Chapter 140 Are you still not in a hurry?
The stinging pain on her inner thigh made her bite her lower lip hard.
The man's eyes were filled with a deep possessiveness, and his voice was hoarse, "If you don't pay attention, you will be punished."
Jiang Tingwan arched her back in pain, her eyes red as she grabbed his hair fiercely, her nails almost digging into Xie Duo's scalp, but this only earned her a more outrageous response from him.
There was only a bamboo forest separating them from each other, so she didn't dare make any sound.
On the other hand, Lu Zhaoye was wondering where she had gone.
This was the first time they had met since he returned to Kyoto. They had just exchanged a few words, but she hadn't expected that while he was putting something down, she was following Bai Lu to take a hot spring bath again.
He specially asked people to prepare a fireworks display tonight, but he didn't expect that after Bai Lu went back, she disappeared again.
Lu Zhaoye frowned, took out his cell phone and prepared to make a call.
Just at this moment.
The first firework tore through the night sky.
Amid the deafening explosion, Lu Zhaoye still put down his phone.
His footsteps lingered outside the bamboo forest for a while, and finally faded away with the cheers of the crowd.
On the other side of the bamboo forest, the silvery light illuminated Xie Duo's lustful profile, and also captured Jiang Tingwan's slightly open lips with a glistening watery look as a silhouette.
Her breathing mixed with the steam from the hot spring became increasingly disordered. It was not until the fifth firework exploded above her head that Xie Duo finally raised her head.
The golden and red fireworks exploding in the night sky were reflected in the pool water, crushing the overlapping figures into sparkling ripples, and blending with the exclamations that came one after another into this night that was destined to get out of control.
When the last firework goes out in the sky.
Jiang Tingwan collapsed by the pool, water droplets dripping down her messy hair onto her collarbone.
When Xie Duo raised his head, the corners of his eyes were red with satisfaction.
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*The campfire in the campground crackled, and the sparks splashed on the snow and went out instantly.
Chen Guan sat down next to Jiang Shixu. There was an arm's length between them, but it seemed as if there was an invisible barrier.
"Wanwan has a good personality." Chen Guan looked at the fireworks in the distance and said casually, "You returned to China in the first place for marriage, right?"
Jiang Shixu's eyes fell into the void, and he didn't turn his head. He said calmly: "Don't worry."
The air was quiet for a moment.
"She is not in a hurry," Shen Guan slowly turned his head to look at him, his eyes direct, "or are you not in a hurry?"
The night wind suddenly blew away the snow and mist between the two people.
Jiang Shixu turned his head, his dark eyes like deep pools, and the atmosphere changed quietly: "If she wants, no one can stop her."
"That may not be the case." Chen Guan chuckled, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the edge of the wine glass, "What can't she do for the Jiang family?"
There was something else behind these words, and the undercurrent within made the air freeze.
Jiang Shixu was silent for a moment, lowered his eyes and stood up.
Snowflakes fell on his shoulders and quickly melted into water marks: "No matter what, I won't make things difficult for her."
"That would be better." Chen Guan raised his head and drank the wine in the glass.
Just at this moment, Jiang Tingwan's figure appeared at the edge of the camp.
She wrapped her coat tightly around her, with the collar raised to her chin, but her slightly red ears and moist lips could not hide the clues.
Xie Duo followed behind her, his black hair still dripping with water, his collar slightly open, revealing a fresh scratch on his collarbone.
Lu Zhaoye narrowed his eyes and understood something instantly.
Jiang Tingwan disappeared for a long time, it turned out to be...
He strode forward, grabbed Jiang Tingwan's wrist, and led her towards him.
He narrowed his eyes. Although he guessed the answer, he still couldn't help asking, "Where did you go?"
Jiang Tingwan was a little distracted. When she heard this, she just looked up and wanted Lu Zhaoye to say it again.
But the next second, Xie Duo put his arm around her shoulders again, and said in a leisurely tone: "Do we need to report our affairs to you?"
The situation suddenly became deadlocked.
Jiang Tingwan was caught in the middle and finally came to her senses.
