Chapter 99 Take action
◎You really think you're something special, Lin Jindong. ◎
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While I was still stunned, Lin Zhien cupped my cheeks.
She smelled wonderfully of roses.
Her lifelong ballet training gave her a graceful, swan-like figure.
Lin Zhien was naked and leaned close to me, so I quickly closed my eyes.
"I look scary, Xiao Fu, otherwise, why don't you want to look at me?" Lin Zhi'en's soft voice rang in my ears, and the fragrance surrounded me. I slowly raised my head and met Lin Zhi'en's eyes.
She bears a resemblance to Lin Jindong; both have thin, narrow double eyelids and a very gentle smile.
However, Lin Zhi'en always had a smile on her lips, which was obviously much better than Lin Jindong, who was full of aggression.
I stared at Lin Zhi'en, almost in a daze. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, then she leaned down and gently kissed my forehead.
Instantly, my heart started beating much faster.
Lin Zhi'en's movements were so gentle that they gave me a strange impulse that spread throughout my body.
“Xiao Fu is really beautiful, like a treasured doll in a cabinet,” Lin Zhi’en said with a smile as she played with my hair when she saw me standing still. “Xiao Fu, can I be your model and paint a picture of me?”
“Okay,” I said, looking at the woman in front of me, who was already completely distracted. It took me a while to regain my senses. I quickly picked up the dress that Lin Zhi'en had thrown on the ground and put it on her.
Although Lin Zhi'en's figure is not voluptuous, she is tall, slender, and healthy, just as outstanding as those Victoria's Secret models. I blushed as I looked at her, and just as I put my hand on her shoulder, Lin Zhi'en suddenly pressed my hand down.
"Xiao Fu, I'm really sleepy. You don't need to help me change. Can you sleep with me for a while?"
I looked at her and could only nod.
Lin Zhi'en's eyebrows relaxed, a faint smile appeared on her lips, and she touched my cheek.
We returned to the apartment room that had been prepared especially for her. Lin Zhi'en removed her makeup and changed into a light pink dress. I quietly lay down next to her. She would occasionally play with my hair and stroke my face. I blinked, but I fell asleep faster than Lin Zhi'en.
"...Don't be afraid, I will give you whatever you want." I heard Lin Zhi'en say this to me, and I opened my eyes again, but Lin Zhi'en had already closed her eyes to rest.
I slept until after 10 a.m. When I got up, there was no one beside me. After washing up, I went downstairs and found that Lin Zhi'en was the only one at the huge dining table.
Lin Zhi'en smiled and said, "Are you going to draw me today, Xiao Fu?"
"I still have some sculptures to finish at the art museum. How about tonight?"
Lin Zhi'en closed the book. "I'll be waiting for you at the theater."
Sculpting work doesn't allow for wearing skirts, so I dug out jeans and a shirt from my closet and put them on. I also tied my hair up in a ponytail. Lin Zhi'en's gaze remained fixed on me. "Xiao Fu, you look beautiful even dressed like this."
She always provided a lot of emotional value, and I laughed a little awkwardly.
Lin Zhi'en led me to the underground parking garage. She looked at one of the Porsches, a bright pink one, and walked skillfully to the passenger side. "Xiao Fu, I have a bit of a headache. Could you please drive me to the theater?"
"Are you sure?" I looked at her worriedly. "Maybe we should go back and rest for a while before going over."
Around 7 a.m., Lin Zhi'en arrived at the apartment. She woke up around 9 a.m., having only slept for less than two hours. Although she was without makeup, her skin was so good that it was almost flawless, except for a faint bluish tint under her eyes.
Lin Zhien turned to look at me, "It's okay, I'm used to it."
I had no choice but to drive. She silently closed her eyes in the passenger seat. I drove her to the theater according to the directions. Lin Zhi'en opened her eyes the moment the car stopped. "Xiao Fu, you can keep the car. You've been going back and forth between my brother's apartment and the art museum lately. It's not safe to take the subway. Return the car to me after your exhibition."
"But……"
Lin Zhi'en smiled again, but I understood that it was a signal that I was not allowed to refuse.
I think I understand what Lin Jindong meant when he said she was a combination of Jiang Zhao and Xie Yong. Like Xie Yong, she always remained calm and composed, never letting any loss of composure show on her face.
She is also very similar to Jiang Zhao in that she has a decisive personality. The difference is that Jiang Zhao only gives orders forcefully, while Lin Zhi'en makes you agree to her with a smile.
Lin Zhi'en picked up the cushion foundation, looked in the mirror, and gently patted it only under her eyes.
Soon, the faint blue tinge was concealed, and she returned to her usual flawless appearance before getting out of the car.
