Accidentally Marked My Ex’s Crush, the Ice-Cold Goddess O - Chapter 56: Jiang Ci, You Just Wait

Chapter 56: Jiang Ci, You Just Wait

The last three days passed quickly.

Jiang Ci hung up the phone, put away her mobile, and walked over to continue standing by Teacher Gu’s Ascending to Master

On the first day, Gu Mushi came to the research center just to meet the staff and learn about the products being developed. She would officially start work tomorrow.

Jiang Ci and others accompanied Teacher Gu out of the research center. She said, “Teacher Gu, if you have no other plans, we’ve arranged dinner for you.”

Gu Mushi said, “It’s our first time working with your company, so we should eat… What has President Jiang arranged?”

Jiang Ci replied, “Knowing you prefer light flavors and have healthy habits, I asked the chef to prepare light, tasty dishes with rich soup that highlight the ingredients’ natural flavor. I hope it suits your taste.”

Gu Mushi, pleased, said, “Alright, President Jiang, you’ve made me hungry. Even if I didn’t want to go, I’d have to now.”

Jiang Ci gestured, “Teacher Gu, this way, please.”

“Hmm.” Gu Mushi walked toward the car.

Besides inviting Gu Mushi, Jiang Ci also asked key research team members to join the dinner to help them get to know each other quickly and let Teacher Gu know these were the company’s top talents, encouraging open communication.

Though the chairman warned her to be cautious of Gu Mushi, since they were now partners, trust was most important.

The table had over a dozen dishes, mostly light, with four or five heavier meat dishes. Jiang Ci ordered only one bottle of red wine; the rest were freshly squeezed juices, which people could sweeten or ice as they liked.

After eating for a while, everyone warmed up and started making their own juices at the juicing station.

Jiang Ci stayed by Gu Mushi’s side the whole time.

Gu Mushi sipped her red wine, drinking less than half a glass since the dinner began.

Looking at the lively crowd around the juicing station, Gu Mushi said, “President Jiang must be a good boss.”

Jiang Ci smiled lightly, “Thank you for the compliment, Teacher Gu.”

Gu Mushi’s comment was sudden, but instead of questioning it, Jiang Ci thanked her, prompting Gu Mushi to explain, “You’re practically the second-in-command of Jiang Group. These people aren’t intimidated by you; they’re relaxed and casual, which shows you treat them well. Otherwise, this dinner wouldn’t have this vibe.”

Jiang Ci said, “In research, results matter most. For us project managers, profit is key. Both sides get what they need and benefit mutually.”

Gu Mushi lowered her eyes, lightly tapping her wine glass, and said, “I’ll take that as you speaking to me.”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Jiang Ci replied.

After the dinner, Jiang Ci arranged a driver to take Gu Mushi back, but she had her own driver pick her up.

Before getting in the car, Gu Mushi casually waved and said, “President Jiang, no need to see me off. Here’s to a successful partnership.”

Jiang Ci stood a few steps from the car, “Successful partnership.”

The driver opened the back door, holding the car’s roof as she bent to get in. He closed the door, quickly walked to the driver’s seat, and drove off.

After Gu Mushi left, Jiang Ci instructed two drivers to take the others home, adding, “It’s dark tonight, so drive slowly. Text me once you’ve safely dropped all the teachers at their dorms.”

The drivers nodded, “Yes, President Jiang.”

Jiang Ci repeated her instructions, then walked to the group and said softly, “After spending a day together, you can see Teacher Gu is quite easy to get along with. Don’t worry too much about her authority. Besides, the company hired her at great expense, so when working with her, ask if you don’t understand something. Don’t be shy or worry about looking inexperienced—mistakes lead to progress.”

They understood, “Got it, President Jiang.”

Jiang Ci said, “Hmm, I wish you smooth work.”

Everyone replied, “Thank you, President Jiang.”

Once they left, Jiang Ci sighed in relief, rubbed her brow, and drove home.

On the way, she got a WeChat message from Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning: Sister, I’ve got some things here, so I might only be back for your birthday.

Jiang Ci replied: No need to rush for that day. Birthdays don’t matter much; just come back safely.

Xiao Ning: But it’s my birthday too. Don’t you want to celebrate with me?

Well…

Jiang Ci was stumped. Since Xiao Ning went abroad to study, they hadn’t celebrated birthdays together in a long time.

Jiang Ci: Okay, got it.

Xiao Ning: When I’m back, let’s celebrate our birthdays with Little Aunt and Grandma.

Jiang Ci: Hmm.

Jiang Ci: By the way, Xiao Ning, I’m sorry I couldn’t attend your graduation ceremony.

Xiao Ning: It’s fine. Jiang Xi was there.

Jiang Ci froze: Jiang Xi was there?

