PB - Chapter 18
Chapter 18
When Gu Jianchu returned to the hotel, the hour hand on her watch pointed to ten. The jet lag, combined with the alcohol she’d just had, meant she wasn’t sleepy. If not for the consideration that Qiao Qi might be resting, she would have preferred to chat with her at this hour. Back in her room, a timely call came in from Gu Fanchu. After briefing him on a few matters, drowsiness finally began to set in.
The floor-to-ceiling window in the bedroom overlooked the city. Early the next morning, Gu Jianchu sat on her bed, bathing in the morning light. The city seemed not yet awake, like a static, three-dimensional painting, utterly silent. She gazed out the window and did a few simple stretches before leaving the bedroom. Liu Yanyan handed her a set of freshly ironed clothes.
“Did President Qiao eat well last night?”
“I asked Secretary Yao. She said President Qiao’s appetite has never been very good, so we shouldn’t worry too much about it.”
“What time is it?”
“7:40. Your meeting with President Qiao is at eight.”
Qiao Qi was sitting in the restaurant, lost in thought. Gu Jianchu spotted her almost the moment she walked in. Something outside the window had captured the woman’s full attention, so much so that even Gu Jianchu’s approach failed to bring her back. Gu Jianchu realized that Qiao Qi was actually prone to spacing out. When she wasn’t working, when she had a moment of leisure, she would probably just sit quietly like this, lost in her thoughts.
Standing a few steps away, Gu Jianchu watched the woman in her reverie for a moment, an inexplicable sense of joy rising within her. She sat down and asked softly, “What are you thinking about?”
Qiao Qi pulled her gaze back and turned her head slightly to see Gu Jianchu’s exquisite, smiling face. She, too, curved her brows into a smile. “I was thinking about what this city has been through. I already ordered before you arrived; I hope you’ll like it.” She rarely made decisions for others, but this time, she was subconsciously certain that her choice would be to Gu Jianchu’s liking. And as it turned out, she was right.
Of course, Gu Jianchu was aware of this understanding between them and was not stingy with her praise. “You’re always so impressive, figuring out my preferences so quickly. If we spend any more time together, I’m afraid nothing will escape your eyes.”
Qiao Qi smiled. “You don’t have to force yourself to like it if you don’t. I’m not that petty.”
Gu Jianchu’s brows lifted slightly. “You just want to hear me say I like it. Well, I’ll tell you, I like it very much. Not just today’s breakfast, but you as a person, too.”
Qiao Qi’s bashfulness was masked by her inherent composure. She sidestepped the compliment. “I also enjoy spending time with you. After breakfast, I’ll go upstairs to change.”
Gu Jianchu went along with the change of topic. “Did you rest well last night? Is your jet lag severe?”
“It was fine. It’s not a problem.”
Gu Jianchu then steered the conversation to the day’s exhibition. Qiao Qi had done some research the previous night, so she was looking forward to the itinerary. The topic ended as they finished their breakfast.
When Qiao Qi came down from her room, she had changed into a simple, comfortable outfit and tied her hair into a ponytail. Her serene smile and gentle demeanor were the epitome of Eastern beauty. The car was ready. She rode with Gu Jianchu. Perhaps they had exhausted all topics of conversation during breakfast, as the ride was exceptionally quiet, with only the soft sounds of Qiao Qi’s responses audible when she took a call.
According to her original schedule, Qiao Qi was supposed to return home on Tuesday. Gu Jianchu’s whim had led the ever-dedicated President Qiao to take a rare two-day leave. Back home, Xu Yangpu had received notifications to handle some urgent matters, while Qiao Qi could only manage her work remotely for the next few days. Gu Jianchu was, of course, well aware of this.
Upon arriving at the exhibition, Gu Jianchu’s appearance caused a small stir. She wore a long black dress, with lipstick and high heels in a matching shade. Coupled with her already stunning face, her temperament and beauty combined to naturally draw attention. At any booth that caught her eye, the staff became noticeably more attentive than before.
Qiao Qi rarely attended exhibitions, so she approached everything with a sense of novelty and anticipation. It was an international-level event, with strict standards for specifications and technology. The booths at the tech exhibition were designed with a futuristic feel, either incorporating the latest technology or opting for a metallic style. To her, it was all very special.
