Chapter 117: Arrival in Shangjing

From Haizhou to Shangjing, it's less than two hours by plane.

Lin Le and his companions set out after school on Friday, and when their flight landed in Shangjing, it was only around eight or nine in the evening.

“Mr. Lin, the seminar has arranged a hotel for you. You can come with me,” Jia Shimao said after they disembarked.

“No need. Master is going to sleep with me tonight,” Ji Xiaorui replied without hesitation.

A few days before, Ji Xiaorui had already informed her family. Since this was her home turf, she certainly wouldn’t let Lin Le stay at a hotel.

However, her words were rather ambiguous, immediately leading Jia Shimao to a misunderstanding.

“Uh, I see...” Jia Shimao had already been surprised by Ji Xiaorui’s uninhibited nature on the way here. Now, hearing her declare so openly that she wanted Lin Le to sleep with her tonight, his elderly heart could hardly take it.

“Well then, I wish you both a pleasant evening,” Jia Shimao said with an awkward smile.

“By the way, regarding the matter of showing Mr. Lin the medicinal herbs, I’m afraid it’ll have to wait until tomorrow afternoon. I still have to attend the seminar and give a speech in the morning,” Jia Shimao added.

“That’s fine, Director Jia. Please go about your work; I have other matters to handle in the morning as well,” Lin Le replied. He had already decided to visit the Xie family first thing in the morning, to see his mother, Xie Qiushan.

Just as they saw Jia Shimao off, a voice called out from the crowd at the arrivals gate, “Sis!”

A boy of about fourteen or fifteen stood in the throng, waving excitedly at Ji Xiaorui, his face brimming with joy.

Lin Le immediately noticed the resemblance between the boy’s features and Ji Xiaorui’s. This must be the younger brother she had mentioned on the plane—Ji Xiaohai.

“Sis, is this brother-in-law?” Ji Xiaohai’s quick eyes sized up Lin Le, and he blurted out the question.

Lin Le couldn’t help but smile wryly. Truly, this was Ji Xiaorui’s brother—just as uninhibited as she was. He was still so young, yet already calling him brother-in-law.

“Not yet,” Ji Xiaorui replied offhandedly.

Just like his sister, Ji Xiaohai was friendly with everyone. Though this was his first meeting with Lin Le, he talked as if they’d known each other for ages, the conversation ranging far and wide.

Outside the airport, a long Rolls-Royce was parked, a well-dressed driver in white gloves standing beside it, the epitome of formality.

“Welcome to the capital! Please, get in,” Ji Xiaohai said cheerfully, ushering Lin Le and Ji Xiaorui into the car.

Seeing such a display, Lin Le realized at once that Ji Xiaorui’s family background was indeed impressive. No wonder she always talked about giving him luxury cars—it was clear she had the means to back it up.

“Sis, let’s get something to eat first. Zhang Yang and the others heard you were back and have already arranged a banquet for you at the Shangjing Hotel—they’re waiting to welcome you!” Ji Xiaohai, precocious and sharp-tongued, spoke in the local dialect with the ease of a seasoned old hand. His manner was much like his sister’s, full of streetwise charm.

“Zhang Yang? Honestly, I really don’t want to see him. I think he might be into me. Every time he looks at me, I feel like I’m not wearing any clothes. I’d rather stay far away from him,” Ji Xiaorui shivered, as if the thought made her uncomfortable.

“Sis, don’t flatter yourself. Zhang Yang already has a girlfriend, you know,” Ji Xiaohai retorted with a roll of his eyes.

“Really?” Ji Xiaorui looked incredulous.

“Besides, even if you don’t want to see Zhang Yang, won’t you see Ni Fang and the others? They haven’t seen you in ages,” Ji Xiaohai coaxed.

“Well... alright, I’ll go. It’s not a big deal. And with Master accompanying me, I’m not afraid of that damn Zhang Yang anyway,” Ji Xiaorui finally relented.

