40: Chapter 40 Zhou Xiaohua's Nemesis

"Miss Zhou, your bathroom is ready." Jiang Yan appeared at the right moment. "Fresh clothes have been placed in the dressing room; they are all brand new."

"Thank you!" Zhou Wenying said cheerfully, following Jiang Yan to the guest room.

Jiang Jing took out his phone to check it.

Li Xue sent a message: "Dear, is that you in the fitness video online? And…"

Xinxin also sent a series of messages: "Brother! You're on the trending list! You're so handsome!"

There were even a few messages from old classmates he hadn't been in touch with for a long time: "Old Jiang! You're famous!"

Jiang Jing glanced at them but didn't reply to anything.

Jiang Jing also went to take a shower, finishing in just a few minutes.

In the guest room bathroom, Zhou Wenying stood before the mist-covered mirror, carefully examining her reflection.

The steam from the hot water gave her skin a faint pink hue, and a few droplets of water slid down her collarbone, disappearing into the cleavage wrapped by the bath towel.

"These skincare products…" She picked up a row of exquisite bottles placed on the vanity, gently unscrewing one, and the elegant scent of roses immediately permeated the air. "La Prairie's Caviar collection?!" She gasped; this one small bottle alone cost over ten thousand yuan.

Zhou Wenying cautiously took some and applied it to her face, feeling the silky touch brought by the top-tier skincare product.

The girl in the mirror had lustrous skin, bright eyes, and lips that looked exceptionally full from the heat.

She untied her bath towel and confirmed her proud figure once more—a slender waist, perky hips, and long, shapely legs… these were all her greatest assets.

"I must win over Jiang Jing…" She muttered to herself in front of the mirror, her fingers gently tracing the curve of her neck. "This mansion, this lamborghini, and all those countless luxury items… they should all be mine!"

Changing into the clothes Jiang Yan had prepared—a beige Chanel knit dress and a matching jacket from the same brand—Zhou Wenying was surprised to find that the size was a perfect fit, even down to the bra cup size.

"That housekeeper… she has a sharp eye." She pouted, thinking with some displeasure about the professional gaze Jiang Yan had used to assess her figure, as if she were merely a commodity waiting to be evaluated.

When she walked out of the bathroom, she found that Jiang Jing was already waiting in the living room.

He had changed into casual attire—a dark blue linen shirt paired with white casual trousers, his damp hair resting casually on his forehead, making him look a bit more charismatic and relaxed.

"All done?" Jiang Jing put away his phone and asked with a smile.

"Yes." Zhou Wenying nodded, unconsciously fiddling with her freshly dried hair. "Thank you for the clothes you prepared; they fit very well."

"I'm glad you like them. These were bought by Jiang Yan specifically for hosting guests." Jiang Jing stood up. "Are you hungry? Let's go eat."

Zhou Wenying clicked her tongue inwardly: What a rich snob, buying such high-end things just to host guests!

This time, he didn't drive that flashy lamborghini veneno, but instead chose a relatively "low-key" Ferrari.

The black car body was like an elegant shadow in the night.

"Where do you want to eat?" Jiang Jing asked while starting the car.

Zhou Wenying bit her lower lip. "Actually… I kind of want to go to Xinghui Plaza to look around. A few new luxury stores opened there, and I've been wanting to go see them…"

She said it nonchalantly on purpose, but the longing in her eyes couldn't be hidden.

Jiang Jing chuckled inwardly. "Sure, I'm hungry too." Jiang Jing turned the car. "There's a good French restaurant on the top floor of Xinghui."

Zhou Wenying's eyes lit up instantly.

The vehicle drove smoothly into the underground parking lot of Xinghui Plaza.

The elevator went straight to the top floor, and as they stepped out, they were greeted by the entrance to the "Cloud Garden" French restaurant.

The restaurant was decorated like a sky garden, filled with flowers and greenery everywhere, and there was even a small fountain in the center.

Soft lighting and melodic piano music created a romantic atmosphere.

"Good evening, sir." The head waiter recognized Jiang Jing immediately and respectfully stepped forward. "The table you just reserved is ready; it's a two-person table by the window."

After they were seated, Jiang Jing noticed that Zhou Wenying's favorability had increased by another point; combined with the increase from earlier at the manor, it had now reached 65.

It seemed that such high-end venues were indeed extremely effective at satisfying her vanity.

"What would you like to eat?" Jiang Jing opened the menu. "The foie gras and truffles here are quite good."

Zhou Wenying looked at the prices on the menu, her fingers trembling slightly—a single appetizer cost as much as her monthly living expenses. She hesitated for a long time before finally ordering only the cheapest salad.

Jiang Jing saw this and spoke directly to the head waiter: "Two chef's tasting menus, and open a bottle of 2010 Petrus."

"Very well, I will prepare it for you immediately." The head waiter bowed respectfully and withdrew.

"Jiang Jing…" Zhou Wenying said in a low voice, "Isn't this too extravagant?"

"It's just pocket change." Jiang Jing picked up his water glass and took a sip. "Compared to the food, I enjoy the time spent having dinner with you more."

This casually spoken romantic remark made Zhou Wenying's face turn red instantly.

She lowered her head, her long hair falling to cover her flushed cheeks, but the system indicated that her favorability had increased by another point, reaching 66.

Jiang Jing raised an eyebrow; Zhou Wenying's favorability in response to romantic words didn't seem as high as the impact of material goods. It seemed this girl was quite pragmatic after all…

The dishes were served one after another, each one as exquisite as a work of art.

Zhou Wenying kept taking pictures and posting them to her Moments, enjoying the envy, jealousy, and hatred from her friends.

Jiang Jing ate while observing the other guests in the restaurant—mostly wealthy men and their female companions, though occasionally there were a few couples who looked like legitimate spouses.

Just as they were enjoying their main course, a sharp female voice suddenly broke the restaurant's tranquility:

"Oh my, isn't this our 'high and mighty' Zhou Wenying?"