs, keeping his head down and staring at the ground, never daring to look up.

He and Zhan Lintian were completely out of control!

Jiang Xia returned home, closed the door, and slumped down by the door, his heart pounding wildly.

Previously, he could ask Mr. Zhan for help when he encountered something he didn't know how to do, but now he has no one to ask for guidance. He rarely talks about his own affairs with the people around him.

The reason I sought advice from Zhan Lintian was because I thought that once I returned abroad, our relationship would end.

Unexpectedly, President Zhan offered to help him...

Wu Zhou's words were still ringing in her ears: kissing, hugging him on her own initiative—she could never really have that day.

That evening, before eight o'clock, Wu Zhou sent his medical examination report.

I said I would give it to them a few days ago, but I haven't yet. I guess they're waiting for the test results.

Jiang Xia couldn't resist clicking on it. The medical report was exceptionally detailed, covering everything from the inside out.

Jiang Xia sat cross-legged on the sofa, eating a banana, thinking to himself that the person... really was quite healthy.

Jiang Xia abruptly turned his phone upside down, closed his eyes, and silently chewed on his thoughts.

"Don't think about it too much, a good night's sleep will do the trick."

This is Jiangxia's way of relieving emotions: take a nap, and a new day begins. Even if there are huge problems, they will pass.

However, this time, the next morning, Jiang Xia woke up, washed up, and went to work, sitting at his desk for half a day.

When you're busy, you don't have time to think about other things, and as a result, your work efficiency doubles, and you finish the day's work in one morning.

Then the editor-in-chief called him into his office in the afternoon.

Editor-in-Chief Sun flipped through his recent translations, then looked at the Yangtze River Gorge before him.

He wasn't wearing a suit today. He wore a white V-neck sweater underneath a light pink pinstripe shirt, and instead of his usual dark coat, he opted for a light gray short cotton jacket.

Editor-in-Chief Sun came in behind him today. I looked at him for a while and almost didn't recognize his back.

The editor-in-chief scanned Jiang Xia up and down, making her feel embarrassed. She asked, "Does the client want us to redo it?"

I've been feeling restless lately, and the poet's early style was mainly sadistic, so I probably haven't grasped the essence of it.

The editor-in-chief coughed, leaned forward, and said mysteriously, "Are you in a relationship?"

"ah?"

The editor-in-chief clapped the documents in his hand and said, "I feel there's sweetness in your writing."

Jiang Xia took the materials and examined them carefully, but couldn't see any difference. However, Editor-in-Chief Sun had a sharp eye.

"That's good too. You can translate his more positive ones."

Editor-in-Chief Sun made the arrangements, and Jiang Xia did not object.

Just before leaving, Editor-in-Chief Sun stood up with her cup and followed him out: "Wait for me, tell me, you're definitely in a relationship. Who is it?"

Jiang Xia chuckled and brushed it off. Editor-in-Chief Sun watched him walk unsteadily back to his workstation, then muttered to himself as he headed toward the break room: "Young man, you're pretty thin-skinned."

Back at his workstation, Jiang Xia kept twirling his pen. Finally, just before the end of the workday, Zhan Lintian sent him a message.

"Jiang Xia, can I ask you out for dinner tonight?"

After a moment, Zhan Lintian added, "Wenwen misses Uncle Jiang very much."

He sent another video.

In the video, Wenwen is sitting on the sofa, and Zhan Lintian is filming Wenwen's face from above, making the child's face appear large and her body small, with her big eyes blinking.

"Uncle Jiang, aren't you really going to come visit my uncle?"

At the end of the video, Zhan Lintian can be faintly heard whispering, "It's you who wants to play with him."

Jiang Xia silently buried his head on the table.

His colleagues saw him slumped over the table and thought he was sick, so they came over to ask him what was wrong.

Jiang Xia stood up and waved his hand, "It's nothing, really nothing."

Colleagues asked, "Team Leader Jiang, wanna go to a bar? Drink, dance, and sing!"

Jiang Xia wouldn't usually participate, but they kept asking anyway. They thought that Team Leader Jiang would refuse again tonight, but to their surprise, Jiang Xia suddenly stood up and said somewhat eagerly, "Okay!"

He packed his things, put his employee ID in his bag, and looked at his surprised colleagues with a smile.

The apprentice was also there, and upon seeing this, he cheered, "Great, Master!"

Everyone stared in shock at Jiang Xia, who was smiling, and after responding, they happily pushed him to walk out.

Jiang Xia took the opportunity to send a message to Zhan Lintian: "Sorry, Mr. Zhan, my colleagues have organized a gathering. Let's reschedule for another day."

He breathed a sigh of relief...

The others waited until he finished sending the message before asking, "By the way, Team Leader Jiang, I heard you took on a translation job for a competition this weekend?"

Jiang Xia put away his phone: "Yeah, I'm going to Haijiang County..."

Haijiang is one of the three rivers in Mengcheng, so Haijiang County is less than an hour away from Mengcheng by high-speed rail, which is not far.

"Team Leader Jiang, could you buy some local specialties for me? I've tried several online purchasing agents, but none of them are authentic."

When colleagues go on business trips, they usually help each other bring back things, so Jiang Xia didn't refuse. The female colleague who made the request recommended it to him: "This century-old brand of sesame seed cakes is delicious. Although it didn't originate in Haijiang, it's really famous."

Jiang Xia said yes.

Upon seeing the message on the other end of the phone, Zhan Lintian narrowed his eyes.

While eating fruit, Wenwen asked, "Uncle, why does Coco's uncle have an aunt, but you don't?"

Coco is her best friend in kindergarten. She has two uncles, and both of them have aunts. The aunts are very soft and fragrant, and they often hold Coco in their arms.

But she only had her uncle by her side.

Zhan Lintian patted her hair: "Uncle is pursuing Auntie. He's shy. Wenwen, go to sleep first. I'll go to your Uncle Jiang's house tonight and wait for you."

Wenwen nodded obediently.

Half an hour later, Zhan Lintian sent a message to Jiang Xia: "Can I come to your house to play? I'm bored by myself."

Jiang Xia hid outside tonight, how could he not go home?

Jiang Xia wouldn't stay out all night.

At this moment, Jiang Xia was entering a bar for the second time. The first time was a few years ago when he took Wu Ming, who was completely drunk, to a nightclub and only caught a glimpse of him.

He wasn't used to it; it was noisy and dark.

He didn't hear the phone notification tone.

Jiang Xia's colleagues all drink alcohol, but he doesn't like the feeling of being completely drunk, so he only ordered a low-alcohol drink, a juice with a tiny bit of alcohol mixed in.

His car is in the repair shop, so he doesn't need to drive tonight. It's okay for him to have a little bit of alcohol.

Jiang Xia took a sip and thought it tasted great.

Perhaps it was too hot in the bar, or perhaps the little bit of alcohol in the drink numbed his senses.

When everyone was tired from playing and leaned against each other in silence, Jiang Xia looked at his colleague who usually boasted about his talent in love: "Speaking of which, if you know that a relationship has no future, but the other person is really nice, should you start it?"

Upon hearing this, her colleagues immediately asked, "Are you in a relationship?"

Everyone leaned forward, watching him with excitement.

Jiang Xia was a little confused. Where did he see that?

A note from the author:

Colleagues: [Let me see]

Zhan Lintian: Didn't reply? No reply means he agrees. Is he going to kill me?

Now, Mr. Wu's mind is filled with the idea that Jiang Xia will kiss him first. He's really dreaming.