Chapter 13 Thank you
Zhan Lintian gazed at the river gorge, his expression calm, but a faint, unyielding melancholy always lingered between his brows and eyes.
Jiang Xia was nearly 1.8 meters tall, but rather thin. He wasn't so thin that he looked emaciated, but Zhan Lintian felt that he should be a little fatter and have more flesh on his body so that he wouldn't look so pitiful.
He was always overly worried, and at this moment he remained silent, not responding.
But... he looks even better when he smiles.
Zhan Lintian recalled the first time they met, when Jiang Xia laughed and pulled him away in a square in Wushi.
At that time, Jiang Xia's eyes crinkled with joy, and the wind blew up his clothes, making the scene as vivid as a magical encounter in a movie.
The sunlight shone on him, turning even the ends of his hair a dazzling golden yellow.
That's the real him.
But when he returned to China, he always pretended to be calm, tried his best to hide his emotions, and didn't integrate into the circle. Rather than become a laughing stock, he decided to stay out of it.
You won't get hurt as long as you don't get close.
Therefore, Jiang Xia remained skeptical about the possibility that Wu Zhou might like him, and unilaterally ruled out this possibility...
Zhan Lintian looked at him.
At this moment, Jiang Xia also took a deep breath: "Regardless, since President Zhan has said so, it means that President Wu has a good impression of me."
"The reason he forced Wu Ming to marry him should not have a direct relationship with me."
Zhan Lintian leaned back on the sofa, and upon hearing this, said lazily, "Perhaps. Instead of helping Wu Ming find out the reason, why don't you try being with Wu Ming? You like Wu Ming, don't you?"
This is the second time he has bluntly pointed it out.
But Jiang Xia's expression was serious, his lips were slightly pursed, and there was no extra color in them.
He spoke casually, saying, "President Zhan is quite the joker."
He slowly raised his eyes, their gazes met, neither of them backing down, determined to win this invisible confrontation.
Seeing his stubborn look, Zhan Lintian couldn't bear it and gave in, reluctantly changing his words: "Wu Zhou told me that Wu Ming will be getting engaged to Miss Xie in the middle of this month. Do you want to go? I can take you in."
Jiang Xia was stunned for a long time, completely unaware of this matter.
Wu Ming didn't say a word.
The lack of information made him panic. He quickly stood up and politely declined, saying, "Wu Ming should give me an invitation, so I won't bother President Zhan tonight."
Zhan Lintian slowly stood up straight: "I'll see you off."
Jiang Xia came in his car, so he could only hitch a ride away.
I thought Mr. Zhan would arrange a driver, but to my surprise, as soon as Zhan Lintian sat in the driver's seat, he wanted to drive himself.
As the car traveled along the island loop, Jiangxia rolled down the window, letting the wind brush against her cheeks and ruffle her hair.
Jiang Xia stared blankly at the intercity line, and General Manager Zhan actually came to the conclusion that Wu Zhou liked him.
No, what they meant was that Mr. Wu felt differently about me.
Jiang Xia chuckled, "No wonder he's a businessman; his words are so tactful."
It doesn't just refer to romantic love; it could also be feelings of admiration or pity.
It was rush hour and there was a slight traffic jam, so Jiang Xia couldn't help but lean against the car door for a short rest until Zhan Lintian called out to him in a low voice.
Jiang Xia realized he was already downstairs. He got out of the car to thank them and prepared to go upstairs.
Zhan Lintian watched his retreating figure: "Jiang Xia, does the food in Mengcheng not suit your taste?"
Jiang Xia turned around and asked in confusion, "President Zhan, why do you say that?"
Zhan Lintian replied, "Eat more. Health is the most important thing. A healthy body will make you feel much better."
Jiang Xia was slightly taken aback. Looking at the relaxed and wealthy man in front of him and hearing his concern, she felt a sudden warmth in her heart. Her voice was slightly hoarse as she said, "Yes, thank you."
He left and went upstairs somewhat dejectedly.
It was late at night, and his stomach was growling when he got home.
Jiang Xia thought of Zhan Lintian's words, so he made himself a bowl of noodles, poached two eggs, topped it with shredded cabbage, and pan-fried a pre-cooked steak.
He ate half of his meal, then stopped, poking at the golden, glistening broth with his chopsticks, wondering if he had really not eaten enough.
I have coffee and whole-wheat bread in the morning, sometimes with bananas or avocados; I order lunch from a restaurant near the office; and I just eat a bowl of noodles for dinner.
Wages are high in Montreal, but so are the cost of living. He wants to save more money for the future.
In terms of clothing, food, housing, and transportation, speed is the primary consideration.
Jiang Xia couldn't finish his meal, so he took out his phone and browsed local news channels.
Douyin recommended Xie Xingzhang's latest vlog to him: "Happiness is the only reason I got married."
Xie Xingzhang is twenty-five years old this year. She usually considers herself a rich heiress and dresses in a mature manner.
In the video, she is showing off her five-carat diamond ring.
