138: Chapter 138 I Don't Want to Go Back

A faint smile played in Jiang Chen's eyes as his gentle gaze fell upon her, taking in every bit of her stunning appearance in full dress. His tone was both certain and tender.

"The necklace is subtle enough for daily wear and goes well with your business attire or formal dresses. The fountain pen is smooth for writing case files and is personalized with your name. The perfume has a light scent that won't feel out of place in the law firm. They were all chosen specifically for you, so just accept them with peace of mind."

His words were direct and thoughtful, each item considering her daily needs.

Lin Wan looked into his gentle eyes, a wave of warmth rising in her heart. She stopped declining and nodded softly. "Then I'll accept them. Thank you."

There was no unnecessary politeness; their feelings for each other were understood without being said.

Jiang Chen pushed open the wooden door of the small courtyard, not forgetting to instruct the accompanying Lu Zheng, "Wait in the side hall. I've already arranged for the kitchen to provide meals according to the standard. Rest on your own after eating and wait until we're finished."

Lu Zheng bowed and replied, "Yes, President Jiang."

Only then did Jiang Chen reach out to lightly support Lin Wan's lower back. His movements were gentle and natural, avoiding her skirt with a unique sense of protection as he led her deep into the courtyard.

Passing through a path lined with emerald bamboo, the two entered a private room.

The room was elegantly and warmly decorated, with solid wood tables and chairs paired with warm yellow floor lamps. A few green plants stood by the window. The space was small but cozy and quiet, free from the noise of the outside world, with only the rustling of bamboo leaves in the wind. The atmosphere was perfect.

Several exquisite dishes were already laid out on the table, all carefully arranged according to Lin Wan's spice-loving palate.

The boiled fish was fresh, spicy, and tender; the chili chicken was fragrant and flavorful; there were also garlic butterflied shrimp and Mapo tofu. It was satisfyingly spicy without being harsh on the stomach, accompanied by two refreshing vegetable dishes to balance the heat. The presentation was exquisite and sophisticated.

In the decanter nearby, the red wine had already breathed. The liquid was rich and mellow, glowing softly under the lights, perfectly suited to neutralize the intensity of the spice.

When Lin Wan sat down, she carefully smoothed her skirt, her posture elegant.

Her usual capable and efficient demeanor was replaced by a soft, stunning grace. Seeing the table full of spicy dishes that suited her taste, her eyes instantly lit up, and her nerves, which had been tense for days, finally relaxed completely.

She picked up her chopsticks and took a bite of the boiled fish. The spicy and numbing fragrance spread across her tongue, and she squinted her eyes in satisfaction, her exquisitely made-up face becoming even more vivid.

"You really do know me best! Eating bland takeout near the law firm every day, I was practically going crazy for something spicy. This is exactly what I wanted!"

Jiang Chen picked up a wine glass, poured her a small amount of red wine, and pushed it toward her. Then he poured some for himself and said softly, "Eat slowly, don't choke. Use the red wine to cut the spice, and eat more to regain your energy."

"Lately, I've really been working non-stop, rushing between classes at school and case files at the firm. The lawyer mentoring me is extremely strict; it's common to revise a single case file three or four times."

Lin Wan spoke about her recent situation in a calm tone while eating contentedly.

There were no exaggerated complaints. It was just that in front of someone familiar, she had dropped her usual strong facade, revealing a hint of hard-to-hide exhaustion. Even her exquisite makeup couldn't fully mask the weariness in her eyes.

"Sometimes I have to time every breath and every sip of water. I couldn't even find the time for a proper spicy meal. I'm glad I made an effort to change clothes before coming; otherwise, I would have let this feast down."

Jiang Chen listened quietly, his gaze always resting gently on her, filled with undisguised indulgence and heartache. He chimed in softly from time to time, and only after she finished speaking did he slowly open his mouth.

"Don't push yourself too hard. If you really can't hold on, take a break. You don't have to carry everything by yourself. You still have me. Whenever you want to eat spicy food, just tell me."

Lin Wan looked up at him, her eyes full of emotion.

