Into the Night, Jiao Jiao Gets Kissed by a Business Tycoon
Chapter 180: [Extra] This Reason is Pretty Lame

Chapter 180: Chapter 180: [Extra] This Reason is Pretty Lame

Villa districts like this one generally lacked bus stops and taxis, so Zhou Ming had walked for quite a while before he finally saw a taxi appear before him.

Cheng Yi was very generous, tipping more than what he earned in two weeks. Sitting in the taxi, Zhou Ming’s mind was filled with the words Cheng Yi had said just now.

He lit a cigarette, the taste of nicotine wafting through the air with a hint of bitterness, yet so refreshing.

How could he not know the gap between himself and Jiang Yurou?

The time he had spent with Jiang Yurou counted as some of the happiest moments of his life, who wouldn’t like a girl as radiant as the sun?

But it was precisely because he was so aware of the distance between them that Zhou Ming had been trying hard to keep his rationality.

Looking at the neon lights flashing by outside the window, Zhou Ming’s lips curled into a cold smile. He couldn’t stop her from looking for someone better... The sun was meant to hang in the sky, not sink into the mud.

Zhou Ming closed his eyes, wanting to let his brain relax, but at that moment, Jiang Yurou’s call came through.

Looking at the caller ID, Zhou Ming suddenly felt conflicted. To answer or not?

"Kid, your phone has been ringing for a long time," the driver couldn’t help but remind him.

"Uh-huh, alright."

After answering the call, Zhou Ming tried to keep his voice steady, "Hello?"

Jiang Yurou’s sweet voice came through the phone, "Zhou Ming, are you still busy? Why did it take you so long to pick up?"

"Uh, just finished. I’m on my way home now."

Her giggly, charming laughter came through the phone, "Alright, I’ll forgive you this time, but don’t let it happen again!"

"Uh-huh, okay."

There was a sudden quiet on Jiang Yurou’s side, and then she called Zhou Ming’s name.

Zhou Ming was somewhat distracted and it took him a while to come back to his senses and respond, "Uh... what’s up?"

"I’m missing you a little right now."

Jiang Yurou’s voice was very gentle when she said this, like raindrops softly falling into Zhou Ming’s heart.

Normally, Zhou Ming would pretend not to hear and completely ignore her, then silently respond to Jiang Yurou in his heart, but today was somewhat different...

Zhou Ming sighed, his voice becoming a bit melancholic, "Jiang Yurou... You should stop saying these things to me."

There was a moment of silence on the other end before she asked, "Why?"

"Because I don’t like you," Zhou Ming finally uttered those words.

"No, I don’t believe it," Jiang Yurou’s emotions suddenly surged, and her voice grew louder, "You must have feelings for me; otherwise, why would you allow me to come see you every day, and why would you send me good night messages every night before bed?"

Although Jiang Yurou didn’t know what Zhou Ming was going through, she was certain that it wasn’t possible for him not to like her, because just a few days ago, Zhou Ming had stolen a kiss from her while she slept.

At that time, Jiang Yurou was only pretending to sleep, but she hadn’t expected to suddenly feel a soft touch on her forehead. Her heartbeat sped up instantly, her body flushed with heat; it was a feeling that was both sweet and shy, so she didn’t open her eyes, instead feeling somewhat expectant.

But Zhou Ming had only lightly kissed her forehead and done nothing else.

If Zhou Ming didn’t like her, why would he do such a thing?

Zhou Ming said indifferently, "The only reason I let you come find me is because you’re really persistent. Rather than argue with you, it’s easier to just turn a blind eye. As for sending you ’good night,’ it’s only because you sent one to me, and I’m just politely responding."

The words Zhou Ming spoke were as hurtful as they could possibly be. If it had been any other girl, she might have already burst into tears by now, but Jiang Yurou didn’t cry. She slowly began, "Then why didn’t you say these things to me before?"

Instinct told Jiang Yurou that Zhou Ming must have encountered something tonight, because he was acting too out of character.

He had plenty of opportunities to say these things to her before, yet he chose now to do so, so suddenly, catching her off guard.

Zhou Ming was silent for a while before he uttered seven words, "Because I’m tired now."

"That’s a pretty lousy excuse."

"Whatever, I’m hanging up now."

Zhou Ming almost trembled as he hung up the phone, afraid he might regret it the next second.

After hanging up, Zhou Ming started to space out, with scattered fragments of his interactions with Jiang Yurou flashing through his mind, when suddenly, his heart gave a fierce pang.

Zhou Ming reached out and touched the area where his heart was. Is this what heartache feels like?

Upon returning home, Zhou Lezhi immediately noticed her brother seemed unhappy. After a moment of thought, she sat down next to him, took his big hand, and asked cautiously, "Did someone upset brother? Do you want me to help you think of a solution?"

Zhou Lezhi was a smart and clever girl, who had always been good at reading people’s expressions from a young age.

Zhou Ming gave a slight smile and held his sister’s hand in return, "No one upset brother. Brother is just angry with himself."

Zhou Lezhi, with her little head, didn’t quite understand, "Why would brother be angry with himself?"

Zhou Ming stroked Zhou Lezhi’s head and said, "Because brother... hurt a very, very good person."

"Then, brother should go and apologize. Teacher says as long as you’re sincere enough, you’ll definitely be forgiven by the other person," said Zhou Lezhi innocently.

"Okay, if there’s a chance, brother will apologize to her in person."

"Mhmm." Zhou Lezhi pouted her little mouth, her black grape-like eyes shining, "Brother is so nice, she will definitely forgive you."

Zhou Ming smiled but didn’t continue the subject. Instead, he said, "Lezhi, go play with your toys for a while, brother is going to take a shower."

"Okay." Zhou Lezhi obediently nodded.

Having seen Zhou Lezhi engrossed in her toys, Zhou Ming dragged his weary body into the bathroom to shower.

While Zhou Lezhi was happily playing, the iron gate of the house suddenly got knocked on, accompanied by a pleasant voice, "Is anyone there?"

Zhou Ming had told Zhou Lezhi before that if a stranger knocked on the door, she should never open it carelessly. So Zhou Lezhi cautiously walked to the door and asked, "Who... who are you looking for?"

Upon hearing the soft, child-like voice, Jiang Yurou was initially taken aback, then immediately realized this person must be Zhou Ming’s sister.

"I’m looking for Zhou Ming. You’re his sister, right?" Jiang Yurou said in a gentle and soft voice.

Even though the person accurately mentioned her brother’s name, Zhou Lezhi still did not lower her guard, "What do you need with my brother?"

"I am your brother’s friend, I need to talk to him about something. Is he at home right now?"

"My brother is taking a shower, but I can’t open the door for you right now."

Jiang Yurou didn’t expect Zhou Ming’s sister to be so alert, but it was right for a child to be extra cautious around strangers.