Chapter 71: Surprise
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
From Chengdu to Rain City, and then to Lushan County, it was a journey of nearly three hours. By the time Zhou Chao arrived in Rain City, it was already past 3 oclock in the afternoon. Rain City wasnt too far from Lushan County. Driving his Mercedes G500, Zhou Chao covered the distance in about half an hour and arrived at Lushan County. He found a hotel to check in.
Inside the hotel, Zhou Chao settled his luggage and brewed a pot of tea for himself. The temperature in Lushan County was relatively low, especially since it was winter. When Zhou Chao first arrived, he felt a chill all over his body. After taking a few sips of tea, he began to feel warmer.
He took out his phone and called his younger brother, Xiao Feng. After a few rings, the call was answered.
Xiao Feng was at home reading a book. When he heard his phone ring, he got up from the sofa and walked to the door to answer the call. Hello, Second Brother.
Zhou Chao smiled and said, Fourth Brother, Ive arrived in Lushan County. What?! Second Brother, youre in Lushan County? Where are you? Should 1 come find you? Does Jiang Li know youre here? Xiao Fengs excitement was palpable upon hearing that his second brother Zhou Chao was in Lushan County.
She doesnt know. She should still be at home!
Where are you right now? Ill come find you.
Im still at the same hotel as last time.
Great! Ill come over right now. After hanging up the phone, Xiao Feng hurriedly left his room, got into his car, and headed to the hotel.
Shortly after, there was a knock on Zhou Chaos hotel room door. He opened it to find Xiao Feng standing outside. He moved aside to allow Xiao Feng to enter. Would you like some tea? 1 just brewed it.
Sure, give me a cup. Its quite cold outside. Xiao Feng rubbed his hands together and sat down on the sofa.
Second Brother, what brings you all the way here again? Missing Jiang Li, perhaps? Realizing Xiao Fengs thoughts, Zhou Chao suddenly felt embarrassed.
Zhou Chao held his ground and said with determination, Yes, thats right. I do miss Jiang Li.
Hahaha, you crack me up! Its only been a short while since you last saw her. Are you planning to be by her side every day? Xiao Feng chuckled as he looked at Zhou Chaos expression.
Enough of that. Lets talk business. Tonight, I want to give her a surprise. Zhou Chao smoothly poured a cup of tea for Xiao Feng.
How are you planning to do that? Xiao Feng took a sip of tea, feeling the warmth spreading through his body.
Just invite her out for dinner, and Ill show up when the time is right. Xiao Fengs eyebrows furrowed upon hearing the plan, sensing a hint of awkwardness.
Are you sure this wont make your readers think youre acting a bit cliche?
I dont have a choice. This is the best I can do, Zhou Chao said with a sigh of resignation. After all, he had never been in a relationship before and lacked the experience to guide him. This approach seemed to be his only viable option.
Then Ill give Jiang Li a call. Seeing Zhou Chaos decision, Xiao Feng took out his phone and dialed her number.
Hello, brother. Whats up? Jiang Lis lazy voice came through the phone.
Tonight, Im treating you to dinner. Same place as always. Come a bit earlier.
Okay, brother. After hanging up the phone, Xiao Feng shook his phone and said, So, how about that? Are you satisfied now? How are you going to thank your brother?
Hehe, dont worry, Ill remember your kindness. Ill take a shower first, and then we can set off. Zhou Chao stood up and headed towards the bathroom.
Lets go. Zhou Chao packed the jade bracelet and shawl he had brought for Jiang Li into a bag and prepared to head out.
You brought a gift for Jiang Li, what about me? Xiao Feng looked at Zhou Chao carefully arranging the gift and said indignantly.
Dont worry, Ive brought something for you too. Ill show you later. The two of them left the hotel, and Zhou Chao led Xiao Feng to the G500 parked nearby. Hows this gift? Zhou Chao pointed to the car in front and asked, but to his surprise, Xiao Feng remained silent.
