Chapter 28: Casting the Bait
Jiang Yingnan truly couldn’t understand these women. He had observed Wen Xiyao for quite some time and concluded that he was nothing but a smooth-talking pretty boy; not a word out of his mouth was sincere. He couldn’t fathom what went on in these women’s minds. Listening to such obviously false flattery, they all seemed overjoyed.
Suddenly, Jiang Yingnan spoke up, startling both the young woman and Xu Hao. The young woman stole a glance at Jiang Yingnan, her cheeks flushing an even deeper red, her breathing a touch unsteady. In truth, Jiang Yingnan’s looks were exactly her type. But he was so cold and unapproachable that she hadn’t dared to try. That was why she had chosen Wen Xiyao, who seemed a bit gentler.
Yet when Jiang Yingnan abruptly asked what she liked about Wen Xiyao—and there was a hint of jealousy in his tone—her mind immediately began to race. She suppressed her excitement and replied softly, “Actually, someone like Second Young Master fits the mainstream standard of attractiveness better.”
With the subject of her admiration right in front of her, she was too shy to admit outright that her own aesthetic preference leaned toward Jiang Yingnan.
Jiang Yingnan considered this and asked pointedly, “But not a woman’s personal preference?”
The young woman was flustered, her ears turning red. She lowered her gaze, her hands nervously entwined, yet her words were bold: “I’m more drawn to Second Young Master’s looks.”
It was a straightforward admission.
Jiang Yingnan raised an eyebrow slightly, cast her a fleeting glance, and praised, “You have good taste.”
Her heart blossomed with joy, but she maintained a proper demeanor, sneaking a sidelong glance at Jiang Yingnan. Seeing that he seemed to be in a good mood, she unconsciously moved to sit beside him.
Jiang Yingnan frowned at this; he wasn’t fond of her perfume. But he didn’t send her away—after all, she had far better taste than that other woman, Du Zhiye.
...
Du Zhiye had just left the café when she received a call from Du Qi. He was furious, scolding her mercilessly. Du Zhiye remained silent, letting him vent his anger. After a while, Du Qi calmed down. “Come to the company tomorrow morning.”
Du Zhiye lowered her eyes slightly—she knew exactly what he meant, but as for her life...
Before she could reply, Du Qi hung up. That old man had never had any patience with her.
She pursed her lips, put away her phone, and took a taxi back to her apartment.
That night, Number 39 came by. Du Zhiye handed over the photographs for him to inspect. He was very satisfied and asked, “Would you like to live another year?”
Du Zhiye’s eyes brightened instantly, her disbelief evident. “Is that possible?”
Number 39 replied, “Within a month, if Jiang Yingnan publicly announces you as his girlfriend on his social media, you’ll get another year.”
Du Zhiye’s enthusiasm vanished. She had known Number 39 would never make things easy for her.
She pleaded, “Couldn’t it be someone else?” Even Tao Ranming would be better than Jiang Yingnan. After all, she had just burned that bridge this morning—and even sworn an oath.
Number 39 was merciless. “I believe in you.”
As if belief had anything to do with it. Someone as resourceful as Number 39 surely knew she had already closed off any path to Jiang Yingnan. That morning she had sworn, with the utmost conviction, never to pester Jiang Yingnan again. Yet by evening, Number 39 had thrown her this bait.
Du Zhiye even suspected Number 39 was deliberately making things difficult for her.
She barely slept that night. The chance to live another year was not something she would give up easily. But now, to try and get close to Jiang Yingnan and have him publicly declare her as his girlfriend—never mind whether Jiang Yingnan would agree, even she herself couldn’t bring herself to do it.