Chapter 167 - 167: 163 Sweet Explosion (3 more, begging for love hugs)

Translator: 549690339

The next day.

Song Zhizhi went to work with dark circles under her eyes.

Last night… She was so happy that she went to bed quite late and woke up looking a little haggard.

Thankfully, makeup exists – the most woman-friendly thing in this world.

She put on some makeup, which made her look a lot more refreshed.

She sat in Luo Xiaolang’s car.

Luo Xiaolang didn’t speak much and was always serious while driving.

“Xiaolang, ” Song Zhizhi called out to her.

“Hmm.”

“I’m getting married.”

“I know,” Luo Xiaolang responded.

It seemed that Luo Xiaolang didn’t really understand what marriage meant.

Song Zhizhi didn’t explain further.

She addressed the most direct issue, “After getting married, I will be moving out of the Song Family compound to live with Ji Baijian. As for you…either you can live with us, or I can arrange a place for you to stay as close as possible to us.”

Luo Xiaolang was nonchalant, “Either way is fine.”

“I’ll first look for the nearest place possible,” Song Zhizhi said.

She was afraid that Luo Xiaolang might feel awkward living with her and Ji Baijian alone.

Even if this girl probably didn’t understand what awkwardness meant.

In any case…

Song Zhizhi looked out the window and a faint smile appeared on her face.

Happiness had arrived very quickly.

What she thought was a matter of course caught her by surprise and gave her a massive emotional impact when it finally happened.

The car smoothly parked at Commercial Management Building.

Song Zhizhi got out, punched in.

Yesterday, she was drawing attention because she had not shown up for work in quite a while.

Today, she was getting attention…because she was trending.

Song Zhizhi was obviously the star at Commercial Management, whether in terms of her work abilities or her personal life.

Under the scrutinizing gazes of everyone, she finally walked into the planning department office.

All eyes in the office were on her.

Someone suddenly spoke out loud, “Song Zhizhi, congratulations!” Then, everyone in the room said, “Congratulations.”

Song Zhizhi responded to each one, feeling a tad embarrassed.

The office seemed unusually animated.

Turning around, Song Zhizhi saw Chu Qin.

Chu Qin’s face was dark.

The other colleagues fell silent immediately, even though it wasn’t yet work time, they started to busy themselves.

Chu Qin cast a cold glance at Song Zhizhi, then she turned around and walked into her own office.

Song Zhizhi shrugged.

After all, everyone knew she didn’t get along with Chu Qin, so she saw no reason to appease her proactively.

She returned to her seat and turned on her computer.

Li Sheng slid her office chair round next to Song Zhizhi, “News of your upcoming marriage with Ji Dabai has sent the world into a frenzy.”

Song Zhizhi, engrossed in work, paid the statement no heed.

“I kept refreshing my feed last night, so many people were blessing you. Mis Song, you’ve made us singles, no no no, us women, mad with envy. I also heard Ji Dabai booked 1314 advertising spaces to celebrate your wedding. That’s just too romantic.” Lost in her daydreams, Li Sheng muttered, “He’s so rich…”.

Song Zhizhi paused with the key strokes, considering to flee at this point.

She opened the project she had prepared yesterday, reviewed today’s work plan, and said to the still gabbling Li Sheng, “Let’s get back to work.”

“Yes, Manager Song, ” Li Sheng promptly responded.

Though chatty, Li Sheng was quick to react and knew when to get things done.

Song Zhizhi revised her timetable again, making some key adjustments. She then instructed the planning department’s secretary to notify everyone about the morning meeting.

During the meeting with over fifty people, Song Zhizhi sat front and center, delegating tasks.

She was calm and collected, if not for her youthful face, no one would believe she was merely 22.

Her astounding capabilities made most of her senior colleagues admit defeat.

“The project deadline is very tight. The finance department has already estimated our project tender list today. I hope we can place the bid publicly on the bidding site today,” she informed.

