Chapter 248 Blank Space (Part Two)
Occasionally, some rumors would reach Ji Wanqing's ears, nothing more than sarcastic remarks such as "She's really lucky," "She's only after President Zhou's money," and "A broken mirror mended? Who knows what tricks she used."
Ji Wanqing is no longer the little girl who could be easily hurt by rumors; she chooses to ignore them.
But Zhou Xubai could not tolerate it.
During a public interview at an industry summit, a reporter asked a pointed question.
"Mr. Zhou, I've heard that you're dating a well-known game streamer. How do you view the discussions about the difference in your social status?"
Everyone present sensed that something was about to happen, and the cameras were all pointed at Zhou Xubai.
Zhou Xubai's expression remained unchanged as he spoke into the microphone, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.
"First of all, I need to correct you. There is no such thing as a status gap between her and me."
He glanced at the audience and continued speaking clearly.
“Ms. Ji Wanqing is an independent woman whom I greatly respect and admire. Her professional abilities and career achievements are the result of her hard work and dedication. She is in no way inferior to any of her peers. When I was unknown and even needed her help, she was like the sun that shone on me. Now, I am able to stand here, part of the motivation comes from that light back then.”
He paused, his gaze becoming incredibly gentle and resolute.
"So, it's not that she's not good enough for me, but that I've been working hard to be worthy of her, who was once so wonderful, and who is now even more radiant. Being able to be with her again is the greatest fortune of my life, Zhou Xubai. I don't want to hear any more slanderous remarks about her. Otherwise, Xinghan Technology and all its related businesses will no longer cooperate with individuals or organizations that spread such remarks."
This powerful response spread instantly through the live stream.
It lacked a vehement rebuttal, yet it was more powerful than any statement.
He not only protected her, but also placed her in a higher position, expressing his utmost appreciation for her.
Ji Wanqing saw this video in the live stream backstage.
As she looked at the composed man on the screen who had shielded her from all storms, tears streamed down her face without warning.
This time, the tears were tears of happiness, tears of being fully protected and respected.
That evening, Zhou Xubai flew over to see her.
As soon as the door opened, Ji Wanqing rushed into his arms and hugged him tightly.
"What's wrong?" Zhou Xubai was taken aback by her sudden enthusiasm, then gently hugged her back.
"Thank you," she said quietly, burying her face in his chest. "Thank you for what you said today."
Zhou Xubai understood. He gently stroked her long hair and whispered.
“Silly girl, I’m just stating the facts, Wanqing. You have no idea how wonderful you are.” He cupped her face and looked earnestly into her eyes. “From now on, if anything makes you unhappy, you must tell me. My shoulder is for you to lean on.”
He lowered his head, kissed away the tear stains at the corner of her eye, and then tenderly kissed her lips.
This kiss was no longer filled with uncertainty or timidity; it was brimming with the possessiveness that followed confirmation, the ecstasy of something lost and then regained, and a love as deep as the sea.
Ji Wanqing stood on tiptoe and responded to him enthusiastically.
The gap of the past few years, the misunderstandings and hurts of the past, were all quietly soothed by this kiss.
They embraced each other tightly, as if trying to meld the other into their very bones, never to be separated again.
Just as the two were deeply in love, their breaths mingling, almost intoxicated by each other's warmth.
Just outside the bedroom door came Ji's mother's sleepy yet concerned voice asking questions.
"Wanqing, is that you speaking?"
The two were instantly jolted awake from their erotic reverie.
Ji Wanqing blushed deeply and immediately pulled away from Zhou Xubai's embrace, responding somewhat awkwardly.
"It's me, Mom. Did I disturb you?"
Zhou Xubai calmed down and gave Ji's mother a polite smile when she appeared before him.
"Hello, Auntie, I'm so sorry to bother you."
A brief silence fell over the living room, broken only by the faint sound of traffic outside the window.
Looking at the young couple she had just stumbled upon, one of them had a flushed face and sparkling eyes, while the other, though trying to appear calm, also had a blush creeping up his ears. Ji's mother felt both amused and sentimental.
During this time, she had met Zhou Xubai a few times and knew that he was now Ji Wanqing's boyfriend, so she did not show any surprise.
She cleared her throat, breaking the delicate silence.
"Xu Bai hasn't had dinner yet, has he? You must be hungry coming here so late. I'll make some noodles, it'll be ready soon."
She didn't press for details, nor did she show any emotion that would embarrass the young people; she simply gave them a way out.
“Auntie, no need to trouble yourself, I…” Zhou Xubai quickly declined.
"No trouble at all, it'll be quick. Wanqing, come and give me a hand." As she spoke, Ji's mother turned and walked towards the kitchen, her tone natural, as if she hadn't seen anything at all.
Ji Wanqing felt as if she had been granted a pardon and quickly responded. She secretly squeezed Zhou Xubai's hand to reassure him, and then followed her mother into the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Ji's mother deftly boiled water and took out noodles, eggs, and a few small green vegetables.
Ji Wanqing stood to the side, somewhat embarrassed, and whispered, "Mom..."
Ji's mother didn't even look up, but her tone was very calm.
"Alright, Mom isn't old-fashioned. Xu Bai seems to genuinely care about you now. He came all this way because he was worried about you after seeing the news."
She was referring to Zhou Xubai's declaration at the summit today, which she had clearly also taken note of.
Ji Wanqing felt a warmth in her heart and went over to help her mother wash the vegetables, a smile involuntarily spreading across her face.
"Well, he's just... making a mountain out of a molehill."
“This isn’t making a mountain out of a molehill; it’s because I care about you.” Ji’s mother glanced at her daughter. “Being able to defend you like that in front of so many people puts my mind at ease. This is better than any expensive gift.”
The water boiled, and as she cooked the noodles, she casually asked, "How many days does he... plan to stay this time?"
"He didn't say, but I guess he has to go back tomorrow. He's busy at the company too."
"Oh," Ji's mother responded, saying nothing more, but her eyes held a thoughtful look.
Soon, three steaming bowls of egg and vegetable noodles were served.
Simple food, yet it exudes the warmth of home.
"Xu Bai, come and eat something. There's nothing fancy, just make do," Mother Ji called out.
Zhou Xubai thanked him and sat down at the dining table.
He looked at the simple yet heartfelt bowl of noodles in front of him, then at Ji Wanqing beside him and Ji's mother with a gentle smile across the table, and a warm feeling slowly flowed through his heart.
"Auntie's cooking is really good, it smells so good." He took a bite and praised sincerely.
"It's just home-style cooking, I'm glad you like it." Mrs. Ji smiled and started eating her own bowl.
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