Huayu 2021: Isn’t he in the technology field?

Chapter 387 Aren't you going to invite me up for a seat?
Jiang Qing and Zhang Ruonan looked at each other for a moment, then suddenly laughed, breaking the silence.

He took a step closer, and the distance between them suddenly shortened, so close that they could see the subtle changes in each other's eyes.

"Teacher Zhang, why do you think I didn't believe you?"

His voice held a hint of amusement, but his eyes were fixed intently on her.

Zhang Ruonan blinked, flustered by his sudden approach, and stammered as she tried to organize her thoughts.

"I...I just feel...that even though you're smiling, you don't seem really happy."

Jiang Qing looked down into her eyes, their faces almost touching, and they could clearly feel each other's breath.

He deliberately lowered his voice and teased with a smile.

"Teacher Zhang, you're not trying to take advantage of me, are you?"

These words were like a match, instantly igniting Zhang Ruonan's cheeks.

Only then did she belatedly realize how embarrassed she had been. How could a young woman like herself have suddenly acted impulsively and kissed someone like that?
She hurriedly took two steps back, her hands waving unconsciously as she explained incoherently.

"No, I...I'm just...that...oh dear!"

She was so anxious that she paced back and forth, her mouth opening and closing but unable to utter a complete sentence, her face turning bright red.

Seeing her helpless expression, Jiang Qing finally couldn't help but laugh out loud.

He reached out and gently supported Zhang Ruonan's shoulder, stopping her from spinning around.

"Okay, I won't tease you anymore."

His tone became serious.

"Thank you for treating me to dinner and for trying to liven up the atmosphere and comfort me. I appreciate your kindness."

Zhang Ruonan raised her head and met his eyes; this time, she saw him clearly.

Jiang Qing's eyes were very sincere.

"But I must explain again."

He blinked.

"I'm really fine, don't worry."

Zhang Ruonan carefully examined his gaze and finally became certain that he wasn't just comforting her, but genuinely didn't care about the rumors.

She first breathed a sigh of relief, feeling much more relaxed. Then, remembering her bold actions, her blush deepened, as if she were burning.

Jiang Qing noticed her embarrassment, so she considerately let go of her hand, took a step back, and naturally changed the subject.

"Which hotel are you staying at? I'll take you back."

Zhang Ruonan felt as if she had been granted a pardon and hurriedly gave the name of the hotel.

"It's...it's the Hyatt Hotel nearby."

Jiang Qing nodded and took the first step.

Zhang Ruonan took a deep breath and quickly followed in his footsteps.

The streets were quiet at night, and the two walked side by side, their shadows stretched long by the streetlights.

Zhang Ruonan secretly glanced at Jiang Qing beside her. He looked calm and composed, as if the little incident had never happened.

This made her feel both relieved and somewhat inexplicably lost.

Half an hour later, Zhou Zhengkai's car came to a smooth stop in the underground parking lot of the Hyatt Hotel.

Zhang Ruonan unbuckled her seatbelt and was about to say goodbye when Jiang Qing suddenly turned to look at her.

"Aren't you going to invite me upstairs for a glass of water?"

Zhang Ruonan's heart skipped a beat, and she turned to look at him.

The underground parking garage was dimly lit, making it difficult to discern Jiang Qing's expression.

"Should we...should we go up?"

She asked, somewhat stammering.

"of course."

Jiang Qing's answer was concise and to the point.

Zhang Ruonan pursed her lips and nodded gently.

"Then please."

The two got out of the car one after the other and entered the elevator.

The atmosphere in the enclosed space suddenly became subtle.

Zhang Ruonan secretly observed Jiang Qing, but unexpectedly met his smiling eyes. She quickly looked away, her heart beating faster involuntarily.

Her mind went blank, yet she had a vague premonition that something was about to happen.

Upon arriving at the door, Zhang Ruonan glanced at Jiang Qing and swiped her card to open the door.

"Please come in."

Jiang Qing stepped into the room, with Zhang Ruonan following behind him. As soon as she closed the door, she turned around and found that everything in front of her had gone dark.

Jiang Qing had already pinned her against the door.

Zhang Ruonan looked up at him blankly, her throat feeling a little dry.

