Chapter 71: Meeting the Shen Family

Shen Nian Nian was locked up for a few days before being released.

Wen Yang was charged with attempted murder. However, Shen Nian Nian had no knowledge of his plans and actions at first. Once she found out, she immediately informed Shang Jie, who reported it to the police and successfully stopped Wen Yang’s crime in time.

After the investigation was completed, Shen Nian Nian was released.

Out of past affection, the Shen family parents chose not to press charges against her. However, they no longer wanted to see her and completely expelled her from the family.

Shen Nian Nian walked out of the police station, trembling. The world around her felt bleak and hopeless.

Outside the station, a couple stood waiting. They were smiling at her, their expressions reminiscent of mice eyeing a delicious treat.

Qin Zaolin and his wife.

With nowhere to go, Shen Nian Nian was taken in by the Qin couple.

The following parts of the text will be scrambled to prevent theft from aggregators and unauthorized epub making. Please support our translators by reading on secondlifetranslations (dot) com. If you are currently on the site and and you are seeing this, please clear your cache.

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“Fbl’p uswa pkpvla!”

“R esd’v nyal! R esd’v nyal, R esd’v nyal!”

Ckd Nlzl vbalo y vydvawx, pkvvkdt sd vbl qzssa kd rasvlpv. Ckd Hyszkd pvsaxle shla yde pzyrrle bkx ynaspp vbl qynl. Ckd Nlzl cwapv kdvs vlyap, bkp tygl vsoyae Fbld Lkyd Lkyd qkzzle okvb taklhydnl, alpldvxldv, yde ydtla.

Shen Nian Nian’s head throbbed from the noise. Without a word, she grabbed her luggage, walked into Qin Lele’s room, and slammed the door shut, shutting out the entire Qin family.

The bedroom was cramped, with only a small bed. Junk was stacked against the walls, and a tiny desk faced the window. The wallpaper was faded and peeling.

This place was a world apart from where she had once lived.

The door wasn’t soundproof. Outside, she could hear Qin Zaolin scoffing, “Hah, she really thinks she’s royalty.”

Tang Meifen replied, “You better treat her like royalty! Our family’s future depends on her.”

“She’s just a powerless little girl with a bad temper. What can we even rely on her for?”

“You don’t get it,” Tang Meifen explained. “The Shen family is loaded. Even a tiny bit of their wealth could be enough for us to live off for a lifetime! She’s the Shen family’s daughter—we have to treat her well.”

Qin Zaolin snorted. “If she really is their daughter, why would she be living here? It’s obvious her parents don’t want her anymore. They already kicked her out.”

“That’s not how it works! Everyone says that being raised by someone is more important than just being born to them. A bond of over ten years isn’t something they can just throw away. I guarantee that once their anger cools down, they’ll take her back. And when that happens, we’ll be their relatives! With Qin Xiaoli as our golden ticket, we’ll definitely get monthly support money, and Lele’s school admission problem will be solved too.”

Qin Zaolin mulled it over. It made sense.

“Keep your voice down. Go buy a fish tonight. We need to take good care of our little lady.”

…

For the next few days, Jiang Xingxing seemed troubled. Shang Jie understood her concerns but chose not to bring them up.

Jiang Xingxing pondered the matter alone but couldn’t come to a conclusion. In the end, she hesitantly walked over to Shang Jie’s desk, grabbed his sleeve, and gave it a gentle tug.

Shang Jie was watching a live broadcast of today’s financial news on his computer. When he saw her approach, he turned off the screen and looked at her. “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Xingxing hesitated for a moment before asking uncertainly, “Do you have time next month?”

Shang Jie tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and, in a tone completely at odds with his gentle gesture, said two words—

“No.”

Jiang Xingxing: …

“You need to come with me to the Shen family gathering.”

Shang Jie glanced at her and said indifferently, “Having dinner with your parents and brother is a perfectly normal thing. What are you afraid of?”

“But I’m not very familiar with them. What if we have nothing to talk about? It’ll be so awkward. If you come with me, at least you can help me handle the conversation.”

