Forced into a Contract Flash Marriage with the Ice-Cold Beauty - Chapter 20

Coincidentally, it was almost mealtime, and with Ji Nanchan’s shout, the alley was instantly packed with residents.

A dense crowd craned their necks to watch the spectacle, most of them holding steaming bowls of food. Wasn’t this drama of verbal sparring more entertaining than any TV show?

Auntie Wang, seeing the situation, knew without a doubt that Ji Nanchan had done this on purpose. She was so furious she could grind her teeth, her face alternating between red and purple. “You think you’re justified in bullying a child? I came to reason with you, and you deliberately made a scene. I think you’re just feeling guilty!”

Ji Nanchan curled her lips into a careless, roguish smile. “What level of issue is this that I’d need to feel guilty? Your child doesn’t know how to behave properly, acting like a little tyrant in the alley all day long. Which neighbor hasn’t suffered because of your chubby kid? Everyone just wants peace and quiet and can’t be bothered to argue, but here you are, pushing your luck and throwing a tantrum.”

Onlooker A: “Exactly! Just the other day, those brats threw stones at someone riding a bike and made them tumble head over heels.”

Onlooker B: “Last time too, they threw rocks around and smashed someone’s window.”

Onlooker C: “What if someone had been walking under that window? How terrifying would it have been if they’d been hurt?”

“…”

The surrounding chatter was filled with disdain, it seemed the residents had long been fed up with the unruly children at the alley’s entrance.

Auntie Wang was now completely silenced, her anger boiling over. She grabbed her son’s ear to vent her frustration. “You little troublemaker! Causing trouble outside and embarrassing me like this!”

The chubby kid let out a wail, plopping down on the ground and kicking his legs wildly, as if throwing a fit was the only way to win the adults’ sympathy.

Auntie Wang yanked him up by the collar and slapped him hard across the face several times. “Stop crying! If you get your pants dirty, I’ll be the one who has to wash them again!”

Ji Nanchan turned to Leng Bingqin, blinking to convey her delight, then wrapped an arm tightly around her shoulders, leaning in naturally to whisper in her ear, “I’ve vented that anger for you. Are you happy?”

Leng Bingqin rested contentedly in her embrace, nuzzling her neck. So this was what it felt like to be well protected. “I’m always causing you trouble, but I really love how you protect me.”

Her tone, stripped of its usual childishness, sounded mature and earnest. Ji Nanchan was momentarily stunned, mulling over the words “love how you protect me.”

Turning back to the ongoing farce, she interrupted Auntie Wang’s rough handling. “Hey, hey, don’t just take it out on the kid. Are we checking the surveillance footage or not?”

At the mention of surveillance, Auntie Wang thought that if things escalated and the incidents of tripping people and breaking windows came to light, she might end up losing everything. Her attitude instantly shifted, and she put on a pleasant expression. “No, no need. He’s just a child. Sometimes he doesn’t know his own strength when he’s playing around. Please be a little more understanding, everyone.” All Auntie Wang wanted now was to smooth things over and quickly escape the scene.

Ji Nanchan, not one to let go when she had the upper hand, pressed on. “You insulted my girlfriend and cursed me out. Don’t you think you owe us a proper apology?”

“Xiao Ji, we see each other all the time. After all these years, don’t you know what kind of person Auntie Wang is? I’m straightforward, never had much schooling, and my words often rub people the wrong way.” Auntie Wang stepped forward, rubbing her hands together as she explained gently, then offered an awkward smile to Leng Bingqin. “Miss, please don’t take what I said to heart.”

Turning around, Auntie Wang grabbed her son, pressed his head down, and made him bow to the two women. “Hurry up and apologize to the two aunties. Just wait till I deal with you when we get home.”

Ji Nanchan still had her arm around Leng Bingqin, signaling for her to wrap up this commotion. Her smile was filled with a confidence that made one fearless.

Leng Bingqin reached out and ruffled the chubby kid’s head. “Study hard, read more books, stop throwing stones and fighting. Don’t cry now, we forgive you.”

“Alright, everyone, disperse. Nothing to see here.” Auntie Wang raised her voice to shoo away the onlookers, then hurried off with her son in tow.

Leng Bingqin linked arms with Ji Nanchan, secretly pleased, then tilted her head and whispered, “Why do you trust me unconditionally? Actually, I did bully that chubby kid today.”

Hearing her honest confession, Ji Nanchan wasn’t surprised. Instead, she seemed intrigued by her actions. “Really? That’s good at least you’ve learned to give as good as you get. Tell me, how did you bully him?”

“They were throwing stones at me again, so I caught the chubby kid first, then lined up all the troublemakers and gave them a good scolding. After that, I used the bump on my head as an excuse to extort a five-yuan ice cream cone from them. I guess he couldn’t figure it out, so he ran home to tattle.” Leng Bingqin recounted her exploits with relish.

“That’s not bullying. As an adult, it’s your duty to stop those little rascals from engaging in dangerous behavior. Besides, with your head bruised like that, settling for just an ice cream cone is letting them off easy.” Ji Nanchan laughed, taking Leng Bingqin’s hand and leading her inside. “Come on, let’s have some potstickers. They smell delicious.”

Stepping out of the elevator, Bai Qingrang was discussing tomorrow’s final proposal with her secretary.

The receptionist, about to clock out, hurried over when she saw her boss return. “President Bai, there’s a delivery for you.”

