Chapter 3

After the oppressive heat, a heavy rain fell over the southern city, bringing a slight drop in temperature.

With the wedding date drawing near, the Wen family was busier than ever. Although the upcoming event was merely a simple send-off banquet, the Wen family spared no effort in its preparation.

Originally, Jingyi Wen had planned to go out with Qiao Ran, who had just returned to the country, for hair care and a bit of shopping. But unexpectedly, Jinnan Xie arrived in the southern city ahead of schedule.

Jingyi Wen had no choice but to cancel her plans with Qiao Ran, which earned her some scolding for valuing romance over friendship.

Jinnan Xie’s flight landed at three in the afternoon, and by the time he reached the city, it was almost five.

As scheduled, a Bentley pulled up in front of the Wen residence in the afternoon.

Jingyi Wen had already prepared herself and, upon receiving Jinnan’s message, grabbed her bag and stepped out.

Having been on a plane for over ten hours, Jingyi Wen assumed he must be exhausted and expected a chauffeur to drive. But just as she exited the gate, she saw a tall, slender man leaning against the car, head down absorbed in his phone.

Noticing the movement, the man looked up.

Their eyes met in the air, and Jingyi Wen instinctively halted.

His gaze was unnervingly calm, tinged with a faint detachment; his pupils were as dark and deep as ink, inscrutable and unfathomable.

Jinnan straightened up and tucked his phone away.

He wore a finely tailored black shirt, its hem tucked neatly into loose, casual trousers. His slim waist and long legs, combined with a noble, subdued aura, made him look more like a spirited youth than the heir of a prestigious family.

There was no one else but him.

So, he was the driver?

Jingyi Wen took a deep breath. After all, he was soon to be her husband and a mature man, unlike the inexperienced boys she had met at school. She felt a slight nervousness.

Fortunately, she was accustomed to various social situations and quickly composed herself, stepping toward him.

“Mr. Xie,” she greeted first.

Jinnan opened the front passenger door and nodded slightly in response, his voice carrying a subtle distance: “Get in.”

“Thank you.”

Though gentlemanly manners were the bare minimum for a family of their standing, Jingyi Wen still thanked him.

He instinctively glanced at the girl before him.

Wearing light makeup and a pale blue dress that fell just below the knees, her softly curled long hair resting over her chest added a touch of charm and playfulness. Her politeness toward him was as usual.

Once Jingyi Wen got in, Jinnan closed the door behind her and walked around the front to the driver’s seat.

The faint scent of woodsy incense lingered in the car—subtle and refreshing. Jingyi Wen watched him settle in and quietly fastened her seatbelt.

“Anywhere you want to go?” Jinnan started the engine and asked, glancing over.

With her hands neatly clasping her bag’s strap and fingers manicured, she sat poised and elegant. After a moment’s thought, she said, “Mr. Xie probably hasn’t had a proper meal today. Let’s eat first.”

“Alright.”

Having just come off a long flight, Jinnan hadn’t eaten well and agreed without hesitation.

The car slowly left the villa district, heading toward the city center.

This was Jingyi Wen’s second time riding in Jinnan’s car. The first was on the night they first met, when their elders dined together to discuss the marriage and had arranged for Jinnan to escort her home to give the young couple some time alone.

Back then, as now, the ride was silent; neither spoke a word.

It seemed they had wasted their elders’ good intentions.

After returning home, Jingyi Wen even feared that Jinnan’s coldness meant he wouldn’t agree to the marriage.

She thought the wedding was doomed.

Yet the very next day, the Xie family sent over several auspicious dates for the engagement, awaiting the Wen family’s final decision.

Couples about to marry yet remaining so unfamiliar were surely rare.

The car was quiet, filled only with the gentle hum of white noise. Jingyi Wen didn’t mind their silent companionship, but that didn’t mean Jinnan did.

Ignoring the feelings of the person beside you was inappropriate.

She decided to break the silence.

Before leaving, her mother, Mrs. Yao, had anticipated the awkwardness of their first outing and suggested some topics to ease the atmosphere.

After briefly organizing her thoughts, Jingyi Wen tilted her head and asked out of simple curiosity, “I heard, Mr. Xie, that you like porcelain?”

Jinnan glanced at her sideways, his voice faint: “Yes.”

...Hmm?

And then?

Jingyi Wen pursed her lips, momentarily unsure how to continue.

Fortunately, Jinnan was considerate enough to extend the conversation, knowing that excessive coldness might embarrass a lady. “Do you like it, Miss Wen?”

She smiled softly and replied quietly, “My father likes it; I’ve been somewhat influenced by him.”

Having brought the topic this far, Jinnan politely said, “Next time, bring some porcelain for your father.”

Jingyi Wen was speechless.

That wasn’t exactly what she meant.

They went to an upscale music-themed restaurant, perfect for couples.

The first floor offered dining and dancing.

At the center was a grand dance floor, bathed in soft, shifting lights and playing melodious, lyrical tunes. Occasionally, couples would step onto the floor, lively and atmospheric.

Considering Jinnan’s fatigue, they dined in a private room by the window on the third floor.

The music’s volume was just right, and they could watch the dancing below.

Being a local, Jingyi Wen naturally wanted to be a gracious hostess. After briefly asking about Jinnan’s preferences, she ordered some light, appetizing dishes.

Given Jinnan’s condition, light food suited him perfectly.

Both adhered to the principle of “eat without speaking” and remained silent during the meal.

