Sweet as Honey and Sugar - Chapter 17

From just a few meters away, she could feel his gaze clinging to her, burning and unrestrained.

It made her uneasy.

He Qingrou wanted to call out to Chi Jiayi, but Jiayi was still chatting with someone nearby,

laughing easily. So Qingrou waited. Two or three minutes later, Jiayi finally finished,

but instead of heading to the car, she motioned for Qingrou to come over.

Two of them are from the racing team. Don’t you want to take a look?

Jiayi tapped on the car window, smiling.

The Southwest Mountain Auto Show would feature a so-called “friendship race” a polite name for a

fierce corporate showdown. Each company would showcase its best cars and drivers,

and whoever took first place would steal the spotlight for months.

Cars mattered, but drivers mattered even more.

Most mid-sized companies couldn’t afford to train a full team and had to hire professional racers

from big-name clubs. Only giants like Dongning Automotive had their own dedicated racing teams

though even they maintained just one, stationed permanently at headquarters.

Branch offices had to submit requests to borrow drivers for special events.

The team had always been under Lin Nai’s management.

Qingrou remembered that they had gone to Southwest Mountain earlier in the week to get familiar

with the track. By now they should be deep in training—no smoking, no drinking, no late nights.

So what were they doing here, in a bar? Then again, if Lin Nai was around,

maybe they were just passing by.

She got out of the car and walked over. As she approached, she noticed one of the racers

a young woman with an androgynous style had a face strikingly similar to Lin Nai’s.

Lin Nai waved her over. This is He Qingrou, Team Leader He, one of the

organizers of the Southwest Mountain Auto Show.

She then introduced the group one by one. Qi Feng, Pei Chengming, Jiang Xingzhou.

And this she gestured to the short-haired girl is Ye Xun, my cousin.

She and Jiang Xingzhou are both on the racing team. Anything team-related, you can talk to her.

Hello. Qingrou reached out to shake hands, hiding her surprise.

They all looked so young, but then again, so did many of the rising stars in racing.

Talent didn’t need age.

Ye Xun smiled. Team Leader He, pleasure to meet you.

Qingrou returned the smile, friendly and composed, greeting the others in turn.

Jiang Xingzhou grinned wide. We’ve heard Lin Nai mention you plenty of times.

Finally meeting you in person, I must say Miss He, you’re even prettier than in the photos.

Photos? Qingrou blinked in confusion.

Jiang realized too late what he’d said, face stiffening. Oh—uh, the company files!

Yeah, there was a photo in the files.

Everyone else went silent, watching his awkwardness.

The guilt was practically written across his forehead.

Lin Nai stepped in smoothly. Over there, that’s Jiang Xingyun representing Jiang Group this time.

After the auto show, there would be follow-up projects with Jiang Group,

though that wouldn’t fall under Qingrou’s department.

Still, they’d likely be working side by side during the event.

She’d heard of Jiang Xingyun—eldest daughter of the Jiang family, sharp-minded, well-educated,

capable. After university, she joined the family business and worked her way up from the bottom.

Now she was one of Director Jiang’s most trusted aides.

Qingrou’s gaze drifted toward Wu Jin, who was chatting warmly with Xingyun.

Lin Nai knew Xingyun, and Xingyun knew Wu Jin.

That meant Lin Nai and Wu Jin must also know each other.

Miss He, let’s all have dinner after the auto show, Jiang Xingzhou suggested eagerly.

Qingrou nodded with a soft smile. Sure. My treat.

Thanks—oh, I mean, thank you for the offer, but of course we can’t let a lady pay, Jiang blurted,

catching himself after Pei Chengming jabbed him in the ribs. Dinner’s on me.

I heard the southern district has great local food you’ll have to be our guide.

That’s easy. I know the area well.

Perfect! Then why don’t we add each other on WeChat? Easier to keep in touch.

Before she could react, Jiang had already held out his phone with the QR code open.

Qingrou hesitated, surprised by his straightforwardness, and reached for her phone.

But before she could scan, Lin Nai stepped neatly between them.

It’s late. Are you still planning to train tomorrow?

Jiang withdrew his phone, sheepish.

You should all get going soon, Lin Nai said, her eyes flicking briefly toward Wu Jin.