Right after that message, Xiao Ning sent a photo of her and Jiang Xi on a lawn.

Xiao Ning wore a cap and gown, leaning her head on Jiang Xi, her right hand making a slight peace sign.

Jiang Xi smiled, one arm around her, dressed in a black suit with black-framed glasses. Her hair was longer, with slightly curled ends falling to her chest, looking poised and like she was doing well.

Jiang Ci: It really is Jiang Xi.

Xiao Ning: I had no idea she’d come. She contacted my friend beforehand and appeared behind me during photos. When my friend showed me the pictures, I saw Jiang Xi standing there.

Jiang Ci smiled unconsciously: That’s not like Jiang Xi’s style. Her personality’s changed a lot over the years.

Xiao Ning: Yeah, it has. When Jiang Xi showed up, lots of people asked for her contact info. Before, she might’ve been shy, but now she rejects them cleanly, no hesitation, and doesn’t offend anyone. So cool.

Jiang Ci: Is Jiang Xi still there with you?

Xiao Ning: She stayed a week and left yesterday. She told me not to tell you guys until she was gone.

Jiang Ci: Alright, as long as she’s doing well.

Xiao Ning: She’s doing pretty well.

Xiao Ning: Before Jiang Xi left, she asked me to pass on a message to you: sorry, and thank you for your hard work.

Jiang Ci: Tell her I want to hear it in person when she comes back for New Year.

Xiao Ning: Hmm (crying cat emoji).

Tonight, Dr. Gu was on duty, so Jiang Ci didn’t pick her up but went to the place Xiao Ning would stay when she returned, cleaning it up in advance.

When Grandma was alive, she prepared 18th birthday gifts for Jiang Xi, Jiang Ci, and Xiao Ning: two cars, a house, ten million yuan, and some company shares for each. If they didn’t want the car or house, the money could go straight to their bank accounts for them to decide what to buy.

Jiang Xi, who came of age a few years earlier, chose two cars, a house, and the ten million. But after she left, Grandma, in anger, took back their cars and houses and froze everyone’s bank cards, including Little Aunt’s.

The house and car Jiang Ci had now were regained only after agreeing to change her major as Grandma wanted.

As for the house Xiao Ning would live in, it belonged to their mothers, who traveled nationwide and rarely stayed there, leaving it mostly empty.

Jiang Ci had planned for Xiao Ning to live with her, but Xiao Ning insisted on staying there, so Jiang Ci let her.

At the door, Jiang Ci entered the password, changed into slippers, and went inside.

Turning on the light, she saw the living room packed with stacks of boxes—all things Xiao Ning shipped back from abroad.

There was no way her small room could hold all this.

Jiang Ci checked the boxes briefly. Some items weren’t even worth the shipping cost but were sent back anyway.

That girl.

—

The night before the 22nd.

Jiang Ci drove to the hospital to pick up Dr. Gu after work. As soon as they met, Dr. Gu pulled a small black box with a bow from her pocket, similar to the one Jiang Ci used to gift her a necklace.

Jiang Ci asked, “What’s this?”

Gu Feiran: “Your birthday gift.”

Jiang Ci was shocked, “How did you know tomorrow’s my birthday? Did Little Aunt tell you?”

Gu Feiran: “No, I guessed.”

“Hmm?” Could birthdays be guessed?

Gu Feiran raised her hand, nudging the box closer, “What, you don’t want it?”

“I want it. A birthday gift from Dr. Gu? Of course I want it.” Jiang Ci took it with both hands, her fingertips touching the bow. She paused before opening it, holding it in her palm, and asked, “Should I open it now or wait until my birthday tomorrow?”

Gu Feiran: “Up to you.”

Jiang Ci put it away, saying, “I’ll wait until after midnight tonight since it’s a birthday gift. But we’ll see each other tomorrow, so why give it to me a day early?”

Gu Feiran lowered her hand, “I don’t know.”

Jiang Ci frowned playfully, eyeing her suspiciously, “Dr. Gu seems a bit mysterious today.”

Gu Feiran: “Because tomorrow’s your 25th birthday. I don’t know if you’ll suddenly get married to some other woman or get arrested and spend three months in jail. I’m not interested in attending your wedding or visiting you through prison bars.”

Jiang Ci: “…”

Why did she even ask?

Jiang Ci drove Dr. Gu home. After parking, she got out, holding the car keys, standing by the hood, staring at the car with deep, reluctant eyes.

Gu Feiran walked ahead, noticed Jiang Ci wasn’t following, and turned to see her staring at the car.

No need to guess—she was thinking about selling it to pay a fine.

Gu Feiran walked back to Jiang Ci, looked at the car with her, and suggested, “If you’re so reluctant, why not sleep with it tonight?”

