Chapter 70 Wedding Invitation

"No? Then marry me, okay?"

Christmas

The man in front of me was being overly attentive, which made me suspicious of his true intentions.

But the puppy was still adorable. It obediently watched its owner, then looked at me with its tongue lolling out. When it saw that I wouldn't move, it even came over and nudged me with its head, hoping I would play with it a little longer.

I leaned down slightly and patted its head: "I'm sorry, I have to go to class now. You mustn't get lost again this time."

The puppy looked aggrieved and pitiful.

Instead, its owner didn't continue to invite me. He stretched out his hand and said to the puppy, "Bruce, Daddy's taking you home for some fruit puree."

After saying that, he stroked the puppy's chin before looking at me again. "I'm sorry, I spoiled it. It's always very willful. But... my Bruce seems to really like you. I'll thank you again next time."

I looked at his face; his thin lips curved into a smile, revealing that he had grown up in luxury, exuding an air of superiority and composure. He put the leash on the dog and turned to walk towards the black G-Class parked on the side of the street.

The puppy was being led by a man, and it kept turning back to look at me. My heart felt like it was being held back as well. I stared blankly at it and its owner.

The tailgate of the G-Class opened, and the puppy jumped on. I looked away, but I didn't expect that a few seconds later, it would take advantage of its owner's inattention, grab its favorite sheep toy from the car, and run straight out.

I watched helplessly as it stopped in front of me, biting the toy and pawing at my knee with its little paws. I had no choice but to reach out and it handed the little sheep toy, which was a bit wet from drooling, to my palm.

"Ah..." I smiled, "You want to give it to me?"

Puppies are always very loyal; they can enjoy playing with a toy for a long time, and they will be very sad if the toy is lost. This little sheep toy is clearly one of their favorites, and they actually gave it to me.

The puppy tilted its head and stared at me. I had never seen such a smart and cute dog before, so I hugged it tightly.

Its tail wagged excitedly, and it even stuck out its tongue to lick my face.

"Haha, you're so cute."

Its owner turned around and saw that it had run back to me. He walked over, and I was holding his dog in my arms, still playing with it. When I looked up, I saw the man silently watching me.

He has a noble appearance with high brow bones and slightly thin double eyelids. His temperament is very unique and completely different from Jiang Mingzhuo. He is more confident, calm, and has a strong aura, but it is not intimidating. Overall, he is the most popular king-like top student in the school.

"I'm sorry," he apologized first, to my surprise, and slowly said to me, "It's not even a year and a half old yet, and it's very willful, causing you trouble."

"No, I really like it." I gently tightened my grip and couldn't help but bury my head in its body.

I could smell the puppy's faint fragrance and its fluffy fur. The puppy was very well cared for, soft and fluffy like a marshmallow. My apartment doesn't allow pets, and the cost of owning a puppy is too high for me. I can only enjoy being surrounded by small animals at pet stores or specialty cafes.

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze turning serious as he looked over. "Xie Yong."

"Huh?" I was stunned, looking at him in confusion. His eyes were deep and looked somewhat affectionate, yet also like a fierce beast, ready to break free of its shackles at any moment.

“My name,” he said, smiling at me. “I’m a little hungry. You play with it for a while, and I’ll go to a nearby coffee shop to get something to eat, okay?”

Although he used a requesting tone, he was so confident and arrogant that he would never speak in such a tone, as if he wasn't asking for my consent but directly telling me what he wanted to do.

Upon hearing that its owner was leaving, the puppy immediately put on a pitiful face, tugging at Xie Yong's pants. I really didn't want to see such a cute little dog with such a miserable expression, so I quickly got up. "I'll go with you, Mr. Xie. Later, please take it home. It likes to run around so much, be careful it doesn't get lost again."

Xie Yong's handsome features were filled with a smile. "I'm only two years older than you. Why are you addressing me in such an old-fashioned way?"

My face flushed slightly. "...Okay, I understand."

The coffee shop downstairs has always been a favorite spot for residents of nearby apartments. This morning, many residents, like me, shoveled snow and came here for a hot drink or breakfast. Although it only offers simple meals like quinoa salad, avocado sandwiches, burgers, and chocolate desserts, the shop is always packed with people because the food is delicious and reasonably priced.

Xie Yong was ordering food. He was good-looking and had a superior demeanor. He was not a wealthy person who was often seen in this neighborhood. Many people in the coffee shop looked at him curiously.

"What do you want to eat?" he asked me.

I remembered I still had the banana cake from last night in my bag, and I shook my head.

He didn't press the matter further, ordered a sandwich, and returned to the table.

"Hello, black coffee and vanilla hot cocoa." The clerk brought over two cups of hot drinks, and Xie Yong nodded, gesturing for her to hand me the hot cocoa.

