CHAPTER 246: ARE THEY COMPATIBLE (2)_1

Meanwhile, Shen Jing handed the child to the Xie Family’s nanny and took the Xie Family’s car. She had to walk out to the main street before she could hail a taxi to leave.

She was in a rush and didn’t have time to say goodbye to the members of the Xie Family, who were receiving guests, simply taking an umbrella from the nanny to shield herself from the snow.

The snow fell endlessly, and it was freezing.

She couldn’t remember how far she had walked when a Red Flag car stopped beside her. Without even looking, she knew whose car it was.

Shen Jing didn’t stop walking; she went on her way.

Zhou Luchen got out of the car. The driver had no choice but to follow, wearing a pair of clean white gloves and holding an umbrella behind him, patiently asking, "Second Young Master, are you going to walk?"

His gaze followed the lonely and delicate figure as he waved his hand. "Go back by yourself."

The driver silently calculated the distance from here to the Zhou Family Compound—passing Gulou Street and then Shichahai. It really wasn’t far, but walking there was quite a distance.

The driver silently closed the umbrella. "Okay, call me if you need anything."

Then, after no more than two minutes, that Red Flag car steadily drove past Shen Jing and vanished into the distance.

He left just like that? Didn’t offer his ex a ride? Isn’t it said that Second Young Master Zhou is a man of deep feelings, always fond of looking after his exes? Or is he blind? She’s right there; how can he not see her? Right, he should leave. It’s the middle of the night on New Year’s Day; which noble son would have the leisure and elegance to linger on the tranquil streets, enjoying the snow? He should be in the Pleasure Quarters, embraced left and right, welcoming the New Year.

Thinking so, Shen Jing couldn’t help but look back.

She barely had time to clearly see what was happening behind her.

In an instant, the umbrella in her hand was snatched away by Zhou Luchen.

Under the umbrella, the two of them were quite squeezed together.

Zhou Luchen, with his superior height and build, shielded her from the wind and snow lashing at her back.

Smelling the faint scent of smoke, Shen Jing stood silently, watching Zhou Luchen.

He held a cigarette in his mouth, half-burned. As the flame died out, his lips curved up in a roguish smile. "How old are you, Shen Jing, an auntie already?"

Shen Jing lifted the other end of her scarf, tossing it over her shoulder. "You have the nerve to say that? There are people in your Zhou Family who call you ’Uncle’."

A puff of smoke filled the space. Zhou Luchen’s eyelids twitched ever so slightly. The thin, fan-like double eyelids created a seductive arc, making his features appear even more rakishly charming. "Only if you call me that," he said. He paused, biting on his cigarette, his voice somewhat muffled. "I wouldn’t respond to them even if they did."

The way he said it sounded as if he was bestowing a great favor upon her.

What a libertine.

He was at the Xie Family’s, reportedly discussing marriage matters. Then, moments later, he was under her umbrella, having seemingly forgotten all about it.

Shen Jing chuckled and turned to walk shoulder to shoulder with him.

The transparent umbrella offered only a narrow space, bringing them unconsciously close as he held it.

Zhou Luchen’s evenly jointed fingers comfortably held the umbrella handle, every move exuding the grace of an aristocrat.

His suit carried the woody scent of a man’s fragrance—subtle and cool—seeping into her very being. It wafted over, and as she smelled it, she noted it always seemed expensive.

"Congratulations," she said.

Zhou Luchen replied with an ambiguous smile, "You seem quite eager."

"I heard that Miss Xie has secretly admired you for many years because you loved her paintings, and that she’d already given you her heart. Did it work out?" Shen Jing asked nonchalantly.

Between two fingers, he pinched the cigarette, drew one last inhale, removed it, and leisurely flicked it into the trash can, freeing his palm to wrap around her waist as they walked.

He liked doing this, and Shen Jing didn’t resist.

She was accustomed to it; when had he not done as he pleased?

Zhou Luchen continued with a smile, "Are you here to stop me from getting married, to snatch the bride?"

Shen Jing stretched her neck, supremely proud. "What are you thinking, Second Young Master? How could I possibly snatch the bride? Moreover, I would happily wish you everlasting happiness and two children in three years."

Zhou Luchen glanced at her. "With whom should I have two children in three years?"

After a pause, he purposely, deliberately leaned closer to her, a teasing half-smile on his lips. "You?"

His low voice carried a scorching breath that brushed her neck, deliberately lingering by her ear with a thrilling tingle before he laughed.

Clearly a flirtatious gesture, Shen Jing nearly mistook it for a genuine inquiry.

Knowing the blend of sincerity and pretense in his nature, Shen Jing calmed down, licking her lips. "I certainly don’t want to. Leave that for your female confidantes."

Zhou Luchen, haughty and heartless, laughed coldly. "Marry them? Are they even worthy?"

Worthy?

Shen Jing wasn’t sure.