“Can I?” Jiang Ci actually considered it.

After all, she’d had the car for years and was attached to it. Selling it felt hard.

Gu Feiran nodded, “Why not?”

Jiang Ci: “Then I’ll go up, wash up, and come back down.”

Gu Feiran: “Hmm.”

They took the elevator up. Jiang Ci rushed into the guest bedroom bathroom with pajamas, showered, put on a face mask, and gathered clothes, a pillow, and a thin blanket to sleep in the car, plus a bottle of water.

Gu Feiran, after her shower, read a book while watching Jiang Ci bustle about. Anyone unaware might think she was camping in the parking lot, not sleeping in her car.

Jiang Ci finished preparing, removed her face mask, folded it, and tossed it in the trash.

Gu Feiran kept reading.

Jiang Ci washed her face, applied skincare, and came out of the bathroom. As she bent to pick up her things from the sofa to head downstairs, she suddenly remembered something and looked at Dr. Gu, “Oh, I forgot—what day is it today?”

Gu Feiran: “Wednesday.”

Wednesday, test day.

Nearly forgetting, Jiang Ci set the clothes and blanket back on the sofa and walked to Dr. Gu.

She grabbed the remote to turn off all the lights with one hand, took the book from Dr. Gu with the other, closed it, and placed it by the pillow. Leaning down, she kissed Dr. Gu’s warm lips accurately in the dim light, her knees on the bed, slowly moving up.

Their breaths merged, and Gu Feiran instinctively closed her eyes, her body tensing, lips tingling.

Jiang Ci lifted her hand to cup Dr. Gu’s face, her middle finger gently lifting to deepen the kiss.

As they lay down, Gu Feiran grabbed Jiang Ci’s hand pulling at her shoulder strap and said, “You’re not wearing the detector.”

Jiang Ci’s other hand slowly gripped Dr. Gu’s slim waist, fingers pulling her closer, “I’ve worn it so many times before with no issue. It’s fine not to wear it tonight.”

Gu Feiran started to object, but Jiang Ci’s movements interrupted her. Her hands hooked around Jiang Ci’s neck, pushing and grabbing her hair.

A few minutes before midnight, Gu Feiran pulled Jiang Ci from the covers, saying, “It’s almost midnight. Didn’t you say you’d open my birthday gift at twelve?”

Jiang Ci, dazed, said, “Now?”

She was busy.

Gu Feiran insisted, “Hmm, now.”

Jiang Ci didn’t understand but didn’t dare argue. She pulled her hands back, got out of bed, grabbed the remote, and turned on a floor lamp. She slipped back under the covers, went to the sofa by the bed’s foot, and took out Dr. Gu’s gift from her clothes’ pocket.

Jiang Ci returned with the gift, lay beside Dr. Gu, her slender arms visible, and untied the bow while asking, “What did you get me? With this packaging, it’s not another necklace, is it?”

Gu Feiran: “Open it and see.”

Jiang Ci glanced at Dr. Gu, set the untied ribbon by the pillow, and checked the time on her phone.

23:58

They waited together. When the phone’s time hit 00:00, Jiang Ci opened the box. Inside was a beautiful women’s watch, its minute and hour hands pointing at twelve, the second hand ticking down.

Jiang Ci took out the watch, her finger holding the strap, the dial against her palm, “Thank you, it’s beautiful.”

Gu Feiran: “Look at the bottom of the dial.”

Jiang Ci flipped it over. The bottom had “Jiang Ci” engraved in elegant handwritten English.

Something like this was likely custom-made, and with the embedded diamonds, plus it being from Dr. Gu, it wasn’t cheap.

Jiang Ci instinctively asked, “How much was this watch?”

Gu Feiran frowned, “Falling into the money trap?”

Jiang Ci pursed her lips, wishing she could fall into a money trap to avoid selling her car for the fine.

After seeing the gift, Jiang Ci put the watch back in the box and closed it.

She sat up, grabbed a wet wipe, and held it in her palm. She turned off the light with the remote, wiped her hands, and tossed the wipe into the sensor-activated trash bin when it opened. Returning, she grabbed something by the pillow and leaned down to kiss Dr. Gu again.

As Jiang Ci kissed Dr. Gu until her breath quickened and her chest heaved, unconsciously pressing closer, Jiang Ci pinned her wrists above her head and slowly wrapped them with the item in her hand.

Gu Feiran sensed something was off and instinctively clenched her fists, struggling.

Jiang Ci anticipated this, held her still, kissed her sensitive ear, and coaxed, “Since it’s a birthday gift, let’s not waste it. The watch goes on your wrist; other things can be worn too, to make full use of it.”

Gu Feiran turned her head, her cheek brushing Jiang Ci’s ear, and said, “Jiang Ci, you just wait.”

