Our Love, A Public Service - Chapter 23
Chapter 23
"He's my brother." Jing Rui suddenly said just as Chi Jia turned to leave.
Chi Jia paused, then smiled. “I understand.”
Such a young, handsome man, of course he was a “little brother.” It seemed rich women all had this preference. Chi Jia’s mind jumped to conclusions, assuming that Jing Rui had been kissing the man earlier.
Jing Rui, noticing the implication in Chi Jia’s words, grabbed her wrist, stopping her from leaving.
“What are you doing?!” Chi Jia pulled her hand away.
“What do you understand?” Seeing Miss Chi’s reaction, Jing Rui couldn’t help but smile, a hint of exasperation in her voice. “My younger brother. By blood.”
Chi Jia: “…”
“Sis—” Jing Wei came out of the restroom and saw Jing Rui talking to the beautiful singer from earlier. He thought, his sister was efficient, knowing he liked this type, actively playing matchmaker for him.
Chi Jia and Jing Rui turned around simultaneously. It was the “little brother” who had been all over Jing Rui earlier, a handsome, long-legged young man. Chi Jia looked at him, surprisingly feeling nothing.
“Hello, I’m Jing Wei.” He was always confident around beautiful women.
Jing Rui, Jing Wei, they really were related.
Chi Jia felt embarrassed, giving Jing Wei a perfunctory greeting. “Hello.”
“Let me buy you a drink, you sing beautifully.” Jing Wei naturally squeezed past Jing Rui, taking the prime flirting spot, giving Chi Jia what he thought was a charming smile. “What’s your name?”
“Chi Jia.”
Jing Rui sat quietly on the side, drinking, like a third wheel.
After Chi Jia introduced herself, the three of them fell into a brief silence.
“Oh right, this is my sister.” With Jing Wei around, there was never a dull moment.
Chi Jia glanced at Jing Rui. “Miss Jing and I know each other.” And not just casually.
“Is that so? Then let’s have a drink together.” Jing Wei looked at Jing Rui. “Right, sis?”
Jing Rui gave him a cold look. He only called her “sis” so sweetly when he was trying to pick up girls. She finally looked at Chi Jia and asked, “Want to join us?”
“No, thanks, I have something to do.”
Jing Wei had wanted to ask for Chi Jia’s WeChat, but before he could, she was already gone.
Tonight was unlike Chi Jia’s usual behavior; she didn’t even give Jing Wei her business card and introduce her profession. She just left abruptly. New friends were potential clients, potential gold mines. So, Chi Jia’s approach to making friends was always “the more, the merrier.”
“Was my outfit that bad today?” After Chi Jia left, Jing Wei asked Jing Rui, bewildered. Tonight was his biggest failure in flirting; they hadn’t even exchanged five sentences before she left, without even leaving her contact information.
Jing Rui sipped her wine, looking Jing Wei up and down. “Just average.”
Saying those words, Jing Rui felt a strange sense of familiarity. “Just average” was Chi Jia’s catchphrase. Whenever she asked Chi Jia how the food tasted, Chi Jia’s review was always “just average.” Having heard it so often from Miss Chi, she had unconsciously adopted the phrase.
Jing Wei felt he still had a chance. “By the way, how did you meet her? Such a beautiful girl, and you didn’t even introduce her to me. Do you know your little brother has been single for almost half a year? Have mercy on me!”
Jing Rui calmly analyzed the situation for Jing Wei. “If she was interested in you, she would have stayed for a drink and given you her contact information.”
“Maybe she’s just slow to warm up.”
Jing Rui sipped her wine in silence. Chi Jia, slow to warm up? Their first time together… she wasn’t slow to warm up at all. Thinking of this, Jing Rui’s smile faded.
“Wait a minute,” Jing Wei suddenly asked, “don’t tell me you’re also interested in her?”
Jing Rui had come out to her family when she was eighteen, bringing her girlfriend home, so they all knew about her sexual orientation.