“Okay,” agreed the finance officer.

“How long is the bidding duration?” Song Zhizhi asked.

“We initially decided on ten days.”

“I would hope to shorten it to a week, seven days,” Song Zhizhi suggested, further explaining, “We have already discussed the development zone’s project with various consortium enterprises, and they have investigated the project in Beixia Country. Most of them have quite good understanding of the project and know what they require for it. So, there’s no need for an extended period.”

“Alright,” the finance officer nodded.

Song Zhizhi turned towards the others, “Though the project has reached execution stage, there will be many unexpected tasks along the way. I will delegate the tasks again in detail. I hope that everyone can work efficiently and collaboratively according to their respective assignments and complete this project.”

Everyone stayed silent.

Song Zhizhi delegated tasks one by one, detailing every step meticulously down to an impressive degree.

Even Chu Qin, who sat relatively obscurely next to her, had to admire this.

What Chu Qin admired wasn’t merely Song Zhizhi’s consideration for detail, but also how she made people feel more intimate. Most people also found her more easily approachable. When Chu Qin did the same job, she was clearly imposing.

Chu Qin felt a wave of emotions, compelled by her innate jealousy.

She maintained an aloof attitude throughout the process.

The two-hour meeting finally ended under Song Zhizhi’s leadership.

People began to leave one after the other.

Song Zhizhi was organizing her documents and wasn’t in a hurry to leave.

At that moment, she noticed that Yi Wenhan, who was also sitting in a relatively low-key position at the meeting, showed no intention of leaving.

She raised her head, and their eyes met.

Song Zhizhi was already completely numb, so numb that it even surprised her.

“What’s wrong, is there something else?” Song Zhizhi appeared dismissive.

Yi Wenhan’s complexion seemed sullen. Upon closer observation, his face was pale, his eye circles dark, and even his lips seemed to bear traces of being bitten.

Song Zhizhi looked away.

She should probably not pay too much attention. Her very own Ji Dabai would get jealous.

Her own…

Song Zhizhi let out a smile.

That smile rippled in front of Yi Wenhan’s eyes.

The suppressed emotions of Yi Wenhan seemed to abruptly pause at that moment.

He didn’t remember the last time Song Zhizhi had smiled at him. It seemed like something from a long forgotten past. Once, he had been indifferent towards her smile, even considering her a fool who would run to his every beck and call, believe his every casual explanation. He had never been genuine with her and had only used her. When she was no longer useful, he would discard her.

But now.

Now… Just a moment ago, he felt a beat skip in his heart.

He had never thought that Song Zhizhi was particularly attractive. Despite being arguably prettier than most, because of his ulterior motives, he had never really appreciated her beauty. However, at this very instant, he couldn’t help but find this woman dazzlingly beautiful.

“If there’s nothing work-related, I’m leaving.” Song Zhizhi stopped smiling, tucked her laptop under her arm, and walked away.

In the conference room, Yi Wenhan watched the retreating figure of Song Zhizhi for a long time…

No!

There was no way he could suddenly become interested in Song Zhizhi.

He only wished to kill this woman.

This self-righteous woman.

The momentary palpitation was merely a natural, occasional, irregularity of his heartbeat.

He absolutely didn’t have any reluctance towards Song Zhizhi.

He got up, rising from his seat.

Pain.

A wave of ineffable agony surged, making him grit his teeth.

Last night, he had received a delivery call, saying there was a package that needed to be picked up personally. As soon as he got to the entrance of his residential complex, he was abducted. And then… he didn’t want to recall what had happened one scene after another.

He didn’t know how long it took him to free his hands from the rope, remove the gag from his mouth, and limp back home. By the time he got back, it was already 3 am. He took a deep cleanse, not knowing who had done such unspeakable things to him. Because he couldn’t speak up about what had happened, dare not tell his mother about it, he could only bear the loss silently.

When he woke up early today, his body was still in pain.

