149: Chapter 149 Riding in your car

Su Wanqing's voice was very low; though her heart was full of concern and heartache, she still instinctively glanced around the empty classroom, deliberately maintaining a distance of half a step.

After all, they were on campus, and their identities as teacher and student were right there before them.

Even though there was no one else left in the classroom, she had to suppress the surging emotions in her heart and maintain the propriety expected of a teacher.

The three-foot-high podium and the etiquette between teacher and student were boundaries etched into her very bones.

Even though she was facing Jiang Chen, who made her heart flutter with concern, and even though there was no one around, she didn't dare to overstep in the slightest.

She was even more afraid of being spotted by passing staff or students, which would give people cause for gossip and ruin both of their reputations.

However, the worry that couldn't be hidden in those gentle eyes still fell entirely into Jiang Chen's gaze.

Her fingertips tightened slightly, and her pale knuckles turned a faint shade of red, revealing a hint of cautiousness that kept her from drawing closer.

How she wanted to step forward and reach out to smooth the exhaustion between his brows; how she wanted to get a little closer and ask him exactly what he had experienced these past few days.

But the gap in their identities and the constraints of their environment forced her to stay where she was, turning all her intimacy and concern into a deep-seated tenderness in her eyes.

Jiang Chen naturally understood her concerns.

He leaned back in his chair and looked up at her. An unmaskable trace of weariness flickered in his eyes, and the corners of his eyes drooped slightly; it was a genuine fatigue that couldn't be hidden.

Last night, he had fought three hundred rounds with Lin Wan, back and forth without either giving in. After an intense confrontation, he finally made Lin Wan surrender.

He hadn't rested until two or three in the morning. His whole body felt an inescapable soreness, and even his eyes were tinged with a faint darkness.

But since he couldn't speak of these experiences aloud, he could only savor them privately in his heart while maintaining a perfectly measured laziness on the surface.

His fingertips tapped nonchalantly on the smooth edge of the desk in a steady rhythm. His tone was calm and appropriate, fully considering her situation and concerns: "I am indeed a bit tired. When I get busy, there's no set time for rest. I'll be fine after a little break, it's no big deal."

He could tell that Su Wanqing was doing her best to restrain her emotions.

Clearly, her eyes were full of unmaskable heartache and her tone carried an undeniable softness, yet she still had to maintain her posture as a teacher and keep the distance between teacher and student, for fear that anyone might catch a hint of something improper.

This cautiousness and this forbearance for his sake actually moved him a bit more and added a trace of imperceptible pity.

Su Wanqing stared at the faint darkness under his eyes and the tension in his jawline. A surge of heartache instantly welled up, overriding all the grievance and blame born from his days of being out of contact.

She was originally a calm, confident, and cool-headed finance lecturer on the podium who could handle anything with propriety, but looking at the man before her now, only stubborn concern remained in her eyes.

Even her tone was wrapped in an unmaskable softness: "No matter how busy you are, you have to take care of your body. Staying up late is the most draining thing. You're young and it's time to build your career, but you can't ruin your health like this. Eat three meals a day on time and try to stay up late as little as possible. Your health is the foundation; you absolutely cannot be careless."

Those simple sentences, devoid of flowery language, hid all the concern and heartache she didn't dare to show.

Every word was a worry straight from the heart.

"I know."

Jiang Chen responded softly, looking at her with a frank gaze. His eyes were gentle and his tone natural, without a hint of provocation or levity—it was a completely sincere invitation.

"You don't have anything else to do tonight, right? Don't go back to cook. Let me take you out for something good. After eating, we can stop by the mall for a bit to relax; it'll help ease some of that fatigue."

While he was speaking the invitation, his fingertips had already discreetly pulled out his phone to send a message to Lu Zheng.

He told Lu Zheng not to wait for him and to just head off work to go home and take good care of his mother. There was no need to come pick him up or accompany him tonight, and all matters were to be postponed until tomorrow.

Lu Zheng replied with a "Received."

Jiang Chen's heart was as clear as a mirror; with Su Wanqing around tonight, there was a high probability he wouldn't be returning to his own place. He simply settled everything in advance to leave no worries behind so he could accompany her with peace of mind.

He had some liquid capital on hand and felt it was time to enjoy himself a bit and reward his hard work.

Furthermore, there was Su Wanqing, who had been constantly concerned about him and silently waiting for him.

He had been lax in contacting her lately, causing her worry; he should pick out a gift she'd like to make up for his absence these days.

Hearing this, a flicker of emotion crossed Su Wanqing's eyes, and faint ripples appeared in her clear gaze, followed by a bit of hesitation.

She instinctively looked toward the classroom door, her brow furrowing slightly. She was still worried about the eyes on campus, afraid of being seen by acquaintances and drawing idle gossip.

But the anticipation in her heart and the longing to be alone with Jiang Chen eventually overrode all her concerns.

After hesitating for a moment, she looked up at Jiang Chen. As their gazes met, all her hesitation turned into determination, and her voice was soft yet tentative: "Then when we leave in a bit, shall we take my car or yours?"

Taking Jiang Chen's car was too conspicuous; there were many people and prying eyes around the campus, and it would be hard to avoid being seen.

Taking her own car was relatively low-key and could reduce unnecessary attention.

She already had an answer in her heart when she asked this; she just wanted to seek Jiang Chen's opinion and consider his thoughts.

Jiang Chen looked up at her with a knowing smile in his eyes, instantly reading her mind.

His tone was gentle and considerate, fully accounting for her concerns without any pressure: "Let's take your car. It's more convenient and relaxed, and it saves trouble. We'll just avoid the crowded areas."