Jiang Ci’s heart skipped at the warning, but her hands didn’t stop, “It’s my birthday, so be nice to the birthday girl.”

Gu Feiran: “Fine. My birthday’s in October.”

Jiang Ci: “…”

She’d dug herself into a hole.

At 1 a.m., they finished washing up.

Jiang Ci checked Dr. Gu’s wrists—slightly red, but not serious. It would likely fade by morning.

Jiang Ci changed clothes, picked up her things from the bed’s foot, and looked at Dr. Gu lying in bed, “I’m going to sleep in the car. Rest well. Goodnight.”

Gu Feiran was already settled and didn’t reply.

Jiang Ci didn’t disturb her further, turned off the light, hugged her blanket, grabbed her phone, and tiptoed out of the bedroom. At the entrance, she opened the door, put on her shoes, took the elevator down, found her car, unlocked it, put her things in the back seat, climbed in, curled her long legs, and made do to sleep.

The next day, before 5 a.m., Gu Feiran was woken by a piercing phone ring, “Hello.”

Jiang Ci: “Dr. Gu, it’s me.”

Gu Feiran: “What’s up?”

Jiang Ci stood at the elevator, fanning her collar, pacing, and sweating, “Dr. Gu, I don’t have your elevator card. Can you come down to get me?”

Gu Feiran: “Weren’t you sleeping with your car tonight?”

Jiang Ci: “It’s too hot in the car. I couldn’t sleep.”

Gu Feiran got up, putting on shoes, “Too hot? Turn on the air conditioning. Doesn’t your car have it?”

Jiang Ci: “Starting the car at night feels too weird, and people kept passing by.”

Gu Feiran, now in shoes, said, “You don’t need to start the car to use the air conditioning.”

Jiang Ci: “That’s too hard on the car.”

Gu Feiran: “You’re selling it, and you still care?”

Jiang Ci stopped pacing, confused, “How do you know I’m selling my car? Did I tell you?”

She hadn’t, so how did Dr. Gu know?

Beep—the call ended.

Minutes later, the elevator opened, and Dr. Gu stood inside, her face cold.

Jiang Ci hurried in with her things. As the doors closed, she apologized first, “Sorry, Dr. Gu, for disturbing your sleep. I held off as long as I could before calling.”

Gu Feiran closed her eyes, either sleeping or avoiding irritation.

Back home, Gu Feiran went back to bed to sleep.

Jiang Ci, sweaty and sticky, took a cold shower in the guest bathroom before sleeping on the sofa to avoid waking Dr. Gu.

Past 10 a.m., Jiang Ci drove to the car dealership.

The used-car staff brought the buyer to her, smiling, “Miss Jiang, this is the buyer. If you’re okay with it, sign the contract, and you both exchange money and car.”

Jiang Ci looked at her car, eyes full of reluctance.

The staff noticed and said, “Miss Jiang, we’ve checked your car. It’s well-maintained, no collisions or major scratches in two years, showing you love it. But since you’ve decided to sell, it means you have to let go. The new owner loves cars too and will cherish it.”

The new owner added, “Miss Jiang, I really love this model, but I could only afford a used one. Rest assured, I’ll take good care of it.”

Jiang Ci touched the car’s hood, “Thank you.”

Selling was easy; buying it back would be hard.

The staff didn’t rush her, saying, “Miss Jiang, I know you’re hesitant and attached. Many feel this way when selling, but since it’s settled, we follow the process. If you miss it, you can contact the new owner, who’s happy to let you see it.”

The new owner said, “Yes, most car lovers are attached. I get it. After the handover, we can exchange contacts. Weekends or weekdays, we can meet. I’m not unreasonable.”

Since they were so open, Jiang Ci had little to say. She looked at them, “Alright, let’s go sign. No need for contacts after. Once it’s yours, it’s no longer mine.”

The staff stepped aside, “You two decide privately. Let’s go sign.”

The three went to the hall.

The staff handed Jiang Ci the contract. She read it, found no issues, and picked up a black pen to sign, though she hesitated despite her decision. She wished she’d saved more money.

Jiang Ci sighed deeply, raised her hand, and the pen touched the signature line. Just as she finished the “water” strokes of her name, her phone buzzed with a notification.

She glanced at it—a text from the Pheromone Administration, saying her five-million-yuan fine was paid.

Paid?

Jiang Ci stared at the words in disbelief, but before she could read closely, the text vanished from the screen. She quickly set down the pen, unlocked her phone with her face, and opened the message.

[Dear Alpha Miss Jiang, the Pheromone Administration reminds you: Your five-million-yuan fine has been paid, and fifteen million yuan has been refunded. Please check your account.]

Paid, and fifteen million refunded?

She didn’t have that much money in her account.