Chapter 45. Why don't you come to my place and give it a try?

What does it feel like to be favored? Jin Zhao didn't know before.

She probably experienced it when she was very young, but she was too young to remember it well. Later, it was relegated to the back of her mind throughout her adolescence, until it was completely abandoned. Gradually, those two words disappeared from her vocabulary.

She didn't actually feel any regret, after all, favoritism isn't a necessity of life.

Until this moment, when Meng Yanxi said "now," she looked at him in a daze and suddenly realized that some things are indeed not necessary, but they can make people feel very happy.

She couldn't help but laugh, cupping her hands together, revealing the man's long, strong hand beneath her fingertips.

She touched the veins on the back of his hand; they were warm, and for a moment she couldn't tell whether the feeling of blood surging came from him or from her.

She suddenly realized that she seemed to like Meng Yanxi more every moment than the last. Even though she was already hopelessly infatuated just a moment ago.

She said considerately, "There's no need to force yourself. If you know anyone, you can introduce me to them."

Meng Yanxi's gaze suddenly turned strange: "Am I stupid?"

Jin Zhao: "?"

Meng Yanxi chuckled softly, "If someone else is fawning over my girlfriend, then all my dating efforts are for nothing."

Jin Zhao had no idea how he had misinterpreted the situation, so he quickly explained, "No, what I mean is that the lecture is just a task assigned by the school, and it's not like you have to come in person."

Meng Yanxi raised an eyebrow: "So you mean, you don't absolutely need me?"

Jin Zhao: "..." What a huge hat.

Fine, I can't argue with him. If he doesn't feel pressured, then let him come.

It's really hard to feel sorry for her boyfriend for more than thirty seconds, no, three seconds.

Just as they reached the parking lot, Jin Zhao lowered his head and told the department head Meng Yanxi's name.

The department head's voice call started a second later.

"Who? Who did you say?!"

Jin Zhao was a second slow to turn the receiver, and the department head's delighted voice came through the speaker.

Jin Zhao quickly raised his eyelids and happened to catch someone's upturned lips.

That's it, he's gotten too cocky.

Jin Zhao turned the speakerphone into a receiver, took the phone, and walked to the side.

I patiently confirmed with the department head on the phone, and the department head still sounded incredulous: "How did you manage to invite him? He is one of the top investment tycoons in the country. Our university is known for its finance. The president's office has invited him to give speeches several times over the years, but he has never gone. Moreover, he is a graduate of our university, which is also his alma mater."

Jin Zhao didn't know how to describe her relationship with Meng Yanxi.

Talking about my boyfriend is too high-profile; talking about my classmate... is too embarrassing.

Think about it, she and Meng Yanxi were classmates, but Meng Yanxi was like this, while she... was like this. When they were young, the two were worlds apart, but she never imagined that when they grew up, she would become a university teacher, and the difference between them would still be like worlds apart.

Jin Zhao could only downplay the issue by saying, "But Sui Da got his money."

The department head fell silent as expected.

After calming down, the department head calmly told her over the phone that he would report to the school and asked her to inquire about Meng Yanxi's needs, especially prioritizing his convenience, and to inform the school immediately if there were any needs.

After hanging up the phone, Meng Yanxi drove out, and Jin Zhao opened the passenger door.

Meng Yanxi asked, "Should we put our bags down first or go eat first?"

When Jin Zhao got on the bus, he noticed that his canvas bag was on the back seat.

Recalling that photo on his WeChat Moments, his hand was on her dress, the semi-transparent, crimson fabric highlighting the man's slender fingers and sensual veins, and her blood inexplicably felt a surge of heat.

Even though his hand was just on her skirt, some inappropriate images popped into her mind.

"Let's go eat first." She bent down and fastened her seatbelt.

What would you like to eat?

Jin Zhao habitually said, "I'm fine with anything."

Meng Yanxi suddenly fell silent.

After a couple of seconds, he nodded calmly: "Okay, since there's still plenty of time, let's eat at all the well-known restaurants in the city today."

Jin Zhao: "!"

Has he gone mad?

Jin Zhao looked at him in surprise.

Meng Yanxi has a high nose bridge, a sharp jawline, and when her thin lips are slightly pursed, she exudes a sharp and decisive aura.

Jin Zhao had no idea what he had done to offend him.

As the car pulled up in front of the West Gate, while waiting for the access control system to respond, Meng Yanxi slowly turned her head, her dark eyes fixed on her: "With me, you'll never have to compromise on anything. Except for murder and arson, I'll give you whatever you want."

Jin Zhao stared blankly at the seriousness and earnestness in his eyes, then belatedly realized that he was angry at her for saying "I'm fine with anything".

Actually, that was just a polite remark; it wasn't just her, many people said it. After all, when you're with others, you can't only think about your own needs; you also have to accommodate them. It's just that she has a low-needs personality, so it came out particularly naturally to her, and it even became a catchphrase.

Meng Yanxi's keen attention warmed her heart, and her eyelashes fluttered slightly.

She thought about it carefully and asked, "Then let's go eat seafood?"

Meng Yanxi: "I'm allergic to seafood."

