Chapter 244

Chapter 244: Not Crowded—Smaller Is Cozier The day before Shu Mingyue's birthday. Chu Tang had just finished lunch when she received a call from Shu Mingyue. "Hey, Tangtang, come early tomorrow afternoon, okay?" Chu Tang asked, "Isn't the birthday party in the evening?" "The party is in the evening, but our cruise ship sets sail in the afternoon. We'll be out at sea for two days." "Alright, what time do we depart?" Shu Mingyue said, "We'll set off once all the invited guests arrive, but I want to see you sooner, so try to come as early as you can." "Okay." The next day, the weather was clear and sunny. Chu Tang changed into the blue halter-neck long dress she had bought at the mall, applied a light touch of makeup, and pinned her hair back casually with a clip. She hadn't gone for an elaborate hairstyle or full glam. Today was Shu Mingyue's birthday, and Chu Tang didn't want to steal the spotlight or outshine her. Jiang Shixu sat nearby, waiting for her. Chu Tang packed a small suitcase with a change of clothes and toiletries. Once she was ready, Jiang Shixu wrapped an arm around Chu Tang and walked her out of the villa. A black Cullinan was parked at the entrance. Jiang Shixu's assistant, Lin Sen, drove them to the dock. The azure sky was so pure it lifted one's spirits. The sea breeze blew toward them, carrying a moist, refreshing scent. A fleet of white sailboats and yachts was moored along the harbor. Among the many vessels, a super-large white cruise ship stood towering—its exterior lines sleek and elegant, its hull massive, like a floating palace on the sea, grand and imposing. This was the cruise ship hosting Shu Mingyue's birthday party today. A red carpet stretched from their feet all the way to the ship's boarding entrance. On both sides of the red carpet stood hostesses in uniform with sweet smiles. White-gloved crew members took Chu Tang's luggage. Chu Tang walked up the gangway and boarded the ship. Before long, she ran into Shu Mingyue. She was dressed beautifully today, in full regalia. A flowing blue-purple mermaid gown shimmered with iridescent light, its hem swaying gently like a lake sparkling in the morning sun—both soft and noble. Shu Mingyue wore an exquisite, dazzling blue diamond necklace, with earrings and bracelets in matching jewel tones. "Tangtang, you're finally here! I've been waiting for you." Shu Mingyue smiled as she walked up to greet her. When her gaze landed on Jiang Shixu beside Chu Tang, Shu Mingyue gave a subtle smile, her mood lifting considerably. Jiang Shixu had actually come. This was the first time he'd attended her birthday party. Chu Tang didn't miss the faint expression on Shu Mingyue's face. She smiled and teased, "Waiting for me or for him?" Shu Mingyue pretended to glare at her. "Can't I wait for both?" "Happy birthday, Mingyue. This is a gift for you." Chu Tang handed the present to Shu Mingyue. Shu Mingyue took it and said with a laugh, "I get a gift too? Aw, you're so sweet." Chu Tang's peripheral vision caught sight of a large table nearby piled high with all kinds of gift boxes and bags. A man and a woman sat there, registering the names of gift-givers and the types of gifts. Everyone else's gifts were logged and placed on that table, already stacked into a small mountain. Only Chu Tang's gift was received personally by Shu Mingyue. "I've invited a lot of people today—some are friends, some are friends of friends. You don't mind the crowd, do you?" Shu Mingyue led Chu Tang into the cabin. "Not at all. A birthday is livelier with more people." Chu Tang and Shu Mingyue walked side by side at the front, with Jiang Shixu following behind them. Crew members carried the luggage along. Shu Mingyue linked her arm through Chu Tang's and led her all the way to the room she'd be staying in tonight. "Tangtang, this is your room." Shu Mingyue said in a slightly guilty, hushed tone. Chu Tang nodded. "Thank you." Then Shu Mingyue glanced at Jiang Shixu and pointed to another room door diagonally across from Chu Tang's, saying, "A Xu, your room is over there." Chu Tang paused briefly. Shu Mingyue had arranged for them to be separated. She lowered her lashes and said nothing. Jiang Shixu's gaze turned somewhat cold. He gave Shu Mingyue a light glance and said, "No need to go to the trouble. I'll just stay in the same room as Tangtang." Shu Mingyue's lashes trembled, and she quickly said, "But Tangtang's room is a single. The two of you would be too cramped." The cruise ship had over a hundred guest rooms, fully equipped with luxurious amenities—there was even a helicopter pad on the deck. Indoor cinema, bar, ballroom, chess room, billiards room—all entertainment facilities were complete, and there was a massive swimming pool at the stern. With a cruise ship this large, claiming there weren't enough rooms was impossible. Shu Mingyue's little scheme was as obvious as Sima Zhao's intentions—known to all. Chu Tang said nothing, but Jiang Shixu wasn't about to indulge her. He directly stated that he would stay with Chu Tang. When Shu Mingyue said a single room would be too cramped for two, Jiang Shixu walked into the room, looked around, and said, "Not crowded at all—smaller is cozier, right, Tangtang?" "Put the luggage over there." Jiang Shixu directed the crew members to set down the bags. Besides Chu Tang's suitcase, he had his own luggage placed there too. It was clear he was determined to stay in that room tonight. The room wasn't actually small; it was a deluxe king room, perfectly suited for two people without feeling crowded at all. However, Jiang Shixu had deliberately claimed that "smaller is cozier," making it clear that he had no intention of being separated from Chu Tang. Chu Tang glanced up at him and smiled, refusing to play into Shu Mingyue's hands. "Mingyue, he'll just stay with me." A flicker of loneliness flashed in Shu Mingyue's eyes. She pursed her lips and said, "Alright then." "Miss Shu, thank you for showing us to our room." As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Shixu shut the door firmly, locking Shu Mingyue outside. Chu Tang couldn't help but laugh. "Are you even being polite?" Who kicks someone out like that? Especially when the guest is kicking out the host. The corners of Jiang Shixu's lips curled. "I said thank you; isn't that polite enough?" "Oh, truly beyond polite." "Ignore her." Jiang Shixu pulled Chu Tang into his arms, his voice low and magnetic. "I want to kiss you." Without waiting for her reaction, his lips descended. Their tongues entwined in a lingering, passionate embrace. Outside the door, Shu Mingyue stood frozen in place. A Wen, expressionless, asked coldly, "Miss Shu, where is my room?" Coming back to her senses, Shu Mingyue spoke politely to A Wen. "Over there. I'll take you there." "Mm." Shu Mingyue was a person who clearly distinguished between gratitude and grudges. The last time she had been drugged, it was Chu Tang and A Wen who had saved her. According to Chu Tang, A Wen had single-handedly beaten those men senseless to rescue her. Grateful to A Wen, Shu Mingyue had specifically invited her to this birthday party and had arranged a deluxe single room for her. ... When the kiss finally ended, Chu Tang's breathing was slightly erratic. She looked in the mirror and said with a hint of annoyance, "You kissed my lipstick all smudged." Jiang Shixu smiled. "Just touch it up."