37: Chapter 37 Taking a Walk

The small private room was bathed in warm yellow light. The steam from the meal curled in the air, and the aroma of hometown dishes, wrapped in a gentle atmosphere, was full of comfort and warmth.

Jiang Chen naturally pulled out the chairs for his parents.

Afterward, he turned to the side and gestured gracefully toward Lin Wan, his palm hovering protectively above her seat, his voice deep and pleasant: "Lawyer Lin, please sit."

Lin Wan thanked him softly. Her fingertips tightened slightly as they touched the back of the chair, and her heart skipped a beat as she sat down.

The man before her, who just a moment ago at the traffic police station had been as cold as ice, was now gentle in just the right way, making her heart flutter uncontrollably.

Jiang Chen skillfully poured tea and served dishes for his parents, his movements fluid and natural, fully showcasing the warmth of a family meal.

He then neatly handed over a pair of serving chopsticks, his gaze landing gently on Lin Wan as his voice softened even further.

"Lawyer Lin, these are special dishes unique to our county. The free-range chicken stewed over firewood and the traditionally smoked cured meat—it's rare to find such authentic, home-cooked flavors elsewhere. Please try them and see if they suit your taste."

Lin Wan felt a warmth in her heart. Looking at the table full of exquisite dishes with a rustic touch, she felt a liveliness and authenticity that was different from the high-rises of the city.

She lowered her head and picked up a piece of chicken. The rich fragrance filled her mouth upon the first bite, instantly warming her stomach.

Throughout the meal, Liu Mei's chopsticks barely left Lin Wan's bowl and plate; the more she looked at this young woman, the more she liked her.

With her delicate features and intellectual temperament, her polite and generous manner of speaking, and her professional and steady work ethic, everything about her was pleasing to the eye.

After chatting a bit about recent events, Liu Mei finally couldn't suppress the little scheme in her heart. She looked at Jiang Chen with an irrepressible smile on her face and asked.

"Xiao Chen, you have a car now, a house, and your career is stable. Are you seeing anyone?"

Jiang Chen's hand paused while picking up food, his fingertips curling slightly. His tone remained calm, but he simply replied with two words: "No."

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Hao beside him immediately cast an extremely suspicious look, which clearly spelled out:

"Are you kidding me? You can fool your buddies, but don't fool yourself."

Jiang Chen gave him a calm look in return, signaling him to mind his own business. Wang Hao then sheepishly looked away and buried his head in his food.

Liu Mei and Father Jiang exchanged glances, both seeing a tacit smile in each other's eyes.

With perfect tacit understanding, the two immediately turned their gazes toward Lin Wan, who was pretending to eat but was actually listening intently.

Liu Mei leaned forward slightly, took Lin Wan's hand, and asked in a kind and gentle tone.

"Xiao Lin, Auntie thinks you are so outstanding—gentle, capable, and you really hit it off with our Xiao Chen... I was wondering, do you have a boyfriend right now?"

As soon as those words were spoken, Lin Wan's cheeks turned bright red in a flash, the flush spreading to her earlobes and even staining her neck with a faint pink hue.

She subconsciously gripped the corner of her clothes, her eyes darting away, afraid to look at Jiang Chen. Her heart was beating so fast it felt like it might burst out of her chest.

The great lawyer, usually so calm, capable, and sharp-tongued in the courtroom, now displayed the shyness and bewilderment of a young girl.

She was silent for a few seconds before lowering her head. Her voice was as soft as a feather, filled with a touch of shyness, as she replied quietly.

"Thank you for your concern, Auntie... I, I don't have a boyfriend at the moment."

"That's good! That's good!"

Liu Mei smiled until her eyes crinkled into slits and hurriedly piled a large portion of food into her bowl, showing immense enthusiasm.

"Eat more, eat more, don't be shy!"

Jiang Chen sat to the side, watching Lin Wan's flushed cheeks and her fidgety movements, a faint, subtle smile passing through the depths of his eyes.

He didn't interject, just quietly took a sip of tea.

The meal was warm and harmonious; Liu Mei was truly satisfied with Lin Wan from the bottom of her heart.

Before leaving, she held Lin Wan's hand tightly and wouldn't let go, her eyes curved with affection—it was the gentle gaze of someone looking at a future daughter-in-law.

"Xiao Lin, you are beautiful, steady, and so outstanding in your work; you really are excellent."

"Our Qingxi County isn't big, but the night scenery is beautiful. The river embankment, the old street, and the viewing platform are second to none. You don't usually see such peaceful and comfortable scenery in the big city."

