Chapter 24: Twenty-Fourth Day as a Salted Fish
It was Qin Jiaojiao’s first time tying a necktie for a man, and her movements were a bit clumsy. She stood very close to Zhou Shaoli—from certain angles, it looked as if she were leaning entirely against his chest.
Zhou Shaoli looked down at her, his voice gentle: “Take your time. You can do it.”
His tone always possessed a grounding quality that reassured people. Qin Jiaojiao held her breath, looping the tie around his neck and slowly pulling it into a knot, before using one hand to hold the end and the other to slowly push it upward.
Once the knot reached his neck, Qin Jiaojiao held onto the tie and tilted her head up, meeting his handsome eyes right on.
Books often used precious gems to describe beautiful eyes, and Zhou Shaoli’s eyes were like rare, noble jewels—when he looked at someone intently, it was all too easy to get drawn in and fall completely under his spell.
Holding the tie wrapped around his neck gave Qin Jiaojiao the illusion that she had him on a leash. Zhou Shaoli gazed down at her, lowering his head slightly as if he were about to kiss her.
Qin Jiaojiao froze, not daring to move an inch, her mind going completely blank.
After a moment, her voice trembled slightly as she asked, “Is the tie too tight?”
Zhou Shaoli looked at her and said, “It’s just right. Thank you.”
Qin Jiaojiao released her grip and took two steps back. Once she was a safe distance away from him, she let out a quiet breath, the tips of her ears still burning red.
She must have been hallucinating. How could someone like Zhou Shaoli want to kiss her? He was like a cold, aloof deity devoid of earthly desires, indifferent to everything and never easily moved by emotion.
Even if he did get overcome by desire, he would probably sit back on his high throne and command with a neutral face: Get on top.
Ugh, wait, what kind of chaotic nonsense was popping into her head? Oh god, she had definitely been corrupted by Yang Yutong.
Qin Jiaojiao stole a cautious glance at Zhou Shaoli. He was looking down at his tie with an expression that suggested he truly liked it, causing a rush of delight to bubble up in her chest.
Mm, she really had chosen a great gift.
Zhou Shaoli took off the tie, placed it inside a drawer in the walk-in closet, and went into the bathroom to take a shower. Qin Jiaojiao walked over to the vanity and sat down, looking at the beauty in the mirror.
The girl’s eyes were glistening and tantalizingly alluring, while her delicate face carried a faint, lingering blush—the picture of a young heart fluttering in love.
Qin Jiaojiao raised her hand and patted her cheeks. So hopeless, she scolded herself. * getting all soft-legged just from tying a tie for a guy. Where is your self-control, Jiaojiao?*
When Zhou Shaoli came out of the bathroom, he glanced at Qin Jiaojiao and sat down on the sofa. Qin Jiaojiao scurried into the closet to grab her pajamas and dashed into the bathroom. Though the spacious bathroom’s ventilation system had cleared out the humidity, it still retained the faint, lingering scent of Zhou Shaoli’s body wash.
Qin Jiaojiao switched on the exhaust fan and turned on the showerhead; she needed to wash away his scent.
Sitting on the sofa, Zhou Shaoli pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling somewhat helpless. Why had he been possessed by the sudden urge to kiss her? Luckily, he had controlled himself at the last moment, though it seemed he had still given her quite a fright.
He couldn’t rush things; he had to take it slow.
After finishing her shower, Qin Jiaojiao scurried onto the bed and burrowed into the duvet, grabbing her phone to distract herself with other things.
On the sofa not far from the bed, Zhou Shaoli lowered his gaze to look at his phone. The room was quiet. Having barely slept during the day, Qin Jiaojiao grew sleepy quickly after her bath, and before long, she fell asleep holding her phone.
Noticing she had fallen asleep, Zhou Shaoli walked over, set her phone on the nightstand, got into bed, turned off the lamp, and went to sleep.
The next morning, early sunlight filtered through the garden villa, splashing across the lush greenery and rockery, making the scenery look even more delightful.
