That evening, Shang Jie led Jiang Xingxing to the backyard. They walked through a path hidden among layers of greenery, and there it was—a clear spring, with water bubbling up from the ground, forming a hot spring pool about three to four square meters in size.
No wonder the area was enveloped in white mist.
The pool was surrounded by green vines, making it hard to see its edges, so if you weren’t paying attention, you might not even notice it was a hot spring.
The water bubbled, and steam rose in thick clouds.
Soaking in such a hot spring during winter would undoubtedly be a very pleasant experience.
Seeing the hot spring pool, Jiang Xingxing’s eyes lit up with surprise.
Shang Jie was pleased with her reaction and said, “He may not have much taste for life, but I have to admit, this hot spring was built quite well.”
Of course, he was referring to the original personality of Shang Jie.
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“Xb.”
Kkydt Dkdtmkdt rswvle, ps Fbydt Kkl easrrle vbl vsrkn. G ralnkswp xsxldv sd y okdvla dktbv oyp dsv psxlvbkdt bl oydvle vs oypvl ekpnwppkdt pwnb xyvvlap.
“I’ve prepared a swimsuit for you. Go take a soak; it’s very comfortable.” Shang Jie led Jiang Xingxing to the dressing room, where a black, sexy bikini was laid out on a soft cushion.
Jiang Xingxing picked up the bikini, her brow furrowing at the thin, sheer lace fabric.
What the… What kind of thing is this?
As expected, that guy’s taste was tacky.
However, Shang Jie didn’t give her much choice. A bikini was a bikini, and the allure of the hot spring was too great to resist. Jiang Xingxing quickly stripped off her clothes, changed into the bikini, and wrapped herself in a towel before heading out.
She pushed open the glass door of the conservatory, and the chill of deep winter seeped into her bones, making her shiver. Barefoot, she stepped onto the moss-covered stones, walking through the small grove to the edge of the hot spring.
Shang Jie was already soaking in the misty hot spring, his upper body exposed above the water, showing off well-defined muscles. His physique was nearly perfect.
Jiang Xingxing withdrew her gaze, took a deep breath, and steadied herself.
Hearing movement, he lifted his chin slightly, opened his eyes, and his deep brown eyes gazed at Jiang Xingxing.
Her skin was so fair that her dark hair, clear eyes, and rosy lips all stood out, making her look radiant and charming.
“Come in,” he said in a deep, smooth voice.
Jiang Xingxing removed the white bathrobe and hung it on a branch, then turned around, her slender, pale arms crossed in front of her chest.
In Shang Jie’s slightly upturned almond-shaped eyes, a dark current surged.
Her legs were long, her hips curved, and the black bikini bottoms covered just the right areas. Her abdomen was flat, without an ounce of extra flesh, and her waistlines were smooth and flowing. Moving upward, the sheer black lace top barely covered half a palm’s width, hardly hiding her figure, only concealing the center.
Shang Jie’s Adam’s apple bobbed as his throat felt dry.
Damn… This was just too enticing.
She hadn’t even come close, and he was already practically “petrified.”
Jiang Xingxing lowered her head, her cheeks blushing bright red. “What kind of swimsuit did you prepare…?”
This was just too embarrassing.
Shang Jie’s lips curled into a smile. “It’s just the two of us here. What are you afraid of?”
Jiang Xingxing glared at him, as if being alone with him made it any safer.
Shang Jie rested his strong arms on the edge of the pool, looking up at her. “If you plan on standing there all night, I don’t mind admiring you for that long.”
Jiang Xingxing shifted her left foot against her right, but in the end, she couldn’t resist the chill of the deep winter and finally stepped into the hot spring, shivering.
She carefully let the water rise to her waist. The hot water meeting her cold skin created a contrast that made her shiver slightly.
She slowly immersed her whole body, then quickly stood up again, before gradually sinking back into the pool.
As her body temperature adjusted to the warmth of the water, her fair cheeks turned a light shade of red.
This feels so nice.
