Chapter 114: Have You Been Missing Me?

Despite knowing it wouldn't be Jiang Li's call, Xu An'an still felt a pang of disappointment. She glanced at the incoming number with irritation. It was her father. She ignored it, too lazy to endure his endless drivel.

Wen Huairou sounded curious, but instead of pressing for details, she suggested, "This time, let's settle for a simple bento. Next time, I'll treat you to something properly hot."

"Then I'll be counting the days," Xu An'an replied with a grin.

The two exchanged warm smiles, radiating the easy comfort of close friends.

After saying goodbye to Wen Huairou, Xu An'an checked her phone once more. Still no message from Jiang Li. A fresh wave of anger surged through her. She had no idea what exactly she was furious about. She had no business being angry at all.

Nearby, she spotted a lounge that looked inviting. Since it was still early, she stepped inside for a quick rest. The night breeze carried a refreshing chill. The hanging wind chimes tinkled softly overhead.

Xu An'an scanned the menu and ordered a drink named Gentle Breeze. The name seemed perfectly apt, just like the evening wind itself. Moments later, the waiter delivered the glass. She took a sip and found the taste crisp and clean, carrying the faint, unmistakable scent of... a certain man.

Damn it. Why did she keep thinking of him?

"Pretty lady, would you care for another round? As a new guest, the house is offering complimentary refills."

A stylishly dressed man approached, striking a pose with his pinky extended. He was quite handsome, though he reminded her faintly of a sister.

Xu An'an nodded. Free refills were worth having. The taste was excellent anyway. "Thank you, boss," she said, already reaching for another.

Seeing her alone, the man sat down without hesitation. "You live nearby, don't you?"

Xu An'an studied him before answering. "You seem familiar. Did you just move in?"

He introduced himself with a smile. "Benjamin. You can call me Ade. It sounds friendlier."

Most owners of new businesses were eager to chat, Xu An'an thought with a soft laugh. "Then call me An'an. Let's get to know each other."

As the saying went, more friends meant more opportunities.

After exchanging names, Benjamin suddenly grew shy. "Actually, I was hoping you could help me with something. I think you might know this person."

Xu An'an figured she probably couldn't be much use; she rarely stayed home. Still, she let him speak. After all, they would soon be neighbors.

"It's a very handsome guy. Incredibly handsome. His presence is like a ray of light you can't ignore. If you've met him, you'll definitely recognize him." Benjamin's eyes sparkled with obvious affection.

Xu An'an respected his crush without mockery. Yet the man he described sounded exactly like Jiang Li, though Jiang Li always arrived after dark.

"Do you know which building he lives in?"

"The one right in front of my shop. You live there too, don't you?" Benjamin's lounge faced the building directly, so he knew every resident who came and went.

Xu An'an hesitated. The description fit Jiang Li too perfectly. Should she admit she knew him?

Seeing her silence, Benjamin pouted. "Fine. If you don't want to say, I won't push you." He returned to the bar and refilled her drink, adding a generous splash of something stronger.

Feeling awkward, Xu An'an took the glass and downed it in one go. "Thanks. It's getting late. I'll head out."

She walked some distance before finally exhaling in relief.

As she passed a grand villa, she couldn't resist. Tiptoeing closer, she saw lights on inside and assumed Jiang Li had returned. She rang the doorbell, eager to reclaim her fat cat.

Even though the cat was closer to Jiang Li, its owner was still her.

Ding-dong.

Wine warmed her blood, turning her skin hot and her temper short. "Jiang Li, open the door!"

"I know you're inside! Give me the fat cat back, or I'll smash your door down right now!"

She reached for the handle. A soft beep. The fingerprint lock clicked open.

Xu An'an hadn't expected Jiang Li to have recorded her demand. What timing? She had no memory of it happening.

Cat meows erupted from inside as soon as the door opened. Xu An'an pushed through and stepped into a small fenced area surrounded by fluffy, adorable kittens. She peered into the brightly lit room, but still saw no sign of movement.

On the second floor, perhaps?

Thinking of Jiang Li's dinner with Murong Yan, she suspected he had brought her home and that they were already upstairs, lost in each other. The thought infuriated her.

Damn that dog man! He had sworn last night that everything was hers, yet tonight he returned with another woman. How could he?

Stomping upstairs, she found the second floor dark and silent. Maybe she'd rushed too fast; a wave of dizziness hit her. She steadied herself against the wall, then sank onto the sofa and closed her eyes.

Gradually, sleep claimed her.

"Miaow."

In her dream, she felt the fat cat curling beside her. Relief washed over her. When she had entered earlier, the cat had been on its shelf, ignoring her. Now it seemed to be checking on her.

She turned over in her sleep.

A sudden weightlessness yanked her awake, only to be pulled into a strong, warm embrace. Her eyes flew open. This wasn't the Jiang Li who had vanished for a day.

She stared at him, and her eyes suddenly stung with tears. "So you're still alive."

"Didn't reply to your message? Just angry?" Jiang Li helped her sit up, wrapped her in a blanket, and brushed her disheveled hair behind her ear. "Drinking again. You really are furious."

Xu An'an was tipsy, cheeks flushed and eyes bright. She slapped his hand away. "Don't touch me!"

"I'm not angry. You can ignore my messages. It doesn't matter who you eat with. Where you go after dinner is none of my concern. Now I'm here only to take the fat cat home."

The fat cat stretched lazily on the floor, licking its paws. The sight made Xu An'an furious. "Even you bully me!"

Jiang Li scooped her up and carried her back to the bedroom, depositing her on the soft bed. He settled over her, pinning her gently so she couldn't move. He lowered his head and kissed her lightly, his voice low and seductive.

"Message me when you're missing me?"