Burn Out - Chapter 65

As he leaned down slightly, the distance between them was very close, and his voice was pleasant. Ji Ting looked at his brows and eyes, and her mind was filled with many images—whether from high school, college, after graduation, or the times their families spent together. This man had already become a significant part of her life.

Ji Ting silently observed him for a few seconds and then spoke, “Tan Yucheng, if we enter a new phase, can we set some rules?”

Tan Yucheng was momentarily stunned and instinctively replied, “Yes.”

Ji Ting’s voice was gentle.

“You also know that our parents have known each other for many years. The emotional ties are not just between us but also involve our families. If, in the future, we unfortunately part ways, I hope we can do so gracefully and still be able to smile at each other.”

Tan Yucheng gritted his teeth and said with a wry smile, “We’re not even together yet, and you’re already thinking about breaking up?”

Ji Ting looked up.

Tan Yucheng met her gaze and saw her seriousness. He knew she was right to consider this—both of them cherished the relationship between their families and didn’t want to destroy it because of their own issues. But he was also clear that as long as she agreed, he would ensure that such a thing would not happen. He said, “Okay.”

Ji Ting looked at him and said, “There’s nothing else.”

She left herself a way out, making sure that entering this relationship would not harm their families. It was better for one person to be sad than for both families to end up in conflict.

Tan Yucheng looked at her beautiful features, and in the next moment—

Bang.

He slammed the car door shut with his hand, grasped her neck, and bent down to seal her lips with his. Ji Ting was momentarily stunned but relaxed her body, took a step closer to him in her high heels, tilted her head back, and kissed him.

In the underground parking lot, cars occasionally passed by, and their headlights flashed, revealing the two people inside the car.

Ji Ting raised her arm, resting it on his shoulder as they kissed. After a while, Tan Yucheng pulled away slightly, his eyes meeting hers. Ji Ting’s eyes, glistening with emotion, met his gaze. Tan Yucheng curved his lips into a smile and asked, “Shall we go eat?”

Ji Ting, held by his hand at her waist, murmured in agreement.

Tan Yucheng moved a little away from the car, opened the door, and helped Ji Ting inside. Her high heels accentuated her slender, long legs. Tan Yucheng then adjusted her seatbelt, fastening it securely.

He had a smile at the corner of his eyes.

The distance to Ji Ting allowed her to see him clearly.

After securing the seatbelt and closing the door, he walked around the front of the car and took his place in the driver’s seat.

His collar was slightly open, and his Adam’s apple was visible as he grasped the steering wheel.

Ji Ting sat in the passenger seat, her legs covered by a black, thin long coat. This was his other black car, which he used less frequently since he bought it. The car had a faint scent of ebony, with dark-colored decorations, and the original model was black.

As they exited the underground parking garage, night fell.

The neon lights of Li City twinkled, and the traffic was a long stream of various colors.

The black car drove to a unique high-rise restaurant known for its Western cuisine. The building was tall, housing both a hotel and the restaurant. The design is based on the Eastern Paris architectural style.

It was known as the most romantic restaurant and hotel in Li City.

The car came to a stop.

Ji Ting adjusted her coat and stepped out of the car, her long legs showing. Tan Yucheng opened the door for her. As her earrings swayed slightly, their eyes met. Tan Yucheng closed the door with one hand and gently took her hand in his.

Ji Ting, one hand adjusting her dress. She felt her hand being held so she paused and looked up at him.

Tan Yucheng handed the car keys to the parking boy, took Ji Ting’s hand, and led her inside. While Ji Ting had held hands with him before, during their brief entanglement, this time was clearly different. They confirmed that their relationship has become a couple now.

Ji Ting raised her other hand to hold his arm.

Tan Yucheng paused and glanced at her hand with pink nail polish gripping his. The warmth in his eyes nearly overflowed. He led her to the elevator.

A waiter followed them and pressed the elevator button.

Ji Ting had heard about this restaurant countless times but was visiting for the first time. She stood on tiptoe slightly, wanting to say something, and Tan Yucheng noticed it and leaned a bit toward her.

Ji Ting’s voice was very soft. “Is it expensive?”

Tan Yucheng nodded, his voice equally low. “A bit pricey.”

Ji Ting whispered even more softly, “Yu Xi said that at this restaurant, even a piece of broccoli is made of gold.”

Tan Yucheng chuckled lightly but didn’t respond.

Ding.

The elevator doors opened.

