Chapter 72: Love Bracelet
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Boss, could you speed up with the food? If you don’t bring it soon, I’ll be full watching their public display of affection.” Xiao Feng’s comment elicited laughter from the group of diners.
“It’s all your fault,” Jiang Li scolded Zhou Chao playfully, looking at the teasing gazes of the others. She gave Zhou Chao’s foot a sharp kick, but immediately regretted it. Today, she had chosen to wear a pair of thick-soled shoes, and the kick hurt quite a bit.
Jiang Li quickly glanced at Zhou Chao, still smiling at her. She hurriedly asked, “Does your foot hurt?”
“It hurts.”
“Then how can you still smile?”
“Because I have you,” Zhou Chao said gently, his hand caressing Jiang Li’s head.
“Damn, I can’t take it anymore. I’m going to get poisoned,” Xiao Feng exclaimed, unable to bear the atmosphere any longer. At this rate, the meal truly wouldn’t be enjoyable.
“Haha,” Jiang Li burst into laughter at Xiao Feng’s comical expression, holding her stomach from the amusement.
Seeing Jiang Li laughing so joyfully, Zhou Chao’s face also lit up with a brilliant smile.
“The dishes are here.” the owner and the waiter brought the dishes to the table.
“Here, let me serve you,” Zhou Chao said, picking up his chopsticks and skillfully placing a piece of Yayu belly into Jiang Li’s bowl.
Jiang Li took the fish and took a bite, saying, “It’s so delicious. Every time I eat this Yayu, I feel like I can’t get enough.”
“Then we should eat this every day from now on,” Zhou Chao replied with a smile. Hearing Zhou Chao’s words, Jiang Li’s face turned slightly red as she gave him a playful glare.
Observing Zhou Chao and Jiang Li’s interaction, Xiao Feng shook his head in amusement. He couldn’t help but feel a tad overwhelmed by their display of affection. It had only been a few days since their last meeting, yet their affectionate behavior was already in full swing.
It seemed he needed to find a girlfriend for himself as well, but he wasn’t sure what type he liked. Xiao Feng shook his head. He didn’t need to rush into a relationship. Once he got his work in order, he could think about it.
“Let’s eat first. If the dishes get cold, they won’t taste as good,” Xiao Feng said helplessly.
After they finished their meal, Zhou Chao suggested going for a walk with Jiang Li. Xiao Feng, understanding the situation well, took his leave. He knew that if he stayed any longer, he might have to endure more of their affectionate moments.
The two strolled leisurely along the road, and Zhou Chao began sharing his recent experiences. He talked about the near-death experience in Zheduo Mountain, the scenic landscapes of Lizhang, the donations to Batang’s primary and secondary schools, and his trip to Jingdu. Listening to all this, Jiang Li regretted not being a part of Zhou Chao’s life earlier.
When she heard about Zhou Chao’s dangerous encounter in Zheduo Mountain, she instinctively tightened her grip on his hand.
They strolled until they arrived at a sparsely populated park. Spotting an available bench, they settled down.
After a brief pause, Zhou Chao regarded Jiang Li with a serious expression and uttered, “Jiang Li.”
“Yes, what’s the matter?” Zhou Chao’s sudden seriousness caught her off guard.
“I’ve never been particularly skilled at conveying my feelings. Today, I wish to make a sincere confession. I have feelings for you. I envision a future where we traverse life’s journey together and build a home of our own. Would you be my girlfriend? Is that something you’d want?” Zhou Chao concluded and then knelt down on one knee. From his bag, he retrieved a jade bracelet he had prepared earlier.
“I’m willing to be your girlfriend,” Jiang Li said with excitement as Zhou Chao hugged her tightly.
Jiang Li nestled in Zhou Chao’s embrace, her fingers drawing circles on his chest. “You know what? During the time you were away, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I just knew that I couldn’t be without you anymore.”
