Chapter 178: The More You Hide, the More It Shows

Jiang Lai leaned forward, her body tilting slightly, and the fresh scent of grass and trees from her hair again pierced Yu Yuezheng's nose.

The soft ends of her hair this time were not sweeping his palm but brushing the side of his face and neck.

Ke Zhongyu's breath caught.

"Doctor Chi didn't say I had to be a lab mouse," Jiang Lai said after seeing clearly, then sat up again, "He just wanted you to ask if I wanted to try it."

She lifted her eyes to look at the suddenly speechless Ke Zhongyu; the man's eyes were like a deep‑sea vortex, as if ready to swallow a person whole.

Jiang Lai tilted her head in puzzlement.

Huh?

Ke Zhongyu shifted his gaze, unhurriedly removed his coat, and draped it lightly over his legs, almost covering his entire lower body.

"The car's air‑conditioning temperature is too high," his voice was slightly hoarse, the more he tried to hide it the more obvious it became.

He lowered his eyes and glanced briefly.

He intended to flirt but ended up being flirted with.

It could even be called lifting a stone to smash his own foot.

No ambition.

Facing Jiang Lai's expression that seemed to both believe and doubt his claim that the car's air‑conditioning temperature was too high, Ke Zhongyu cleared his throat and returned to the point: "Going? Tomorrow."

Jiang Lai: "Going to work."

Ke Zhongyu: "A team of several hundred people isn't hired just to eat rice for free."

He immediately made a decision for Jiang Lai, sending a voice message to Chi Ce: "She's going."

Chi Ce replied quickly with a voice message; Ke Zhongyu first translated it into text, and only after confirming it wasn't a trick did he let Jiang Lai hear it.

Chi Ce: "Perfect timing, my grandma asked me today about the little girl who came for acupuncture last time—how she's doing."

Jiang Lai recalled Chi Grandma and realized she had never properly thanked her; this was a good chance to visit.

Jiang Lai decided to go, and unintentionally asked Ke Zhongyu, "Ke boss, are you going?"

Once she left the old Ke family mansion, he became the Ke boss again.

Ke Zhongyu gave her a cool glance: "Jiang Lai, how many hours are in a day?"

Jiang Lai: "Twenty‑four hours."

Good to know.

Ke Zhongyu said in a deep voice: "From the time you promised until now, how many hours have passed?"

Less than four.

Jiang Lai pressed her lips together.

Ke Zhongyu: "Ask again."

The man's tone left no room for doubt.

The last time she owed a favor for cooking, she left midway; this time she must repay it completely. Jiang Lai didn't think much about it, even pondering how to make Ke Zhongyu speak again about the remaining favor.

Being constantly in debt isn't a problem.

Jiang Lai lifted her eyes again at Ke Zhongyu and, in a precise manner, asked: "Are you going to the Chi Family Medical Clinic tomorrow, Ke Zhongyu?"

Ke Zhongyu: "Not going."

Jiang Lai: "…"

Then you persist in wanting to hear it again.

Jiang Lai: "Alright."

This time Ke Zhongyu fell silent.

After a moment, he spoke again, explaining to Jiang Lai: "Tomorrow I'm busier—there's not only a corporate meeting but also an international conference."

Jiang Lai understood.

After all, she'd been his secretary for nearly a month.

Tomorrow is a new month, also Monday, the leadership's busiest time, endless meetings, endless reports, endless decisions.

Ke Zhongyu, fearing she might feel lonely, reluctantly suggested: "We could invite Ke Zhongying."

"Chongying has been busy these days—it's December, only a few days left until March," Jiang Lai pressed her lips into a smile, turned her head and asked Ke Zhongyu, "What does Chongying like?"

She wants to prepare a graduation gift for her.

Ke Zhongyu's face darkened: "I don't know."

So sudden and angry.

A man of unpredictable moods.

Jiang Lai sat up again; Ke Zhongyu escorted her to the gate of Villa No. 9. As she got out of the car, he said, "After I'm done tomorrow, I'll pick you up at the Chi Family Medical Clinic."

"No need to trouble yourself," Jiang Lai lifted her phone and gave it a light shake, "I can hail a ride."

