Jiang Yu did not wake up for a long time.
The Jiangs, the Qins, and even Ding Jiaxu did everything they could think of. They did not even care if their methods were unorthodox, but there was still no progress.
At first, people came to visit Jiang Yu one after another. Not only acquaintances but also those who admired Jiang Yu in school and saw her as a role model. They could not accept the fact and came to visit her in the hospital. However, Jiang Chenglang and the others were afraid of disturbing Jiang Yu’s peace and quiet, so they rejected a large group of people.
At first, no one believed it and they did not have the mood to do anything else. Luckily, they were in a private hospital and the entire floor was empty for Jiang Yu. Jiang Chenglang and the others stayed in the hospital because they were afraid that Jiang Yu would suddenly wake up and they would not be by her side.
But, time passed day by day. Summer passed, and then so did autumn. From disbelief to acceptance, from hope to disappointment, they still held onto a sliver of hope. They found a sliver of comfort from the fluctuating electrocardiogram.
As long as someone was still in there, she would eventually wake up one day.
Life seemed to get back on track, but it also seemed to be missing the most important thing.
Jiang Chenglang returned to the company. He was no less a workaholic than before. He pushed his subordinates to the point that they could not stop complaining. He worked under pressure all day long and would hold meetings all day. He pushed himself so hard that he had to take heart supplements.
Jiang Jingnian decided to settle down in the country. David knew about his situation and did not force him to go back. It was just that Jiang Jingnian was doing research day and night about something David thought was impossible. David felt that his friend had gone mad.
Jiang Xingyi was depressed and quiet for a long time. He made his fans feel that he was going to withdraw and live in seclusion. Just a while ago, he suddenly appeared in the public’s field of vision, and then there were a lot of announcements. There were still a few episodes of the variety show that he had appeared in with Jiang Yu, but Jiang Xingyi had refused to continue the recording. The program team knew about his special situation, and at the same time, because of the pressure from the capital behind him, they did not ask Jiang Xingyi to compensate for the breach of contract.
Jiang Xingyi still attended a few events, but his concert was not scheduled to happen for a long time. Even when he sang, he would not sing Star Language. As for the Weibo post that exposed his little sister’s daily life, it was never updated again. Jiang Xingyi’s fans guessed that something must have happened. They also heard that Jiang Yu did not report to Beijing University when school started in September. So, in order to not affect Jiang Xingyi, his fans controlled their comments very well and did not mention his sister on Jiang Xingyi’s Weibo. They just quietly wished that his sister would get better soon.
Jiang Zeyu’s life was simpler. It was just a matter of day or night. He was either at home or at the Racing Club. After many days and nights of training, his speed was even faster than before. Even Yan Zuo was far from catching up to him. If Yan Zuo thought that Jiang Zeyu was toying with death, now Zeyu was just throwing himself in the line of danger. It was the action of a crazy person. Sometimes, Yan Zuo would think, ‘If Jiang Yu was around, which of them would be better?’
However, this was just a thought. He would never dare to say it out loud in front of Jiang Zeyu.
Qin Fangfei enrolled at Beijing University. Even though she was a freshman, she poured all of her attention into research. Ding Jiaxu’s Chuangyu Technologies had grown to be even bigger. An Yimin now knew about the relationship between Ding Jiaxu and Jiang Yu. Other than a sigh, he gave no other reaction.
Ji Churan also returned from abroad. She was reluctant to leave, but He Xiulan kicked her out.
As for Feng Linbai?
He relocated his office to the hospital. Using the reason that Jiang Yu did not want everyone to quit their jobs and accompany her at the hospital, he chased everyone away. After that, he himself stayed behind openly.
Ke Yanbin looked at his master getting more and more haggard by the day and his heart was filled with anxiety. He hesitated for a long time before he finally said, “Master, if Ms. Jiang were here, she wouldn’t want to see you like this.”
Feng Linbai did not even raise his head.