"You... what are you doing?"

Jiang Qing chuckled softly.

"Shouldn't I be the one asking that? Ms. Zhang, what did you mean by that kiss you gave me just now?"

Zhang Ruonan's face instantly burned. She opened her mouth, but didn't know how to explain.

Jiang Qing didn't give her a chance to organize her thoughts, but leaned down and looked directly into her eyes.

"You...do you like me?"

Zhang Ruonan was stunned for a moment, and her mind quickly flashed through all the little things that had happened since she met Jiang Qing.

The way he teased her when they first met at the airport, the way he calmly reached out to help her out on the Bazaar red carpet, the profile of him focused on cooking in the Chinese restaurant while wearing an apron, and the fleeting surprise in his eyes when she mustered the courage to kiss him tonight…

All those moments suddenly converged into one point, transforming into an unprecedented impulse!

She nodded emphatically and looked up at him.

Yes, I like you! I've liked you for a very, very long time!

After saying that, she let out a long sigh of relief.

She finally said what she had been holding back for so long, and now she felt relieved.

Jiang Qing smiled knowingly and moved closer, their noses almost touching, able to clearly feel each other's breath.

"Then you know..."

His voice was deep and open.

"I have girlfriends, and more than one."

Zhang Ruonan didn't expect him to be so direct, but after a brief moment of surprise, she nodded firmly.

"I know."

Jiang Qing looked directly into her eyes.

"Do you still like me like this?"

Zhang Ruonan answered without hesitation.

"like."

The answer was firm and resolute, with absolute certainty.

Jiang Qing chuckled softly, said nothing more, and lowered his head to press his lips to hers.

Zhang Ruonan was slightly taken aback at first, then her pupils suddenly dilated.

She immediately realized what was happening, hooked her arm around his neck, and responded enthusiastically.

Jiang Qing wrapped his arms around Zhang Ruonan's waist and led her slowly from the doorway to the living room and then to the bedroom; they never separated for a moment.

Zhang Ruonan had no time to spare and could only rely on Jiang Qing to guide her.

Although she never imagined things would develop to this point, she felt no resistance, neither physically nor mentally.

I'm even... looking forward to it.

Jiang Qing gently placed Zhang Ruonan on the large bed in the bedroom, propped himself up, looked at the girl beneath him with her peach-blossom-like eyes and asked her again to confirm.

"Don't you regret it?"

Zhang Ruonan did not answer, but instead showed her feelings through her actions.

She hooked her arms around his neck and offered her lips to him.

There is no need to say more.

That night, the temperature in the room continued to rise, and the two figures intertwined, as if trying to merge into each other's bones and blood.

Zhang Ruonan's performance was unexpectedly bold and enthusiastic; although she was a bit awkward, she made no attempt to hide her desire.

Jiang Qing, on the other hand, was extremely gentle, guiding her to explore unknown territories.

Late at night, Zhang Ruonan curled up in Jiang Qing's arms, her fingers unconsciously poking at his chest.

The room was unusually quiet, with only the slightly heavy breathing of the two people who had not yet fully calmed down being heard.

"Actually, I've been very curious about you ever since I first saw you at the airport."

Zhang Ruonan suddenly spoke softly, breaking the silence.

"At that time, I just thought you were very interesting, and you seemed like a highly educated person, very capable."

Jiang Qing looked down at her, gently combing her long hair with his fingers.

"So you were going to give me an autograph back then?"

Zhang Ruonan buried her face in his chest, feeling embarrassed.

"Back then I thought you were my fan... who knew you didn't even know me."

Jiang Qing smiled and laughed out loud.

"Didn't you get to know each other later?"

"Yes."

Zhang Ruonan looked up, her eyes sparkling in the dim light.

"Later at Bazaar, you suddenly appeared and helped me out of that predicament. At that moment, I really felt like you were a hero who had fallen from the sky."

Jiang Qing raised an eyebrow. "So easily moved?"

"That's not the case~"

Zhang Ruonan gently punched his chest.

"Because that person is you."

The two looked at each other and smiled, and Zhang Ruonan continued her story.

"Later, at the Chinese restaurant, I saw you cooking while wearing an apron, and I found it quite novel. You didn't have the airs of a big company boss at all. And you sing so well. That night when you sang 'Special Person,' I thought..."