Su Wanqing nodded slightly, and most of the worry in her heart instantly dissipated.

Seeing the sincerity and thoughtfulness in his eyes, warmth surged in her heart. Her anticipation overrode her hesitation as she softly replied, "Okay, I'll go back to my apartment to tidy up and change my clothes first. I'll send you the location in a bit."

She drove a black Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The model was low-key and steady, not flashy or eye-catching, fitting perfectly with her capable, gentle, cool, and intellectual temperament.

It was easy for her to drive for her daily commute and wouldn't draw too much attention; it couldn't be more appropriate.

"Mhm, I'll wait for you. No rush, take your time."

Jiang Chen nodded slightly, his tone soft and without any unnecessary push and pull. He had a great sense of propriety, always maintaining a distance that made her feel comfortable.

Su Wanqing said no more. Holding her lesson plans, she lightly straightened the hem of her clothes and walked quickly out of the classroom.

Her back was still capable and upright, carrying the unique, composed aura of a university lecturer.

However, there was an imperceptible lightness in her step, and even the tips of her ears were slightly red. Her heart was filled with an irrepressible anticipation and throb of excitement.

Jiang Chen watched her departing figure until she disappeared at the end of the corridor. Only then did he leisurely stand up, pack his bag on the desk, and leave the teaching building unhurriedly.

He avoided the crowds all the way and calmly made his way to the bottom of Su Wanqing's apartment building, finding a hidden spot to wait quietly.

Su Wanqing lived in a high-end apartment complex that was quiet amidst the bustle. The environment was elegant, security was strict, and it was surrounded by greenery. It lacked the clamor of the outside world and had a bit more tranquility and warmth, making it very suitable for living alone.

Before long, the apartment unit door slowly opened, and a gentle figure walked out.

Having shed the capable and rigorous light apricot professional suit skirt she wore during the day, Su Wanqing had changed into a simple beige knit dress. The hem had a great sense of drape, gently wrapping around her graceful figure and making her skin look even more fair and delicate.

Her long hair was draped loosely over her shoulders, with a few stray strands clinging to her cheeks. She lacked some of the sharp coolness from the podium and gained a bit more of a gentle, domestic softness.

Her eyes were curved like crescents; she was beautiful in just the right way, making it hard to look away.

Not far away on the roadside sat her black Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The car's body was sleek and kept spotlessly clean, low-key yet elegant, possessing a steady quality in the night.

A flash of amazement crossed Jiang Chen's eyes, which then turned into full tenderness. He went to meet her with a smile and naturally pulled open the car door to sit in the passenger seat.

Inside the car, there was no strong perfume scent, only a faint aroma of white tea. It was fresh and clean, refreshing the heart; it was the unique scent of Su Wanqing's body, making one feel exceptionally comfortable.

Su Wanqing fastened her seatbelt and started the car. The engine sound was steady and smooth without any noise.

The car slowly drove out of the complex, heading toward the private kitchen restaurant they had booked in advance.

Along the way, the two of them chatted casually, mostly about interesting things on campus and daily life in the classroom. There was no flirtatious tug-of-war, but there was a different kind of warmth and tacit understanding.

The car drove for about twenty minutes before slowly stopping in front of a private kitchen restaurant hidden in the busy city.

This restaurant was tucked away in a courtyard with ancient charm, quiet amidst the bustle. The environment was elegant, free from the clamor of the outside world, featuring only small bridges over flowing water and hidden greenery.

The decoration style was simple and elegant with wooden tables and chairs and light gauze curtains. Every detail exuded tranquility and class; it was a highly private dining spot, perfect for the two of them to be alone.

Jiang Chen had booked a private room in advance. The furnishings inside were simple and exquisite. From the window seat, one could see the scenery in the courtyard. Warm yellow light spilled down, creating a cozy and quiet atmosphere.

After they were seated, a waiter stepped forward quietly and handed over the menu. Jiang Chen didn't look much and directly listed the dishes he had pre-ordered. He was calm and composed throughout, clearly having done his homework.

He knew well that Su Wanqing's palate was light and that she didn't like spicy or greasy food, which was the complete opposite of Lin Wan.

He specifically ordered several stomach-nourishing and tonic dishes: stewed pigeon soup, steamed sea bass, blanched seasonal vegetables, stir-fried yam with wood ear mushrooms, and an exquisite osmanthus cake. It was a mix of meat and vegetables, light and palatable, which both suited her taste and could nourish the body and relieve fatigue.

While waiting for the food to be served, the two sat opposite each other without any awkwardness.

Su Wanqing looked at Jiang Chen before her, her eyes still filled with unmaskable concern. From time to time, she would remind him to make sure to rest in the future.

Jiang Chen listened patiently, nodding in agreement occasionally. His gaze remained fixed on her, his eyes gentle, serious, and focused.

Before long, the dishes were served one by one.

The stewed pigeon soup was clear with a rich aroma. Sprinkled with a few scallions, it looked exceptionally inviting.

The steamed sea bass was tender with few bones. Drizzled with a secret sauce, it was fresh without being fishy.

The blanched seasonal vegetables were crisp and refreshing, retaining the original flavor of the ingredients. The stir-fried yam with wood ear mushrooms was soft and light, stomach-nourishing and healthy. The osmanthus cake was sweet and soft but not cloying, with a faint fragrance of osmanthus.

Jiang Chen took the initiative to use the serving chopsticks to first pick up a piece of tender sea bass belly for Su Wanqing, then ladled a bowl of warm pigeon soup and pushed it in front of her, saying gently, "Drink some soup first to warm your stomach. This place's pigeon soup is very well-stewed; it's nourishing and helps with fatigue."