He endured the pain and came to work. Every step was agony, but he didn’t want his colleagues to discover anything, so he waited until everyone had left before struggling to rise.

He limped out of the meeting room, just managing to reach the door. Enduring the pain, he managed to leave while maintaining an unaffected demeanor.

At this moment, Song Zhizhi was still waiting for the elevator.

She turned her head and looked at Yi Wenhan.

Yi Wenhan could only steel himself and walk over.

Just as he arrived, the elevator arrived as well.

The two of them entered the elevator, one after another.

Pressing the floor number, the elevator began to descend.

Song Zhizhi didn’t look at him, her gaze faintly staring at the elevators numbers.

Yi Wenhan didn’t look at her either.

When the elevator stopped at a floor, a colleague from Song Zhizhi’s department entered and quickly greeted her, “Leader Song.”

“Hmm.” Song Zhizhi smiled, “Did you finish the liaison work with the PR department?”

“Just finished, I’ll report to you after sorting it out.”

“Okay.”

“By the way, congratulations on your upcoming marriage.” The colleague took the initiative to say.

“Thank you.” Song Zhizhi smiled, her smile radiating happiness.

“We don’t often hear news about Ji Dabai, and since he has just joined the Jihong Group, people don’t know him well. We thought he was a cold character, never thought he would be so romantic.” “Yes.” Song Zhizhi acknowledged with a full-faced smile.

“Anyway, best wishes to you.” The colleague said as the elevator arrived at their floor, “I have to go to the logistics department, I’ll get off first.”

The colleague left.

The elevator doors closed, and it continued its descent.

Once again, only Song Zhizhi and Yi Wenhan were left inside.

In an originally quiet space, Yi Wenhan suddenly broke the silence, “So you’re finally getting married to Ji Baijian.”

Song Zhizhi looked at him, “There’s no need for any congratulatory remarks.” Yi Wenhan glared at her intensely.

“I’m afraid the lightning might strike me if you wished me well.” Song Zhizhi added.

“Song Zhizhi!” Yi Wenhan gritted his teeth.

Song Zhizhi ignored Yi Wenhan. Just as the elevator arrived, she was about to step out.

Yi Wenhan reached out and grabbed her arm.

Song Zhizhi frowned.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself!” Yi Wenhan gritted his teeth.

“I’ll give you the same advice!”

“Song Zhizhi! One day, you will beg me on bended knees.” The fury in Yi Wenhan was unhidden.

It was as if he could no longer remain patient in front of Song Zhizhi.

This woman, this woman had the ability to infuriate him in an instant.

And yet, he had been trained for many years under his mother to keep a calm face in front of anything. But in front of this woman, all of that was worthless.

He sometimes wondered if it was hatred, and too much of it!

Hating himself for not being able to toy with Song Zhizhi, but instead being played by her!

“Save that line for yourself!” Song Zhizhi didn’t want to argue with him and forcefully pushed against his grip.

Yi Wenhan didn’t show any signs of loosening his grip.

Song Zhizhi couldn’t break away from his grasp.

The two of them reached a stalemate.

Suddenly, a slender hand reached out and aggressively pulled Yi Wenhan’s hand away. The force was so strong that Song Zhizhi could see the hand turning white at the knuckles and the veins becoming visible.

In that moment, all Yi Wenhan could feel was the pain in his hand, as if his bones were falling apart.

He quickly lifted his head, staring at the person now standing in front of him.

The moment, Song Zhizhi also saw the person in front of her.

Ji Baijian.

Just like… just like every time she runs into something, he always appears like this.

Tall and mighty, emanating a compelling aura, he gives such a strong sense of security.

Song Zhizhi smiled at Ji Baijian.

Ji Baijian did not respond to her, instead he confirmed that she was unharmed and stared straight at

Yi Wenhan.

Despite the numb pain in his hand, Yi Wenhan, driven by his masculine pride, stared back at Ji Baijian without showing any weakness.

