The clinking sound of a cola bottle jolted Jiang Ruolan out of her thoughts, stopping her just short of blurting out those words.
She nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, lowering her gaze, unwilling to et Zhou Yi's eyes.
Never mind.
So things were better left unsaid at a mont like this.
Her heart was in turmoil—she liked him deeply, yet she couldn't bring herself to confess it.
This wasn't who she used to be; she had never second-guessed herself like this before. But when it ca to Zhou Yi, courage always seed to elude her.
Perhaps it was their positions, or perhaps she feared the outco wouldn't match her hopes. Whatever the reason, she knew she had no choice but to let go—for now.
Regaining her composure, she steadied her breathing and said lightly, "It's nothing. It's getting late. Let's head back, Zhou Yi."
Zhou Yi appeared completely unfazed, as if nothing had happened. "Alright then, I'll take you ho."
"No need," she replied quickly. "I'll just grab a taxi."
"It's too late. How could I let you go back alone?"
There it was again—one of those offhand remarks that always set her imagination racing.
Jiang Ruolan wondered if she was overthinking things. Every ti Zhou Yi showed even the slightest concern, she found herself reading between the lines.
Maybe he treated everyone this way—gentle and thoughtful—not just her. Maybe it wasn't because she was Jiang Ruolan.
"Fine, then. I'll trouble you, President Zhou."
"We've known each other for so long, and you're still calling President Zhou? Co on," he teased, shaking his head with feigned exasperation.
Jiang Ruolan's mind was swirling. She wanted to get ho as quickly as possible. If this went on any longer, she might not be able to hold back her feelings.
As they retraced their steps, Jiang Ruolan beca lost in thought. Not paying attention to where she was stepping, she slipped on a fallen leaf.
Luckily, Zhou Yi caught her by the waist, preventing her from falling.
"Are you okay?"
Concern etched across his face as he looked at her, his expression tense.
For a brief mont, she hadn't even realized what had happened. Thank goodness Zhou Yi was there.
The unexpected physical contact made Jiang Ruolan's ears burn red. For a fleeting second, she forgot she was clinging tightly to his neck.
"It's dark. Be careful," he reminded her softly.
Blinking, Jiang Ruolan reluctantly loosened her grip.
Though she hadn't fallen, her ankle twisted painfully.
She took a step forward and winced.
"Ouch..."
Frowning, she sucked in a sharp breath and glanced down at her high heels, frustration mounting.
What was going on today? Everything seed to be going wrong—even her shoes seed determined to betray her!
Jiang Ruolan prided herself on her composure, rarely losing control like this.
"Don't move. Let see."
Zhou Yi crouched down in front of her, gently holding her ankle to examine it. There was a slight swelling.
She looked down at the man before her—so poised, gentle, and attentive. A thought began to surface, one she couldn't suppress:
If only Zhou Yi were really her boyfriend.
"I'll carry you to the car. Hop on."
Zhou Yi stood up and crouched down, offering his back. After a mont of hesitation, Jiang Ruolan climbed onto his back, her arms wrapping around his neck.
His back felt safe, secure. She rested her cheek against him, savoring the warmth.
He paused briefly, then continued walking as if nothing unusual had happened.
Jiang Ruolan wished the path could stretch on forever.
"President Zhou."
"Hmm?"
"Why are you so good to ?"
"Do I need a reason to treat you well?"
"Yes," she pressed. "Because you don't treat everyone like this, right?"
This was her attempt to test the waters.
Zhou Yi chuckled. "True enough."
A faint smile spread across Jiang Ruolan's lips. It seed she did hold a special place in his heart after all.
What won wanted, above all else, was to feel unique—to be cherished.
She was no different.
The path wasn't actually long, but Zhou Yi deliberately slowed his pace.
"I suddenly feel regretful," she murmured.
"Regretful about what?"
"If you get a girlfriend soday, I won't receive this kind of treatnt anymore."
"That's still far off."
"So you haven't thought about relationships yet?"
"At my stage in life, I'm focused on building my career. Romance isn't sothing I've given much thought to."
Jiang Ruolan didn't know whether to feel relieved or disappointed.
Well, at least for now, Zhou Yi wouldn't have a girlfriend. She would remain the closest person to him.
"What about the future? Have you thought about what kind of partner you'd want?"
"At least soone as capable as you."
Jiang Ruolan's lashes fluttered. She bit her lip, as if steeling herself for sothing.
Resting her chin on his shoulder, she turned her head slightly and kissed his cheek.
Zhou Yi stopped walking.
"Ruolan..."
She didn't explain. Instead, she whispered, "Keep walking, please. Just for tonight, let have this mont."
Zhou Yi fell silent, resuming his steps without another word.
The two walked in silence, the only sound their footsteps echoing in the night.
The evening breeze carried a chill, but the warmth of her body pressed against him was undeniable.
[Jiang Ruolan Affection Level has reached 90. Keep it up, Host.]
Jiang Ruolan had subtly expressed her feelings—a confession veiled in subtlety.
In that fleeting mont, she simply couldn't resist.
When they reached the car, Zhou Yi helped her into the passenger seat.
Neither spoke during the ride. Zhou Yi drove while Jiang Ruolan pretended to sleep.
"We're here, Ruolan."
"You can leave here, President Zhou. I'll manage on my own."
"Your ankle hasn't healed yet. Don't push yourself. I'll carry you upstairs."
Jiang Ruolan tried to push him away. She had already acted impulsively today; she couldn't afford to lose control again.
She was teetering on the edge of restraint.
"No, I'll manage—"
Before she could finish, Zhou Yi scooped her up and started walking.
She swallowed her protests.
"Is there a pharmacy near your building?"
"Yes, about a hundred ters ahead."
She pointed to a nearby store still lit up. Zhou Yi carried her inside. He bought dicine for sprains, asked about precautions, and the shopkeeper complinted him:
"There aren't many boyfriends as caring as you these days."
Since Zhou Yi had entered carrying Jiang Ruolan, the shopkeeper assud they were a couple.
He opened his mouth to clarify, then thought better of it and simply smiled instead.
On the way back, she broke the silence.
"Why didn't you correct the shopkeeper?"
"It's just a misunderstanding. No need to dwell on it. Getting you ho is more important."
"I see..."
When they reached her door, he handed her the dicine.
"Apply it to the swollen area first thing. Don't delay. I'll head back now. Rest well tonight."
As he turned to leave, Jiang Ruolan couldn't help herself. She hugged him from behind.
"Stay tonight, please?"
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