Chapter 304
My heart soared. Having someone to help, especially when money couldn't solve everything, was a godsend.
"Thank you, Ruby! I really appreciate it."
"You're welcome. Though, most Cyber Academy students are male, so there might not be many dance majors."
"There have to be some. Besides, it's not about the number of students, but the partnership we can build with the school."
I began massaging my feet. "The construction and decoration industry has a bright future. I've been considering expanding into that area."
She nodded. "True. You have a clear advantage over others. Being a newcomer, you can promote your own team directly."
"Plus, Dance Fusion Hall is expanding rapidly. Outsourcing the design work is getting expensive. It's better to start with a smaller studio, let them gain experience, and when Dance Fusion Hall branches are all over the country, they'll be ready to take on bigger projects."
Just like those milk tea franchises that dictated the decoration style and raked in huge profits.
A cut of the franchise fee, a cut of the decoration costs – the profit margin was substantial!
"No wonder my brother-in-law says you're a natural entrepreneur."
I smirked. "Partnering with the academy provides internships, and recruiting those talented interns is cost-effective. If they perform well, they can stay on and grow with us.""It's more like everyone around me is so driven. If I don't push myself, I'll be left behind."
"You're doing amazing, John."
Ruby's voice trembled, her breathing grew faster, and a delicate blush crept up her cheeks.
"I can always do better."
My hand drifted upwards. Her feet weren't particularly beautiful, but my hand seemed glued there, unable to move away.
Ruby lay sprawled on the sofa, her long legs alluring.
"Ruby, you're truly stunning." I couldn't help but compliment her.
What was the Allen Family thinking, putting my room next to Ruby's? Did they trust me that much?
And a separate yard, offering complete privacy. If we wanted to… well, no one would be the wiser.
"You always know how to flatter me. I'm thirty already, practically an old woman in two years."
"Who said that? You look eighteen. Anyone who calls you old has no taste."
Ruby chuckled softly. "Oh, you and your sweet talk!"
"I'm being completely honest. You're like a goddess to me, someone sacred and untouchable."
She hesitated, a flicker of emotion in her eyes.
"By the way, the vice principal of Cyber Academy has a daughter who just returned from studying abroad last month. We could arrange a meeting."
A blind date?
"Ruby, she's studied abroad. I'm not sure I'd be her type."
"What's wrong with studying abroad? You're a self-made billionaire, John. Have some confidence!"
If only she knew. I could barely handle the women already in my life, let alone adding another through a blind date. It was only a matter of time before my charade crumbled.
"It's not that simple. Her experiences abroad, her worldview… it's different."
I wasn't against dating someone who wasn't a virgin, but who knew what she'd been up to overseas?
What if she had a thing for… for foreign guys?
Forgot it. I'd heard stories about returnees and their wild experiences. I wasn't interested.
"There you go again, underestimating yourself. I think you're fantastic. If I were four or five years younger…"
"If you were what?" I pressed, my heart pounding.
"I just think you're a great catch, that's all."
"Ruby, seriously, what would you do if you were younger?"
My hand instinctively moved higher. The mist in her eyes thickened. "I… I might feel the same way about you."
My heart lurched. I swallowed hard. "Ruby, forget the blind date. I… I like you, just the way you are."
The words hung in the air, and I instantly regretted them.
'What was I saying? She was Lillian's aunt.' I cursed inside.
But the Pandora's box had been flung open, and I couldn't seem to control my words.
"John, what… what did you just say?" Her voice was shaky, her face a mixture of surprise and apprehension.
"I… I meant, I like your personality. The returnee… we might not click. It could be awkward."
She let out a breath, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. "I have a picture of her on my phone. I can show you."
Her phone was on the other side of the coffee table. I instinctively moved to get it for her, but she reached for it at the same time. Our hands brushed, sending a jolt through both of us.
She tried to pull away, but I held on, my fingers entwining with hers.
She trembled, her slightly parted lips incredibly alluring.
The memory of last week's kiss, of Ruby's sweet reward, flashed through my mind. It had felt like a dream.
If Lillian hadn't knocked on the door, we might have…
"John, please." Her voice was barely a whisper.
She wouldn't meet my gaze. A voice inside me roared to life, urging me to relive that night.
'When a girl closes her eyes, she wants you to kiss her.'
The edges of my mind frayed, and another voice inside me whispered...
'Better to regret inaction than the wrong action.'
Summoning my courage, I leaned in and kissed her.
Our breaths mingled. At first, she was passive, unresponsive.
But slowly, under my touch, she began to stir, to respond tentatively.
Her movements were hesitant at first, barely perceptible, but gradually, she met me halfway.
I didn't know what Ruby truly felt about me, couldn't believe she'd reciprocated my feelings. But for now, the kiss was enough.
This time, no one interrupted us. We only broke apart when Ruby was gasping for air.
Her eyes were clouded with desire, her cheeks flushed. Her arms, as if on their own accord, had snaked around my neck. I was breathless myself. "Ruby, you've gotten better since last time."
My words seemed to startle her. A flicker of annoyance crossed her face, quickly replaced by embarrassment. "You… you little rascal. Always teasing me.
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