Looking at the striking headline, Chu Ge finally understood why Qin Ruojing was so desperate to get that bag back.
As the director of a company, Qin Ruojing, this item was indeed very, very important because it was an agreement. As for its contents, it turned out to be—a rental boyfriend.
Without any hurry to agree or refuse, Chu Ge held the agreement in his hands and began to read it carefully.
Qin Ruojing didn't interrupt, quietly and elegantly waiting.
In Qin Ruojing's opinion, in this day and age, someone who is willing to help others without asking for anything in return is probably trustworthy.
Although Chu Ge's way of helping was somewhat unconventional, the fact was he did help her, and until he sent her back to the company, he never made any requests. If she hadn't taken out the agreement, the two would have gone their separate ways and probably would never have any interaction again.
She was already twenty-five, and her family was urging her to get married repeatedly, even giving her a final ultimatum. If she didn't bring a boyfriend home soon, she might be forced into arranged dates.
Qin Ruojing had been planning this for a long time but had struggled to find a suitable candidate until she met Chu Ge today. He was someone she didn't dislike at first glance, despite his shabby attire, his character, speech, and demeanor were quite good.
Only when Chu Ge shifted his gaze from the agreement did Qin Ruojing speak again.
"Mr. Chu, do you have any questions or areas of dissatisfaction regarding this agreement?"
Chu Ge indeed needed a job now, and something like being a fake boyfriend not only paid but also seemed quite interesting, so why not?
Meeting Qin Ruojing's gaze, Chu Ge smiled and said, "As for the agreement, I don't find it inappropriate, it's just that I'm not sure if I can do it well, but I think I can try my best."
"Then I'll wish us a pleasant collaboration. Let's spend a few days getting to know each other better to ensure we don't get exposed, and then I'll take you home,"
"You're the boss, your call."
"Hmm, in the future, when no one's around, don't call me your boss, just call me Xiaojing. The more naturally you say it, the less likely we'll get caught."
"Alright, boss... Xiaojing." This time, it wasn't deliberate on Chu Ge's part; changing the way he addressed her suddenly felt a bit odd.
After Chu Ge finished speaking, Qin Ruojing brushed her hair with a hint of helplessness and lightly shook her head, "Try saying it again."
"Xiaojing?"
"That's right. Here is some of my information for you to understand more."
"Okay, Xiaojing."
After saying it once, saying it the second time felt more natural. As Chu Ge just accepted the information from Qin Ruojing, suddenly, a cellphone ringtone sounded in the silent car.
There was no need to look at the caller ID; just hearing the unique ringtone "Why Trouble One Woman With Another Woman" told Qin Ruojing it was her mother calling. She smiled bitterly as she pulled out her iPhone 5S and answered the call.
"Mom, I'm in a meeting right now, I'll call you back later, okay?"
"What meeting? Don't try to fool me with that."
Before Qin Ruojing finished speaking, a very assertive woman's voice came through the phone, clear enough for even Chu Ge to hear, making Qin Ruojing's bitter smile deepen.
The voice on the phone went on for over a minute; Chu Ge caught bits and pieces about urging her marriage, arranging dates, and such.
"Mom, I have a boyfriend, I..."
"You have a boyfriend? Good, then bring him home tomorrow for me to see."
"Mom, I really can't do it tomorrow, I sprained my ankle, I... Hello? Mom?"
Qin Ruojing helplessly tapped her forehead and put down the phone her mother had already hung up.
"Chu Ge, it seems our schedule needs to be moved up."
"But your ankle?"
"My mom doesn't care about that, sigh..."
Looking at Qin Ruojing's slightly swollen ankle, Chu Ge hesitated for a moment and said, "In that case, how about I give you a massage? I know a bit of massage techniques."
Actually, Qin Ruojing's sprain wasn't very serious and would heal in a few days. Moreover, Chu Ge previously thought that if he suggested it, it might seem presumptuous, so he didn't mention it. However, under the current circumstances, he realized he needed to help her treat it.
"Then I would appreciate it, give it a try."
"I say, Xiaojing, you ask me not to call you my boss, but you're always so polite to me. If your family sees this, won't we be found out?"
Qin Ruojing was stunned for a moment, agreeing with the logic as she nodded, "Hmm, I'll be mindful."
As they spoke, Chu Ge left the driver's seat, allowing Qin Ruojing to stretch her leg and rest it on his thigh.
There was no denying it, every inch of Qin Ruojing was as beautiful as could be, her feet were no exception.
