256: Not Enough Charm

"Ah?" Su Hanyan was taken aback. "Tonight?"

"Yes." Jin Chen detected something off in her tone and asked, "Why? Do you have other plans tonight?"

"Yes. I just agreed at lunch today to go out for dinner with my colleagues from the factory tonight!" Su Hanyan said with some regret. "If you had called a bit earlier, I might have agreed."

"It's okay," Jin Chen said. "Next time will be the same."

"Is it really okay? How about I call them and tell them..."

"No need," he said.

"Alright then. I'm very sorry, Dr. Jin!"

"Nothing to be sorry about." Jin Chen smiled slightly. "Make it up to me next time. But I have to ask, are there many people at the dinner? Are there any leaders?"

"Just the people you saw last time, do you remember?" Su Hanyan said. "Mainly because I owe them a meal, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to make it up to them."

"I understand. Give me the location, and I'll come pick you up tonight."

"No, it's not necessary." These days, Jin Chen had been picking her up. After a whole day of surgeries, he still had to take a detour to pick her up and take her home. She felt a bit guilty. "Miao Renda has been arrested and is in jail. There's no more threat to me here, so don't worry!"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.

Su Hanyan thought he had hung up, so she asked, "Jin Chen?"

"Yes, I'm listening. I understand." Jin Chen twirled the curled telephone cord with his long fingers. "I have another surgery this afternoon. I'll get ready. Goodbye!"

After hanging up the phone, Lu Feifan patted Jin Chen on the shoulder. "Hey, how did it go? Did you arrange it?"

Jin Chen shoved the movie tickets from his pocket into Lu Feifan's hand. "Here, take them!"

Seeing this, Lu Feifan knew it hadn't worked out. He hurriedly asked, "What did she say? Does she have to work overtime tonight? Or is there something urgent? You're inviting her to a movie; it's such a clear signal. She couldn't have missed it, right?"

"She already has plans tonight."

"What plans?"

"Dinner," Jin Chen said.

"With men or women?"

"Both men and women."

Lu Feifan slapped Jin Chen on the shoulder. "Old Jin, you're in a bit of danger, aren't you? You lack charm? She would rather have dinner than go to the movies with you. That's a bit of a failure!"

Jin Chen raised his eyes and looked at him for a while. Seeing him perched on his desk, he raised his hand and pushed him off. "Get down! I didn't tell you to sit there, and you're so unaware?"

"Look at you, you're angry out of shame!" Lu Feifan pulled up a chair and sat down. "I've been sitting here for a long time, and you didn't say anything. Now you've been snubbed by Su Hanyan, and you're taking it out on me!"

"No," Jin Chen denied.

"Then what are you doing tonight?" Lu Feifan propped his chin up, admiring Jin Chen's handsome face. "You know how many girls would die to chase after you, but does Miss Su have bad eyesight? Why doesn't she feel anything for you?"

"You think she feels nothing?" Jin Chen glared at him. "She's just slow to warm up."

"Really?" Lu Feifan didn't believe it, laughing. "I think that girl is quite enthusiastic."

Jin Chen glared at him again. "What you see is the surface. I know her; her heart doesn't open easily, but once it does, it will be passionate!"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk!" Lu Feifan wanted to tease Jin Chen a bit more, but seeing his cold expression, he swallowed his words. "So, what's your plan for tonight?"

Jin Chen spat out two words: "Find her!"

257: A Romantic Sister?

In the small restaurant, the atmosphere was lively. A group of men were drinking enthusiastically, each with their sleeves rolled up high, standing on chairs, showing off their muscular arms, and playing drinking games loudly.

Su Hanyan, Zhu Lin, and Shao Yu, the three girls, occupied a corner of the table, focused solely on eating, not participating in the raucous merriment.

As they watched bottle after bottle of beer being downed, someone shouted, "Comrade Su, we helped you the other day, aren't you going to have a drink with us?"

"Yeah! Come on, Comrade Su, have a drink with us!"

