Inside the quiet car.
Ji Baijian stared at Song Zhizhi for a good 10 minute.
Song Zhizhi had no idea what Ji Baijian was thinking about during these 10 minutes, but she had a feeling that Ji Baijian was not so simple, at least not as simple as he seemed.
In her previous life, when they were caught in bed committing adultery --
-- she flew into a panic, but Ji Baijian remained calm the whole time.
For a second back then, she even felt like Ji Baijian was a person who had weathered thousands of storms in his life. There was no way a normal person could remain so calm in that situation.
There was also another thing. Ji Baijian's biological mother died when she gave birth to him. The very next year, Ji Baijian's father married another woman, who gave birth to another son a year after that. Ji Baijian had virtually no ally in the Ji family, and rumors abounded that he could not have a child, yet even after so many years, the Ji family had not been able to let the second son, Ji Baili, replace Ji Baijian as the successor.
In addition, Song Zhizhi could never figure out why Ji Baijian would let the rumors of his impotence spread unchecked even though they were clearly not true! And if he did not want to clarify matters, why would he sleep with her? She knew very well that she was the only one who was drugged that night...
(TL: She was probably drugged with an aphrodisiac.)
This man called Ji Baijian was simply filled with mysteries. She had a feeling that the mysteries behind him was much bigger than she could imagine.
And she now desperately needed a strong ally to keep herself safe!
"Your words are too moving, Miss Song. I can't think of a reason to refuse," Ji Baijian finally opened his mouth. His flat tone made it hard to figure out what he was really feeling.
"Then don't refuse. The cooperation between us is a match made in heaven," Song Zhizhi said seriously.
"A match made in heaven?" The corners of Ji Baijian's lips curled up. He said meaningfully, "But indeed, if we intend to teach the scums a lesson, we should start as early as possible!"
Before Song Zhizhi could think about his words more, her phone suddenly rang. Her mouth twitched when she saw the caller ID.
Yi Wenhan.
The ID displayed on the phone screen was just Han.
She took a glance at Ji Baijian. He was sitting very far away from her, and did not show any reaction.
Song Zhizhi answered the call. "Hello."
"It's me." A familiar voice transmitted over, a voice that instantly sent Song Zhizhi into a rage.
She could still vividly remember when he spoke some unimaginably cruel words with that very same voice. It was a nightmare that would linger for the rest of her life.
"Hi. What's the matter?" Song Zhizhi tried to keep her emotions in check.
"Nie Xiaofei invited me to her birthday party today. I wasn't going to come, but I couldn't resist her enthusiasm."
"I know, she told me," Song Zhizhi's voice was a little cold.
"You know I don't really like to mingle among your kind. I'll leave after staying for a while," said Yi Wenhan.
"Okay." Song Zhizhi nodded.
"See you in the afternoon," Yi Wenhan smiled and said with a warm voice.
Song Zhizhi pursed her lips and replied slowly, "See you in the afternoon."
Song Zhizhi gritted her teeth after she hung up the phone.
It was this hypocritical warmth from Yi Wenhan that she used to indulge in. She now wished for him to die.
"So it seems that our dear Miss Song likes to have her foot in two boats at the same time." Ji Baijian remarked indifferently without any noticeable emotion, as if he was discussing an unimportant matter which did not concern him. "Or does Miss Song like to have a man at home and a bunch of fuck buddies outside?"
"Give me some time to deal with this."
"It is your business." Ji Baijian said indifferently.
"I told you, you'll be the only man in my life," Song Zhizhi was as resolute as ever.
Ji Baijian pursed his lips and averted his gaze without giving a reply.
Song Zhizhi felt that it would not be so easy to conquer Ji Baijian.
The car stopped outside the most luxurious shopping mall in Jin City. The two of them got out of the car and Song Zhizhi led Ji Baijian inside.
Ji Baijian never once asked where she was bringing him. Was he not curious at all? Or did he have no interest in her at all, and that was why he seemed so disinterested?
Song Zhizhi took Ji Baijian to a restaurant at the mall's top floor. The beautiful restaurant had a very romantic environment.
The waiter seated them by the window ,where they could take in the beauty of the whole Jin City that was showered in fragmented sunlight.
The so-called Jin City was the capital of the country of Yanshang. It was the most prosperous commercial area where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold.
The economy of the country was mainly held in the grasp of the three major conglomerats, namely the Ji Hong Group, the Xin Group and the Yin Group. Their wealth was also ranked in that order, and had remained so for many years.