Bai Qingrang stopped, puzzled. “What delivery?”

The receptionist struggled to lift a large bouquet. “They’re roses.”

The lush, pale purple roses bloomed like neon lights swaying in the evening, adorned with an air of romance and mysterious uncertainty. Perhaps the employees slacking off in the breakroom had been gossiping about it all afternoon.

Bai Qingrang, who had been expressionless, broke into a pleased smile at the corners of her lips. “I’ll take them, thank you.”

As she accepted the roses, her view was nearly blocked by the extravagant bouquet. She pulled out the card and admired the handwritten message “From now on, every chance encounter will be my deliberate attempt to see you.”

The sound of the elevator doors opening came from behind. Lu Zhimo stepped out wearing a khaki trench coat, her brisk steps causing the belt to flutter. “Workaholic, it’s time to call it a day.”

The secretary and receptionist exchanged glances, their eyes brimming with barely contained excitement over this juicy gossip. They never expected President Bai’s partner to be a woman tall, poised, with an undeniable aura of coolness. Not only did she send flowers, but she also came to pick her up after work. They were such a perfect match it was enviable.

Narrator: Indeed, when women are with women, the world finds peace

Bai Qingrang turned at the sound, surprised by Lu Zhimo’s sudden appearance. Since they were at the company with employees around, she shoved the roses into Lu Zhimo’s arms and coolly instructed, “Wait for me in my office first.”

“Thank you for your trouble.” Lu Zhimo gave a warm smile to the secretary and the receptionist before following Bai Qingrang toward the office.

As they walked down the narrow corridor, Bai Qingrang’s high heels tapped out a subtly anxious rhythm, and not a word was exchanged the entire way.

Lu Zhimo mistakenly thought her unannounced visit had angered the other woman. Once they entered the office and she gently closed the door, a surge of pent-up urgency pressed Bai Qingrang against the corner.

Bai Qingrang’s kiss was like a wildfire that refused to burn out, growing fiercer and clouding reason. Breathing in the uniquely intoxicating scent of Lu Zhimo, her cool tongue slipped into lips she had longed for all day, desperately seeking a response.

The bouquet of roses fell at their feet. In an instant, Bai Qingrang was pulled into a firm embrace, warm breath brushing against her ear.

Lu Zhimo’s hand cupped the back of her head, lips and teeth wandering to her ear, teasing with measured licks and gentle bites that stirred a restless itch.

With the last shred of reason, they pulled each other back to reality, heavy breaths giving way to knowing smiles.

Lu Zhimo pecked Bai Qingrang’s brow and whispered with a sigh, “Your responses always catch me off guard.”

Bending to pick up the roses, Bai Qingrang carefully rearranged the blooms and complained, “The petals are falling.”

Wrapping her arms around that slender waist, Lu Zhimo rested her chin on Bai Qingrang’s shoulder and murmured, “I didn’t know what flowers you liked, but elegant purple roses seemed like a safe bet.”

“I like anything you give me, though I especially loved the sweet words in the card. Did you write them yourself?” Bai Qingrang tidied the flowers as she moved toward her desk.

“Of course, I wrote them myself. If you like them, I’ll write one every day until you marry me.”

“And after we’re married, they stop?” Bai Qingrang teased deliberately. Lu Zhimo couldn’t resist nuzzling and kissing the nape of her neck. “After marriage, I’ll say them to you in person every day.”

“What made you decide to pick me up after work today?”

After Bai Qingrang finished organizing her desk, Lu Zhimo took her handbag first. “You always treat me to meals. If I keep this up while courting you, I’ll lose points. You have to give me a chance to show my worth.”

“Not bad. I seriously suspect you’re a natural charmer, falling for everyone you meet.” Bai Qingrang narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Lu Zhimo. Her tone was light, but the question was loaded.

“Do I really seem that fickle?” Lu Zhimo raised an eyebrow, leaning in to rub against Bai Qingrang’s neck, pretending to be hurt. “And here I was worried you’d be upset about me showing up unannounced at your office, only to find out this is how you see me.”

“Alright, alright, I was just teasing.” Bai Qingrang placed her hand on Lu Zhimo’s face, playfully pinching her cheek. “Why would I be upset? Were you worried about causing me trouble?”

“A little. After all, when it comes to pursuing you, my confidence isn’t exactly high.”

“True. You can’t expect to win me over with just a bouquet. The pursuit is far from over, Miss Lu. Keep trying~ Let’s go, I’m a bit hungry.”

Holding the handbag in one hand and lacing her fingers with Bai Qingrang’s with the other, Lu Zhimo said, “Alright, it’s time for the world’s toughest question: what do you want to eat?”

“Hmm… I feel like having seafood today, and maybe finding a spot for a little drink. What do you think?”

“You really like seafood?” Lu Zhimo noted Bai Qingrang’s preference, then added in surprise, “You’re in such a good mood that you even want a drink?”

“Because I’ve found someone willing to peel shrimp for me.” Bai Qingrang leaned close to Lu Zhimo’s ear, whispering provocatively, “And if I happen to get drunk, I’ll let the shrimp-peeler take advantage.”

“I’d be more than happy to peel shrimp for you, so?” Lu Zhimo turned and kissed the tip of her nose, “Please keep up this habit of ‘accidentally’ getting drunk, Miss Bai.”