She had been following Gu Jianchu’s lead, but this time, Qiao Qi stopped at a particular booth. On display was a smart cat, palm-sized and not particularly refined, making simple pouncing and swatting motions.
Gu Jianchu could see from her expression that she liked it. Mimicking her posture, she bent over slightly to take a serious look. “This is just standard neural mimicry technology, and it’s not very mature. The investment value at this stage is low.”
Qiao Qi turned her head to look at her and said one word: “Annoying.”
Gu Jianchu froze for a second. Qiao Qi’s tone was a playful complaint, the kind one only used with someone familiar. Her heart fluttered. She took Qiao Qi’s hand and led her to a more interesting booth. “You’ll like this one more.”
“You really came to America.” A sudden voice, tinged with surprise, interrupted their sweet moment. Gu Jianchu and Qiao Qi turned simultaneously to face the person who had appeared out of nowhere.
Gu Jianchu smiled faintly. “Young Master Jin, long time no see.”
“What a coincidence, Miss Gu. Are you here for the exhibition too? I’m in America, so I thought I’d stop by.” Jin Zhiyu had actually spotted Qiao Qi from a distance—the woman with the slender, straight back who seemed both out of place and impossible to ignore in the crowd. He was surprised she would leave her office to come to an exhibition.
“How have you been, Young Master? It’s been a while since we’ve seen you back home.” Jin Zhiyu being sent to America two years ago had been a minor event in Beijing. Rumor had it that he was arrested for drug involvement, and after his release, the Jin family sent him to the States to lie low. Gu Jianchu hadn’t expected to run into him here.
Jin Zhiyu chatted naturally and amicably with Gu Jianchu. Of course, he hadn’t just “stopped by.” He had heard from Jin Zhilan that Qiao Qi was coming to America. Knowing she was with Gu Jianchu, he had taken a guess and rushed here, and he had actually found them. “Sister Qiqi, what brings you here for a look around?”
Qiao Qi answered him as if discussing business. “Ruifeng will be increasing its asset allocation in this area in the future, so I came to see. You should study up on this as well.”
In Gu Jianchu’s impression, the Jin family was generally unfriendly toward Qiao Qi. But seeing Jin Zhiyu’s interaction with her, it lacked the hostility of Jin Zhilan. She remained silent, waiting quietly on the side.
Jin Zhiyu was agreeable, smiling to reveal a set of bright teeth. “When are you heading back? Since you’re here, you should stay a few more days. Are you free for dinner tonight?”
Qiao Qi’s brows curved slightly. “My flight is the day after tomorrow.” Then she asked him, “Is your allowance enough?”
Gu Jianchu’s eyebrows lifted slightly. She really had the air of an older sister. Jin Zhiyu’s tone of voice also surprised her. She was reminded of Qi Sitian’s protective attitude toward Qiao Qi. It seemed Qiao Qi hadn’t been in a completely passive position in the Jin family these past few years.“You two chat first.”
After Gu Jianchu left, Jin Zhiyu finally voiced his doubts. “Why are you with her?” In his eyes, Jin Zhilan had always been on good terms with Gu Jianchu, making her and Qiao Qi people from different worlds.
Hearing his tone, Qiao Qi was puzzled. “Has Jianchu offended you in some way?”
“She’s always been close with Jin Zhilan and Qi Simiao. For her to suddenly get close to you… be careful, she might have ulterior motives.” Jin Zhiyu left it at that. “Are you free for dinner tonight?”
“Alright.” Qiao Qi thought for a moment, then added, “Go and invite Jianchu as well. Ask her if she’s free tonight.”
“Okay, I’ll go ask right now.”
Gu Jianchu was with Liu Yanyan and some people from the local branch office, gathered around a booth in a serious discussion. Jin Zhiyu didn’t want to interrupt, so he accompanied Qiao Qi on a casual stroll, chatting idly about family matters. He had been studying diligently in America for the past two years and was less impetuous than when he first arrived. He even had his own views on the company’s development.
“Sister Qiqi, do you think the points I made are useful?” After sharing his thoughts, the current Jin Zhiyu had learned to ask for others’ opinions.
“Very good,” Qiao Qi said amiably. “Have you thought about which department you’d like to join when you return to the company?”
“I’m still considering it.”
“Alright.”
Just then, Gu Jianchu walked over and said to Qiao Qi, “I have a meeting at the company this afternoon, so I can’t join you for dinner.”