Drive safe, and don’t linger outside too long.

Qingrou nodded.

The group started to leave. Just as they reached the corner, she heard someone murmur,

You’re scaring her.

What? No way, Jiang replied, scratching his head with an embarrassed laugh.

Whatever else they said faded into the night.

Jiayi, tipsy and tired, went back to the car first.

Qingrou was just about to open the door when Wu Jin approached.

She paused. When Wu Jin came closer, she spoke carefully. Miss Wu,

please don’t send flowers anymore.

Wu Jin was silent for a moment before replying softly, Jiayi said you liked flowers.

I appreciate the thought, Qingrou said gently. She didn’t want to sound harsh after all,

they shared mutual friends.

Wu Jin looked at her steadily. Then she asked, almost dreamily,

Do you have someone you like?

Qingrou froze, gripping the door handle tighter. No.

Wu Jin smiled faintly, studying her face as if searching for a lie. After a pause, she said,

Starting tomorrow, I won’t send them anymore.

Then… goodbye.

Goodbye, Wu Jin replied, but she didn’t move.

Qingrou didn’t linger either. She got into the car and drove off.

When they reached the end of the street, she asked Jiayi, You and Miss Wu—are you close?

Jiayi, half-dozing in the seat, cracked one eye open.

Close enough. Why?

Just thought you two seemed familiar, Qingrou said.

She knows our department manager. Helped me out a few times, Jiayi mumbled, shifting lazily.

She’s in automotive design. Rich family, though—hasn’t worked in ages.

Runs some kind of private training institute now, maybe education-related.

Qingrou murmured in acknowledgment, turning left at the intersection.

She’s a bit strong-willed, but she’s nice, Jiayi added. She asked me for your number last night.

I told her I’d have to check with you first.

Don’t give it, Qingrou said quickly. Then added, Not that we aren’t friendly it’d just be awkward.

You sure? Jiayi chuckled. She’s… you know. Like us.

And she’s got good everything background, looks, finances. Not bad for our circle.

Qingrou said nothing.

When they reached Jiayi’s neighborhood, the other woman could barely stand straight.

Can you get upstairs on your own? Qingrou asked, worried she’d collapse mid-walk.

I’m fine, Jiayi waved her off. Go home. I can manage.

Qingrou waited anyway, watching her stagger toward the gate.

Two steps later, Jiayi tripped and went sprawling.

With a sigh, Qingrou hurried over, helped her up, and saw her safely inside.

By the time Qingrou reached her own building, a fine drizzle had begun to fall,

cool drops pricking her bare skin. She hurried upstairs.

As soon as she closed the door behind her, her phone buzzed a voice call from Lin Nai.

Qingrou blinked, then answered.

It’s raining. Go home early, Lin Nai’s low voice came through, calm and clear.

Just did, Qingrou said, shutting the door.

Good. Lin Nai’s tone softened slightly, a hint of warmth rising at the end of her words.

Someone called her name in the background—it sounded like Jiang Xingzhou.

I’ve still got some work here.

Rest early.

Got it.

You too, Qingrou said.

Mm. Goodnight.

Goodnight.

After hanging up, Qingrou kicked off her shoes and gathered her clothes for a shower.

In front of the mirror, as she undressed, she caught sight of a faint mark on her collarbone

dark red against pale skin.

When had that appeared? Afternoon? Evening? Heat rose to her ears as the realization struck

probably noon. No wonder Jiayi had looked at her funny earlier.

Honestly. Did that woman want people to notice? She bit her lip, brushed a finger against the

mark, and jerked back as if shocked by a spark.

Standing there, flushed and flustered, she quickly stepped under the shower.

The hot water poured down, and suddenly, she remembered that night.

The steam, the heat, the way Lin Nai’s body had pressed against hers gentle, yes,

but utterly possessive. There had been no escape, only surrender.

Like ivy climbing a wall, she’d been trapped between breath and heartbeat,

belonging to her completely.

Lin Nai had whispered, Do you have someone?

Qingrou hadn’t known why she asked. She had only gasped for air, lips trembling,

like a fish craving water, and shaken her head.

Do you? Lin Nai pressed again, relentless, pinning her tighter.

No… The word slipped out, swallowed by the water’s rush hot, and almost sweet.