My feelings for Lin Zhi'en are complicated. Even though she has so many strong actions, I still have a vague feeling in my heart that she won't hurt me.
She touched my cheek, stroked my hair, and praised me no matter what I did... It was more like she treated me like a doll, and she was the little girl playing with the doll.
I returned to the art museum. Gu Yu arrived a little late, while her son Xu Ya had arrived much earlier. However, he didn't speak, but just stood aside and silently watched me and his stepmother refine the sculpture.
"..." I turned around and silently looked at Xu Ya.
He held a very professional book in his hands, leaning against the wall as he read. His long, slender, pale fingers, clad in half-finger gloves, slowly turned the pages. His earnest and studious demeanor was completely at odds with the sophisticated male model aura he projected.
“He’s always been so wary.” Gu Yu smiled and explained when she saw my attention being drawn to Xu Ya. “His mother passed away early, and my husband and I are quite far apart in age. He always felt like I was going to do something to his father, so he’s always on guard against me.”
Gu Yu's explanation was very tactful, but I felt it wasn't as simple as she made it out to be.
“She’s dating a prosecutor from the Imperial State,” Xu Ya suddenly spoke up, interrupting Gu Yu.
Gu Yu looked somewhat embarrassed.
I glanced at Xu Ya. He was indeed as Gu Yu had described, as wary as a hunting dog that kept strangers at bay. Normally, he could only be described as indifferent, but when facing Gu Yu, his beautiful, dark pupils were sharp as if he were about to bite off anyone who intruded into his territory.
I was startled by his chilling gaze and quickly turned away.
I was somewhat distracted during the rest of the work, barely managing to finish my tasks by sheer willpower. Gu Yu didn't look too well either, and made an excuse to leave first.
Xu Ya watched the woman leave in a hurry before silently walking up to me. He frowned, "Don't have any contact with her outside of work."
"Why?" I just smiled gently. "Are you afraid I'll end up like her?"
His cold, deep eyes suddenly lowered; it seemed I had guessed correctly.
Although Gu Yu has transcended social class, everything she has achieved is solely due to her looks and ambition.
Having no children means having no inheritance rights. No matter how much Xu Ya's father doted on her, all he could give her were some jewelry, antiques, collectibles, and real estate... These were worlds apart from the actual shares in more than a dozen private hospitals.
She was teetering on the brink of collapse, and at any moment, she could be replaced by a younger woman.
What she wants to do is to allow more girls "like her" to enter this society. She and these girls can maintain their social class and never fall, so they can live a good life.
"But she didn't force anyone to do the same thing as her. She just wanted to find girls who were as pretty and ambitious as her. I don't think she was that dangerous. Your father not only knew everything she did, but he also tacitly approved of it, didn't he? Just because you're in such a high class, does that mean you have to aggressively defend it and prevent others from getting in?"
Yu Guangzhong, I saw Gu Yu leave and then return.
She stood there in the doorway, staring intently at me, seemingly grateful that I was defending her in front of her stepson.
Xu Ya's gaze suddenly changed.
It was complicated and somewhat difficult to put into words. After a moment of thought, he said, "I don't care what other people want to do; I only care about you."
"The men around me are already difficult enough." I paused for a moment, then smiled gently. "Although I'd love to meet new men, I can't handle all the ones around me. I have other things I want to do."
Xu Ya remained calm. "That includes me too."
I said softly, "Yes, including you."
He still had those gentle eyes and brows, but his expression was indifferent. "I..."
"I can go on dates with you and do things that couples do, but that's all." I made it very clear that for me right now, having Lin Jindong is enough to achieve my goal.
Xu Ya's voice was muffled: "I've been waiting for you, but you never come to me on your own initiative."
My heart pounded, and I stared at him, stunned. "If..."
To be fair, he's handsome. Although he's quiet, he's been quite gentle and patient with me. I can't say for sure whether I would have fallen for him if I hadn't met Yu Xu and spent so many years with Xu Ya. I can only leave him with a rather optimistic thought.
"I mean, if you had been a little more proactive, maybe after we kissed that night, I would have been your girlfriend."
Xu Ya's eyes darkened.
His eyes were shrouded in a deep disappointment, but he did not lose control of his emotions. He looked at me silently and even said in a soft voice, "I... Senior, I've always been by your side. If you think I can help you, you can always come to me."
In the past, I would definitely have refused.
I don't like having someone I like while also wanting to maintain overly ambiguous relationships with other men. But now every man is a weapon and a bargaining chip that I can use. I stared into Xu Ya's eyes, met his gaze for a while, and smiled: "I know. I won't this time, but I will definitely remember you next time."
