Join a Dating Reality Show with the Aloof, Fishing-Style Richest Man - Chapter 24.2

In the time it took to eat one meal, these two have already teamed up? They’ve formed a united front?

“Then return the money to me,” Ji Zhaoxi said.

“!”

Lu Zhao’s eyes widened instantly. She scooted her butt back, clutching Tangyuan to move away from Ji Zhaoxi, and looked at her warily. “You sound like a scumbag ex-boyfriend asking for dating expenses back after a breakup!”

Ji Zhaoxi: “…”

Her expression became a kaleidoscope of colors. What kind of description is that?!

“And…” Lu Zhao’s dramatic side took over. She looked at Ji Zhaoxi with teary eyes, pretending to wipe away a stray tear. “And I was seen completely by you. You gave me financial compensation, but how are you going to pay for the mental damages!”

She clutched her heart in mock agony. “In here! No matter how much you pay, it’s not enough!”

Looking at her theatrical display, Ji Zhaoxi said very sincerely, “I remember the last time you brought me back… didn’t you see all of me?”

“I…”

Lu Zhao met her gaze, her mouth hanging open, speechless. Now that she mentioned it, that seemed to be true. She had seen Ji Zhaoxi last time, and she hadn’t given any compensation at all!

To put it bluntly, she had enjoyed a “free show”!

Looking at it that way, she really was “shameless”!

“No, it’s different! I only saw half of you!” Lu Zhao defended herself, her confidence growing as she spoke. She puffed out her chest and said, “I only saw one-half, but you saw my entire whole!”

Her words were powerful and resonant, clearly showing a person with a strong sense of conviction!

Ji Zhaoxi looked at her in shock. She didn’t expect her to be so “mad” that she would calculate it so precisely!

Moreover, her tone sounded exactly like that famous internet meme: All he lost was a leg, but she lost her love!

At this thought, several black lines appeared on Ji Zhaoxi’s face. Why did this feel so off?

“If you care that much about that ‘half,’ I can let you see the rest. I can even throw in an extra half as a bonus,” Ji Zhaoxi said, her expression incredibly serious.

“???”

Lu Zhao looked at her with an expression that screamed, Is this person really Ji Zhaoxi? Has she started becoming this unscrupulous too?

Who corrupted her!

“Don’t you have any sense of ‘nudity shame’!”

Ji Zhaoxi replied calmly, “I’m a Northerner. Do you think it’s reasonable to talk about nudity shame with a Northerner?”

“I’m a Northerner too!” Lu Zhao reflexively retorted.

“Oh. Well, I don’t have any.”

Lu Zhao’s cheeks puffed up with anger. No, she couldn’t lose. She couldn’t let herself be led by the nose like this!

“Then neither do I!” Lu Zhao went for broke, shouting forcefully, “If you dare show me the remaining half, I’ll dare to show you a whole one again! No matter how you slice it, I’ll still be ‘half’ ahead of you!”

Ji Zhaoxi gave her a faint look, then stood up, her hand slowly moving to the button of her shirt.

Seeing this, Lu Zhao quickly put Tangyuan down and stood up alertly, her hand gripping the hem of her pajama top. She looked ready to strip at any moment if things went south.

The two of them entered a bizarre standoff.

“You don’t need to force yourself just for the sake of your pride,” Ji Zhaoxi said, unbuttoning the top button of her shirt.

“It’s a fact! How is it pride!” Lu Zhao said stubbornly, lifting the hem of her shirt slightly.

“But when I saw you earlier, you clearly cared a lot.” Ji Zhaoxi unbuttoned the second button, revealing a hint of her exquisite collarbone.

“I was just startled by your sudden appearance! It wasn’t because you saw me!” Lu Zhao yanked her shirt up further, revealing half of her stomach with its smooth, sleek lines.

At this moment, both seemed to have forgotten their original goal. They were like two immature elementary school students determined to win a contest.

Beneath her glasses, Ji Zhaoxi’s eyes remained calm, only flickering slightly with a raised eyebrow when Lu Zhao spoke.

Tangyuan sat between them, looking from one to the other, seemingly confused about what these two-legged giants were doing.