She sat directly across from Shang Jie. Through the swirling steam, he gazed at her, her dark, thick hair damp and draped over her smooth shoulders. The curve of her shoulders and arms was graceful and sensual, her collarbones delicate and prominent.
Though life gave her a flawed face, it compensated with a flawless body—full, round breasts, a firm, shapely butt, and long, slender legs…
Feeling Shang Jie’s heated gaze, Jiang Xingxing splashed water in his direction, laughing. “What are you staring at?”
The corner of Shang Jie’s mouth lifted slightly. “Come over here.”
“No way.” Jiang Xingxing stayed where she was, soaking in the water. “I’m keeping a safe distance from you.”
“The safe distance between us only exists because you’ve been… guarding your purity for 23 years.”
Before he could finish those three words, Jiang Xingxing swam over like a fish and covered his mouth with her hand. “Please, can you be serious and stop saying things like that?”
He really has no shame.
Taking the opportunity, Shang Jie pulled her over, placing her by his legs, his hand resting on the small of her back.
At that moment, Jiang Xingxing realized that there were actually servants in the house. A maid dressed in a black and white uniform came over, bringing a platter of fruit, with washed green grapes, sliced cantaloupe, and Jiang Xingxing’s favorite, dragon fruit.
Jiang Xingxing leaned close to Shang Jie’s ear and whispered, “I thought it was just you living here.”
“How could it be? This mansion is too big. There are specialized staff taking care of it. There are six servants alone, three men and three women, plus a butler, gardener, and driver… at least twenty people.”
“Then why haven’t I seen them before?”
“They’re well-trained. When I don’t want to be disturbed, they stay out of sight. But when I need them, they appear right away.”
Jiang Xingxing nodded. “Just like in the British show Downton Abbey.”
“Something like that,” Shang Jie replied. “After all, my brother values both quality and efficiency in life.”
Jiang Xingxing silently pondered, piecing together an image of Shang Jie’s original personality from his brief mentions.
The maid arranged the fruit platter and handed it over. “Please enjoy, sir and miss.”
Jiang Xingxing accepted it and politely said, “Thank you.”
The maid smiled, nodded, and left, looking very professional and well-trained.
Jiang Xingxing picked up a green grape with a toothpick and, without thinking, fed it directly to Shang Jie, just as she used to do when they sat at the coffee table with sliced fruit. She always gave the first bite to Shang Jie.
She had a way of caring for others, a warmth and gentleness that radiated from within. No wonder Shang Jie felt a sense of home when she was around.
“I feel like the current Mr. Shang is like King Zhou indulging in wine pond and meat forest debauchery1King Zhou (商纣王, Shāng Zhòu Wáng) was the last ruler of the Shang Dynasty in ancient China. He is known for his notorious rule, marked by tyranny, decadence, and cruelty. The term “wine pond and meat forest” (酒池肉林, jiǔ chí ròu lín) is a metaphor that originates from legends about King Zhou’s excessive and indulgent lifestyle. , King Zhou was said to have constructed a pond filled with wine and a forest made of hanging meat, where he and his courtiers would indulge in feasts and debauchery. ,” Jiang Xingxing said. “So decadent.”
Shang Jie narrowed his eyes, purposely acting as if he was overwhelmed with desire, pushing Jiang Xingxing against the edge of the pool. His nose brushed against her cheek. But his features were so handsome that even this suggestive look came across as incredibly seductive.
“Since you’re comparing yourself to Daji2Daji (妲己, Dá Jǐ) was a consort of King Zhou and is often depicted as a central figure in the stories of his downfall. , then I won’t hold back.”
He gently bit her lower lip and sucked softly, his tongue still tasting of the sweet and sour flavor of the green grape. Jiang Xingxing savored it, finding it quite delicious, so she opened her mouth and let him in.
They kissed for a long time, and Shang Jie showed no intention of letting her go. Instead, his enthusiasm grew, and his hands began to slowly move upward.
Jiang Xingxing quickly pushed him away and sat by herself on the side.