“That’s perfect. Zhiyu invited me to dinner. I was just about to ask if you were free.”
“Then I’ll have to entrust you to Young Master Jin’s care for now.”
“Sister Qiqi rarely comes for a visit. I’ll definitely take good care of her.”
“Then I’ll have to trouble you, Young Master Jin.”
Jin Zhiyu frowned slightly. He felt there was an inexplicable sense of ownership in Gu Jianchu’s words regarding Qiao Qi. He glanced at Qiao Qi and saw that her expression remained composed. He replied, “How can treating my own sister to dinner be a bother?”
Gu Jianchu’s brows lifted slightly. She said her goodbyes to Qiao Qi and returned to her subordinates. Qiao Qi’s gaze followed her. Their discussion was still ongoing. Gu Jianchu’s serious and focused expression was all the more captivating, all the more heart-stirring. People around them couldn’t help but steal glances at such a beautiful woman. Qiao Qi shook her head and continued to wander aimlessly with Jin Zhiyu.
Dinner was arranged by Jin Zhiyu. Qiao Qi hadn’t had much of an appetite these past few days. She ate a little and then stopped, listening quietly as Jin Zhiyu talked about his recent life. After dinner, knowing she didn’t sleep well, Jin Zhiyu made no other plans and sent her directly back to the hotel. Just as he said goodbye to Qiao Qi, an urgent call came from Jin Zhihuan.
“What is Qiao Qi doing over there? Is anyone from the company with her?”
Jin Zhiyu adjusted the rearview mirror, his tone light. “Big Brother, you’re too tense. She was dragged around the exhibition all day by Rongfang’s President Gu. No one from the company here even knows she came. Don’t worry, she’s flying back tomorrow night. She can’t make any moves in such a short time.”
“Zhiyu, can’t you see it yet? Qiao Qi is not simple.”
Of course she’s not simple, Jin Zhiyu kept that thought to himself. “Don’t worry, Big Brother. I’ll be back soon, and I’ll definitely work hard this time. Big Brother, I’m driving, so I’ll talk to you later.” He hung up the phone before starting the car and driving away.
Gu Jianchu returned to the hotel around the same time as the previous day. Passing by Qiao Qi’s door, she hesitated for a moment before raising her hand and knocking. She heard the faint sound of approaching footsteps, and the door opened to reveal Yao Qiu’s questioning expression.
“Where is she?” Gu Jianchu asked as she walked into the room.
“On the balcony.”
She was spacing out on the balcony again. It seemed Qiao Qi had spent her entire sudden vacation lost in thought. The sound of Gu Jianchu’s high heels startled the daydreaming woman. Her unfocused eyes gradually cleared, and a faint smile appeared. “What are you doing here?”
“I have a few bottles of good wine in my room. Care for a drink?”
It was an offer tailored to her tastes, so Qiao Qi was naturally pleased. “Then I won’t be polite.”
Gu Jianchu’s wine was always perfectly suited to Qiao Qi’s preferences, so she was in a good mood. She stood shoulder to shoulder with Gu Jianchu, leaning against the balcony railing, feeling the foreign breeze as they chatted about matters back home. But the woman’s expression was too beautiful, so much so that even the night couldn’t conceal it, making one unable to resist the urge to kiss her.
And what Gu Jianchu thought, she did. Her movement was so swift that before Qiao Qi could comprehend what was happening, her lips were enveloped by a warm softness. It was like an electric shock. She finally registered her current situation: she was being held in Gu Jianchu’s arms and kissed. And her first reaction wasn’t to push away, but to be at a complete loss.
Just as Gu Jianchu was about to make a further move, Qiao Qi raised her hands and pushed her away. Gu Jianchu’s eyes were filled with a dazed confusion. Qiao Qi herself was in a trance, but the words came out instinctively, “President Gu, thank you for your hospitality. It’s late, I’ll be heading back now.”
Qiao Qi’s voice was overly calm. Gu Jianchu could finally see her expression clearly—a little cold, a little evasive. Without waiting for a reply, Qiao Qi offered an apology and immediately turned to leave. Gu Jianchu didn’t follow. She raised a hand to her own lips, which had just kissed Qiao Qi’s. She could taste the lingering aroma of wine on them—a little cool, and a little intoxicating.
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