"What are you thinking about?"

Jiang Qing pressed on with great interest.

Zhang Ruonan's cheeks flushed slightly.

"I just wish... this song was sung just for me."

Jiang Qing didn't say anything, but simply hugged her even tighter.

I know you have someone else.

Zhang Ruonan's voice gradually lowered.

“Zhou Ye, Meng Ziyi, Chen Duling… I know them all. But I just can’t control my feelings. Every time I see you, I can’t help but want to get closer to you and want to know more about you.”

Jiang Qing gently lifted her chin, making her look into his eyes.

"So now? How do you feel knowing more about me?"

Zhang Ruonan straightened her face and answered seriously.

"It's even better than I expected."

She paused for a moment, then added.

“I know this might be wrong, but I won’t disturb your life. As long as I can see you occasionally, like today, I’m content.”

Jiang Qing looked into her eyes, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside her.

He lowered his head and kissed her forehead without saying anything.

As night deepened, Zhang Ruonan gradually fell asleep in Jiang Qing's arms, a sweet smile still lingering on her lips.

Jiang Qing couldn't fall asleep for a long time, looking at the girl in his arms, his thoughts were in turmoil.

The next morning, sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the curtains, and tiny dust particles danced slowly in the beams of light.

Zhang Ruonan slowly woke up, her eyelashes fluttering, and slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Jiang Qing's face, which was very close to hers.

His breathing was steady, and the usual composure in his eyes was replaced by gentleness.

She stirred slightly, and Jiang Qing woke up. He slowly opened his eyes, still hazy from just waking up, and when he focused on her face, a smile instantly appeared on his face.

Good morning, Nan Nan.

"Good morning, Jiang... Qing."

Zhang Ruonan responded softly, her cheeks slightly flushed, still somewhat dazed and incredulous.

She subconsciously reached out her finger and touched his chin very lightly. The slightly prickly touch felt incredibly real, and she couldn't help but mutter softly.

"It really isn't a dream..."

Jiang Qing was amused by her.

He reached out, not to pinch, but to gently rub her delicate cheek with the back of his fingers, a gesture that was naturally intimate.

"Do you believe it now?"

His gaze was fixed on her face, capturing every subtle expression.

Zhang Ruonan didn't speak, but simply raised the corners of her mouth, like a cat being stroked, and snuggled closer into his warm embrace, her nose surrounded by his reassuring scent.

The two nestled together in silence, enjoying the tranquil warmth of the early morning, the air thick with the sweetness of their newly confirmed relationship.

The tranquility was broken when Zhang Ruonan's stomach let out a soft rumbling sound.

She immediately buried her face in the pillow in embarrassment. Jiang Qing was taken aback at first, then couldn't help but laugh out loud. He tightened his arms, encircling her in his embrace, and rubbed his chin against the top of her head.

"hungry?"

He asked softly, his tone tinged with a smile.

"Hmm~"

Zhang Ruonan snuggled closer to him, lingering there, and softly responded.

The two lingered in bed for a while longer, whispering sweet nothings, before getting up to wash up.

Jiang Qing wrapped his arms around Zhang Ruonan, who was brushing her teeth, from behind. Looking at her adorable face in the mirror, with her mouth full of foam and her eyes wide open, he couldn't help but lower his head and kiss her bare shoulder and neck, which drew a muffled protest from her.

"Stop itching!"

After we finished washing up, room service brought us breakfast.

During the meal, Jiang Qing casually handed a piece of bread with jam to Zhang Ruonan's mouth, watched her take a bite, and then asked her a question as if it were a casual question.

"What are your plans for today?"

Zhang Ruonan took the bread, chewed it slowly, and after swallowing, she pursed her lips somewhat shyly, her eyes flickering.

"I have to leave this afternoon."

She put down her milk glass, somewhat afraid to look at him.

"Actually... I'm also recording a variety show, and I made a special effort to squeeze out time to come here."

As she spoke, she raised her eyes to carefully observe his reaction.

Jiang Qing nodded understandingly, her eyes gentle, without a trace of displeasure.

"Work is important, but it shouldn't interfere with my normal life."