Ke Yanbin knew that no one could stop Feng Linbai from making his decision.
Oh, no, there was one person.
Ke Yanbin pursed his lips. “Tomorrow, I’ll call the doctor over to come to take a look.”
“Okay.”
Feng Linbai opened his mouth.
Ke Yanbin added, “Master, you should make time to see the doctor.”
“I don’t need a doctor.”
Ke Yanbin was stubborn for once. “Master, do you know what your body looks like now?”
“I said, there’s no need.”
Feng Linbai repeated himself.
Ke Yanbin left with a sullen look on his face.
When the room returned to its usual quiet state, Feng Linbai clenched his fist and covered his lips. He then coughed with great restraint.
He looked down at his legs, feeling a momentary loss.
What he had not told anyone was that he had been having a dream recently.
In the dream, he passed through miles of forest and climbed up a snow-capped mountain. His eyes were white, and he dreamed that his legs had become one with the snow.
Then, everything returned to peace.
…
Feng family.
The Fengs’ reputation had been damaged because of the previous crisis. However, old trees had deep roots. Although it was shaken, it was not enough to hurt the foundation.
However, the market trends had changed in favor of the Qin and Jian families. It was enough to make Feng Zhiyi vomit blood.
Now, he gradually handed everything over to Feng Junhao. Even though his body was strong and he could still hold on for another ten to twenty years, if he did not train a qualified successor, how could the Feng family’s foundation continue to be passed down.
Feng Zhiyi had already started to arrange blind dates for Feng Junhao. All of them were of high status. Even if the aristocratic families were slightly inferior to the Feng family, they could be considered to be in the same standing.
Feng Junhao had just returned from a meeting when Feng Zhiyi called him into the study. It was obvious that the two of them were discussing this again.
Feng Jinghan had deliberately waited in the living room, thinking that she could get a chance to talk to Feng Junhao. But in the end, her thoughts were for naught. Ever since Feng Junhao had started attending university and took over the company’s affairs, he left the house early and returned late every day. He was often at the company working. It was funny. Even though they were a family living under the same roof, she barely got the chance to see Feng Junhao.
Feng Jinghan bit her lip and went to her mother’s room. After chatting for a while, she casually asked, “Mom, that young miss that Junhao is meeting today, do you know which family she’s from?”
Feng Qiongfang did know. “It’s the eldest daughter of the Liu family. I’m the one who pulled the strings.”
She had a pretty good relationship with the Liu family’s madam. The Liu family was a family that had existed for three generations, and their background was pretty good. When they chatted that day, the eldest daughter of the Liu family was about to come of age just like Feng Junhao. Thus she decided to mention it to Feng Zhiyi. She had not expected matters to be arranged so soon.
Feng Jinghan also knew the eldest daughter of the Liu family. She immediately frowned and said, “Her? How could she be worthy of Brother Junhao?”
Feng Qiongfang asked, “What’s wrong? Do you know something?”
She was worried that the daughter of the Liu family was not as virtuous and clean as everyone thought. If Qiongfang accused the young miss wrong and dragged Feng Junhao down, Feng Zhiyi might even think that she was playing tricks behind his back. Then, her image in Feng Zhiyi’s heart would certainly drop.
“Mom,” Feng Jinghan complained, “She doesn’t look like me and her education is not as good as mine. How can you introduce such a person to Brother Junhao?”
“My dear daughter,” Feng Qiongfang laughed, “How could she compete with you? If anyone does that, how would Junhao ever find a sister-in-law?”
Feng Qiongfang was joking, and Feng Jinghan was instantly speechless. She had not lost her mind so much as to stop Feng Junhao from going on blind dates, but she was in a low mood, so she turned around and left.
On the way back to her room, she happened to see Feng Junhao and Feng Zhiyi coming out of the study room, talking and laughing. The two of them were talking happily, and she vaguely heard the words “next time.”
Feng Jinghan frowned.
