He definitely did not see this reply coming along and had expected her to accept the gift with open arms.
After all, this necklace is so expensive and dazzling. He could not understand why any girl would not want it!
With a soft sigh, Grandma Zhong replied adamantly. "I've decided that this necklace will only be yours to keep. I will not want to give it to anyone else."
Despite knowing that the two of them are not in a real relationship, Grandma Zhong still genuinely likes Stephanie Ruan. She hopes that her grandson could also see the good in her and continue to keep her by his side.
"..."
Seeing her look of hesitation, she nodded heavily while urging her, "Listen to grandma and just keep it first... You can return it to me again if you decide not to marry Javier in the future."
Indeed, Grandma Zhong is smart enough to understand why Stephanie Ruan is not keen on accepting the necklace.
But being the stubborn person that she always is, it is extremely difficult to change her mind especially when it has already been long decided.
Grandma Zhong's continued persistence left Stephanie Ruan with no choice but to safe-keep her necklace first.
...
The two of them chatted with Grandma Zhong for a while more before finally leaving the Zhong's Residence.
As soon as they got into the car, Stephanie Ruan handed the box with the necklace over to Javier Zhong. "I shouldn't be holding onto this. Keep this well for your grandmother."
To her astonishment, he immediately returned it by placing it on her lap. "That is your responsibility. If you can't keep it for grandma, then you can return it to her yourself."
"!!..."
Stephanie Ruan widened her eyes in disbelief. She is completely speechless at what he had just said!
How could he not care about his grandmother's precious necklace at all?!
With a sarcastic tone, she finally rebuked. "Chairman Zhong, it's not like you don't know about our relationship. Are you not afraid that I will sell this necklace and run away?"
"Run away?" Javier Zhong sneered and looked at her.
He then carefully enunciated each word, "You will never be able to escape from my watch."
"..."
Upon hearing his cold reminder, Stephanie Ruan maintained a cool smile on the outside while silently 'beating' herself up on the inside.
"Come on, Stephanie... Wake up! Have you already forgotten who he is?! There's no need to challenge his grounds unnecessarily!!"
"Choose your battles wisely!!"
With these thoughts in mind, she took a deep breath and held onto the box tightly with both hands.
Sensing the slight tension in the car, Isaac Wen deliberately cleared his throat first before asking, "Chairman Zhong, where should we drive to?"
On normal occasions, he does not need to ask such a question as he would already have full access to Javier Zhong's schedule.
But because of Stephanie Ruan's presence today, he is unsure if there is any change of plans.
Given his young master's bad temper, it's definitely wiser to seek confirmation first than to get things done wrongly!
"To the mall!"
Phew! Thankfully Isaac Wen checked with him! Otherwise, they would be making a wasted trip to the office now...
Meanwhile, Stephanie Ruan had overheard their short conversation.
Going to the mall??...
Well, that's good too! She needed to head there anyway to get her evening gown!
When the car has arrived at the largest luxury mall in the city, Stephanie Ruan did not forget to thank Isaac Wen and the driver first before walking away on her own.
Indeed, she could not be bothered about why Javier Zhong is at the mall and she has absolutely no intentions of following him around too!
Stephanie Ruan has no time to waste and it makes complete sense for her to 'split up' with him over here!
But apparently... this is just what she thought??...
"Where are you going?"
Even though they are now in a public space, it did not stop the chilling voice from reaching her ears.
With a courteous smile, Stephanie Ruan turned around and took a few steps closer to him. "Chairman Zhong, I don't remember us being that close enough for me to report to you on my schedule."
"I shall take my leave first." She gave him a slight nod before heading towards the main entrance.
But before she could even try to enter the building, a young security guard came over to explain in a polite manner.
"Miss, I'm sorry, this mall is closed to the public today. Please do come back again tomorrow."
"Closed??..." With great surprise, Stephanie Ruan stole a quick glance inside the mall through the huge glass doors.
This is strange... The high-end stores inside the mall are clearly opened but there are no shoppers at all??
"..."
And as for that proud and stingy chairman!... Isn't he a local here? How could he not know about this?...
However, before Stephanie Ruan could even turn around and give Javier Zhong an earful, a large hand grabbed her by the arm and led her directly into the mall.
"??!!..."
"Wait... isn't this mall..."
Seeing the security guards and a team of suited executives greeting him respectfully, she quickly got a sense of what is going on.
"So he is the boss of this mall..." Stephanie Ruan thought to herself and rolled her eyes upon realising the situation.
It was only a couple of seconds later when she realised that Javier Zhong is still holding onto her arm!
"Let go!" She threatened him with a soft voice, not willing to let the others hear her.
But not only did he refuse to let go, he boldly slid his fingers down and held onto her hand instead.
"!!!..."
"What are you trying to do?!" Stephanie Ruan widened her eyes and raised her voice slightly as she could no longer control her emotions.
"Aren't we a couple? This mall belongs to the Zhong Holdings."
He added on with a serious look, "Do you want these subordinates to go back and tell everyone that we are faking our relationship?"
"..."
Stephanie Ruan quickly turned her head to the side, only to realise that all of the employees are still staring at them.