Chapter 6: A Game of Pretenses [6]
After breakfast, Wen Xiaorou spent her time leisurely basking in the sun in the courtyard. This was how she spent the first day, the second, and it remained the same even after a week. Jing Nuo had not returned home for an entire week, leading to a rumor circulating within the Jing household: Young Master Jing only returned twice a month, and even then, it was merely to "sow his seeds" without any regard for his wife's emotional needs. Upon hearing this, Wen Xiaorou could only shake her head in resignation, for the truth was, Jing Nuo hadn't even sown any seeds.
"Rou'rou, Jing Nuo hasn't been back for a week. Shouldn't you give him a call and ask?" On the ninth day, Elder Jing finally lost his patience and began offering advice. His daughter-in-law lacked assertiveness, yet he could not change her gentle and soft-spoken nature. He often blamed her name for being too indecisive.
"Yes," Wen Xiaorou nodded in immediate agreement, then quickly finished her meal and headed upstairs.
"Jing Nuo, it's me, Wen Xiaorou. When will you be home?" Her tone sounded more like a plea.
"I'm busy!" Jing Nuo was indeed busy on the other end of the line, busy making money. But surely he wasn't busy after work? What was he doing during his off-hours? If he were truly that busy, why had there been recent news stories about young models flirting with him?
"You haven't been back in a long time."
"I'm very busy."
"Are you eating on time?"
"Wen Xiaorou, are you too idle at home?" Seeing that she had no intention of hanging up, Jing Nuo impatiently tapped his fountain pen against his desk.
"I'll bring you some food tomorrow. Auntie Liang made it." Ignoring his dissatisfaction, Wen Xiaorou changed the subject. Ever since she had known him, Jing Nuo had always loved Auntie Liang's cooking. Surely he couldn't resist the temptation of good food! Of course, this was merely Wen Xiaorou's wishful thinking.
Listening to her prattling, Jing Nuo hung up the phone in extreme annoyance. Left at a loss, Wen Xiaorou wondered what his reaction meant—was it a rejection or a tacit consent? She sought out Elder Jing to ask if it would be appropriate for her to deliver lunch to his office. Elder Jing was, of course, entirely in favor, believing that this was exactly the kind of presence she should have—the air of a true mistress of the house. He wanted everyone to know that Jing Nuo belonged to her, so that the "weeds" outside would know to back off.
The next day, Wen Xiaorou rose early to dress and groom herself, spending four full hours changing outfits. She skipped breakfast and only emerged from her bedroom once Auntie Liang notified her that the lunch was ready. She took the meal and was driven by the chauffeur to the headquarters of the Shangjing Group.
Having not stepped out for a long time, Wen Xiaorou couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. This was her first time visiting the Shangjing Group, and she was going as the boss's wife to deliver lunch to her beloved Jing Nuo. She couldn't stop imagining all the ways Jing Nuo might be touched by her gesture. As the saying goes, to capture a man's heart, one must first capture his stomach. Wen Xiaorou secretly resolved to learn how to cook from Auntie Liang; perhaps Jing Nuo's stomach would accept her first. At the thought of this, she smiled to herself, unsure if it was because she hadn't been out in a while or because she was about to see him.
Before she stepped out of the car, the driver told her the floor number of Jing Nuo's office. He offered to accompany her inside, but she declined. After she alighted, the driver called Jing Nuo's secretary to come down and receive her.
Carrying the lunch of love, Wen Xiaorou cheered herself on in her heart, then walked toward the lobby of the Shangjing Group with her head held high. With every step, her heart beat faster, but she was, after all, a returned student who had seen the world; she was more than capable of handling such a situation. Though she was nervous inside, she managed to keep her outward appearance perfectly composed.