Jin Zhao: "?" Then why did you let me choose?

The man laughed out loud: "Just kidding."

Jin Zhao: "..."

This person can be really awful at times.

Meng Yanxi unabashedly considered Luxi to be the place in the city with the freshest and best-prepared seafood. Seeing that she wasn't familiar with Suiyi either, she drove there without asking her opinion.

It wasn't until she saw the familiar landmark stone and the secluded mountain retreat that Jin Zhao recognized him. Remembering how this person had left her at the North Gate last time, making her walk around the garden for a full half hour, she grumbled awkwardly, "Why did I come here? I didn't make an appointment."

Meng Yanxi glanced at her and said, "Boss lady, you don't need an appointment."

Jin Zhao's face suddenly felt hot, and she shut up.

It's still early, how can you be so sure? Just because you're dating doesn't mean you'll be together forever.

They arrived before five o'clock, before the restaurant had even opened, but the owner made an exception. Meng Yanxi ordered steamed grouper, drunken king crab, and steamed Boston lobster with Shaoxing wine and caviar, and also ordered a Wagyu beef and stir-fried bamboo shoots with black truffle, urging them to hurry.

Jin Zhao had only hastily eaten a steamed bun for breakfast and had only had time for a cup of sweet fermented rice balls for lunch, so she was indeed hungry. Even so, such a large table of food was still a big challenge for both her and Meng Yanxi.

Meng Yanxi wasn't in a hurry, chatting casually with her as they ate and talked, and it actually went quite well. It just took a long time.

When they arrived, the restaurant wasn't open yet. Later, tables of customers came in one by one, and the sounds of eating and conversation began to mingle with the soothing foreign music.

The warm light swayed gently, her boyfriend was incredibly handsome, and even without drinking, Jin Zhao felt slightly tipsy.

At first, I was a little reserved, and I talked to him about the lecture in a very businesslike manner. Later, perhaps because I was full, I relaxed and couldn't help but ask, "How did you come up with the idea of ​​opening a restaurant?"

Meng Yanxi sat opposite her, leaning back in her chair, and said without thinking, "I like cooking."

Jin Zhao opened her mouth slightly, forming an "o" shape.

She didn't know in which parallel universe the name Meng Yanxi would be associated with cooking.

The young master is obviously incredibly lazy; Jin Zhao suspects he's never even set foot in the kitchen in his entire life.

Meng Yanxi: "Don't believe me?"

Jin Zhao shook his head honestly: "You're lying again."

The man gazed at her, his peach blossom eyes seemingly smiling yet not smiling, the curves softening, the coldness in his eyes dissipating, replaced by a touch of flirtatious ambiguity.

"Then come to my place and give it a try?"

His voice was deep and resonant, with a slight upward inflection at the end.

Jin Zhao's heart suddenly pounded.

Too much flirtatious eye contact or tone of voice will make her misunderstand.

Jin Zhao quickly looked away and reflected on his actions in his mind.

"Yanxi!"

The sudden sound rang out at an inopportune moment.

He was a slightly overweight middle-aged man with a young and elegant woman by his side. They appeared to be a couple, with their two children following behind them. They came up to greet him warmly.

Jin Zhao didn't recognize the couple, but he immediately recognized Wu Fei and Wu Guo, the brother and sister.

It is Wu Liang's family.

Jin Zhao turned to look out the window.

In her ear, Wu Liang, along with his wife and children, greeted Meng Yanxi warmly. Meng Yanxi responded politely, but before Wu Liang could continue the pleasantries, she interrupted him casually, saying, "Mr. Wu, I'm on a date with my girlfriend."

Wu Liang realized what was happening, gave an embarrassed smile, and quickly said, "Alright then, I won't bother you any longer. Yanxi, please give my regards to your father and grandfather."

Meng Yanxi curled her lips and remained silent.

Wu Fei glanced at Jin Zhao, then at Meng Yanxi, clenching her fists at her sides, biting her lip and asking unwillingly, "Brother Yanxi, does Uncle Meng know you have a girlfriend again?"

She emphasized the word "again".

Meng Yanxi's eyes turned cold instantly. She glanced at Wu Liang and said, "I'm bringing my girlfriend home to meet my dad and grandpa another day. Would you like to come along, Mr. Wu?"

Meng Yanxi's words were neither too harsh nor too mild, but her displeasure was evident. Wu Liang smiled apologetically and said, "Sorry to bother you," before quickly pulling his daughter away.

The surroundings returned to silence. Jin Zhao looked at the departing figures of the Wu family, his gaze settling on Wu Fei.

For some reason, she suddenly remembered that year in her second year of high school, when she went to Class A for her first day and bumped into Chen Shu lecturing Wu Fei in the office.

“She’s talking nonsense.” Meng Yanxi stared at her with her dark eyes.

Jin Zhao looked away: "Yes, I know."

Dinner lasted two hours, and when it was time to pay the bill, the waiter mentioned there was a raffle.

Jin Zhao asked curiously, "Does the boss also need to pay the bill?"

Meng Yanxi: "..." She really knows how to grasp the key points.

"Then you pay?" he asked rudely.