He paused slightly, then smiled and joked.

"It seems that Professor Zhang has a very busy schedule. It is my honor to be able to meet you."

Hearing him say that, Zhang Ruonan finally relaxed completely, wrinkled her nose playfully, and regained some of her liveliness.

"No one can compare to President Jiang, who is so busy with countless affairs every day."

Jiang Qing shrugged, looking as if it were true, which drew a reproach from Zhang Ruonan.

After breakfast, there was still some time before Zhang Ruonan set off.

The two did not go out, but chose to stay in the room.

They nestled on the sofa, Zhang Ruonan curled up with her head resting on Jiang Qing's shoulder. His arm was naturally around her, and he patted her arm lightly, as if unconsciously comforting her.

The sunlight outside the window grew brighter and brighter, and the room was so quiet that you could hear each other's steady breathing.

Zhang Ruonan looked at the clear sky outside the window, then turned her head to look at Jiang Qing beside her.

After hesitating for a moment, she couldn't help but whisper to him again to confirm, her voice even softer than before.

"Those comments online...Are you really okay? Don't push yourself too hard. You don't have to be so strong in front of me all the time."

Jiang Qing turned her head and looked at her earnestly, making sure that her gaze could clearly see the sincerity in her eyes.

He raised his other hand and gently brushed away a stray hair from her cheek, the warmth of his fingertips lingering briefly on her skin.

"It's really okay."

He assured him, his tone resolute.

"Those comments don't affect me, believe me."

Seeing the clear, untroubled look in his eyes, Zhang Ruonan finally felt completely at ease.

A bright and radiant smile returned to her face, like sunshine breaking through the clouds, and she nodded vigorously.

"Yes! I believe you! I've always believed you!"

She turned around to face him, her cheeks adorned with two dimples, one deep and one shallow, and her eyes clear and bright.

"You're so amazing, you must be brewing something even bigger. Maybe one day you'll create a product even more amazing than ChatGPT and scare everyone! Then let's see what they have to say!"

Her smile was incredibly infectious, and her words were full of support, as if she were certain he was omnipotent.

Jiang Qing looked into her eyes, which were filled with admiration and encouragement, and her heart softened.

He didn't reply with words, but looked at her deeply, then lowered his head, accurately capturing her lips, sealing her encouragement, and expressing the unspoken emotion he felt.

Zhang Ruonan tilted her head back, closed her eyes, and gripped the fabric beside Jiang Qing tightly with both hands, cooperating with him fully.

After a long while, their lips parted, and they smiled at each other. Zhang Ruonan pressed her cheek against Jiang Qing's chest, feeling his strong heartbeat.

They embraced each other, speechless for a moment.

Time slipped by quietly, and the moment of parting finally arrived.

Zhou Zhengkai's car was already waiting downstairs, and Jiang Qing personally drove Zhang Ruonan to the airport.

On the way to the airport, the two held hands the whole time.

The atmosphere inside the car was quiet but not dull; a silent lingering feeling spread through the small space.

Upon arriving at the airport departure level, Zhang Ruonan took her luggage. Although reluctant, she still put on her brightest smile, trying to ease the sadness of parting.

"I'll leave it here. I'm going inside now."

"Bon Voyage."

Jiang Qing nodded, and with a very natural gesture, gently smoothed her not-too-messy bangs.

"Yes! You too, take care of yourself."

Zhang Ruonan waved, took a deep breath, and turned to blend into the crowd.

As she watched her slender yet upright figure disappear around the corner of the security checkpoint, Jiang Qing's gentle smile gradually faded.

He stood there for a moment, his eyes darkening as he thought of the increasingly intense storm of doubts on the internet.

"hold on."

The whispers faded into the air.

Having successfully passed through security, Zhang Ruonan glanced back at the bustling entrance. Although she could no longer see Jiang Qing, she felt a sense of satisfaction.

She knew that Jiang Qing's world was vast, and she wasn't the only one around him; this relationship might not have the outcome she had once imagined.

But recalling the genuine warmth of last night and the tender affection of this morning, she couldn't help but smile, her heart both soft and resolute.

At least for this moment, she followed her heart and bravely approached the person who strongly attracted her.

She has no regrets.

(End of this chapter)