Published at 2nd of December 2023 6:42 am

Chapter 1038: JIAO JIAO’S VALENTINE (III)

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

LUO REN was wearing a knee-length overcoat, a deep charcoal gray in color, and underneath it, a dark navy blue turtleneck that provided both warmth and elegance. His slim-fitting dark indigo jeans offered a subtle contrast to the top layers, while well-maintained chestnut brown leather chukka boots combined style and functionality for the winter weather.

His hair was not in its usual slick-back hairstyle. Instead, it appeared somewhat messy, yet in an intentionally stylish way. It had that effortlessly cool look, as if he hadn't put too much effort into it, but still managed to look great. The top was a bit longer than the sides and back, giving it a relaxed, casual appearance. It seemed like the type of hairstyle that says, "I woke up like this," and it suited him well.

This overall style made Luo Ren looked much younger. Instead of looking like a young CEO, like he usually did, he now looked like a college freshman.

It seemed like the gap in their age just disappeared, making them a little closer. This thought somehow made Yu Jiao happy.

She knew it was a weird thing to be happy about, but that's exactly how he's feeling right now. Although the fast beating of her heart right now added a bit of complicated feelings to it.

What Yu Jiao didn't notice was that as she looked away so as not to stare too intently at Luo Ren, the other was actually doing that exact same thing. He was staring brazenly at Yu Jiao, as if he was about to devour her. If not for Yu Jiao's mother clearing her throat, Luo Ren would have continued staring.

Yu Jiao glanced at her mother, wondering if the other wanted to say something. That's why she called their attention like that.

Her mother smiled. "The two of you should go, lest you be late."

Yu Jiao wondered why they would be late. It's not like the art gallery they would go to would close at certain times a day. But before she could voice any of that, she heard Luo Ren say;

"Yes, Aunt Xiuying is right." The other turned to Yu Jiao. "Let's go, Jiao Jiao?"

Being looked at by the other, Yu Jiao could only nod.

"Enjoy your dat- I mean, you day," her mother said as she saw them off.

Until Yu Jiao got inside Luo Ren's car, she was still feeling a bit confused.

"Since it's lunch soon, should we eat first?" Luo Ren asked as he drove the car.

Yu Jiao glanced at the other sitting in the driver's seat. There's really only one answer she could give. "Okay."

It's not like she could say 'no'. Doing that would be equivalent to telling Luo Ren that she didn't mind going hungry. Which she very much mind, by the way. Besides, she didn't want to appreciate art in an empty stomach.

She did wonder where they would eat lunch, though.

She didn't have to wait long to get an answer to that question.

Yu Jiao stared at the sign of the restaurant in front. 'Lost Heaven'. It had a traditional and charming exterior, reflecting an air of historic elegance. Classical architectural elements combined with subtle modern touches created an inviting and timeless ambiance for diners.

Even though she's not a great connoisseur when it came to restaurants in this city, she still knew that this one was pretty popular.

"Let's go?" Luo Ren asked, standing beside her and offering his elbow. Like a gentleman offering to escort a lady.

Yu Jiao blinked confusedly and her hand just automatically moved, intertwining her arm with his. Before her brain could really digest everything, the two of them had already entered the restaurant. And then her attention was taken by the interior of the building.

It had a warm and welcoming atmosphere adorned with understated decor. The spacious dining area featured a combination of wooden and wrought iron furnishings, offering a comfortable and laid-back setting. A dimly lit environment set the mood for a relaxed dining experience. The centerpiece of the restaurant was a striking bar area adorned with intricate woodwork, adding to the overall charm.

Since she was busy looking around, she didn't notice that Luo Ren was already leading her to follow a waiter. As they were walking, she finally had time to focus on the sensation of her arms intertwined with Luo Ren.

She tried to ignore it earlier, but now, with nothing occupying her mind, she felt very hyper aware. Even though there was a barrier of clothes between them, it felt as if they were touching skin to skin.

The more they walked, the more heated Yu Jiao's face became. Seriously, she had been in such a weird state since that phone call with Luo Ren. Everything had just been like a storm filled with deadly whirlwind. Despite knowing how dangerous it was, she still decided to stay and face it.

A weird analogy, yes. The word 'danger' certainly not fit Luo Ren. It's not him she was actually pertaining to, but these... feelings brewing inside her.

Yu Jiao's thoughts were cut off when they entered a private room.

"Your meal will be served shortly," the waiter said, before bowing slightly and closing the door to the private room.

Luo Ren led Yu Jiao to one of the chairs. He disentangled their arms and then pulled the chair for her to sit on.

"T-thank you," Yu Jiao said as she sat down, still feeling a bit flustered.

When she thought she could finally have time to calm down, Luo Ren suddenly called his attention.

"Jiao Jiao, there's something I need to tell you before my courage falters," he murmured, gently inclining toward her, his gaze locked on hers. "You are an absolute vision." With a tender touch, he swept a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. "Incredibly, undeniably beautiful."

Yu Jiao only felt her heart jumped to her throat, then it started to beat uncontrollably. It was beating so fast that she almost felt out of breath.

And her response to such a direct compliment was a cute and small hiccup.

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