Fifty-Nine

 Su Hao didn’t expect him to do this.

She reflexively stepped back, almost letting go of the phone that was still warm from his touch. "What are you doing?"

Zhou Yang glanced at his knees, clearly caught off guard by the sudden kneeling. He took the cigarette out of his mouth, looked up at her, and said, “I didn’t mean to hide anything from you.”

Su Hao recalled the messages Zhou Yang had sent pretending to be Zhang Xinhua on WeChat—those confessions.

Each word hit her heart like a hammer; those words were meant for her.

"I’ve fallen for a girl from back to Jiang."

Su Hao’s face flushed red, and she was about to say something when—

At that moment, a group of people holding roses and balloons, who had been waiting for a long time, walked over. They immediately saw Zhou Yang kneeling and were stunned. Li Yi, who was leading the video shoot, clicked his tongue twice and quickly approached, aiming the camera at Zhou Yang's face. Seeing this, Su Hao was also taken aback and instinctively pounded Zhou Yang's shoulder, "Get up!"

She was a bit anxious and even kicked him. Many people had their phones and cameras out, and there were a lot of people crowding around. Su Hao realized they were still on the street.

As she hammered him, Zhou Yang grabbed her hands, pulled her into an embrace, pressing her head against his chest. Then he stood up, turned around, and pressed Su Hao against the car door.

Cameras.

People.

Roses.

Su Hao kept her head down, while Zhou Yang held her hair, sliding down her face and gripping her chin, forcefully lifting her face.

Su Hao struggled urgently, her eyes filled with panic and tears.

Zhou Yang whispered, “Shouldn’t you be my girlfriend now? Hmm?”

As soon as he finished speaking, he leaned down and kissed her, his tongue probing. Su Hao reflexively tried to pull away, her back pressed against the car door. Zhou Yang's hand moved from her chin to holding half of her face, with one hand resting on her cheek, angling her head for a deep kiss.

His minty breath was intense. Su Hao dodged a few times but was drawn back into the kiss.

The scene was captured on video.

The tenderness of the woman and the dominance of the man were very apparent. He wasn’t just kissing her; he also caressed her arm, slowly pulling her hand from the skirt's hem and holding it gently. Meanwhile, the phone fell to the ground.

The screen was lit up.

It had scrolled to that line.

“I’ve actually fallen for a girl from back to Jiang.”

Su Hao didn’t remember how she got home, holding a large bouquet of roses. After placing the flowers on the sofa, she went to the bathroom. Cheng Ling, watching TV, was stunned when she saw the scene and then delighted. The roses were dazzling, symbolizing love.

“Su Hao, who sent these?” Cheng Ling put down the remote and got up to ask.

The doorbell rang twice. Su Hao looked at her flushed face in the mirror, and she regained her composure, saying, “A friend sent them.”

She hadn’t decided how to explain to Cheng Ling yet, so she answered like this.

“A friend? Which friend? These flowers are really beautiful. I’ll put them in a vase.” Cheng Ling smiled, and then happily went to the balcony to find a vase. She liked to keep flowers and had bought quite a few empty vases, which she had already washed. She returned with a vase and sat on the sofa, unpacking.

When she opened it, three small boxes fell out and rolled onto the coffee table. Cheng Ling was surprised and didn’t open them right away, just calling out, “Su Hao, there’s something else in the flowers.”

Su Hao washed her face, accidentally touching the corner of her lips, which was sore. She leaned in to look and saw a small cut. She paused.

This person is like a dog.

She wiped her neck with a towel, heard Cheng Ling’s voice, and turned to go out, opening the door.

She saw the three boxes on the coffee table.

Cheng Ling pointed at the boxes. “They were all stuffed in the flowers.”

“You didn’t notice?” Cheng Ling asked. “They almost fell on the ground.”

“No,” Su Hao said, walking up to them. She was in a hurry, her face and neck red. Under the crowd’s encouragement, she wished she could disappear immediately.

These flowers were given to her by Zhou Yang as she went upstairs. At the door, he still wanted to kiss her, but she dodged and pushed him away.

She picked up the boxes and opened them.

The first box contained a black card.

The second box contained a necklace.

The third box contained a bracelet.

Cheng Ling was stunned. “A card? What kind of card?”

She had never seen this type of card.

As a finance manager, Su Hao had seen Zhou Yang’s black card before. The money in it was linked to his account, meaning she could use his money freely without any restrictions.

