CTS 30

The next morning, Shen Mo looked in the mirror and found a dark red hickey on his neck.

Last night… had really been too wild.

By the end, he was so dazed he lost count of how many times they did it. When he went to take a shower, just walking caused something to trickle down his thigh.

And those words Ji Mingxuan said last night still felt unreal even now.

Mr. Ji… actually liked him?

When did he start liking him?

Unfortunately, Ji Mingxuan never answered that question. Every time Shen Mo asked, he would change the subject with a seductive smile, using actions instead of words to show just how much he liked him.

Later, Shen Mo found a high-necked sweater to cover the hickey before heading to work.

True to his word, Ji Mingxuan really did get busy with work from that day on. But no matter how late it got, he always came home to sleep. The two of them had been together long enough that they didn’t need sweet talk. Shen Mo would often wake in the morning to find himself nestled in Ji Mingxuan’s arms.

Ji Mingxuan’s secretary was highly efficient. It didn’t take long before the tickets for their overseas flight were booked. Shen Mo took one look and realized it was to one of those romantic island countries often rumored to be honeymoon destinations. The hotel and everything else had already been arranged. All Shen Mo had to do was find time to pack.

But just as he was starting to enjoy a few carefree days, Ji An’an roped him in as free labor. Her wedding date had been set, and now she had a long list of things to prepare. Ji Mingxuan would just cover the expenses, and since Ji An’an didn’t have many close friends in the country, she turned to Shen Mo in the end.

It just so happened that Shen Mo now had a car, making him the perfect chauffeur.

That day, after shopping, it was still early, so the two of them stopped by the nearby Dynasty Hotel for afternoon tea. Ji An’an was especially fond of one of the desserts there. Shen Mo found it too sweet and only ordered a cup of coffee.

February was just a few days away. They were chatting about travel plans when Shen Mo happened to glance up and caught sight of a familiar figure.

It was an elegant-looking woman. Though she was no longer young, time seemed to have been unusually kind to her. Her face showed barely any signs of aging. She wore a smoky gray skirt suit and matching pearl jewelry, tasteful and graceful. Standing beside her with a grin on his face was Zhou Yang’s younger brother, Zhou Chu.

Shen Mo froze, the hand holding his coffee cup suddenly stiff.

Seeing his expression, Ji An’an turned around, took a look, and exclaimed, “Huh, that’s Aunt Zhou. Why is Zhou Chu with her?”

Shen Mo didn’t respond.

He had met Madam Zhou once at the engagement banquet. He knew she came from a prominent family and was known for her cunning and influence. Even Zhou Yang’s father was somewhat afraid of her. Back then, wasn’t it her who had torn him and Zhou Yang apart?

Ji An’an had no idea about any of this. She stood up and said, “Let’s go say hi to Aunt Zhou.”

Shen Mo had no intention of doing that. Although he and Zhou Yang had broken up a long time ago, he didn’t want any unnecessary trouble now. He shifted slightly and said, “I’m not that familiar with your Aunt Zhou. Better not join the crowd.”

Ji An’an muttered, “Aren’t we all going to be family soon?”

But since Shen Mo clearly didn’t want to go, she didn’t push. She walked over on her own.

Madam Zhou clearly had a good impression of Ji An’an, her future daughter-in-law. As soon as she saw her, she affectionately took her hand. After exchanging a few words, Madam Zhou linked arms with Ji An’an and began walking forward.

Ji An’an quickly turned back and shot Shen Mo a look. Shen Mo nodded and gestured that he’d wait for her there.

Someone soon came to lead them into a VIP suite. Madam Zhou wasn’t the kind of person who would settle for anything too casual, even for afternoon tea.

Shen Mo remained outside by himself, sipping his coffee.

The afternoon sunlight was too pleasant, warm enough to make one feel drowsy. Shen Mo flipped through a few magazines and found several articles about travel destinations.

He usually had little interest in these things, but for some reason, this time he started reading the travel guides quite seriously.

Was it because he’d be going with Mr. Ji?

Even though Ji Mingxuan had already expressed his feelings, things still felt uncertain on his end. Did he like Ji Mingxuan back? Or had he just grown used to being with him?

What puzzled him was that Ji Mingxuan never asked.

Shen Mo chuckled to himself. He was far from a high school student, but he still felt that flutter of nervousness like someone experiencing first love.

But he really did start to long for a moonlit beach. He even found himself wondering, should he be like Zhou Yang and spread rose petals all over the bed?

Just as that thought crossed his mind, his phone suddenly vibrated.

A new message had come in.

Shen Mo glanced down. It was from Ji An’an.

“Brother Shen, I’m not feeling too well. I’m resting upstairs in Room 6018. Please come up quickly.”