13. A Womanly Fragrance

At that moment, Liu Jie stopped struggling, letting Lu Chen hold her hand. The blush that had spread across her face had faded significantly, and she had calmed down from her earlier embarrassment. As she glanced at Lu Chen, who was leading the way, she couldn't help but feel a bit surprised. 'What had happened during his visit home that made him suddenly so bold? First, he dared to tease me, and now he is holding my hand so casually.'

As they walked briskly out of the school, everyone who saw Lu Chen holding Liu Jie's hand looked as if they had witnessed something unbelievable, watching the two until they disappeared from sight.

Although Liu Jie was used to being the center of attention, this was the first time she had let someone hold her hand and walk with her through the school grounds. She could already imagine how quickly the rumor would spread this story, turning it into a big deal.

Suppressing her embarrassment, Liu Jie tried to rationalize it to herself. It wasn't like she had willingly let him hold her hand; she simply couldn't break free from his grip. Besides, she had something important to discuss with Lu Chen, and it wasn't the time to walk away.

If Lu Chen had known what was going through Liu Jie's mind as she quietly followed behind him, he might have burst out laughing.

When they reached the pedestrian street, Liu Jie finally lifted her head and said, "Where exactly are you taking me? And let go of my hand!"

Reluctantly, Lu Chen released the soft, smooth hand he had been holding. Glancing at Liu Jie, he smiled and said, "If you have time, how about we go have some tea?"

He nodded towards a nearby teahouse.

To Lu Chen's surprise, Liu Jie, who usually never accepted invitations like this, actually nodded in agreement.

Stunned, Lu Jie stood there for a moment, unable to react. Seeing his dazed expression, Liu Jie's lips curled into a faint smile as she said, "What's wrong? You're not going to back out now, are you? Don't tell me you're too stingy to buy me a cup of tea?"

Snapping out of it, Lu Chen quickly said, "How could that be? Having a beauty like you join me for tea is an honor!"

Hearing this, Liu Jie playfully rolled her eyes at him and said, "Then lead the way. You say you want to treat someone, but you're just standing here. Where's the sincerity in that?"

Lu Chen was momentarily dazzled by her flirtatious look, but quickly regained his composure and led the way to the teahouse, his mind filled with questions. Could it be that because of yesterday's accidental touch, Liu Jie had started to develop feelings for him? Otherwise, why would someone as reserved and dignified as her suddenly undergo such a significant change?

Sneaking a glance at Liu Jie beside him, he saw that her serene face showed no hint of the flirtatiousness from earlier. All Lu Chen could do was sigh internally, reminding himself that women's thoughts are indeed a mystery.

They entered the teahouse and chose a secluded corner to sit in. Lu Chen pulled out a chair for Liu Jie, smiling as he said, "Please, have a seat, Miss Ji—"

Before he could finish, Liu Jie shot him a look and said, "Didn't I tell you not to call me 'miss' outside of school? It makes it sound like I'm so much older than you."

Lu Chen nodded with a smile and said, "You're right, Jie. How could someone as youthful as you ever seem old? Even if I turned into an old man, you'd still be as beautiful as ever."

It's hard for any woman to resist being complimented, and Liu Jie was no exception. Sure enough, after hearing Lu Chen's words, a hint of delight appeared in her eyes. Although pleased, she still playfully scolded him, "You didn't use to be this smooth with your words. Have you been seeing someone lately and gotten better at sweet-talking?"

Lu Chen chuckled awkwardly, "Jie, you really know how to joke. I don't have a girlfriend at all. I'm just telling the truth! If any man dared to say otherwise, I'd definitely give him a good beating."

Seeing Lu Chen waving his fists like that, Liu Jie couldn't help but laugh.

Lu Chen laughed along, and at that moment, the server brought over two cups of fragrant tea.

Smiling, Lu Chen handed a cup to Liu Jie before taking his own and sipping it slowly. As the tea slipped down his throat, it left a smooth, refreshing aftertaste that lingered, filling him with a sense of contentment.

After a long moment, Lu Chen finally opened his eyes, only to find Liu Jie looking at him with an odd expression.

Feeling a bit self-conscious, Lu Chen apologized, "I'm sorry about that. I didn't expect this little teahouse to serve such authentic Oolong Tea. I got a bit lost in the moment and made a fool of myself."

Liu Jie's delicate lips parted from the porcelain teacup as a slight blush spread across her face. She seemed a bit flustered but managed a smile, "I didn't know you were so knowledgeable about tea. My father also says that this place serves some of the best Oolong Tea. It's impressive that you recognized it."

Lu Chen smiled modestly, "It's nothing, really. My father made me learn about tea when I was younger. I'm sorry if I embarrassed you."

Liu Jie gave him a curious look. She hadn't expected Lu Chen to have the background to drink such high-quality tea, which was usually only found in wealthy households, 'Could it be that Lu Chen's family background was more extraordinary than I had imagined?'

As Lu Chen noticed Liu Jie's gaze lingering on him, he couldn't help but admire her flawless beauty up close. Thanks to the beauty pills he had provided over the years, her face was as smooth and radiant as jade, with not a single blemish, her rosy complexion gleaming like porcelain. It was enough to make anyone want to kiss her.

Taking a deep breath, he caught the faint orchid-like fragrance that seemed to emanate from her, forcing himself to stay focused. Struggling to tear his eyes away from her exquisite face, he asked, "Jie, is there something you needed? It's not like you to seek me out unless you need more beauty pills."

Liu Jie snapped back to reality, blushing slightly at his words. Internally, she grumbled to herself: 'Idiot! I'm a woman, you know! Do you expect me to take the initiative all the time? Why can't you just be a bit more forward?'

Of course, she wouldn't say that out loud. However, it did seem like she had a reason for coming to see Lu Chen, and his comment brought a rare look of embarrassment to her face. But Liu Jie wasn't just any ordinary woman—she quickly composed herself and teased, "You seem to have a knack for predicting things. Take a guess why I'm here."

Lu Chen took a sip of tea and glanced at her with a smile, "If it's not to go on a date with me, then I'd bet it's for more pills. Or could it be… you're really after that Vigorous Pill?"

He deliberately feigned surprise as he looked at her.

Liu Jie rolled her eyes at him, "Only a pervert would want to buy that stuff. You can keep it for yourself!"