Qiao Yinyin's words stabbed Wang Lin's heart like two daggers.
What did Qiao Yinyin mean by that?
This car belongs to this Handsome Guy?
Wang Lin didn't want to believe it.
Jiang Cheng pressed the unlock button; hearing Qiao Yinyin talk, he instantly understood what had happened.
After getting in, Qiao Yinyin glanced at Wang Lin—sure enough, her face was flushed liver-red.
This Qiao Yinyin's boyfriend is actually this rich?
Could he be her top supporter?
If that were true, everything she'd just said would be mortifying.
Wang Lin cursed Qiao Yinyin again in her heart—this Green-Tea Bitch was mocking her.
Only after Jiang Cheng started the car did Qiao Yinyin burst out laughing.
Jiang Cheng reached over and pinched her cheek. "Didn't know you were a Master of Shade."
Qiao Yinyin pouted. "She always sneers at me whenever we meet. And she spreads rumors, says I'm kept by some sugar-daddy."
Jiang Cheng glanced at her. "So plenty of people trash-talk you behind your back?"
"So what? I live better than them; I don't need to be their friend. After graduation we'll probably never contact each other again. And I've got such a handsome boyfriend—why would I be ashamed? Didn't you see Wang Lin's face explode?"
Seeing Qiao Yinyin's carefree attitude, Jiang Cheng smiled.
Saved him a lot of comforting words.
In high spirits, Qiao Yinyin said, "How were you so fast? I'd only just got ready."
Jiang Cheng felt he'd heard that line before.
This morning? What day is it today?
"In a bit I'll show you whether I'm fast."
Qiao Yinyin caught his meaning instantly; picturing the wild ride ahead, she shivered, both shy and thrilled.
She suddenly felt Jiang Cheng's idea of finding her a little sister to share the load was pretty smart.
At this rate, she wouldn't last many years on her own.
She hurried to explain, "You really are quick—I'm always telling you to slow down. I wasn't talking about time, don't get me wrong."
"Still dare mention that word? Tonight I'll show you what a real man is."
"Ah, hubby, mercy~~ I've got class tomorrow."
"Skip it. With your major, failing a course isn't a tragedy."
Seeing her pleas useless, Qiao Yinyin could only pout in frustration.
The car soon reached her rented complex. Noticing the shabby buildings, Jiang Cheng frowned. "Didn't you say you'd move soon?"
"I've been busy lately, no time to hunt for flats. Once my coursework's done I'll move—bear with me a bit longer."
"Forget it, tomorrow I'll go house-hunting with you."
Qiao Yinyin eyed him. "Isn't your Military Training still on?"
Jiang Cheng didn't explain. "Not going."
She didn't press, guessing he just wanted rest.
Linking her arm through his she smiled, "Come on up, I'll help you relax."
Hearing "relax," Jiang Cheng perked up instantly.
"Great. Kinda miss your Sprite—the shaken kind."
…Two hours later…
"Ding! Congratulations: you've gained the Vine-Grip Talon."
Hearing the system prompt,
his purple-tinged 'Gil' curved into a tiny Nike-smile.
Couldn't be more perfectly timed.
Qiao Yinyin was one lucky woman.
She had no idea Jiang Cheng had ascended again; if she knew, she'd surely retort,
"You want this kind of 'luck' for yourself?"
…Next day at noon, Jiang Cheng's palms slapped the silky tofu.
Mm, nice and springy.
Seeing Qiao Yinyin still half-asleep, he leaned in: "Didn't you say you had class today?"
"Mm, skipping. You kept me up all night, wouldn't quit till the sun was high. I only dozed at midnight, you dragged me up again—can't move."
True enough, the two of them had been at it till the sun climbed the pole.
Her sweet, coquettish voice tickled his ear.
He cursed softly, "Little temptress."
While Qiao Yinyin looked drained, Jiang Cheng seemed full of energy.
An hour later he dialed Zhu Yan's number.
Wang Congcong had already greased the wheels and shortlisted several properties.
He'd have Zhu Yan tag along to settle the purchase contracts, sparing a bank run.
Jiang Cheng drove to the Tomson Riviera Golf Villas parking lot.
When he arrived, Zhu Yan was already waiting at the gate.
Today she wore a white body-hugging skirt, a cropped grey off-shoulder top, and black Chanel heels.
She looked smart yet subtly sexy.
Feeling Jiang Cheng's gaze, Zhu Yan's cheeks warmed.
She'd been at work in the bank but rushed over the moment he called—
after all, Jiang Cheng was their biggest client.
Halfway here, she recalled the flirtatious female voice she'd heard during his call.
On impulse she remembered her uncle's advice—
to hold on tight to this whale of a client.
So she'd detoured home to change into something more appealing before hurrying over.
It was pure female rivalry: fearing another woman might outshine her CMB uniform, she'd swapped outfits.
Yet now Jiang Cheng had come alone.
Disappointed yet quietly relieved.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Jiang," Zhu Yan greeted with a respectful nod.
Jiang Cheng nodded back. "Thanks for making the trip."
"My pleasure."
"Let's go—first stop, the villa."
"Sure, the sales manager's waiting in the lobby."