Qin Jiaojiao opened her eyes and was about to roll over when she suddenly realized she was hugging a firm, strong arm, her leg resting over the man’s body. Waves of warmth radiated from him.
Qin Jiaojiao froze, staring at the man’s side profile.
Zhou Shaoli slept exceptionally soundly, without any bad habits like tossing and turning or talking in his sleep. She, on the other hand, had a habit of rolling all over the bed. There was no way he had pulled her over; it was definitely her who had actively rolled to his side and snuggled up against him.
In the past, Zhou Shaoli would wake up early for work. Whenever Qin Jiaojiao rolled into his arms, he would carefully move her aside before leaving, allowing her to sleep until she woke up naturally—meaning she had never realized her habitual tendency to cling to him in her sleep.
Since Qin Jiaojiao had gone to bed early last night, she had exceptionally woken up before Zhou Shaoli today, which completely exposed her ungraceful sleeping posture.
No wonder that day she woke up with a plush doll in her arms! She had initially thought she was sleepwalking, but it must have been stuffed into her arms by Zhou Shaoli.
Qin Jiaojiao stayed stiff in his embrace, smelling the faint, crisp fragrance on him, her mind racing for a way to untangle herself without disturbing him.
Zhou Shaoli was still sleeping. As long as she moved gently, she definitely wouldn’t wake him.
Just as Qin Jiaojiao was about to shift her leg off him, she felt his body move slightly, and she instantly shut her eyes tight, pretending to still be asleep.
Zhou Shaoli opened his eyes and looked down at the person in his arms. Over the past couple of weeks, Qin Jiaojiao would invariably roll over to his side in the middle of the night, holding his arm and resting her head against his shoulder.
He had gotten used to it. Clearing his head, he gently nudged her leg off as usual, then freed his arm from her hands.
Suddenly, Zhou Shaoli noticed that the eyelashes of the supposedly “soundly asleep” Qin Jiaojiao fluttered slightly.
She’s awake?
Zhou Shaoli stared at Qin Jiaojiao. Under his gaze, the girl’s body remained stiff as a board, her steady breathing falling into total disarray.
Looks like she really was awake.
A faint, knowing smile flashed in Zhou Shaoli’s eyes. Since she felt embarrassed and was pretending to be asleep, he wouldn’t expose her.
Just like any other day, Zhou Shaoli went to the walk-in closet to grab his clothes and entered the bathroom.
It wasn’t until Qin Jiaojiao heard the pitter-patter of water from the bathroom that she dared to open her eyes, her breathing finally returning to a smooth rhythm.
Thank goodness she was smart! Pretending to sleep the moment Zhou Shaoli woke up saved them from an agonizingly awkward moment.
Now that she was awake, Qin Jiaojiao couldn’t fall back asleep. She sat up, leaned against the headboard, and pulled out her phone to check her messages. Jin Mingzhu’s stage play performance was scheduled for 2:00 PM today, and she had promised to go watch it.
It was a bit warm during the day, so she kicked off the duvet. Her rumpled nightgown had hitched up to her thighs, revealing long, slender legs that practically glowed white under the sunlight pouring into the room.
When Zhou Shaoli came out, he saw Qin Jiaojiao leisurely leaning against the headboard playing on her phone. Seeing this scene, he exercised polite restraint, letting his gaze sweep over her legs before settling on her face.
He had thought she would keep pretending to sleep until he left for work.
“You’re awake,” Zhou Shaoli’s slightly raspy morning voice echoed in the bedroom.
Qin Jiaojiao looked up at him and said, “Morning.”
Zhou Shaoli tilted his chin up and began buttoning the collar of his dress shirt—a movement that was a treat to watch. Once buttoned, he entered the closet to choose a tie. Standing before the glass display, he opened the drawer, picked up the new tie Qin Jiaojiao had gifted him, stood in front of the mirror to tie it, and put on his suit jacket.
When Zhou Shaoli stepped out of the closet, he exuded an air of noble, steady composure, carrying the natural authority of someone in a high position.
