I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2227 - 1419: Life Is Like a Play (2)

Princess Cao possesses an endearing kindness. Or perhaps, she is simply overly reasonable and committed to her principles. This quality acts as both a source of inner strength and a distinct vulnerability. Had she been less disciplined, allowing Youmao to run wild and cause a scene, some individuals would likely find their peaceful existence shattered.

Naturally, her adherence to these principles earns Princess Cao widespread respect, but to those on the outside looking in, her presence evokes a sense of genuine apprehension. The origin of this 'fear' is irrelevant; what matters is recognizing one simple truth: Princess Cao is not someone who can be easily intimidated.

"Cease these childish maneuvers; they are both ungrateful and mortifying," she stated.

"Miss, I do not find them embarrassing in the slightest," Youmao replied.

The young rabbit believed her actions reflected only her own desires, failing to see the broader implications.

"But I do. If you attempt to act on your own initiative again, remain at home. Do not step foot outside," Cao Jinse cautioned.

Faced with the threat of being grounded, Youmao reluctantly retreated, muttering, "Fine, I will not go. I am not the one who is upset, anyway."

Cao Jinse gave a sharp, sarcastic smirk, lowered her head, and returned to her tasks, muttering, "The last thing a lady should become is a shrew."

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Director Shi was quite pleased with someone’s conduct earlier that day, a good mood that even extended to Hu Die.

"Sit and join us for a meal," she offered at a rustic farmhouse restaurant near the Thirteen Tombs.

Hu Die cast a quick glance at Jiang Chen; upon receiving his nod, she stepped away from the window to take a seat. Boss Jiang was in a generous mood, having ordered the largest goose available from the host. Served in various styles—dry pot, white-cut, and braised—along with a selection of side dishes, the feast easily satisfied the three of them.

"How old are you, exactly?" Director Shi asked while plucking a slice of white-cut goose, her tone bordering on an HR interview and a landlady vetting a mistress.

"I am twenty-seven," Hu Die answered. Although her professional bond with Boss Jiang was unconventional, she maintained a demeanor of complete respect toward Director Shi.

"Are you married?"

"I am not."

It was a standard, expected reply.

"And a boyfriend?"

Jiang Chen let out a soft cough, though he opted to remain silent.

"None," Hu Die replied simply.

"That is quite surprising," Director Shi noted, seemingly satisfied with Hu Die’s appearance. "You are nearly thirty. Does that not worry you?"

Jiang Chen shot her a look. Casual conversation was one thing, but that remark was unnecessarily sharp. In modern metropolises, many women remained single into their thirties and forties; otherwise, the state would not be so distressed about birth rates. Besides, wasn't she approaching the same age herself?

"I have no concerns," Hu Die replied, her temperament remarkably composed. No trace of irritation marred her expression. She had no reason to worry—Young Master Fang had simply been sent to the military, not lost to the world. As long as she chose to return to his side, he would always be there.

Of course, Director Shi remained oblivious to this. "Was it a criminal offense?" she asked.

Hu Die, usually prompt with her answers, chose to remain quiet.

"Why do you think she committed a crime?" Jiang Chen asked with genuine curiosity, noting that this was their first meeting.

"Airport security indicated she was forbidden from exiting Beijing," Shi Qianxi replied tersely.

"True, there was a vehicle accident. We are currently navigating a dispute with the other party," Boss Jiang clarified smoothly. He was quick-witted, but Director Shi was not easily fooled by such transparent excuses. Regardless, one thing was clear: there was no illicit shadow hanging over their relationship. Furthermore, since they were in Kyoto, even the most mischievous soul would not dare act recklessly.

"I hope I have not wasted your entire day or disrupted your professional duties," Director Shi remarked between bites, her words laden with subtext. The work had proceeded without delay, though a minor mishap had been narrowly avoided. Fortunately, Hu Die had remained composed.