She frowned slightly and glared at the two of them angrily: "You two, let go."
Shen Guan also came over and stood beside her calmly.
The three of them were in a standoff. The bonfire stretched their shadows very long, interweaving on the snow, creating a strange atmosphere.
"She's already with me." Xie Duo declared coldly.
Jiang Tingwan raised her eyebrows and looked at Xie Duo.
No... When was she with him?
Lu Zhaoye sneered when he heard this, but there was no smile in his eyes: "Why didn't I see you appear at her house when we were in Hong Kong?"
He glanced at Xie Duo meaningfully, "Excuse me, which room are you staying in?"
Xie Duo's muscles suddenly tensed up.
Jiang Tingwan quietly withdrew from between the two people.
Chen Guan took the opportunity to put his arm around Jiang Tingwan's waist. She squinted at him, but this time, she didn't push him away.
Compared to the other two, Chen Guan at least knew when to stop, so it would be better to let Chen Guan deal with the two of them.
Xie Duo and Lu Zhaoye's gazes pierced over at the same time.
Just when the atmosphere was tense, a slender figure passed through the snow curtain.
"come over."
Jiang Shixu's voice was not loud, but it made everyone quiet.
When Jiang Tingwan saw that it was Jiang Shixu, she pushed Chen Guan away almost reflexively. When she heard his words, her body seemed to react before her brain, and she slowly walked towards her brother.
Watching the snowflakes fall on her eyelashes and melt into tiny water droplets.
Jiang Shixu raised his hand and tidied up her messy hair under the scarf.
He had done this action thousands of times, but now he felt an unprecedented possessiveness. However, this feeling was still hidden and restrained.
"Walk."
Jiang Shixu glanced casually at the three men, without any emotion in his eyes, as if they were just a group of insignificant people.
Jiang Tingwan nodded obediently and followed him into the snow.
Behind them, the bonfire was still burning, but it could no longer warm the three stiff figures.
The snow fell heavier and heavier, soon covering their footprints.
Jiang Shixu never let go of her hand, and Jiang Tingwan let him hold her, as if this was the most natural state.
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The car was well heated, but it couldn't dispel the subtle feeling of stagnation.
Jiang Tingwan grasped the hem of her coat, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the cashmere fabric.
The snow outside the car window fell down and condensed into fine water droplets on the glass.
She secretly glanced at Jiang Shixu who was in the driver's seat.
He rested one hand on the windowsill, his knuckles against his chin, and his profile looked particularly grim under the light of the street lamp.
Will he think I'm frivolous?
This thought made Jiang Tingwan's ears burn.
From childhood to adulthood, she had never lost her composure in front of Jiang Shixu. But tonight, he witnessed her being harassed by three men, and in the end, he had to come forward to rescue her...
"Do you like Xie Duo?"
Jiang Shixu suddenly spoke, his voice so calm that no emotion could be heard.
"No, no, he..." Jiang Tingwan denied reflexively, but her voice was stuck in her throat.
How should I explain what happened at the hot spring? Should I say that Xie Duo suddenly went crazy? Or was it because I was soft-hearted?
No matter how you look at it, she has a share in this kind of thing...
Fortunately, Jiang Shixu did not ask any further questions.
He still looked at the road ahead, but lowered his eyelashes slightly: "Don't be nervous." He paused, "You've grown up, this is normal."
The light from the street lamp passed over his eyebrows, casting tiny shadows on his deep features.
Jiang Tingwan breathed a sigh of relief, but also found it a little funny. They were only four years apart in age, but at this moment it seemed like a generation apart.
Maybe it’s because… the eldest brother is like a father, right? She thought.
When the car drove into Jiang's house, a thin layer of snow had already accumulated.
Jiang Shixu opened the car door for her, and cold wind mixed with snow particles rushed in. He subconsciously moved sideways to block the wind for her.
"Go to bed early."
At the entrance, Jiang Shixu just said this and went upstairs.
His back looked particularly lonely under the light of the spiral staircase, and his black coat almost blended into the night.