Could it be that her grandfather was really satisfied with the eldest daughter of the Liu family?
Did Brother Junhao think so too?
She held her anger in her heart and threw herself onto her bed after returning to her room. After a few moments of staring into space, she took out her phone and sent a text message. The reply from the other side was also quite fast.
[I told you he’d be engaged soon. Do you believe me now?]
Feng Jinghan replied coldly: [You’re quite open-minded. Didn’t you pester him in the past?]
[There, you said it yourself, it’s in the past. I’m not interested in him now.]
Of course, Feng Jinghan did not believe her, but she was not in the mood to waste time with her. [You said you had a way.]
[It depends on what you want, and…how you’re going to repay me.]
Feng Jinghan: [What do you want?]
This time, it was a long time before she received a reply.
Feng Jinghan almost thought she had read it wrong.
She thought that the other party would come up with something amazing. She had not expected it to be so simple?
She wanted to ask if the other party typed wrongly, but after some thought, she realized that it was impossible for the other party to make such a mistake. She deleted the original message and replied with a single word.
[Okay.]
…
Jian family.
Jian Hai had woken up, but Jian Hanshen had yet to announce this good news to the public.
Firstly, it was because Jian Hai had only woken up. He had been bedridden for too long, and his body was still recovering. It was difficult for him to even lift his arms, let alone get out of bed and walk.
Secondly, it was because the Jian family was a big family. Some of the turbulent forces had been subdued by Jian Hanshen and there was no need to be afraid of anything. It was just a matter of time before news of Jian Hai’s improvement got out. Jian Hanshen would never let anything ruin everything he had worked so hard for.
When Jian Hanshen visited Jian Hai today, he saw that his father was feeling tired again. Just as he was about to leave, Jian Hai suddenly called out to him.
“Hanshen.”
“Father?”
Jian Hai had a limited amount of waking hours every day. Usually, when Jian Hanshen came to visit him, he would not be awake to say much. Only on the days that Jian Hai was awake would he ask Jian Hanshen how he had been doing lately. After that, Jian Hai rarely took the initiative to bring up any other topic.
Jian Hanshen moved closer so that he could hear Jian Hai’s words more clearly.
Jian Hai asked weakly, “Aunt Qi…should have already told you, right?”
Jian Hanshen’s eyes turned cold.
Ever since Jian Hai woke up, Jian Hanshen had refused all visitors. Occasionally, relatives would come over and it would be suspicious if he turned them all away. He received them, but he also firmly refused to let anyone get close to the backyard. Moreover, he kept a close watch on the people at home and would not let just anyone get close to Jian Hai.
If others had not said it, would Jian Hai really bring this up himself?
“I’m sorry I’ve kept it from you for so long…” Jian Hai said, “I owe your biological mother a favor, and you are indeed my child…but something happened later, and I let her down…
“But I also hope that you can help your sister… Is she okay now?”
Jian Hanshen said without hesitation, “Yes, she’s doing very well.”
If there was even a slight hesitation in his tone, Jian Hai would guess otherwise. Therefore, Jian Hanshen answered expressionlessly, and there was even a hint of disgust in his words. It was completely his personal style.
As expected, Jian Hai believed him. “I know that you blame me, but after all, you two are related by blood, so you can’t just ignore it…”
As he spoke, he started coughing. In the end, he did not have enough energy to continue and his expression became weak.
Jian Hanshen comforted him, “Father, don’t worry. I’ll always do what you tell me to.”
Only then did Jian Hai relax and fall into a deep sleep.
Jian Hanshen left Jian Hai’s room with a livid expression on his face.
He did not blame Jian Hai for his romantic debts, but he felt that Lu Yuan and her mother were really disgusting.
Lu Xueping was indeed beautiful and capable. She was able to conceive him with Jian Hai, successfully push away the original wife, and even bring Lu Yuan into the Jiang family. She could hook up with two sides without much trouble.
