Another Day of Pretending for the Wealthy Couple - Chapter 63

A Manor in the South

A Mercedes drove through the iron gate and came to a stop in front of a five-story villa along the wide, winding asphalt road.

The door opened, and Ji Ting stepped out, hurrying inside.

He entered a sunroom where a pale-faced man sat, dressed in pristine white loungewear, exuding the refined elegance of a noble young master.

This was Shen Xichen, the eldest son of the Shen family and cousin to Shen Xiling.

Without looking up at the sound of movement, Shen Xichen asked, “Has the news been released?”

Ji Ting nodded. “If my niece truly intends to wipe us out, as you said, then the evidence of the Zhong family’s daughter-in-law murdering her own brother to seize the family fortune will surface.”

Shen Xichen picked up a sandalwood teapot and poured a cup of tea for the man across from him.

“Have you found the right person? Make sure nothing goes wrong.”

Ji Ting nodded again. “Don’t worry, this time we’ll strike them hard.”

He then looked up and asked, “Young Master Shen, what are your plans after this?”

Shen Xichen smiled, his exquisite features so stunning they were almost disorienting. Yet, behind his serene, almost divine appearance lay a venomous mind.

The man glanced up briefly. “Don’t ask unnecessary questions.”

He detested chatter and idle talk.

Ji Ting fell silent, stood up, and took his leave. Shen Xichen was a recluse, rarely seen in social circles. When he had first offered to help Ji Ting seize the Ji family, Ji Ting had asked him why. Shen Xichen had simply replied that he wanted to see people fall from grace.

Midway through their plan, however, Ji Ting’s fourth brother had managed to ally himself with the Zhong family of Yanjing.

As Ji Ting left, he passed a woman with long, straight black hair, blunt bangs, and dark pupils. Dressed in a black cheongsam, she entered the tea room and knelt beside Shen Xichen to serve tea. The stark contrast of black and white was striking.

So much for his righteous facade, he’s still just a man, Ji Ting snorted to himself before departing.

Once inside his car, he muttered under his breath, “Must be nice to have a father in high office.”

Everyone seemed to have connections these days.

“Let’s go, back home.”

As the car exited through the black iron gate, it was struck head-on by an oncoming truck.

Bang!

The vehicle flipped onto its side.

News of the accident on Kaiyun Avenue was suppressed but still reached many ears.

An accident in the affluent district, though the identity of the victim remained unknown, it was clear they were no ordinary person.

Ji Tanyuan and Zhong Yan landed in Shanghai, both wearing sunglasses as they stepped out of the airport.

Ji Tanyuan took a deep breath. “The air in Shanghai smells better than in Yanjing.”

Zhong Yan snorted. “Smells like coffee.”

Ji Tanyuan: “…”

You’re practically marinated in Americanos, drinking one religiously every day, bitter enough to make one question life.

Ji Tanyuan said, “You head to the company later. I’m meeting a friend.”

“Going to see Miss Zhang again?” Zhong Yan asked.

Ji Tanyuan hummed in agreement. “Want to come along?”

Zhong Yan strode ahead, his tall figure standing out in the airport. People frequently glanced at the pair, the man in a black overcoat, white shirt, and black trousers, his hair neatly styled, sunglasses on, exuding a lazy confidence. Beside him, the woman wore a camel coat and a black dress, her red lips impeccably done. In heels, she stood around 178 cm, a perfect match for his 188 cm.

Their aristocratic aura was evident even from the water-wave patterns of their coats. Some onlookers paused, trying to guess if they were celebrities.

Zhong Yan seemed oblivious as he continued walking, remarking casually, “No, that pink hair of hers gives me a headache.”

Ji Tanyuan scoffed, “It obviously looks great. There’s a generation gap every three years, clearly, you’re just old.”

Zhong Yan replied, “Miss Ji, attacking someone based on age isn’t very fair.”

As he finished speaking, he suddenly turned, cupped the back of her neck, and leaned in to kiss her lips. Caught off guard, Ji Tanyuan’s gasp was swallowed by the passionate kiss.