Xu Ya smiled contentedly.
"You know what? You look even more handsome when you smile."
“I don’t like to smile. If you like, I’ll only smile at you, forever.” He explained succinctly, a smile appearing in his eyes.
As I walked out of the art museum, I was surprised to find that Gu Yu was still there waiting for me.
She had a very thin cigarette between her fingers. She looked delicate, but she was actually very calm and collected. She must have heard my conversation with Xu Ya. She left quietly and waited for me here.
“I should thank you for explaining things to him on my behalf.” She lit a cigarette, loosely bit her lip, and took a couple of puffs. “Actually, I know that his father has quite a few women outside. Don’t let his womanizing fool you; he takes good precautions. He had a sterilization operation right after Xu Ya was born, so he won’t give other women any chance.”
Gu Yu's voice rose a little, "I never force any woman to be like me, but I don't mind digging out some women who want to take shortcuts by using their youthful and beautiful appearance and body, just like me. I went through a lot of trouble to get from a small town to the Empire State. After graduation, I still have to bear the burden of rent and student loans. I just want to go to a luxury store and spend millions of dollars in one go when I'm sad. There will always be someone who understands this kind of happiness."
“Both Xu Ya’s father and I got what we wanted, but I can tell that Xu Ya treats you very well, and he may really like you.”
I paused for a moment to think. “I don’t need luxury goods, and I’ve never thought about entering the art world. I just want to graduate honestly. If I have the opportunity, I would like to go to California. There are many film studios there. Maybe I can join a design team and just draw props.”
Gu Yu narrowed her eyes slightly, looking at me meaningfully. Her gaze was gentle, like that of an older sister, and she comforted me patiently, "I'll keep an eye out for you."
I nodded slightly, turned around, and got into the Porsche.
...
Until the Lin family banquet, Jiang Zhao did not contact me again. My life was almost a simple straight line: painting, creation, Zuo Ai, appeared around me, and the only people who accompanied me most closely were the Lin siblings.
The afternoon before the banquet began, I changed into the gown I would wear to the banquet at Lin Jindong's apartment. It was a very simple, pure white, low-cut silk dress with a very low saturation. The matching light blue Bulgari jewelry, bracelet, and high heels had already been prepared by Lin Jindong's stylist.
The stylist used my slender, white fingers to create a light pink manicure, and my makeup was very clear and clean. My long hair was styled up by the makeup artist, with a few strands hanging down at my temples, making me look gentle and refined. Before I left, I was also given a light-colored cashmere shawl.
“You look no different from Lin Zhi’en.” Lin Jindong had also changed into a respectable and elegant custom-made suit, with exquisite details from the cufflinks to the watch. His hair was all combed back, and his handsome features were pleasing to the eye.
As he gentlemanly extended his hand to me, I placed it in his palm.
Lin Jindong smiled and kissed the back of my hand. For a moment, I felt like a canary with no ability to protect itself, obediently staying in the cage, wearing such exquisite and luxurious clothes every day, enjoying the care of men, and that was enough for me.
I only paused for a moment before casually looking away.
After driving for about half an hour, the car arrived at the most prestigious wealthy area in the Empire State. In the summer, it is almost full of private yachts and gardens. In winter, it is inevitably a bit desolate, but the lights of the detached mansions are always shining.
Lin Jindong drove his car into the underground parking lot. Unlike the other people attending the banquet, he was alone and did not even need servants to serve him. He drove his car to a particularly deserted place on his own.
I noticed his eyes, which were dimmer than ever before, showing how much he loathed such occasions.
"Brother." I turned around and suddenly grabbed Lin Jindong's hand before he unbuckled his seatbelt. I looked at him pitifully and brought my face close to his. When my lips were only a centimeter away from his, I stopped. I was waiting for him.
Lin Jindong lowered his eyes, smiled, stroked my cheek, kissed my neck, and then kissed my earlobe.
"Wait a minute, don't leave any marks." I pushed him away, feigning reluctance. During this time, Lin Jindong could be said to be the most perfect lover. He could completely satisfy me and even learned to please me. He quickly laid the car seat flat and patiently served me, making me happy.
Lin Jindong pulled my skirt down a bit and smoothed out the wrinkles. The silk skirt was very delicate, but fortunately, Lin Jindong's actions didn't cause any flaws.
I glanced at myself in the car mirror. I had a frail look in my eyes and brows. An adult who is very perceptive about matters between men and women would almost never misjudge the relationship between me and Lin Jindong.
I smiled, took Lin Jindong's hand, and got out of the car.
Lin Jindong and I entered the banquet hall, and I could immediately see Lin Zhi'en, dressed in a black evening gown, accompanying her parents and greeting guests. I also "opportunely" took the man's arm. He looked down at me, and his brows relaxed.