Jingyi Wen’s appetite was poor due to the recent heat and the unfamiliarity of dining with Jinnan; she ate only a few bites before setting down her chopsticks.

Across from her, the man was still eating—his movements unforced but unexpectedly elegant. The bright glass chandelier overhead cast light that traced the shadow of his eyelashes beneath his eyes.

He was stunningly handsome.

Jingyi Wen suddenly thought that no matter what mistakes he might make later, looking at that face would ease her anger.

Lost in thought, the man’s low, pleasant voice suddenly broke the silence: “Not to your taste?”

She had barely touched the generous spread of dishes.

But this was normal—many daughters of prominent families in Jingjiang prided themselves on grace and ate sparingly, chewing slowly and delicately, making it hard to believe they were truly satisfied.

In the southern city, etiquette was strict; Jingyi Wen was especially mindful.

Still, since it was their first time dining alone together, some concern was expected.

Snapping back to reality, she offered an excuse: “No, I just have a small appetite.”

Jinnan’s gaze lingered on her face for three or four seconds before he looked away.

Silence fell again.

Jingyi Wen took a sip of juice, sensing he had something to say but refrained for some unknown reason.

Dinner ended around seven. Unsure what to do next, she was about to ask Jinnan’s opinion when he spoke first: “Miss Wen, is there anywhere you’d like to go?”

Dating was a troublesome affair.

It couldn’t be only about her enjoyment, nor could it bore her. Finding a compromise was difficult.

Worse was being asked where she wanted to go.

Unwilling to toss the question back, she thought a moment and softly said, “Mr. Xie, you rarely come to the southern city, right? There’s a quiet park nearby. We could take a walk there, as a way to digest.”

Jinnan nodded and summoned the waiter.

After settling the bill, they left the restaurant.

Dusk deepened, and a cool summer breeze made the evening pleasantly refreshing.

Jingyi Wen held her bag with both hands and walked side by side with Jinnan, who almost matched her pace, seemingly adjusting for her.

Realizing this, she lowered her eyes slightly, a subtle emotion stirring within.

If only they could always respect each other like this.

Mutual respect and understanding.

Accompanying each other through life without being entangled in loves and hates, each maintaining independent emotional space.

Everyone would feel free and at ease.

“Cold?” the man suddenly asked.

What?

Immersed in her own world, Jingyi Wen instinctively raised her eyes, suddenly meeting his calm, indifferent gaze. The distant emotion in her eyes hadn’t yet fully withdrawn, laid bare before him.

Jinnan furrowed his brows, stopped walking, and patiently asked again, “Are you cold?”

Jingyi Wen rarely lost her composure, and her ears flushed. Luckily, her loose hair concealed her embarrassment, allowing her to quickly regain calm.

She answered softly, “I came out to feel the breeze, so no, I’m not cold.”

Jinnan was about to offer to get a jacket from the car when his phone suddenly rang.

Thoughtful, Jingyi Wen said, “You should take the call first.”

Jinnan glanced at the caller ID, his brow tightening. “Sorry.”

Jingyi Wen replied it was no problem as he answered and stepped aside.

She stood waiting, just as a message arrived on her phone.

[Assistant Bai Heng]: Miss, the investigation is complete.

So soon?

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard but before she could reply, Jinnan ended his call and returned.

She put her phone away, deciding to ask later.

The streetlights shone brightly, casting a long shadow of the tall man.

He put away his phone and stood before her, backlit, nearly enveloping her in the shadow of his imposing figure, an unspoken pressure making her fingers curl slightly.

Jinnan’s eyes held a trace of apology as he spoke politely but distantly, “I’m sorry, Miss Wen, but I won’t be able to accompany you to the park tonight.”

Jingyi Wen only smiled gently, understanding his situation. “It’s alright. The park can be visited another time.”

Jinnan studied her beautiful face, ensuring no hint of dissatisfaction, then paused before saying, “I’ll see you back home.”

Their first date ended abruptly with a simple dinner.

Jingyi Wen felt relieved rather than disappointed.

Being asked out was less appealing than attending a social dinner.

Given their unfamiliarity and mutual distance, it was better to take things slowly than to rush and cause mutual torment.

They had only shared a modest meal together on their first outing.

At the gate of the Wen villa, Jingyi Wen unfastened her seatbelt as Jinnan stepped out first and chivalrously opened the door for her.

She lifted her eyes to meet his neutral gaze; the streetlamp softened his usually sharp features.

He leaned against the doorframe, making it easier for her to step out.

After alighting, Jinnan still held the door, his deep voice gentler in the evening air: “Come inside. It’s dark.”

Looking at him, her eyes shimmering, Jingyi Wen said, “Goodbye, Mr. Xie.”

Jinnan smiled faintly—a rare sight—and responded with a low hum.

Just as she turned away, he suddenly called out, “Miss Wen.”

She turned back, puzzled.

Without explanation, Jinnan closed the door and walked to the trunk.

Before she could wonder why, he returned holding a bouquet of exquisitely wrapped roses and approached her.

“Mr. Xie...” Jingyi Wen was clearly unprepared.

He handed her the flowers, his eyes clear and composed, devoid of any hint of romance, as if giving flowers to a woman was merely a task: “For a first date, I heard a bouquet is more proper.”

Jingyi Wen smiled warmly and took the flowers into her arms. “Thank you, I like them very much.”

“Go inside,” Jinnan said.

Holding the vivid bouquet against her fair complexion, she looked even more radiant. She smiled softly and replied, “Alright.”

Jinnan watched her walk away, and after a moment, the smile in his eyes slowly faded.