Chapter 69 Even if it's forced, he has to twist it down.

After finishing her meal, Lin Zaoyi went to the backyard as usual. As October approached, the scenery was no longer lush.

She sat slumped in the wicker chair, appearing serene, but her mind was a jumbled mess.

Footsteps approached.

Calm and composed, neither hasty nor slow.

He didn't turn around, his mind wandering to somewhere.

A weight settled on my shoulders, followed by the familiar scent of wormwood, which also warded off the chill of the night.

But she didn't appreciate it and simply took it away. However, just two seconds later, the coat was draped over her shoulders again.

"Put on something warm, it'll get cold at night." The voice beside my ear was gentle and deep.

She's so ungrateful. "Can you please stop being so domineering?"

Tan Zhaojing chuckled softly, "So this is domineering? Fine, more options, how about a hug?"

"Not very good!"

Lin Zaoyi was really afraid that this person would start a fight at the slightest disagreement, so she stood up in fright and said, "Don't go too far, we're outside."

The man's figure was somewhat blurred by the streetlights. He raised his hand and pulled out her long hair that was tucked into her collar. "Then put your clothes on."

"overbearing."

She mumbled a complaint, but the words she uttered were unclear and sounded unconvincing. Tan Zhaojing's lips curled up slightly, "If you were really domineering, you wouldn't act like this."

She looked up. "What do you want to do?"

Tan Zhaojing looked down at her and met her gaze. "I want a formal title."

Lin Zaoyi couldn't satisfy him, so she said, "Go find someone else."

Tan Zhaojing wasn't angry; compared to before, the damage wasn't as great. "Can't find it."

Nobody would believe that.

Lin Zaoyi didn't say anything, she just stared at him.

Tan Zhaojing added, "I can't find a girl as pretty as you."

Sweet words are indeed pleasing to the ear. Lin Zaoyi couldn't resist them. After her heart fluttered, she retorted with his words, "You said I'm so beautiful, why would I want to date you?"

Tan Zhaojing was speechless for a moment. "You sound like I'm in a bad mood?"

Lin Zaoyi gave him a look and told him to interpret it himself.

Tan Zhaojing understood the implication and deliberately misinterpreted it, saying, "So you like me that much."

Lin Zaoyi was speechless. "Is there something wrong with your eyes?"

Tan Zhaojing smiled faintly and subconsciously pulled her into his arms. His involuntary action made the person in his arms exclaim softly, "Be careful, someone might come over!"

"Don't be afraid, I'm here."

The gentle tone of his voice was reassuring, and Lin Zaoyi's struggle lessened. She pursed her lips and asked, "Does it really have to be this way?"

Tan Zhaojing raised the corner of his eye slightly, "I really want you."

Lin Zaoyi looked up in surprise. Under the moonlight, the man's gaze was extremely deep. She couldn't help but hold her breath and asked in a very soft voice, "Even though it's fruitless, do you still want it?"

Tan Zhaojing gently stroked her long hair reassuringly, "Stay by my side, and leave the rest to me."

There is no fruitless relationship between them.

Even if you force him, he has to twist it down.

***

For the next two days, Lin Zaoyi kept having his promise pop into her mind.

I was tempted, but dared not hope for it.

That's it. The worst outcome is breaking up anyway, so why not indulge in it this once and for all? At least we've loved... right?

It's getting dark outside.

Lin Zaoyi was too lazy to go out, so she made herself a packet of instant noodles, quickly finished her dinner, and then curled up on the sofa to look through the materials that Tan Zhaojing had prepared for her.

Her second major was finance, which wasn't difficult to study, but there were also many obscure and difficult parts, which she marked in red.

Try to get the certificate before breaking off the relationship with him.

I can't think about it. The thought of being apart feels like a piece of my heart has been ripped out.

I belatedly realized that I was following in my mother's footsteps.

I wonder if I'll be as decisive and efficient as my mother by then.

The rustling sound of the password unlocking device pulled her back from her sadness. She looked up and saw a man carrying a bag with a takeout logo appear at her house.

"Come and eat."

"have eaten."