It was probably because Jian Hai was a big wig in the business world and always placed importance on family relations. This would explain why his father took care of that woman after what she did back then. It was probably because he felt guilty toward her.
But who was the one who had done wrong back then?
There was no way to verify it now.
Jian Hanshen did not care about the truth. What he wanted to know was where Lu Yuan was hiding at this moment?
He thought that Lu Yuan would return to Beijing University to study, so he sent people there to investigate, but they could not find her. He sent people to follow Lu Hetai and the others, but Lu Yuan had not contacted them either.
Jian Hanshen reasonably suspected that the former head of the Jiangs and Jian Hai were not the only ones who were defeated by Lu Xueping back then. Otherwise, how could Lu Yuan remain in hiding for so long after returning to the country? It really made him want to crush her. Jian Hanshen let out a deep sigh. When he thought of the Jiang family, his expression gradually eased up.
After Jian Hai woke up, Jiang Jingnian threw them aside and did not bother with them anymore.
The agreement between them had been fulfilled. There was no need for him to serve them anymore, and the people of the Jiang family did not welcome him either. Even if he went to the hospital, he would not be allowed entry.
However…
He really wanted to see her again…
Wait?
He seemed to have overlooked something.
Jian Hanshen suddenly thought of something and called for someone.
“Let’s go check out that place.”
…
The Jiang family.
When Jiang Chenglang returned home, he was surprised to find that there were a few more people in the house.
“Why are you guys back?”
Ever since the incident with Jiang Yu, the Jiang family, which had been happy and cheerful, no longer stuck around. The other three brothers of the Jiang family had gone to mind their own business and had moved out of the family home for convenience’s sake. The Jiang family villa once again returned to the days when Jiang Chenglang had lived alone. At first, he was a little unaccustomed to it. Later, because of his busy work schedule, he gradually got used to it. Therefore, when he saw these three people suddenly appear in the empty house, it was a little strange.
Jiang Chenglang raised his eyebrows. Could it be…
He was about to ask whether Rong Qi had failed in his duty and did not tell him the good news when he heard Jiang Jingnian interrupt, “Today is your birthday. We came back to celebrate.”
He pointed at a wrapped box on the table. Only then did Jiang Chenglang realize that this was the surprise that the three of them had prepared for him.
But in an instant, his eyes darkened.
How could Jiang Jingnian not know what he was thinking? He raised his chin and said straightforwardly, “Let’s have the cake.”
He unwrapped the cake, lit the candles, made a wish, and blew out the candles.
It was just a routine.
After the four of them celebrated Jiang Yu’s “unforgettable” birthday, they did not want to have anything to do with the word “birthday” anymore, even Jiang Xingyi. His fans had wanted to prepare a grand birthday surprise for him, but they were stopped by Zhong Na. To them, this word was like a nightmare, a memory that they did not want to recall when they were dreaming in the middle of the night.
Later, Jiang Jingnian brought up that when Jiang Yu had agreed to let them celebrate her birthday, they agreed that the other four people would have to take turns and celebrate their birthday too. She was an indifferent person and did not like to publicize things. That rare sense of ceremony was for them.
Because of this, the four Jiang brothers decided to respect the promise they had made. When it was Jiang Chenglang’s birthday, they all put aside their jobs and rushed home.
Jiang Chenglang could not tell what he felt in his heart. It was like wind passing through an empty hall. But it also felt like a pair of big hands of fate had ruthlessly grabbed his heart, rendering him unable to breathe. When he lost his mother, he was still young and did not have such strong feelings. And he did not have many feelings for his father. When his father died, he even felt relieved.
Jiang Chenglang asked the butler to bring a bottle of wine.
“Let’s just drink this once.”
…
Midnight.
The four Jiang brothers were drunk.
Jiang Chenglang had just clinked glasses with Jiang Jingnian when he suddenly asked, “Have you ever blamed me?”
Jiang Jingnian answered straightforwardly, “Of course.”
