NOVEL NEXT Chapter 34: Showing off Affection!
In fact, the reason why Nangong Qingcheng was willing to set aside her principles and join Jiang Feng and the others for dinner tonight was mainly due to two reasons:
First, she was considerate of Jiang Feng's feelings. With Jiang Feng dining alongside Heizi and Feng Na, he was essentially the third wheel, and watching the two paired up would inevitably leave him feeling uncomfortable. As his fiancée, Nangong Qingcheng felt obligated to be with him and uphold his dignity.
Second, Jiang Feng had already started to change for her, no longer idling away his time, and even willing to take a job as a low-level security guard at her company. To encourage Jiang Feng, Nangong Qingcheng was also willing to get closer to him.
Based on these two points, it made sense for her to accompany Jiang Feng to dinner, but Bai Zhiqing wanting to join as well was a bit puzzling.
As for Bai Zhiqing, after a vexing event that afternoon, she didn't want to go home alone. This provided a perfect opportunity, and if she could go out and have some fun to unwind, it would be even better.
More importantly, she inexplicably wanted to spend more time with Jiang Feng; having a drink together would be the best outcome.
"Welcome, how could we not welcome you, we couldn't ask for more! Both of you leaders, join us then, at the street-food alley by the back gate of Binhai University, filled with food stalls. Nana and I will take a taxi there first and reserve a table awaiting your arrival."
Heizi was quite aware of his and Feng Na's status. Even if Nangong Qingcheng and Bai Zhiqing were willing to go, it wasn't appropriate for him and Feng Na to ride with them. The most sensible action was to head over first with Feng Na; as for Jiang Feng, that was not his concern.
"Xiao Feng, why don't you ride with me? I've never been to that street-food alley, so you can guide me," Bai Zhiqing offered a perfect excuse to Jiang Feng.
Nangong Qingcheng opened her mouth as if to say something but swallowed her words. Bai Zhiqing had said what she intended to, but for some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that Bai Zhiqing's attitude toward Jiang Feng had changed since she returned that afternoon.
Under such circumstances, it was inappropriate to insist that Jiang Feng take her car, as it would only arouse Bai Zhiqing's suspicion.
"Alright." Jiang Feng glanced at Nangong Qingcheng; seeing no reaction from her, he reluctantly headed toward Bai Zhiqing's Audi.
"Qingcheng, we're heading out first. Follow us and we'll get there together," Bai Zhiqing adeptly handed over the keys to Jiang Feng, settling into the passenger seat like a lady of the house.
Watching Jiang Feng start the car and drive off with Bai Zhiqing, Nangong Qingcheng stomped her delicate foot in frustration. That bastard, did he not care about her feelings while she was caring for his?
To get into another woman's car in front of his legitimate fiancée and take her away—wasn't that too much?
Normally calm as snow, Nangong Qingcheng felt uncharacteristically a bit agitated, puffing as she got into her own car and followed them.
Unaware, she actually felt slightly unjustly treated and a bit jealous.
…
Although Binhai University bore the name "Binhai," it was actually a top-tier university in the province, listed under the national key projects named 211 and 985. It's one of Binhai City's iconic symbols.
Binhai University had a large campus and a vast student body. Even though the new term hadn't started, there were still fifty to sixty thousand returning students, with many staying over the break and some arriving early.
Due to these conditions, the commercial and street-food alleys at both the front and back gates never ceased operating.
Especially the street-food alley, famed for its distinctive cuisine and low prices, it was always a favorite among the students. Those who had enough of cafeteria food would gather in groups after class in the alley, causing it to be crowded and bustling.
Both Nangong Qingcheng and Bai Zhiqing were visiting this place for the first time. As they stepped out of the car, they drew the attention of everyone around, including the vendors!
The reason was simple—these two women were stunning!
Nangong Qingcheng, undoubtedly a potential candidate for the title of the most beautiful woman in Binhai City, certainly lived up to the description of "Heavenly Fragrance and National Beauty."
Bai Zhiqing was no less impressive; in fact, her inherent alluring charm added extra femininity to her presence. Her enchanting demeanor and captivating body left a lasting impression and could steal someone's soul with just one glance.
Standing there, the two women were more attractive than the current TV celebrities and top models, causing male students to drop their chopsticks and forget about their meals while female students were filled with envy, jealousy, and resentment.
They had long been accustomed to such stares. Exchanging a smile, they followed Jiang Feng inside.
"Whoa! Who is that guy who can have both goddesses by his side?"
"Oh heavens, is this public humiliation?"
"Comparing myself to him just makes me miserable. Here I am switching from left hand to right, and he's already reached the peak of life!"
"I bet that guy is definitely the son of Binhai's richest man, coming here to keep a low profile and understand the common folks!"
"Ah, stop fantasizing; the women of the richest man's son are not for us to dream about. Just do what you're supposed to; there's no use in suffering a million stabs from love arrows!"
…
Under the envious gazes of countless people, Jiang Feng, along with Nangong Qingcheng and Bai Zhiqing, hadn't walked long before they spotted Heizi and Feng Na sitting at an open-air food stall along the road.
"Xiao Feng, over here!"
Heizi waved to the three of them in greeting.
Jiang Feng led the two women over and sat opposite Heizi and Feng Na. Heizi picked up the menu and said to Nangong Qingcheng and Bai Zhiqing, "Manager Nangong, Supervisor Bai, I've already ordered some of Nana's favorites. See if there's anything else you'd like?"
Nangong Qingcheng and Bai Zhiqing glanced at the menu. Being naturally picky eaters, they each took a pen and marked several specialty dishes. With a sidelong glance, Heizi realized he'd already lost half a month's salary.
"Do you both drink? I was planning to have a drink with my buddy tonight," Heizi said, feeling the pinch.
"Why not?" Unexpectedly, Bai Zhiqing immediately agreed, casting an occasional glance at Jiang Feng with her expressive eyes while earnestly saying, "It's rare to get such a chance; we've never gathered as colleagues for so long, so I'm making an exception to drink tonight."
Jiang Feng frowned, watching the beautiful, expressive eyes of Bai Zhiqing. She still wanted to drink, forgetting about her lesson from the afternoon?
"I won't drink; I really can't handle it." Once again, Nangong Qingcheng found Bai Zhiqing acting strangely. Didn't she know that drinking and driving was illegal? Or had she made up her mind to let Jiang Feng take her home after tonight?