Falling into the Capital's Radiance - Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Shen Jingni had originally planned to take several designers to Shanghai for Christmas as a team-building trip.

They could have gone to Disneyland, which young girls always loved.

She owned two villas there, both bought for her by Shen Qingyan.

However, Zhao Zonglan wanted to take her to Yangzhou, claiming they were going to a friend’s Hot Spring Villa for a vacation.

It was likely time for her to meet his circle of friends.

As his contractual girlfriend, it was impossible for Shen Jingni to refuse.

Still, she brought Chu You along.

Zhao Zonglan’s social circle was different from hers.

Those scions of prominent families came from lineages that were truly wealthy and influential. They were born with a sense of pride and possessed distinct, varied personalities.

In case she encountered any difficult socialites, she and Chu You could at least keep each other company.

Song Yanting’s Hot Spring Villa had been built a few years ago.

He hadn’t visited much, so he’d had it renovated at the beginning of this year.

The estate covered a vast area, backed by rolling mountains. It combined European architectural styles with Chinese garden aesthetics, making it luxurious and grand yet elegant.

To clear her schedule for the trip, Shen Jingni had been severely sleep-deprived for the past few days. Dazed, she fell asleep on the plane.

She was so exhausted that she didn’t even wake up when Zhao Zonglan carried her off the plane.

By the time she opened her eyes, the Rolls-Royce was already driving toward the foot of the mountain.

Nestled in Zhao Zonglan’s arms, Shen Jingni opened her bleary eyes and looked around, her delicate brows furrowing. “Where’s my assistant?”

Zhao Zonglan was looking at his phone and didn’t look up. “She’s in the car with Chang An.”

“Oh.”

She gave a lazy response. Feeling a bit bored, she wanted to play with her phone, only to realize her bag was with Chu You.

Shen Jingni leaned forward to look at the mountains outside the window. The peaks were dusted with white snow, but it was only a tiny bit; there wasn’t a trace of snow at the foot of the mountain.

No snow, no frost hanging from the pines-how dull.

Zhao Zonglan seemed to be reading an email.

It was entirely in English.

She stole a glance and recognized a familiar word, blurting out, “Canada?”

“Yes, a project in Vancouver.” Zhao Zonglan moved his gaze away from the screen and shifted the phone toward her. “Interested?”

Shen Jingni waved her hands frantically, her entire body language screaming refusal. “No, no.”

He didn’t think she was intentionally peeking, did he?

She had no interest in prying into a capitalist’s business secrets.

If something went wrong, Zhao Zonglan would probably kill her.

That was how it always happened in TV dramas.

Zhao Zonglan stared at her, the expression on his handsome face quite faint.

The girl had applied light makeup today, which perfectly accentuated her naturally fair and delicate skin. Her lips were full, the lipstick color like a cherry-tender and dripping. Her eyes shimmered, appearing both pure and seductive.

Even that flash of panic just now was unexpectedly alluring.

He tossed his phone onto the seat beside him. His well-defined fingers pinched her chin, tilting it upward.

In the next instant, he lowered his head and captured her lips.

Zhao Zonglan’s kisses had always been fierce and full of desire.

Or rather, intense.

He was clearly a man of extreme indifference.

Shen Jingni’s red lips parted slightly as she was pressed into his arms for the kiss, left with no room to retreat.

But Zhao Zonglan didn’t like a one-man show.

One-man shows were boring.

He pulled back slightly, his lips brushing against hers, his voice husky. “Respond to me.”

He carried the indisputable dominance of a man in power.

Shen Jingni couldn’t see his expression; she only felt his grip on her chin tighten, as if her jawbone would be crushed the next second if she refused.

Her eyelashes trembled as she leaned in to kiss him back.

She was cautious, her movements green and clumsy.

That was enough.

Zhao Zonglan had plenty of patience to teach her.

He kissed her even more fiercely than before, forcing her teeth apart to wickedly tease and entice her.

One long hand moved to the back of her neck while the other pressed against her slender waist, locking her completely within his embrace.

Shen Jingni let out an uncontrollable moan-a soft, tender sound that was light yet incredibly captivating.

There was no way Zhao Zonglan would let her off easily now.

He only occasionally moved his kisses to her neck, mercifully allowing her to catch her breath before pressing against her once more.
It had to be admitted that the experience of making out and kissing a man like Zhao Zonglan was excellent.

