Falling into the Capital's Radiance - Chapter 33

Chapter 33

After finishing their drinks, Song Yanting and the others headed to the card room.

Song Qiyu was clamoring to play mahjong.

The four of them had just finished one round when Nanfeng rushed in, looking frantic. He reported to Song Yanting, “Young Master, Miss Shen wants to eat Sichuan Boiled Fish, but the villa doesn’t have any fresh sea bass right now.”

The ingredients at the Hot Spring Villa were personally purchased by a dedicated staff member at the local market down the mountain every morning between four and five o’clock.

This was especially true for fresh, live seafood like fish and shrimp.

Furthermore, these young scions rarely ate home-style dishes like Sichuan Boiled Fish. Consequently, the kitchen hadn’t prepared any grass carp or sea bass.

Xie Chengsui toyed with a mahjong tile, a casual smile playing on his lips. “Oh, it seems our little sister-in-law is really giving Fifth Brother a hard time.”

At this time of night, buying fish wasn’t difficult, but having it driven up the mountain would take quite a while.

The mountain roads were difficult to navigate, and driving that stretch at night would take at least two hours.

Tang Shu was Zhao Zonglan’s number one supporter. Leaning back against his chair, he let out a light snort. “It’s no big deal. Nothing is too difficult for Fifth Brother.”

“At worst, he’ll just call in a helicopter.”

Standing nearby, Nanfeng chimed in at the right moment. “Young Master Tang is right. To ensure Miss Shen could eat as soon as possible, Mr. Zhao has indeed called in a helicopter.”

“He said Miss Shen has a weak stomach and that eating too late would cause indigestion.”

“Holy crap, what a lovesick fool,” Song Qiyu exclaimed, his urge to play mahjong completely vanishing. “How about we go take a look? I want to taste this sky-high priced boiled fish too.”

Xie Chengsui discarded a tile. “What does it have to do with you? Just draw your tile.”

Song Yanting simply gave a gentle smile and instructed Nanfeng, “Go ask Chang An if he needs any help. Make sure the servants and the chef are being meticulous.”

It was obvious that Zhao Zonglan was trying to coax her.

They couldn’t have anyone else going over to cause more trouble.

–

Shen Jingni had no idea what Zhao Zonglan had done to satisfy her craving.

She only saw him standing by the window making two phone calls.

One of them seemed to be to an official at the air traffic control department, mentioning a night flight route.

Shen Jingni didn’t think much of it, assuming he was discussing business.

About an hour and a half later, Chang An entered carrying the Sichuan Boiled Fish, which looked, smelled, and tasted perfect.

In the bright red oily broth, the white, tender fish slices were cut thin and sprinkled with emerald-green scallions. The spicy, fragrant steam wafted through the air, making one’s mouth water.

Shen Jingni sat at the small dining table in the outer room, picking up her chopsticks and digging in impatiently.

The fish was very tender, fragrant, and spicy. After one bite, she smiled with satisfaction.

Seeing that she was finally happy, the irritability weighing on Zhao Zonglan’s heart gradually dissipated.

The little kitten was much cuter when she smiled.

He sat in the chair opposite her. The square table was a bit small, leaving his long legs with nowhere to go. He had to keep them bent, extending them outward past the table, effectively pinning her within his space.

Seeing Zhao Zonglan watching her, Shen Jingni naturally took a small porcelain plate and a pair of chopsticks and pushed them toward him.

She said imperiously, “Help me pick out the bones.”

Zhao Zonglan arched an eyebrow and leaned lazily against the back of his chair, unmoved.

This little thing was getting more and more bold, actually ordering him around.

He had never picked fish bones for anyone in his life, and he wasn’t about to start today.

Seeing him remain still, Shen Jingni pouted. Her eyes, which had just been crying, were still red, and the corners were tinged with a faint rosy hue, making her look exceptionally pitiable.

“Brother~”

Her voice was soft and sweet, and her eyes held a shimmering ripple that tugged at one’s heartstrings.

Zhao Zonglan was no saint.

His Adam’s apple bobbed. That familiar heat rushed straight to his gut; the dormant, sleeping beast was startled awake and reared its head.

His self-control, which had always been far beyond that of ordinary men, crumbled instantly in this moment.

Seeing no reaction, Shen Jingni continued, “Brother, I’m begging you.”

With a cold face, Zhao Zonglan picked up the chopsticks beside him.

–

When Xie Chengsui came over, he saw his noble and arrogant Fifth Brother picking fish bones for the young girl.

This was a rare sight that only happened once in a century.

He strolled in nonchalantly, the corners of his mouth curling. “Enjoying your meal?”

Shen Jingni ate the fish Zhao Zonglan had just deboned and nodded at him.

Xie Chengsui sat on a single sofa some distance away and took a drag of his cigarette. A smile played in his fox-like eyes. “Sister-in-law, this fish must taste pretty good, right?”

Shen Jingni felt like there was a hidden meaning in his words. She blinked and replied, “It’s alright. Do you want some?”