Jiang Tingwan stood there and watched him disappear at the end of the corridor. Tonight he was even more taciturn than usual.
Sure enough, it was because of what happened just now. Maybe Jiang Shixu felt that such a thing would affect the Jiang family's reputation if it got out? Or maybe he didn't expect her to get entangled with them...
Jiang Tingwan sighed softly and returned to her room.
At the end of the corridor, Jiang Shixu's door closed silently, making an almost inaudible sound.
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The morning light shone through the gauze curtains into the restaurant. Jiang Tingwan slowly cut the fried egg on the plate. The yolk slowly flowed out, spreading a golden color on the white porcelain plate.
She picked up the bone china cup and took a sip of black tea. In the midst of the tea fragrance, she suddenly looked up as if she remembered something and asked casually, "Where's my brother?"
"The young master left at six o'clock." The housekeeper handed over a hot towel respectfully, "Assistant Su said there was a merger and acquisition case to discuss today."
Jiang Tingwan lightly scratched the plate with her silver fork.
So early? Not even having breakfast. Was it because of what happened last night, or was she really busy with work? She stared at the carefully arranged fruits on the plate, a little absent-minded.
"Miss, do you want someone to prepare some lunch for the young master?" the butler asked with a cautious look.
Jiang Tingwan shook her head. If Jiang Shixu wanted to eat, it would not be his turn to have the food delivered to him.
At this moment, another servant came in hurriedly: "Master Xie is here, he said he has something urgent to discuss with Miss."
Jiang Tingwan sighed, put down the porcelain spoon, and wiped the napkin with his fingertips. What was coming could not be avoided.
She composed herself and walked towards the living room, but her steps unconsciously paused in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror in the corridor.
The woman in the mirror was wearing a light apricot home dress, and the ends of her hair were still damp from bathing. She didn't look like she was prepared to handle such a situation.
Xie Duo stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, his grey suit making his shoulders look broad and his legs long.
The morning light gave his sharp features a soft edge, but it could not hide the dark currents in his eyes.
Hearing footsteps, he turned around, his eyes like a chain that instantly imprisoned her: "Did you sleep well last night?"
"Not bad." Jiang Tingwan sat down on the single sofa, deliberately keeping a distance of three meters from him, and picked up an embroidered pillow to block in front of her, "What's the matter?"
Xie Duo approached slowly, his boots making a dull sound on the carpet.
His slender fingers slid across the smooth coffee table, his movements were as gentle as if he was caressing his lover's skin: "It's okay, I just wanted to come and see you."
The air gradually solidified.
He didn't speak directly this time. Jiang Tingwan looked at the faint smile on the corner of his lips. It seemed casual, but in fact it was pressing step by step. Every look was measuring her defense line.
It seems that he is preparing to "boil the frog in warm water".
"I can't afford the status." She took a deep breath and said it directly, her fingertips twisting the tassels of the pillow unconsciously, "If I really want to give it, there are Lu Zhaoye, Chen Guan and others waiting in line."
After saying this, I felt it was ridiculous. What was this? Was it a concubine selection?
The two of them confronted each other for two seconds, which made Jiang Tingwan unsure of his reaction.
Unexpectedly, Xie Duo laughed softly, his throat rolling and his voice a little hoarse: "Okay."
Good? What's good?
Jiang Tingwan was startled, and the pillow slipped off her knees: "What?"
"I said yes." Xie Duo walked up to her and suddenly knelt on one knee in front of her. This man who was cold and heartless in front of others, now looked up at her with eyes as devout as a believer looking up at God, "Then don't give anything."
He took her hand and kissed her fingertips, his hot breath burning her skin. "It's not impossible for us to... continue the relationship we had last night."
The sunlight filtered through the gap between them, casting crisscross shadows on the carpet.
Jiang Tingwan saw the obsession surging in his eyes. It was an almost pathological possessiveness, yet strangely mixed with absolute submission.
What on earth is this person talking about... Jiang Tingwan's mouth twitched and he withdrew his hand.
