Chapter 231: Chapter 231: Designing Her Wedding Ring Upon hearing "fire," Gong Chen froze again.
He recalled the little girlâs distaste for him in his dreams.
Time and again, night after night, the conclusion of every dream was the same, the little girl rushing into the flames, leading a woman with a blurred back.
The two of them shared a smile before vanishing from his dreams.
Lin Zhiyi took the opportunity to break free from Gong Chenâs restraint and stood a few steps away from him.
Her anger tinged with a plea, "Uncle, I truly canât outmatch you, but I am a human being too. Havenât your father and son humiliated me enough? Do you really need to be satisfied only when everyone is pointing at me and calling me a âslutâ?"
After speaking, she turned and left.
Gong Chen reached out to grab her but only caught the overcoat draped over her shoulders.
Lin Zhiyi decisively tore off Gong Chenâs overcoat and walked away without looking back, then disappeared into the snowstorm.
Snow piled up on Gong Chenâs shoulders as Chen Jin quickly approached to hold an umbrella for him.
"Third Young Master, if you keep Miss Lin hidden here and the old master finds out, Iâm afraid..."
"He always likes to keep a move in reserve."
The coldness in Gong Chenâs demeanor matched the smoke from the cigarette he had lit, which obscured the complex emotions in his eyes.
"Which move?" Chen Jin didnât understand.
"To eradicate completely."
Gong Chen exhaled a puff of white smoke and looked up at the house in front of him. Following the direction Lin Zhiyi had pointed out just a moment ago, an image had already formed in his mind.
Finally, his gaze settled on the small vegetable garden, where it seemed two people crucial to him were standing.
He stubbed out the cigarette and murmured somberly, "Lin Zhiyi, she shouldnât think that itâs over just like that."
Chen Jin saw the obsession in the depths of Gong Chenâs eyes and found himself at a loss for words.
Lin Zhiyi returned home, dejected, not expecting Sister Zhou to hear her coming and promptly open the door.
"Youâre back? You just recovered from your illness and your face is all frozen white. Iâve prepared hot pot, come in and have some."
"Thank you."
Lin Zhiyi didnât refuse, because she didnât want to be alone right now, worried that she would wallow in her thoughts.
After entering Sister Zhouâs home and sitting down, Zhou immediately offered two cups.
"Care for a drink?"
"You..." Lin Zhiyi was slightly surprised by Sister Zhouâs preparedness.
This time, Sister Zhou did not gossip but said with a smile, "Nothing complements hot pot like a little alcohol, and tomorrow, all your worries will be gone."
Hearing this made Lin Zhiyi suspect that Sister Zhou had seen something.
freeÏebnovÄl.c૦m But Sister Zhou simply poured the drinks, added slices of marbled beef to the pot, and thoughtfully mixed the dipping sauce for her.
After a satisfying feast, Lin Zhiyi returned home slightly tipsy, fell onto her bed, and fell asleep at once, not having the chance to ruminate.
The next day she went back to work as usual, with her job occupying her thoughts.
It wasnât until the day before the holiday break that Lin Zhiyi took a rest. After finishing the big cleanup with her colleagues, she ordered afternoon tea and relaxed as she waited to clock out.
Everyone was discussing where to go for the Spring Festival, and Lin Zhiyi felt tempted.
In her previous life, she got married and had children right after graduating; not to mention, going out was hard enough, let alone traveling.
Now that she had saved some money, it was time for her to truly enjoy it.
While she was contemplating this, the receptionist called into the office.
"Zhiyi, someone is looking for you."
Lin Zhiyi put down her cup, "Iâll go down and have a look."
After descending the stairs, she saw the person slowly approaching.
It was Sang Ran.
"Zhiyi."
"Miss Sang, what brings you here?"
"Just call me Xiao Ran," Sang Ran corrected with a smile.
Worried that Sang Ran might get tired from standing too long, Lin Zhiyi quickly helped her sit on the nearby sofa.
Sang Ran laughed, "Donât think of me as so delicate. I can even go to the amusement park with Third Young Master wearing this, and this is just a short distance."
