A pond full of blooming flowers, an ultimate addiction.

Chi Ruiche extinguished his cigarette, didn't look at them, and simply lit another one: "I won't let this happen again."

This was said to Jiang Yang, but also to himself.

Jiang Yang guessed correctly; there was a hidden meaning in their words, something that couldn't be said. So now, Chi Ruiche was protecting Jiang Yi, keeping her away from this trouble.

Jiang Yang stopped talking and said, "Farewell."

He turned and went to the living room, where Grandpa Jiang was taking a nap, still a little drunk.

Only the Chi family grandfather and grandson remained in the courtyard. They had said almost everything they needed to say, and neither of them spoke.

"See, I told you it would be here."

Chi's mother had already come over carrying a bag; they must have come looking for them after coming downstairs and not seeing them.

"Xiao Che, please take these things to Aunt Zheng for me as well."

"Auntie, give it to me."

Zheng Zihan reached for the handbag, but Chi's mother deliberately dodged it, implying that Chi Ruiche should take it. Chi Ruiche stubbed out his cigarette and accepted it.

"Let me take you home!" Chi Ruiche didn't intend to say anything and got up to take Zheng Zihan home.

"Let Uncle Wang open it. The wine you just drank isn't safe." Chi's mother saw that Chi Ruiche had also drunk quite a bit, so how could he possibly sober up so quickly?

Zheng Zihan greeted them one by one before leaving. Chi's mother was increasingly satisfied with the sight of them. Zheng Zihan understood what Chi's mother meant, and she also admitted that she had feelings for Chi Ruiche. Chi Ruiche was indeed an outstanding man.

Chi's mother had started chatting with her for this reason. The aunt hoped that she could officially become Chi Ruiche's fiancée. She herself was quite surprised, since they had only met a few times. However, Chi's mother tried her best to show her affection, and she just remained silent out of shyness. She knew that she was waiting for Chi Ruiche to say it himself.

The two of them sat in the back seat. Chi Ruiche didn't say anything and just leaned back quietly with his eyes closed. Zheng Zihan noticed that after meeting a few times, when the two of them were alone, either Chi Ruiche had been drinking or he wouldn't say anything. Occasionally, he would bring up a topic and barely manage to say a few words, and the atmosphere was a bit cold.

"Beep beep beep—"

Chi Ruiche's phone rang, and he answered it immediately. He frowned as he listened to something the person on the other end of the line said.

"okay, I get it."

"Uncle Wang, let's go to the apartment."

Chi Ruiche directly ordered him to go to his house. Actually, the person on the phone was Abu, who had already chosen the actress for the movie and couldn't wait for Chi Ruiche to see her. If she was suitable, Chi Ruiche would send the formal contract to Abu for signing.

"Zihan, I have some things to take care of. I'll have Uncle Wang take you home." Chi Ruiche said apologetically.

"It's okay." Zheng Zihan had never been to the apartment before, so she took the initiative to say, "Are you sure you don't want to invite me up for a bit?"

Chi Ruiche didn't expect her to say that, so he had Uncle Wang park the car and the two of them went back to the apartment.

He went straight to the study without giving any specific instructions, only telling Zheng Zihan to sit down first.

"May I take a look around?"

Zheng Zihan was very interested in the place, and Chi Ruiche didn't refuse, letting her take a look for herself. It was a two-bedroom, one-living room, two-bathroom apartment, with one bedroom and one study, decorated in a modern minimalist style, giving people a comfortable and clean feeling.

After looking at him from all angles, Zheng Zihan felt that this man was tasteful, charming, and attractive.

Chi Ruiche held a video conference with Abu in the study to discuss the casting issue. Abu had initially shortlisted 30 girls before making a final selection.

Zheng Zihan opened the bedroom door. To the right of the entrance was the bathroom. She walked straight ahead and saw a modern-style bed that was neatly made. Next to the large floor-to-ceiling window was a beanbag chair that seemed out of place in the room. It was hard to imagine that Chi Ruiche would like to lie on it.

There are two bedside tables next to the bed, with a touch-sensitive nightlight and a photo frame on the left.