He smelled far too good.

As a result, Shen Jingni hardly resisted.

When it came to physical attraction, both parties got what they needed.

So what if he was a big-shot capitalist? When it was time to play, one should play.

For a fairy like her, happiness was the most important thing.

The Rolls-Royce glided along smoothly and steadily.

Severely deprived of oxygen, Shen Jingni was kissed into a daze by Zhao Zonglan, her legs turning to jelly.

Her lipstick had long since smeared, and her lips were slightly swollen. Finally, unable to take any more, she had to resort to being difficult.

“Zhao Zonglan, stop bullying me,” she pleaded weakly, tugging haphazardly at his tie. “I’m so tired.”

“Useless little thing,” Zhao Zonglan bit her neck in dissatisfaction.

He had likely left another mark.

But Shen Jingni could only obediently endure it for now. Fortunately, he didn’t make any further moves.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, found a comfortable position to lean against, and closed her eyes.

“I’m going to sleep for a bit. Wake me when we arrive.”

Zhao Zonglan didn’t say a word.

He glanced at her flushed face and slightly swollen lips, then lowered his gaze, concealing the darkness within his eyes.

–

When Shen Jingni woke up again, she found herself in an unfamiliar room.

The furnishings were somewhat similar to the bedroom at Zijing Sandalwood Court, decorated according to Zhao Zonglan’s preferences. A faint scent of incense drifted through the air.

It was already dark outside.

Once a person sleeps for a long time, their brain tends to be a bit slow upon waking.

Shen Jingni sat up in bed and looked around, but there was no sign of Zhao Zonglan.

Chu You knocked and entered with a glass of warm water, finding Shen Jingni sitting on the bed in a daze.

“Boss, you’re awake. Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?”

Hearing Chu You’s voice, Shen Jingni suddenly snapped back to reality. “How long have I been asleep? Where is Zhao Zonglan?”

Chu You checked her watch and gave a rough estimate. “It’s been about two hours since Mr. Zhao carried you off the car.”

As for how long she had been sleeping in the car, she didn’t know.

“Mr. Zhao seems to have gone to the Warm Jade Pavilion on the west side.”

Wait.

Zhao Zonglan carried her off the car?

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” Shen Jingni suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.

They were guests at Song Yanting’s villa; this was far too rude of her.

Chu You immediately protested her innocence. “Boss, I tried to wake you when I got out of the car, but you wouldn’t wake up. You even held onto Mr. Zhao and wouldn’t let go.”

Oh, dear.

“Then why didn’t you try a few more times?”

Chu You shook her head, saying she didn’t dare. “You have no idea. The way Mr. Zhao looked at me… it was like he wanted to skin me alive.”

Shen Jingni flopped onto the pillow, wanting to cry but having no tears.

When someone of Zhao Zonglan’s status travels, there are bound to be people there to receive him.

She could even imagine the scene of Zhao Zonglan carrying her while she was asleep, walking past a crowd of scions from prominent families.

That wasn’t just a little embarrassing.

It was mortifying.

Zhao Zonglan was the culprit.

He must have done it on purpose.

She had to settle the score with him.

Shen Jingni’s temper flared. After putting on her clothes, shoes, and socks, she headed straight out the door.

This Hot Spring Villa was massive. Antique palace lanterns hung along both sides of the bluestone path to guide the way.

Occasionally, she saw a few servants hurrying back and forth, all coming from the west.

Clearly, they were hosting distinguished guests.

Shen Jingni passed through a moon gate and unknowingly arrived at the central courtyard.

In the middle of the yard stood a massive Christmas tree, about three or four people tall. It was already adorned with brilliant fairy lights and decorations, with ribbon-tied gift boxes placed underneath.

It was beautiful.

Shen Jingni took out her phone and snapped a few photos.

After admiring them, she suddenly didn’t want to leave.

She had been angry just now and wasn’t thinking clearly.

Now that she considered it, it wasn’t actually a good idea to barge into the Warm Jade Pavilion.

Zhao Zonglan’s friends were all powerful figures. It would be rude of her to show up like that, and it would be easy for them to look down on her.

Even if she were to go, Zhao Zonglan had to come and pick her up personally.

Shen Jingni pursed her lips and dialed Zhao Zonglan’s private number.