Miao Jing wasn't particularly worried about safety when returning late. She always used ride-hailing apps to book licensed taxis. Lu Zhengsi, who worked overtime with her, would see her into the vehicle, deliberately greet the driver and exchange contact information, then chat with her throughout the ride until she arrived home safely. When Chen Yi learned of this, he didn't utter a word. Since she chose not to live near the company and preferred commuting from home, he'd let her have her way—it was none of his business.
The meal was eaten distractedly. After dinner, Tu Li wanted to go shopping at the mall. Chen Yi handed her a few thousand yuan but refused to accompany her. It was already September, with students back in school, and the billiards hall was bustling. He headed back to mind the shop.
Tu Li wrapped her arms around his neck, planting a smacking kiss on his cheek, her eyes seductive as silk. "I adore you. How about I skip shopping and go with you to the billiards hall? We can head home together tonight?"
Chen Yi slowly exhaled his last puff of smoke, crushed the cigarette butt underfoot, and curled his lips into a roguish smirk, giving her pert backside a rough squeeze. "Getting frisky just because you got cash? Get lost."
"I'd be frisky even without the money." Tu Li giggled, swaying her hips, aware that his prolonged coldness likely stemmed from lingering anger over her slap. Over the past days, she'd poured on endless sweet talk, finally coaxing Chen Yi back—truth be told, men loved hearing flattery too. Praise him to the skies, stroke his ego, and eventually he'd fall in line.
Tu Li took a taxi to the mall without Chen Yi's escort. Back at the billiards hall, Chen Yi played two rounds. In such street-side halls, Eight-Ball was more popular than Snooker—Snooker required longer, more precise, and steady play, while Eight-Ball was more entertaining with flashy shots and quicker table turnover, its trick shots eliciting gasps from onlookers. Chen Yi had already mastered clearing the table in one break at Eight-Ball; in recent years, he'd focused mainly on Snooker. Now, as he stood at the table, a crowd of students gathered around, packed tightly.
By ten p.m., Chen Yi left the billiards hall. Seeing the lights still off at home from downstairs, he knew Miao Jing hadn't returned yet. He called her, and after a brief exchange between the siblings, he turned the car around and drove toward the development zone.
Miao Jing and Lu Zhengsi emerged from the industrial park, walking side by side and chatting with animated gestures, eventually stopping under a streetlight to talk. Today, Miao Jing wore fitted jeans, a white T-shirt, and canvas shoes. Though slender, her curves were delicate and pronounced, her eyes holding a faint smile, her expression soft with a youthful clarity that complemented Lu Zhengsi's boyish freshness.
Chen Yi waited through two cigarettes before Miao Jing bid Lu Zhengsi goodbye and walked over lightly. As she got into the car, her expression returned to its usual flat weariness. "I thought I said you didn't need to pick me up?"
"Just passing by."
He gripped the steering wheel, both windows rolled down. By this hour, the daytime heat had completely subsided, replaced by a cool, pleasant evening breeze. Nightlife in the city center was just heating up, while the development zone, though desolate, offered straight, empty roads and a serene stillness, the streetlights whipping past one by one—a refreshing drive.
"How much longer will this overtime last? Dragging on until midnight every day."
His tone was intensely displeased—whether annoyed at playing chauffeur late at night or irritated that she was killing herself for such meager pay.
"It's manageable. I used to work even more overtime, pushing until dawn for two months straight to meet project deadlines. Now, this role also involves supplier management. Once I get up to speed quickly, things will ease up later."She spoke with detached professionalism, her tone light and matter-of-fact. Chen Yi frowned, exhaling heavily. "They're all from prestigious universities. Some wear business suits and high heels, carrying coffee cups into high-end office buildings, casually making international calls. Others wear work uniforms in factories, clocking fifteen thousand steps on WeChat every day."
Miao Jing rubbed her calf, her expression hovering between reproach and amusement. "I'm happy with my choice. What's it to you?"
The atmosphere in the car turned icy. Neither spoke. The man's face darkened, his muscles twitching beneath a stony expression. Yes, she was happy with her life—and it was none of his business.
"The engine noise is quite loud in this car. Has the carbon buildup been cleaned? You should check if the bearings are worn." Miao Jing had been gazing out the window but suddenly turned to offer this remark.
"Old car, old problems." He recalled something. "Do automotive engineers actually know how to fix cars?"
"Expecting me to repair your car? Not a chance." Miao Jing laughed, revealing delicate pearly teeth, her voice lilting and drawn out.
Just a playful remark.
Chen Yi smiled, his eyes dark and vivid, hands relaxed on the steering wheel.
The wind rushing through the car window was strong, blowing against their faces. Miao Jing untied her hairband, closed her eyes, leaned back in the seat, and enjoyed the cool breeze.
Faint yellow lights streamed in, softly illuminating her porcelain face—the smooth forehead with its fine baby hairs, slender elegant eyebrows, long curled lashes, delicate nose and lips, and refined chin.
In a lull between the engine noises, Chen Yi heard her faint, slow, and tranquil breathing. Silently, he rolled up the window and turned on the air conditioning.
When the car stopped downstairs, he sat inside for a while, then stepped out to smoke a cigarette by the roadside. After finishing, he opened the passenger door and shook Miao Jing's head, his fingers brushing against her heavy, cool hair. "Miao Jing, wake up. Go home to sleep."
She opened her drowsy eyes, stretched, got out of the car, and followed Chen Yi. His tall figure led the way while she trailed behind, still half-asleep.
—
Everyone learned about Miao Jing's return from Tu Li. When Bo Zai found out, he went to ask Chen Yi, who responded with a faint "mm" and said she was back for work. Bo Zai beamed, rubbing his hands together. "We should meet up with Miao Jing for a meal." Chen Yi didn't reply, instead giving Bo Zai a cool glance. "You're already married."
"Yi Ge," Bo Zai scratched his nose, "that was so long ago. My feelings for Miao Jing are purely friendly."
Bo Zai's parents had divorced, and he was raised by his grandmother, who lived near Chen Yi's family. He had known Miao Jing since childhood and attended the same middle school. Though they didn't talk much, they saw each other occasionally and had a decent relationship. Back then, Miao Jing was very quiet, her eyes clear like frost. She grew more beautiful with time, her figure graceful and elegant. Even the cheapest, most rustic clothes looked refined and ladylike on her. Back then, which of Chen Yi's friends hadn't glanced her way?
Now, Bo Zai's grandmother had passed away, and he lived elsewhere with his wife, rarely returning to the declining residential area. Since Chen Yi didn't initiate any reunions, Bo Zai, thinking of his old neighbor, decided to take the opportunity while running errands to stop by and chat. He sat with Miao Jing for a while at a nearby dessert shop.
OpenNovel