Chang Li and Song Ni shared another similarity: they were both extremely fond of striking deals. Upon hearing Song Ni's words, Chang Li readily agreed. "Alright, I'll tell you, but you have to tell me how you managed to win over Tan Zheng."
Hearing this, Song Ni's brow furrowed. Chang Li, mistaking this for Song Ni's reluctance, shrugged. Just as he was about to say forget it, Song Ni spoke, "Why couldn't it be Tan Zheng who won me over?" Song Ni had also noticed this. Among most of her friends, regarding her relationship with Tan Zheng, people always asked her how she had "won him over." Did she seem that easy to conquer?
Chang Li raised an eyebrow at Song Ni's answer and chuckled. "Ahem, let me rephrase then. How did Tan Zheng win you over?" Indeed, from Chang Li's perspective, Tan Zheng was a man who disliked women getting close to him. In all the years he had known him, he had never seen him with a woman. To suddenly get married and have a very good relationship with his new wife, he subconsciously assumed the girl must have done something to "win him over."
It wasn't impossible for Song Ni to say that. What if Tan Zheng suddenly fell in love and actively pursued the young girl? However, Chang Li thought this possibility was rather slim. From his observations earlier, while Tan Zheng's wife appeared cute and well-behaved, the determination in her eyes was undeniable. It was as if, for something she desired, she would find a way to obtain it. That was why he had asked his question.
Tsk, on the surface, weren't they a typical pairing of a little white rabbit and a big bad wolf?
Song Ni pondered for a moment. Between her and Tan Zheng, it was hard to say who had "won over" whom. It always felt like they were both making moves on each other, both tempting each other. But in response to Chang Li's curiosity, Song Ni still answered accommodatingly.
"That face."
Chang Li: ... Alright, it was indeed simple and direct, and quite reasonable.
"And the way he smokes."
Chang Li: ... Hiss, a rather peculiar preference.
"His figure is also good, very sexy."
Chang Li: ... As expected, lust is the primary motive.
Chang Li had lived abroad for so many years and was accustomed to direct interaction. Since returning to China, his biggest headache was conversing with some of the women in his family; they would talk for a long time without getting to the point. Song Ni was the first person he had met who spoke so frankly. He liked making friends with honest people.
Thus, Chang Li briefly explained the situation at Xijin River over the past five years. Because of Cheng Ling, Song Ni was not unfamiliar with some psychological terms. The biggest difference between Xijin River and other patients should be...
"He's hiding something from me. I've spent five years and haven't found out a single bit." Song Ni frowned.
"So, that's the root of his illness and stagnation," Chang Li nodded, recalling Tan Zheng's time in America, and added, "His feelings for Tan Zheng are very complicated."
At this, Song Ni became confused. She didn't understand what could be complicated about Xijin River's feelings for Tan Zheng. It was simply hate, or not hate. Song Ni asked for details, but Chang Li couldn't articulate it clearly.
"It's just a feeling. After all, we weren't there when he spoke to Tan Zheng. When he chatted with me, it was different from when he chatted with Tan Zheng. Why don't you go ask Tan Zheng? Maybe he's sensed something too."
Song Ni pursed her lips and nodded.
"By the way, can I ask one more question?"
"Of course."
"How did you... have such a pleasant conversation with Su Jingxi at first glance?"
Chang Li raised an eyebrow, assessing Song Ni. Noticing the understanding and curiosity in her eyes, he beckoned her closer and then leaned in. "It's chemistry. I can tell at a glance if someone is one of us."
"Is there a special aura about them?" Why hadn't she felt that way the first time she met Su Jingxi?
"Mm, only we can feel it."
Song Ni stopped asking. The chemistry between people was different. She was not originally from that circle and knew little, so naturally, she wouldn't understand their chemistry and rules.
After their chat, Chang Li went to find Li Jing to play again. Song Ni watched them, her thoughts drifting. Until the familiar warmth and strength of a hand around her waist and a deep, possessive voice broke through, "If you keep looking, I'll kick them out."
With so many people present today, Song Ni hadn't managed to clarify Su Jingxi and Li Qiao's relationship to Tan Zheng immediately. She had truly been proven right by Su Jingxi; Tan Zheng was indeed jealous of Li Jing. And he was very jealous.
Song Ni leaned into the man's embrace, looked up at him, and suddenly smiled. Tan Zheng froze for a moment, then pursed his lips and lowered his gaze. "Don't think you can fool me with just a smile."
Song Ni squeezed Tan Zheng's hand and stood on tiptoe, whispering a few words into his ear. Tan Zheng's brow furrowed first, then relaxed, and finally tightened slightly. He moved his large hand down and patted Song Ni's rear. "Even so, you're not allowed to look."
Song Ni: ... It's one thing to be possessive, but why hit her butt?
Song Ni, you see, sometimes the more she was told not to do something, the stronger her rebellious streak became. Even knowing the consequences, she would stubbornly defy them just to have her way. What was wrong with her looking?
While Tan Zheng could indulge Song Ni in other matters, he absolutely would not indulge her in this one. Seeing her still looking, he directly bent down and scooped her up, right in front of everyone.
Song Ni: ... !!!!!!!
Has Tan Zheng gone mad! There are so many people here! What about her reputation?
So, to everyone's astonishment, Song Ni covered her face.
The crowd: ...
Su Jingxi seemed to have anticipated this. "I told you this would happen, but Song Ni wouldn't believe me."
Hearing this, Li Jing and Chang Li both looked at him. Su Jingxi raised his hand and rubbed his chin. "Song Ni's husband is jealous of the three of us."
Li Jing was skeptical, but Chang Li found some reason in it. He was good at judging men, and it was normal for someone like Tan Zheng to be possessive. "Perhaps it's because we're too handsome."
Su Jingxi: ... He didn't believe that. Song Ni had told him that Tan Zheng was her type. Tan Zheng was jealous simply because they were men, and Song Ni was looking at them. He was self-aware. So, what was the point of Song Ni asking him to bring Li Jing? She hadn't even come over to talk to Li Qiao much, and after just a few glances, she was carried away by her husband. Tsk, was Song Ni the queen or the pawn in this household?
Over in the inner room, where there were no people, Tan Zheng carried Song Ni and frowned displeasedly. "Are they better looking than me?"
"No."
"Then why were you looking at them? Just look at me."
Song Ni: ... She couldn't be bothered to explain to this vinegar jar.
"Right, when you were chatting with Xi Jin Jiang before, did you sense anything amiss?"