ORCBRB – Chapter 69

Chapter 69

Sang Shi'an had a preference for very sweet foods. Every time they went out to a restaurant, Jian Cenyu would always order a dessert for her at the end.

This time was no exception.

When the waiter came to deliver the post-meal dessert, he was pushing a small cart. After placing several signature Michelin desserts on the table, the waiter bent down again, took out a bouquet of champagne-colored roses from the second shelf of the cart, and handed it to Sang Shi'an.

Sang Shi'an's eyes lit up, and she turned to Jian Cenyu. "You ordered these?"

Jian Cenyu propped her chin on her hand, a smile coloring her eyes. "Mhm. When I went to the restroom just now, I saw a couple at a table being given flowers, so I thought I'd learn from them. It's not too lame, is it?"

Sang Shi'an had wanted to say, 'That's so formalistic,' but when her eyes fell on the pale golden petals, she couldn't bring herself to be stubborn. "It's alright, I guess."

Jian Cenyu squinted, her smile deepening.

After they finished sharing the desserts, Jian Cenyu glanced at the time and asked, "Is there anywhere you want to go? Or should we just head home?"

Sang Shi'an tilted her head, thought for a moment, and said, "I'm a bit tired to go home. Let's stay out."

What if she couldn't get out of bed again?

Jian Cenyu caught her underlying meaning and suppressed a laugh. "Then let's go to the mall. I'll buy you some medicinal herbs to replenish your body."

Sang Shi'an looked at Jian Cenyu resentfully. "It's Friday. Why don't you take me back to my parents' place? I have to go home for the weekend anyway."

Jian Cenyu was speechless.

Jian Cenyu folded the napkin she had used to wipe her mouth and placed it aside, speaking slowly, "Your review books are still at home. Don't you want the GPA for your public finance class? We should go home early."

Sang Shi'an pouted. "Fine."

After their meal, they put on their coats. Sang Shi'an didn't forget the bouquet of roses; they were indeed much more pleasing to the eye than the bright red ones from before. But another question arose. "Did you pick the color of the flowers yourself, or did you copy someone else?"

Jian Cenyu replied, "The young couple I saw had red roses."

So her taste had indeed improved.

Sang Shi'an was very satisfied and planned to put them in a vase when she got back.

As they were leaving the private room and approaching the main hall, Jian Cenyu suddenly turned around and pressed Sang Shi'an against the wall.

The elegant base notes of perfume wafted from Jian Cenyu's collar, mixing with the fresh scent of roses and rushing straight toward Sang Shi'an's face.

Sang Shi'an's eyes widened, her mind racing: Did Jian Cenyu actually learn how to do a wall slam? But what if someone sees? Should I cooperate or push her away?

She had been holding the bouquet against her chest, but she pulled it down a bit so the flowers wouldn't be crushed between them. Heat rushed to her face, and Sang Shi'an whispered, "What... what are you doing?"

Jian Cenyu's lips moved closer, but they landed on Sang Shi'an's ear. Her voice was very soft. "Your mother is outside."

Sang Shi'an froze, any further words catching in her throat. All she could manage was a stiff, "Huh?"

Jian Cenyu moved a little closer, reminding her, "It's not appropriate for you to be holding flowers."

Sang Shi'an leaned forward, and as her chin passed over Jian Cenyu's shoulder, she saw Ren Li talking with two women in professional attire. A waiter stood by quietly, waiting.

It was unclear whether they were there to eat or were about to leave.

Sang Shi'an was scared to death. If her mother found out she was on a date with Jian Cenyu, she would be dragged home tonight. And if her mother, in a fit of anger, kicked her out of the house... Sang Shi'an shivered and moved back, pressing herself tightly against the wall.

Sang Shi'an tugged on Jian Cenyu's sleeve. "Why don't we... go back and eat another meal?"

It was a good idea, and Sang Shi'an was about to return to the private room when Jian Cenyu held her back. "Your mother and her companions seem to not have eaten yet, and they're coming this way."

"The restaurant is crowded tonight. I've already paid the bill. It's possible they're heading for our private room."