Ji Baijian suddenly leaned close to Yi Wenhan.

In that moment, Yi Wenhan’s body noticeably retreated a bit, even if not much, his arrogance suddenly diminished considerably.

Ji Baijian’s deep voice coldly said, “Wasn’t last night’s lesson enough?”

Yi Wenhan’s body stiffened.

He stared straight at Ji Baijian.

Ji Baijian didn’t give Yi Wenhan time to react and took Song Zhizhi’s hand and walked away.

Yi Wenhan’s fist tightened.

It had turned out to be Ji Baijian.

He had thought it could be someone else.

He had even thought Song Zhizhi may be seeking revenge against him, but he never expected Ji Baijian.

It was Ji Baijian.

He was trembling.

Trembling with restraint.

Knowing who it was, he couldn’t hit back, nor dared to make a big deal by calling the police. That kind of humiliation, he’d swallow it, unwilling for others to know about it. Absolutely unacceptable. His eyes were red-rimmed, desperately wishing to smash to pieces the two people who just left.

Not far away, Chu Qin was watching Yi Wenhan, watching all his emotions.

She knew Yi Wenhan’s look all too well.

Because it was the same look she had when she looked at Song Zhizhi.

Chu Qin left coldly.

Ji Baijian brought Song Zhizhi back to her office.

The grip of his hand was very tight.

Many colleagues surrounded them, although everyone was pretending to work, yet…it was embarrassing.

Nevertheless, she didn’t want Ji Baijian to let go of her hand.

It was rare for him to be so affectionate towards her in front of so many people.

Yet, in the next second, Ji Baijian still let go of her.

Song Zhizhi felt disappointed.

However, she knew better than acting lovey-dovey in the office, so she obediently sat back in her office chair, looking up with curiosity asked, “What brought you here?”

Indeed, he came at the right time.

“Fortunately, I did come,” Ji Baijian said.

His tone was…well…slightly annoyed.

Song Zhizhi chuckled, looking pleased, “Yeah, it’S good you came, like a great hero.

Ji Baijian laughed.

He was genuinely amused by Song Zhizhi.

Just a moment ago, he was scowling as if the whole world owed him money, but now it seemed as if it was spring with flowers blooming.

“So handsome, so handsome,” someone nearby couldn’t help but whisper. Song Zhizhi looked at Li Sheng, who had a lovestruck expression on his face.

Ji Baijian also turned to look

Li Sheng’s face turned crimson, yet he still mustered up the courage to say, “You really are incredibly handsome in person.”

Hmm.

Her boyfriend’s beauty being ogled by others made her uneasy.

Ji Baijian, you’re not allowed to blush!

Not allowed!

Song Zhizhi abruptly stood from her seat, pulled Ji Baijian and headed for the office exit.

She led Ji Baijian to the pantry area.

There was nobody around, perfect.

She confronted him, “What are you doing here?”

Her tone was not friendly.

“I haven’t been working at Jihong Group for long, and I haven’t mingled much, so my father took the opportunity today, while he had free time, to formally introduce me to some key personnel in the Commercial Management Agency. I paid a courtesy call to your father on the way.” Ji Baijian explained.

I See.

She was wondering why Ji Baijian would show up here out of the blue.

Although it was usual for enterprise groups to visit Commercial Management’s higher-ups, sometimes even the employees below would receive greetings from various corporations. This was an unwritten rule in the workplace that wasn’t technically illegal.

“Where is your father?” Song Zhizhi asked. “He’s in the office, having tea with your father.”

“Why aren’t you with them?”

“How much clearer do I have to make it?” Ji Baijian raised his eyebrows.

This guy, has he lost his sense of humor again?

Just as Song Zhizhi was about to say something…

Ji Baijian’s phone rang.

Seeing the word “Father” flashing on Ji Baijian’s phone, Song Zhizhi felt there was something odd.