She closed the box and said softly, “It’s just a regular card.”

“A bank card?” Cheng Ling asked again.

Su Hao wanted to say it was a shopping card but was afraid Cheng Ling might actually use it. So she said, “No, it’s a membership card from somewhere. Mom, you won’t need it.”

“Oh, I thought it was a credit card. It seems like it’s used to chase someone. Why give a credit card?” Cheng Ling relaxed, pushing the two jewelry boxes. “They look pretty. Do you want to keep them?”

If she kept them, would it mean Su Hao liked Zhou Yang?

Cheng Ling was somewhat expectant.

Su Hao coughed, closed the boxes, and said, “I’ll think about it. Mom, I’m going back to my room.”

After saying this, she took the three boxes and went into her room.

Cheng Ling responded, “Okay, I’ll take care of the flowers.”

Originally, Su Hao had been emotionally empty since coming to Li City. Before coming here, she was nervous and scared whenever she asked about her feelings.

Now, she realized it wasn’t as she had imagined. Su Hao was liked by someone, and she felt relaxed.

Back in her room, Su Hao placed the boxes on the table, picked up her phone, and saw Zhou Yang had sent several WeChat messages. But the most striking were the videos of him kneeling, posted by Li Yi and others.

Li Yi: “Although Zhou Yang was late, he didn’t miss out.”

Video.

Xu Dian: “Hahaha, he’s kneeling in fear!”

Video.

Lu Qi: “Should I laugh a bit?”

Video.

Yun Lü: “Hahahahaha, let me laugh.”

Video.

Jiang Yu: “Who was so determined never to kneel?”

Video.

Zeng Xiao: “Should I repost this too? Although men’s knees are golden, they’re still more important than their lives in front of their wives.”

Video.

Liu Yan: “Zhou Yang, you slapped your own face.”

Video.

It seemed like everyone had agreed to share this video. Because Su Hao kept her head down, they didn’t include her in the video, only showing Zhou Yang holding her delicate hand, which alone was enough to make people imagine a lot. Her hand was so beautiful that it suggested she must be as beautiful.

She hadn’t had the mood to watch the fighting video last time.

This time was different.

After watching, Su Hao opened WeChat.

Su Hao: “What time are you going to sleep?”

Zhou Yang: “Hmm?”

Zhou Yang: “Wife.”

Su Hao: “Why is your video all over my friends' circle?”

Zhou Yang: “Tsk, people like to watch the fun.”

Su Hao: “Aren’t you embarrassed?”

Zhou Yang: “For you, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It was much worse when Xu Dian kneeled. This is just a small gesture.”

Su Hao: “Wasn’t that kneeling out of fear?”

Zhou Yang:

Su Hao looked at those six dots and thought he was quite proud of himself.

Zhou Yang: “Working tomorrow?”

Su Hao: “Yes.”

Zhou Yang: “Let’s have dinner in the evening.”

Su Hao: “Okay.”

Zhou Yang: “Wife, I can’t sleep.”

Su Hao: “I can.”

Zhou Yang:

Su Hao: “How about that card you gave me? I don’t want it.”

Zhou Yang: “Just keep it. You don’t have to use it. You handle the finances at home.”

Su Hao:

For some reason, after their recent conversations on WeChat, they had talked a lot, back and forth.

Life and work had to continue, but lying in bed, Su Hao felt a bit of something new, with both concern and reassurance.

She clutched the blanket, turned over, and fell asleep.

The next morning, Su Hao heard Cheng Ling humming in the bathroom. She was taken aback for a moment but continued brushing her teeth, her brows softening.

She planned to ask Aunt Su Qian to help persuade Cheng Ling.

After breakfast, she went to work.

At the company, Qiqi stood by the door, waving her phone. Su Hao glanced at her and placed her breakfast on the table. Qiqi quickly came over, opened the video on her phone, and played it.

The video showed a street full of red—an impressive sight with many sports cars decorated with Su Hao’s name, balloons, and roses piled on the cars. Not only that, but the drivers of the cars were all handsome, resembling a wedding procession. Then the video shifted to a conspicuous Hummer.

Further down.

A tall man was kneeling there, facing Su Hao. He looked up at her with a long neck, and although Su Hao had her head down, her beautiful face could be vaguely seen.

“Was it a proposal?” Qiqi asked enviously. “Is it?”

Su Hao: “No.”

