Chapter 270: Whispers Under the Stars

Lily and Heqing both stepped out of the tent to see the two, their faces mixing anticipation with confusion.

Lily asked, “What were you two up to? Why did it take so long?”

Han Wenwen gripped Lin Zheng Ran’s hand tightly as he led her forward step by step.

The feeling near her thigh was definitely different from usual.

After being spoiled by Brother Zheng Ran for so long, Han Wenwen felt her body light and floaty, almost like she was half-exhausted, though that wasn’t quite accurate.

Her legs felt weak, as if they had no strength, but she couldn’t call it real fatigue.

It was more like the sensation of just waking up, slowly coming back to life.

She pursed her lips, savoring how delicious Brother Zheng Ran had been.

Ever since that first taste in the hotel, she’d been unable to forget it.

Just now in the car, she’d finally satisfied her craving again.

Though she was full now, it was so addictive that even thinking about next time made her mouth water.

Han Wenwen lifted her other hand and waved it around:

“Xiao Qingqing, Lily, we’re back. Brother Zheng Ran took me for a walk up the mountain, and since it was getting dark, we came down slowly. Sorry about that.”

Lily replied, “Oh, I see. No worries, as long as you’re back safe.”

Since Han Wenwen was walking back on her own, Heqing and Lily didn’t suspect a thing this time.

They knew from experience that Lin Zheng Ran’s energy was endless, so if Han Wenwen had really been with him that way, she’d have been carried back, not walking.

Han Wenwen had already guessed what the two women were thinking. Earlier in the car, when Heqing called, Lin Zheng Ran had wanted to carry her back because he thought she’d be tired.

But she playfully refused, insisting she could walk on her own.

Lin Zheng Ran figured out her plan—she wanted to give Heqing and Lily the impression that nothing had happened, so they wouldn’t interrupt if she wanted more time with him later.

He had to admire how clever this little fox was, though she used her wits for things like this. Still, since her intentions weren’t malicious, he went along with it.

Lin Zheng Ran would keep spoiling Han Wenwen, who was clever but not mean-spirited.

Lin Zheng Ran said, “You three must be starving by now? How about more barbecue tonight? We need to finish what we didn’t eat at lunch.”

The three women chimed in, “Sure!”

Xiao Heqing said sweetly, “We’ve already set up the barbecue grill!”

Lin Zheng Ran let go of Han Wenwen’s hand and gently touched Xiao Heqing’s cheek; Han Wenwen looked a bit jealous but didn’t interrupt.

Soon, Lin Zheng Ran sat in the middle of the four tents, tending to the skewers on the grill as sparks flew up.

The mouthwatering aroma of the barbecue quickly filled the air.

Han Wenwen, nearly drained of energy, smelled it and started drooling, but the two women pulled her aside.

Lily asked eagerly, “So, Han Wenwen, did you succeed?”

Xiao Heqing swallowed nervously, “Did you bring it up?”

Han Wenwen blinked her fox-like eyes and tilted her head with a sly smile, “Of course I mentioned it, and Brother Zheng Ran listened to everything I said.”

The two women exclaimed in surprise, “Really?! So there’s a chance?”

The little fox chuckled, “Too bad it failed. Brother Zheng Ran won’t reduce the number.”

Heqing and Lily froze in place.

Heqing whispered, “Then why are you so happy, Wenwen? I thought you pulled it off.”

Han Wenwen blushed and covered her face with one hand, “That’s because I did more than just hug him. I got close with Brother Zheng Ran for a while, so I’ll punish myself with three buckets of ice water when we get back.”

Heqing: “.”

Lily: “.”

The girlfriend alliance plan had completely failed.

From a distance, Lin Zheng Ran called out, “You three, come over— the barbecue’s ready!”

The three responded and gathered around Lin Zheng Ran.

Lin Zheng Ran handed them each a large skewer of lamb.

The three women sweetly tried to feed him the first bite.

Lin Zheng Ran picked up his own skewer, “No need, I’ve got mine. You all just dig in.”

They waited for him to take the first bite before starting themselves.

The failure didn’t dampen their enthusiasm for the camping trip at all.

They chatted and laughed while enjoying the food.

Lin Zheng Ran watched Han Wenwen, Lily, and Heqing happily munching on their barbecue, looking adorable.

“I’ve thought more about what you three talked to me about today. I might not end up with that many, but I figured seven seemed like a good number at first. But after today’s chaos, I see having too many girlfriends isn’t ideal—

it means less time for each of you, and if we have more discussions like this, three hours each would take up the whole day. So, let’s make it six max. I’ll stick to six at most.”

The three little ones paused mid-bite at his words.

They stared at Lin Zheng Ran until he finished, then went back to eating.

The three exchanged glances, smiles spreading across their faces.

“The girlfriend alliance wins!”

After dinner, the three little ones busied themselves again, arranging the bedding and such in the tents.

Girls have that playful homemaking instinct, especially in a cozy setup like this.

It wasn’t just about throwing in a pillow and blanket—they had to get everything perfect.

From decorations to tomorrow’s clothes, it all needed to be neatly placed.

They even took care of Lin Zheng Ran’s tent; he had planned to do it quickly himself,

but the three women enthusiastically made his bed for him.

They told him to rest since he’d been grilling, saying they’d handle these little tasks easily.

Lin Zheng Ran let them take over. Seeing the water was running low, he said, “Alright, you all sort that out. I’ll grab another case of mineral water from the car.”

Lin Zheng Ran headed to the parking area, opened the trunk, and grabbed the water.

As he turned, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure in the darkness.

She wore red-soled high heels, a silk stocking skirt below, and a thin, upscale sweater on top.

Her artistic necklace and earrings glimmered in the moonlight.

The woman gazed at Lin Zheng Ran with tender, fearful eyes, her face full of longing and anxiety.

Lin Zheng Ran smiled in surprise, “Jingshi?”

“Zheng Zheng..”

The two strolled along the green stone path in the parking area.

This formidable female boss, feared and admired in the business world, now stood before him nervous and timid, like a twenty-year-old girl.

Lin Zheng Ran asked curiously, “What brings you here? It’s not close from Ziteng City. Is something up?”

Jiang Jingshi said softly:

“Nothing really. I only found out this morning you were here. One of our employees was traveling and spotted you; Pan Lin overheard and told me. I didn’t plan to come, but… I just missed you so much, so I thought I’d drop by.”

Lin Zheng Ran was surprised, “This morning? That’s a full day’s drive from Ziteng City just to see me?”

Jiang Jingshi felt a bit silly about the whole thing.

But no one understood how much she longed for him; the moment she heard, she couldn’t sit still at the office and had to see him.

“Yeah, I’ll head back soon. I’ve got things to handle at the company tomorrow morning.”

Lin Zheng Ran chuckled helplessly.

Jiang Jingshi met his gaze and couldn’t defend herself, “I know it was impulsive to come out like this, but… seeing you makes it all worth it.”

Lin Zheng Ran stopped walking, “I’ll be back in four or five days.”

Jiang Jingshi nodded, “Okay, no rush. Just enjoy your time out here.”

They locked eyes; Jiang Jingshi clenched her fingers, and Lin Zheng Ran wrapped his arm around her waist.

Under the moon, they shared a simple embrace and kiss.