"Comrade Su, you girls from the publicity department are like fairies, always out of reach! We thought you were quite stern, but it turns out you're pretty nice once we got to know you!"

"I suggest we drink to our friendship together!"

With one person leading the charge, the rest joined in, raising their glasses and urging Su Hanyan to drink with them.

Su Hanyan was straightforward and had a decent tolerance for alcohol. Since everyone was being so friendly, she didn't want to disappoint them. So she picked up her glass and said, "Sure! Let's be friends! Thank you all for your help!"

Once the drinking started, there was always someone encouraging another round. After Su Hanyan finished one glass, someone found an excuse to toast her a second, then a third, and a fourth...

After two bottles of beer, Su Hanyan's cheeks were flushed. She knew she could drink more but shouldn't continue.

She noticed the group always had an excuse or reason to keep her drinking.

"Yanyan, can you still manage?" Zhu Lin was worried about her. "Don't overdo it!"

"No more," Su Hanyan waved her hand. "This is my limit. If I drink more, I might not make it home!"

"Come on, we're just getting started. Don't be a buzzkill!"

"Yeah, Comrade Su, have another drink with us!"

Su Hanyan firmly refused. "It's not that I don't want to, I really can't drink anymore. You all carry on. If the drinks aren't enough, feel free to order more. Shao Feng and I are covering this meal!"

The group continued to persuade her.

Shao Yu spoke up, "That's enough! Who forces a girl to drink?"

Seeing that Su Hanyan had stopped drinking, Shao Feng supported her, "That's enough, hasn't she shown enough goodwill by drinking two bottles with you?"

"Brother Shao, she hasn't drunk with me yet. Shouldn't we all get a turn? Leaving me out makes me feel slighted."

"How about I drink with you?" Shao Feng offered to cover for her. "Anyone who hasn't had enough can drink with me, I'll go all the way!"

"You said it!"

"Oh wow, Brother Shao is feeling protective of Comrade Su, isn't he?"

"Tell us, do you like Comrade Su?"

Seeing Su Hanyan looking at him, Shao Feng quickly waved his hand. "Don't talk nonsense, she's like a sister to me!"

"A romantic sister, perhaps?"

"Haha!"

"Stop joking around! Otherwise, our brotherhood ends here!" Shao Feng, afraid to show any hint of impropriety in front of Su Hanyan, had to sternly scold the group.

But when one has feelings for someone, it's hard to ignore jokes and encouragement from others.

Coupled with the influence of alcohol, Shao Feng wondered to himself: should he subtly confess his feelings to Su Hanyan tonight?

258: Words Stuck in the Heart

The drinking continued until past nine in the evening. The group, thoroughly inebriated, stumbled out of the small restaurant, saying their goodbyes and dispersing in twos and threes.

"Brother Shao, if you like her, go after her! Stop being so hesitant, that's not like you!"

"Exactly. Even though you don't say it, we can all see it. Every time you pass by the administrative building, you always glance that way. Who do you know there? Isn't it Comrade Su?"

"I'm not good enough for her," Shao Feng acknowledged humbly. He believed Su Hanyan was exceptional, and there was much about her that remained unknown to everyone.

"You weren't good enough before, but now you are more than enough. Go for it!"

"Brother, are you coming or not?" Shao Yu, waiting impatiently by the roadside, shouted, successfully breaking up their private conversation.

"Coming, right away!" Shao Feng put on the clothes he was holding and walked over to Shao Yu. "I'll walk you back to the factory."

"No need, I'm heading back to my rented place tonight," Su Hanyan said. "I've got some urgent translation work to finish. I'll be working late for the next few days."

"Let me walk you," Shao Feng offered.

Su Hanyan was about to refuse, but Shao Yu interjected, "Yes, let him walk you! It's not safe for you to go alone. My brother can walk you and ensure your safety. You might still catch the last bus to your place!"

[ah chenchen! your cabbage is about to be taken!]

"This..." Su Hanyan hesitated.

"How about I go with her?" Zhu Lin, sensing Su Hanyan's reluctance, quickly said, "Shao Yu, you're going home this weekend, and I'll be bored alone in the dormitory. I might as well stay with Su Hanyan for a couple of days."