But she couldn’t pinpoint what it was. Ji Baijian answered the phone. “Dad.” “Ready to go, where are you?”

“I’m downstairs in the lobby waiting for you.”

“Okay.”

Hanging up the phone, Ji Baijian says, “I’m leaving first.”

“What time do you get off work?” Ji Baijian asks. “5:30, but I usually work overtime.” “Until what time do you work overtime?”

“Are you coming to pick me up after work?”

“Yes.” Ji Baijian nods, “We’ll have dinner together tonight.”

Song Zhizhi smiles brightly, “I’ll try not to work overtime past 8 0’clock.”

“Then I’ll come over at 8.” “Can’t you come a few minutes earlier?”

“No.” He answers seriously.

Song Zhizhi feels exasperated.

It seems impossible to have a romantic conversation with Ji Baijian.

They are never on the same wavelength.

“I’ve been delayed with a lot of work preparing for the wedding these past few days,” Ji Baijian explains.

Rarely does he offer an explanation. Song Zhizhi watches him.

“I’m leaving now.”

“Ji Baijian.” Song Zhizhi grabs his hand.

Ji Baijian lightly purses his lips.

It seems he can never refuse her initiative.

Originally, he was in a hurry.

“Was it because of the wedding preparations that you didn’t contact me since you came back from Beixia Country?” Song Zhizhi asks.

Her initial complaints are now filled with happiness.

She always thinks Ji Baijian is cold and indifferent to her.

After experiencing such a frightening incident in Beixia Country, he never reached out to comfort her, not even a phone message. But she never expected that he was busy preparing for their wedding all this time.

Now that she thinks about it, he has already arranged everything for the wedding. It must have taken a lot of thought and effort within a week

‘Yes.” Ji Baijian nods.

“Would you die of heartbreak if I rejected you?” Song Zhizhi asks.

“You won’t reject.” Ji Baijian is certain.

“How do you know?” Is she supposed to succumb to his demands?

“I won’t let you reject. If worst comes to worst, get in the car first, then we buy the tickets.” Ji Baijian’s reply carries a deep hidden meaning!

Song Zhizhi stares at him.

So if she didn’t agree last night, he was going to force her!

Okay then.

She is surprisingly not angry.

And her face is… burning hot.

Ji Baijian, Ji Baijian… what would it be like?

She can’t think about it.

If she continues thinking, her face would be cooked from the heat.

After all, she could recall his strength from their past life!

“I’m leaving now.” Ji Baijian throws in one last phrase before he leaves.

Every departure seems so resolute.

However, if she even just murmurs his name, he would stop in his tracks for her.

That’s enough for her.

Song Zhizhi smiles lightly.

As her eyes drift, she sees Chu Qin walk in.

Song Zhizhi masks her smile and maintains a calm expression.

Chu Qin coldly brews his coffee.

Song Zhizhi plans to leave.

“Feeling quite proud, aren’t you? Bringing your love life into the office,” Chu Qin says sarcastically.

“Is Manager Chu trying to escalate things again?” Song Zhizhi asks.

Chu Qin gives a cold laugh.

She’s not in a rush to butt heads with Song Zhizhi now.

She’ll find a way to kick her out!

Song Zhizhi didn’t want to say more, so she went back to her desk and threw herself into her work.

At this moment in the Commercial Management lobby.

Ji Yunlei waited a while, then Ji Baijian quickly came over.

Ji Yunlei, taking big strides ahead, went into the car with Ji Baijian, a hint of displeasure in his pace.

In the car, Ji Yunlei says, “You’ve been engaged and the wedding date has been set. From now on, focus on your work at the group.”

“Okay.” Ji Baijian replies.

Ji Yunlei, slightly frustrated, says, “One woman has made you unrecognizable as my son.”

Ji Baijian continues to look out the window.

He seems to have a faint smile on his lips.

Song Zhizhi is not an ordinary woman.

Song Zhizhi is the woman… he loves!