Pampered by My Billionaire Childhood Sweetheart-Chapter 6 Remember, your and dad’s mobile numbers differ by just one digit

Xiao Tie, who had been watching the situation unfold from behind Li Chengxi, laughed smugly, almost clapping his hands in excitement!

At that moment, Gu Jingchen caught sight of the scene in the car's rearview mirror. The man's thin lips curved slightly; though his expression remained calm, the corners of his mouth held a trace of a mischievous smile.

By now, the car was smoothly gliding along the road. The enclosed cabin began to fill with a quiet yet enchanting fragrance. Gu Jingchen subtly turned his gaze to the little woman beside him, his dark eyebrows arching imperceptibly. The young girl sat obediently in the passenger seat, her legs slender and even. A hint of fair skin peeked out from her thighs, drawing his attention irresistibly. Her fluttering eyelashes, thick and lush like butterfly wings, stirred an itch deep within him—a feeling so intense it made him unconsciously swallow.

In her pale hand, the young girl held a piano scorebook. This was unsurprising; his little childhood friend had practiced piano since a young age, garnering numerous prestigious awards worldwide. She had long been celebrated by the elite circles of Yun City as the city's most beautiful piano prodigy.

A perfect blend of talent and beauty. The more he thought about it, the wider Gu Jingchen's smile grew, tinged with pride. The faint scent of her body lingered in the cabin—unlike the cloying, ostentatious perfumes of other socialites, which seemed omnipresent. Hers was like the subtle fragrance of calla lilies—so alluring, understated, yet pure and unique, enchanting to the point of dizziness. Breathing the very same air as her in this confined space, the thought alone stirred an undeniable longing in him.

The usually composed and cunning man now found himself mildly dazed. Her long hair, tinged with soft waves, shimmered like silk under the light. Her gaze, slightly unfocused, carried a hint of bewitching allure. Pure and seductive, these two opposing qualities coexisted within her as she looked at him...

"Brother Jingchen?" As the car continued to move steadily forward, Shang Xixia tilted her delicate face slightly and called out to Gu Jingchen.

There was no response. The man's lips curved gently with a faint smile, as if lost in some amusing train of thought.

"Brother Jingchen?" The girl seemed a little embarrassed, lightly pressing her lips together and calling out again, this time louder.

"Oh. Just work-related matters—I might have been thinking too hard." The man, shamelessly thick-skinned, snapped out of his daze upon hearing her call for him. He adjusted his posture, sitting a little straighter—a typical display of feigned seriousness. He certainly wouldn't reveal to anyone what had actually consumed his thoughts moments ago. Yet even someone as cunning as him couldn't prevent the faint blush that crept across his handsome face.

"Too many men around—it can't be helped." His thoughts continued mischievously, and he couldn't resist stealing a quick glance toward a certain spot. Feeling increasingly uneasy, he discreetly brought his long legs together just a tad.

"Brother Jingchen, when did you come back? A few days ago, I saw your performance on the dining hall TV at university. They even specifically mentioned you. I felt so proud—he's my brother, after all!"

Fearing he might bring up the embarrassing incident of her selling... certain items yesterday, Shang Xixia flashed a radiant smile to divert the topic.

The safest topic in the world, she was certain, was flattery. Compliments never go wrong. Shang Xixia smiled confidently like the sun.

"Mm. Xixia, if there's anything you need, you can come to me... or, well, to me." Fully understanding her strong sense of pride and delicate vulnerability, Gu Jingchen chose his words carefully. Naturally, he avoided mentioning yesterday's incident.

Initially intending to say she could come to "Brother" for help, Gu Jingchen deliberately held back when he reached the word "Brother" and replaced it with "me." He had no interest in being just some meaningless "brother"—though, of course, a different kind of "brother" might be acceptable.

"Mm, I know." The young girl nodded vigorously. Her sparkling eyes radiated brilliance, her charming smile deepened her dimples, and yet, within her water-clear gaze, a trace of sorrow flickered and quickly disappeared.

Understanding her stubborn nature, Gu Jingchen knew his words would have little effect. She wouldn't come to him for help. Realizing this, he sighed lightly.

"Do you have my phone number?" As the car steadily approached the gates of her university, the man, unwilling to give up, asked once more.

"I remember. Yours is just one digit different from Dad's." She lifted her gaze again, shining but fragile. However, at the mention of her father, tears welled uncontrollably in her eyes. She quickly turned her exquisite face toward the window, but her pale hands fidgeted uneasily—her sadness was unmistakable.

"Mm." The man nodded in satisfaction. When he turned to look at her again, he saw those tears threatening to spill. He understood perfectly what she was thinking. His jet-black eyes dimmed slightly, overwhelmed by heartache.

Some vulnerabilities are never meant for others to see, especially when it comes to the pride of someone you love. Gu Jingchen understood this all too well. He forced himself to turn away, focusing on the road ahead.

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"If only I could hold your hand, telling you that you'll never have to endure any pain, as long as I'm here." The sentimental man murmured softly, his beautiful eyes filled with deep affection capable of melting the world.

"Brother Jingchen, I'm here now. Thank you." Though reluctant to part, the car had arrived at Yun City University's entrance. Shang Xixia got out gracefully, her fair, slender legs stepping onto the pavement. The rain had stopped by then, and a rainbow arched in the distance, framing her delicate, graceful figure. Even her black hair seemed to capture the colors of the rainbow, making her appear angelic. This enchanting scene drew the man into a deeper trance of admiration.

"Oh, alright. Call me sometime." The man nodded lightly, his smile shedding its sharpness and intensity, replaced by tenderness and indulgence—the kind reserved solely for her.

"Mm." The young girl smiled softly and turned to leave. The faint dimples blooming at the corners of her lips stirred an even deeper infatuation in the man, as he watched her departing figure.