“Aren’t you and Shen Chuyan best friends?”

“Shen Chuyan is fine, but his uncle and aunt… I’ve only met them once, and they even wanted me to be their daughter-in-law!”

Shang Jie rubbed his temples. That was indeed awkward.

“In any case, avoiding it won’t help. Face it head-on.” He patted her shoulder. “Good luck.”

Jiang Xingxing: …

Good luck, my ass. Easy for you to say when you don’t have to deal with it.

“There’s no need to overthink it.” Shang Jie pulled her into his lap and continued, “You and Shen Nian Nian really did look alike as children—at least 80% similar. Given how people normally think, when a kidnapped daughter returns safely, her parents’ focus would be on her physical and mental well-being. They wouldn’t immediately question whether she was truly their child.

“When I came back, my second personality was in control. I was like a completely different person, but my parents never even thought about doing a paternity test.”

He spoke calmly, as if narrating someone else’s story. “Who could have predicted that such an unbelievable coincidence would happen? Two unrelated children looking so much alike.”

“So what you’re saying is… you want me to understand them?” Jiang Xingxing looked at him. “To forgive them?”

“Have you ever truly hated them? If not, what is there to forgive?” Shang Jie had seen through her thoughts from the very beginning. “You just don’t know how to navigate this relationship.”

Jiang Xingxing sighed helplessly. “I’m just afraid. What if Shen Chuyan’s parents start crying and hugging me, but I can’t shed a single tear? Won’t I seem heartless? And if they ask me to call them ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad,’ but I can’t bring myself to say it, what then?”

“Follow your heart. Don’t worry about anything else.” Shang Jie spoke calmly. “Let things unfold naturally. You’re an adult now, not a child.”

An adult should know how to manage their emotions.

“Besides, I believe that if the Shen family parents have been patient enough to wait for you all this time, they won’t force you into anything.”

After talking with Shang Jie, Jiang Xingxing felt much more at ease.

“You’ll come with me, right?”

“What are you even thinking? Of course, I will.” Shang Jie ruffled her hair, his gaze gentle. “This is a big moment in your life. I’ll definitely be there.”

“But you just said you didn’t have time.”

“Can’t I joke around?”

“Fine, whatever.”

As long as Shang Jie was with her, she felt much more at ease. Just as he said, she should take things as they come.

Jiang Xingxing glanced downward and realized that ever since he had said, “Follow your heart,” his hand had been resting on an inappropriate part of her chest.

Jiang Xingxing: …

Move your damn hand, please.

—

After Phoenix Luan finished filming, the drama’s broadcasting rights were sold to the country’s largest streaming platform. It was released simultaneously online and on television, receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews. Though it was a familiar story wrapped in a new package, the presence of two mega-stars, Jiang Xingxing and Shen Chuyan, elevated it into something truly captivating. Audiences were hooked.

With every new episode, keywords related to the plot would trend on social media, generating buzz.

Jiang Xingxing’s agency seized the opportunity to capitalize on her rising popularity by securing multiple variety show appearances for her. While her idol aura was undeniable, it was well-known in the industry that she was positioned as a serious actress.

Shang Jie’s advice to her was simple: minimize variety show appearances.

He intended to elevate her career to an international level.

That afternoon, Jiang Xingxing was invited to attend an international luxury fashion show as a special guest, where she walked the opening segment.

After the event ended, she walked out of the venue and took out her phone to check the time, only to find three missed calls—all from Jiang Zhi.

She quickly called him back. “Brother, did you need something?”

On the other end of the line, Jiang Zhi’s voice carried a hint of hesitation. “I just passed by Starlight Tower and saw your poster outside. I heard you were inside, so I wanted to come in and see you, but security wouldn’t let me.”

“I was in Starlight Tower for the fashion show, and entry requires an invitation. Without one, you can’t get in.”

“Yeah, I figured, so I just waited outside for you.”

“Brother, are you still there?”

“I’m here.”

“I’ll come find you now.”

“Okay, I’ll wait for you.”

