Chapter 528: Jiang Yixia: "Don’t Go," Sleeping in the Same Bed as Lu Fan

Jiang Yixia put down her fork, leaned back in her chair, and looked at Lu Fan. The candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow on his face. His eyes were bright, and a smile lingered at the corners of his mouth. She suddenly felt that this exact scene was exactly what she had dreamed of all those years ago.

“What are you looking at?” Lu Fan asked with a smile.

“Nothing.” Jiang Yixia quickly looked away, pretending to admire the night view outside the window.

Lu Fan picked up the bottle of red wine, poured a little into Jiang Yixia’s glass, and then refilled his own. “Have a little more?” he asked cheerfully.

Jiang Yixia turned back and looked at the red wine in her glass, hesitating for a moment. She didn’t usually drink much. After closing the flower shop and going home alone, she would occasionally have a small glass, but never more than that. Today, however, she didn’t know what was wrong with her. An indescribable feeling welled up in her heart—a mixture of happiness and nervousness—that made her want a drink. She picked up the glass and took a sip. The liquid slipped over her tongue, a bit tart and a bit sweet, leaving a warm sensation in her throat as she swallowed.

“This wine is good,” Jiang Yixia said softly.

“Drink more if you like it,” Lu Fan said with a smile. “I’ll have someone take you home anyway.”

Jiang Yixia glared at him, her face flushed. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Lu Fan chuckled. “You’re the one who wants to drink, don’t blame me.”

Jiang Yixia didn’t reply and took another sip. This time, she drank a bit more. As the wine slid down her throat, her whole body warmed up. She put the glass down, lightly tracing circles on the rim with her finger.

“Lu Fan,” Jiang Yixia called out to him.

“Yeah.”

“Why did you do all this today?”

“Didn’t I already tell you?” Lu Fan looked at her, his tone serious. “I want to make you happy.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

Jiang Yixia lowered her head, remaining silent. She picked up her wine glass and took another large gulp. Drinking a bit too fast this time, she choked and coughed a couple of times. Lu Fan handed her a tissue, which she took to wipe her mouth.

“Drink slowly, no one’s fighting you for it,” Lu Fan said with a smile.

Jiang Yixia ignored him and finished the remaining wine in her glass in one gulp. She set the glass down. Her face was completely red—whether from the alcohol or some other reason, it was hard to say.

“Another glass.” Jiang Yixia pushed her cup forward.

Lu Fan glanced at her. After a moment of hesitation, he poured her another half-glass.

“Are you in a good mood today?” he asked.

Jiang Yixia picked up the glass, took a sip, and leaned back in her chair, gazing up at the crystal chandelier on the ceiling. The light refracted into colorful specks, falling over the hall full of red roses and twinkling softly. “It’s alright,” she replied.

Lu Fan chuckled. “Just alright?”

Jiang Yixia gave him a look but didn’t speak, taking another sip of her wine instead. This time she drank slowly, taking tiny sips as if she were savoring it, or perhaps just stalling for time.

The two of them chatted casually. Lu Fan talked about some company matters; Jiang Yixia didn’t really understand, but she listened anyway. She shared some trivial things about her flower shop, and Lu Fan listened attentively, occasionally asking a question or two.

As the wine bottles emptied one after another, Jiang Yixia’s face grew increasingly flushed.

“You can’t drink anymore.” Lu Fan looked at her and reached over to take the bottle away. “You’re drunk.”

“I’m not drunk.” Jiang Yixia shook her head and reached for the bottle, but missed.

“Not drunk? Look how red your face is,” Lu Fan laughed.

Jiang Yixia touched her own cheeks. They were burning hot. She lowered her hand, leaned back in the chair, and looked at Lu Fan with slightly blurred eyes.

“Lu Fan,” Jiang Yixia called out, her voice soft.

“Yeah.”

“Do you think I’m a lot of trouble?”

Lu Fan froze for a moment, then smiled. “Not at all.”

“Liar.” Jiang Yixia shook her head. “I’m always rejecting you. You must be thinking about how difficult this woman is to deal with.”

“I’ve never thought that,” Lu Fan said earnestly.

Jiang Yixia looked at him for a long time before smiling. When she smiled, her eyes curved into little crescents, just like when she was younger.

“Lu Fan, let me tell you something.” Jiang Yixia suddenly leaned in closer.

“What is it?” Lu Fan also leaned in.

Jiang Yixia opened her mouth to say something, but swallowed the words back. She shook her head and smiled. “Never mind. It’s nothing.”

Lu Fan looked at her and didn’t press the matter.

Jiang Yixia picked up her glass and finished the last drops of her wine. Setting the glass down, she stood up, swaying slightly on her feet. Lu Fan quickly reached out to steady her arm.

“Careful,” he reminded her softly.

Jiang Yixia steadied herself and shook off his hand, muttering, “I’m fine.” She took a couple of steps, her gait a bit unsteady. Lu Fan followed closely beside her, hovering his hands to protect her in case she fell, but not daring to actually touch her.

The two left the banquet hall. Chen He was already waiting by the elevator. Seeing Jiang Yixia’s flushed face and unsteady steps, he glanced at Lu Fan. Lu Fan gave a slight shake of his head, so Chen He remained silent.

Once inside the elevator, Jiang Yixia leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. Lu Fan stood beside her, watching her. Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly, her lips were crimson, and the flush on her cheeks had yet to fade.

The elevator arrived, and the doors opened. Jiang Yixia opened her eyes and walked out, her steps still a bit light and drifting.

Outside the hotel, the night breeze blew over them, bringing a cool chill. Jiang Yixia shivered and pulled her neck in. Lu Fan took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

“Keep it on, don’t catch a cold,” he said softly.

This time, Jiang Yixia didn’t push him away. She gathered the coat closer, wrapping it tightly around herself. The coat was large, engulfing her entire frame and leaving only her rosy face exposed.