When Jiang Zeyu heard this, he also came over to join in the fun. “Who hasn’t blamed you?”
“That’s true.” Jiang Chenglang lowered his head and laughed at himself. “Even I blame myself. A person like me…”
Halfway through his words, he suddenly stopped.
A person like me…
A person…
Like me…
Should not live in this world —
A voice suddenly came from his mind, as if someone had told him those words before. The voice came from afar. In a trance, Jiang Chenglang seemed to have seen something, but his vision was suddenly enveloped by a black fog, and could not see anything clearly.
He was stunned for a moment. Thinking that perhaps it had been too long since he drank and was imagining things.
…
Time passed quickly.
In the blink of an eye, it was almost New Year’s Eve again.
This time, there was no New Year’s Eve trip. The few of them silently understood that they would be busy with work and training.
There were many TV stations inviting Jiang Xingyi to their New Year’s Eve party. Zhong Na was afraid that Jiang Xingyi would be hurt by the scene and wanted to reject all of them. However, Jiang Xingyi turned and asked her which station he had gone to last year. He would continue to go there this year. The person in charge of the other party was overjoyed.
Zhong Na probed, “Then, what’s our performance going to be?”
Although the other party would come up with many proposals for them to choose from, and of course, there would be some additional requirements, it did not mean that they did not have the right to choose and make requests. Furthermore, with Jiang Xingyi’s influence, he had more freedom to choose what he wanted to do.
Jiang Xingyi lowered his eyebrows and said, “I’ll sing a new song.”
Zhong Na paused. She wanted to ask if it was not a good idea to sing a new song before releasing the album. But when she thought of Jiang Xingyi’s popularity, she swallowed her words. Even if he sang it, he would not have to worry about the sales of the album, so she might as well just let him be.
Thinking of the follow-up work arrangements, Zhong Na asked, “Then, do we need choreography? Are we still using the same people?”
Jiang Xingyi nodded. “Yes. You can arrange the rest, Sister Na.”
Zhong Na looked at the calendar and said casually, “Then, I’ll just call those people you usually use. I’ll make the arrangements.”
“Okay.”
Zhong Na was a fast worker. She quickly arranged everything and sent it to Jiang Xingyi’s phone. After Jiang Xingyi looked at it, he did not have any objections, so everything was thus settled. The next day, Qiao Leshan appeared in his studio and began to come up with the choreography.
Jiang Xingyi had written this song long ago. When it was not ready yet, he showed it to Jiang Yu and adjusted some details. Later, Jiang Xingyi finished it himself and kept it in the back pocket. This time, he wanted to sing at the New Year’s Eve party on a whim, even if Jiang Yu could not hear it or see it.
But, what if?
Jiang Xingyi turned down his other work and focused on building the presentation of this song. As a result, Qiao Leshan spent a lot of time with Jiang Xingyi. She could not be happier.
“Xingyi, I brought you a cup of coffee.” Qiao Leshan handed him a cup.
Jiang Xingyi accepted it, but the image of Jiang Yu drinking nothing but lemonade surfaced in his mind. He could not help but laugh.
That silly girl. Coffee was bitter to her. He wondered if she felt bitter lying on that bed every day. Jiang Xingyi felt a twinge in his nose. He raised his hand to hide his emotions and said with his eyes lowered, “After I finish this part of the training, I have to go out for a while. You should head off for the day as well.”
Qiao Leshan asked, “Where are you going? Do you need me to accompany you?”
“There’s no need,” Jiang Xingyi did not give her direct answer and refused, “I can go by myself.”
Qiao Leshan knew his personality. She knew that if she continued to ask, he would only get annoyed. She opened her mouth and said, “All right then. Be careful.”
After Jiang Xingyi left, Qiao Leshan shook the phone in her hand, feeling a little uneasy.
…
At the hospital.
After sending the Jiang brothers away, Ke Yanbin walked in and reported, “Master, Jian Hanshen just sent a message. He said that he might have found Lu Yuan’s whereabouts. And it’s near the hospital.”
