Chapter 31 Hotel
The women quickly struck up a conversation, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Jiang Yining was fed several different kinds of delicate little cakes by Xiao Xiao, and her belly was round and full.
The meeting on the other side was also nearing its end. Xie Shiyan signed the last document and almost immediately got up and left, striding towards Jiang Yining's direction.
He naturally took her hand, their fingers intertwined, before turning to nod goodbye to the several executives who had stood up: "President Li, President Wang, we'll discuss the details another time. Excuse me."
Zhou Yanzhe and Lu Jingshen followed. Zhou Yanzhe looked at Jiang Yining, who was full, and asked with a smile, "Ningning, are you hungry? Do you want me to take you for a late-night snack? I know a new congee place that's pretty good."
Jiang Yining quickly shook her head, patted her little belly, and said with a satisfied yet helpless expression, "No, no, Xiaoxiao has fed me so much I'm practically a little pig! I really can't eat any more. And,"
She looked at Xie Shiyan and said, "My second cousin is getting married tomorrow, so I have to hurry back to the hotel to prepare. I have to go pick up the bride early tomorrow morning."
"Marriage?" Xiao Xiao's eyes lit up, and she immediately perked up.
"Ningning, can we go join in the fun and get some of the festive cheer?"
Jiang Yining nodded happily: "Of course, it's more lively with more people. If you're free, come join us."
She had barely finished speaking when she heard the man beside her speak in a deep but clear voice: "You're free. Let's go together."
His tone was firm and unquestionable. This short sentence made Zhou Yanzhe and Lu Jingshen pause for a moment, and then their eyes welled up with uncontrollable excitement and bittersweetness.
Eight years... When had they ever heard Xie Shiyan speak with such warmth and even expectation, actively participating in such a lively occasion?
He had shut himself off for so long that they almost thought the ice field would never melt. Now, watching him take Jiang Yining's hand and say "Let's go together," the two of them felt their throats tighten and their eyes well up with tears.
God... did He finally take pity on this man who had endured eight years of hardship?
“Okay, let’s set off now.” Jiang Yining grabbed Xie Shiyan’s hand and shook his arm habitually, with a hint of coquetry, “Brother Shiyan, I still need to go back to the hotel to change into my dress and do my makeup. We’re a bit rushed.”
Xie Shiyan looked down at the pretty girl beside him, and seeing the dependence and radiance in her eyes, his handsome face, which had been frozen for eight years, finally revealed a smile full of unreserved affection and tenderness.
That smile was like the sunshine breaking through the ice in early spring, instantly illuminating his deep eyes and slightly aloof features.
Zhou Yanzhe and Lu Jingshen clearly caught the smile. Their hearts trembled, and they turned their faces away almost simultaneously, blinking rapidly to hide the tears welling up in their eyes.
That smile...it's been so long.
The group left the conference room and headed for the elevator. The design of this top-tier club was like a maze, with winding corridors and dim lighting. Jiang Yining, her hand firmly held by Xie Shiyan, followed him through the maze, still unable to help but mutter to herself:
"This place is really complicated. It's so winding and confusing that I'm almost dizzy and can't find my way around at all."
Shen Nian'an, arm in arm with Zhou Yanzhe, walked behind and laughed upon hearing this, "You're such a terrible navigator, it's good enough that you can even find your way home. But this place is indeed cleverly designed; I've been here several times and still haven't quite figured it out."
The elevator descended to the first-floor lobby, where a dazzling crystal chandelier illuminated the spacious area. Xie Shiyan stopped and turned to Jiang Yining, saying gently, "Wait here for me, I'll go get the car."
He glanced at Xiao Xiao and Shen Nian'an, "Could you please stay with her for a while?"
Xiao Xiao and Shen Nian'an immediately nodded: "Don't worry, Ayan, we'll keep an eye on Ningning."
Xie Shiyan then released his hand and strode towards the parking lot. His back was still upright, but he lacked his usual aloofness, and his steps carried a sense of urgency.
A short while later, a black Maybach with elegant lines and a composed aura slowly glided to the hotel entrance. The window rolled down, revealing Xie Shiyan's handsome profile with its distinct features. He nodded slightly towards the entrance.
Jiang Yining and the others walked over. Xiao Xiao, Shen Nian'an, and An Kexia got into Zhou Yanzhe's car. Jiang Yining opened the passenger door of the Maybach and got in.
"Hengyi Hotel," she said, fastening her seatbelt as she gave the address.
"Okay." Xie Shiyan responded, leaning over to carefully fasten her seatbelt, making sure it was secure. His slender fingers traced the metal buckle of the seatbelt, the movement natural yet carrying an undeniable sense of care.
Zhou Yanzhe's car followed behind them, smoothly merging into the dazzling nighttime traffic of S City.
The carriage was quiet, with only the low rumble of the engine and soothing piano music playing. Xie Shiyan stared intently at the road ahead, his profile appearing somewhat silent against the backdrop of the flowing neon lights outside the window.
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