Chapter 9: Putting on an Act [9]

“Miss Rou, if you keep crying like this, Master will surely be angry when he sees you,” the driver warned as they neared the Jing residence. Wen Xiaorou was still wiping away tears, and if Old Master Jing caught sight of her like this, Jing Nuo would be in even deeper trouble. The driver wasn’t particularly protecting Jing Nuo; rather, after the confrontation between Old Master Jing and Jing Nuo, Jing Nuo would definitely hold Wen Xiaorou accountable later, which would only deepen her sorrow.

Hearing the driver’s reminder, Wen Xiaorou took a handkerchief from her bag and dried her tears. Yet, this only made her feel more heartbroken. Watching Jing Nuo enjoy himself amidst the bright lights and lively scenes outside, she still had to hold back her tears. Was there any woman who lived a more pitiful life than she did?

“Rou Rou, did you see Jing Nuo?” Wen Xiaorou had just stepped into the hall when Old Master Jing emerged from the study.

“Yes, I did,” Wen Xiaorou nodded.

“Why didn’t you stay longer at the company?” Old Master Jing was hoping they would spend more time together.

“Jing Nuo is busy with work,” Wen Xiaorou didn’t mention the awkward encounter at all.

“Hm! It wouldn’t hurt to visit the company more often. I think it’s best to arrange a position for you there,” Old Master Jing said, though the offer was a pretense. His real intention was to place Wen Xiaorou close to Jing Nuo—whether to supervise or to foster their feelings. If they could mend their relationship, that would be even better.

“Mm,” Wen Xiaorou hesitated briefly before nodding eagerly. She genuinely wanted to work, but being under Jing Nuo’s watchful eye left her conflicted. Would it truly make things better, or just make her more detested?

That evening, whether out of pity or some other reason, Jing Nuo, seeing that Wen Xiaorou had personally gone to Shangjing Group, decided to return home.

In the living room, Wen Xiaorou curled up on the large sofa, hugging her knees as she quietly watched a reality TV show. Occasionally, she would break into a silly smile at the antics of the celebrities on screen. On the adjacent sofa, Jing Nuo frowned, glancing at the program and then at Wen Xiaorou. Life at home was unbearably dull, and he couldn’t help but admire this young woman who, at her age, neither gambled, shopped, nor socialized. How did she endure such a life? Was she never lonely?

“This show will be filmed next week at the company’s western suburban resort. Do you want to go watch?” Perhaps out of boredom, Jing Nuo unexpectedly initiated a conversation with Wen Xiaorou.

Lost in the program, Wen Xiaorou hadn’t heard him speak, her eyes fixed on two celebrities being tossed into the water by a spring chair, laughing foolishly. She paid no attention to Jing Nuo’s words, perhaps never expecting him to talk to her.

“Wen Xiaorou, am I so funny that you can’t hear a word I say?” Jing Nuo tried experiencing being ignored and, frustrated but unable to lose his temper in the living room, raised his voice to question her. After all, Wen Xiaorou was innocent and they were at home.

“Were you talking to me?” Wen Xiaorou turned to look at him only after his loud call.

“The show will be filmed next week at the company’s western suburban resort. Do you want to go watch?” Jing Nuo repeated himself.

“Yes,” Wen Xiaorou answered excitedly without hesitation. She wanted to see the live recording, and how could she refuse Jing Nuo’s invitation? This was the second time he had asked her.

“Alright, I’ll have the secretary arrange it. Driver Liu will take you there,” Jing Nuo saw her excitement and felt a small measure of satisfaction. He enjoyed seeing a woman amused by him—even Wen Xiaorou was no exception—though it was unintentional on his part.

“Aren’t you coming with me?” Hearing Jing Nuo mention the secretary and driver, Wen Xiaorou’s spirits instantly dampened.

“When do I have the time to accompany you?” Jing Nuo shot her a glare, inwardly annoyed by her growing boldness.