Chapter 363: The Bracelet - Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

Chapter 363: The Bracelet The four of them wore expressions of surprise. "Did the other side act this quickly?" Lin Zhengran, however, sat there nonchalantly, continuing to read his book. "Don't worry, I'll return after dinner." Jiang Xueli was puzzled. "But, why are you having dinner?" Lin Zhengran looked up and explained, "It's related to Uncle Jiang's matters." He briefly outlined the specifics of last week's product situation, and only then did Jiang Xueli understand that it was actually because of her. Lin Zhengran put down the book. "That's how it is. They made a simple invitation for dinner; it's too minor a request to refuse, isn't it?" Jiang Xueli found herself suddenly voiceless in the matter. The three girls sat beside Lin Zhengran. Han Wenwen clung to Lin Zhengran's arm with a hint of jealousy in her tone. "If that's the case, then Jiang Qian helped us with her uncle's factory matters without a second thought." Xiao Heqing furrowed her brow slightly upon hearing the reason. "And she helped without expecting anything in return—she only mentioned the dinner after the fact. Rejecting her invitation wouldn't be an issue, but she's really considerate of Lin Zhengran." Resting her head on his arm, Han Wenwen contemplated that even if so, such an invitation had the trappings of a date. Since dinner couldn't be avoided, measures were necessary. The little fox had a sudden idea, her invisible fox ears perking up. "Got it! Zhengran, can you avoid sitting next to Jiang Qian during dinner? Facing each other is okay, but avoid sitting side by side." "Of course, we won't sit next to each other. It's just an ordinary meal." Han Wenwen nodded with a smile, then rummaged through her bag, finding a small mirror and using a hairpin to detach the mirror's lens. Holding the sharp shard in her hand, the others had no idea what Han Wenwen intended to do. Waving the shard, Han Wenwen said, "Today's dinner for Zhengran is a business meal, only happening because someone helped us. As his girlfriend, while I feel a bit jealous, we can't just interfere blindly. As a major boss, Zhengran will face many such situations in the future! We can't have him never dining with any women again, or business deals would become impossible. However, Jiang Qian remains a rival no matter what, and doing nothing isn't an option, so..." Han Wenwen used the shard to snip a strand of her hair—her fox fur—and after rolling it into a bracelet, coated it with lipstick, biting into it to add a vibrant mark. She then pulled out a miniature fox tail from her bag to complete the makeshift fox bracelet. Smiling, Han Wenwen addressed Lin Zhengran, "Ta-da! Zhengran, give me your hand. I'll tie this on. You can only take it off when you get back home tonight. This way, it shows we're okay with the dinner but remain cautious of Jiang Qian, for Zhengran is our boyfriend, and we must assert our claim!" Lin Zhengran extended his hand with a smile, impressed by the fox's cleverness. And where did she get this fluffy little fox tail? Seeing Lin Zhengran's query, Han Wenwen answered, "I saw these cute little tails in a shop once and bought a bunch. Now they're useful!" "Alright, tie it for me then." Jiang Xueli and Xiao Heqing, observing Wenwen tying the bracelet on Lin Zhengran, thought it was a great idea—asserting ownership without disrupting dinner. Following Han Wenwen's example, Xiao Heqing removed her hair tie, kissed it, and placed it on Lin Zhengran's wrist. Jiang Xueli, glancing at her dress, borrowed Han Wenwen's mirror piece to cut a strip from an inconspicuous spot, biting down with her little tiger tooth to leave a marking. The three looked at his wrist adorned with their bracelets, and chimed together, "Remember to come back early after dinner." Lin Zhengran responded affirmatively, "Got it." Later that afternoon, Jiang Jingshi learned of the situation—her sister was going on a dinner date with Lin Zhengran. After taking note of the other girls' methods, she discreetly met Lin Zhengran near the girls' sports changing room. Jiang Jingshi boldly cut the clasp from her bra, using it as a bracelet wrapped around Lin Zhengran's palm. Her lingerie brand was familiar to Jiang Qian, ensuring she'd recognize it as her sister's clasp. Jiang Jingshi held her clothing above one side, preventing the loosened garment from slipping. Gently, she said, "Come home early tonight, don't chat too long with Qian Qian." Lin Zhengran kissed her lips, "Rest assured." Shyly biting her lips, Jiang Jingshi murmured, "Alright, then the teacher's off to change her bra. Go on with your tasks." With no lectures that afternoon, evening arrived quickly. In a private dressing room, Jiang Qian sat before the mirror. Makeup artists worked meticulously to apply subtle makeup and arrange her long hair. Though minute details seemed trivial, no aspect was being overlooked for tonight's dinner. Staring at her reflection, Jiang Qian asked, "Is this brand the same as my sister's?" The makeup artist nodded, "Yes, the same as Missy's. Both are customized to suit your unique skin conditions, only the ingredient proportions vary slightly." Though curious, Jiang Qian didn't probe further. Her sister's recent skin improvements, and those of certain other girls... If she and her sister used identical makeup, it must mean Lin Zhengran has a special method for enhancing their skin... He can accomplish anything. The makeup artist inquired, "Second Miss, what outfit would you prefer for tonight? We've prepared several, ranging from formal to casual, all on your right side." Turning her head, Jiang Qian surveyed the garments—long and short, lavish and simple, styles varied. After a pause, she settled on a dress, "That one, but change the color to black." "Black? This dress doesn't look as nice in black compared to white." "Just follow my wish." Conceding, the makeup artist remarked, "With your looks, anything suits you, Second Miss. Let me arrange for a black one." To meet Lin Zhengran, Jiang Qian chose to wear her favorite color, determined to present her true, beautiful self—a principle she adhered to in pursuit of love. To have him appreciate the real her, unaffected by pretense. Outside, Fang Meng entered, "Qian Qian, I've double-checked the dinner lodge, the menu is flawless." Acknowledging Fang Meng through the mirror reflection, Jiang Qian asked, "Got it. How goes your investigation? You mentioned it was concluding?" "Yes," Fang Meng stood beside Jiang Qian, admiring the exquisiteness of her tonight. "Han Wenwen can't be scrutinized further; she's caught on to our purpose. Yet, the data on Xiao Heqing, Jiang Xueli, and Missy suffices. I'll analyze their commonalities and distinctions tonight, swiftly pinpointing what captivates Lin Zhengran." Jiang Qian's lips curved slightly, meeting her own gaze in the mirror, "I must have him, no matter the cost." (The chapter ends.)