Chapter 49

Chapter 49 Rose x Kiss

Not the first time he kissed her…

Ji Mingzhu reached out and wrapped her arms around Jiang Ji’s neck, pushing forcefully in the opposite direction.

She pried apart Jiang Ji who was intent on clinging to her, and looked straight into his eyes. “What do you mean by that?”

It actually wasn’t the first time?

But in Ji Mingzhu’s memory, there was nothing like that.

If she had kissed him, that could be traced.

That time in the office…

But… Jiang Ji’s tone didn’t sound like she kissed him.

The subject was him, the one performing the action, and she was the one receiving it.

Which meant they had done it before, and she didn’t even know?

“Why aren’t you talking, Jiang Ji? Tell me quickly.” Ji Mingzhu’s tone grew anxious.

At this moment, she was completely unlike the one who had just been trying to drive him away.

“Do you remember the night after we came back from the hot spring winery?”

“I remember.” Ji Mingzhu vaguely recalled a fragment.

But the most crucial thing was that in her mind there was only the scene of herself constantly twisting.

Everything else seemed to have vanished, as if boiled away in a furnace.

“You were drunk.”

“…And then?”

Jiang Ji didn’t describe further. He stopped there. “Then it’s just like what I said.”

…That was basically saying nothing!

Ji Mingzhu tightened her arms, squeezing him hard, wanting him to immediately see her power.

But it was useless. Jiang Ji had no reaction to her silent threat or physical restraint.

He stared at Ji Mingzhu for a while, saying nothing. Then he reached out and grabbed one of her arms, lowering it.

After that, Jiang Ji’s fingertip brushed over and scratched her palm, just like she had done to him in the car before.

“I wanted to do this since we were in the car.”

As soon as he finished speaking, hurried footsteps came from the staircase.

They abruptly stopped, scraping slightly against the floor.

Ji Mingzhu ignored Jiang Ji and looked up.

Sister Li was standing at the stair corner, who knew how long she had been watching.

Their eyes met. Sister Li looked at the two being affectionate in the corner, inseparable, nodded knowingly, then gave Ji Mingzhu an “ok” hand gesture, hurriedly turned around, and retreated.

Her speed rivaled a running rabbit.

Ji Mingzhu: “.........”

What was with Sister Li’s relieved gossiping face!

Her footsteps downstairs had been loud; it was impossible not to hear. Jiang Ji must have heard it too.

Ji Mingzhu withdrew her gaze and pushed Jiang Ji away forcefully. “I ask you and you’re vague and unclear… so annoying!”

The “Ninja Turtle” nickname she had prepared for him now sounded incredibly fitting.

Jiang Ji calmly released the restraint on her. “There’s so much time ahead. No need to be so impatient now.”

After all, after that, he would still have many more opportunities for firsthand experience, all to bring to her.

As Jiang Ji said this, he raised his hand and adjusted Ji Mingzhu’s collar, only instructing, “Remember to rest early. Tomorrow I’ll go back to the company first.”

His figure was tall and slender; when he lowered his head to do something, he had to bend slightly.

Ji Mingzhu felt his black hair brushing lightly across her cheek.

His expression hadn’t changed much, yet Ji Mingzhu sensed that faint gentleness.

After Jiang Ji fixed her collar and smoothed her slightly messy curls, he raised his head. “The return flight was too long. Adjust your jet lag here. The day after tomorrow I’ll come pick you up.”

Without waiting for Ji Mingzhu to respond, he slowly added, “Good night.”

…

After returning to her room, Ji Mingzhu crossed in a few steps and flopped onto the bed.

Rolling around once, she finally carefully tasted the meaning of Jiang Ji’s words.

First… he said she was impatient?!

But who was the one who hurried to follow her just now!

There wasn’t a little chick doll here to beat and knead, so Ji Mingzhu grabbed a pillow to vent.

After punching it twice, she stopped again.

Thinking of what he just said, her thoughts flipped again…

Jiang Ji telling her to adjust her jet lag properly meant he wanted her to rest at home.

But he had sent her back to the Ji residence today, and tomorrow he would rush back to Jiang Corporation without stopping.

This hidden warmth, this care that required savoring, she finally caught it.

A long time ago, when they were suspicious of each other and nothing was certain, unwilling to think deeply—

Ji Mingzhu would never have imagined that this cold, indifferent person would present such a warm heart.

But now, there was no need for uncertainty, nor suspicion.

When both sides’ feelings settled, those small details hidden in time became clear and touching.

Their moments together at Park Hyatt Residence surfaced, making her eyes warm. Ji Mingzhu felt that undercurrent of being held at the tip of his heart.

