One side was cheekily saying, "Oh my, you two really are too much, giving me goosebumps all over!"

At this, Jiaojiao couldn’t hold back any longer, picked up a throw pillow, and tossed it over. Lu Zishu caught it with a grin and shamelessly sidled back over, the four of them chatting about this and that.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

After hitting a soft wall at the Ruanlin Family, Hong Ling returned to the hotel, just in time to see Ruan Hao coming down from upstairs in a suit, accompanied by several hotel managers.

Ruan Hao, at twenty-six, was precisely nine years older than Jiaojiao.

Among the Ruan brothers, he was the most handsome one. Back when Ruan Jianguo’s business bloomed and wealth grew, he quickly developed a nouveau riche aura with a beer belly from socializing, but not Ruan Hao — even after handling the Ruan family business for years, he carried not a hint of commercial vulgarity.

He remained as refined and elegant as he had been in school, exuding an erudite aura unique to the Shu family, making it hard to believe he was in business.

Upon seeing Hong Ling, Ruan Hao didn’t pause his steps, just nodded towards her gently, his demeanor unchanged, just as before.

Hong Ling couldn’t help but wonder if Ruan Hao was unaware of last night’s events?

If that’s the case—

Hong Ling’s mood became uncontrollably excited. She hadn’t intended to speak so soon, but after what happened last night, she worried that if she didn’t speak now, she’d lose the opportunity. Most importantly, Ruan Hao seemed unaware of last night’s events, which made her feel a bit relieved, thinking that her chances were better now.

With newfound courage, eyes reddened, she walked over to him, saying in front of several managers and hotel executives, "Hao brother, I have something to say to you."

The pretty girl, with a hesitant demeanor, caused those present, all experienced, to smile ambiguously, their gaze flitting between the two.

Biting her lower lip, heart pounding, despite the embarrassment, Hong Ling mustered up the courage and said to Ruan Hao, "Hao brother, I... I like you... Can... Can I ask you to go out with me?!"

Hong Ling chose to confess at this moment for several reasons.

Firstly, she feared that once Ruan Hao knew about last night, even if he had an interest in her, he’d hesitate, so she wanted to confess before he found out, seizing the initiative.

Secondly, she believed that with Ruan Hao’s gentle nature, even if... even if he didn’t like her, he wouldn’t do anything to embarrass a girl, might not even politely refuse her. Thus, although she might not succeed, at least she’d leave an impression, letting others know her relationship with Ruan Hao was different.

Of course, if Ruan Hao accepted, that’d be even better. She wouldn’t need to announce it; everyone would know he belonged to her. Even if later he wanted to back out due to family reasons, public knowledge made it difficult for him to withdraw. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

In essence, Hong Ling truly considered all possible scenarios thoroughly.

Yet she overlooked one thing.

Ruan Hao appeared gentle, always acting warmly towards everyone, but that didn’t mean he was truly a gentle person at heart. So far, all his gentleness had only been reserved for one person.