Spellbound Hearts - Chapter 42 - Found Out

Song Zhaoli didn’t say who he was investigating in front of Ji Xuan.

He took his phone and stepped outside, leaving the room.

Ji Xuan sat there, her eyes following his figure through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Her fingers, resting on her lap, curled slightly. She felt as though she were sitting on pins and needles.

The phone call lasted over ten minutes. During that time, a housekeeper came in to ask Ji Xuan what she’d like for breakfast.

Ji Xuan smiled politely. “No need, ma’am. I’ll eat when I get home later.”

The housekeeper, a woman in her fifties with a kind smile, said, “You should eat something. Otherwise, President Song won’t be pleased.”

Ji Xuan’s smile grew a little stiff. “Anything is fine. I’m not picky.”

The housekeeper nodded. “Alright, I’ll prepare something.”

Not long after the housekeeper left, Song Zhaoli returned. He strode back into the room, sat down on the sofa, and lit a cigarette. Leaning forward, he used his fingers to pull the ashtray closer. “Did you bring the contract?”

Ji Xuan knew exactly which contract he was referring to. She replied with a faint smile, “No, it’s at the office.”

Song Zhaoli nodded. “Later, I’ll ride with you. We’ll stop by Wansheng to get the contract, then head to Song Group to finalize the signing.”

When it came to work, Ji Xuan didn’t dare to be careless. “Understood, President Song.”

Song Zhaoli stood up. “Wait here. I’ll go change.”

He stubbed out his half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray and headed upstairs.

Ji Xuan found herself watching him as he ascended the stairs.

She couldn’t help but wonder whether it was his naturally robust constitution or the effect of the medicine from last night, but he showed no signs of being unwell anymore.

As she was lost in thought, Song Zhaoli suddenly stopped and turned back. “Ji Xuan.”

She instinctively responded, “Yes?”

He frowned slightly. “Did I do anything to you last night?”

Ji Xuan froze for a second, her body stiffening. She forced herself to stay calm, though her face and ears betrayed her with a flush of red. “No, you didn’t.”

Song Zhaoli let out a soft chuckle, as if he didn’t believe her. Without saying anything more, he turned and continued upstairs.

Ji Xuan: “…”

At breakfast, Ji Xuan noticed that many of the dishes on the table were from Yan City’s cuisine.

She couldn’t tell if it was intentional or just a coincidence.

Either way, she appreciated the gesture and made sure to take a few extra bites.

The housekeeper, watching from the side, couldn’t help but smile knowingly.

After the meal, Song Zhaoli told Ji Xuan to go start the car while he finished a glass of milk.

Once Ji Xuan had stepped outside, Song Zhaoli looked up at the housekeeper standing by the dining table. “Aunt Zhao, you’re being too obvious.”

Aunt Zhao, who had cared for Song Zhaoli since he was a child, wasn’t the least bit intimidated. She smiled warmly. “She’s even prettier than she was back in her school days.”

Song Zhaoli lowered his head to finish his milk, a faint, almost imperceptible smile flickering in his eyes. “Hmm.”

Aunt Zhao knew about Ji Xuan.

Back when Song Zhaoli had sponsored Ji Xuan, it had caused quite a stir within the Song Family. Everyone in the household had heard about it.

Elder Song had thoroughly investigated Ji Xuan’s background, even obtaining photos of her.

Aunt Zhao had seen those photos a couple of times. She hadn’t thought much of them at the time, except that the girl in the pictures was almost unnaturally beautiful.

Initially, the Song Family had assumed that Song Zhaoli, being young, was simply indulging in the idea of keeping a beauty hidden away. But over time, it became clear that he had no such intentions.

After finishing his milk, Song Zhaoli walked to the living room, grabbed his suit jacket, and draped it over his arm as he headed out the door.

It was midsummer, and even early in the morning, the heat was oppressive and stifling.

When Song Zhaoli reached the car, he opened the passenger-side door. Ji Xuan turned her head to look at him, her expression tinged with surprise.

Song Zhaoli raised an eyebrow. “Is this seat reserved for boyfriends only?”

Ji Xuan smiled faintly. “No, I just thought you’d sit in the back.”

After all, bosses usually preferred the back seat.

Song Zhaoli’s lips curved into a slight smirk. He climbed into the car, tossed his suit jacket onto the back seat, and adjusted the passenger seat’s position. Just as he was about to fasten his seatbelt, his phone buzzed twice in his pocket.

He pulled out the phone and glanced at the screen. His eyebrows lifted slightly as he turned to Ji Xuan. “Do you know where Xiao Jin lives?”

The question came out of nowhere, leaving Ji Xuan baffled. “What?”

Song Zhaoli handed her his phone. “The person who sent you those threatening messages-it’s Xiao Jin.”

Ji Xuan lowered her gaze. On Song Zhaoli’s phone screen were a few concise words: “Found him. It’s Xiao Jin.”