Falling into the Capital's Radiance - Chapter 18

Shen Jingni followed Chang An over.

The door of the Maybach was opened from the outside. She leaned in, her soft long hair draping naturally over her shoulders, carrying a faint, pure fragrance.

“Why are you here?”

Zhao Zonglan crushed out his cigarette in the ashtray without looking up. His strong hand gripped her wrist and pulled her into his arms.

Shen Jingni was forced to sit on his lap.

Although they had been this intimate before, she was still somewhat unaccustomed to it.

But, his looks were simply too irresistible, so she accepted it.

Zhao Zonglan lifted his eyelids to look at her, his expression indifferent. “Didn’t see the message?”

Shen Jingni was stunned for a moment before she reacted, then quickly opened her phone and found that Zhao Zonglan had replied to her.

He said he wanted to pick her up for dinner.

“Sorry, I was busy just now and didn’t see it.”

She apologized honestly, her eyes bright and clear, without a trace of impurity.

As she spoke, her rosy lips moved constantly, plump and adorable.

Zhao Zonglan only gave a faint “Mm,” his fingers rubbing the slender nape of her neck, his gaze deep.

The next moment, he captured her lips.

His kisses were always forceful.

Almost obsessively intense.

Her lips and teeth were pried open, invaded mercilessly, his sucking making her ache a little.

But he was restrained, probably not wanting to hurt her.

In the end, he only gently held her lower lip, grinding it bit by bit.

His kiss carried a faint woody tobacco scent and the strong aroma of alcohol, as if pulling her into intoxication with him.

Until the sound of rain pattered outside the window.

Only then did Zhao Zonglan let her go.

Shen Jingni’s heart was beating fast. She tried to steady her breath, not daring to look at him. “Zhao Zonglan, I’m afraid I can’t have dinner with you tonight.”

In Jing City, those who could receive an invitation from Mr. Zhao were few and far between.

And no one dared refuse his invitation.

Zhao Zonglan’s expression turned a bit displeased, his tone cold: “Reason.”

Shen Jingni suddenly raised both hands, waving the backs of them in front of his eyes. “I have to get a hand spa and a manicure. It might take a long time.”

Afraid he wouldn’t believe her, she took out her phone and showed him the appointment record. “It’s all booked.”

Shen Jingni, though absolutely confident in her looks, was meticulous and loved beauty.

Like many heiresses in the circle, she regularly maintained her skin, hair… even dental care and more.

People always say there are no ugly women in this world, only lazy ones.

Girls should treat themselves well.

Money earned should be spent on oneself.

“I’ve been so busy these past few months, and today I finally have some free time.”

“This manicure, it’s been three weeks and I haven’t changed it. It’s way overdue.”

She muttered complaints.

Zhao Zonglan frowned as he listened.

What kind of reason was that?

Seeing his indifferent face, unmoved, Shen Jingni immediately pouted, tugging at his suit, her tone aggrieved: “Don’t tell me I don’t even have this bit of freedom. Then being Mr. Zhao’s girlfriend is just too pitiful.”

As she spoke, she seemed on the verge of tears.

Zhao Zonglan’s dark eyes were cold and sharp as he pressed her hand. “Pitiful?”

“Isn’t it? By your side, I can’t even be beautiful.”

Shen Jingni met his gaze with determination, her eyes pleading pitifully.

In truth, she was testing him.

What she valued most was freedom.

If she couldn’t even fight for this bit of freedom, she would find a way to leave this terrifying man as soon as possible.

Zhao Zonglan lowered his gaze, clearly running out of patience.

Outside, the rain grew heavier, streaking down the car window and blurring the view.
Shen Jingni thought he would use force.

After all, Zhao Zonglan probably truly couldn’t understand a girl’s devotion to beauty.

Yet unexpectedly, after a brief pause, she heard the man speak, his voice low and indifferent.

“Chang An, invite the people Miss Shen needs to Zijing Sandalwood Court.”

–

To call it an invitation wasn’t exactly accurate.

The word ‘invite’ was merely the basic courtesy Zhao Zonglan wore as a disguise.

When Chang An sent someone over, the beauty salon owner, upon hearing that it was at Mr. Zhao’s request, was eager to move the entire salon there if she could.

After all, to climb to Mr. Zhao’s level was something most people could only dream of in their lifetime.

Before a few senior beauty and nail technicians left, the boss gave them repeated instructions: make sure to serve the distinguished guest well-she would give them a bonus when they returned.

Shen Jingni had seen Xu Ningwan arrange for salon staff to provide home services before.

Although it was convenient and time-saving, she usually preferred going to the salon with friends, chatting about gossip with two or three of them, or watching a movie together, relaxing and at ease.

She hadn’t expected Zhao Zonglan to summon the staff to his house.

But his place was nice too-anything she could want was available.

Outside, rain was falling, the raindrops hitting the camellias, then rolling slowly from the petals into the earth.

Shen Jingni lounged comfortably on a bench, her hand spa already finished, now getting her nails done.

On the table beside her were an array of tea, desserts, and fruit.

She took a sip of the milk tea the servant brought up; it was rich and milky, the tea flavor gentle. The simmering time and ingredient ratio were just right, neither too sweet nor cloying.

Rainy days were made for sleeping-the sound of rain being the most classic lullaby.

Unconsciously, Shen Jingni dozed off.

The nail technician’s movements became even lighter and more careful, afraid to disturb her.

A young maid approached quietly, carefully covering her with a plush blanket.

At a closer look, this Miss Shen was indeed extraordinarily beautiful-delicate and perfect features, skin so fine it seemed to glow, long lashes like wings, her sleeping posture serene and peaceful.

A true beauty, whether in motion or stillness, seemed lively and full of spirit.

Just a fleeting glance was enough to leave a deep impression.

The maid dared not look any longer, quietly withdrawing.

Zhao Zonglan took a phone call.

It was from America, concerning an acquisition in California’s tech industry. There had been some issues, and the conversation lasted a while.

By the time he finished the call and came downstairs, the beauticians had already completed their work and been sent off by Chang An.

But his little lazy cat was still sleeping.

Just a moment ago, she was clamoring to go to the salon. The next moment, she had fallen asleep here.

Clearly, she was utterly carefree.

Chang An approached, quietly asking for instructions: “Sir, dinner is ready. Would you like to dine now?”

“No rush.”

Zhao Zonglan lifted his chin slightly, signaling him to leave.

Night had fallen, and the rain continued to patter softly.

Zhao Zonglan leaned against a rosewood square table, lighting a cigarette. His long legs bent casually, his expression calm.

From his angle, he could just see Shen Jingni’s hands resting outside the blanket.

Her fingers were slender, elegantly jointed, the knuckles tinged with pale pink. The skin on the back of her hands was fine and delicate, like the best white jade, faint blue veins barely visible beneath the surface.

Her nails were perfectly trimmed. The base color was a translucent agate red, like rouge melting into snow. Looking closely, silver powder outlined exquisite designs on the nail surface.

Butterflies.

Those hands…

Zhao Zonglan’s throat tightened.

He lowered his gaze, rose, and walked to the window, taking a deep drag on his cigarette.

At that moment, Shen Jingni woke up.

She yawned, her mind still groggy, sleepy-eyed as she looked at the man’s upright back.

Her voice was drowsy with lazy exhaustion: “Zhao Zonglan, I’m hungry.”