"Amusement park?"
After speaking, Lin Zhiyi realized her tone was somewhat odd and quickly turned to ask the receptionist to bring a cup of water.
Sang Ran, not noticing her discomfort, took out her phone and said, "Look, we took so many photos, Iâm thinking of using them for the engagement party and the wedding. Could you help me choose?"
Lin Zhiyi glanced at Sang Ranâs phone and found the photos of the coupleâs smiles somewhat dazzling.
Sang Ran had been nurtured in love as a cherished daughter; her elegance and natural grace were pure and radiant from the inside out, making her smile exceptionally infectious.
Even Gong Chen seemed more relaxed beside her.
The two were a good match physically, and every photo looked beautiful.
Lin Zhiyi felt awkward, not knowing where to rest her eyes.
"Theyâre all good. Itâs up to you two," she said with a smile, quickly changing the subject, "Anyway, what did you need me for?"
Sang Ran let out a soft exclamation.
"Look at me, I got so excited I almost forgot the real reason. The tie clip you designed for my brother is so beautiful, he wears it every day and doesnât want to take it off. So, I was hoping you could design a piece of jewelry for me."
"What kind of jewelry?" Lin Zhiyi maintained her smile, though she had already guessed most of it.
Likely it was jewelry Sang Ran wanted to wear for the engagement party.
A necklace, a bracelet, earrings, or even the main veilâs tiara â none of these were too challenging for her.
Sang Ran touched her cheek with a blush, "A ring."
The hand Lin Zhiyi was using to pass the teacup froze.
"The ring Third Young Master took me to choose, aside from being expensive, didnât suit me at all. I hope our wedding ring can be worn on our fingers every day. It doesnât need to be too ostentatious, but it needs to have a story. Zhiyi, could you help me?"
"..."
Lin Zhiyi gazed into the cup, where Sang Ranâs hopeful smile and her own uncertainty were reflected.
"Zhiyi? Zhiyi? Whatâs wrong?" Sang Ran came back to herself and called out twice.
Lin Zhiyi quickly put down her cup and managed a smile, "Sorry, Iâve never designed a wedding ring; I might not be the right person for this. But I can introduce my colleague to you; sheâs designed many rings for celebrities."
Sang Ran, however, held her hand, "Actually, it was your boss who recommended you, and after seeing your designs, they really fit my vision, so please."
"The old master?" Lin Zhiyiâs ready refusal turned to surprise.
"Yes, maybe he wants to keep it within the family," Sang Ran said with an innocent smile.
What Lin Zhiyi heard, though, sounded like a threat.
Thinking it over, it was indeed the kind of thing the old master would do.
Insisting on putting her through the wringer.
Reborn to Outshine My Ex and His White Moonlight ï¤Chapter 230: A Fire Burned Down This Place Rebirth of a Village Girl ï¤Chapter 1123 - 286: Retribution, Recognizing Each Other_3 Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress ï¤Chapter 828 - 825: Prosperous Mountains and Rivers With the thought of Liu He, Lin Zhiyi reluctantly nodded, "Okay, Iâll design it for you."
Sang Ran immediately scooted happily next to Lin Zhiyi.
"Oh, and Iâd like to ask you to be my bridesmaid. You know Iâve been recuperating overseas for the past few years and lost touch with many friends here. I feel a special connection with you."
"Let me show you the bridesmaid dress Iâve chosen."
Lin Zhiyi had no time to refuse; Sang Ran handed her the phone already.
Displayed on the phone were bridesmaid dresses from luxury brands, beautifully designed.
"Do you like them? If not, Iâll have someone send over some new styles."
Sang Ran was candid and did not mind the bridesmaid looking so glamorous.
Lin Zhiyi, however, felt petty, preferring if Sang Ran were a bit meaner to her.
She pulled her hand back sharply, lowering her eyes to hide the emotion swirling within.
"Iâm sorry, I canât be your bridesmaid; you should find someone else."
Sang Ran was taken aback.
After a moment, she smiled, looking almost pitiful, "Itâs okay, then can you accompany me to choose a wedding dress?"