Sang Shi'an was speechless. Ah???

Yancheng was so big, and this place was near the university town. Did her mother have nowhere else to eat?

Seeing Sang Shi'an so frightened, Jian Cenyu asked softly, "Are you that scared of being with me? Are you planning to have a secret affair with me for the rest of your life?"

"That's... that's not for now." Sang Shi'an bit her lip until it turned pale. She was worried about her mother finding out on one hand, and afraid of saying the wrong thing and causing Jian Cenyu to misunderstand on the other. The hand holding the roses trembled violently.

"I... I have a childhood friend who was exiled abroad after coming out to their family. They even had to borrow living expenses from me, it was so pitiful. I haven't even graduated from university yet. If I get thrown out, wouldn't my studies be for nothing?"

Jian Cenyu was speechless.

Thinking about it that way, she seemed to have a point.

Even if one were to come out, it shouldn't be when they couldn't support themselves.

As they spoke, Ren Li was getting closer. Jian Cenyu took the flowers from Sang Shi'an's hands and ruffled her hair. "Stay behind me and try to say as little as possible."

Sang Shi'an was still confused as she watched Jian Cenyu walk out ahead of her.

Sang Shi'an: !

Jian Cenyu held the flowers openly and went forward to greet Ren Li and the others. Ren Li was very surprised to see her, or more accurately, surprised to see the flowers she was holding. "Cenyu, what are you doing here?"

The smile on Jian Cenyu's face was perfectly natural. "An'an mentioned wanting to eat at this restaurant before, and since she just finished her exam today, I came early to book a table."

Jian Cenyu turned around and looked at the furtively hiding Sang Shi'an, giving her a helpless look and beckoning her over.

As Sang Shi'an walked over, she heard Jian Cenyu say, "Halfway through the meal, I saw that the restaurant offered a flower-buying service. The flowers at home are about to wilt, so I ordered a bouquet as well."

Sang Shi'an's heart pounded with fear. The records of her and Jian Cenyu dining and ordering flowers here could surely be found if Ren Li wanted to check. But Jian Cenyu's direct and frank explanation made it seem all the more real.

Ren Li chuckled. "When I saw you come out with flowers just now, I thought you were in a relationship. I was even curious to see which family's outstanding son it was, but I didn't expect it was for An'an. She does love flowers. I once arranged some flowers at home, and she snatched them all to put in her own room."

Sang Shi'an stood obediently beside Jian Cenyu, feeling extremely guilty and not daring to say much. Upon hearing this, she just gave a muffled 'humph'.

"I have an appointment here. Since you've finished eating, you two should head back early. Study hard for your finals week," Ren Li instructed. "You didn't drink, did you? You absolutely cannot drive if you've been drinking."

Jian Cenyu shook her head and said politely, "No, don't worry, Auntie."

Once they were in the car, Sang Shi'an's suspended heart finally settled. Holding the flowers Jian Cenyu handed her, she praised her generously, "Cenyu Jiejie, you're amazing. My mom even suspected you had another admirer but didn't suspect me at all."

"I had no choice." Jian Cenyu pointed to the seatbelt, signaling to Sang Shi'an. "If I hadn't kept my cool, you'd be homeless tonight."

Sang Shi'an's hand, which was fastening the seatbelt, paused. She unbuckled it, leaned over, and bit Jian Cenyu's chin. "Then I'd just cling to you and spend your money every day to have you support me."

Jian Cenyu raised a hand and flicked Sang Shi'an's forehead. "So ambitious."

Sang Shi'an let out an exaggerated "ow" and suggested, "Let me drive on the way back. I haven't driven this car of yours yet. I wonder if the gas pedal is as stiff as the one in my family's car."

"Give it a try. If you're not used to it, we can switch back."

The two swapped seats. Sang Shi'an first familiarized herself with the car's buttons and gears. Her driving was noticeably steadier than before, and Jian Cenyu didn't need to say a word the entire way.

Sang Shi'an remarked with emotion, "The Lamborghini my brother gave me can finally see the light of day."

Jian Cenyu smiled and brought up, "The body color hasn't been changed yet. Want me to go with you when I get back from my business trip?"