Zhou Chao turned his head and saw that Xiao Feng had gone into a trance, squatting on the ground and drawing circles while muttering to himself, Drawing circles to curse you.
Whats wrong with you, Xiao Feng?
Second Brother, I think youve got some bad intentions. If you gift me this car, do you really think Id dare to drive it? Im afraid 111 be invited for tea tomorrow. Listening to Xiao Fengs words, Zhou Chao understood the situation and could only helplessly give up.
Come on, its getting late, and Jiang Li will be arriving soon, Zhou Chao said, urging Xiao Feng into the passenger seat before taking his place behind the wheel.
Lushan County wasnt large, and it only took a few minutes to reach the restaurant. Zhou Chao ordered a Yayu dish and some local specialties.
As they chatted, he asked, Fourth Brother, is Xiao Yang your older brother? Wait, how did you find out? Are you acquainted with my older brother? Xiao Fengs reaction was far from composed upon hearing Zhou Chaos words. After all, the whereabouts of his elder brother were not information accessible to the general public. Moreover, the revelation that Zhou Chao was aware of his brothers identity sent Xiao Fengs thoughts into a whirlwind of conjecture. Dont read too much into it. During my recent visit to Jingdu for a charity event, 1 coincidentally crossed paths with him. He actually initiated a greeting. Later, 1 inquired with Si Cong and learned his last name. Thats when I began to suspect he might be your older brother.
How did my brother know about you? He shouldnt really care about this stuff. Xiao Fengs question also puzzled Zhou Chao. Indeed, how would his brother know about him? For a moment, Zhou Chao fell into silence. He pondered over why this might be, but after thinking for a while, he gave up as he couldnt find a clear answer.
I have no idea. Ask your brother when you get the chance.
Forget it, I wouldnt dare. My brother used to bully me when I was a kid. I still have some trauma from that. Xiao Feng shook his head quickly.
Zhou Chao couldnt help but laugh at Xiao Fengs awkwardness. Diiscover new tories at nve/lbin(.)c/o
Just as Zhou Chao was about to say something more, Xiao Feng saw Jiang Li entering the restaurant. He turned to Zhou Chao and said, Your wife is here. In response, Zhou Chao swiftly turned his head and rose from his seat, striding over with purpose. His eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before him she was dressed in a snug, pristine white down jacket with a sizable hat resting atop her head. The soft white fur on the hat accentuated the allure of her delicate features.
In an instant, Zhou Chao embraced Jiang Li tightly, whispering softly into her ear, Ive missed you.
Jiang Lis hands instinctively wrapped around his waist, and she buried her head in Zhou Chaos chest. They held each other tightly in this embrace. Can you two pay attention to your surroundings? Its broad daylight, after all. Xiao Fengs words interrupted the two lovebirds who were lost in their affectionate moment. Jiang Li quickly pulled away from Zhou Chaos embrace and glanced around. Everyones gaze was fixed on them, and her already flushed face turned even redder.
Zhou Chao took Jiang Lis hand and led her to the dining table. They sat down, and Jiang Li still had her head lowered.
Little fairy, did you miss me? Zhou Chao whispered gently into Jiang Lis ear. His warm breath tickled her ear.
Ive been thinking about you, you silly rascal! Jiang Li lifted her head. If it werent for the smile on her face and her rosy cheeks, one might have mistaken her for being angry.
Hmph, you didnt call me as soon as you arrived. Thats worth some points deducted, young man. Jiang Li acted as if she was older, patting Zhou Chaos shoulder and scolding him.
Rubbing the softness in his hand, Zhou Chao looked at Jiang Li and said, I wanted to surprise you.
Jiang Li, blushing from Zhou Chaos intense gaze, lowered her head and said, 1 forgive you.
Alright, you two have had your moment. Can you stop acting like Im not here? Xiao Feng protested from the side..
Chapter end