I lowered my eyes, thanked him, and stroked the slightly warm cup. I didn't tell him that I liked hot cocoa, and during the ordering process, he didn't ask me what I liked to drink or what I wanted to drink.

But that's not my main reason for suspecting him. After all, there's a huge hot cocoa ad on the coffee shop's sign; maybe he just did it on a whim.

Xie Yong had fair skin and was dressed in black with a slightly open collar, which made him look even more composed and noble. His outfit was quite understated, consisting of a cashmere coat, a shirt, and casual pants. No brand could be seen from head to toe, but the tailoring was neat and beautiful. Only the Patek Philippe watch that was sometimes visible under the cuffs revealed his status.

My neighborhood is quite far from the city center and affluent areas. But the only advantage here is that the subway station is just a few minutes' walk away, so many college students like me live here, or people who have only been working for a few years after graduating.

How could a rich young master like Xie Yong appear here out of nowhere?

I suddenly realized all of this, and a vague sense of unease crept into my heart.

"What's your name?"

"Ah? I, my name is Jiang Fu."

"Hmm?" He didn't seem surprised, and smiled at me. "I'll remember that."

"Your dog..."

“It’s Bruce. I bought it from around here,” Xie Yong said casually, picking up his coffee cup with his long, slender fingers, the veins on the back of his hand clearly visible. “I bring it here to see it every now and then, since its brothers and sisters are all here.”

I turned to look at the little dog outside the door. It was eating the jerky Xie Yong had specially brought for it. It was very well-behaved. No matter how much passersby petted it, it sat still and didn't move unless Xie Yong gave it a command.

What's wrong with me? I thought to myself, I've been getting more and more paranoid lately. Xie Yong's actions are fine; it's just that I'm being too anxious.

However, I've always been very sensitive to men's gazes. Perhaps it's because all sorts of men always find excuses to approach me and strike up conversations with me, but I can discern the emotions in a man's eyes.

The way Xie Yong looked at me was anything but ordinary. I could clearly see the barely suppressed affection, tenderness, surprise... and a hint of madness in his eyes.

My heart skipped a beat and raced uncontrollably, making my breathing quicken.

"I'm going to the restroom." I stood up and smiled at Xie Yong.

I slipped past the crowd in the coffee shop and dashed into the women's restroom, where the noisy surroundings were isolated and became extremely quiet.

I looked up at the mirror and saw my slightly widened eyes, which looked a little panicked and confused. My light pink lips had been bitten with very faint marks, and my hair tie was a little loose, making my long hair around my ears look messy.

This pitiful, weak, and innocent appearance is perhaps the reason why I've encountered so many strange men lately.

I took off my hair tie and put it on my wrist, letting my long hair fall over my shoulders. I looked down, wanting to take out my lipstick to make my complexion look brighter and more vibrant, but then I realized I had left my bag at the table.

"..." I rested my hands on the counter, looking at myself in the mirror. The coffee shop was a bit warm, and I had unbuttoned my coat. The light pink knitwear outlined my graceful figure, and the pale gold necklace shimmered subtly at my collarbone. It was a picture of a bear with full curves.

My hand slowly rested on the buttons of my coat.

I am not ashamed of my body. I like to wear pretty, narrow and short knitwear that can accentuate my figure, or low-rise pants that show off my hips and waist, and skirts that make my legs look slimmer. I never cover myself up completely because of men's gaze.

The attempt to cover up the truth only made it more obvious. It was I who seemed guilty.

I breathed a sigh of relief, put my fingers down, tidied my hair, and walked out of the bathroom.

Near the window, I saw Xie Yongzheng quietly looking at his phone, while the sandwich on the table remained untouched.

No matter how friendly and composed such a man may be, he cannot hide the arrogance of someone in a superior position.

In his eyes, food also had different levels of value.

A rich young master like him would most likely eat air-freighted organic vegetables and the finest meats, and drink natural, additive-free spring water.

They've always looked down on the stuff from ordinary neighborhood shops. Besides, the high-calorie, mass-produced sandwiches offered by these small shops are only popular with the poor and those who frequently work overtime; to people like them at the top of the social class, they're just meaningless junk food.

Before leaving, he would find a neat excuse and politely ask the shop assistant to pack the food up. Finally, he would throw the food away in a corner out of sight, leaving it for a homeless person on the street to pick up and have a good meal.

As I approached from my seat, Xie Yong looked up and asked, "You're back?"

"I have to go to school, I have things to do today." I picked up the hot cocoa on the table. Although it was a bit cold and the chocolate was so thick it was almost unbearable, I still drank it down in one gulp as if to prove the obvious class difference between us.

I told him, "I'm leaving now."

"Wait a minute, I'll take you there," Xie Yong offered. He stood up, but when he glanced out the window, he froze.