Jing Wei’s concern wasn’t unfounded. He couldn’t compete with Jing Rui when it came to pursuing women, and what was worse, they had similar tastes in women. This was a recipe for disaster…
“You really like her?!” Seeing Jing Rui’s silence, Jing Wei became nervous, feeling like if his sister made a move, he wouldn’t stand a chance.
“I’m not interested.” The same words again, Jing Rui’s expression unchanged. Although she had been interested in Chi Jia, Miss Chi was clearly reluctant, so there was no point in pursuing her.
Thinking of this, Jing Rui took another sip of her wine. She didn’t like pursuing closeted women, it was too much trouble.
If there were feelings, then be together; it was a simple matter, why complicate things and make it a burden? Work was already tiring enough; she wanted relationships to be a source of relaxation.
If a relationship wasn’t nurtured, its shelf life would be pathetically short. Jing Rui’s relationships never lasted long, perhaps because of this. Once the passion faded, the love hormones subsided, it was time to break up.
Yun Xin had also advised Jing Rui to settle down, but Jing Rui said she just went with the flow in relationships.
Hearing Jing Rui say she wasn’t interested in Chi Jia, Jing Wei breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good. You have her contact information, right? Give it to me, drinks are on me tonight.”
Jing Rui stood up, put down her glass, and said coldly, “No, I don’t.”
Another one gone, leaving Jing Wei alone, wondering why his sister had left in such a bad mood? He hadn’t done anything to offend her tonight.
Three days later, at N Bar, Jing Wei finally got Chi Jia’s contact information.
“Hey, we meet again.” Jing Wei had carefully orchestrated this “chance encounter.”
After chatting with Jing Wei for a bit, Chi Jia, out of habit, gave him her business card. A potential client had come knocking; her next commission might come from him, it would be foolish to refuse. “Mr. Jing, if you have any design needs, feel free to contact me. I’m a professional.”
“Of course, I’ll definitely contact you.” Jing Wei was charmed by her smile. He had never met such a cheerful and refreshing girl.
Smiling was also a professional skill. If it meant securing a project, Chi Jia could keep a sweet smile on her face twenty-four hours a day.
Jing Rui had been hearing Chi Jia’s name frequently lately, from Jing Wei.
In her office, Jing Wei leaned against her desk, saying confidently, “Sis, I bet that girl is also interested in me. She smiles so sweetly every time she sees me.”
That girl was Chi Jia; Jing Rui was tired of hearing her name.
Jing Rui sat at her desk, signing documents, without even looking up. “Are you done? If so, please leave, don’t disturb my work.”
“I came to tell you something. I’ve asked Chi Jia to dinner at your place tonight. Please cook for us. And do me a favor, play matchmaker for us, please, sis.”
Jing Rui finally looked up. “You asked her out?”
“Why wouldn’t I be able to? I’m a tall, rich, and handsome guy! Is it that difficult to ask a beautiful woman out for dinner?” Jing Wei said confidently.
Jing Rui was lost in thought when Chi Jia called. She gestured to Jing Wei to be quiet.
“Miss Jing…” Chi Jia always addressed Jing Rui formally, except when they were in bed. “Can I come over and sign the contract tonight? Jing Wei has asked me to Number Nine to discuss a design proposal, so if it’s convenient, we can sign the contract today as well.”
Shortly after Chi Jia gave Jing Wei her business card, he mentioned having an old apartment that needed renovation, wanting to discuss it in person.
Since he had design needs, he was a client, and Chi Jia readily agreed, plus she also needed to go to Number Nine to sign the construction contract for the new villa with Jing Rui.
The first thing Jing Rui noticed after receiving Chi Jia’s call was that Chi Jia addressed her formally, but called Jing Wei by his name, despite having only known him for a few days.
“Bring the contract tonight, we’ll sign it today.” Jing Rui said and hung up.
“What design proposal are you discussing with Chi Jia?” Jing Rui questioned Jing Wei.