All along, she had been used to being rational and self-reliant, striving for excellence in everything. But in front of Jiang Chen, she didn't need to deliberately pretend to be strong; she could always feel at ease showing her vulnerability.

She picked up her glass and took a small sip of red wine. A slight, warm flush slowly crept onto her cheeks, making her makeup look even more radiant and her gaze even softer. "I know. I just don't want to fail my own choices."

"I understand."

Jiang Chen raised his glass and lightly clinked it against hers. The crisp sound was particularly pleasant in the quiet room.

"In the future, whether you want to vent or find a place to relax, find me anytime. I'll always be here."

Lin Wan looked at the certainty and tenderness in his eyes. Her heart warmed, and without saying much, she simply raised her glass in return. The emotions in her eyes were restrained yet intense.

The two chatted while they ate, the topics light and casual, ranging from school trivia to daily life at the law firm. They didn't need to force conversation; their chemistry was perfect.

With the red wine heightening the mood, the atmosphere became increasingly tender and romantic. Without the need for blunt words of affection, a single exchange of glances held a tacit understanding of their mutual attraction.

Halfway through the meal, Lin Wan put down her chopsticks and lightly stroked the rim of her wine glass, asking seemingly casually, "I didn't see you in class a few days ago. Were you busy with something else?"

Her tone carried concern, but she didn't pry or probe deeply, showing full respect.

Jiang Chen responded calmly, "I was handling some private matters. They've been resolved, and I won't miss any more classes without reason."

Lin Wan nodded and didn't ask further.

She had always known how to be tactful and was even more aware that the present moment belonged only to the two of them and shouldn't be disturbed by outside matters.

After finishing the meal, the two walked in the courtyard to help digest. The night breeze was slightly cool, carrying the fragrance of bamboo leaves. The slight intoxication from the alcohol made the atmosphere even more romantic and tender.

Lin Wan held up her skirt and walked slowly by his side. Her long dress glowed softly in the night, her figure elegant as she slightly slowed her pace.

A moment of silence.

She took the initiative to look up at him, her eyes honest and soft, her tone carrying a hint of frank reliance—a tacit understanding unique to the two of them.

"Jiang Chen, I don't want to go back to school tonight."

"The dormitory curfew has long passed, and going back would only trouble the dorm lady. Besides, if I go back, my head will still be full of homework and case files, and I won't be able to rest well. I want to find a quiet place to get a good night's sleep."

Jiang Chen looked down at her, the tenderness in his eyes deepening. The light fell on her exquisite face, making her look stunning and moving. Without a word, he instantly understood her heart.

He gave a soft hum of agreement, his voice deep and husky. He naturally reached out to take her hand, his palm warm and strong. "Okay, I'll take you to a nearby hotel to rest."

Lin Wan didn't pull away; she let him lead her, her fingers slightly tightening around his. At the moment their fingers touched, understanding and warmth flowed between them, and everything felt perfectly natural.

Jiang Chen took out his phone and sent a message to Lu Zheng, telling him to drive the car to the courtyard entrance and wait.

The two walked out of the courtyard hand in hand. Lu Zheng had already parked the car and respectfully opened the rear door.

Jiang Chen helped Lin Wan into the car, carefully helping her arrange her skirt before sitting down himself. He gave a calm instruction, "To the Boyue Hotel downtown."

The car slowly drove into the night toward the hotel. The atmosphere inside was quiet and cozy; there were no extra words, yet it was filled with a sense of peace.

Soon, the car arrived at the entrance of a five-star hotel. Lu Zheng got out to open the door, and Jiang Chen led Lin Wan out. He turned to Lu Zheng and said, "You go back first. Just come by at the scheduled time tomorrow."

"Yes, President Jiang. Have a good night."

Lu Zheng bowed in response and drove away only after the two had entered the hotel.

The lights in the hotel corridor were soft, and the sounds of footsteps and breathing intertwined.

Lin Wan's heart rate quickened slightly, but she never let go of Jiang Chen's hand. Her long dress trailed on the floor as she walked elegantly, the atmosphere fully charged.