"Great, let's go together then." Su Hanyan linked arms with Zhu Lin and said to Shao Feng, "You don't need to see us off. Go home and get some rest."

"Alright then."

Shao Feng felt a twinge of disappointment.

The brother and sister duo insisted on seeing Su Hanyan and Zhu Lin to the bus stop. Only after watching them board the bus did they decide to head back.

But, after taking just one step, Shao Feng changed his mind.

"You go ahead, I'll go with them." Shao Feng turned around and hurried to catch up with the bus.

More than half an hour later, Su Hanyan got off the bus.

Seeing Shao Feng follow her off, she smiled and said, "Brother Shao, you really don't need to worry! I'm almost home. You should wait here for the bus. If you miss it, it will be hard for you to get back."

"I can't do that. This alley is too deep, I'm not comfortable leaving you alone. Let's go!" Shao Feng insisted on walking them in.

Su Hanyan had no choice but to agree.

All the way, Shao Feng was searching for the right words to express his feelings without making her uncomfortable.

Finally, they reached the door. As Su Hanyan opened it, Shao Feng stopped her.

"Su Hanyan, can I have a word with you alone?"

"Sure." She nodded.

Zhu Lin, understanding the situation, went inside first. Under the dim streetlight at the doorway, the two of them stood facing each other.

"Brother Shao, what do you want to tell me?" Su Hanyan looked at him, her eyes dark and bright, clear as spring water.

"Su Hanyan, there's something I want to say to you. I know you might not want to hear it... but I've thought it over and I still need to say it... I like..."

I like you!

He had just said the word "like" when a low, magnetic male voice interrupted him.

"Yanyan, why are you back so late?"

259: Declaring Sovereignty

Shao Feng turned abruptly to see a tall, handsome man with an extraordinary demeanor walking towards them from under the streetlight.

"Jin Chen!" Su Hanyan smiled and waved at him. "Why are you here so late?"

Jin Chen walked up to her, suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist, and pulled her into his embrace. Before Su Hanyan could react, he lowered his head and kissed her on the lips.

For a moment, Su Hanyan's mind went blank, and it felt as if her heart had stopped beating.

The suddenness of the kiss left her dazed, and by the time she regained her senses, she found herself enveloped in his warm and firm chest, surrounded by his pleasant scent.

His lips were thin, slightly cool, but he kissed her with an urgency that was both gentle and passionate.

Shao Feng stood rooted to the spot as if paralyzed, watching them kiss for a long while before he finally realized that Su Hanyan already had a boyfriend.

And this man was now holding Su Hanyan in his arms and kissing her so dominantly, clearly making a statement to him. It was as if he was declaring his sovereignty over her.

In that instant, Shao Feng felt somewhat embarrassed.

The wind blew against his face, sobering him up significantly.

Reflecting on it now, what he had done just moments ago seemed absurd; he had almost confessed his feelings.

Fortunately, he hadn't.

"Ahem!" Shao Feng cleared his throat. "Su Hanyan, I... I'm going now."

Upon hearing his voice, Su Hanyan quickly regained her composure. She gently pushed against Jin Chen's chest.

Jin Chen frowned, seeming a bit displeased.

Nevertheless, he loosened his hold on her, though his arm stubbornly stayed around her slender waist. From Shao Feng's perspective, Jin Chen was still holding Su Hanyan, and she made no move to break free.

Their relationship was clear without words.

"Brother Shao, what were you going to say just now?" Su Hanyan touched her flushed cheeks. "Sorry about that, it must have been awkward for you."

"No, it's nothing." Shao Feng hid his feelings again, his smile carrying a hint of bitterness. "I was just saying that now that you're home safe, I should get going! Goodbye!"

"Thank you for bringing her back!" Jin Chen released Su Hanyan's waist and extended his hand to Shao Feng. "Jin Chen, surgeon at the First People's Hospital. If you ever need help, feel free to come to me!"

