Chapter 134 — On A Date With His Fiance

Qiao Mingran sighed. Knowing how difficult it was to see him, she didn't want to spend the time arguing. She delved into the main purpose of her visit.

"Tinghua, Jingse's mother called me a few days ago. When last did you see your fiance? Your marriage is coming up soon, you need to build a closer relationship with her."

"Did she report me to you?" He asked, fiddling with the fountain pen again. Black was his favorite ink color, and he used it in everything, from signing documents to making notes.

"No she didn't. I'm only saying you should treat her better and spend more time with her. Both of you need to strengthen your bonds in order to have a stable marriage."

Gao Tinghua snickered. This advice was rich, coming from a person whose marriage was not exactly rosy. If she knew this so well, why was her marriage failing?

He had known that his father was keeping mistresses outside since he was in middle school. He was sure his mother knew too, but she pretended not to. Maybe lying to herself made her feel better.

Whatever, he wasn't interested in figuring out his mother's mind.

Qiao Mingran was still speaking, "Don't forget that she helped your grandfather that time. And she's a good girl too, very pure, unlike those ladies that are only interested in the Gao family's wealth."

Gao Tinghua wasn't paying attention to her words, still lost in thought. Looking at her as she spoke, he noticed her nose. It wasn't too pointed, but it had a pretty curve, like hers.

He suddenly caught himself. Why did he keep comparing his mother to Pei Yueran? It was ridiculous. Now that he had seen some resemblance, he was finding it difficult to "unsee" it.

Resigned, he cut in without waiting for his mother to finish her persuasive words, "Alright alright Mother. I've heard you. I'll try."

His words finally earned a smile from his mother. Her curved lips served to infuse light into her eyes, drawing Gao Tinghua's attention yet again.

This was crazy, he thought, coughing to clear his throat and thoughts. 'Tinghua, get a grip.' He said to himself repeatedly.

'Perhaps I really need a distraction?' He thought.

Fine, his fiance would have to do then. Since she wanted his attention so much, she could make herself useful.

That was why he got Tong Zhian to make a reservation before he sent her the message.

He got to CM Luxuries a few minutes before the agreed time and handed his autumn jacket to the worker at the door before settling down at the reserved table.

When the waiter came with the menu, he informed him that he was still waiting for his dinner partner and that he would order when she arrived.

He watched absentmindedly as the diners came in one after another, sipping the mineral water the waiter brought.

Contrary to what he had heard, most of the couples coming in consisted of an uneven pair. Instead of young lovers, there were sugar daddies coming in together with their honey babies instead.

He smiled sarcastically. This was reality.

Young love was only possible within the aristocratic families. The average young person was just too poor and busy saving for the future.

Just as he looked at his wristwatch to check the time, he heard the sounds of footsteps coming his way. He looked up, and the smile that settled on his face could best be described as sardonic.

Ha, was she really just here for a dinner date? It was good though. Since she had the nerve to come like this, she was basically agreeing with his thoughts.

Her cream colored gown —if it really could be called a gown— was literally parted in the middle all the way to the navel. Although it was held together by a transparent lace material, it did nothing to help the dress look more decent.

The scrap of material barely reached the middle of her thighs, and when she turned slightly to look around, he saw that it hardly covered her back as well.

Was she this convenient? He wondered. It was obvious he was not the only one thinking in that line, because a few male diners had their attention diverted as they stared at her, ogling her figure openly.

His smile widened as she became uncomfortable with the extra attention she was receiving from others. It did not help that a few female diners were baring their teeth at her in anger.

Han Jingse looked at him for help, but he pretended not to understand for a few moments. He was enjoying her discomfort far too much to feel jealous of the fact that his fiance was being leered at in his presence.

He didn't care one way or the other.

Still, he could not let the date begin on a sour note, so he soon got up to acknowledge her and pulled out her seat like a proper gentleman.

Seeing that her date was this guy with a superior aura, the lecherous stares retreated, and Han Jingse breathed a sigh of relief, smiling gratefully at Gao Tinghua.

She really was a pretty girl, he thought inwardly, noticing how her perfectly shaped brows accentuated her oval face.

Unfortunately, she was not her.

She didn't have her brown eyes or her beautiful hair. Heck, she didn't even have her ice-cold look! Gao Tinghua almost lost interest on the spot.

The key word being "almost".

She was still a good looking substitute, at least.

"Tinghua, what are you thinking about?" Han Jingse asked, bewildered. He had been staring at her for some time, and his look scared her somewhat.

"You're beautiful." Gao Tinghua said casually. It was a trivial comment he made just to answer her question, but Han Jingse blushed hotly at the perceived compliment.

She knew he would be attracted. Who wouldn't? She thought smugly. She quickly adjusted her expression to fit the "pure girl" persona she was known for.

"Thank you." She said softly. 'Her voice, though not as pleasing as Yueran's, sounded pleasant.' He evaluated in his mind.

He made up his mind to go back to City M as soon as possible. He had missed her very much.

She must have really done something to him if he could even see her shadow in his own mother.

But first, he had to settle his fiance.

"Tinghua?" A soft voice pulled him out of his thoughts again. "What are you thinking about so seriously?" Her voice was almost borderline coquettish.

Inwardly, Han Jingse was fuming. He just said she was beautiful, yet he has been distracted twice already? What was more important than her at the moment?

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Little theatre:

GTH: (looking at HJS) Since you obviously dressed this way to seduce me, it means you've agreed with my plans for the night.

S_J: That's really not how consent works, boy. [Grabs an electric baton] Since your thinking is so crooked, you obviously need discipline!