Pei Kexin was wearing a hip-hugging skirt today, and Jiang Nanfang noticed that her movements were rather inconvenient throughout. She silently thought of buying her some clothes but feared she might be too embarrassed to accept.
After dinner, with nothing else to do, she decided to take Pei Kexin to the mall.
"I haven't been shopping for a long time, and there's no one to accompany me. Today, you're here, and I have a client meeting. We'll leave a bit early, go to the mall for a bit, and then meet them. What do you say, will you accompany me?"
Pei Kexin, finding her so kind and trusting, couldn't possibly refuse.
"Of course, I can. I'm free anyway."
"Great, Xiao Wu will drive us, and the three of us will go together."
And so, Jiang Nanfang unceremoniously abandoned Zhan Beijue and took her son and daughter-in-law to a well-known department store.
The trio headed straight for the women's section. Jiang Nanfang browsed in a designer boutique and picked out a black dress with a high slit.
She could imagine how stunning Pei Kexin would look in it and made an excuse.
"I can't try it on comfortably. Can you try it for me?"
Their figures were quite similar. Pei Kexin knew she had a client meeting soon, and trying on clothes would be inconvenient. With the intention of trying it on for her, she went into the fitting room.
When she came out, the effect was indeed remarkable.
The slightly low neckline accentuated her figure, making her appear voluptuous. The high slit made her legs look incredibly long, and the black color made her skin appear two shades lighter. She exuded elegance, sophistication, and intellect, as if the dress were tailor-made for her.
Not only did Jiang Nanfang admire it, but Xiao Wu was also astonished.
Although they had slept together, it was always in the dark, and he hadn't realized how "well-endowed" Pei Kexin was.
Men are like that; they enjoy looking at beautiful things, especially beautiful women.
Sensing Zhan Jingchen's gaze lingering on her, Pei Kexin felt extremely awkward.
"What do you think, Ms. Jiang? Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful, absolutely perfect for you. I don't have your figure, and I'm older than you, so I definitely won't look as good. How about I pick out another one, and you keep this one?"
"Ah?" Pei Kexin felt even more embarrassed.
"How could that be? You have such a great figure and are so young. You'll surely look better in it than I would."
"It's just a dress, don't be so polite. Keep it."
Jiang Nanfang casually picked out another dress for herself and paid for both. Seeing Pei Kexin's hesitation, she cajoled her,
"You helped me as a translator during our first meeting. I must give you something, or I'd feel bad. Let's call it even. Wear it. After all, it's a gift from me, and we both look good, right?"
The three of them wandered around the mall for a while longer. As the time drew near, they went to a coffee shop.
The client was a Frenchman in his early thirties, tall, well-built, and handsome. He was interested in a new perfume blended by Jiang Nanfang and wanted to purchase the copyright, bringing along a contract and a lawyer.
This was Pei Kexin's first time using French in a professional setting, but thankfully, her foundation was solid, and she managed to translate everything, albeit with some stumbles.
The overall conversation was pleasant. Jiang Nanfang wasn't overly concerned with financial gains; she was happy that someone appreciated her work and understood her design.
Thus, the copyright was happily finalized.
After signing the contract, Jiang Nanfang prepared to leave when the Frenchman suddenly called out to Pei Kexin somewhat shyly.
They exchanged a few words in French that others couldn't understand, and both took out their phones.
It turned out the Frenchman had taken a liking to Pei Kexin and wanted her contact information.
Pei Kexin, finding it difficult to refuse, could only give him her phone number on the spot.
She thought to herself that she could simply not engage much later; she had no intention of pursuing a long-distance relationship.
Zhan Jingchen, unaware of her thoughts, had noticed since they sat down that the Frenchman seemed quite taken with her. When he spoke to her, not only did his eyes sparkle with a different light, but he also kept glancing at her chest.
It was clear he was attracted by her appearance.
Even though he and Pei Kexin were no longer together, they had been married, and she was his first.
Was it a bit too much for her to be exchanging flirtatious glances with another man and giving out her contact information right under his nose?
After they had exchanged contact details, the Frenchman lingered, moving his chair closer and closer until he was almost touching Pei Kexin.
Seeing the attractive pair laughing and chatting, Zhan Jingchen felt a surge of annoyance. He subtly beckoned a waiter.
When the waiter approached, he said, "The air conditioning is a bit too low, I'm cold. Could you get me a blanket?"
The waiter quickly brought him a blanket. Zhan Jingchen took it and, without a word, walked behind Pei Kexin and draped it over her shoulders.
As if fearing it wouldn't cover her sufficiently, he even tucked the front part around her neck.
Jiang Nanfang was speaking with the lawyer, and Pei Kexin was chatting with the Frenchman.
Suddenly, she felt a warmth as a blanket was placed on her.
Zhan Jingchen not only surrounded her but also completely covered her. What was he trying to do?
Looking up, she met Zhan Jingchen's gaze. He made no attempt to hide his displeasure.
"What are you looking at? You're exposed. His eyes are practically drilling into your clothes. Can't you feel it?"
With Jiang Nanfang and the lawyer present, he said such things? Pei Kexin almost choked.
The Frenchman also noticed the anomaly and quickly asked her what was wrong.
Of course, she couldn't say someone was jealous. Pei Kexin smiled and covered her nose.
"I've caught a bit of a cold the past couple of days and feel chilly. My brother is worried about me, so he lent me a blanket."
"Oh, I see. Your brother is so thoughtful."
Seeing her explanation and the Frenchman still smiling, Zhan Jingchen knew Pei Kexin hadn't spoken particularly well of him and became even more displeased.
Jiang Nanfang observed their interaction with a touch of secret delight.
She hadn't noticed Xiao Wu's interest in Pei Kexin during dinner at home. Now, it seemed Xiao Wu had truly grown up; he wouldn't get close to a woman for no reason, meaning he already had someone in his heart!
He had good taste; he was a promising young man!
The two groups finally parted ways. Back in the car, with Jiang Nanfang present, Pei Kexin found it difficult to say anything.
She endured it all the way, first dropping Jiang Nanfang home, and then Zhan Jingchen drove her to Fu Duoduo's place. Finally, she could settle the score with him.
Pei Kexin, sitting in the passenger seat, glared at him. "What was all that about? You made me so embarrassed in front of everyone just now, did you know that?"
Zhan Jingchen sneered, "You know embarrassment? Your dress was so low-cut, you didn't even realize you were showing too much. I thought you were enjoying being looked at."
What kind of statement was that?
Pei Kexin was so angry she wanted to throw her bag at him.
"Your mother insisted on giving me the dress, and she picked out the style. Are you trying to make a point by saying that?"
"What? Did you dislike the dress my mother gave you? Are you wearing it unwillingly?"
Pei Kexin stared at his detestable face for a moment before turning away.
"Zhan Jingchen, I'll just assume your Chinese scores are poor, you're bad at reading comprehension, and you don't understand plain language. I won't argue with you. But please, don't tell me you were jealous."