“Mr. Shang, calm down.”
Shang Jie wasn’t in a hurry. Leaning against the edge of the pool, he raised his tone slightly, “Still calling me Mr. Shang?”
Jiang Xingxing paused for a moment, then softly changed her tone, “Dear.”
“Like a mosquito buzzing, huh?”
“Dear.” Her face flushed even more, with her earlobes turning red, which stirred Shang Jie’s emotions further.
“Come here, let me hold you,” Shang Jie said, spreading his arms.
Jiang Xingxing finally broke free and refused to get closer.
“Dear, can I ask you a question?” Jiang Xingxing looked at him. “Why do you call him ‘brother’?”
She had watched TV dramas about dissociative identity disorder before, where the main personality often lost a younger brother in childhood, leading to the creation of a second personality to let the younger brother live on in another form.
Jiang Xingxing suspected Shang Jie might be in a similar situation.
“It just came naturally,” Shang Jie replied, submerging slightly in the water, with only his chin resting on the surface, even blowing a bubble. “He quite dislikes me, but I don’t dislike him.”
“Why?”
“How should I put it?” Shang Jie frowned, recalling, “He’s like a textbook example of a man. Lived 28 years without ever doing anything morally questionable, incredibly boring. I kind of pity him.”
Jiang Xingxing: …
Maybe he doesn’t need your pity, thank you very much.
Shang Jie drawled lazily, “As for me, I just want to live freely, eat all the delicious food in the world, see all the beautiful sights, and… well, you know, be with all the beautiful women.”
Jiang Xingxing suddenly stared at him, and he quickly spat, “No, forget the last part. I was just spouting nonsense.”
Jiang Xingxing laughed, “Maybe you accidentally spoke your true feelings.”
Seeing her laugh, Shang Jie couldn’t help but pull her into his arms. “Hmm? Right now, there’s only one woman I want, but she’s still a baby. What should I do?”
His breath fell on her neck, warm and teasing.
Jiang Xingxing sensed a dangerous, hormonal aura emanating from the man, and the maids around them discreetly withdrew, even closing the door and drawing the curtains.
The lights dimmed, making Shang Jie’s facial features even more defined. Only his long, seductive eyes glowed under a subtle, ambiguous light, alluring and charming.
Jiang Xingxing’s body started to heat up. She knew what was coming next. She had already prepared herself for this moment ever since she accepted him as her boyfriend.
She closed her eyes, her voice trembling slightly, “Be gentle, okay?”
“Don’t worry, I’m quite skilled.”
The man had already untied the strap of her bikini, but just as things were heating up between them, Lin Chuan suddenly strode in.
Shang Jie’s expression turned cold, and he shielded Jiang Xingxing with one arm, his broad back protecting her.
“Lin Chuan, do you have a death wish?”
His voice was low, laced with anger.
Lin Chuan spoke quickly, “I didn’t mean to, Second Boss, but… it’s urgent.”
“What happened?”
“Your mother, Madam Mei, has arrived.”
Shang Jie: …
Jiang Xingxing could clearly feel that a certain “brother” had suddenly snapped out of his “petrification.”
…
Jiang Xingxing got dressed neatly in Shang Jie’s room and walked out, her heart pounding nervously.
By the sofa sat a dignified lady who seemed to be over fifty, but her skin was well-maintained, smooth with only slight smile lines around her eyes, giving her a kind and gentle look.
The lady’s features bore a striking resemblance to Shang Jie, and it was obvious from their appearance that they were mother and son.
Shang Jie maintained his posture and said expressionlessly, “You’re here.”
Mei Yu gave him a sidelong glance, “Oh, keep pretending.”
Seeing that he couldn’t fool her, Shang Jie finally relaxed a bit. “Mom, why didn’t you give me a heads-up before coming? I wasn’t prepared; this is awkward.”
As he spoke, he offered a dragon fruit carved into the shape of a flower to her mouth, “Here, Mom, let me feed you.”
