Chapter 20: First Meeting with Chu Qichen

Chapter 20: First Meeting with Chu Qichen

"Uncle Wang, why did you park so close today?" An Wen asked as she opened the car door, only to find someone already seated inside—Chu Qichen.

His black hair was swept back, revealing his forehead in a stylish, elegant elite hairstyle. He wore a black formal suit with a crisp white shirt and tie, the top button of his shirt fastened neatly. His long legs were crossed, as if that was the only way to accommodate them in the cramped car space. From head to toe, not a single speck of dirt could be seen, even his black leather shoes looked freshly polished. His face was fair and sharply defined, with thin lips, a high nose bridge, and angular features—a face so handsome it was no wonder the original owner had fallen for him.

However, his star-like eyes were overly composed, and the severity between his brows carried an innate authority. When he looked at you, his mere presence made you feel subordinate, even without anger.

"Mr. Chu, what brings you here?" An Wen asked.

"Get in," he said simply, his tone carrying an undeniable command.

An Wen obediently entered and closed the car door.

The driver reversed and headed toward the villa. The atmosphere inside the car was stiflingly quiet—even the usually chatty driver didn’t dare utter a word. An Wen stole glances at Chu Qichen. Even in the car, he sat perfectly upright, impeccably composed.

An Wen thought to herself: This Mr. Chu may be young, accomplished, and handsome, but sitting with him feels like sitting with my father—somehow evoking an inexplicable sense of respect.

Chu Qichen could see An Wen sneaking peeks at him through the rearview mirror, finding it amusing and novel. He finally spoke up, "Has your injury healed?"

"It’s fine, just a minor scratch," An Wen replied.

"I heard you were suspected of cheating on an exam?"

"Mr. Chu is truly well-informed and omnipotent," An Wen gave him a thumbs-up. Seeing Chu Qichen’s expression remain unchanged, she continued, "My IQ is too high, I answered too quickly, and my accuracy was too high—it scared the teachers. But it’s fine, I’ll retake the exam tomorrow to prove my innocence."

Chu Qichen was friends with her brother and had heard about her high intelligence, but he hadn’t expected her to startle even the teachers at Di Cheng No. 1 High School.

"If you can’t handle it, call me," Chu Qichen said indifferently.

"Got it. With a big shot like you as my backer, I can strut around Di Cheng without a care. Don’t worry," An Wen said with a laugh.

Chu Qichen didn’t respond further, but through the rearview mirror, he watched her silly, furtive glances.

In his memory, An Wen had been introverted, always speaking softly with her head lowered. He used to speak gently to her, afraid of startling her. But after not seeing her for a while, she seemed to have changed a lot.

For some reason, Chu Qichen felt a strange sense of pride, as if watching his own daughter grow up.

"Girls should be more cheerful," he suddenly remarked.

An Wen nodded in agreement, and the car fell silent again.

When they arrived at the villa, Liu Ayi had already prepared dinner. Delighted to see them, she said, "Sir, Miss, the meal is ready."

Chu Qichen changed his shoes at the entrance and walked to the sofa, removing his suit jacket. Without the jacket, his figure appeared even more slender, the shirt clinging to his body enough for An Wen to vaguely discern the muscles beneath.

He had no dark circles or eye bags, and his physique was impeccable—clearly a man of disciplined routine and regular exercise.

He casually placed his coat on the sofa before glancing back. An Wen only realized she had been staring at him dumbly without changing her shoes when their eyes met. Lowering her head, she quickly changed her shoes and headed to her room.

After putting away her bag and washing her hands, she returned downstairs to find Chu Qichen already eating. An Wen sat across from him and began her meal.