Ke Zhongyu stared at her with a lingering gaze for a moment, then pressed the car window down; his eyes left, his heart untroubled.

Watching Ke Zhongyu leave, she turned just as Mo Yi was already standing at the door, smiling warmly to welcome her home.

"Miss Jiang, you're back."

"Good evening, Mo Yi," Jiang Lai's smile widened a bit.

The villa had the heating on; after entering, Mo Yi immediately reached for Jiang Lai's scarf and coat, hung them aside, and kept talking.

"Miss Jiang, you went to the old mansion for dinner today—how was it?"

"The food was good, the people were nice."

Mo Yi giggled; this must be the Young Master's first time bringing Miss Jiang to meet the family, right?

The more Mo Yi thought about it, the happier she became, the corners of her eyes forming a bunch of creases.

"The gentleman and Ms. Nian are very good." As for the other Ke family members, they aren't around now, so let's leave that aside.

Jiang Lai was about to go upstairs to rest when Mo Yi continued, "Miss Jiang, your medicinal shampoo has run out. I'll go to the Chi Family Medical Clinic tomorrow to get the herbs refilled and brew them when I come back."

Jiang Lai stopped in her tracks. "That herbal medicine for washing hair — was it from the Chi Family Medical Clinic? I happen to be going to the Chi Family Medical Clinic tomorrow, so Mo Yi, you don't need to make another trip."

Mo Yi: "Alright, good night, Miss Jiang."

……

The next day.

Jiang Lai once again left the house amid Mo Yi's nagging.

"The temperature's dropping sharply today, it's getting colder and colder. Not only do you need to wear a scarf, you need to put on gloves too. I put some hand cream in your bag — after you wash your hands, apply some, your hands will feel much better."

"A City gets snow every year, and you never know when it might suddenly snow, so you should bring an umbrella too."

Mo Yi turned around and fetched a long-handled black umbrella.

Jiang Lai didn't remember ever buying such an umbrella. She asked, "Where did this umbrella come from?"

Mo Yi: "I took it from the Young Master's car. He has many cars, and almost every one of them has an umbrella inside. The driver has a spare too, so no worries."

Jiang Lai looked at the umbrella that Mo Yi had forcibly stuffed in and fell silent for a moment.

Would President Ke really not be angry when he found out?

Mo Yi saw through her thoughts and said firmly, "The Young Master won't be angry."

He was probably thrilled inside.

"Hurry along now. It's rare to go out and not be going to work."

Jiang Lai left amid Mo Yi's urging.

She stopped midway at a shopping mall to buy a gift for Chi Grandma. Secretary Cen and the others had said that when giving gifts to elders, the key was thoughtfulness and practicality.

The weather was getting colder, so Jiang Lai bought a scarf, packed it in a square box, and placed it in a paper bag.

When she walked into the Chi Family Medical Clinic, Chi Ce immediately turned his head and smiled, "Miss Jiang, over here."

"Doctor Chi." Jiang Lai walked over.

Chi Ce craned his neck to look behind her. "You came alone? President Ke isn't with you?"

Jiang Lai: "President Ke is very busy today."

Chi Ce: "……"

His original intention was to create an opportunity for the two of them, because the milk tea he and the shop's staff had developed included a couple's version, and he also wanted to get the two of them to name it.

But President Ke, busy with a myriad of affairs, hadn't mentioned it in advance.

His good intentions wasted.

If they weren't coming, they weren't coming.

It was actually quite nice that Jiang Lai came alone — his grandma had asked about her just yesterday.

"Doctor Chi, the milk tea tasting can wait a moment. Let me go see Chi Grandma first, is that okay?"

"Sure, sure." Chi Ce lifted his chin toward the back courtyard. Jiang Lai had been here once before and didn't need him to specially lead the way.

Once Jiang Lai's silhouette disappeared around the corner, Chi Ce picked up his phone and found Fu Daxiaojie.

