Chapter 027: Seeing You in a Bunny Girl Outfit Makes My Heart Race

Back at the studio.

Wen Ni saw Ji Yingqi and hurried over. “Brother.”

Ji Yingqi said, “Li Dafu is probably trying to make us raise our offer proactively. He gave us a hard time on purpose. After Mr. Li Yinghua passed away and Li Dafu took over, we already agreed to an increase once, and that was only out of respect for Mr. Li.”

Wen Ni circled in front of Ji Yingqi, pinching her chin thoughtfully.

Her voice was calm as she spoke. “Li Dafu has grasped our intentions well. Among all the silk in the country, only that from Liji Town meets our requirements.”

Ji Yingqi hummed in agreement.

He said with some self-reproach, “It’s also my fault. After all this time, I still haven’t found a source comparable to Liji Town’s silk.”

Wen Ni shook her head. “Brother, don’t blame yourself. This isn’t on you. Even Grandma searched for years and never found an alternative. The key now is to hold out for just one year. After that, Li Dafu himself will be anxious.”

The real question was how to secure enough silk for this year.

Ji Yingqi asked, “How much did you buy back from Jiang Shaozhang?”

Wen Ni replied, “Enough to get us through to the end of the project. If we’re really pressed, we still have Grandma’s treasured stockpile of silk and dyes. This time, I refuse to bow to Li Dafu.”

Ji Yingqi agreed. “He’s being far too greedy. Back when Liji Town’s silk was exposed for quality issues, Grandma begged everyone she could to help them through the crisis. Now, all he cares about is money.”

Wen Ni couldn’t help but say, “Li Dafu doesn’t understand intangible cultural heritage at all. If only Mr. Li Yinghua were still alive…”

Ji Yingqi said, “As long as it’s enough for the project, don’t worry. I’ll go check out the traditional sericulture bases. I’ve heard there are some remote border towns that still raise silkworms by hand. I’ll go see what I can negotiate.”

Wen Ni nodded.

She patted Ji Yingqi’s arm. “Brother, thank you for your hard work.”

Ji Yingqi smiled helplessly. “Why are you being so polite with me? Besides, you’re the one who’s really been through a lot. It’s a pity I’ve always been clumsy with my hands and could never learn the craft. Otherwise, I’d be able to share the burden with you now.”

After he finished speaking, Ji Yingqi asked Wen Ni, “Do you have plans tonight? Want to go see Grandma together and have dinner?”

Wen Ni hesitated, pressing her lips together.

Ji Yingqi smiled. “If you’re busy, never mind. Next time, then.”

Wen Ni smiled as well. “I actually do have something to take care of. Let’s do it another day.”

After Ji Yingqi left, Wen Ni stayed in the studio, working with the embroiderers on the kesi patterns for the neckties.

It wasn’t until evening that Wen Ni finally stood up, stretching her aching neck.

She was preparing to go to One Thousand and One Nights.

Just as she got into a taxi, Wen Ni checked her phone and saw a new friend request on WeChat.

She clicked on it.

The sender introduced himself as Ning Sui’s boyfriend.

Wen Ni remembered—it was Zhang Zhe, the man who had helped her and Ning Sui earlier that day.

Ning Sui was Wen Ni’s assistant. Wen Ni had heard of Zhang Zhe before; he was apparently an accountant for a private company. He and Ning Sui were high school classmates and had been together for many years.

But today was the first time Wen Ni had ever met Zhang Zhe in person.

She found it rather odd that Zhang Zhe wanted to add her on WeChat. No matter now or in the future, she couldn’t think of a reason why the two of them would need to communicate privately.

So Wen Ni simply ignored the request.

The taxi pulled up in front of the restaurant.

Wen Ni paid by scanning the QR code.

After that, she went inside and registered at the reception desk. “Hello, I booked a private room this afternoon under the name Wen Ni. Could you check for me?”

The receptionist checked the computer. “Fourth floor, Room 401.”

With a word of thanks, Wen Ni headed straight upstairs.

Entering the room, she flopped onto the soft sofa, savoring the decadent atmosphere.

She gazed out the window.

On the shimmering artificial lake, the sunset was reflected in golden hues, as if a layer of gold dust had been scattered over the water.

From time to time, the fat-headed fish would leap up.

They were almost as plump as pigs.

Wen Ni rested her chin on her hand, watching those fish—free, yet unfree—and her gaze slowly lost focus.

It wasn’t until the door opened again that she pulled herself out of her reverie. Turning, she saw Jiang Shaozhang, who was carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Jiang Shaozhang approached with a roguish smile.

With his buzz cut, silver chain, blue diamond earring, and denim jacket, he looked like a slightly more upscale street tough.

Jiang Shaozhang grinned, tossing the bouquet to Wen Ni. “Just picked these up by the roadside.”

Wen Ni took the fresh flowers.

Their fragrance was overwhelming.

She smiled sweetly. “Then I’ll accept them casually, too. Please, Young Master Jiang, have a seat.”

Jiang Shaozhang took off his jacket.

Underneath was a deep gray utility vest, sleeveless, showing off well-toned arms. Even at rest, the muscle contours were clear.

Wen Ni sat two seats away from him.

Jiang Shaozhang lounged lazily on the sofa, raising an eyebrow at Wen Ni. “Afraid I’ll eat you up?”

Wen Ni replied with confidence, “You wouldn’t.”

Jiang Shaozhang said, “Not so confident in yourself?”

Wen Ni propped her chin in her hand, her eyes arching flirtatiously. “Young Master Jiang, you were so considerate earlier—letting me choose whether to drink or to fight. It’s obvious you’ve got respect for women in your bones.”

Jiang Shaozhang was momentarily lost for words, his ears turning a little red. “You really know quality when you see it.”

Wen Ni said, “I ordered the ‘Ninety-Nine Thousand’ set meal you were so keen on. Is there anything else you’d like?”

Jiang Shaozhang gave a low whistle. “Am I really so dear to your heart?”

Wen Ni smiled. “After all, you let Madam Jiang save herself a hundred years’ worth of embroidered insoles and parted with the silk for us. I believe in repaying kindness.”

Jiang Shaozhang whistled. “What I said this morning wasn’t a joke, Wen Ni. Your husband’s gone, you’re still young—why not give us a try?”

Wen Ni looked at him with a smile that was not quite a smile.

Jiang Shaozhang suddenly felt as though his thoughts were being read. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Wen Ni tilted her head back. “I don’t think I’m really your type, Young Master Jiang.”

Jiang Shaozhang leaned forward. “Says who? The moment you stood before me in that bunny outfit, I felt my heart skip a beat. It was pounding like crazy.”

Wen Ni asked with concern, “Are you sure you don’t have sinus arrhythmia?”

Jiang Shaozhang was speechless.

He pointed at Wen Ni. “Are you testing me?”

Wen Ni only smiled.

Jiang Shaozhang declared, “I’ll show you just how sincere I am.”

He had barely finished speaking when the door swung open.

Jiang Shaobai snorted coldly. “I knew you’d be here.”

Jiang Shaozhang glared. “Big brother?”

Jiang Shaobai stood in the doorway. “I’m taking someone out for dinner, but I forgot to book ahead. I heard you were here—mind if I join you?”

Jiang Shaozhang looked far from enthusiastic.

Jiang Shaobai asked, “Aren’t you cold, dressed so lightly?”

Jiang Shaozhang gritted his teeth. “Not cold. Who are you taking out to dinner, brother?”

Jiang Shaobai stepped aside.

From behind the door, a man emerged, crossing the threshold with casual elegance.