The atmosphere grew strange. It wasn’t a silent environment, yet every tiny movement from the other person felt amplified in their hearts, making their senses incredibly sharp.

Ji Zhaoxi unhurriedly unbuttoned another button, her voice faint: “I didn’t move at the time. How could I have startled you?”

The white lace edge of her underwear was slightly visible. Lu Zhao saw it clearly, but at the same time, she hated her excellent eyesight! A faint blush uncontrollably crept onto her cheeks.

“You’re blushing,” Ji Zhaoxi said in a very serious, solemn tone.

“Bullsh*t! You’re the one blushing!” Lu Zhao reflexively snapped back. To prove her point, she yanked her shirt up even further, revealing her entire midriff. It was an extremely eye-catching sight.

Ji Zhaoxi fell silent for a moment. She hadn’t seen clearly earlier, but now that she saw it, she realized Lu Zhao actually had “mermaid lines” (V-cut abs)! Her hand, which was about to unbutton the next button, paused.

“Yes, I am blushing,” Ji Zhaoxi said while staring at Lu Zhao’s mermaid lines.

Lu Zhao thought it was weird that Ji Zhaoxi wasn’t looking at her eyes while talking. Following her gaze downward, her ears turned bright red with fury!

“You pervert!”

Lu Zhao quickly pulled her shirt back down!

Ji Zhaoxi’s face was indeed blushing, just as she said, but her expression remained perfectly composed. This created a strange, “broken” sense of contrast.

“I showed you mine too, and you were the one who pulled your shirt up voluntarily. How can you unilaterally call me a pervert?”

“You looked at mine, so you’re a pervert too.”

Lu Zhao was ashamed and angry. “How much did you even show! I only saw the edge of your bra! Are these two even comparable?”

“That was your choice to pull yours up from the bottom,” Ji Zhaoxi reminded her seriously.

Lu Zhao was fuming. Wasn’t this person usually a woman of few words? Why is she so sharp-tongued now!

“Can’t you just let me win for once!”

Lu Zhao felt wronged. She couldn’t out-talk her, and she couldn’t out-strip her. How was she supposed to survive!

Hearing this almost-whining plea, Ji Zhaoxi’s eyes flickered. She dropped her hand from her button and sat down on the floor, pulling the approaching Tangyuan into her arms. She looked up at Lu Zhao.

“I did see more of you. I owe you.”

With Ji Zhaoxi sitting and Lu Zhao standing, the atmosphere shifted from a standoff to one side showing weakness.

Lu Zhao looked down at Ji Zhaoxi. Her features had softened, and she was holding a white, soft fur-ball with big round eyes. She looked exceptionally gentle at this moment.

Strangely, Lu Zhao found herself speechless. Looking at Ji Zhaoxi like this, she couldn’t say anything; instead, a sense of embarrassment began to crawl up her spine.

What was I doing just now! I actually asked her to ‘let me win’?!

That was so embarrassing!

However, seeing Ji Zhaoxi’s soft demeanor, Lu Zhao felt like pushing any further would be crossing the line. She copied Ji Zhaoxi and sat down cross-legged, her eyes wandering.

“So… what about the dating show?”

Damn, Lu Zhao felt like a villainous second lead, using a “favor” to force a reward!

“Okay,” Ji Zhaoxi answered simply this time.

“Huh?”

She agreed so quickly and simply that Lu Zhao didn’t react for a moment.

“I said, okay, yes. I will go with you to that dating show,” Ji Zhaoxi repeated seriously, holding Tangyuan’s paws and kneading them as she explained in detail.

Lu Zhao’s eyes lit up instantly. Fearing Ji Zhaoxi would change her mind, she took out her phone, opened the recorder, and asked Ji Zhaoxi to say it again.

Ji Zhaoxi: “…”

Helpless, she repeated her words once more.

Having secured the recording, Lu Zhao’s joy was evident. She felt wonderful. After putting her phone away, she raised both hands above her head to form a large heart for Ji Zhaoxi.

“Babe, you’re the best to me.”

Ji Zhaoxi squeezed the cat’s paws, the corners of her mouth curling slightly.