Xie Chengsui wouldn’t dare.

“No thanks, I don’t eat fish.”

Third Master Xie was famously picky about food. The reason the cuisine at his Fenghua Palace was famous throughout Jingshi was precisely because his palate set the standard.
He truly didn’t care for ordinary fish.

He had only come to see what this exorbitantly priced boiled fish was all about, joining in for the novelty of it.

Zhao Zonglan gave him a cold sidelong glance, his voice icy. “Is there something?”

Xie Chengsui flicked away some cigarette ash. “I’m heading back to Jingshi tomorrow morning. Just stopped by to say goodbye.”

Hearing Xie Chengsui say he was leaving, Shen Jingni raised her hand, her tone a bit excited. “I want to go back too.”

Could she perhaps hitch a ride on his private jet?

“Then you can come with me,” Xie Chengsui said, looking back at Zhao Zonglan. “I promise to deliver my sister-in-law home without a scratch.”

He could certainly manage a small favor like that.

Zhao Zonglan didn’t agree. His thin lips parted as he spoke with a commanding tone, “She’s coming back with me.”

Xie Chengsui asked, “Are you not going to discuss that tourism project anymore?”

“Not interested.”

He lowered his eyes and continued picking out fish bones. His hands were well-defined, his movements slow and methodical, exuding an air of noble, ascetic refinement.

Shen Jingni pursed her lips. Although she didn’t know why Zhao Zonglan was no longer interested in that project, she felt a secret sense of joy in her heart.

Xie Chengsui gave a lazy yawn and stood up to take his leave. “Alright then, see you in the Capital City.”

After he left, Shen Jingni stared at the fish in her bowl with a frown; she really couldn’t eat another bite.

“I’m full.”

She looked at Zhao Zonglan almost pleadingly, appearing quite well-behaved at that moment.

Zhao Zonglan set down his chopsticks, his expression not looking very pleased. “Finish what’s in your bowl. It’s only a few pieces.”

Shen Jingni was reluctant.

“I can’t eat too much, or my stomach will hurt.”

This capitalist really didn’t know how to cherish people.

Zhao Zonglan kept a dark face and said nothing.

Her amber eyes darted around for a moment before she pushed the small white porcelain bowl toward him.

“Then you finish it for me. We can’t let it go to waste.”

Zhao Zonglan’s handsome face grew even more somber.

In his entire life, he had never eaten from someone else’s bowl, let alone leftovers.

Even during those difficult days in the United States, it had never happened.

Back then, he had people sent by his grandmother to take care of his daily life; he lacked for nothing, except freedom.

Shen Jingni always remembered something her mother had told her.

“The prerequisite for a girl to be loved is to love herself.”

Therefore, she rarely forced herself to do things she didn’t want to do, and that included now.

“Brother, just help me out.”

Her fair, delicate bare foot stepped onto his leather shoe, rubbing against his suit trousers.

The man’s calf muscles were clearly defined, warm and firm.

With just a light hook from Shen Jingni, those muscles tightened even further.

Zhao Zonglan hadn’t expected her to be so bold.

The young woman before him was bright and stunningly beautiful, like a soul-stealing succubus, yet her gaze was so pure.

It only made one want to bully her ruthlessly.

He caught that mischievous little foot, his fingers tightening around her slender ankle as a dark surge of desire rose in his eyes. “Looking for a f*ck?”

Shen Jingni’s face flushed crimson instantly.

How could Zhao Zonglan ask something so blunt?!

Wasn’t he supposed to have a cold, ascetic persona?

Belatedly sensing danger, she tried to run, but it was already too late.

She was doomed.

She had only wanted to coax him a moment ago, but she had accidentally lit a fire and ended up getting burned herself.

“I… I didn’t mean that. Let me explain… Ah!”

Before she could finish, Zhao Zonglan swept her up into his arms.

“Where are you taking me? We just ate, we can’t do it now.”

Shen Jingni was almost in tears.

*Sob…* That thing of his was too terrifying; she would die.

Zhao Zonglan carried her toward the bathroom, his expression indifferent. “Rinse your mouth, then I’m taking you to the hot spring.”

Hot spring?

Oh, right. She had been at the Hot Spring Villa for three days and hadn’t even soaked in the springs yet.

But did she have to rinse her mouth before soaking?

Of course not.

In the indoor hot spring of the side hall, the curling white mist was like a veil, blurring the vision.

Zhao Zonglan leaned against the edge of the pool built from natural rocks. The lines of his chest muscles were smooth, and droplets of water trailed down his abdominals, gradually descending until they vanished into the pool water.

Shen Jingni was held in his arms as he kissed her.

The warm spring water enveloped her body, and the heat flushed her fair face a deep crimson. A few stray strands of hair were wet, clinging to her cheeks.

“Open your mouth.”

His voice was low and cold. His palm rested on her slender waist, locking her in his embrace.

The mist was thick and hazy. Even without looking, Shen Jingni could feel how formidable he was.

Her legs felt a little weak.