Jiang Xia gripped his chopsticks tightly, so Zhan Lintian hadn't lied to himself. No matter how unwilling Wu Ming was, at least the Wu and Xie families were steadily pushing forward with the engagement and marriage.
Actually... Wu Ming was probably only half-heartedly complying.
He scoffed. If he really didn't want to, Wu Ming's first reaction should have been to break up with him.
Jiang Xia couldn't eat anymore; even the once delicious food tasted bland. He had suppressed his fear and spent time trying to get close to Wu Zhou, but it was all in vain.
Jiang Xia cursed Wu Ming in his heart: Trash.
He recalled what President Zhan had said: "If you eat well, you'll be in a good mood."
He wanted to eat the food from his hometown, he wanted to eat sweets, and he wanted to drink alcohol.
Jiang Xia took out the membership card that Assistant Xie had given him that morning, and smiled. Since that's the case, he would go to this restaurant for a big meal tomorrow.
The next day at noon, Jiang Xia ate only a little bit, as he had no appetite at all.
He learned from Assistant Xie that Wu Zhou could use his membership card to book a table at the rooftop restaurant.
He made a reservation with the restaurant for Saturday night.
Wu Zhou received a message on his phone as soon as the restaurant placed the order. He was initially puzzled, but then he realized that Jiang Xia had made the reservation, and he smiled slightly.
Saturday night?
Jiang Xia finished get off work, went to the rooftop restaurant for a look around, and then leisurely returned home.
Before going home, he specially bought a big bag of vegetables, preparing to cook a big meal, even if it meant gaining weight.
Mr. Zhan said that being in a good mood is the most important thing.
Braised chicken with tea tree mushrooms, sweet and sour pork, garlic lettuce, stir-fried pickled mustard greens, and a pot of sweet rice wine. For the main dish, choose rice.
He even bought some beer to try a little bit.
Worried that drinking might cause him to make mistakes, he made two preparations. He set a timer so that if he was still not awake by 8 a.m. the next morning, a leave request would be sent to his supervisor and the HR colleague in charge.
He had just reached the top of the stairs when he smelled smoke. He looked up and saw Wu Zhou leaning against the stairs, smoking.
The man held a cigarette between his fingers, the scarlet flame flickering before his eyes.
Wu Zhou arrived right after get off work, still wearing a suit.
The perfectly tailored suit accentuated the man's broad shoulders and narrow waist, and the nicotine and his strong masculine aura were palpable.
Jiang Xia walked over and said with a smile, "Good evening, Mr. Wu, but Wu Ming isn't with me."
"Good evening." Wu Zhou stubbed out his cigarette with one hand. "I know he's still abroad."
Wu Zhou whispered, "You don't welcome me?"
Jiang Xia explained, "No, please come in."
Jiang Xia quickly led him upstairs and opened the door to invite him in.
The room wasn't big, but it was very clean.
Looking at the spotless floor, Wu Zhou asked, "Should I change my shoes?"
"No need, I mop the floor every day, and I don't keep any slippers at home." Jiang Xia turned on the light, turned around and smiled at him.
He first placed the groceries in the kitchen, then hesitated before asking, "Mr. Wu, is there something you need?"
Wu Zhou said frankly, "I came to see you."
Jiang Xia took a deep breath, his mind blank. What was there to see in himself?
Seeing Wu Zhou sit down calmly, Jiang Xia quickly brought him a glass of water: "Please, Mr. Wu. By the way, have you had dinner? Would you like to stay for a meal?"
This is a very polite way of putting it.
Every time Jiang Xia said this, Assistant Xie would say he wouldn't eat it and would eat it next time.
Assistant Xie always followed up with the next time, because he knew that if he really wanted to invite someone to dinner, Jiang Xia would have to take the initiative to contact him first, and then he would go to his door.
If a guest suddenly arrives, the host may politely ask them to stay, but that's just polite talk.
Wu Zhou nodded unexpectedly: "Thank you, okay."
Wu Zhou got up again and walked towards the kitchen: "What should I do?"
He had already taken off his coat, clearly ready to lend a hand.
Jiang Xia quickly blocked the kitchen doorway, not daring to let General Manager Wu enter.
The kitchen was smoky and Jiang Xia hadn't cleaned it much. His face was burning. He coughed and noticed the suit Mr. Wu was wearing. He couldn't tell the brand, but the style and fabric told him it was expensive.
He was afraid of getting the other person's clothes dirty.
The two faced each other, and Jiang Xia refused to back down an inch.
He said, "Mr. Wu, you are a guest. How can I let a guest cook? I'll do it."
Wu Zhou lowered his eyes, looked into Jiang Xia's eyes, paused for a moment, and finally nodded: "Yes, thank you for your hard work."
Being overly polite in your interactions with others, and insisting on taking over their tasks, can create a psychological burden for them.
Wu Zhou then asked, "Do you need any help?"
Jiang Xia shook his head, took a deep breath, and accepted this somewhat absurd fact.
A note from the author:
Assistant Xie: Boss, don't you have any sense?
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