Qin Jiaojiao pursed her lips and called out to him, “Are you very busy today?”
Zhou Shaoli asked, “Is something wrong?”
Qin Jiaojiao replied, “Nothing major. Jin Mingzhu’s stage play opens this afternoon. If you don’t have time, I’ll just go by myself.”
An apologetic look appeared on Zhou Shaoli’s face: “Company matters are quite pressing today, so I won’t have time to accompany you. What time does the play end? I can come pick you up.”
“5:30 PM,” Qin Jiaojiao answered.
Zhou Shaoli checked his wristwatch and said, “Alright, got it.”
With a busy schedule ahead, Zhou Shaoli left for the company by car without having breakfast. Arriving early at the office, Han Xiao noticed a faint, almost imperceptible smile lingering on President Zhou’s face.
Is President Zhou in such a good mood today?
Han Xiao secretly sized up Zhou Shaoli and noticed the tie he was wearing was different from usual. The quality was excellent, though not as lavishly luxurious as President Zhou’s previous ties, but its fresh style suited President Zhou’s outfit remarkably well.
Han Xiao casually mentioned, “President Zhou, your tie today…”
Before he could finish, Zhou Shaoli interjected smoothly, “A gift from my wife.”
Han Xiao: “…” Yep, case closed.
As a huge CP fan of President Zhou and Madam, being suddenly stuffed with a mouthful of dog food felt both sweet and envious.
He’s this happy over just a single tie from Madam? Why does President Zhou suddenly feel so easily bought?
Zhou Shaoli instructed, “Move up this afternoon’s schedule.”
“Is there an emergency?” Han Xiao asked out of habit.
Zhou Shaoli said indifferently, “To pick up my wife.”
Han Xiao was hit with another wave of PDA, though he was also secretly thrilled that he could clock out early: “Understood, President Zhou.”
Qin Jiaojiao stayed in bed until her stomach started growling before finally getting up. Lately, between filming a variety show, traveling abroad for fashion shows, and going out for spa dates with her bestie, she had been genuinely busy. She spent the morning blissfully lying flat at home, pulling up her phone to look up information on Jin Mingzhu. She was thirty-five years old, a renowned Jing opera artist in China, and a lead stage play actress.
Jin Mingzhu’s husband, Chen Feihong, was a famous domestic screenwriter and director. Both husband and wife had stellar resumes, making them an exceptionally well-matched power couple.
Qin Jiaojiao had never seen a stage play before, nor did the original host of this body enjoy them. But when she heard Jin Mingzhu’s voice back at the seaside villa, it had felt like a echo echoing across millennia; today’s performance bound to be extraordinary.
“Auntie Zhang,” Qin Jiaojiao called out.
Auntie Zhang walked over and asked, “Madam, do you need something?”
“Do you know any reliable florists?” Qin Jiaojiao asked. “A friend of mine has a stage play performance this afternoon, and I’d like to send her some flowers.”
Auntie Zhang asked cautiously, “Is Madam’s friend a man or a woman?”
“A woman,” Qin Jiaojiao replied, missing the watchful glint in Auntie Zhang’s eyes.
Recently, the relationship between Zhou Shaoli and Jiaojiao had been getting better and better. Living under the same roof, they interacted so naturally that Auntie Zhang was overjoyed, deathly afraid Qin Jiaojiao would regress to her old ways and flirt with shady men outside again.
“How old is she?” Auntie Zhang asked thoughtfully.
Qin Jiaojiao answered, “In her thirties.”
Auntie Zhang said, “Alright, I’ll handle the arrangements right away.”
That afternoon, Qin Jiaojiao put on light makeup and dressed in a casual white eyelet lace maxi dress. Her long curly hair was woven into a loose side braid resting over her left shoulder—an effortlessly chic ensemble.
The bouquet Auntie Zhang ordered consisted of tulips. The soft pink tulips emitted a captivating fragrance, and Qin Jiaojiao happily carried them into the car.
The driver headed toward Beijing’s famous Grand Theatre. By the time they parked, a large crowd had already gathered outside.