Sang Shi'an nodded. "Change it, we must change it. I really can't stand that awful Barbie pink."

And so, the matter was settled.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived home.

Jian Cenyu first took out her suitcase to pack. Sang Shi'an was worried that Jian Cenyu would go back on her word and hold her again tonight, yet she couldn't control her own desire to be close.

After Jian Cenyu had been packing for three minutes, she secretly slipped over, leaning against the doorframe to ask, "Which city are you going to tomorrow?"

"Shanghai. An overseas Chinese pharmaceutical business association is interested in deep cooperation with the mainland. It's also a government-led initiative to establish a development fund, focusing on major domestic and international project investments," Jian Cenyu explained. "My father's idea is that we can go and look for opportunities. Jian Corporation received an invitation a long time ago, but whether we can take a leading role depends on the chance. If possible, Jian Corporation's future development could reach a new level."

The overseas Chinese business association had been established for a long time, with intricate and deep-rooted connections, as well as countless ties to the mainland.

"My father's intention is actually very simple. Jian Corporation doesn't necessarily have to participate, but we can't let Jian Zhenyang get the opportunity."

After hearing this, Sang Shi'an immediately sided with Jian Cenyu. "Isn't Jian Zhenyang completely clueless about medicine? Is he planning to compete with you using his oil fields?"

"He's not completely clueless, just not that professional," Jian Cenyu said cautiously. "After all, he has been working at Jian Corporation for seven years."

Sang Shi'an still frowned with dissatisfaction. Under the white light, her eyes looked like translucent cat's eye stones.

Jian Cenyu walked over, her fingertip smoothing the crease between Sang Shi'an's brows. She smiled and said, "I have it under control. I've been preparing for this for a long time, so don't worry. If you have time now, could you help me gather the toiletries from the bathroom?"

Sang Shi'an's purpose in coming over was to help Jian Cenyu, so she immediately padded away in her slippers.

By the time Sang Shi'an returned with a large bag of toiletries, Jian Cenyu was in the walk-in closet trying on a suit.

The cosplay outfits Sang Shi'an had worn over the past two days had all been washed by Jian Cenyu in the washing machine. After being washed, they were tumble-dried with other clothes and hadn't been sorted and hung in the closet yet.

"How does it look?"

The moment Sang Shi'an saw those gaudy outfits, her whole body tensed up. When Jian Cenyu looked over, she shook her head frantically. "I wasn't looking at those clothes."

Jian Cenyu was confused.

Jian Cenyu couldn't help but laugh. "I wasn't asking about those. I was asking if this suit I'm wearing is okay for the conference."

Sang Shi'an looked at the well-tailored custom black suit and stammered again, "It's good, very good."

"But I'm hesitating between a brooch or a tie." Jian Cenyu took out the accessories and asked, "Can you help me choose?"

Sang Shi'an had been teased by Jian Cenyu so much that she couldn't tell if Jian Cenyu genuinely wanted her help picking clothes or if she wanted to play another role-playing game. She hesitated for a long while before pouting and shuffling over.

Jian Cenyu had a small frame and an excellent figure. Coupled with the poise she had cultivated since childhood, she looked extremely good in everything, whether it was a white lab coat or this kind of formal wear.

Sang Shi'an took the tie and held it against the center of Jian Cenyu's shirt, then switched to the brooch, feeling that neither was quite right.

Suddenly, an idea struck her. She remembered the emerald iris brooch in her room. She ran to her room to rummage for it. The never-worn brooch had an extremely bright fire, and it looked even more classically elegant on Jian Cenyu.

"It's yours." Sang Shi'an was very generous, giving the entire box to Jian Cenyu.

The brooch was clearly not an ordinary gemstone, especially with that kind of fire and color. Jian Cenyu opened the box and saw the appraisal certificate and the gem's history inside, slightly surprised. "You're just giving this to me?"

It was a European royal tribute from three hundred years ago that had somehow found its way into Sang Shi'an's hands. Sang Shi'an liked flashy jewelry, and her looks could completely carry the colors of those gems, but this brooch clearly didn't match her taste.