"You should leave quickly. I have an appointment at noon." She said lightly and stood up to see him off.
But Xie Duo in front of him didn't move at all, his eyes narrowed: "Who did you meet?"
Forget it. If I hide it from him, he will only ask more questions.
"Just wait and see." Jiang Tingwan raised an eyebrow and simply told him directly.
"Then I'll go too." Xie Duo said as a matter of course without changing his expression.
"What are you going to do?" she asked helplessly.
"Learn something," Xie Duo said slowly, straightening his cuffs, "why you took the initiative to meet him." And not to meet me.
"What's so good about this?" Jiang Tingwan said helplessly: "I must have something important to do when I meet him."
"I can help you with some advice." Xie Duo said as a matter of course.
Jiang Tingwan wanted to leave, but he insisted on following her.
The two were in a stalemate when the housekeeper walked in: "Miss, Mr. Shen's car has arrived at the door."
She glared at Xie Duo, turned and walked out, with Xie Duo following closely behind her.
However, there was obviously no room for him in the car.
Chen Guan saw Xie Duo behind Jiang Tingwan, and was not surprised at all. He slightly curled his lips, already prepared -
Lu Yiqiao was sitting in the back seat, and the passenger seat was empty, obviously reserved for Xie Duo.
Xie Duo’s hands on his sides tightened slightly.
Shen Guan lowered the car window, and the corners of his lips curled slightly: "Thank you, Master. Please."
He narrowed his eyes and finally sat in the passenger seat.
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The lights in the office looked particularly cold and desolate in the morning light.
The assistant stood aside and after reporting Jiang Tingwan's schedule, hesitantly said: "Mr. Jiang, do we need to inform Miss about the restaurant we booked tonight?"
Jiang Shixu stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window with his back to him, a half-burned cigarette between his fingers.
The smoke spread on the glass, blurring the bustling city buildings outside the window.
"Cancel it." His voice was calm and no emotion could be heard.
The assistant seemed to be hesitant to speak, and finally just said "yes", then quietly closed the door and walked out.
There are already two or three cigarette butts in the ashtray.
Jiang Shixu rarely smoked. He was always self-disciplined to the point of being harsh, and didn't like to rely on any form of comfort. But at this moment, the bitter taste of nicotine spread between his lips and teeth, and it became the only thing that could calm him down.
What right does he have to control her?
As long as she eats well, sleeps well, is healthy and happy, what does it matter who she is with?
Chen Guan is gentle and considerate, Xie Duo is persistent and loyal, no matter which one, it is a good thing as long as it can make her happy.
Reason told him that he shouldn't get involved in this.
But reason is one thing and emotion is another.
The smoke blurred his vision.
His memory suddenly flashed back to England many years ago - he stood outside the snowy campus, watching the eighteen-year-old Jiang Tingwan running out of the library with a book in her arms, her scarf fluttering in the wind like a flapping butterfly.
At that time, he thought that this visit across half the world was just a brother's concern for his sister.
Until the dinner after returning home.
In the fitting room, her drugged red cheeks unconsciously rubbed against the warmth of his palm. On the night he sent her to Hong Kong, when she was sleeping in her room, he kissed her hair by accident.
All boundaries collapsed on her.
The cigarette burned to his fingertips, and the burning sensation brought him back to his senses.
Jiang Shixu put out his cigarette and watched the last wisp of smoke dissipate in the air.
When he turned around, he caught a glimpse of the photo frame on the desk - it was a photo of Jiang Tingwan wearing a bachelor's gown when she graduated from college, with a smile as bright as the morning sun.
He reached out and put the photo frame on the table.
This photo frame is usually kept in the drawer of his desk and he won't take it out easily, just like them.
Some feelings are destined to be locked in an abyss never to see the light of day.
The glass window reflected his frown.
Jiang Shixu raised his hand to rub his temples, then turned back to his desk. There was a thick pile of documents, but he couldn't read a single word.
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As dusk fell, Jiang Tingwan stood in front of the glass display case of the watch workshop, and the warm yellow spotlight cast a soft glow on her profile.