I took his arm and walked towards Mr. and Mrs. Lin.
Lin's mother was the first to spot Lin Jindong. She was dressed exactly like her daughter—elegant and simple—and her expression towards him was indifferent. She walked over to Lin's father and whispered something before he finally looked at her.
"Dad, Mom." Lin Jindong stepped forward.
Lin Zhi'en turned to the side, swirling her champagne glass, glanced at me, and smiled.
She is undoubtedly the star of this banquet today—beautiful, elegant, and dazzling.
"The Near East," Lin's mother smiled, "that girl is your girlfriend?"
"Yes, I brought her here today to introduce her to you. Her name is Jiang Fu." Lin Jindong smiled faintly. His features were usually very sharp, but they appeared unusually gentle in the overly bright banquet hall.
The relationship between him and Lin's mother was clearly a complete fabrication. Unlike Xie Yong's mother, Lin's mother did not look down on me. She was indifferent to this only because Lin Jindong could not shake any possibility of Lin Zhi'en inheriting the family business.
If Lin Jindong brought any woman to her, she would probably do the same thing: smile calmly and pretend to be friendly and patient with me, her son's girlfriend, in the guise of a mother.
“Miss Jiang looks quite young, and she’s really beautiful,” Lin’s mother complimented me, then turned to Lin’s father, “We have a set of ruby jewelry that we just got from an auction last week. I’ll have someone send it to the Near East later as a gift for Miss Jiang.”
"Dad, Mom, thank you."
"Thank you, Auntie."
Lin Jindong and I spoke one after the other, behaving very politely and appropriately.
Mr. Lin was also very pleased with Mrs. Lin's generous gesture. He briefly asked about my identity and then quickly said, "There are still guests over there. Jin Dong, tonight is a charity gala hosted by your mother. I'll take your sister and her over there to greet the guests. You and Miss Jiang have fun, and tell the servants if you need anything."
Lin Jindong gave a soft "Mmm": "Okay, I understand."
I went to the food counter, wanting to grab some dessert to fill my stomach temporarily, when a cold, condescending gaze instantly sent chills down my spine. I stood there, knowing who it was. I picked up the mousse cake, turned around, and saw Jiang Zhao.
He ignored the fawning looks from those around him, his eyes dark and swirling, his gaze cold and aloof, fixed solely on me.
I had only taken a few steps when I was suddenly stopped by a strong force. The man's strength made it impossible for me to struggle. He pushed me hard. The garden outside the banquet hall was empty. Jiang Zhao's cold and noble face approached, and his chilling and fierce eyes sent shivers down my spine.
"Did you have fun?" Jiang Zhao raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly, but his aura was exceptionally intimidating.
"You..." That was exactly what I wanted to do. I pretended to be speechless and hurriedly ran into the banquet hall, even shouting, "Brother, save me..."
"You... ah..." Jiang Zhao hugged me tightly from behind, completely cutting off all my escape routes.
I looked at him, and at that moment, an eerie silence fell over our surroundings.
Jiang Zhao's gaze was excessively cold and fierce. He gripped my chin as if locking onto prey trying to escape, his eyes filled with icy coldness, and my heart trembled inexplicably.
His eyes were still dark, but he chuckled, his tone even colder than usual, "Xiao Fu, guess what I have in my hand."
A guess suddenly appeared in my mind at that moment.
This is impossible...
“Yu Xu’s resume, he’s looking for a job. But that has nothing to do with you. You’re dating Lin Jindong, so you probably don’t care about a man who forgets you after one date. I’ll kick him out of the Empire State penniless, okay?”
Jiang Zhao's "Is it good or bad?" was never phrased in a way that suggested we discuss it.
He was just announcing what he was about to do to me. I had thought I could control Jiang Zhao's feelings, but I was suddenly filled with fear.
"Xiao Fu!"
Just as Jiang Zhao and I were at an impasse, Lin Jindong came over.
He saw me being held in Jiang Zhao's arms, and his already sharp eyebrows immediately turned cold. Lin Jindong slowly approached, "Your Highness, Xiao Fu is my girlfriend, let her go."
"Girlfriend? Do you deserve it?" Jiang Zhao's gaze swept over, his dark eyes revealing no emotion. He continued, "You're only fit to be fed and pooped by her. Once she gets tired of you, she'll just dump you. You really think you're something special, Lin Jindong."
Lin Jindong glared fiercely at Jiang Zhao. (Luoge)
[Author's Note]
Jinjiang has opened up the plot; as long as they're not in the same bed, it's fine. I'm itching to write my next book.
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