“I bought a second-hand apartment a few days ago and want her to redesign it. If there’s no opportunity, then create one.”
“That’s what you call ‘personal charm’?” Jing Rui chuckled. “Jing Wei, do you know why she smiles at you? Because you’re giving her money, get it?”
Jing Rui recalled Miss Chi’s bright smile when she offered her the villa project… so sweet it was almost painful.
Jing Wei didn’t care. “So what? If she agrees to be my girlfriend, I’m willing to spend any amount of money on her.”
Jing Rui rubbed her forehead, annoyed by Jing Wei’s persistence. “Get out, I have work to do.”
“Sis, don’t forget about tonight.”
At 6 PM, as dusk settled, Chi Jia arrived at Number Nine with the contract. Signing the construction contract with Jing Rui this time was much easier than before.
Number Nine was closed today. Chi Jia no longer wondered why; the restaurant’s opening hours were as unpredictable as its owner, Jing Rui.
“Xiao Jia, you’re here.” Jing Wei stood up and greeted Chi Jia enthusiastically as soon as he saw her.
Chi Jia smiled at Jing Wei, then her smile faltered slightly as she looked at Jing Rui. She quickly recovered and said naturally, “Miss Jing, shall we sign the contract first?”
Jing Rui’s gaze also fell on Chi Jia’s face, and she nodded with a smile. “Okay.”
Jing Wei felt completely ignored, even though he was the host of this dinner.
Signing the contract only took two minutes. Jing Rui barely looked at it, her slender fingers gracefully signing her name.
Chi Jia inwardly sighed; finalizing a contract with a wealthy client like this was always a pleasant experience. They never haggled over price; even the highest quotes were just “so-so” in their eyes…
“You’re in luck tonight. My sister is cooking herself. She never cooks for just anyone. It’s addictive, seriously.”
Jing Wei’s words made Chi Jia and Jing Rui look at each other simultaneously, but neither of them said anything to refute him.
“Xiao Jia, let’s discuss the proposal, I don’t really understand these things.”
After Jing Wei’s repeated prompting, Jing Rui put down her pen and said lazily, “Miss Chi has done two proposals for me, both excellent. Tell her what you have in mind, she’s very professional. Not only is she beautiful, but more importantly, Miss Chi is single…”
Jing Rui spoke slowly, emphasizing the last sentence.
“Really? Then it seems I have a chance.” Jing Wei joked, following Jing Rui’s lead.
Hearing Jing Rui’s words, Chi Jia was furious. She gripped her glass so tightly that her knuckles turned white. What did surnamed Jing mean, introducing her to her brother?
Chi Jia’s expression turned cold; she was disgusted by Jing Rui’s flirtatious smile. That same smile, always present, beautiful but inscrutable. What was Miss Jing really thinking?
Jing Rui stood up calmly. “You two chat, I’ll go to the kitchen.”
Jing Wei continued talking to Chi Jia, but Chi Jia didn’t hear a word. Five minutes later, she suddenly stood up, startling Jing Wei. “What’s wrong?”
“I just remembered something I need to discuss with Miss Jing…”
“Xiao Jia…” Jing Wei was confused, but Chi Jia headed towards the kitchen.
Chi Jia didn’t bother knocking, pushing the door open and walking straight in.
In the kitchen, Jing Rui, sleeves rolled up, was preparing the ingredients. Hearing the noise, she looked up and saw Chi Jia. “What are you doing here?”
Chi Jia stared at Jing Rui for a moment, then walked over and started washing vegetables, just like before.
Jing Rui glanced at Chi Jia, then continued with her work, chopping vegetables. After a while, she casually started a conversation. “What do you think of Jing Wei?”
Chi Jia’s hands were submerged in cold water, her gaze fixed on the ripples. “He’s nice.”
“I think you two get along quite well. He’s interested in you, you should consider him.” Jing Rui spoke casually, a smile in her voice. “He’s my cousin, his family is well-off, you two look good together, and your ages are suitable. He’s twenty-five this year…”
“Are you doing this on purpose?”