“Here, put this on.” Zhou Chao placed the jade bracelet on Jiang Li’s wrist. Looking at it, he found it a perfect fit, as if it had been custom-made for her.
“This jade isn’t cheap, I can’t accept it.” Jiang Li immediately recognized the value of the jade bracelet and tried to take it off to return it to Zhou Chao.
Zhou Chao quickly caught Jiang Li’s hand, stopping her action, and whispered in her ear, “Wearing this means you’re part of my Zhou family now. You can’t take it off.”
“Hmph, you rascal, you’re just a rascal.” Jiang Li lightly tapped Zhou Chao’s chest with her small hand.
As he held Jiang Li in his embrace, Zhou Chao’s head gradually inclined. Observing his gesture, Jiang Li understood his intention and didn’t offer any resistance. She closed her eyes, waiting in tranquil anticipation.
Zhou Chao kissed Jiang Li’s lips, gently brushing against her teeth. After a while, Jiang Li surrendered and let Zhou Chao fulfill his desire.
After a long while, Zhou Chao reluctantly raised his head, and a smile crept onto his face. Jiang Li quickly used a tissue to wipe her lips.
“You naughty guy, my lips are sore from all the kissing,” Jiang Li complained, feeling a slight pain.
“Let me kiss you again. Maybe it’ll feel better,” Zhou Chao leaned in to kiss her again, but before he could fully approach, Jiang Li’s hand blocked his way.
“Pretty good try.”
“You’re the prettiest.”
The park was suddenly filled with cheesy words that made people cringe.
“How much longer will you be working in Lushan County?” Embracing Jiang Li, Zhou Chao’s hand instinctively followed the curves of her body.
“Slap!” A sudden sound of contact followed as his hand was swiftly withdrawn from her attire.
“Probably until January. By then, I should be able to wrap things up and have more free time to spend with you.” Jiang Li thought for a moment, gazing at Zhou Chao earnestly.
“It’s almost two months until the Lunar New Year. Do you think 1 should come to Jingdu to celebrate the New Year with you?”
“Hmph, we’ll see how you perform when the time comes,” Jiang Li replied playfully.
Zhou Chao checked the time; it was nearly 11 PM.
“Let’s go. It’s getting late. I’ll walk you back home,” Zhou Chao said, holding Jiang Li’s hand and leading her in the direction of her home.
As they walked, their shadows grew longer.
“We’re here.” The two of them acted sweetly all the way, as if they wanted to cling to each other forever.
“You go upstairs. It’s quite cold outside. If you’re not busy tomorrow, I’ll wait for your call.”
“Sure,” Jiang Li lowered her head, absentmindedly kicking a pebble on the road.
Seeing this, Zhou Chao raised Jiang Li’s chin with his index finger and gently pulled her into his embrace, leaning down to kiss her. The kiss was passionate as if they were entering a boss fight in a game.
Jiang Li responded fervently, and after a while, they finally stopped, catching their breath. Jiang Li took in a deep breath of fresh air.
“You almost lulled me. 1 could barely catch my breath,” she said, playfully tapping Zhou Chao’s chest with her small hand.
“You should go upstairs now. It’s getting late,” Jiang Li glanced at her watch; it was already past 11. She turned and walked towards her apartment complex.
“Do you want to come up and sit for a while?” a faint voice came from the complex.
“What did you say?” Zhou Chao didn’t catch it clearly, so he asked again.
Huffing, Jiang Li stamped her foot. “Do 1 have to say it twice? You’re such a rascal.”
“What’s wrong, Jiang Li? Why aren’t you saying anything?” Zhou Chao’s voice reached her again.
“It’s nothing. You should head back. It’s getting late,” she replied as she walked upstairs.
Zhou Chao watched Jiang Li’s figure disappear into the building and then turned to flag down a taxi by the roadside, heading back to his hotel.
Lying in bed at the hotel, Zhou Chao’s heart was brimming with happiness, making it hard for him to find sleep. He shifted restlessly, finally succumbing to a light slumber in the early hours of the morning..