As Jiang Xingxing got up and headed out, she checked the time of the first missed call—it had been an hour ago.

For some reason, a pang of guilt suddenly gripped her heart.

The sky was overcast, and a light drizzle fell, scattering in the wind. Though the rain was sparse, it was the season of lingering spring chill, and the raindrops felt piercingly cold against her skin.

At the street corner, she spotted Jiang Zhi. He was wearing a dark green parka, shoulders slightly hunched, one hand tucked into his pocket, while the other carried a small bag of eggs.

Middle age had inevitably left its marks on his face, and his honest and steady nature only made him appear even more mature and composed.

Jiang Zhi was approaching forty—exactly twelve years older than Jiang Xingxing. When their grandmother grew too old to care for her, young Jiang Xingxing had been raised entirely by him. It could be said that he had practically brought her up single-handedly.

Jiang Zhi was a sincere and kind man, always dependable and hardworking. At just seventeen or eighteen, he had taken on the responsibility of raising a clueless little girl. As an older brother, he had played the role of both sibling and father, ensuring she received both care and education without missing a step.

When she was young, he often told her: “Before you learn to act, you have to learn to be a good person first.”

Only when you understand yourself can you convincingly portray someone else. Otherwise, you’ll lose yourself in the roles you play.

She had seen others in the industry who lost themselves—Wen Yang, Song Xiaoxiao, An Man… She was grateful she hadn’t ended up like them.

Jiang Zhi had taught her many things.

An elder brother is like a father—his love and care run deep.

“Brother, if you needed me, you should’ve told me earlier! Why stand around waiting like this?” Jiang Xingxing ran over and held an umbrella over him.

“I know you’re usually busy. Setting up a meeting just for this felt like a waste of your time, and since I happened to be nearby, I figured I’d just wait.”

“I’m not that busy.” She pouted. “I was planning to visit the theater this weekend to watch your performance. How did the Wilderness national tour go?”

“It went well. Your sister Mingjin is getting better with every performance. Once she’s on stage, she’s in her element—she brings the characters to life.”

Jiang Xingxing smiled. “She’s always been amazing.”

“But…” Jiang Zhi sighed softly, his expression turning slightly heavy.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing much. It’s just… on stage, she’s so full of life, but offstage, she’s like some frail, opium-smoking old hag from the Spider Spirit’s cave—completely drained. It’s been like this for ages.”

Jiang Xingxing burst out laughing. “Brother! What kind of description is that? Calling my sister an opium-smoking old hag?”

Though, admittedly, it was an accurate comparison.

She said, “Mingjin has always been this way. Her melancholy isn’t just a passing thing—it’s been years.”

Jiang Zhi shook his head. “She’s carrying something heavy in her heart. If she can’t work through it herself, she’ll only sink deeper and deeper until she can’t pull herself out.”

“Well, that’s easy to fix—set her up with someone!” Jiang Xingxing joked. “If she falls in love, she’ll definitely cheer up.”

“If Lu Wuque hears that, he might tear the whole theater apart. Do you think that rich young master has stuck around our troupe all these years for fun? He’s only here for Mingjin.”

“Too bad the prince is in love, but the goddess is indifferent.”

Jiang Zhi suddenly seemed to remember something. “That guy always around Shang Jie, what’s his name again… something Chuan?”

“Lin Chuan.”

“Yeah, him. What do you think of him? I’ve noticed that Mingjin seems to like him. Do they ever talk? You should put in a good word for him. Mingjin is one of the leading stars of our troupe—she wouldn’t be shortchanged.”

Jiang Xingxing knew her brother had a strong sense of responsibility. He took it upon himself to worry about every young person in the theater, playing the role of an ever-concerned elder. He was born to be an older brother.

“Please, brother, can you stop playing matchmaker for everyone?” Jiang Xingxing sighed. “Let them figure out their own lives.”

“Yeah, yeah. Fine, I’ll stay out of it.”

“By the way, you haven’t told me yet—what did you want to talk to me about today?”

Jiang Zhi hesitated for a long time, as if struggling to find the right words. “Ah… never mind.”

