Chapter 25: I Already Have a Girlfriend

The one who replied wasn’t the male protagonist on the television, but Jiang Li.

Xu An’an rolled her eyes inwardly, already knowing what Jiang Li’s answer would be—it would definitely be the opposite of the male protagonist’s. Every time, he had to torment her until she was half-dead before he was satisfied. Talking about feelings with a man who thinks with his lower body was nothing but asking for trouble!

After silently grumbling, Xu An’an turned over and soon drifted back to sleep.

Jiang Li lowered his gaze, his long lashes concealing the emotions in his eyes. He reached out to pull the blanket over her, then switched off the television. Remembering the question the female lead had just asked, he curled his lips in disdain.

Wasn’t it obvious? Of course, it’s the one who loves you.

Jiang Li closed his eyes, reached out to pull Xu An’an into his arms like a cherished doll, and finally fell asleep, satisfied.

The next morning.

Though the rain had gradually eased, it still fell softly and persistently.

Xu An’an was still thinking about leaving.

Unexpectedly, Aunt He came with bad news: “The road ahead has been sealed off—there’s been a collapse. At the very least, you’ll have to wait until the weather clears before anyone comes to clear the way.”

“You’ll just have to stay here for now.”

“All our vegetables are organic, and you can even pick them yourself from the yard. There are chickens, ducks, geese—eat as much as you like.”

Aunt He grinned so wide her mouth couldn’t close—if the guests couldn’t leave, she was sure to make a tidy profit!

After breakfast, Xu An’an was about to head upstairs when she stumbled upon a female guest pestering Jiang Li, asking for his contact information, batting her lashes flirtatiously.

“I already have a girlfriend,” Jiang Li said.

“She’s very jealous, and she’s no pushover. If you don’t want to get hurt, I’d recommend you leave now.” Jiang Li tilted his head toward Xu An’an, who was standing at the foot of the stairs.

Xu An’an, just about to slip away unnoticed, had no choice but to step forward, smiling as she hooked her arm around Jiang Li’s: “That’s right, he’s already taken. Please respect yourself.”

The woman’s face darkened as she turned and retreated to her room.

Xu An’an immediately let go: “Second Master Jiang, actually, that lady is quite pretty, and she’s got a great figure. Why aren’t you interested?”

“Having something to eat and not eating—it’s a grave sin.”

Wasn’t that straight out of the playboy’s handbook?

Jiang Li nearly laughed aloud—what an absurd comment.

He gently pressed her against the wall with one hand, pinning her in place, while his other hand gripped her chin, his rough thumb tracing her lips.

“So, you want to be eaten by me?”

“…Just a gentle reminder, this is the corridor, not a deserted area.” Xu An’an wrenched free from his grasp, hurriedly turning to go downstairs.

She hadn’t seen Jiang Li earlier and thought he’d gone outside, so she’d planned to go back to her room. But since he was here, she didn’t want to return.

Aunt He spotted Xu An’an and called out warmly, “Little girl, are you bored? Want to help me out? I’ll make you a cake later.”

“Sure!” Xu An’an agreed readily.

Aunt He led her to the vegetable shed, boasting, “All these vegetables were grown by me alone. Don’t they look good? What do you want to eat later?”

Only now did Xu An’an learn that Aunt He was a single mother who’d raised her daughter by herself, which filled Xu An’an with admiration.

“Anything’s fine. It all looks delicious.”

“You’re such a sweet talker.” Aunt He’s eyes crinkled with laughter. “By the way, how long have you and your boyfriend been together? Any plans for marriage?”

“Uh, I…”

“Let me tell you, your boyfriend treats you so well. Last night he—”

“Aunt He,” Jiang Li appeared just in time, interrupting her. “Let me help out too. Is there anything you’d like me to do?”

Xu An’an was curious—what exactly had Jiang Li done last night?

“You’re just in time. Help me move this vat to the corner over there. It’s in the way here.” Aunt He didn’t stand on ceremony.

As she watered the vegetables, Aunt He said, “Young man, let me tell you—marry this girl soon.”

“There’s a saying: dating without marriage in mind is just playing around!”

“If you two get married, you can order organic vegetables from me. I’ll give you a discount and deliver to your door!”

Xu An’an glanced over, careful and observant.

To her surprise, Jiang Li showed not the slightest impatience!

If she remembered correctly, at a Jiang family banquet, a particularly nagging relative kept pressing Jiang Li about marriage, and that branch of the family ended up bankrupt!

Tsk tsk, how come Jiang Li was so agreeable now? Could it be that he’d reached that age?

Recalling the old master’s promise to her, Xu An’an was tempted, so she sidled up to Jiang Li: “Second Master Jiang, let’s be serious—tell me your criteria for a partner. I promise I’ll find you a perfect girlfriend.”

Jiang Li looked up.

Their eyes met.

His deep gaze was turbulent, making Xu An’an instinctively look away: “You don’t believe me?”

“Haven’t I told you already—you’ve lost your memory?”

“When did you say that?” Xu An’an’s beautiful eyes widened, hand raised in earnest oath: “I remember every word you’ve ever said!”

She couldn’t afford to offend her benefactor!

The woman was graceful and radiant, and her gaze was unusually serious.

Jiang Li couldn’t quite describe what he felt. He knew that Xu An’an cared so much about this only because of money.

But in that instant, warmth stirred uncontrollably within him.

How rare it was for someone to remember every word you’ve ever said.

“Alright, give it a try then.”

With that, Jiang Li turned to continue helping Aunt He.

Xu An’an’s lips twitched fiercely—he hadn’t even told her his criteria, so how was she supposed to find someone? Wasn’t this deliberately making things difficult?

“Little girl, come here!” Aunt He suddenly waved.

Xu An’an set aside her messy thoughts for now: “What is it?”

Aunt He stood nearby, directing: “You two, each grab an end and move this vat of pickles to the northwest corner. It’s not ventilated here.”

“I’ll make you something delicious later, free of charge.”

With her instructions given, Aunt He gathered some vegetables and headed happily back inside.

Save wherever you can!

Xu An’an agreed immediately, grabbing one end of the vat. Yet Jiang Li stood with arms crossed, looking down at her, which annoyed her: “Second Master Jiang, what’s the problem now?”

“I don’t need free meals.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“If you want me to help you carry it, you’ll have to pay me separately.” Jiang Li’s lips curled in a rebellious arc, and he leaned in dangerously close to her ear. “For example, with your body—how about that?”

Xu An’an drew a sharp breath, suddenly remembering last night’s drama.

She snorted: “Never mind, if you won’t help, someone else will.”

With that, she turned and waved at a passing young man, smiling sweetly: “Could you give me a hand, please?”