“Sigh, being with you often makes me feel like a very mercenary person,” Lu Zhao said wistfully, looking up at the ceiling at a 45-degree angle.

Being with Ji Zhaoxi was far too easy to corrupt one’s soul!

“Oh, that’s unavoidable.” Ji Zhaoxi’s expression was neutral. She looked down at Tangyuan’s deep blue eyes and said softly, “Who told me to be so ‘profitable’? Right, Tangyuan?”

“Meow~”

Tangyuan answered with innocent eyes.

Lu Zhao looked at the scene speechlessly. Finally, glancing at the night sky outside, she reminded her, “Babe, you should go shower.”

As she spoke, Lu Zhao’s eyes remained fixed on Tangyuan. If Ji Zhaoxi went to shower, then Tangyuan would be hers to hold!

Ji Zhaoxi nodded. She had broken a sweat while messing with the cat tree earlier. She hadn’t noticed before, but now that it was mentioned, she felt uncomfortable all over.

She put Tangyuan down and headed to her bedroom.

Tangyuan, now accustomed to the routine, turned to the other human the moment one put her down. She loved being held and served by these two-legged giants.

Lu Zhao happily pulled Tangyuan into her arms and couldn’t help but bury her face in the fur, saying in a high-pitched, cutesy voice, “Awww, how can there be such a cute little kitty? Are you a fairy from heaven?”

“Too cute! Let Auntie cuddle you~”

“Little kitty, you’re so cute you’ve got me completely under your spell. What will I do if I can’t leave you later?~”

“Sigh, you really are a little enchantress.”

“Meow~”

Tangyuan’s temper was truly excellent. She didn’t mind the hugging, kissing, or the high-pitched voice.

After a session of “cat-huffing,” Lu Zhao looked absolutely blissful. The cat was too cute. She couldn’t resist taking several more photos and finally, unable to contain her urge to show off, she sent them to Sister Li.

Sister Li: ? Sister Li: Where did you get a cat?

Lu Zhao typed proudly: Not mine, it’s President Ji’s. She asked me to help take care of it. Lu Zhao: By the way, to make it easier to care for it, I’m moving into President Ji’s place. Help me move tomorrow~

Sister Li: ???

Looking at the photos on her screen, Sister Li had to admit the cat was beautiful and cute. But why did Ji Zhaoxi suddenly have a cat, and why was Lu Zhao helping her?

Even more outrageous was that she was moving in! These two clearly didn’t care about the rumors flying around outside!

Sister Li’s expression was complicated. Who is chasing whom here?

Lu Zhao: Oh, Sister Li, President Ji agreed to go on the dating show with me. You can give the production team the answer!

Sister Li: !!!

Sister Li didn’t care about cats or who was chasing whom anymore. Her face was filled with surprise; she was so happy she almost jumped up!

If Ji Zhaoxi could go on the show with Lu Zhao, the buzz alone would be massive. With that kind of exposure, why would she worry about Lu Zhao not getting better resources in the future?

Sister Li: Fine, I’ll arrange your schedule later.

The dating show wouldn’t start filming just yet. The production team still had a few slots to finalize. In the meantime, Lu Zhao could focus on finishing her current project. Since she was playing a supporting role, it wouldn’t take long to wrap up.

When Ji Zhaoxi came out after her shower, she saw Lu Zhao playing with Tangyuan. One was rolling on the floor, the other was jumping; despite being one human and one cat, they looked like a chaotic dance party.

Ji Zhaoxi: “…”

After a second of silence, she went to the kitchen to pour a glass of water. Thinking Lu Zhao must be thirsty after playing so long, she poured one for her as well.

Lu Zhao was indeed a bit tired. She sat up abruptly, took the glass from Ji Zhaoxi, and gulped it down.

“Thanks, my babe~”

She blew a kiss to Ji Zhaoxi. By now, Lu Zhao was finding it easier and easier to call her “babe.”

Ji Zhaoxi glanced at her, then looked at Tangyuan, who was playing with a toy alone. After a moment of thought, she said, “Tangyuan will sleep with you tonight.”

“Great!” Lu Zhao agreed immediately upon hearing such a good deal.