Tan Zhaojing looked over and asked, "What did you eat?"

Lin Zaoyi only said half of it, "Seafood."

Tan Zhaojing placed the takeout bag on the table, saying, "Have some more with me."

She turned and went to the kitchen.

Before he could even put away the trash can, he glanced at it casually and realized that the "seafood" the girl was talking about was actually seafood-flavored instant noodles.

He chuckled helplessly, "You just lied like that?"

Lin Zaoyi disagreed, saying, "As long as we're full, that's fine."

He moved closer, grabbed her wrist, and carried her to the dining room. He didn't let her sit alone on a chair, but instead placed her right next to him, his face burning. "Song, I'll eat with you."

She tried to get up, but he pressed her down onto his lap. Tan Zhaojing put his arm under her armpit and calmly took out the lunchbox.

Genuine seafood appeared before me.

There are also a few dishes that I usually like to eat.

There were wet wipes on the table. He took two, carefully wiped his hands clean, peeled a shrimp, and brought it to her lips. She didn't open her mouth, but wrinkled her nose and said, "It's not vinegary."

Tan Zhaojing chuckled, "Okay."

Just as I was about to put the shrimp into the vinegar container, the girl added, "There are scallions and garlic too."

Naturally follow.

"I'll redo it."

While waiting, Lin Zaoyi kept her gaze on him. Even a simple action like pouring vinegar was so pleasing to the eye.

So... Lin Zaoyi, you didn't lose out.

A shrimp dipped in pure vinegar was brought to her lips, and at the same time, his voice came from above her head, "If you don't eat properly, move to my place."

She resolutely refused, "No."

"Then I'll move in."

"That won't work either."

Tan Zhaojing: "..."

After a two-second silence, ask: "Do you want to pass the CFA exam on your first try?"

Lin Zaoyi tried her best not to be tempted, saying, "Even if we don't live together, you'll still teach me."

Tan Zhaojing: "We're not flexible in terms of time, but if we live together, you can ask me anytime."

As they were talking, they offered her another shrimp.

Lin Zaoyi rested her chin on her hand, chewing her food with a smile on her lips. "You can ask by phone. You said you can't find a girl as pretty as me, so you have to keep my phone on for at least twelve hours a day."

She knows how to handle things.

Fortunately, he had the foresight to glance at his watch; they were almost there.

The doorbell rang at that moment.

Lin Zaoyi paused slightly, "Who is it?"

"Assistant Shao."

Tan Zhaojing strode towards the entrance, and she followed. Outside the door, Assistant Shao nodded, carrying things in both hands, "Mr. Tan, Miss Lin."

"This is…?"

Assistant Shao replied, "Mr. Tan's computer and change of clothes."

Lin Zaoyi gave the man some face, and only after the door was closed did she confront him, "Did you act first and then report to me?"

Not really, he did lay the groundwork with a few words beforehand.

Tan Zhaojing casually tossed her bag onto the sofa. "Don't worry about what I might do to you. I didn't buy any condoms."

Lin Zaoyi's face flushed red instantly; that wasn't what she was concerned about!

"I mean, how come you moved in without my permission!"

Tan Zhaojing reached out and stroked her ruffled fur, saying, "I want to hug you more."

Hugs...

Lin Zaoyi also wanted to.

She stretched out her arm and encircled his waist, revealing the clearly defined muscles on his back.

Once again, I can't help but admire how she has it all – the face, the figure, she has it all.

She rubbed her chin against his shirt, without much effort, her breath filled with the scent of wormwood emanating from him.

She liked his scent.

She took two deep breaths and raised her head, her eyes meeting his deep gaze the moment she lifted her head.

"..."

I wonder if the pervert's little scheme has been exposed.

The man gently stroked the corner of her eye, his clear voice tinged with amusement, "Wasn't it a good deal?"

The heat spread across my cheeks.

She blushed and glanced at him, "You're not at a loss either, the men who are pursuing me could line up all the way to Peking University."

Tan Zhaojing believed this; aside from the chaotic atmosphere around her, Ji Baishen probably also had designs on her.

It's alright, we'll just keep a closer eye on things in the future.