Jin Zhao thought about it for a moment and felt that it wasn't impossible. Deep down, people are willing to spend money on people they like, regardless of gender.

She likes Meng Yanxi, and she is willing to spend money on Meng Yanxi.

Looking down to take out her phone, Meng Yanxi heard a "beep" in her ear; she had already scanned the code.

Meeting Jin Zhao's gaze, someone said smugly, "Having my girlfriend pay for my dates? Have I been wasting all these years? Come and enter the lottery."

Jin Zhao didn't have that kind of luck; the biggest prize she ever won in her life was 30 million yen, which she only won in her dreams.

Furthermore, their record is 0.

"Forget it, I'm unlikely to win anyway."

She was very self-aware and went to take Meng Yanxi's hand.

Meng Yanxi: "Then I'll draw for you, and if I win, it's yours?"

Jin Zhao neither said yes nor no, but quietly looked up at him.

He saw right through someone's intentions: "Are you trying to take this opportunity to transfer money to me?"

Meng Yanxi: "..."

In the end, he didn't win the "prize" and his girlfriend complained that it was too old-fashioned.

Meng Yanxi found it strange; why was transferring money such an old-fashioned practice?

The idea of ​​transferring money was clearly novel.

However, President Meng also suffered from his inexperience, failing to understand girls' feelings. Jin Zhao was actually being a bit hypocritical tonight.

It's never cliché for someone you like to put in effort for you. She's currently head over heels for Meng Yanxi, but doesn't want to get too carried away, so she's saying this on purpose.

It was still early after dinner, and they could have gone to see a movie. However, Meng Yanxi felt sorry for Jin Zhao, who had stayed up late last night, taught all morning, and had a meeting in the afternoon, so she wanted her to get some rest early tonight.

On the way back, Meng Yanxi finalized the time for the lecture: December 20th.

He has two business trips at the end of the month and is moving in early December, so he might not have much free time.

Jin Zhao casually asked him where he was moving to.

Just as Meng Yanxi was about to answer, her phone rang.

Meng Shixu called.

After meeting Wu Liang in Luxi, Wu Liang immediately used it as an excuse to contact Meng Shixu.

Meng Shixu was well aware of these people's intentions and usually ignored them, but today, since it concerned his son's "girlfriend," Meng Shixu immediately made a phone call.

When Meng Yanxi answered the phone, she was wearing headphones. Jin Zhao didn't hear what Meng Shixu said, but she heard Meng Yanxi say "hmm" twice in a row. Suddenly, she laughed and said, "Don't worry, we won't break up this time. I'll bring it back for you to see another day."

Jin Zhaoxin's heart skipped a beat.

Subconsciously feeling that Meng Yanxi was talking about her, she shyly turned her head and looked out the window.

But then she heard the man beside her say, "Don't worry about Meng Zhuxi. I've already prepared a house for her, in Lanjiang Shengjing. This girl wants it herself, but she insists that she's lacking water in her five elements and has to live by the river."

Jin Zhao immediately realized that he was being presumptuous.

Meng Yanxi: "I bought it two years ago, and I'll transfer the ownership to her in a couple of days."

"No, she's a senior and will be doing an internship soon. It's not convenient for her to stay at school all the time."

Jin Zhao roughly understood that Meng Yanxi had bought a house for Meng Zhuxi.

Lanjiang Shengjing is a large-sized apartment with a prime river view in the city center. Apartments there cost 100,000 yuan per square meter.

Jin Zhao secretly envied him.

After Meng Yanxi hung up the phone, Jin Zhao couldn't help but sigh, "It's so wonderful to be your sister."

Meng Yanxi took off her headphones and said ambiguously, "It's not entirely because she's my sister. Giving her a house is partly a way of repaying a debt of gratitude."

"Repaying kindness?"

"Um."

Given Meng Zhuxi's temper, there's no way Meng Yanxi would give her a house so quickly. Especially considering the siblings had just had a fight that morning.

Many times, when he looked at Jin Zhao, he would wonder if he and Jin Zhao would have met again if Meng Zhuxi hadn't caused trouble.

This city is so big.

Could it be that we'll never meet again after just one missed encounter?

He was grateful to have this younger sister.

But he didn't say much.

Jin Zhao seemed to understand, but mostly didn't. Still immersed in Meng Yanxi's arrogance, she asked with envy, "Can I be your sister in my next life?"

As they were talking, they arrived at the No. 7 teachers' dormitory building.

Meng Yanxi parked the car, slowly turned her head, and said with a smile, "No way, the pressure of incest is a bit too much."

Jin Zhao: "..."

Meng Yanxi: "Of course, I'm not saying it's impossible."

Jin Zhao: "?"

The next instant, with a "click," the seatbelt unbuckled, and the man's tall figure loomed over them.

Meng Yanxi kissed Jin Zhao's lips.

"If it's you, incest is fine, anything is fine."

He placed one hand on the back of her seat and pressed the passenger button with the other. As he leaned in to kiss her, the seat slowly lowered.

Jin Zhao slowly changed from sitting to lying down beneath him.

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Author's note: Sending out 20 red envelopes~