Chapter 73: Temporarily Leaving
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
In the early morning, Zhou Chao realized he had left the car behind yesterday. Anticipating Jiang Li’s possible outing today, he made his way to the restaurant to fetch the car, swiftly departing from the hotel.
While standing at the intersection, awaiting the 20-second countdown of the traffic light, Zhou Chao intended to light a cigarette. However, just as he was about to do so, his phone suddenly rang.
“Hello, Zhou Chao.” a touch of plaintiveness resonated from the voice on the other end of the line. In an instant, Zhou Chao’s sunny disposition turned overcast.
“What’s the matter?” He suppressed his frustration and spoke gently.
“I’ll be going to the countryside for half a month on an assignment, so I won’t be able to accompany you.” The originally repressed frustration within Zhou Chao couldn’t help but give way to laughter.
“Why are you so silly? It’s not like we can’t meet anymore. I’ll come find you wherever you are.”
“I’m packing my things at home right now. 1’11 be leaving this afternoon.”
“I’m coming over right away.” As the light turned green, Zhou Chao stepped on the gas pedal, and his car sped off.
Upon reaching Jiang Li’s residential complex, he went straight to her apartment and rang the doorbell. It didn’t take much time for the door to open, and to his astonishment, it was Zhou Chao standing there. Jiang Li’s cheeks flushed as red as apples upon laying eyes on him.
“Come in.” Jiang Li’s voice was faint, and she lowered her head.
“Sure.” Zhou Chao replied softly and entered the apartment, followed by Jiang Li. Inside, he noticed that the apartment was quite simple, a one-bedroom unit. It seemed that this was the accommodation arranged by Jiang Li’s workplace.
Zhou Chao sat down on the sofa and glanced around. The room was tidy, and Jiang Li went to the kitchen to make tea for him.
As Zhou Chao stood up to explore the surroundings, he spotted an unidentified black object on the windowsill. Jiang Li, returning from the kitchen with the tea, followed his gaze.
“All, you naughty one, always snooping around.” Jiang Li hurriedly put the tea down and went to put the item away.
“I can’t help it.” Zhou Chao was caught red-handed, and even his thick skin couldn’t stop the blush that crept onto his face. He turned and resumed his seat on the sofa.
“Okay, have some tea.” Jiang Li handed him a cup of tea and sat on the sofa next to Zhou Chao.
“Mmm, it’s delicious.” Zhou Chao sipped the tea and praised it.
“Of course, did you expect anything less from me?” Jiang Li said with a touch of pride.
“It really is delicious.” Zhou Chao took another sip of the tea.
“Hehe, I knew you would definitely praise me. Shameless, I know you too well.”
“Don’t I know you too?” Zhou Chao playfully retorted.
“Ugh, you’re annoying. I’m ignoring you.” Jiang Li leaned slightly away.
“By the way, have you finished packing your things? Let me help.” Zhou Chao stood up, preparing to head into the bedroom.
“No need, if you help, I’ll just be all flustered. You don’t need to tidy up for me.” Jiang Li hurriedly ran into the room, holding the things on the bed in her arms.
“Are you sure you don’t need my help?” Seeing Zhou Chao approaching, Jiang Li’s heart raced as if it were about to leap out of her chest.
“No need, I’ll handle it myself.” Jiang Li looked at Zhou Chao, who was approaching closer. She tiptoed and gave him a kiss before pushing him out of the bedroom and closing the door.
Zhou Chao touched his lips, turned, and sat back on the sofa, waiting for Jiang Li to finish packing.
“Alright, I’m done.” After a moment, Jiang Li emerged from the bedroom. Zhou Chao stood up, walked over to her, and carefully examined her.
Her white sportswear fit her perfectly, complementing her delicate skin. She looked pure and lovely, especially with those big watery eyes that seemed to speak. Her beautiful long hair was tied into a ponytail, making her look charming and cute. Her rosy lips looked enticing. While her face still held a touch of innocence, her exquisite and charming features already radiated beauty.
“Wow, you look absolutely beautiful.” Seeing Jiang Li like this, Zhou Chao couldn’t resist offering his admiration. Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red at his unexpected compliment, intensifying her sense of embarrassment.
“Is your luggage packed?” Zhou Chao noticed that Jiang Li wasn’t carrying any luggage.
“Yes, it’s packed. I’m leaving this afternoon, so it’s still early now.” Jiang Li walked directly into his embrace.
With her warm and tender body in his arms, Zhou Chao caught a whiff of her natural and delightful fragrance. His heart couldn’t help but flutter, and his hands unconsciously caressed Jiang Li’s delicate figure.
“Zhou Chao.” Jiang Li’s whisper drew his attention. Zhou Chao met her gaze, and her onyx eyes seemed to shimmer with emotion. He bent down and pressed his lips to hers in a gentle kiss.
“Ding ding!” The sound of a ringing phone startled the two of them. Jiang Li quickly sprung out of Zhou Chao’s embrace. Irritated, Zhou Chao glanced at the phone, realizing that it was Jiang Li’s call. He could only resign himself to the interruption.
Jiang Li hurriedly picked up her phone and answered it.
“Hello,” Jiang Li’s tone was remarkably calm as if nothing had happened just now.
“Okay, I’ll be right there.” Jiang Li ended the call.
“I have to go. The work team is leaving early.” Looking at Jiang Li’s crestfallen expression, Zhou Chao felt a pang of sympathy.
“Silly, let me take you there.” Zhou Chao stepped forward and embraced Jiang Li, speaking softly into her ear.
Jiang Li turned around and retrieved a suitcase from the bedroom. Zhou Chao casually grabbed it.
“Let’s go.” Zhou Chao opened the door and walked out. Jiang Li quickly caught up, linking her arm through his as they headed downstairs.
They arrived at their destination in no time. Zhou Chao carried down the suitcase and, seeing that Jiang Li still seemed gloomy, pulled her into his arms.
“In just two more months, we can be together every day.”
“Mmm, I know. You go about your business, don’t let me hold you back.” Jiang Li gave Zhou Chao a quick kiss and then walked away with her luggage. Zhou Chao watched her disappear from sight before driving away.
“Hey, Fourth Brother, are you busy?” Zhou Chao dialed Xiao Feng’s number while driving.
“Not too busy, what’s up?” Xiao Feng sounded puzzled. Wasn’t his second brother deeply in love with Jiang Li? Why was he calling him ail of a sudden?
“I’m heading back to Modu City. I’m leaving the car with you.”
“And Jiang Li?”
“Are you even aware that you’re her superior? Jiang Li has gone to a rural village.”
“What kind of superior do you think I am? 1 don’t handle that kind of stuff.” Xiao Feng understood what was going on as soon as he heard about her going to a village.
“I’ll be leaving shortly. I’ll drop the car off at your place, and you can hand the keys to the security guard.”
“Alright, bring it over later.” After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Feng agreed, and Zhou Chao ended the call.
Once he returned to the hotel, Zhou Chao packed his belongings and drove the car to Xiao Feng’s place. Afterward, he hailed a taxi and headed for Chengdu Airport.
“I feel dizzy.” Zhou Chao squatted by the side of the road, dry-heaving after stepping out of the taxi. It took him a while to regain his composure. If he had anticipated how uncomfortable it would be, he would have driven himself.
Before boarding the plane, he called Lin Wu to pick him up at Hongqiao Airport..