There was also a hidden internal manager for the economy of the country. They were the mysterious Ye Clan, who controlled the lifeline of all business institutions including the three major conglomerates. It could be said that a single decision made by the Ye Clan could cause a storm in the entire Yanshang business circle. Back in the days, during the contention for the throne, if the Ye Clan had not taken the initiative to withdraw from contention and take up business instead, the political climate of Yanshang might not look like the way it was currently. Even the Yanshang royal family had to be wary of the Ye Clan.
This powerful and influential clan had created a huge financial management institution during the country's development over the years. Every year, the Ye Clan would recruit new personnel through an official examination which was even more difficult than the Yanshang civil service examination. It was also more popular, because not only was the salary several times higher, the participants could similarly climb to positions of power.
Her father, Song Shan, was the Chief Diplomat of the financial management institution. Together with the Chief Financial Minister, the Chief Secretary-General, and the Chief Prosecutor, they were the four pillars that supported the development of the Ye Clan.
It so happened that the current helmsman of the Ye Clan had grown old, yet had no children of his own and no collateral descendants, so the position of successor was vacant. The battle for succession was bound to cause a huge change to the financial sector in the near future. Many people were eyeing the position with fervor.
Fortunately, the Ye Clan had a written rule from as early as a hundred years ago that no conglomerates could participate directly in the financial management institution, so they naturally could not participate in the succession war either. So, the conglomerates became backers instead. Many candidates tried to win their support.
"Sir, ma'am, can I take your order, please?" the waiter asked respectfully.
Song Zhizhi looked towards Ji Baijian. "You order."
Ji Baijian did not refuse. He took the menu and went over it casually. Without bothering to consult Song Zhizhi, he ordered some food for the two of them.
The waiter left with the order.
The two people he left behind fell silent.
Song Zhizhi had a feeling that, if she did not say anything, Ji Baijian would just remain silent forever.
So she took the initiative to break the ice. "What do you usually do when you're free?"
"I don't have a particular hobby."
"Then what do you like to eat?"
"I'm not picky when it comes to food."
"What kind of personality do you like in a girl?"
"Nothing in particular."
"Do you like to travel?"
"Depends on my mood."
Song Zhizhi stared at Ji Baijian. How could this guy be so boring?
She controlled her emotions, "Then, is there anything you want to ask me?"
"Not really."
"It's okay. You'll have all the time in the world to learn about me after we get married, and I'll slowly learn about you too. I'm in no rush." Song Zhizhi smiled.
Ji Baijian just stared at Song Zhizhi. Her enthusiasm continued to be met with indifference.
The meal did not turn out to be a cordial meal.
Song Zhizhi and Ji Baijian left the restaurant after the meal. Song Zhizhi said, "Nie Xiaofei is having a birthday party in the afternoon ."
"And?"
"I hope you can come with me."
"So fearless of you," Ji Baijian sneered.
Song Zhizhi frowned, not understading what he meant. Only after a long time did she realize that Ji Baijian was probably saying that she was not afraid of him bumping into Yi Wenhan.
"I will have no further relationship with Yi Wenhan," she said firmly.
Ji Baijian shrugged indifferently.
Song Zhizhi did not offer further explaination. Some things need to be proven with actions. She changed the subject. "Let's go pick the clothes together."
Ji Baijian did not refuse.
This guy, Ji Baijian, felt like he always had a neutral attitude of not taking the initiative but not refusing either. Song Zhizhi found him completely impossible to figure out.
They went together to the most luxurious ceremonial attire area in Jin City.
Song Zhizhi asked while selecting, "What color suits you?"
"Everything suits me," Ji Bai answered.
Song Zhizhi turned towards Ji Baijian with a judging look.
Ji Baijian was unperturbed.
Fine, you're handsome whatever you wear.
In the end, Song Zhizhi chose a black suit with a golden lapel for Ji Baijian. It did not look weird at all on him. Rather, it accentuated his somewhat too perfect cheeks. Song Zhizhi chose a sexy golden long hem gown for herself in a deliberate attempt to complement his suit.
Both of them changed into their respective clothes. In front of the large floor mirror, Song Zhizhi asked Ji Baijian, "Does this look good on me?"
Ji Bai said faintly, "Not bad."
Song Zhizhi smiled. All women liked to be praised, especially for their appearance.
The 22-year-old Song Zhizhi was, in fact, very beautiful. Her skin was delicate and fair, and had a radiance even without any makeup. Her large black eyes shined like the stars. She had a small cute nose and beautifully-colored lips. Her smile was captivating.
While she was still brimming with satisfaction with how she looked, a cold voice came from the side, "...but too slutty."
"..." Song Zhizhi stared daggers at Ji Baijian.
So the dress showed off her back and had a deep neckline. Big deal! How was it slutty?!