That meant it was from Sang Shi'an's family.

"I swiped it from my mom," Sang Shi'an said, deliberately joking. "It's a family heirloom, the kind passed down to daughters, not sons. I won't have a daughter in the future, so I can only pass it on to you."

Knowing Sang Shi'an was joking, Jian Cenyu reached out and stroked her hair, sighing, "Our An'an has been wronged."

Sang Shi'an blinked slowly. "...Don't tell me you're feeling guilty because I won't be able to get married and have children in the future."

Jian Cenyu smiled but didn't say anything.

Sang Shi'an was speechless. "I've been spoiled my whole life, and I've never had surgery for as long as I can remember. No matter who I date, I've never once thought about having children. I can't handle that kind of suffering. No one can make me."

Jian Cenyu laughed out loud. "Alright, I feel comforted by that."

Sang Shi'an smacked her lips. "If we're really talking about suffering, studying my butt off to get into Yanjing University counts as one, and being messed with in bed by you until I was half-dead a few days ago also counts, I guess."

Jian Cenyu was speechless.

Jian Cenyu rubbed Sang Shi'an's ear. "An'an, can you be a little more reserved?"

"I'm just telling the truth. Don't you feel sorry for me? Then you'd better remember what I said."

Jian Cenyu thought for a moment, then said meaningfully, "I think people occasionally need to suffer a little."

Sang Shi'an understood, immediately tried to flee, and was then pressed against the wardrobe and kissed by Jian Cenyu.

She suffered for a long time again.

At seven the next morning, as Jian Cenyu was about to leave for her flight, Sang Shi'an opened her door and poked her head out. "You're leaving?"

Jian Cenyu said jokingly, "Should I book a ticket for you too, so you can come with me?"

Sang Shi'an was so sleepy she could barely open her eyes. "No way. Shanghai doesn't even have heating. It's freezing. You can go suffer by yourself."

Jian Cenyu walked toward Sang Shi'an and pulled her directly into her arms.

Sang Shi'an's chin bumped against a decorative button on Jian Cenyu's coat. She was a bit speechless. "How are you even clingier than me? Aren't older people usually not like this?"

Jian Cenyu held Sang Shi'an for a while before letting go, saying warmly, "But older people need care from the little ones. Please be considerate."

Sang Shi'an's face turned red. "Oh."

"Alright, I have to go. It'll be troublesome if I miss my flight." Jian Cenyu released Sang Shi'an and pushed her back into her room to get more sleep.

Sang Shi'an walked in unsteadily. Just as she was about to turn the corner, she subconsciously glanced back and met Jian Cenyu's gaze from a few meters away.

Sang Shi'an froze, staring blankly at Jian Cenyu.

Jian Cenyu's gaze was so gentle and lingering that for a moment, Sang Shi'an wanted to rush back into her arms.

Jian Cenyu waved to her and slowly closed the bedroom door.

In the end, Sang Shi'an restrained herself.

After the sound of the front door closing, Sang Shi'an rolled over in bed and found she couldn't fall back asleep at all.

Shanghai, Shanghai.

Isn't Yuncheng quite close to Shanghai?

Sang Shi'an began to scheme.

She only had her public finance exam left on Monday. She could bring her books and study on the plane, and she could also study quietly in the hotel while Jian Cenyu attended her reception. By that calculation, she had plenty of time to review.

Jian Cenyu wanted her to go so badly, she was so clingy she even asked her to call once an hour. If she suddenly appeared, wouldn't it be a huge surprise?

Thus, at 6:10 on Saturday morning, Sang Shi'an called Wen Yansheng. Using the excuse of wanting to learn about capital manipulation from her, she planned to fly to Yuncheng to meet her.

However, Wen Yansheng on the other end of the line told Sang Shi'an, "I have plans to go to Shanghai this weekend. If you haven't booked your ticket, just book one to Shanghai. I can pick you up then?"

Sang Shi'an probed, "Are you going to see my Cenyu Jiejie?"

Wen Yansheng smiled, very understanding. "You come quietly. I won't tell her."

---

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