Chapter Fifty-Six: A Touch of Chill

This time, the woman's face was noticeably stunned. She forced a smile, saying, "Are you joking? Since when did you get a girlfriend? Why haven't I heard about it?"

Shen Tingxiao said nothing. For Jiang Yunzhu, this was her first experience like this; she didn’t know how to react and awkwardly wanted to cover her face.

"Didn't you say before that if you were dating someone, you'd bring them home for everyone to meet?" the woman pressed further. "You're not tricking me, are you? Is it because Uncle Shen and Auntie are pushing marriage too hard, so you just grabbed someone at random to shield yourself?"

As she spoke, she raised her right hand, clenched into a fist, attempting to punch Shen Tingxiao on the shoulder.

But Shen Tingxiao was quick to react; he reached out and caught her wrist, then released it. "I'm not joking. She really is my girlfriend. I’ve had a crush on her for a long time and finally managed to win her over."

Jiang Yunzhu listened quietly, but her heartbeat felt unusually strong. She looked up at Shen Tingxiao.

The depth of feeling in his eyes didn't seem feigned; he spoke as if it were really true.

For a moment, even Jiang Yunzhu doubted herself—had she once met Shen Tingxiao, done him some small kindness, and become unforgettable to him?

But that thought only circled in her mind for a moment before she dismissed it.

Impossible.

If she had really met Shen Tingxiao, she couldn't possibly have no memory of it—especially since he was a member of the renowned Shen family.

There was only one possibility left.

This woman, too, was one of Shen Tingxiao's friends whom he needed to hide the truth from.

"A crush?" The woman seemed unable to accept this information. After a brief silence, she forced another smile. "But you always said you were heartless, that there was no girl in the world worthy of you, that you'd never fall for anyone, right?"

She stuck out her tongue at Jiang Yunzhu, adding, "It's not that I'm saying you're not good—I'm just genuinely curious. How did he suddenly decide to date, and with you... someone who seems rather ordinary?"

"Maybe his eyesight isn't great," Jiang Yunzhu felt the hostility clearly this time. The subtle unease she’d sensed along the way finally had an origin. "But for someone as ordinary as me to catch Tingxiao’s eye, I suppose it’s my good fortune."

The woman's smile didn’t change, but her tone was edged with sarcasm, "I hope your luck lasts."

It sounded as if she were implying that Jiang Yunzhu and Shen Tingxiao's relationship wouldn’t last long.

Jiang Yunzhu instinctively glanced at Shen Tingxiao, pressed her lips together, and smiled slightly. "That depends on fate."

Her words weren't wrong.

But to the woman, it sounded as though Jiang Yunzhu were mocking the lack of fate between her and Shen Tingxiao.

"Tingxiao," the woman turned to him, "we’re holding a banquet tomorrow. Will you come?"

"Not interested," Shen Tingxiao replied, his tone a bit chilly. "You all have fun."

"You've got a girlfriend now—won't you bring her for us to meet?" the woman teased. "You’re the first in our circle to date, and you won’t share such a happy event?"

Shen Tingxiao lifted his chin and pointed at Jiang Yunzhu. "Ask her."

Jiang Yunzhu instinctively refused, "I don’t have time..."

She didn’t even get to finish saying, 'You go by yourself.'

The woman laughed, "What, you’re whipped now that you’re in love? Will every banquet from now on need your girlfriend’s approval?"

"Is there a problem?" Shen Tingxiao raised his eyebrows slightly.

The woman was momentarily at a loss for words.

Jiang Yunzhu felt awkward and was about to wave her hand, "I really am busy, Tingxiao can..."

Before she could finish, Shen Tingxiao covered her mouth.

He leaned down slightly, a sly glimmer in his eyes, and made a shushing gesture.

He meant for her to say no more.

Jiang Yunzhu had no choice but to obediently fall silent.

"You see? Your girlfriend is generous enough to let you come with us," the woman said, still smiling.

Shen Tingxiao cocked his head, "She said she needs me to keep her company."

"Fine." The woman's smile faltered completely. "You two carry on, we'll talk next time."

She left quickly.

After she departed, Jiang Yunzhu withdrew her gaze, and Shen Tingxiao released his hand.

She asked, "Master Shen, who is she?"

Seeing Shen Tingxiao’s indifferent attitude toward her, yet never offending, Jiang Yunzhu guessed her status was unusual.

"The little princess of the Xiao family," Shen Tingxiao replied, pulling a tissue from the tea table to wipe his palm. "In Country M, she’s the daughter of the second most powerful clan."

He paused, then fixed his gaze on Jiang Yunzhu and added, "She’s a childhood playmate."

"Oh," Jiang Yunzhu picked up the glass on the table and took a sip.

It didn’t seem as simple as a playmate.

Shen Tingxiao stood with one hand in his pocket, waiting for her a while before asking, "Weren’t you going to take my measurements?"

"Then..." Jiang Yunzhu hesitated, her cheeks tinged with pink, "please take off your shirt."

Shen Tingxiao walked over, closed the door, returned, and swiftly took off his shirt, revealing his toned muscles.

His hand moved down to his belt.

"No need to take off your pants!" Jiang Yunzhu quickly said.

Shen Tingxiao’s lips curled into a faint smile, a teasing glint in his eyes, "Of course I know."

Jiang Yunzhu’s face grew redder. With her usual habit, she stood up awkwardly and approached.

Holding her measuring tape in one hand, she tapped his arm with the other, "Stretch out."

Shen Tingxiao naturally extended both arms, his gaze intense, locking onto Jiang Yunzhu.

Jiang Yunzhu leaned forward slightly. With her face turned aside, her delicate cheek was separated from his burning chest by what felt like only a thin veil—just a few millimeters away from pressing close.

There was something intangible, a strange illusion that Shen Tingxiao’s body heat felt unusual, almost feverish.

She dared not look directly at him and could only ask, her voice trembling, "Master Shen, are you feeling unwell?"

With her head lowered, she missed Shen Tingxiao’s gaze, so gentle it could drown a soul.

"Master Shen?" Jiang Yunzhu, receiving no response, hesitated and instinctively looked up.

In that fleeting moment, Shen Tingxiao quickly averted his gaze, but forced a mask of indifference, his voice hoarse, "Just a little cold."

"I’ll be quick," Jiang Yunzhu replied, her voice tight. "The tape is a bit cold, bear with it."

Her fingers trembled slightly as she picked up the tape measure, which seemed to come alive in her hand, quivering.

As the tape touched Shen Tingxiao’s skin, he instinctively frowned, a low, involuntary hum escaping his throat.

The sound was deep and sensual, like a surge of electricity, instantly making Jiang Yunzhu’s ears burn.

"Is it uncomfortable?" Jiang Yunzhu was so nervous she could barely breathe, her breaths quickening, her ears feeling hot enough to bleed. "Just endure it, it’ll be over soon."