“Yes!” Ji Xiaohai was thrilled. Despite his young age, he loved lively gatherings. With so many people coming together tonight, it was sure to be a lot of fun. No wonder he’d worked so hard to persuade his sister to come.

“Or maybe I shouldn’t go,” Lin Le hesitated, not used to gatherings of strangers.

“Don’t, Master! That Zhang Yang guy is always eyeing me. If you don’t come, what if he tries something inappropriate?” Ji Xiaorui clung to Lin Le’s arm, her petite form leaning against him, her innocent eyes shining with a pleading look.

With her childlike face and coquettish manner, she could easily make any loner’s heart melt. If Lin Le hadn’t witnessed her fiery performance defeating Panshan Ying in the underground ring, he might have felt a surge of sympathy for her as well.

Lin Le was certain that, given Ji Xiaorui’s current strength, any man who dared to harass her would be risking his life.

“Xiaorui, if you keep this up, I’ll have to call the police...” Lin Le said calmly, looking at Ji Xiaorui pressing her considerable weight against him.

“Oh, Master, just come with me! It’s only dinner, it’s not like you’ll get pregnant!” Ji Xiaorui continued to wheedle.

“That’s right, Brother Le, come with us!” Ji Xiaohai joined in, gazing at Lin Le expectantly.

Lin Le sighed inwardly. These siblings were truly impossible to refuse.

“Alright, I’ll come with you. But just dinner—right after, we’re heading straight back,” he finally agreed, unable to resist their pleading.

“Yes! Fantastic!” Ji Xiaohai exclaimed, exchanging a celebratory high-five with his sister.

The mischievous Ji Xiaohai then called Zhang Yang and the others at the hotel, telling them they’d be there soon.

The Shangjing Hotel was one of the finest in the city, established even before the founding of the nation. It was a crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures and had hosted heads of state from all over the world—a testament to its prestige.

That evening, eight or nine young people were already waiting at the hotel’s grand entrance.

“Xiaohai says Xiaorui’s brought a boy back this time. Could he be her boyfriend?” a slightly more mature girl asked with curiosity. This was Ni Fang, regarded as the big sister among their circle.

Her question sparked immediate interest among the others. They all knew Ji Xiaorui came from a good family, was beautiful, and had a fiery personality—ordinary boys rarely caught her eye. Naturally, they were eager to see what kind of boy she’d brought along this time.

The boys, however, didn’t seem very pleased by the news. Instead, they glanced nervously at a handsome guy dressed in the latest trendy brands.

This was Zhang Yang, the one Ji Xiaorui had mentioned earlier.

At that moment, Zhang Yang’s expression was dark and ugly, his fists clenched tightly—he was clearly displeased.

Zhang Yang was indeed interested in Ji Xiaorui. Whenever he thought of her angelic face and stunning figure, his thoughts would run wild.

He had pursued Ji Xiaorui for a long time, but she’d shown no interest in him whatsoever.

Even after she left for Haizhou, Zhang Yang hadn’t given up on his pursuit.

As for the “girlfriend” Xiaohai mentioned, she was merely a stand-in to stave off loneliness. In anticipation of Ji Xiaorui’s return, Zhang Yang had already broken up with her days ago.

After all, compared to Ji Xiaorui, those other girls simply weren’t his type.

Zhang Yang had planned to take this opportunity, while Ji Xiaorui was back, to confess his feelings and win her over. He hadn’t expected, though, that she would return with another boy in tow. This infuriated him.

“Damn it, that guy had better stay away from Xiaorui, or I’ll make sure he regrets ever showing up!” Zhang Yang seethed inwardly.

The other boys, well aware of Zhang Yang’s temper and his feelings for Ji Xiaorui, naturally sided with him. Seeing his current expression, they knew he was burning with resentment toward the newcomer—and they were all ready to watch Zhang Yang give him a hard time.