“If you’ve got something to say, just say it.”

“A while ago, you called me and said you’d found your parents. I never got the chance to ask properly… How are they treating you?”

Jiang Xingxing immediately understood—this was the real reason Jiang Zhi had waited outside for her. He had been mulling over this and couldn’t let it go.

“Brother, I haven’t met them yet.”

Jiang Zhi looked at her in shock. “You haven’t? Why not?”

“Let me put it this way—you and Grandma will always be my family, no doubt about that. I will always be closer to you two.”

“You silly girl… What are you saying? They’re your real parents.”

“And you’re my real brother.”

He said somewhat sourly, “What kind of brother am I to you? Your real brother is a big star now.”

“What are you saying, Jiang Zhi?” Jiang Xingxing raised her voice. “If you keep talking like that, I’m going to get mad.”

Jiang Zhi’s eyes turned slightly red, but the weight in his heart finally eased. He had been really afraid—afraid that after Jiang Xingxing found her real family, he would lose the little sister he had raised single-handedly.

Jiang Xingxing had arranged for Jiang Zhi to accompany her to meet the Shen family’s parents. Their grandmother was old and couldn’t handle the long trip, so it made sense for Jiang Zhi, as her older brother, to go in her place.

Jiang Zhi was naturally reserved and had initially felt awkward about it. But he also understood that this was an important meeting—he had to be there.

Shen Chuyan took care of all the arrangements with meticulous attention. Instead of booking a top-tier luxury restaurant, he chose a well-known, authentic local eatery in Jiangcheng.

This was partly to ensure that the food suited everyone’s tastes and partly to create a relaxed atmosphere, preventing Jiang Xingxing’s relatives from feeling too pressured.

Out of courtesy, Jiang Xingxing and Shang Jie arrived early to wait for the Shen family’s parents. However, to their surprise, the Shen parents had arrived even earlier.

Shen Chuyan whispered to her, “They’ve been longing to see their daughter. They barely slept last night. Mom went to the beauty salon first thing this morning, and Dad spent ages at home trying on more than ten different suits.”

Hearing this, Jiang Xingxing suddenly felt less nervous.

After introductions were made, everyone took their seats. Jiang Xingxing sat between Shang Jie on her left and Jiang Zhi on her right, while the Shen parents, as the elders, sat across from them in the honored seats.

The dramatic, tearful reunion scene that Jiang Xingxing had dreaded did not happen. The Shen parents were well-mannered and composed, and everyone wore warm smiles.

She let out a quiet breath of relief.

As the meal progressed, the atmosphere remained warm and harmonious. Although there were no dramatic breakdowns, the emotions in the Shen parents’ eyes were impossible to conceal. Fan Yazhen, unable to help herself, kept placing food onto Jiang Xingxing’s plate, urging her to eat more, and repeatedly inviting her to visit their home.

Meanwhile, Shen Sushan gently nudged his wife with his elbow, subtly reminding her not to overdo it—too much enthusiasm might put pressure on their daughter.

Jiang Xingxing could feel both the mother’s uncontrollable affection and the father’s restrained tenderness. It brought back countless childhood memories.

Though many details had grown blurry, she still remembered her mother’s gentle voice. She also recalled how, as a child, her father used to lift her high above his head and introduce her to the stars in the night sky, saying, “Nian Nian is our little star.”

Years had passed, and while she had grown up, her parents’ hair had begun to turn gray.

A surge of emotions welled up in her heart.

Shang Jie gently placed his hand over hers and gave it a reassuring pat.

He always sensed her emotions before anyone else did. With that small gesture, he was telling her: Don’t be sad. I’m right here with you.

Shen Sushan deeply appreciated Jiang Zhi’s care for his daughter. There were no words—or even money—that could truly express his gratitude. Naturally, he would not do anything inappropriate, but he quietly looked into ways to support the Jiang family’s theater troupe.

After the meal, the family walked out of the private dining hall. Fan Yazhen reached for Jiang Xingxing’s hand, and Jiang Xingxing instinctively linked arms with her, smiling as they walked together.