“Eat it yourself.” Mei Yu pushed his hand away, her tone unreadable, “What, did I interrupt something?”
“What could I possibly be up to?” Shang Jie chuckled, “You’re at an age where you’re still teasing your son? Awkward!”
Noticing Jiang Xingxing coming down the stairs, he quickly waved to her, “Come over and meet my mom, the famous Mei Yu, Madam Mei.”
Mei Yu nudged Shang Jie with her leg, “Behave yourself, don’t make things awkward.”
Of course, Jiang Xingxing knew who Mei Yu was. She was a former Hong Kong actress, famed for her beauty and grace. Later, she married a wealthy businessman after returning to the mainland, left the entertainment industry, and started her own business. She founded the nationally renowned skincare brand SDK, and even now, she often appeared on the covers and columns of fashion magazines.
These days, the streets are full of so-called goddesses, but Mei Yu truly set the standard for what a goddess could be.
Beauty, independence, intelligence… she had everything women aspired to.
Jiang Xingxing had seen movies featuring Mei Yu but had no idea she was Shang Jie’s mother!
Standing before such a legendary figure, Jiang Xingxing felt immense pressure.
Sensing her nervousness, Mei Yu nudged her son, “Move over and let your little girlfriend sit next to me.”
Shang Jie made space and pulled Jiang Xingxing over to sit next to Mei Yu. Jiang Xingxing nervously squeezed his hand, and Shang Jie gestured with his eyes for her to relax.
“Madam Mei, hello, I’m Jiang Xingxing, a… friend of Mr. Shang.”
As she spoke, Jiang Xingxing instinctively moved a strand of hair to cover the scar on her forehead.
Madam Mei, perceptive as she was, immediately understood the girl’s intention. She gently took Jiang Xingxing’s hand and said kindly, “A friend, or a girlfriend?”
Shang Jie quickly interjected, “Since I brought her home, what else could she be?”
“Stop joking around,” Mei Yu poked Shang Jie’s forehead, “She’s a proper, decent girl. Don’t you dare use any underhanded tricks to bully her.”
Hearing this, Jiang Xingxing instantly realized that Mei Yu must have already known about her relationship with Shang Jie and might have even looked into her background.
It made sense. A woman like Madam Mei, who embodied beauty, wealth, and power, would certainly pay close attention to her son’s actions.
But with such a family, how could they not care about a girl’s background?
Thinking about it, Jiang Xingxing felt a wave of anxiety, unsure of why Madam Mei was here and what her intentions were.
“Son, go upstairs. I’d like to have a private chat with Miss Jiang.”
Jiang Xingxing’s heart skipped a beat, thinking this was it—she was in trouble.
“Mom, what do you need to talk about with her?” Shang Jie tried to act casual, “She’s just a little girl who’s never seen much of the world. I’m afraid she might offend you.”
Madam Mei raised an eyebrow, her tone playful, “So protective of her, worried I might bully your little girlfriend?”
“As if! You’re too sophisticated for that. You wouldn’t do something as low as handing over a million-dollar check and telling her to leave me, right?”
Madam Mei replied calmly, “How much could a brat like you be worth? At most, fifty bucks, not a cent more.”
Jiang Xingxing couldn’t help but laugh.
Mei Yu found her smile refreshing and started to like her a bit more.
The atmosphere lightened up considerably, and Mei Yu nudged Shang Jie, “Alright, relax. I won’t bully your little girlfriend.”
“Mom, I trust you. But if I come back and see my girlfriend crying, I’ll be really upset, not kidding.”
As Shang Jie stood up, he gently placed his hand on Jiang Xingxing’s shoulder and patted it twice.
Jiang Xingxing understood that this was his way of telling her to stay calm.
Sansukini: I really love it when a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law live in harmony.
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Reminds me of Qiu Pei and Wen Yang. She even undergoes her breast cancer surgery just for a chance to meet Wen Yang. Even her don can’t persuade her to undergone the surgery until she found out that her don have a gf.