“Really? Just pursuing? Wow.” Qiqi was incredulous. “I didn’t expect him to kneel. Why did he suddenly kneel after opening the car door?”

Su Hao remembered his expression from last night and found it a bit amusing.

She pushed Qiqi’s phone away and said, “Guess?”

Qiqi: “Did he do something wrong? You seemed angry when you came down.”

Su Hao was taken aback, turning to look at Qiqi. Qiqi leaned against the table, blinking, and Su Hao also smiled, pushing her arm. “Let’s go have breakfast.”

“Hahaha, I didn’t expect men to be the same. When they fear losing, they kneel to save their lives, hahahaha.” Qiqi laughed loudly and sat down to eat breakfast.

Su Hao asked, “Does Yan Chong do that too?”

Qiqi rolled her eyes. “No, he doesn’t. I saw the gossip about Xu Dian and Meng Ying after the video of Xu Dian kneeling. Your husband’s group was quite unexpected.”

Good-looking, wealthy, arrogant, but when faced with true love, they all kneel.

Li City kneels to help.

Su Hao: “Is there still a video? I want to see.”

She had only heard about it and had never seen it in reality.

“Yes,” Qiqi said, opening the video for Su Hao. Su Hao took a look and saw the segment of kneeling on the washboard. Though the video was short, it was real kneeling.

Su Hao: “Does it spread?”

Qiqi laughed again. “Maybe? Why doesn’t Yan Chong have friends who kneel?”

Su Hao smiled, turned on her computer, and started working. Around six in the evening, Zhou Yang called. Su Hao was busy and quickly answered.

“Hello.”

“I’m at the entrance of your company’s community.”

“Okay.”

Zhou Yang laughed on the other end. “Very busy?”

“Mm, aren’t you spending money today?”

Zhou Yang: “Can’t compete with you, so no more spending.”

Su Hao felt a sense of accomplishment regarding herself. She smiled, asked him to wait a bit, and then ended the call. She refreshed the data in the backend, ensuring it was stable. Su Hao closed the computer, picked up her phone, and walked out with her colleagues. Qiqi was linking arms with Yan Chong, wearing a mischievous expression.

Su Hao walked in front, feeling a bit uneasy.

She glanced back and saw her colleagues following her. Su Hao helplessly walked to the community entrance, where Zhou Yang had switched to a Bentley.

He was wearing a shirt and trousers, leaning against the car door, playing with his phone, tall and graceful.

He stood straight, smiled, and took her hand, leading her to the passenger seat.

The area by the roadside was crowded, with many cars. He opened the car door for Su Hao, helped her in, and then went around to the driver’s side.

He glanced at Su Hao’s colleagues.

Su Hao’s colleagues straightened up, puffing out their chests, determined not to lose in front of Zhou Yang.

Together, they could suppress Zhou Yang’s momentum, right? Zhou Yang glanced at them, smiled, and got into the car.

Su Hao leaned out and waved to them.

The car window rolled up, and Zhou Yang’s hand rested on the steering wheel as he looked at her.

Su Hao bit her lip. “What?”

Zhou Yang leaned over and kissed her on the corner of her lips, then turned and gave her another kiss. “This isn’t a dream.”

She had no idea how many dreams he had.

Su Hao lowered her eyes and returned the kiss. The two of them touched briefly before pulling away, and Su Hao nudged him. “Drive, it’s getting dark.”

Zhou Yang sat back down and started the car.

“What do you want to eat?”

Su Hao replied, “You decide.”

“I’ve reserved a table on the 53rd floor. Shall we go there?” Zhou Yang suggested.

“Mm.”

As evening approached, the daylight of winter was much shorter. Arriving at the 53rd Tower, night had fallen, and everywhere was lit with vibrant lights. Su Hao unfastened her seatbelt. It was her first time here, and the building seemed enormous, looming over her. Zhou Yang handed the keys to the valet and walked over, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Isn’t it very tall?”

“Mm, people seem so insignificant.”

Zhou Yang smiled.

She didn’t mean to say it was luxurious; she said it was insignificant.

So cute.

He hugged her even tighter, and his hand on her abdomen moved to hold her wrist, leading her up the stairs. He said, “But when everyone works together, big things can be accomplished.”

Su Hao looked up at him. “Can’t a few chopsticks be broken?”

Zhou Yang laughed again, his expression full of charm.

“Exactly.”

The two of them entered the elevator, and Zhou Yang swiped his card to go directly to the 53rd floor.