Shen Chuyan had planned for everyone to visit their home next, but as soon as they stepped out of the restaurant, under the sycamore tree at the entrance, they were met with an unexpected sight—Shen Nian Nian stood there, her eyes brimming with tears, looking pitifully at the Shen parents.

“Mom, Dad, are you really going to abandon me?”

Jiang Xingxing immediately felt Fan Yazhen’s steps falter, and the hand holding hers stiffened slightly.

Shen Chuyan was the first to step forward, grabbing Shen Nian Nian’s arm and pulling her aside. “If you have something to say, don’t do it here.”

Shen Nian Nian forcefully shook off his grip and ran to the Shen parents, tearfully pleading, “Dad, Mom, I have nowhere to go. Can you really just leave me like this?”

Fan Yazhen turned her head away, remaining silent, while Shen Sushan replied, “You should return to your real family. Don’t come looking for us again.”

Shen Nian Nian’s voice cracked with despair. “Dad, do you really not care about all these years of being my father? Even if we aren’t related by blood, I was still your daughter for more than ten years! And she—”

She pointed at Jiang Xingxing. “You’ve only known her for a few days! Just because she’s related to you by blood, do you think she really sees you as her parents? Has she even called you Mom and Dad?!”

“Enough!” Shen Sushan cut her off. “How dare you talk to me about family bonds? If it weren’t for your deliberate deception, our family wouldn’t have been separated for all these years! If you had told the truth back then, we would have been reunited long ago!”

“I kept quiet because I wanted to be your daughter!” Shen Nian Nian sobbed. “I love you as my real parents. After so many years together, can you really just cut me off?”

“That’s enough, Shen Nian Nian.” Shen Chuyan didn’t want her to make a scene in front of so many people. “Stop it. Mom and Dad are still upset. Don’t make things worse.”

“Brother, you still care about me, don’t you?” Shen Nian Nian clung to his arm. “You must still care. Please help me convince them. I really don’t want to go back to the Qin family. Their house is filthy, it stinks, and I haven’t slept well in days. I’m living in a hotel, and my money is almost gone. I don’t know what to do. Brother, please help me.”

Shen Chuyan pulled her hand away and said coldly, “You’re twenty-four. You should have learned to be independent by now. Before, Mom and Dad took care of you because they thought you were their daughter. But now, you are no longer part of the Shen family. We have no obligation to support you. Take care of yourself.”

Just then, a few cars pulled up, and the family members each got into their respective vehicles.

Inside the car, Jiang Xingxing met Shen Nian Nian’s gaze through the window. Her eyes were red with rage as she glared at Jiang Xingxing with hatred.

Shang Jie calmly rolled up the dark-tinted window, pulling Jiang Xingxing back from the scene.

“There are all kinds of people in this world.” He gently rubbed her head, his voice steady. “Some scheme, some betray, some bare their fangs with ugliness written all over them… I will never let you be trapped again. Never.”

Jiang Xingxing smiled at him. “Alright. I think Lin Chuan has pretty good skills. Maybe you should assign him to be my bodyguard and assistant on set.”

The driver, Lin Chuan, flinched upon hearing this and shot pleading looks at Shang Jie through the rearview mirror.

Shang Jie ignored him and asked with a calm expression, “Lin Chuan is my chief assistant, and you’re only making him your second assistant?”

“Yep. He still has to rank below Lu Xiaodao.”

“That’s just unfair!” Lin Chuan protested. “Totally unfair!”

“Boss, will you be willing to let him go for me?” Jiang Xingxing playfully pulled Shang Jie’s tie and bit his lower lip lightly.

Shang Jie smirked. “If you want him, you can have him. I just don’t know if you’ll be able to handle him.”

“Lu Assistant is quick-witted, smart, and resourceful. He can fight and take a beating—there’s no better talent. Why wouldn’t I be able to handle him?”

Shang Jie glanced at her, his expression unreadable. She looked charming and mischievous, her almond eyes full of teasing yet sincere anticipation.

