On the evening of the second day of the New Year, Jian Suiying took Little Linzi to the Li family for their New Year's visit.
Li Xuan led the two Jian brothers to the third-floor reception room, separating them from the crowd downstairs. Jian Suiying instantly felt a weight lifted.
much more at ease.
Li Xuan had set up a nearly two-meter-long Huanghuali desk on the third floor, adorned with gongfu tea sets that looked exceptionally imposing.
He couldn't help but glance at Li Yu, wondering if she'd turn into her brother in a few years. That would be utterly pointless.
.
The four sat around the table as Li Xuan expertly brewed and poured tea for them.
Jian Suiying couldn't resist teasing, "So Director Li enjoys doing this in his spare time? Not bad—cultivating your mind and tempering your character."
Jian Suiying wasn't particularly interested in things that required deep study, nor did she know much about tea. But after taking a sip,
it was indeed fragrant and refreshing, with an endless aftertaste.
After exchanging a few more casual remarks, Jian Suiying steered the conversation back to the main topic—the land parcel.
After discussing it for a while, they reached an agreement. In short, they would first have the project manager draft a polished proposal.
and have Li Xuan submit it directly to push things forward. There was still a good chance of success.
Li Yu suddenly interjected: "Once my brother returns, I'll take charge of coordinating this matter.
"
Li Yu looked slightly embarrassed, gave Jian Suiying a meaningful look, and pulled his leg back.
Jian Suiying's lips twitched slightly. Seeing his earnest expression made her want to tease him. She quietly slipped off her slipper and
and gently nudged Li Yu's ankle with his toe.
Sitting directly across from each other, it was both easy and discreet for Jian Suiying to do this.
Li Yu shot him a warning glance, then shifted slightly toward Jian Suilin and asked if he'd bought the newly released game.
While pretending to sip tea with Li Xuan, Jian Suiying boldly extended his foot, hooking it under Li Yu's knee and giving it a gentle flick upward.
Li Yu swayed slightly, an awkward flush spreading across his face.
Li Xuan glanced at him. "What's wrong? Can't even sit steady in such a big chair?" Li Yu turned his face away and sat up straight.
Jian Suiying chuckled softly and gave Li Yu a quick wink. Li Yu shot him a glare.
That fleeting exchange between them was incredibly brief, yet Jian Suilin keenly caught it. His expression remained unchanged,
only his eyes flickered slightly. He could only sip his tea to cover it up.
A subtle tension hung over the table, though Li Xuan remained oblivious, chatting casually with Jian Suying. Seeing Li Yu's guarded demeanor, Jian Suying lost interest in teasing him further.
The Jian brothers stayed for two hours before excusing themselves when the time felt right.
Li Xuan had intended to see them out, but just as they reached the door, his phone rang. Jian Suiying urged him to answer it immediately, saying there was no need to accompany them further.
Li Xuan shot him an apologetic glance before rushing off to take the call.
Li Yu escorted them to the door. When they reached the car, Jian Suiying opened the driver's door and said to Jian Suilin, "Get in."
Jian Suilin paused slightly, glanced at him, then got in.
Jian Suiying said, "Stay here for a bit," then slammed the door shut. He grabbed Li Yu's arm and started pulling her toward the side
Li Yu recoiled as if struck by lightning, jerking his hand free.
Li Yu jerked away as if electrocuted, snapping his hand free. Jian Suiying stared at him in surprise.
Li Yu pursed his lips, his eyes flickering with conflict.
Li Yu exhaled, deliberately adopting a cool tone. "We can talk about it later."
Jian Suiying understood he was doing this to avoid suspicion, but it still stung.
He knew his place. He wasn't foolish enough to ask Li Yu how he felt about him. He understood that their relationship
At least, that's how he'd always seen it.
But after being with Li Yu for over half a year, he genuinely enjoyed their time together. Even though they clashed on many things,
clashed, he genuinely liked Li Yu as a person. He harbored a quiet hope that things could stay this way forever.
He didn't believe he was madly in love with Li Yu to the point of obsession, nor did he crave reciprocated feelings. But he hoped
that the person who occupied his thoughts so completely—someone he missed after just three days apart—might at least show a little affection in return.
Over those six months, his feelings had evolved from simply wanting Li Yu to be with him to hoping Li Yu liked him back. If he sensed Li Yu didn't value him, it made him furious.
Jian Suiying stared at Li Yu for several seconds, meeting his subdued, hesitant gaze. Finally, she relented, her tone displeased: "Fine then. We'll talk about it later."
She walked past him and sat in the passenger seat, not looking back at him. Her gaze fixed ahead as she softly told Xiaolinzi,
"Home."
Jian Suilin glanced at the tall, handsome youth through the rearview mirror, his gaze as cold as ice.
In a foul mood, Sui Ying took an early shower and flopped onto the bed, intending to sleep.
He drifted off quickly, but after an unknown length of time, he was abruptly jolted awake by his phone ringing. Still half-asleep, Jian Suiying answered, "Hello..."
"You're asleep?" Li Yu's voice came through the line.
Jian Suiying perked up instantly. Li Yu calling him proactively still gave him a jolt of excitement. "Ah,
just fell asleep."
"It's not even midnight yet. You never go to bed this early." "I have to go to my grandfather's place early tomorrow morning."
"Oh."
"What's up?"
"I was planning to ask you out tomorrow."
Jian Suiying's mood instantly shifted. She chuckled, "What's up? Missing me already?"
Li Yu chuckled twice, neither confirming nor denying. "Since you have plans tomorrow, never mind. I'll wait until you get back."
"Now? This late?"
"It's not even midnight yet. Meet me at my place."
Li Yu paused for a moment. "Alright, but you'll have to wait for me. I need to make sure my family is asleep first."
"Alright."
After hanging up, Sui Ying leapt out of bed in one swift motion. The thought of spending some quality time with Li Yu soon
he felt like he could fly home instantly.
This little Li is such a devil, he thought, completely bewitched by him.
There was plenty of time ahead. He remained confident in himself, certain that one day he would make Li Yu bow down and submit to him.
Young Master Jian pulled on his clothes and pants, spent ages tidying his appearance, then stepped out, warm and fragrant.