Jingxia Rose

Chapter 8: White Rose
The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the irregular bluestone bricks of the courtyard, and a gentle evening breeze stirred the crabapple petals, scattering them in all directions.

Ji Xuan stopped and looked at the sky, half of which was painted by the sunset. He only looked away when he heard footsteps behind him pulling a suitcase. He then stepped into the house.

Wen Qi is a germaphobe. After returning home, he took a set of casual clothes from the dressing room and went to the bathroom.

Ji Xuan also removed her makeup and prepared to pack his suitcase.

The inside was still neat and tidy. After taking out two sets of clothes to change into, she noticed a square white velvet gift box in the corner.

It looks very valuable.

The logo above belongs to a high-end luxury brand that specializes in creating women's jewelry.

She hesitated for a few seconds, then reached out and picked up the gift box. It was very light and easy to hold. She slowly opened it, and inside lay a very delicate white rose necklace.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she stared blankly at the necklace. She didn't even know when Wen Qi had appeared at the door of the dressing room.

He said, "I remember you like white roses."

Ji Xuan was taken aback, then suddenly looked up, her lips trembling slightly, "A gift for me?"

"Hmm, an anniversary gift." Wen Qi walked over, glancing at him without blinking, and asked, "Otherwise, who do you think I bought it for?"

Ji Xian silently recited a name in his heart, but didn't say it aloud. A smile appeared on his lips. "Thank you."

She doesn't like white roses, but rather the symbolism they represent.

Pure, romantic, and I am worthy of you.

Wen Qi discovered that she liked white roses because after she moved in, there was always a bouquet of white roses in the living room, dining room, and their bedroom.

It has been the same all these years, never changed.

"Bought in the port city?"

"Hmm." Wen Qi glanced at her again, then looked down at her. "Don't you like it?"

A gentle ripple appeared in Ji Xuan's eyes as he smiled and said, "I like it."

"I'm glad you like it." Wen Qi's furrowed brows relaxed imperceptibly, and his heart eased. He nodded and asked, "Have you prepared the congratulatory gift for the Qin family the day after tomorrow?"

Speaking of this, Ji Xuan stood up, put away the gift box in her hand, and said seriously, "It's ready. There are six gifts in total."

"Do you want to take a look? I'll go get the tablet..."

"Need not."

He always trusted her to get things done, especially when it came to interpersonal relationships. She was even more adept than him at it, always managing to please the other party without putting pressure on them to reciprocate.

As he turned away, he added, "Prepare a formal suit and come with me that day."

Ji Xuan was taken aback for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay."

Over the years, every time he attended a banquet, whether it was a private one or a business event, she was always his female companion.

Therefore, everyone in Beijing's high society knows that the future heir of the Wen family has a capable, beautiful female secretary who is fluent in four languages ​​and is also his girlfriend.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

On Saturday evening, Ji Xian wore a light pink halter-neck fitted long dress, with a white rose necklace adorning her slender and graceful collarbone, and silver stilettos on her feet. She walked gracefully into the banquet hall arm in arm with a man with an air of noble composure.

The two became the center of attention as soon as they entered.

Wen Qi is outstanding in both family background and appearance, and many socialites from wealthy families are infatuated with him, but unfortunately, there is always Ji Xian by his side.

Especially since he's already thirty this year, well past the age for marriage, many families are interested in a marriage alliance with the Wen family and have even gone to Sui Yi to sound them out. But Sui Yi is a shrewd person and understands their intentions, so she deliberately keeps quiet about it.

Does Sui Yi not want Wen Qi to marry her?
No.

It was Wen Qi himself who was stubborn and refused to get married.

The Wen and Qin families are considered old friends. Sui Yi and Wen Jingyan also came to celebrate Old Madam Qin's birthday. They arrived earlier than Wen Qi and were already chatting and laughing with the Qin family.

On the way there, many people took the initiative to greet him and try to strike up a conversation, but Wen Qi responded with calm and polite nods, saying a few words to indicate that he was going to greet the host, without stopping his steps.

The Qin family was surrounded by a large group of guests who had come to greet them.

When Wen Qi arrived, someone made way for him. He led Ji Xian to the Qin family and nodded, saying, "Uncle Qin, Aunt Qin."

Finally, looking at the elderly lady with her full head of white hair in the middle, his voice was even more respectful, "Grandma Qin, I wish you many years to live, long life, and good health."

"Little Qi is here." The old lady smiled, her wrinkles deepening. "Hearing you say that, I feel like this old woman can live for several more decades without any problem."

The middle-aged man standing beside her was her son. He reached out and patted Wen Qi on the shoulder, saying, "It's been a while since I've seen you. You're becoming more and more composed, just like your father back in the day!"

Wen Qi replied modestly, "Lord Qin, you flatter me."

After they finished exchanging pleasantries, Ji Xian greeted them, though he addressed them differently than Wen Qi.

She addressed them as 'Old Madam Qin', 'Chairman Qin', and 'Madam Qin'.

He then greeted Sui Yi and Wen Jingyan.

Madam Qin and Sui Yi had known each other for many years, and Madam Qin had met Ji Xian at several banquets before. She was also aware of Ji Xian's identity. However, the reclusive Old Madam Qin did not know this. She only thought that Ji Xian was Wen Qi's ordinary secretary and that he was just temporarily accompanying her today.

She readily agreed, then looked at Wen Qi and asked, "Speaking of which, Xiao Qi, do you remember Luo Xi?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Xuan felt a surge of intense emotions.

Is this old lady trying to arrange a marriage?

Grandma Qin has one son, one daughter, two grandsons, two granddaughters, and one granddaughter.

Qin Luoxi, as the little princess of the Qin family, was pampered and spoiled since childhood.

"She came back from studying abroad two months ago," the old lady said with a smile. "You two haven't seen each other for many years, have you? Today is a special day. You two can have a good chat later. She also studied finance, so you can give her some pointers."

After saying that, she looked at her daughter-in-law and asked, "Where is Luo Xi? She was just here a moment ago, how come she's disappeared again?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Qin's expression became somewhat unnatural.

The old lady hadn't told them about this idea beforehand, otherwise she would definitely have told them that Ji Xian was Wen Qi's girlfriend.

Although she had previously intended to match Wen Qi with her daughter, she felt that given her relationship with Sui Yi, the chances of the two families becoming in-laws were greater than anyone else's.

But Sui Yi never gave a definite answer, always just laughing it off.

Everyone present was shrewd; how could they not know Old Mrs. Qin's intentions?

Ji Xian was quite embarrassed, but he still had to maintain a gentle and polite smile.

Wen Qi's steady voice rang in her ears, "It has been a long time since I've seen Miss Qin, but when it comes to finance, Brother Qin is far more outstanding. How could I dare to surpass him and give Miss Qin any pointers?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wen Qi took the hand of the woman beside him. It was very soft, with slender fingertips. He gently squeezed it and continued, "I haven't introduced you yet. This is my girlfriend, Ji Xian."

(End of this chapter)