The waiter, who might have overheard their conversation, respectfully invited them to exit the elevator. The entire floor was a Western restaurant, with intricate but ornate chandeliers, dim lighting, dark-colored tables, and many diners already enjoying their meals. They were cutting steak with their knives and forks, in small groups, mostly couples.

As Ji Ting walked past their table, she smelled the delicious aroma of steak, giving her a sense of an old-world charm.

The style of the restaurant didn’t quite match this man, and Ji Ting glanced at Tan Yucheng, whispering, “Why did you choose this place?”

Tan Yucheng, holding her hand, answered lazily, “I heard the steak here is excellent.”

Ji Ting looked at his handsome face and believed him.

Upon arriving at their reserved table, the waiter pulled out a chair for Ji Ting. She released Tan Yucheng’s arm and sat down, while Tan Yucheng casually took a seat across from her.

The table was adorned with fresh flowers—vivid red roses.

It was indeed romantic.

In this restaurant, they couldn’t order with their phones, instead, it was all handled by waiters in a one-on-one service style. The menu was a heavy black and gold booklet. Tan Yucheng ordered a salad that Ji Ting liked, along with two steaks, including one that Ji Ting preferred. After placing the order, he handed the menu to Ji Ting. She took it, glanced through it without looking at the prices, and ended up ordering an extra dessert.

The waiter took the menu and went to prepare the food.

The table was perfect for two. The tablecloth was dark, and there was a U-shaped balcony nearby, making this table the one with the best view in the restaurant. Soon, the food arrived. Tan Yucheng cut Ji Ting’s steak and brought it to her side. Ji Ting picked up her fork to try the expensive steak, and indeed, it tasted different—tender and flavorful.

However, it didn’t quite feel worth the price, lacking that special sense of value.

Tan Yucheng’s other restaurant also served steaks, and they were quite good. She looked at him as he took a piece of his steak and offered it to her lips. Ji Ting hesitated for a moment, then took a bite.

This was even better.

Her eyes lit up.

Tan Yucheng’s lips curved into a slight smile. “How is it?”

Ji Ting nodded, somewhat satisfied. “Then the price isn’t too unreasonable.”

Tan Yucheng smiled.

He continued cutting the steak, occasionally feeding her a few bites. As for her portion, she used her fork to place some on his plate for him to eat, as she couldn’t finish it all.

The broccoli dessert salad were all quite unique in flavor, something you wouldn’t find in an ordinary restaurant. However, the quip about broccoli being made of gold was accurate—the price was exorbitant.

When they finished eating.

Tan Yucheng went to the restroom.

Ji Ting looked out at the U-shaped balcony, which provided a view of Zhuoyue buildings. She got up and stepped outside. The weather wasn’t too cold; there was sunshine in the past few days, and the wind at night was not as chilly. Wearing her dress, Ji Ting went outside, where a gentle breeze brushed against her, the dress swaying lightly over her skin. She was tall and slender, and her silhouette was quite beautiful.

When Tan Yucheng returned, he wiped his palms with a tissue and then pushed the door open with one hand to join her outside.

Ji Ting’s hair was loose, draped over her shoulders. She leaned against the railing, and from the high floor, everything below appeared small. Tan Yucheng approached, placing one hand on the railing beside her and standing behind her. Ji Ting sensed his presence and turned her head. Tan Yucheng looked at her, and they shared a gaze, their eyes reflecting each other.

Tan Yucheng leaned down and kissed her lips gently.

Ji Ting leaned against the railing, feeling a bit tingling from his kiss. He kissed her like a light touch, like a dragonfly skimming the water. The wind blew, messing her hair. She raised her hand to smooth it and tilted her neck slightly. Tan Yucheng, taking the opportunity, kissed her neck. Ji Ting’s fingertips paused; her collarbone was like a pool of water, her arm resting on the railing behind her.

She looked at him.

Tan Yucheng smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist, continuing to kiss her. It didn’t matter that they were outside on a high balcony. At that moment, there was no one around; the balcony door was half-open, and no one had come out of the restaurant. This balcony belonged solely to their reserved table. Tan Yucheng kissed her neck thoroughly and, in a low, lazy voice, he said, “Ji Ting, do you know about physiological attraction?”

Ji Ting’s arm was still in mid-air as she was smoothing her hair. She had heard of it before.

“I feel that way about you.”

His voice melded with the wind.

Ji Ting’s ears warmed slightly.