He raised an eyebrow. “If you like, take him. But if he messes up, don’t come complaining to me.”

“Thanks, Boss.”

In the mirror, Lin Chuan stared at Shang Jie in disbelief, looking utterly devastated.

Shang Jie adjusted his tie nonchalantly. “Don’t look at me like that. Your job is still your job. Just follow her instructions.”

“But, Boss, what about your schedule?”

“The company has plenty of people. It won’t fall apart without you.”

Lin Chuan pouted. “Boss, you’re really hurting my confidence.”

Jiang Xingxing patted his shoulder. “I only need you for a few days. It’s for something good, so don’t be upset.”

At first, Lin Chuan really thought Shang Jie was joking, but to his surprise, the more they talked, the more excited they became, and in the end, they really just sold him off so cheaply.

This guy used to be the most principled person, but now, just to make his wife happy, principles? They simply didn’t exist anymore!

…

The next day, as expected, Jiang Xingxing took Lin Chuan out.

Shang Jie stood at the gate of the Wangjiang Villa, the sun glaring. He wore a white dress shirt, hands on his waist, slightly furrowing his brows as he watched Jiang Xingxing shove Lin Chuan into the car.

Before getting in, Lin Chuan turned back reluctantly. Even after getting in, he rolled down the window to look at his big boss again.

Shang Jie waved his hand, signaling him to stop looking.

Jiang Xingxing looked at the two of them and suddenly felt like an evil villain breaking up a pair of lovebirds.

“You two need to stop. Don’t make it seem like there’s something going on between you.”
Lin Chuan muttered, “Since I was a kid, I’ve never been away from the boss for more than five hours. Now, I feel really uneasy, really anxious.”

“Then you better start getting used to it. You might not see him for a few days.” Jiang Xingxing fastened Lin Chuan’s seatbelt in the passenger seat.

Lin Chuan widened his eyes. “What do you mean by that?”

Jiang Xingxing stepped on the gas. “You’ll find out when we get there.”

She took him to an apartment complex. It wasn’t particularly high-end, but it had security at both the front and back entrances, and the landscaping was decent.

“Madam, why did you bring me here?”

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

Jiang Xingxing led Lin Chuan through winding paths, past a small garden, and finally arrived at the last building. They took the elevator up to the fifth floor and stopped at a unit’s door.

Jiang Xingxing knocked. “Anyone home?”

“Coming, stop knocking! You gonna pay if you break the door?”

Hearing that slightly hoarse yet familiar female voice, Lin Chuan felt all the blood in his body rush to his head. He tugged on Jiang Xingxing’s sleeve and whispered, “Madam, can I wait outside for you?”

Jiang Xingxing grabbed his wrist. “Why are you running? She’s not going to eat you.”

The iron security door opened, and standing there was Ming Jin, wearing a thin nightgown.

The nightgown was rose-gold, a spaghetti-strap style, with the hem barely reaching the tops of her fair thighs. It hugged her curves, and the loose straps barely clung to her shoulders, leaving little to the imagination.

Thinking it was just Jiang Xingxing, Ming Jin hadn’t even bothered to put on a coat before answering the door. She hadn’t expected there to be a 1.85-meter-tall man standing behind her.

Jiang Xingxing’s gaze lowered, staring at the obvious points of temptation on Ming Jin’s body, and she gulped with difficulty. “Sis, you’re really just answering the door like this?”

Ming Jin’s confident expression wavered slightly. She turned around quickly and scolded, “How was I supposed to know you’d bring him here?”

Lin Chuan’s face had already turned completely red. He turned away, leaning against the wall, not daring to enter or speak.
Jiang Xingxing walked in and sat on the couch while Ming Jin threw on a jacket, not even zipping it up, just holding it closed with her hand. She finally spoke to the man at the door, “Lu-ge, come in.”

Lin Chuan didn’t enter. “I’ll just wait here by the door.”

Stepping into a woman’s bedroom—somehow, that just didn’t seem appropriate.

Ming Jin turned to Jiang Xingxing and whispered, “What’s your intention in bringing this idiot to my house?”