These days, plenty of people attended stage plays; influenced by modern traditional trends, young people were falling in love with China’s heritage arts.
The moment Qin Jiaojiao stepped out of the car, she drew numerous eyes. Her striking looks made her stand out effortlessly in a crowd, and today’s outfit gave off the vibe of a celebrity strolling out in understated style—pure, elegant, and breathtakingly pretty.
Coincidentally, right after her driver pulled away, a luxury car pulled up by the curb. Two people stepped out—none other than Shen Xiaoshan and Meng Zi’ang.
Spotting Qin Jiaojiao holding a bouquet of flowers, Shen Xiaoshan scanned the surroundings. Seeing no sign of Zhou Shaoli, a surge of petty triumph rushed through her chest.
“Miss Qin,” Shen Xiaoshan called out with a fake smile. “How come your husband isn’t accompanying you?”
Qin Jiaojiao glanced at her and replied in a sweet, soft voice, “My husband is busy managing his company.”
Shen Xiaoshan sneered internally. How could Zhou Shaoli possibly accompany Qin Jiaojiao to watch a stage play? His previous trip abroad with her for the fashion show was probably just to save face for the dating variety show crew.
Qin Jiaojiao had neither skill nor talent—at most, she was a eye-candy vase of a trophy wife. Sooner or later, she would be cast aside by the Zhou family.
When Shen Xiaoshan turned her head, she saw Meng Zi’ang staring at Qin Jiaojiao, momentarily spellbound. She quickly wrapped her arm around his: “Hubby, I’m a bit tired. Let’s find a place to rest.”
Meng Zi’ang snapped back to reality. Seeing Qin Jiaojiao in her simple, elegant white dress without heavy makeup, he was suddenly reminded of his university days when Qin Jiaojiao looked just like this—pure, sweet, and adorable.
Even though Qin Jiaojiao had a spoiled, haughty temper back then and loved chasing away any girl who got close to him, seeing her playful, innocent appearance made whatever anger he felt melt away after a few soft, pampered words from her.
Later on, she changed. Her temper grew vile, throwing endless tantrums over tiny misunderstandings and utterly disregarding his dignity by embarrassing him on various occasions.
In contrast, the smart and gentle Shen Xiaoshan was far better suited for him and understood his heart. What’s more, Shen Xiaoshan was now pregnant with his child. Since he had made his choice, he needed to be devoted. Qin Jiaojiao wasn’t worth another glance.
Meng Zi’ang looked at Shen Xiaoshan with a gentle gaze: “Wife, let’s go.”
The two walked past Qin Jiaojiao, whispering intimately into each other’s ears—a picture-perfect image of newlyweds head over heels in love.
If the original host had witnessed this, she would have lost her mind, but current Qin Jiaojiao felt completely unbothered. Holding her flowers, she walked into the Grand Theatre, showed her ticket, found her front-row seat, and waited for the performance to begin.
Before the play started, the audience filed in one after another. A young man sat down in the seat next to her. He wore a casual suit with his collar unbuttoned and open, giving off a somewhat wild and uninhibited vibe.
The man had loose, styled curls brushed backward, and a pair of seductive peach-blossom eyes that naturally looked affectionate. A strong scent of men’s cologne drifted off him.
Choked by the pungent perfume, Qin Jiaojiao subtly leaned to the right, putting distance between them.
The young man seemed oblivious to her subtle movement and struck up a conversation: “Did you come alone?”
Qin Jiaojiao was waiting for the play to start and ignored him.
Unfazed by the awkwardness, the young man continued on his own: “Are you a fan of Teacher Jin?”
Qin Jiaojiao spared him a glance. The young man’s peach-blossom eyes curved with a smile: “I’m a fan of Teacher Jin too.” He extended a hand: “Want to get to know each other?”
Qin Jiaojiao held out her hand to display her ring: “I’m married.”
The young man’s face froze. M-Married?!