Ji Zhaoxi turned around and smiled softly where Lu Zhao couldn’t see.

Lu Zhao immediately turned back to Tangyuan and started using her “cutesy voice” again.

“Oh ho ho, little kitty, your ‘innocence’ is gone tonight~” “But don’t worry, I’ll be very gentle!”

Ji Zhaoxi’s footsteps faltered slightly as she left.

Lu Zhao excitedly carried Tangyuan back to her room. She placed Tangyuan on the bed, and the cat was very well-behaved, finding a comfortable spot to lie down and meowing at Lu Zhao.

Lu Zhao clutched her heart. How can this kitten be like this? It’s too tempting!

Lu Zhao was so excited she played with Tangyuan until the middle of the night. Tangyuan was exhausted, but Lu Zhao was still wide awake. Finally, Tangyuan couldn’t take it anymore; she curled up on the other pillow and ignored her, ending the late-night chat.

Despite sleeping late, Lu Zhao woke up very early. She felt very energetic and only wanted to go back early to pack her things and move in.

When she got up, Tangyuan looked at her once and then went back to sleep.

Lu Zhao moved quietly on tiptoe to avoid waking her. After freshening up, she left the bedroom door open so Tangyuan could come out whenever she woke up.

Today was the same; Ji Zhaoxi was wearing athletic gear with a high ponytail, prepared for her morning exercise.

Lu Zhao first prepared Tangyuan’s breakfast and then said to Ji Zhaoxi, “I won’t join you for the morning run today. I’m going back to pack.”

Ji Zhaoxi stopped mid-drink. she didn’t expect Lu Zhao to move so quickly.

“I’ll go back with you,” she said, putting down the glass.

“No need.” Lu Zhao waved her hand casually. “You have to go to work later, and I don’t have that much stuff. Sister Li and I are enough.”

Ji Zhaoxi frowned, looking at Lu Zhao’s expression. Finally, she pursed her lips and didn’t insist on going.

When Lu Zhao arrived at her rental, Sister Li was already there. She had a key to the room and was already…

Sister Li brought over a cardboard box and helped her pack away some of the decorative items.

“Sister Li, you are truly my goddess!” Lu Zhao chirped, giving Sister Li a playful shoulder massage.

“Hmph, smooth talker,” Sister Li snorted coldly. “Aren’t you worried about what the media will write once you move into CEO Ji’s house?”

“If I don’t move in, does that mean they won’t write anything?” Lu Zhao asked innocently.

Sister Li: “…” At the very least, they wouldn’t have as much to write about.

“Oh, then a little more doesn’t matter. Besides, Tangyuan (the cat) is more than enough compensation for that extra bit of gossip,” Lu Zhao said, a sweet smile spreading across her face.

Looking at her like this, anyone who didn’t know better would think Lu Zhao was in love. However, the actual object of her affection was just a cat.

Sister Li paused thoughtfully. “Do you really like this cat that much?”

“Of course! She’s so cute!” Lu Zhao exclaimed, her eyes widening.

Sister Li nodded with a wooden expression. She felt as though she had figured something out. Glancing at the beaming Lu Zhao—who was clearly oblivious to everything—Sister Li silently “lit a cigarette” for her in her mind. Someone had likely already fallen into a trap without even realizing it.

However, Sister Li had no intention of pointing this out. For now, at least, it wasn’t a bad thing.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Ji Zhaoxi arrived at the office. Zhou Jiayan was already in her office; upon seeing her enter, Zhou simply pushed up her glasses and asked, “I heard you got a cat yesterday?”

Ji Zhaoxi gave her a cool glance. “Since when did you become such a gossip?”

Zhou Jiayan lowered her gaze. “I was bored.”

“If you’re bored, go on a business trip to G City for me.”

“…”

That was the price of gossip.

Suddenly, Ji Zhaoxi’s phone rang. When she saw the caller ID, her expression chilled. She answered it, and as she listened to the voice on the other end, her eyes darkened.

“Old Mr. Xu is celebrating his birthday tonight. You’re coming with me. It’s a good chance for you to meet Xu the Second.”

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