A Maybach was parked outside.

The man in the grey coat rolled down his car window and smiled at me in the coffee shop—a smile so composed, so perfect. But Xie Yong beside me didn't seem to care at all; it was clear that Jiang Mingzhuo didn't even consider Xie Yong a threat.

"My boyfriend is here, sorry." I lied to Xie Yong and subconsciously avoided his outstretched hand. I picked up my bag and pushed open the door of the coffee shop.

Behind me, Xie Yong raised an eyebrow, and I vaguely heard his low voice: "Jiang Mingzhuo, you actually moved so quickly..."

What? I paused for a moment, standing hesitantly in the middle of the road. Perhaps I had been standing there for too long, because Jiang Mingzhuo took the initiative to get out of the car, and Xie Yong followed behind me.

"Xiao Fu".

"Jiang Fu, there's something else I want to tell you."

On one side was a tall man, dressed in a long gray coat and a black suit, handsome and elegant.

On the other side was a man with an arrogant and confident aura, handsome features, and a tall stature, who unabashedly displayed every advantage he possessed to those around him.

Jiang Mingzhuo spoke first, a slight smile playing on his lips, "Xiao Fu, I'm sorry I'm late. It snowed quite heavily last night. I'll take you to school now. Get in the car."

"Jiang Fu".

Immediately following was Xie Yong's voice, which sounded somewhat helpless, indulgent, and even seemed to be actively seeking reconciliation, as if we weren't strangers who had just met today, but rather a couple who had a falling out and were arguing.

He maintained a polite distance, standing not too close and not too far from me. "Did I scare you? I'm sorry. I just wanted to thank you. You saved Bruce, and I want to repay you."

"Have you said enough?" Jiang Mingzhuo spoke, his voice cold and heavy. His gaze fell directly on Xie Yong's face, and he curled his lips in a mocking smile. "You're clinging to a girl you just met. If this continues, I'll call the police for her."

“Jiang Mingzhuo,” Xie Yong said with an air of calm confidence and arrogance, not nearly as overtly emotional as Jiang Mingzhuo, “you seem to enjoy meddling in other people’s business. It seems you want me to call the Crown Prince over. Anyway, I don’t mind if the scene becomes a bit more lively.”

Jiang Mingzhuo's expression immediately turned cold.

I know a little about his background. He and his biological brother separated after their parents divorced. They represented different factions in their parents' families and were irreconcilable enemies.

Perhaps it was because his relationship with his elder brother was lukewarm that he was so bothered by Xie Yong's words. (Yue Ge owes)

"I... I'll go to school by myself." I decisively pulled away from the tense atmosphere. I took a few steps back, not wanting to face Jiang Mingzhuo's tight-lipped look, nor to pay attention to Xie Yong's gaze.

I left as if I were fleeing, and only when I arrived at the Plaza Station on the subway did I breathe a sigh of relief. I felt extremely exhausted.

Today, I didn't actually have any classes. I went to the art studio and dutifully completed my sculpture assignment. In the evening, I went to the department store alone.

With two days to go until Christmas, the streets are filled with Christmas spirit, whether it's bars, clubs or bookstores. Shop windows are decorated with glittery reindeer and Santa Claus ornaments, and a huge Christmas tree transported from the next state stands in the center of the square.

The lush green trees are adorned with dazzling colored lights and little angels, and the major department stores in the central district have also designed their own window displays, which are gorgeous and romantic, and together with the city's light show, they appear to glitter.

This atmosphere naturally affected the luxury store where I worked.

After I changed my clothes, I joined Lu Qixi, who had arrived earlier, to decorate the shop window with ceramic dolls. In addition, there was an exquisite and gorgeous golden Christmas tree, and other golden three-dimensional paper-cut butterflies surrounded the mannequins dressed in formal attire, which was a beautiful sight.

"Phew, I thought today would be a holiday too."

I was wiping my sweat with a tissue when I saw Lu Qixi fanning herself with her hand next to me. I smiled and said, "The store manager hopes to make more money during these few days of the holiday."

“That’s true,” Lu Qixi said, glancing around. “There are indeed quite a lot of guests today.”

Perhaps due to the holiday, the store was packed with customers tonight. The five salons on the ground floor were overflowing with people, and the central open space, filled with high-end jewelry, watches, and other products, also attracted considerable interest from many customers.

Another older sister called me upstairs.

Compared to the elegant atmosphere downstairs, the upstairs area is more private. The lobby ceiling is inlaid with Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and a round table is decorated with air-freighted fresh flowers. Limited edition merchandise is displayed on shelves.

In addition to the main hall, there are several private customer rooms. Only customers who spend over 10 million yuan annually in the store can enter these rooms. These rooms provide an absolutely quiet shopping environment for those with larger spending habits.

