Chapter 13: Wanting to Be with Her

Over the past month, Ji Jing had never shown such special attention to Yu Xiangsi. Since the day Ji Jing took Yu Xiangsi away, they hadn’t called him out again; every day, he was with Yu Xiangsi.

This was something that had never happened before. Even today, it was only because Yu Xiangsi was busy that he came out.

Ji Jing’s unfamiliar behavior made him uneasy, so he tested the waters with a few words.

Gu Ze said, “As long as you know where you stand, it’s fine. If you like her, pampering her a bit isn’t a big deal, but don’t go overboard.”

In their circle, rebellious acts in the name of freedom or true love were common, but none ended well.

Ji Jing nodded slightly, his expression lazy and arrogant. “Do you really think I’m the kind of man who’d lose his mind over a woman?” He smirked lightly, showing indifference.

Ji Jing had always been calm and rational; he didn’t seem like the type.

Gu Ze lightly clinked his glass with Ji Jing’s. “Alright, it’s just a friend worrying too much. Don’t mind me.”

Shen Xinian looked at the two and said, “One of you is too confident too soon, and the other is too quick to speak harshly. You have to remember, life is unpredictable. Who knows what the future holds?”

Both turned to look at him, their gazes sharp.

The three of them grew up together. Ji Jing was always the decision-maker, Gu Ze was steady, and Shen Xinian had a lively nature since childhood. Even now, grown up as they were, with Ji Jing and Gu Ze always shielding him, he hadn’t quite matured.

Shen Xinian wasn’t afraid at all. “Don’t look at me like that. I think this girl is pretty formidable. She broke three of Ji Jing’s records—and won. Have you ever seen Ji Jing lose? I haven’t.”

None of the three had.

Shen Xinian finally said, “Anyway, I think this girl is different.”

Gu Ze couldn’t argue with that.

Ji Jing was silent for a moment before saying, “She really is different. I’ve treated her differently, but that’s all.” His expression was indifferent. “She’s young and yearns for love, so I gave her a love story.”

“What else could she be dissatisfied with?” Ji Jing said matter-of-factly. “Besides, she’s known I have a fiancée from the start.”

“What about you?” Shen Xinian suddenly asked. “What if you’re the one who’s changed?”

Ji Jing’s expression stiffened slightly, his eyes sharpening as he looked at Shen Xinian. “Impossible!”

Shen Xinian raised an eyebrow. “Every gambler thinks they’re just playing once. But when they realize they’re deeply involved, they can’t pull out. This girl is something else. Since she won against you, she’s caught your attention. It’s been almost a month, and you’re not tired of her yet. She’s the deep pool, brother. I’m worried you’re sinking deeper.”

Shen Xinian rarely spoke so seriously, and Gu Ze glanced at him again.

Ji Jing’s gaze was profound, but his attitude remained dismissive. “You think I’d lose control over a woman?” He smiled faintly. “I admit, she’s different, but that’s it. Even if I become infatuated with her, so what? Can she escape? Would she want to?”

To Ji Jing, it wasn’t a big deal. A young girl yearning for beautiful love—he certainly could provide that. He could shower her with affection, show her the world’s splendor, and give her what other women couldn’t have.

The reason Yu Xiangsi earned Ji Jing’s trust so quickly was because she spoke the truth. Setting aside all other factors, Ji Jing himself was an attractive man—successful in his career, generous to his partner, and good-looking. His face alone could launch him into stardom.

Which woman wouldn’t love a man like that? Yu Xiangsi had said, “Power is indeed a bonus for a man, but Ji Jing doesn’t need it; he’s already incredibly charming.”

Ji Jing believed he could win her love, that she would willingly devote herself to him.

He said, “If she is a deep pool and I’m sinking, I won’t let her escape.”

At that moment, every word Ji Jing spoke was heartfelt—he simply hadn’t realized that what Yu Xiangsi wanted was never his love.

The drinking party ended after two in the morning. Ji Jing got into the car, and when the driver asked where to go, he hesitated for a moment before saying, “Back to the apartment.”

He was indeed hesitant. After spending nearly a month with her every day, he hadn’t felt weary; instead, he enjoyed the time together.

Even when they hadn’t been intimate, he cherished just being with her.

He recalled Shen Xinian’s warning but quickly dismissed it. He wasn’t a man to make things difficult for himself. If he wanted to see her, then he would.

No matter what the future held, at this moment, he wanted to be with her.