She tilted her head back, trying to evade him, but the man pursued her relentlessly, refusing to break the kiss.

By the time they pulled apart, both were breathless, her lips redder than before. Traces of her lipstick smudged Zhong Yan’s mouth, lending him a slightly lustful air. Behind them, Assistant Liang and Secretary Zhang averted their eyes.

The boss is at it again. This couple, flaunting their good looks, really have no shame.

Assistant Liang whispered to Secretary Zhang, “Do you think Madam actually likes our boss?”

Secretary Zhang eyed him suspiciously. “Why are you asking?”

“You’re a woman, same as Madam. It makes sense to ask you.” Liang said matter-of-factly.

“We may share the same gender, but my opinion holds no reference value.”

“Then do you think Chairman Zhong has fallen for Madam?” Secretary Zhang retorted.

Assistant Liang tilted his chin toward the couple. “Look how lovey-dovey they are. What do you think?”

Secretary Zhang sighed. “But they…”

Assistant Liang adopted a tone of someone who saw everything clearly from the sidelines. “There’s still plenty of drama ahead.”

“What married couple doesn’t argue? Besides emotions, they’ll clash over interests too. It’s going to be lively, this marriage isn’t for nothing.”

“Who knows, maybe they’ll either be kissing or fighting across the conference table someday.”

Secretary Zhang warned, “You talk too much, Assistant Liang. Loose lips sink ships.”

“Just enjoying some gossip. Look how cautious you are, don’t tell me you’ve never complained about the boss behind his back?”

Secretary Zhang widened her eyes, looking shocked. “Don’t you dare slander me. I’m telling you, I haven’t.”

“Want to bet on whether they’ll get divorced? What do you think?” Assistant Liang challenged.

“They won’t. The master and madam share a bond stronger than gold, more devoted than lovebirds or immortals. They’ll definitely grow old together.” Secretary Zhang declared firmly.

Assistant Liang, however, said, “I bet they’ll divorce.”

He watched the two of them, convinced they would inevitably separate.

With that, he strode off to follow Zhong Yan, who had finished his affectionate moment and was leaving contentedly.

Secretary Zhang glanced at Ji Tanyuan’s flushed face, then at Zhong Yan’s clearly pleased retreating figure.

“Fine, it’s a bet. If I win, you give me your newly bought car. If you win, I’ll give you mine.”

“Deal.”

Assistant Liang asked, “What kind of car did you get?”

“A Defender.”

Land Rover Defender, Assistant Liang thought. Not bad.

Ji Tanyuan touched her lips. Zhong Yan was truly skilled at flirting.

Just moments ago, he had whispered sweet nothings, calling her “baby.”

She had never been called “baby” by a man before.

Ji Tanyuan crossed her arms and shuddered, shaking off the goosebumps.

So, nauseating.

She got into the car, where her assistant, Tang Xin, had been waiting in the driver’s seat for some time. Seeing her superior settle in, Tang Xin asked, “Are we heading to Young Master Shen’s place?”

Ji Tanyuan hummed in agreement.

“Why is he so persistent?”

If he hadn’t pulled this stunt, she would have almost forgotten about that creep. It turned out he was the one behind the pressure on the Ji family back then. She only confirmed it after Ji Ting went to Kaiyun Villa.

When Ji Tanyuan arrived at the mansion, it was just past noon. The private room was filled with the delicate aroma of tea. Pushing the door open, she smiled faintly and said:

“Young Master Shen, long time no see.”

Shen Xichen looked up. With his pale eyelashes, white sweater, and serene breathing, he exuded an ethereal aura, as if he might ascend to the heavens at any moment.

“Did you hire someone to hit Ji Ting?” the man asked.

“A traitor like him deserves to be taught a lesson.” Ji Tanyuan replied, taking a seat.

“Does Xiling know how venomous your heart is?”

Ji Tanyuan’s eyes curved into a smile as she retorted sarcastically, “What’s it to you?”

“Aren’t you afraid I might be recording this?” Shen Xichen pulled out a voice recorder.