I saw that there was only one tall man sitting on the sofa on the second floor. He was wearing a black shirt and trousers, and carrying a short black jacket in his hand. Underneath the shirt, his arms were muscular and well-defined, and the veins on the back of his hands were slightly visible. He looked very sexy.

Even if you don't recognize his clothes or watch brand, you can tell from that silver lighter that it's not an ordinary consumer product.

The second-floor lighting was warm and exceptionally bright. The man's eyes and brows exuded a cold and aloof air, his features sharp and undeniably handsome. He possessed an aura of unapproachability, and as he lowered his head to light a cigarette, he displayed an extreme sense of control.

"I'm not quite sure what to do..." My sister said to me in a low voice, looking troubled. "Xiao Fu, I haven't been here long, but there are a lot of guests today, and I'm worried that some people might mind."

I nodded, took the dessert and tea from her, and slowly walked to the man's side.

"Sir," I said softly, "would you like something to drink, black tea or coffee? Perhaps you wouldn't mind if you put out your cigarette? We have quite a few customers today, including some women with children, and it might be inconvenient for them..."

I tentatively looked up at him.

"Understood." The man's tone was detached and arrogant. He embodied the word "cold and ruthless" to its fullest extent.

I watched him stub out his cigarette, making sure the flame was completely extinguished, the veins on the back of his hand were clearly visible and full of tension.

Seeing how polite he was, I smiled, poured him a cup of black tea, and cut the orange cake and brought it to him.

He suddenly turned his head, and his gaze fell on my face without reservation. Even though he was sitting, his condescending look was unmistakable and carried a strong sense of oppression. I couldn't help but feel nervous, and my heart skipped a beat.

I quickly looked away and focused on watching the black tea fall into the cup. I hurriedly handed it to him, but he grabbed my hand instead.

“Sir…” I raised my eyes slightly, my long eyelashes trembling with nervousness, “There are security cameras here.”

He seemed amused by my words, a smile curving his lips and a slight raise of his eyebrows. "I don't like drinking black tea."

"Huh?" My heart trembled slightly. Being stared at like that made me tense all over.

But he seemed to realize my fear, so he toned down his pressure a little and let go of my hand.

The man's sharp features were extremely cold, and his voice was deep: "I don't like sweets, nor do I like this tea. Come with me for a while, and I'll buy everything on the second floor."

When the man stood up, I subconsciously took a few steps back. He was much taller than me, at least 188 cm. He stared into my eyes with a cold, domineering, and arrogant gaze. I suddenly realized that his appearance was somewhat similar to Jiang Mingzhuo's. Suddenly, it occurred to me, could he be... Jiang Mingzhuo's older brother?

"Mr. Jiang...?" I called out to him tentatively.

He suddenly spoke up, "You remember?"

"No, I just guessed who you are." I mumbled, turning my head away, not daring to meet his gaze, trying to silently avoid him, but the man's eyes kept following me. I forgot what I was saying, probably telling him about some new products from the recent fashion week.

He didn't seem interested, nor did he lack money. He wanted whatever I said. I couldn't help but turn around and saw the man slightly narrowing his eyes. His collar was slightly open, revealing his handsome collarbone.

Our eyes met again, and the man's lips curled slightly as he said in a very soft voice, "Come here."

After a while, he seemed to realize that his commanding tone was inappropriate, so he simply walked up to me. As he approached, he brought with him a cool tobacco smell and a faint, cool fragrance.

My breathing stopped, but I couldn't control the strong beating of my heart at all.

It's so similar, exactly like the man in my dream... My fingers even broke out in a light sweat. I wanted to avoid his gaze, but his well-defined hands immediately reached out, lifted my chin, and touched my skin.

My body reacted immediately, just like that night.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" he asked, his voice cold and sharp.

I was dazzled by the intensity in his eyes, and shook my head. He suddenly smiled.

"No? Then marry me, okay?"

[Author's Note]

The prerequisite for getting close to Xiao Fu is to naturally create an opportunity to meet her; otherwise, she will definitely be afraid and run away.

This was the gentlest Jiang Zhao had shown in the entire story. The first-person perspective might not fully capture it, but considering their previous meetings, this was the most peaceful and calm they had ever been.

That night, it was Jiang Mingzhuo's turn. His original intention was to imitate Jiang Zhao and make Xiao Fu naturally afraid of strong men like Jiang Zhao and Xie Yong. He would then pretend to be gentle and get close to Xiao Fu. However, he imitated her too well, and Xiao Fu suddenly became interested in the strong men in her dreams (but after doing it, she would find that she didn't like that type).

Why does the younger brother imitate his older brother so perfectly? Why can't Xiao Fu tell them apart? Of course, it's because the brothers are together, and Xiao Fu is with them too...