40: Chapter 40 Ji Guangli Has Something on Her Mind

That night, Cao Kun completely dominated Bai Muyou.

The next day, he drove straight to work.

Instead of going directly to his cubicle, he walked straight to Ji Guangli's office.

Before knocking, he vaguely saw her graceful, focused figure through the frosted glass door, and his heart warmed.

Recalling everything from the night in the City of Luo, he really wanted to push the door open, pull her into his arms, and give her a good kiss.

But reason told him that this was the company, and Ji Guangli was his nominal superior. Moreover... after that night, they had tacitly avoided discussing their future in depth.

Their relationship still lacked a clear definition.

"Come in," Ji Guangli's cool voice came.

Cao Kun pushed the door open and closed it behind him.

Ji Guangli was looking down at documents, the morning light spilling through the window onto her profile, outlining her delicate features. Her focused expression made her look exceptionally charming.

"Leader, I have good news for you. I found a place to live," Cao Kun said with a grin, pulling up a chair and sitting down.

Ji Guangli looked up, and a barely perceptible softness flashed in her eyes when she saw him, but her face remained businesslike: "You found a suitable place so quickly?"

"More than suitable!" Cao Kun leaned forward, as if presenting a treasure. "It's simply perfect! I bought it directly yesterday. It's fully furnished, three bedrooms and two living rooms, with an open view, and the Residential Complex environment is great too."

"The most crucial thing is that all the furniture, appliances, pots and pans, sheets and duvet covers are brand new and fully equipped! Truly move-in ready!"

Ji Guangli's hand, holding the pen, paused, and her beautiful phoenix eyes were filled with surprise.

"You... bought it directly?" She remembered Cao Kun previously saying he was looking for a place to rent. How did it suddenly turn into buying?

"Yes, I bought it. I felt it was particularly suitable, so I just took it," Cao Kun nodded, his tone relaxed, as if he were talking about buying a cabbage.

Ji Guangli's surprise grew even more. She put down her pen and carefully scrutinized Cao Kun, as if trying to discern something from his face.

"Cao Kun, you... you really weren't just saying that your family's land was expropriated, like you told your ex-girlfriend, were you?"

This question had been in her mind for several days, ever since he suddenly started driving a luxury car, and now buying a house without batting an eye.

Cao Kun chuckled inwardly. It seemed the excuse he used to anger Wu Mengmeng had even convinced Ji Guangli to some extent.

He quickly waved his hand, half-truthfully explaining: "There aren't that many expropriated households. It's just... I've been lucky lately and made a small fortune. I liked this house when I saw it, so I bought it. Leader, don't worry, the money is absolutely legitimate!"

Seeing that he was unwilling to elaborate, Ji Guangli was tactful enough not to press further. In the adult world, the source of wealth is inherently a sensitive topic, and although her relationship with Cao Kun was intimate, it hadn't reached the point where everything had to be explained.

She nodded, her tone returning to calm: "That's good, congratulations. Having your own home is indeed more stable."

"Guangli," Cao Kun struck while the iron was hot, switching to a more intimate address, his voice softer, with an invitation and expectation, "I've seen the house, the master bedroom is especially spacious, and the second bedroom is also comfortably furnished. I've already moved in, you should move in today too."

Ji Guangli's heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

Although she had said she would share an apartment with Cao Kun, this was too fast!

She looked at Cao Kun's expectant eyes, and finally, she nodded almost imperceptibly, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum: "...Okay."

Cao Kun was overjoyed, almost leaping from his chair: "Great! Then... shall we pack your things and move this afternoon? I'll help you!"

Ji Guangli glared at him, seemingly annoyed by his smugness, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly: "Mhm."

...

That afternoon.

Cao Kun drove Ji Guangli back to the Urban Village where she rented. Ji Guangli's belongings were surprisingly few, far from the mountains of clothes and miscellaneous items most girls possessed.

Aside from a few necessary professional outfits and a small amount of casual wear, some books, toiletries, and a laptop, there was almost nothing else.

All her belongings combined fit into just one large suitcase and two storage boxes.

Cao Kun had originally thought about calling a truck service, but his car wasn't even full.

He knew that Ji Guangli rarely bought things unless necessary.

All the money she saved was sent back home.

As the car drove away from the corner where she had struggled for so long, Ji Guangli felt little nostalgia, only anticipation for a new life.

When Cao Kun opened the door to Fenghuali 2601 with the password and stepped aside to let Ji Guangli enter first, Ji Guangli stood at the doorway, stunned for several seconds.

The spacious and bright area, the simple yet tasteful decor, the complete and high-end facilities...

All of this far exceeded her expectations.

She had thought Cao Kun meant a standard setup in a normal Residential Complex, but she hadn't expected such a comfortable, even luxurious, living environment.

Sunlight streamed into the living room through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, revealing an expansive city view outside.

"This... this is the house you bought?"

Ji Guangli walked in, looking around in disbelief, her fingers lightly brushing the smooth surface of the dining table.

"How is it? Are you satisfied? My... mistress?" Cao Kun leaned close to her ear, lowering his voice, with a smile and a hint of teasing.

Ji Guangli's ears turned red, and she gently nudged him with her elbow, scolding, "Who's your mistress? You hooligan!"

But the smile in her eyes and the irrepressible joy on her face betrayed her.

This home was much, much better than she had imagined—warm, bright, and safe, a haven she had never dared to dream of during her many years of wandering alone.

Working together, they quickly organized Ji Guangli's few belongings.

Her clothes were hung in the second bedroom's closet, books placed on the study's bookshelf, and toiletries found their spot in the bathroom.

The simple arrangement instantly added a touch of life to the brand-new house, and it seemed to weave their two futures more closely together.

After tidying up, the city lights were already coming on outside. After a busy afternoon, both felt hungry.

"Come on, Leader, to celebrate our housewarming and to welcome your official move-in, I'm treating you to a big meal!" Cao Kun enthusiastically suggested.

Ji Guangli didn't object; she was indeed in a good mood today and willing to share this joy with Cao Kun.

They found a stylish and well-reputed Western restaurant nearby.

The atmosphere was elegant, the music soft, and delicious food was before them.

Cao Kun ordered their meal and specifically requested a bottle of red wine that wasn't too expensive but had a good taste.

"Cheers, Guangli, let's celebrate!" Cao Kun raised his glass, his eyes full of smiles.

Ji Guangli also raised her glass and gently clinked it with his, the crystal glasses making a crisp sound.

She took a sip of wine; the mellow liquid slid down her throat, and her mood should have become even more relaxed and pleasant.

However, Cao Kun keenly noticed that ever since he saw her at the company this morning, a faint, almost imperceptible gloom seemed to linger between Ji Guangli's brows.

Now, under the warm yellow lights of the restaurant and the celebratory atmosphere, this low mood not only hadn't dissipated but became even more apparent in her occasionally wandering gaze and slightly silent dining.

Her movements while cutting the steak were somewhat absentminded, her gaze often drifting towards the flickering neon lights outside, yet seemingly without focus.

Halfway through dinner, Cao Kun finally couldn't resist. He put down his knife and fork, reached across the table, and gently covered Ji Guangli's hand on the tabletop.

"Guangli," he called, his voice deeper and gentler than usual, "is something on your mind?"

...