Edge of A Burning Kiss - Chapter 30

Seizing the opportunity, Xia Jin pushed Qin Yu away, her face flushed as she fled in embarrassment, quickly retreating to her bedroom and slamming the door shut behind her.

Fanbao, who had been following closely behind Xia Jin, nearly got his snout caught in the door. After being shut out, he whimpered pitifully and went to find Qin Yu instead.

Xia Jin lay on her bed, breathing heavily, her heart racing uncontrollably.

That had been way too close just a little more, and she would have…

Fallen for him.

But who could blame her? Qin Yu was just too good-looking. Who wouldn’t fall for a face like that?

Leaning against the wall with his broad shoulders, Qin Yu let out a helpless chuckle.

Oh well. If she ran, she ran. He had been too impatient and ended up scaring the poor girl.

He stood up and patted Fanbao’s head. “No canned food for you today.”

Fanbao’s grinning mouth immediately closed, his tail drooping as he whined pitifully behind Qin Yu.

Song Zhijian watched as Xia Jin hurried back to her bedroom, followed by Qin Yu, who strolled leisurely behind her, clearly in a good mood. He was utterly confused about what had just happened.

Song Zhijian: “Is Sister Xia Jin…?”

Qin Yu was in such high spirits that even his tone toward Song Zhijian softened. “Oh, she’s probably just hungry. Do you have any dietary restrictions, Mr. Song?”

“I don’t, but Sister Xia Jin doesn’t like onions or garlic.”

Qin Yu nodded. “I know that. But it seems Mr. Song cares quite a bit about our Xia Jin.”

Song Zhijian shook his head, a self-deprecating smile on his face. “Sister Xia Jin was the one who pulled me up when I was at my lowest. In my heart, I’ve always seen her as my savior. Of course, I’d care more about her well-being. I just hope she stays safe and happy.”

It was true that Song Zhijian liked Xia Jin, but more than that, he wished for her happiness and peace.

Qin Yu remained composed, as if the jealous man from earlier had never existed.

“Understandable. Xia Jin is worthy of being cherished.”

Song Zhijian gave Qin Yu a deep look. “May I ask your name, sir?”

“Qin Yu. I think you might have heard of me.”

Qin Yu had a renowned restaurant in the capital deliver five of Xia Jin’s favorite dishes, along with two specially ordered nourishing soups for Song Zhijian.

Song Zhijian stared at the two large bowls of soup floating with goji berries and longan, his lips twitching slightly.

“Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Qin.”

Xia Jin emerged in a fresh set of loungewear and, hearing Song Zhijian’s words, curiously peeked over.

Seeing the vibrant red goji berries, she nodded approvingly.

“Good, good. You really need to nourish your body. Otherwise, people might think I’m mistreating my employees if you’re always sickly.”

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she paused for a few seconds before speaking apologetically. “I’m sorry about what happened this morning. I didn’t mean to. Let me apologize first. If there’s anything I can do to make it up to you, just say the word.”

She was referring to the incident earlier that day when she had hit Song Zhijian out of anger after seeing him disregard his health and work overnight on design drafts.

Qin Yu, who was sitting beside Xia Jin picking out fish bones for her, raised an eyebrow at her words but didn’t ask what had happened.

Seeing Qin Yu’s movement, Song Zhijian thoughtfully explained, “It’s alright. Besides, Sister Xia Jin didn’t hit me hard, it was just a reminder. I was too impatient. The China Fashion Design Newcomer Award is coming up soon, but I still don’t have any new inspiration.”

Hearing this, Xia Jin paused her chopsticks and rested her chin on her hand. “If you don’t have inspiration for this competition, just wait until you do. There’s no rush. It’s not like the Newcomer Award is the only competition this year.”

Qin Yu placed a piece of deboned fish in Xia Jin’s bowl and lightly tapped her head. “Eat the fish, it’s good for your brain.”

Xia Jin shot him a defiant glare in response.

Qin Yu smiled without a word, simply picking up another dish and placing it on her plate. “Eat up.”

He then wiped his hands deliberately with a napkin before speaking. “Mr. Song, though I’m not in this industry, I once heard a designer friend say that the biggest taboo in design is clinging to the past.”

Song Zhijian’s expression darkened, and he fell silent.

This matter had always been an unhealed scar in his heart.

“If this issue becomes a mental block for you, your future designs will never break through or innovate. Your work will forever remain in the shadow of the past. And once your products are released, all your effort will be dismissed as plagiarism even if it was your own designs that were stolen.”

Qin Yu paused, his gaze sharp as he looked at Song Zhijian.

“If you want to clear your name, Xia Jin can immediately reveal the truth of what happened back then. But the thorn in your heart will still remain lodged in your throat, until one day you can no longer breathe fresh air.”

“That qipao Xia Jin is wearing, it’s beautiful, but don’t you think it resembles Form’s design style from last season? Mr. Song, you still can’t let go of your past work.”

Song Zhijian was smart enough to understand Qin Yu’s meaning.

In his heart, he cared too much about the theft of his designs. Even his current creations carried too much of his old style.

“So, do you want Xia Jin to help you reveal the truth?”

Xia Jin looked at Qin Yu in surprise, never expecting him to understand Song Zhijian’s thoughts better than she did.

For a moment, Song Zhijian’s eyes seemed distant, but he quickly regained his composure.

Of course, he didn’t need that. He believed that one day, he would prove himself not by relying on others, but through his own efforts.

He would show Xia Jin that he hadn’t failed her kindness when she helped him, a pitiable stranger, in the hospital infusion room.

“Thank you for your advice, President Qin. I know what I need to do now.”

Qin Yu didn’t seem surprised by his answer.

“Mr. Song is a smart man. I hope you achieve success soon, if only to make Xia Jin happy that she didn’t misjudge you.”

Xia Jin let out a quiet sigh of relief. She had been afraid Song Zhijian might impulsively agree to Qin Yu’s suggestion.

It seemed that, like her, Song Zhijian was fiercely independent.

Xia Jin didn’t eat much, the lingering effects of alcohol and waking up early left her stomach unsettled, and she was too drowsy to focus on anything but sleep.

She glanced at Song Zhijian, who had also eaten little. “Are you full? Is this enough? Drink some more of the nourishing soup, it’s good for you.”

Song Zhijian quickly waved his hand in refusal.

“Alright then!” Xia Jin nodded regretfully, making a mental note to have Xiao Zhi keep an eye on him to drink more nourishing soup in the future. “Since we’re done eating, let me take you back!”

But Qin Yu stopped her: “No need. Chi Fan is coming by later to drop something off, so he can give Mr. Song a ride back. You’ve been yawning nonstop during the meal, I wouldn’t want you to end up fatigued driving and accidentally toss Mr. Song into a ditch.”

After considering for a moment, Xia Jin found Qin Yu’s reasoning sound and turned to Song Zhijian. “Would it be alright if Qin Yu’s assistant takes you back instead?”

Song Zhijian smiled. “Of course. I’m already imposing by having Mr. Qin treat me to lunch today, and now even arranging a ride back for me.”

“No trouble at all. It’s only right to take good care of Xia Jin’s colleagues.”

Once again, Qin Yu demonstrated the magnanimity and responsibility befitting his role as the rightful partner.