When they exited the elevator, someone came to greet them. It was quite crowded, but the place was large, so it didn’t feel cramped. The waiter guided them to a window-side table. Looking down, they could not see the bottom; even if they could, it would look like ants.

Zhou Yang pulled out a chair for Su Hao, and she sat down.

Zhou Yang sat opposite her.

The waiter approached and handed the menu to Zhou Yang. Zhou Yang passed the menu to Su Hao, who glanced at it; it was all in English.

She looked at the steak options.

The menu didn’t list prices.

She chose a steak set meal.

Zhou Yang also ordered one and then told the waiter, “One bottle of red wine.”

Su Hao said, “I don’t drink, and you have to drive.”

Zhou Yang paused.

Su Hao propped up her chin and looked at him.

Zhou Yang raised his eyebrows, and a few seconds later, he turned to the waiter and said, “Forget the wine. Add a serving of ice cream instead.”

“Okay,” the waiter said with a slight smile and left politely.

Zhou Yang glanced at his phone. “Fortunately, there’s still a week until the 28th.”

Su Hao initially didn’t understand, but then realized and instinctively kicked Zhou Yang. He didn’t move away, leaning back and tapping the table with his fingertips, smiling, “I remember.”

“If it’s too close, having ice cream wouldn’t be appropriate,” he raised his eyebrows, his eyes full of mirth.

Su Hao didn’t bother to respond.

A few seconds later, she suddenly thought of something, staring at him without blinking.

Zhou Yang said, “Hmm?”

“You’re not going to…?” she couldn’t finish her sentence.

Zhou Yang leaned in closer, “Hmm?”

A second later, he chuckled softly, adjusting his shirt collar. “B, right?”

Su Hao’s face turned bright red, and she kicked him again.

Zhou Yang reached out and pressed her leg under the table. She was wearing a skirt that reached her knees, but it had likely ridden up while she was sitting, so his palm touched her skin.

It was scorching hot.

Su Hao quickly pulled her leg back.

He grabbed her leg again.

They playfully struggled for a while.

When the two steaks were served, the waiter had everything arranged nicely. The environment was pleasant; the lighting was not too bright but also not too dim, and the music was soft.

There was also a piano on a small stage.

The waiter finished and left.

Only the steaks needed to be cut.

Zhou Yang picked up a knife and fork and began to cut Su Hao’s steak.

He rolled up his shirt sleeves to his elbows, revealing his well-defined arms. He cut the steak into small pieces swiftly.

After cutting, he didn’t rush away. He forked a piece and fed it to Su Hao. Su Hao hesitated for a moment, holding her hand up to block the view, and then leaned in to take it.

“Is it good?”

Su Hao nodded with her cheeks puffed.

“Good to hear.”

He wiped the juice from the corner of Su Hao’s lips with a napkin, and Su Hao realized she should have done it herself. The steak wasn’t too much, and with a little bit of pasta, salad, and fruit, it was quickly finished. The sky restaurant wasn’t the main attraction; outside there was a glass floor area where many people were dining and chatting, seemingly unaware they were on the 53rd floor. Everyone appeared very comfortable and content.

Su Hao glanced a few times but didn’t dare look too long, feeling a bit dizzy and also admiring how relaxed and at ease they all looked. Zhou Yang noticed her gaze and smiled, “Shall we go see the view after dinner?”

Su Hao quickly shook her head.

Zhou Yang reached out and pinched her ear.

After finishing the steak, a serving of strawberry ice cream was brought.

It was very sweet and fragrant. Zhou Yang drank coffee, and after Su Hao had a few bites, she scooped a spoonful and offered it to him. Zhou Yang put down his coffee and shook his head.

Su Hao said, “Try it.”

“It’s sweet.”

“It’s not that bad.”

Looking at her watery eyes, Zhou Yang instinctively leaned in, opened his mouth, and took the spoon.

The sweetness went down his throat.

He furrowed his brows, “Only you would dare to make me eat this.”

Su Hao said, “Oh.”

At that moment, her phone on the table rang. She answered it, saying, “Hello.”

It was Tang Rui’s father.

He spoke carefully, “Su Hao, can you go see Tang Rui? He’s sick and has been admitted to the hospital.”

Zhou Yang stopped chewing and looked at her.

Su Hao looked back at him.

Then she spoke softly, “Uncle Tang, okay.”

Zhou Yang clenched his teeth.

..................................................................................................................

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