“You like him, don’t you?”

“Which eye of yours saw that I like him?”

“If you don’t like him, why’d you sleep with him?”

“We didn’t even get to that point!”

Thinking about that night, Ming Jin laughed. “The poor guy was so turned on he could barely take it, so I just used my hand to help him out.”

Jiang Xingxing cleared her throat. “No need for that much detail.”

She glanced at the half-packed suitcase on the floor and said to Ming Jin, “You’re heading back to your hometown to deal with the house situation, right? You’ve got a bunch of troublesome relatives there. I don’t want you getting taken advantage of, so I called Lin Chuan to go with you.”

“You’re pimping him out to me?”

“Watch your words.” Jiang Xingxing smacked her lightly. “Lin Chuan’s been with Shang Jie since he was a kid—he’s a proper, upstanding, model citizen. Don’t corrupt him.”

“Isn’t he busy?” Ming Jin murmured. “Just let him work.”

“Lin Chuan spends 365 days a year following his boss around, even spending holidays together staring at each other at home. I just thought I’d take this chance to give him a break.” Jiang Xingxing patted Ming Jin’s shoulder. “Just think of it as taking a little brother on a trip. You’ll have someone to talk to and keep you entertained.”

“But is he even willing?”

Jiang Xingxing called over, “Lin Chuan, come in already. Stop lingering by the door.”

“Madam, I… I think I’ll just stay here.” Lin Chuan turned his face away. “It’s not appropriate.”

Jiang Xingxing noticed his flushed ears and knew he was embarrassed, probably still startled by Ming Jin.

Ming Jin sighed, stood up, and walked to the door. She stood in front of him. “Lu-ge, come in and sit down.”

Lin Chuan didn’t even dare look at her. He turned away, nervously fidgeting with his pocket. “It’s been a while.”

“It has been. You haven’t contacted me since that night.”

“I… I had my reasons.” Lin Chuan hurried to explain. “It’s hard to talk about, but I didn’t do it on purpose.”

“It’s fine.” Ming Jin shrugged. “I was drunk that night anyway.”

Lin Chuan’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. His throat felt dry and itchy. He finally looked up at her, his voice soft. “Have you… been doing well?”

“So, you’re really going to stand at my doorway and chat with me all night?” Ming Jin grabbed his wrist. “Come on, let’s talk inside.”

The moment her hand touched his wrist, Lin Chuan felt every nerve in his body tense up. His eyes sparkled like stars.

At that moment, Jiang Xingxing picked up her bag and was about to leave. “Ming Jin, I’m leaving Lin Chuan in your care. Make sure to send him back to me in one piece.”

“Got it.”

Lin Chuan panicked and grabbed Jiang Xingxing. “Madam, what’s the meaning of this?!”

Jiang Xingxing patted his chest. “Ming Jin’s heading back to her hometown. It’s not safe for her to go alone. Will you go with her?”

Lin Chuan’s eyes widened. “I… you didn’t tell me this earlier! Neither did Boss Shang! He wouldn’t agree…”

“I already told him. He agreed.”

Lin Chuan: …

Of course. The boss would agree to anything the madam said.

Ming Jin chuckled awkwardly, her voice slightly hoarse. “Look, this isn’t even a job, and I can’t afford an expensive daily wage. Lu-ge, if you want to come, think of it as a vacation. If not, no problem, don’t be so nervous.”

Jiang Xingxing added, “Are you going? It’s a rare chance. Your boss is stingy with vacation days.”

Lin Chuan hesitated for a moment, then looked at Ming Jin. “Will it be dangerous?”

Ming Jin smiled slightly, but before she could respond, Jiang Xingxing quickly interjected, “Extremely! Ming Jin’s got a whole bunch of troublemaker relatives, all fighting over the house. If things get ugly, they’ll throw punches. You see how delicate Ming Jin is—how many hits do you think she can take?”

Hearing that, Lin Chuan finally made up his mind. He nodded. “Then I’ll go!”

Ming Jin: …

Where on earth did they find such a pure-hearted, model citizen?

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