Her right foot, stepping out of her cool high-heeled shoe, was not only spotless but also very petite, with toenails as round and shiny as pearls and skin as smooth as a baby's.
Chu Ge glanced at Qin Ruojing's ankle and then reached out his hand.
"Does it hurt here?"
"No, it doesn't."
"How about here?"
"Ah... It hurts."
Targeting the spot, Chu Ge looked up and said, "Xiaojing, it might hurt a bit at first, but bear with it, I'm starting now, okay?"
After saying this, Chu Ge regretted it; the words sounded a bit odd. Fortunately, Qin Ruojing didn't think much of it and simply responded with a faint "Mm."
As Chu Ge's large hand applied a bit of pressure, the air was filled with a "click" sound. Qin Ruojing's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she let out a small hum through her pressed lips.
Although Qin Ruojing let out a subconscious hum due to the pain, the sound was very soft, which surprised Chu Ge.
If it were any other girl, she might have cried out in pain by now. This woman is really quite strong, isn't she?
Thinking of this, Chu Ge found it a bit amusing. His thoughts now seemed quite quirky; probably if it were another man, he'd already be overexcited and gawking.
Chu Ge's large hand kneaded the delicate foot a few more times before he looked up, "Xiaojing, try moving it and see if it feels better."
Qin Ruojing was taken aback, looking a bit skeptical, but she said nothing, nodded, and lightly moved her ankle. Her face immediately showed a strange expression.
Does it really not hurt that much anymore? That was quick, wasn't it?
Of course, Qin Ruojing wouldn't know the dangerous and harsh conditions Chu Ge had survived. Such minor sprains were just child's play to him. What they say is true—experience makes a great doctor. If he didn't have even these skills, he might have met his end long ago.
Seeing Qin Ruojing's surprised expression, Chu Ge knew she was fine and smiled slightly, saying, "Avoid intense activity for the next few days," before lowering her foot and continuing to peruse Qin Ruojing's documents.
It was a very detailed document, including her birthday, zodiac sign, education and work experience, likes and dislikes, embarrassing past incidents, and even some physical details like height and weight.
The most surprising part was that the reason Qin Ruojing became the chairwoman of Tianjiao Group at such a young age was that she bought ten lottery tickets at twenty and won a grand prize of fifty million.
It didn't take long before Chu Ge memorized all this information, while Qin Ruojing got out of the car to arrange some work matters in the building.
That afternoon, Qin Ruojing took Chu Ge to pick out a new outfit before the two boarded a flight to Kyoto.
On the plane, Qin Ruojing kept posing various questions to Chu Ge, who responded fluently to all of them, making Qin Ruojing secretly admire her choice. Watching Chu Ge's confident expression steadied her heart quite a bit.
In the evening, as the plane descended slowly, the striking young couple walking out of the airport immediately attracted many admiring glances.
The man, dressed in a sleek suit, wasn't exceptionally handsome but had a finely chiseled face exuding a spirited aura with every gesture.
The woman wore a Chanel floral dress, her long black hair cascading like a waterfall, her exquisite features seemed like those found only in comics, and her graceful steps gave an impression of nobility without aloofness.
This young couple was none other than Qin Ruojing and Chu Ge.
Qin Ruojing hadn't informed her family in advance, so no one came to pick them up. They hailed a taxi, bought some fruit and nutritional products from stores along the way, and headed straight to Qin Ruojing's home.
"Chu Ge, when we get to my house, try not to talk too much. My parents might be easier to deal with, but my sister is quite sharp. Don't let her see through anything," Qin Ruojing nervously reminded him as they got out of the taxi at a residential area entrance, feeling a headache just thinking about her twin sister.
"Don't worry, I may not be very skilled, but I can adapt well. Let's take it one step at a time."
This time, despite Chu Ge's casual and composed smile, Qin Ruojing didn't feel much at ease, knowing her twin sister better than anyone and realizing it's not easy to fool her.
But at this point, she could only do as Chu Ge said, taking it one step at a time.
Taking a slightly nervous breath, Qin Ruojing took the initiative to link her arm with Chu Ge's. When he glanced over, she explained somewhat speechlessly, "Chu Ge, you're my boyfriend now. I'm not even complaining about you taking advantage, so act naturally."
In this manner, the two of them, looking every bit the loving couple, entered a building, straightened their clothes in the elevator, and once they confirmed everything was in order, the elevator reached their destination.
Stepping out of the elevator, Qin Ruojing and Chu Ge exchanged a glance and finally pressed the doorbell on a secure door.