As soon as they got in the car, Wang Sheng turned to Jiang Cheng and said, "Young Master, your bentley continental has been gathering dust in the garage for ages. It's being washed now, but it'll take a while."
Jiang Cheng nodded. "Got it. Have them bring it over once it's clean. Head downtown first."
"Yes, sir."
The car eased into motion. Zhou Ying leaned toward Jiang Cheng. "Is this okay? Does he know your father?"
Jiang Cheng caught her meaning and shrugged it off. "I'll just mention it to Dad when I get back."
Knowing his old man, he wouldn't blow up over something this small.
Zhou Ying gave an obedient nod.
She glanced at Wang Sheng, then slipped her arm through Jiang Cheng's and cuddled up to him. "I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."
Jiang Cheng couldn't help eyeing the pair of heavy pandas now resting against his arm.
He tapped her nose affectionately. "Is Auntie back in Shanghai yet?"
Zhou Ying understood, humming, "No. She'll come back with me later."
"Pity. Guess you can't stay out tonight, then."
Seeing him shake his head in mock regret, Zhou Ying blushed and shot him a coy look. "You bad thing, always thinking about that."
Her sweet, silly expression made Jiang Cheng pull her into his arms.
With Zhou Ying, he felt he had endless patience.
Maybe it was the high-school nostalgia, but he wanted to protect this white-orchid of a girl.
Even if they didn't rush into bed, it was fine.
As he held her, two faint blushes bloomed on Zhou Ying's cheeks. Her eyes warned him someone else was present.
Ignoring her protest, Jiang Cheng raised the privacy partition.
Once the screen was up, the back of the car became their hidden world.
"Jerk."
Though she said it, she pursed her lips, waiting for him to come closer.
Watching her eyes closed and lips puckered, Jiang Cheng teased her with a fingertip.
Feeling something other than lips, Zhou Ying opened her eyes, thumped his chest shyly, then nipped his mouth.
That bite erased any thought of playing around.
Jiang Cheng pulled her onto his lap, tilted her delicate chin, and gazed at her with possessive eyes.
Instead of fear, Zhou Ying felt a secret thrill.
To her they were just two lovebirds.
Soon his kiss fell, fierce and deep.
And with every second it grew more invasive.
His nimble tongue coaxed her teeth apart.
Then began to explore.
Their breaths mingled without reserve.
At last Zhou Ying pushed lightly, signaling mercy.
Seeing her flushed and aroused, Jiang Cheng restrained himself, though reluctantly.
Watching her gulp fresh air, he bent again, gently took her lips and murmured, "I want to possess you so badly."
Zhou Ying's chest burned for oxygen, her heart thumping like a drum.
She was only a freshman; the intensity left her dazed.
Today he was more controlled than last time.
Yet beneath that control lurked a sharper possessiveness.
Though she'd seen this side of him before, fear still flickered—fear mingled with a willing desire to draw near.
She smoothed her dress and whispered, "Stop saying that; I'm shy."
Indeed, Jiang Cheng showed more restraint than last time.
There was a reason.
Today Zhou Ying wore a high-necked dress.
Utterly hateful.
After copping a few feels he let her go, resigned.
Good thing he'd already relieved himself twice on the plane.
Otherwise, in this private cocoon, he'd have grinned and said, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
She didn't answer, only leaned against him. "Where are we going now?"
"Let's eat first. What are you craving?"
"I want real local food. Mom's cooking this week has been so bland I lost my taste."
"There's a stall near the market by my place—super authentic. My buddies and I used to go. Want to try?"
Zhou Ying's eyes lit up. "Yes! I miss the food around campus too. At first my parents were strict—driver picked me up right after class, no hanging out. After the bankruptcy I could walk home, but I hated spending my pocket money."
Watching her smile at the memories, Jiang Cheng was flung back to their high-school days.
That must have been the darkest stretch of her life.
Yet Zhou Ying was strong; she faced the past without sighs or evasions.
She spoke of it openly, head held high.