Jiang Chen reflected on his worry after leaving the Tombs, wondering why Youmao had not reached out. He glanced back toward where Hu Die had been standing. Outside, the sunset transformed the landscape into a living oil painting. It had been a long few hours, indeed.

"What are you staring at?" she asked.

"The air in Kyoto is surprisingly clear today. The sky is rather beautiful," Jiang Chen replied, an answer that was as ridiculous as it was frustrating.

"Are you worried about something?" Director Shi asked, sensing his unease.

"I was merely pondering if we adopted your suggestion to overhaul license plate designs, might our air become crisper once new energy vehicles dominate the market?" he mused, reaching for a higher philosophical note.

The two women fell silent. Boss Jiang simply maintained his nonchalant attitude and continued to eat. Hu Die offered him a subtle, unreadable glance, though her thoughts were surely complex. As for Director Shi, she felt no obligation to hide her intentions.

"Were you in the car when the accident occurred? Did you take him for a medical examination?" she asked, aiming the latter part at Hu Die. While Hu Die could grasp the humor, she was completely unprepared for this style of banter. It was entirely alien to her past experiences.

At the mention of a hospital, Jiang Chen’s mind drifted to the nude painting in that small room, involuntarily fixing his gaze upon Director Shi’s lips. While her temperament left much to be desired, her features were flawless—a perfect inheritance from her parents, highlighted by lush, sensuous lips.

Suddenly, a soft, smooth tongue darted out, tracing her lower lip with deliberate grace, leaving it moist and glistening. Jiang Chen met her gaze. Director Shi’s eyes danced with playful, pointed intent.

"Why don't I drive you to the hospital myself?" she suggested. This was a layer of meaning that even the well-informed Hu Die could not possibly decipher.

"Let us just eat," Jiang Chen said, picking up more food to avoid any conflict. This woman was not He Yihui; where He Yihui might exhibit bravery, she would never act so brazenly in public or with an audience. With Director Shi, however, there were no boundaries.

Her phone suddenly rang. Boss Jiang felt his heart skip a beat, though he maintained his composure as he set down his chopsticks to retrieve it. Hu Die continued eating, appearing entirely indifferent.

"Answer it here," Director Shi commanded, continuing to chew. So long as it was not a direct confrontation, she was unbothered. The caller ID displayed 'Young Prince'.

Jiang Chen relaxed slightly and tapped the answer button.

"Jiang, are you available tonight? The loan matters are finalized thanks to Manager Zhuge. I must express my gratitude before I depart from Beijing. If you are free, I shall host, and we can invite Sister Jin Se..."

"I am afraid my schedule does not permit me to join you today," Jiang Chen interrupted.

"Truly?"

"Yes."

Young Prince sighed with audible regret. "Very well, we shall try again tomorrow. Farewell." He was never one to linger, ending the call immediately. Often, these entanglements were not merely between two people; they involved a vast, intersecting web. With the three-day deadline still pending, how could he possibly drag the unsuspecting Young Prince into his affairs?

"Who was that?"

"Ye Tingxuan."

"He is in Kyoto as well?"

"He is."

"I thought he rarely frequented Beijing?"

Aren't you also rarely found here? Jiang Chen thought. "He has matters to attend to," he replied.

"Did he invite you?"

"He did."

"So why did you decline?"

Jiang Chen looked at her. She was becoming rather persistent. While he held no grudge against Prince Ye, he had no interest in involving the Great Wall Group. Prince Ye was not known for his discretion; if he learned the truth, others would follow. Jiang Chen watched as Hu Die contemplated the complicated psychology of the Jinhai heir. Lovers were often like this, fearing direct confrontation with the 'main wife' yet desperate for recognition.

Of course, it was merely an analogy. Who was the primary and who was the lover remained an unsettled question. Hu Die had never been one for soap operas, yet in this moment, she felt a sudden, strange desire to watch one unfold. She thought of the cold, rational Song Chaoge, then of the coveted Cao Jinse. Life, it seemed, was far more than just the numb routine of work; it was, in fact, quite fascinating.