Chapter 48: 048 Secretly held hands, sneakily took a photo (2nd update) Chapter 48: 048 Secretly held hands, sneakily took a photo (2nd update) Pingjiang was a famous tourist destination, with many gardens in their prime, shrouded in a misty charm after the rain.
A group had driven to a park, where Qi Zeyan had originally hoped to finally find an opportunity to be alone with Tang Wan. However, to his dismay, Manager Chen stuck to him like glue and he simply couldnât shake him off.
âPresident Qi, look at this, this place is where the emperor stayed during his trip to the southâ¦â Manager Chen, who was responsible for external liaison and entertaining clients, was certainly focused on attending to Qi Zeyan alone.
Jiang Jinsang would occasionally ask a few questions.
But as soon as Manager Chen was done answering Jiang Jinsangâs questions, heâd somehow maneuver himself back into place. Every time Qi Zeyan turned aroundâ¦
Manager Chenâs simple and honest face would be there in an instant, beaming at him, âPresident Qi, do you have any questions?â
Qi Zeyan forced a smile:
A plaster doesnât stick to someone as much as he does.
If it wasnât for Tang Wan being there, he really wanted to slap him away.
Normally, Manager Chen wasnât like this, but given Qi Zeyanâs special status and the fact that he was a major client, securing this deal would at the very least relieve economic pressures for the next three or four years. Of course, heâd be treated with great reverence.
Even more diligently than usual.
Qi Zeyan didnât have a choice and could only stroll halfway through the garden.
Suddenly, he turned around and noticed that Jiang Jinsang and Tang Wan, who had been following behind him, were gone. Jiang Cuo was also missing while Jiang Jiu and his assistant were walking side by side.
Damn it!
Where are they?
âMaster Five went to the bathroom, and Teacher Tang went with him,â Assistant Xiaozhu explained.
Qi Zeyan clicked his tongue:
Heâs not a three-year-old; does he need someone to accompany him to the restroom?
He turned to Manager Chen, âManager Chen, actually, you donât need to explain anything to me. You go do your work, Iâll just look around.â
âOkay.â Manager Chen wasnât tall, middle-aged and slightly overweight, his smile squishing his cheeks so much that his eyes nearly disappeared.
But while he said this, he never stayed farther than half a meter away from Qi Zeyanâ¦
âPresident Qi, Iâll be right behind you, just call me if you need anything.â
Qi Zeyan thought to himself, I seriously donât want to call you at all!
*
On the other side,
Jiang Jinsang and Tang Wan had returned to the place where they had split from Qi Zeyan earlier, but, of course, the others were nowhere to be found.
âShould I give him a call and ask where he is?â Tang Wan considered, as this was her important client and she was certainly attentive.
âNo need, Manager Chen is with him. If we move forward, we are bound to run into them.â Jiang Jinsang spoke as though it made perfect sense, but considering the parkâs twisty layout, once separated, it was actually quite difficult to meet up again.
Tang Wan nodded in agreement.
In reality, she wasnât adept at entertaining clients and really wanted to slack off. Jiang Jinsang had given her a legitimate excuse, so she went along with it.
The deeper they went, the more crowded it became, especially near the famous koi pond.
You could vaguely see waterweed floating in the lake-blue water and red koi gathered in groups. The sight was already quite delightful. Plus, in the past few years, many people believed that koi could bring good luck, so the poolside was lined with people, most of whom were taking photos with their phones.
When they reached the pool, a gap had just opened up as a group left.
âIâll take a few photos.â Although Tang Wan was a local of Pingjiang, she didnât come here often.
âOkay.â Jiang Jinsang nodded.
A safety sign stood by the pool, though there were few protective measures around. Tang Wan, trying to find a good angle for her photos, didnât pay much attention to where she was stepping.
Under normal circumstances, with some distance from the edge of the pool, she wouldnât have any trouble. However, it had just rained, making the ground somewhat slippery. Combined with the crowds, she nearly slipped and fell.
Fortunately, Jiang Jinsang reached out swiftly and grasped her arm, stabilizing her.
âThank you,â Tang Wan quickly expressed her gratitude.
âThere are too many people here; letâs take photos over there.â Jiang Jinsang let go of her arm and pointed to another side which was indeed less crowded.
Tang Wan nodded. She walked ahead while Jiang Jinsang, being a gentleman, stayed close behind. They needed to make their way through the crowd, which was somewhat tight. As people came and went by the pool, it was inevitable to bump into someone. Just then, a person holding a child came through, forcing Tang Wan to step back and nearly stumble into Jiang Jinsang.
âSorryâ¦â
âItâs nothing. Iâll walk in front; just keep close.â Jiang Jinsang said this, but fearing she might get lost, he casually took her hand as if it was the most natural thing to do.
His hand was warm as usual, causing Tang Wanâs heart to skip a beat. His hand was much larger than hers, almost enveloping hers entirely.
âYour hand is very cold; are you cold?â
His thumb seemed to unintentionally trace over the back of her hand, bringing a light itch that tingled all the way to the bottom of her heart.
âNo⦠itâs fine.â Tang Wan had just come to her senses and was about to pull away when they reached their destination, and Jiang Jinsang had already naturally let go.
Seeing Tang Wan a little dazed, he asked softly, âArenât you going to take photos? Why are you just standing there?â
There wasnât a hint of desire in his eyes, which caused Tang Wanâs ears to turn slightly red; it was as if she were the one overthinking things.
Tang Wan took a few pictures of the koi and then some of the surrounding scenery. When Jiang Jinsang entered the frameâ¦
The image was too appealing; Tang Wan couldnât help but sneak a couple of shots.
Perhaps sensing something, he turned around to find their gazes locked through the phone screen.
âWhat are you taking photos of?â
âThe rockery behind you looks very nice.â Tang Wan remained calm when caught, boldly adjusting her angle and pretending to take a few shots of the rockery.
Jiang Jinsang looked around at everyone taking photos and a hint of amusement appeared in his eyes, as if he had already seen through her.
â¦
When the group reunited, it was already over an hour later. Qi Zeyan didnât enjoy strolling through this kind of garden; he was there merely to get close to Tang Wan.
His objective wasnât achievedâ¦
And his shoes even got dirty!
He felt as though heâd not only lost his wife but also his soldiers.
âYou have no idea how exaggerated Manager Chen was. When I went to the bathroom, he even followed me, and Iâ¦â Qi Zeyan felt helpless, âWith him watching me like that, how could I possibly go to the bathroom?â
âHeâs quite responsible,â remarked Jiang Jinsang casually.
âDidnât you say you would help me get rid of him?â
âYou saw, I tried my best.â
ââ¦â
However, fortunately, Manager Chen had arranged for them to have dinner together later; there was still an opportunity.
At this moment, Qi Zeyan didnât realize that he was unwittingly creating opportunities for Jiang Jinsang.