Ji Mingzhu felt both happy and bittersweet.

Happy because—she could now feel Jiang Ji’s sincerity, laid out plainly before her.

Bittersweet because—after circling around, everything in the world goes through a cycle, and one can only sigh that it’s fate’s arrangement.

Actually…

If Jiang Ji had really shamelessly insisted on sleeping in the same room just now, she would have agreed.

Ji Mingzhu stared at the ceiling.

After an unknown time, she softly spoke.

As if responding across the air to someone.

“Good night,” she said.

…

When Jiang Ji said he would come pick her up, he really came personally.

Ji Mingzhu had fully adjusted her jet lag, but being suddenly woken by Sister Li saying Jiang Ji was waiting, she was still a bit dizzy.

After getting in the car, she still looked listless.

“Didn’t eat breakfast well?”

“Mm…” After responding subconsciously, Ji Mingzhu realized and quickly shook her head. “No.”

She simply had no appetite.

It had nothing to do with whether the food was good or not.

Seeing her like this, Jiang Ji withdrew his gaze and said nothing more. The car turned through several streets and stopped by the entrance of a small alley.

Ji Mingzhu looked toward the shop door and was surprised. “When I went back to my high school before, I didn’t see the store. I thought it was gone. So it moved here?”

“Yes, it’s been moved for a while.”

This shop was Ji Mingzhu’s favorite breakfast place during high school, right next to the school gate.

Although it was a small business, it was kept neat and clean, looking tidy, and the food tasted good.

The most famous items were sweet tofu pudding and brown sugar soy milk, as well as the small wontons handmade by the owner.

Back in high school, Ji Mingzhu didn’t even find Sister Li’s breakfast appealing. She had the driver take her to this shop every day so she could eat in time.

At that time she dragged Lian Tang along, but never invited Jiang Ji.

But now, he brought her here.

How much did Jiang Ji actually know about her?

Ji Mingzhu realized that many things shouldn’t be examined too closely; digging out secrets buried in mud could strike straight at the heart.

“Jiang Ji, do you want to eat something?”

“Same as you.”

The only seats left were outside.

Jiang Ji sat across from Ji Mingzhu, wiped the table carefully, then unwrapped the utensils for her.

“Then two bowls of sweet tofu pudding,” Ji Mingzhu said, placing the order.

She looked around and only saw busy hired staff.

The familiar shop owner wasn’t there.

Back then, Ji Mingzhu ate here so often the owner recognized her.

While waiting, Jiang Ji handed her the utensils. “Are you free this weekend?”

“Why suddenly ask that?” As for whether she was free, Ji Mingzhu couldn’t say.

The photos and videos she shot in Switzerland needed editing. She might suddenly get inspired and finish editing them all.

“Nothing.” Jiang Ji looked at her, wanting to say something, but restrained himself and only said slowly, “I just think it’d be good if you were at Park Hyatt at night.”

“Of course.” Ji Mingzhu didn’t think much of it, assuming Jiang Ji was indirectly asking her to stay there. Without surprises, she wouldn’t return to the Ji residence.

She rested her elbow on the table and smiled slowly. “Mr. Jiang, are you indirectly trying to keep me?”

How did… Jiang Ji suddenly seem a bit silly?

“Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be there at night.” Ji Mingzhu blinked. She had no plans to go out and flirt with young guys; she was very well-behaved.

Thinking of that day’s plan, Jiang Ji’s gaze fell on Ji Mingzhu’s crossed legs, her foot swinging lightly in the air.

She said she would definitely be there this weekend.

…

Returning to Jiang Corporation again, the three assistants in the special assistant office were diligently working.

Seeing the two of them like this, they didn’t show much surprise, as if someone had warned them beforehand.

It was as if her absence for more than ten days hadn’t been a big deal, just like she had gone on a business trip.

Ji Mingzhu wanted to chat, but no one joined her enthusiasm, making her feel bored.

After entering Jiang Ji’s office, Ji Mingzhu, while handling tasks, repeatedly went to bother Jiang Ji.

He didn’t complain or show impatience, and handled it all well.

By lunchtime, Ji Mingzhu followed him again to mooch his meal, not feeling embarrassed at all.

Before, she had the mentality of “if there’s a bargain, why not take it!”

But now she had completely turned from serf to master, so she had to take advantage even more!

The two sat silently facing each other, eating face to face like in the small shop that morning.

Halfway through, Ji Mingzhu even snatched a few pieces of meat from Jiang Ji’s boxed set.

He really lived comfortably—his lunch was prepared at the Jiang residence and delivered warm.

The dishes were different every day.

