187: What is she doing here?

What is she doing here?

As soon as he heard the woman's voice before him, Luo Zhelan's heart skipped a beat, instantly recognizing her identity, which left him momentarily speechless yet eager to be with her as well.2

What is she doing here?

Just as he wondered that, Jiang Yue crossed the distanced between the two of them, and this time, he could finally see her face up close.

And he couldn't help but think that the meticulously designed garden he was just viewing a while ago with all its careful planning and design, couldn't be compared to the captivating beauty before him now.

Looking at her, with her eyes shimmering under the light and a beautiful smile gracing her lips, was enough to take his breath away.

Luo Zhelan reached out and gently held Jiang Yue's arm. With his eyes not even straying a bit from hers, he said to her in a quiet and respectful voice, "Do you know how incredibly beautiful you are?"

Hearing these words, Jiang Yue's smile became even wider and she laughed a bit, which sounded like a sweet melody to him, "I didn't know Young Master Luo has a thing for maids."

It was only then that Luo Zhelan remembered how she approached him.

His eyes traveled up and down, taking in the maid's attire worn by the servants of the He Mansion, leaving him momentarily speechless.

"What are you doing here?" He asked once again, his brows furrowing with a mix of curiosity and puzzlement, "Had you told me earlier, I might have secured your services for a lifetime."

Jiang Yue responded with a tilt of her head, her lips curving into a playful smile, "I doubt you could afford such services."

"Care to test that theory, Miss Jiang?" Luo Zhelan shot back, his frown transforming into a teasing grin. His fingers gracefully slid down her wrist until he held her hand, "I'd gladly empty my wallet just to have you by my side."

"Your wallet barely has anything," Jiang Yue stated with a raised brow, making him laugh.

"Then I'd empty my bank account, relinquish all I own, just to have you," he declared, "Would that suffice, Miss Jiang?"

She tilted her head, a thoughtful glint in her eyes, "I'll consider it."

"Merely consider?" he acted surprised, adding a touch of playful annoyance to his words.

Jiang Yue shook her head, "Nothing could compare if I can have you for myself," she stated, her tone light and mischievous.

Luo Zhelan's laughter danced in the air, a melody of contentment. With her hand nestled in his, he brought it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of her hand. His voice dipped to a low as he echoed her sentiment, "Nothing could compare to having you for myself as well."

He lowered their hands right after, "Let's go, I'll tour you around the garden."

"Ah, from what I remember this is the He Family's garden."

"I know, I didn't claim it was mine."

"You look like you don't even know where you're going, what kind of tour guide is that?" Jiang Yue questioned with a raised brow as they started walking around.

Luo Zhelan's response was swift, accompanied by a playful grin, "A tour guide momentarily captivated by the beauty beside him, so my navigation skills suffer in comparison to the view," he stated in a lighthearted voice, causing Jiang Yue to break into a soft chuckle.

"If we ever find ourselves in dire financial straits," she mused, "I might just make you the sales pitch master. You seem to have a knack for it."

Luo Zhelan couldn't suppress a chuckle as her words caught him off guard, "How did you even come up with that idea?"

Jiang Yue nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders, a playful glint in her eyes, "What? You don't think you have a way with your words?"

"How about you tell me?" He responded, "But if it indeed does happen, you just need to sit down to count the money and watch me do all the sales talking."

Only then did he realize that he hadn't yet gotten answer why she was there, so he brought the topic back again, "You still haven't told me what brought you here."

Jiang Yue halted her steps, causing him to halt as well. She tilted her head as she asked, "You seriously don't know?"

Luo Zhelan hearing those words from her was confused, "Know what?"

A mischievous smile tugged at her lips as she answered, "Why else would I be here? Of course, it's all for you."

Hearing her response, Luo Zhelan was astounded.

At first, he had a fleeting thought that maybe she had come for him, but he quickly pushed that idea away. It just didn't seem like something she would do, especially considering how she was behaving, even pretending to be a servant.

So, when she openly admitted that she was indeed there because of him, he was completely taken aback.

The realization that she had put in so much effort just for him was heartwarming yet left him in a state of internal disarray.

He hadn't anticipated such actions from her, especially since he hadn't set such expectations, as being with her was more than enough for him already.

When they had started their relationship, he thought that he would be the one doing most of the work to make it better. However, here she was, going beyond his own efforts, displaying a level of commitment that left him in awe, and a bit overwhelmed with happiness.

This girl really has her ways to ignite warmth in his heart he hadn't anticipated.

Observing his expression, Jiang Yue squeezed his hand and stated, "I know you want our relationship out in the open but I'm not really ready for that yet. Still, I want you to know that I'm here to support you. Even if we can't tell the world just yet, I can still stand by your side and be there for you in some events."

Luo Zhelan found himself at a loss for words to convey the depth of his emotions as the intensity of his feelings had crystallized into a singular desire— he wanted to kiss her.

Without a word, he stepped closer, his free hand gently lifting her chin, tilting it upward.

Jiang Yue's breath hitched in her throat as his touch sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine. Her attention was solely fixed on the man who stood before her, his eyes holding an intensity that matched her own.

Inch by inch, Luo Zhelan closed the distance between them, his eyes never leaving hers. Their lips were now just a whisper away, and with his heart pounding with nervousness and desire, and in a hushed voice thick with emotion, he asked, "May I?"

Jiang Yue responded, "This wasn't one of the services I offer, but yes—" just as she finished saying those words, Luo Zhelan didn't waste any second as he finally closed the remaining gap, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was both gentle and full of yearning.

Jiang Yue melted into the kiss, her fingers instinctively tightening around his hand. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the sensation of his touch and the taste of his lips.

As they were enjoying their time together, an unexpected noise burst from the He family mansion, bringing them back to the present moment. 

"What happened?" Curious and concerned, Jiang Yue mumbled to herself, her gaze shifting toward the back entrance of the grand mansion.

  Luo Zhelan, his brow furrowed uttered, "Wait here, I'll go find out what's going on. Something must have happened." 

Jiang Yue shook her head with determination, her eyes reflecting her resolve. "I'll go with you. Actually, it might be easier for me to slip in without drawing attention since I'm dressed as a servant. Just call me if you need anything."

With a nod, they decided to split up, each heading toward the mansion to know what happened. As they stepped into the mansion, it became apparent that something significant had occurred. 

Luo Zhelan's frown deepened as he noticed security personnel hustling about. 

Pushing through the growing crowd, he eventually entered the banquet hall, where people were reseating themselves. 

He Luoyang, the mayor and eldest son of the He family, was on the stage and was preparing to say something. 

Taking his seat at his family's table, Luo Zhelan was about to ask about the commotion when Mayor He began to speak, "I want to express my gratitude to all of you who graced my father's banquet. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the event will be ending prematurely. Thank you once again for joining us."

Mayor He promptly left the stage, leaving behind a buzz of whispers and speculation. With no clear explanation offered, Luo Zhelan turned to his father, his brow still furrowed, and asked, "What's going on?"

Luo Zexian responded with a worried expression, "I heard that He Xieren's youngest daughter has gone missing not long ago."

Luo Zhelan's frown deepened. 

He Xieren was the youngest among Old Master He's children. 

And from what he remembered, her youngest daughter was merely around 4 years old.

Glancing around, he observed that attendees were already making their exit, guided by security personnel. Turning to his family members, who were already discussing the situation, he made a decision. "You all go home first. I'll stay here and see if there's any way I can help."

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