Just then, the stage play began. Jin Mingzhu appeared under the spotlight dressed in exquisite, gorgeous attire. Qin Jiaojiao focused all her attention on the performance. Fortunately, after she announced she was married, the noisy man beside her shut up like a quiet little chick, remaining silent until the end of the show.
The dramatic, twisting plot kept Qin Jiaojiao completely hooked. Reaching into her bag for a tissue, she dabbed at the corners of her eyes before picking up her bouquet, preparing to head backstage to deliver the flowers.
The young man stood up and walked alongside her, asking, “Can I get your contact info?”
Without even looking at him, Qin Jiaojiao repeated, “I’m married.”
“People get divorced all the time. I don’t mind being your backup option,” the young man said in a playboy tone. He firmly believed that no wall was too strong for a determined excavator; it was rare for him to find a girl who gave him a subtle spark, and he didn’t want to miss out.
Qin Jiaojiao was utterly speechless. This guy was ridiculously thick-skinned. She said expressionlessly, “If you keep harassing me, I’m calling security.”
Usually, women around this young man couldn’t wait to throw themselves at him. He prided himself on his handsome looks and wealthy style, yet he had hit a total brick wall with her.
Persisting further would indeed look pathetic. He let out a sigh and handed over a business card: “Miss, I really just want to make a friend—no bad intentions. If you ever need anything, give me a call.”
Qin Jiaojiao casually glanced at it—Xiao Rui, CEO of a certain company. He was indeed quite young and successful, but who knew if it was real or fake? Eager to deliver her flowers, she took the card and said, “Don’t block the way.”
The young man stepped aside, and she hurried toward the backstage in her high heels, spoke with security, and located Jin Mingzhu in the dressing room, who was preparing to remove her makeup.
“Teacher Jin,” she called out, entering the room with the bouquet and handing the tulips over. “Congratulations on a successful performance!”
A delighted smile bloomed on Jin Mingzhu’s face: “I was already thrilled that you came to watch the show! Why did you go through the trouble of buying flowers too?”
At the end of the day, celebrities recording shows together were just work colleagues. The fact that Qin Jiaojiao had not only come to support her play but also thoughtfully bought flowers was a wonderful surprise.
Qin Jiaojiao said, “I had to buy flowers for the star of the show! Teacher Jin, your performance today was truly amazing—I even cried.”
“Thank you.” Jin Mingzhu set the flowers aside and said, “I thought young people nowadays didn’t care for this kind of stage theater. I didn’t expect you to watch so attentively.”
Qin Jiaojiao smiled and said, “Watching Teacher Jin perform is pure enjoyment—I learned a lot.”
“I remember you used to be an actress in the entertainment industry. Why haven’t you been acting these past two years?” Jin Mingzhu sat down to remove her makeup and chatted with her casually.
Qin Jiaojiao sat beside her. “I acted purely out of interest, but my acting skills were pretty average.” She joked, “I decided to stop tormenting the audience.”
“It’s very tough for non-naturally gifted actors,” Jin Mingzhu agreed. “But if you really like acting, I can ask a friend to help refine your craft. With your gorgeous looks, you’re bound to be a smash hit.”
Qin Jiaojiao hastily shook her head: “Thank you, Teacher Jin, but I’m naturally quite lazy. I’d rather not wade into the deep waters of the entertainment industry.”
Jin Mingzhu sighed: “That’s such a pity. My husband, Old Chen, has a project that’s short on actors, and I was just thinking about recommending you.”
Qin Jiaojiao immediately thought of Yang Yutong. Her best friend was gorgeous, had far better acting skills than her, and just lacked an opportunity to land a great project.
“I have a friend who’s really talented and expressive. Can I recommend her instead?”
Jin Mingzhu smiled warmly: “Of course! Old Chen loves talented actors the most. I’ll mention it to him tonight, and you can have her add his contact info.”
“Thank you, Teacher Jin!”
Qin Jiaojiao felt her phone vibrate. Taking it out, she saw a message from Zhou Shaoli saying he was waiting for her outside the Grand Theatre. “Teacher Jin, my husband is here to pick me up. I’ll head out first—see you next time!”
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