But for some reason, maybe there had been a mistake in coordination or estimation; since the first day Ji Mingzhu settled into Jiang Corporation, what she observed and saw had always been meals for two.

Anyway, today Ji Mingzhu played around for a while, so their meal dragged on.

Now Jiang Ji had already finished eating, while she was still dawdling.

Assistant Ying pushed the door open at that moment. He had already eaten lunch in the staff cafeteria and was probably here for business.

After nodding slightly to Ji Mingzhu, he looked at Jiang Ji. “President Jiang, regarding the changes to the employee welfare system you previously ordered, there’s a preliminary plan.”

It sounded important, so Ji Mingzhu picked up her lunch box and planned to move to her own table, but before she could move, Jiang Ji stopped her.

“You eat here.” After saying that to Ji Mingzhu, Jiang Ji turned to Assistant Ying. “Continue. Report the changes.”

When Assistant Ying heard Jiang Ji’s first sentence, he paused briefly, then quickly returned to normal. “Based on the original medical insurance system, the company will provide additional insurance funds to each full-time employee. Also, the reward and penalty system for tardiness and early leave has been improved. According to your original proposal, the finance department has set up a monthly perfect attendance bonus, which can be settled separately at the end of the year. It should have a motivating effect.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “The evaluation system for the attendance bonus can be stricter. There’s still room to increase the benefits.”

Assistant Ying flipped through files on his phone and noted it down. “Okay, I’ve recorded that.”

“However—” After writing, Assistant Ying raised his head. “Regarding job arrangements for female employees after pregnancy and maternity leave benefits, there’s only a preliminary outline. The specific implementation still needs discussion.”

“Adjust the male-to-female ratio properly. Try to avoid situations where manpower becomes scarce in the same department at the same time,” Jiang Ji instructed calmly.

“Alright, then there’s nothing major.” Assistant Ying closed the file. “Home visits for families of pregnant employees are already being arranged. For those with children at home, should we provide additional benefits?”

“Let the finance department decide. I won’t interfere.”

Ji Mingzhu became interested. “What are you talking about? Employees with children can get extra benefits?”

Assistant Ying lowered his head to explain. “Miss Ji, we’re responding to the initiative to provide both spiritual and material support for these employees. Both aspects need to be considered.”

Ji Mingzhu half-understood. “So what kind of benefits?”

“Some dining gift vouchers and cash.”

After Assistant Ying left, Ji Mingzhu kept drifting off while eating, thinking about what he said.

Jiang Ji looked at her. “Do you really want Jiang Corporation’s benefit?”

“…I just think it’s novel.” Ji Mingzhu said, glancing at Jiang Ji.

But rather than wanting Jiang Corporation’s benefit…

It was more like a small speculation brought by curiosity.

Dining vouchers—she wondered what they would be, which restaurants, or something else.

Anyway, the method sounded quite new.

Jiang Corporation was huge, with a solid foundation; when it came to money, they were never vague.

After all, with thousands of employees, the number of pregnant women or those with children must be considerable.

“If you want it, I can allocate it to you directly.” After a pause, Jiang Ji added, “Since Ji Corporation is stationed here, treat it as a cooperative benefit.”

“That won’t be necessary… Besides, this is clearly a benefit for children.”

Jiang Ji might dare to use the back door, but she didn’t dare accept it.

“What.” Hearing Ji Mingzhu’s reply, Jiang Ji’s gaze swept over. “Aren’t you?”

Ji Mingzhu’s thoughts were shallow, easy to guess.

Everything was written on her face; she never knew how to hide herself.

Plus, her beauty was overwhelming, making the clarity in her eyes even more striking.

If she were a rose, she would be the one blooming in clean snow.

After hearing Jiang Ji’s words, Ji Mingzhu silently pondered.

“Aren’t you” didn’t it mean—

You are a little kid.

Jiang Ji, was saying she was a little kid!

Thinking of this, Ji Mingzhu felt his scrutiny and instantly felt heat surge, blood rushing upward.

She didn’t need to touch her face to know she was flushed; her cheeks were warm.

Although she found the sentence very pleasing, Ji Mingzhu still tried to hide it, not wanting the daylight from the floor-to-ceiling window to expose her thoughts.

Thinking of this, she snorted twice through her nose. “President Jiang… I’m already an adult, okay…”

He had to learn to face reality!

Jiang Ji seemed to smile, his expression calm. “Adults are just expired little kids.”

Author’s note:

[Mini Theater]

Chicken Chicken: You were willing to keep me, why didn’t you say it.

Pig Pig: You didn’t continue asking either!

After three times.

Pig Pig: Jiang Ji, you’re not human!

Chicken Chicken: You didn’t continue asking either.

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