He typed: 【May I have the honor of inviting Fu Daxiaojie for a cup of milk tea?】

Fu Youqing: 【Not drinking.】

Chi Ce: 【It's a new product from the Medical Hall. Besides tasting good, it might also beautify your skin and help you sleep well.】

Fu Youqing: 【I'm coming over now.】

Chi Ce smiled: 【This humble one awaits the honor of Fu Daxiaojie's arrival.】

When he looked up again, Jiang Lai was already supporting his grandma as they walked out. His grandma now had an additional scarf around her neck that looked soft and warm.

Chi Ce drew in a breath — how had he never thought of buying his grandma a scarf?

Chi Grandma, who had just received the scarf, said casually, "Sure enough, girls are more thoughtful and considerate than boys."

Seeing her eldest grandson again at this moment, Chi Grandma wanted to roll her eyes.

"Jiang Lai, let's go try the new things they've come up with. But don't try it just yet — wait until Chi Ce tries it himself and nothing happens, then we'll taste it."

Jiang Lai couldn't help but laugh. "Okay."

The three entered the room and sat at an eight-immortals table, on which various nuts and candied fruits were laid out. The milk tea hadn't been served yet.

Chi Ce said, "Have some snacks first. We need to wait for one more person."

Half an hour later.

Fu Youqing stepped through the doors of the Chi Family Medical Clinic in tall boots, her eyes sweeping the room and accurately finding where Chi Ce was.

Upon entering, she came face to face with Jiang Lai.

The last time she had seen Jiang Lai was on the cruise — this was the second time.

"Miss Jiang is here too." Fu Youqing wore her usual smile.

Jiang Lai returned a smile. "Miss Fu."

So the person Chi Ce was waiting for was the Fu family's eldest daughter.

Miss Fu had barely sat down when Chi Ce handed over a heated towel. Fu Youqing took it naturally and wiped her hands.

Jiang Lai's eyes shifted.

Fu Youqing: "Where's that beauty and skin-nourishing tea you mentioned?"

Chi Grandma was surprised. "Beauty and skin nourishment? Chi Ce, you've been spouting nonsense again."

"It's fake?" Fu Youqing was shocked and glared at Chi Ce.

Chi Ce said, "It's not fake. It does have that effect, but we can't just go around saying it publicly — it would violate advertising law."

Fu Youqing didn't want to pay attention to him. Her gaze fell on Jiang Lai once more.

Even sitting quietly without saying a word, Jiang Lai had a strong presence and allure, especially in this quaint, antique Medical Hall — she was a cool, ethereal great beauty.

No wonder Shen Xun had chosen to marry her back then.

Jiang Lai noticed Fu Youqing's scrutiny, but it carried no mockery or disdain—instead, it held a trace of curiosity.

"Miss Fu, what is it?" she spoke up.

Just then the milk tea was served—six cups in total, packed in bamboo tubes, wafting sweet steam.

Fu Youqing didn't even glance at her own beauty-nourishing tea, still fixing her gaze on Jiang Lai, and asked, "Will you and Shen Xun get divorced?"

What the actual situation was between Shen Xun and Jiang Lai right now, outsiders like them had never gotten an accurate answer, though they had heard plenty of speculation.

She leaned toward yes—they would divorce. Lin Shutong was already carrying Shen Xun's child in her belly; what was the point of staying married?

But divorce was a matter between two people, with a one-month cooling-off period. If Shen Xun didn't want a divorce, it would be very hard for Jiang Lai to get one, and who knew how long the court battle would drag on.

That was why she had asked this question.

Chi Ce frowned. "Fu Daxiaojie, you still haven't given up on Shen Xun?"

Jiang Lai looked at Fu Daxiaojie with slight surprise.

She liked Shen Xun?

Jiang Lai was just about to open her mouth and say they were already divorced, but Fu Daxiaojie spoke first, refuting Chi Ce.

"What nonsense are you talking? I just want to know. After all, whether Miss Jiang will divorce Shen Xun concerns not only him but also our Fu Family's company."

Among the companies under the Fu Family, Star Universe Technology ranked first in profitability.

Hearing her say this, Chi Ce secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Fu Youqing looked at Jiang Lai again. "These past two days Shen Xun has been so busy he was at the company even over the weekend, and today, Monday, he was called to Fu Family headquarters for questioning. Everyone really wants to know whether Shen Xun can hold on to your marriage."