“On purpose, what?”
“Jing Rui.” Chi Jia finished washing the vegetables, dried her hands with a paper towel, and turned to look at Jing Rui’s profile, her voice calm but firm. “We just slept together, and you’re introducing me to your brother? What are you thinking? Isn’t this awkward?”
Jing Rui’s grip tightened on the knife handle, then she stopped, putting down the knife. “Didn’t you say we should pretend nothing happened? Why are you bringing it up now?”
Finally, they addressed the elephant in the room.
Silence hung heavy in the air.
Chi Jia had a short temper. She could tolerate it for work, but she couldn’t stand having to constantly suppress her emotions in her personal life. Now, she had reached her limit…
Looking at Jing Rui’s calm, smiling face, Chi Jia’s mind went blank. She impulsively stepped forward and kissed Jing Rui, a forceful, demanding kiss.
This time, Chi Jia finally did what she had always wanted to do whenever she was close to Jing Rui.
The moment their lips touched, all rationality crumbled.
“Mmm…” Before Jing Rui could even close her eyes, her lips were being sucked and licked, her teeth pried open, their tongues tangling, a hand caressing her chest.
Chi Jia’s movements were surprisingly skilled, as if she had practiced them in her dreams.
Jing Rui hadn’t expected this sudden intimacy.
Chi Jia closed her eyes, kissing Jing Rui forcefully, venting her pent-up emotions. Jing Rui didn’t respond, passively letting Chi Jia explore her mouth with her tongue.
After the forceful kiss, Chi Jia slowly released Jing Rui’s lips, her hand still inside Jing Rui’s clothes, gently caressing and kneading.
“Mmm…” Jing Rui softly moaned, her face flushed from the kiss, a look of arousal that mirrored their night together.
Standing very close, they looked at each other, not saying a word, their gazes lingering.
Chi Jia couldn’t resist kissing Jing Rui again, but this time, her movements were much gentler. Unable to resist Chi Jia’s advances, Jing Rui closed her eyes and returned the kiss, a deep, passionate kiss.
In the kitchen, they embraced tightly, kissing and touching, lost in the moment.
That familiar feeling, kissing the vixen felt so good. Chi Jia loved Jing Rui’s scent, almost obsessed with it, especially when kissing her, the memories of their two nights together flooding her mind.
Indulged, satisfied, but not enough. Chi Jia pulled away, wanting more.
“Chi Jia, who’s seducing whom now? I’m not pursuing you, yet you’re the one provoking me…” Jing Rui was breathless from the kiss, her voice slightly ragged.
Chi Jia couldn’t tear her eyes away from Jing Rui’s face. She said awkwardly, “Are you the only one allowed to seduce me? Am I not allowed to seduce you?”
Chi Jia knew that by provoking Jing Rui again, she could no longer pretend nothing had happened between them. But she just couldn’t help herself; she didn’t want to hold back anymore…
Holding back was suffocating.
They looked at each other, frozen in place.
Finally, Jing Rui took Chi Jia’s arm and wrapped it around her waist, lifting Chi Jia’s chin so their lips almost touched. “You’re allowed to seduce me, happy now?”
Looking at Jing Rui now, she was like a vixen finally revealing its tail, her true nature exposed, seducing her again. But Chi Jia realized she liked this feeling…
“Jing Rui, that day in the office, dressed like that… are you saying you weren’t seducing me?” Chi Jia finally voiced her thoughts from that day.
Chi Jia kept saying she was seducing her, and Jing Rui didn’t deny it, playing along. “Looking at you, I can’t help but want to seduce you, what can I do?”
“Vixen!” Chi Jia said, then pressed against Jing Rui, continuing to kiss her, her lips moving from Jing Rui’s lips to her cheeks and neck. Having held back for so long, Miss Chi finally revealed her true nature, wanting to kiss her fill…
Hmm
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