"Thank you, Dr. Jin. I'll be off now!" Shao Feng replied politely. As he turned to leave, he pushed all thoughts aside.

He's a doctor!

And a surgeon at that!

I'm just a laborer in a workshop, how could I compare?

"Wait." Su Hanyan took a few steps forward.

Shao Feng stopped and looked at her. "Is there something else?"

"Thank you, Brother Shao," Su Hanyan said softly. "You're kind, warm-hearted, and chivalrous. You'll definitely meet a girl who loves you dearly!"

Shao Feng paused, understanding dawning on him. He smiled. "Hmm."

She understood his feelings.

An unrequited love had ended, but she didn't reject him.

It was a good ending!

Shao Feng walked away.

Jin Chen came up behind Su Hanyan, bent slightly, and whispered in her ear, "Complimenting another man in front of your boyfriend, have you considered how your boyfriend feels about that?"

260: The Opportunity for a Passionate Pursuit

Su Hanyan turned around, feeling a bit embarrassed to face him.

How had that just happened?

She still felt like she was dreaming. The normally gentle and elegant Mr. Jin had suddenly become so domineering and aggressive.

"Yan Yan, turn around and look at me!" he said softly, his voice sounding both coaxing and authoritative.

Su Hanyan turned to face him, looking up into his eyes. "Why did you do that just now?"

"Why not?" Jin Chen's lips curved slightly as he slid his hands into his pockets, his dark eyes looking down at her. "It seems I have quite a few rivals. I need to show them that you have a boyfriend."

[im eating my pillow. i need my husband to get home soon]

"But you can't just kiss me out of nowhere, without any warning..." Shouldn't it start with holding hands and then progress to kissing?

"Should I have informed you first?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Okay." Jin Chen slowly approached her. "Can I kiss you now, Yan Yan?"

Su Hanyan looked at him, her heartbeat gradually accelerating.

She had meant to say "no," but under the spell of his eyes, darker than the night, she found herself nodding.

Jin Chen smiled, pressing her against the wall at the entrance and lowered his head to kiss her.

In that moment, her heart pounded like a drum, her blood surged, and all she could sense was him... Gradually, she relaxed, wrapping her arms around his neck.

After what seemed like an eternity, they finally pulled apart.

She heard Jin Chen ask, "Yan Yan, are you moved?"

Her ears still echoed with her own heartbeat as she looked up, her gaze slightly dazed. "Yes."

How could she not be moved by such a wonderful man?

"So, are you now willing to be my girlfriend?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Yan Yan, I like you!" he declared without reservation. "Give me a chance to pursue you passionately!"

Su Hanyan smiled sweetly. "Okay!"

...

When Jin Chen left, it was already late. He walked out of the dark, old alley alone and crossed the street.

Behind him, a man wearing a hat that obscured half his face followed at a steady pace. Jin Chen didn't know who this person was, but recently, he had noticed this man appearing around Yan Yan from time to time.

[i feel like i know who this is lmao]

Suddenly, Jin Chen stopped and turned around, his gaze locking onto the man.

Realizing he had been spotted, the man's first instinct was to turn and flee.

Jin Chen chased after him, and after two streets, he accelerated and delivered a flying kick, sending the man sprawling.

Before the man could get up, Jin Chen placed a foot on his back and bent down, twisting the man's arm until there was a scream and the arm went limp.

Taking the initiative, Jin Chen asked, "Who are you? Why are you following Su Hanyan? And why are you following me? What's your motive?"

"Lift your foot first!" the man shouted. "I can't breathe with you stepping on me!"

"Answer my questions first."

"Why am I following Su Hanyan? Because I'm her brother! I need to ensure her safety!" the man shouted. It turned out he was Su Jingrui.

[and i'm right again! poor jingrui. dw bby u r getting your redemption]

"Her brother?" Jin Chen was skeptical. "If you're her brother, why act so secretively? If it's protection, why not do it openly?"

"You don't understand my family's situation!" Su Jingrui wailed in pain. "But I'm telling you the truth. If you don't believe me, you can ask Su Hanyan!"