Father Jiang also chimed in gently, his tone sincere: "The evening breeze is cool, the air is good, it's perfect for a stroll to help digest the meal."

Liu Mei immediately turned to look at Jiang Chen, her eyes filled with an irresistible matchmaking intention as she smilingly instructed.

"Xiao Chen, don't worry about anything else tonight. You must take Xiao Lin out for a good stroll and treat her well. You mustn't neglect her."

Wang Hao was secretly holding back laughter, winking at Jiang Chen—it was clear he was just there to enjoy the show.

Jiang Chen nodded helplessly but indulgently, his voice gentle: "Don't worry, Mom, I will make sure Lawyer Lin gets back safely."

Lin Wan's cheeks flushed again. Her usual calm and capable demeanor was completely replaced by shyness. She nodded gently, her voice as faint as a mosquito's hum.

"Thank you, Uncle and Auntie. Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Jiang."

The group walked out of the private restaurant, and the night had already blanketed the entire Qingxi County.

The strings of warm lights along the street lit up one by one, casting a gentle halo. There was no hustle and bustle of the big city, only the quiet softness unique to a small town.

The evening breeze blew past, carrying the fresh scent of grass, trees, and river water, making one feel completely relaxed.

Jiang Chen first had Wang Hao take his parents home.

Before getting into the car, Liu Mei didn't forget to lean her head out and exhort them repeatedly, her tone full of affection for Lin Wan.

"Xiao Lin, if you get tired of walking, just let Xiao Chen take you back. Come over for dinner again when you have time; Auntie will cook her specialty dishes for you!"

"Thank you, Auntie."

Lin Wan thanked her softly and watched the car slowly drive away, only then did she relax her tense nerves slightly.

People came and went along the street—elderly people taking walks, students laughing and playing, residents walking their dogs—everywhere was filled with the rich atmosphere of ordinary life.

Jiang Chen turned his head, his gaze as soft as the moonlight tonight, his tone natural.

"Qingxi County isn't big. The most comfortable spots are the scenic belt along the river and the century-old Qingxi Old Street. Neither is far from here. Where would you like to see first?"

Lin Wan looked around at the unfamiliar yet warm night scenery of the small town, a hint of curiosity rising in her eyes.

She smiled lightly, her eyes, usually so serious, now curving into beautiful crescents.

"Anything is fine, I'll leave it to Mr. Jiang."

Jiang Chen looked at her obedient appearance, his heart stirred. He slowed his speech and said softly.

"We're about the same age, I'm not much older than you. From now on, don't call me Mr. Jiang; just call me... Jiang Chen."

Lin Wan's heart skipped a beat.

She looked up at him, meeting his gentle gaze. Her cheeks felt slightly hot, and she gathered her courage to reply softly.

"Then... Jiang Chen, you don't have to call me Lawyer Lin either. It's too distant. Just call me Lin Wan."

Jiang Chen was slightly stunned, then the smile in his eyes deepened, as if starlight from the whole river had been crushed into them.

He chuckled, his voice carrying a magnetic huskiness that was exceptionally captivating: "Alright, Lin Wan."

"Mm."

Lin Wan responded softly.

"Then let's go to the river embankment first."

Jiang Chen raised his hand to indicate the direction, subconsciously slowing his pace, deliberately matching hers.

The two walked slowly side by side along the street, the streetlights stretching their shadows long and thin.

Occasionally, passing pedestrians would cause their shoulders to brush lightly, only for them to move apart again without a word after passing.

In that subtle distance, something indescribable was hidden.

Both banks of the river were planted with weeping willows. As the evening breeze blew, the branches brushed gently against their shoulders, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees.

The river water rippled with fragmented light, shimmering and glistening.

The stone bridge in the distance was lit with antique lanterns, reflected on the water's surface, swaying gently with the breeze—it was as beautiful as a moving painting.

Many people sat on the shore chatting or fishing, and vendors were setting up stalls selling snacks and handmade trinkets. It was lively but not noisy, full of the ease and tranquility unique to a small town.

"This place is truly comfortable."

Lin Wan couldn't help but sigh softly.

The nerves that had been tense for so long finally relaxed completely at this moment.

She had spent years juggling studies and the courtroom, accustomed to the fast-paced, high-pressure life of the city.

This was her first time in such a quiet and gentle small county, and everything before her made her feel both fresh and at ease.

Jiang Chen walked on her outer side, subconsciously turning to shield her, avoiding passing pedestrians, his voice low and gentle.

"Although Qingxi is small, the pace of life is slow. My parents have lived here their whole lives and are used to this stability. If you're tired in the future, you can also come here to hide away for a while."