"Miss Jiang, your watch." The white-haired master took out a sandalwood watch box, and a platinum watch lay quietly on the velvet lining.
The dial is a rare glacier blue, the hour markers are inlaid with diamonds, and the abbreviation "JS" is engraved on the transparent back of the movement.
"The tourbillon uses a special dual-axis design," the old master pushed his glasses, "and there are no more than three people in Switzerland who can make this kind of craft."
Chen Guan leaned against the counter nearby, his eyes lingering on Jiang Tingwan's focused brows: "You are very good to your brother."
Jiang Tingwan had specially asked him to have this watch custom-made more than a month ago. At that time, she was still busy with the affairs of Gangcheng, but she still told him all the details in the midst of her busy schedule, fearing that something might go wrong.
He lowered his eyes to hide his emotions, tapped the glass cabinet with his fingertips, and said half-jokingly, "I didn't see Miss Jiang spend any money on me."
"Of course." Jiang Tingwan took the watch box, raised her eyebrows and chuckled, "If Mr. Chen also wants to be my brother -" she deliberately dragged out the tone, "he can also have this treatment."
When Shen Guan heard her answer, he understood and chuckled, with a hint of smile in his eyes: "I don't dare to take this position."
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It was already dark outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, and Jiang Shixu was sitting in the middle of the office.
The assistant had already left, and he was the only one left on the entire top floor.
He looked at his watch - seven o'clock in the evening.
Jiang Tingwan should be sitting in a high-end restaurant with Shen Guan at this moment, maybe they are toasting each other, or maybe...
He closed his eyes and forced himself to stop such useless imagination.
The phone on the table suddenly vibrated.
Jiang Shixu lowered his eyes and saw the words "Ting Wan" jumping on the screen.
His fingers hovered in the air and he paused for two seconds before picking up the phone.
"Brother." Jiang Tingwan's voice on the other end of the phone was accompanied by a light smile, "Are you in the company?"
"Yeah." He responded, his voice a little hoarse.
"That's great," her voice seemed a little happier, "I'm downstairs, come on down."
Jiang Shixu paused for a moment: "Downstairs?"
"Yes," Jiang Tingwan said with a smile, "Hurry up, I'll wait for you."
After the call was hung up, Jiang Shixu stood there, feeling rarely surprised.
After a moment, he picked up his suit jacket and took the elevator downstairs in a rare state of mind.
——Doesn’t she have an appointment with Shen Guan?
The lights in the hall were bright, and Jiang Shixu saw Jiang Tingwan standing at the door at a glance.
She was wearing a light pink dress today with a beige windbreaker. Her hair was slightly curled, giving off a soft luster under the light.
Seeing him come out, she smiled and waved.
"Why are you here?" Jiang Shixu walked in front of her and lowered his voice unconsciously.
Jiang Tingwan blinked and said, "Of course it's for my brother, for his birthday."
Jiang Shixu was slightly stunned.
He thought she had forgotten.
Over the years, he has always celebrated his birthday simply, and it was often even overshadowed by his busy work.
Today he just wanted to take her out for a meal, but he didn't expect that his assistant would report in the morning that she had gone out with Shen Guan.
"Where is Chen Guan?" he asked subconsciously.
"He was sent away a long time ago," Jiang Tingwan naturally took his arm, "I met him at noon just to get this."
She pulled out an exquisite dark blue velvet box from her bag.
Jiang Shixu took it and opened it. It was a pair of platinum cufflinks inlaid with rare black diamonds, shining with a low-key and luxurious light under the light.
"I saw it at an auction last month," Jiang Tingwan looked up at him, "and I think it suits you very well."
Jiang Shixu's fingertips gently stroked the cufflinks, and an indescribable emotion surged in his chest.
He thought of his thoughts this afternoon, of the cigarettes that had burned out for no reason, of the dinner reservation he had canceled—it turned out that she had remembered it all along.
"Thank you." He whispered, with a softness in his voice that he didn't even notice.
Jiang Tingwan smiled and said, "Let's go, brother, I have already booked a restaurant.
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