Chapter 120: Taking Love All the Way

[Are these two really not dating on the company’s expense?]

The live chat was filled with cheers, but Su Wanning furrowed her brows, staring at the bowl of bird’s nest soup before her, her mind racing through countless calculations.

If a bowl of bird’s nest soup had one spoonful of sugar added, its calories equated to a small bowl of rice; two spoonfuls, equivalent to a bowl of noodles...

After recalculating, Su Wanning became even more convinced that Qin Jingchen had ulterior motives.

“No need, no need for you to work so hard. You should have the bird’s nest soup; it will help nourish your body.”

Su Wanning pushed the tray back. Qin Jingchen’s gaze darkened as he looked down at her slender, fair fingers, a hint of doubt flickering in his heart.

He recalled the assistant’s earlier advice. After investigating Su Wanning, they found she was deeply interested in gourmet food during the show, so they suggested Qin Jingchen cater to this interest.

Indeed, Qin Jingchen had followed through; the snacks and fruits were all from popular shops far in the city, and the bird’s nest soup was specially delivered up the mountain. Yet, Su Wanning remained unimpressed.

Why?

This man, resolute and decisive at the negotiation table, now doubted her. Could it be that Su Wanning’s refusal was not of the delicacies but of him?

Qin Jingchen remained silent for a long moment, his head bowed slightly, his expression tinged with a rare loneliness. At that instant, Su Wanning felt a pang of guilt stir within her.

“Well, maybe I’ll just save it and eat it first thing tomorrow.”

Qin Jingchen immediately looked up. “Alright.”

“...Of course, there’s always someone scheming against me.”

With that topic closed, Su Wanning’s gaze wandered around. Though the tent was luxurious, it felt cramped with such a large man inside.

The tent was only so big, and Qin Jingchen still hadn’t left. As the night deepened, was he planning to stay here overnight?

“Well, it’s been a tiring day, and it’s getting late.”

Su Wanning took the initiative to start the conversation, her eyes full of hope, silently urging him to suggest leaving.

But Qin Jingchen seemed not to understand, nodding instead.

“You did work hard today. I watched the market event; it was well organized. Congratulations.”

“...Thank you.”

Nian Nian had long been taken aside by Sui Sui. One was looking at picture books, the other playing with blocks, occasional faint noises breaking the silence. Yet the tent still felt awkward.

“So, are you planning to go on a business trip with that suitcase?”

Su Wanning couldn’t help probing further.

[What’s going on? I thought Su Wanning was emotionally intelligent. He clearly came to accompany her, and yet she asks this?]

[At this moment, I feel like I hear President Qin’s heart breaking.]

[The old soldier’s heart is shattered, hahaha.]

[The little wife just won’t accept it.]

[President Qin: In the end, it was all misplaced trust...]

“I came on a business trip here, but the work is finished. Since you’re filming nearby, I came to see you... and the children.”

The last three words were separated by a full three seconds, making Qin Jingchen’s intentions obvious.

“I see. That must have been tough on you.”

Su Wanning nodded, ending the topic once more, but he still didn’t say what she hoped to hear.

At that moment, someone knocked on the tent from outside. Wang Zan entered.

“President Qin, we were filming earlier and couldn’t greet you.”

[What’s the director doing here?]

[Hopefully, he’s here to help.]

[Why does Wang Zan look so timid around President Qin?]

[I report that this director bullied Su Wanning before!]

“Hmm.”

In front of others, Qin Jingchen returned to his usual cold, detached demeanor and nodded quietly.

“It’s like this: I discussed with the production team just now. Everyone has been working hard lately during filming. This can be seen as our show’s way of giving back to the guests. So, if you’re free recently, you’re welcome to make guest appearances on the show.”

Su Wanning’s eyes widened as she listened, staring daggers at Wang Zan, wishing she could rip out his tongue.

She had thought Wang Zan came to be touching, but instead, he was shameless!

Su Wanning couldn’t hold back: “That doesn’t seem appropriate. He’s not an entertainer, and appearing too much on the show might affect his company’s image.”

“That’s not a problem. If President Qin requests, I can instruct all the cameramen to avoid filming your face.”

Wang Zan had already considered this and now proudly patted his chest in self-praise.

“...Why didn’t I realize you were so thoughtful before?” Su Wanning couldn’t help but tease.

[Is Su Wanning trying to keep her brother-in-law from staying?]

[Of course, you can’t abandon the entire forest for one big tree.]

[Su Jie is still Su Jie; her words are as sharp as ever.]

“No matter. The company’s image is defined by its products, unrelated to my private life. I’m just accompanying my family on the show; it’s fine to appear on camera.”

Qin Jingchen spoke amiably, making Wang Zan even more grateful, nodding repeatedly.

“Good, then... President Qin, I won’t disturb you. The live broadcast is almost over. Please get some rest.”

Wang Zan left the tent happily, rushing to prepare new program plans through the night.

The live stream ended amid viewers’ reluctant farewells. Su Wanning looked at Qin Jingchen: “Are you going to sleep here tonight?”

Qin Jingchen shrugged innocently. “If I don’t sleep here, won’t people spread rumors that we’re not on good terms? That would affect you.”

Su Wanning’s lips twitched.

He really is thoughtful.

“Sui Sui, Nian Nian, come to bed.”

Su Wanning said no more, climbing into bed herself, settling in a corner of the tent and placing the two children between them.

But Sui Sui sat on the bed, refusing to lie down, her small face creased in displeasure.

“What’s wrong, Sui Sui?”

“It’s crowded here. Nian Nian, let’s sleep over there.”

Without waiting, Sui Sui scrambled up and led Nian Nian to the other side of the tent, where they laid out their sleeping bags and lay down.

“...Truly her beloved eldest son.”

At that moment, Qin Jingchen came to Su Wanning’s side, crossing his long legs as he sat not far from her.

Su Wanning immediately looked over warily.

Qin Jingchen glanced opposite. “There’s no room over there.”

Su Wanning’s silent exasperation that night likely outnumbered all the times in recent months combined.

She said nothing more, turning her back to Qin Jingchen and lying down. Soon, she heard faint rustling noises from behind.

Her body tensed, but with two children still asleep across from her, she believed he wouldn’t do anything...

Just as she thought this, the tent’s lights were suddenly extinguished, plunging the space into pitch-black darkness.

In such conditions, all other senses become heightened.