Hearing this news, Feng Linbai was not surprised. “Get someone to keep a close eye on her. Other than the few people I’ve appointed, and Yu’er’s friends and family, no one is allowed to go near the ward.”
“Got it.”
After receiving the order, Ke Yanbin did not leave immediately. He was a little confused as if he was talking to himself. “Is this Lu Yuan really that perverted? Why can’t she just let Ms. Jiang have some peace? Why does she have to come and take a look herself?”
As the stepdaughter of the family, the Jiangs had treated her well. Why was she so ungrateful that she could not remember anything good about the Jiang family? Once she heard that Ms. Jiang had met with an accident, she had to come back from abroad to take a look. Did she really not know how to spell the word “death?”
Feng Linbai sneered as if he was saying, “How can you ask such a question?” He raised his eyelids as if he was looking at a retard. “Is this the first time you’re seeing such a thing?”
“That’s true.” Ke Yanbin clicked his tongue. “I don’t know why, but when I think of the phrase—the most poisonous is a woman’s scornful heart—I always feel a little scared.”
Ke Yanbin’s words reminded Feng Linbai that Lu Yuan, who was narrow-minded and held grudges, was even like this toward Jiang Yu. She was probably even more resentful toward the other members of the Jiang family and would not care about their old relationship at all.
“Those Jiang brothers, Uncle An and Aunt Xun, get some people to follow them closely. Don’t let anything happen.”
Feng Linbai pinched the space between his brows. “Including that little girl from the Qin family.”
…
Soon, it was New Year’s Eve.
The Jiang brother did not discuss anything, but they still went home at the same time. They turned on the TV and waited for Jiang Xingyi’s performance.
Jiang Jingnian poured himself a glass of wine. He swirled the glass with one hand and put the other hand on the armrest of the sofa. He asked, “Which channel is he on?”
The butler answered, “The fifteenth. It’s estimated to start around 10 o’clock.”
Jiang Jingnian looked at the time. “It’s still early.”
Jiang Zeyu pursed his lips. “Then I’ll go up to my room first. I’ll come down at 10.”
Jiang Jingnian then looked at Jiang Chenglang who was on his phone by the window. Then, he looked out of the window and took a sip of wine. “Looks like it’s the first snow of the new year.”
In order to prevent Jiang Jingnian from being hurt, the butler answered vaguely and asked, “You might get hungry later tonight. Do you want the kitchen to prepare some snacks?”
“No need.” Jiang Jingnian shook his head gently. He paused for a moment and suddenly thought of something. A faint smile hung on his lips. “If she were here, I’m afraid the table would be full.”
It went without saying who this “she” was.
The butler gave no response.
“Forget it. “Jiang Jingnian waved. “Uncle Mo, go get some rest.”
“Okay,” The butler said, “If there’s anything, please call me, Second Young Master.”
Jiang Jingnian nodded.
Jiang Chenglang came back from his phone call and saw Jiang Jingnian sitting alone on the sofa. He asked, “Where’s Zeyu?”
Jiang Jingnian pointed upstairs. “He went up. He’ll come down when it’s time.”
Jiang Chenglang did not say anything. He sat on the other side of the sofa and proceeded to scroll through his phone.
Silence filled the air.
Suddenly, the two of them asked at the same time,
“How’s the progress on your side?”
“What progress have you made?”
“The same,” Jiang Chenglang shook his head and answered first, “They’re all useless people with no real talent.”
“It’s the same on my side.” Jiang Jingnian frowned. “I’ve flipped through a lot of books but found nothing. I went to find a few famous professors but didn’t find any constructive solutions.”
Jiang Chenglang cupped his chin. “Did we overlook something?”
It was impossible to give up.
It was impossible to give up in this lifetime.
“I wonder how Feng Linbai is doing…” Jiang Jingnian mused, “The memory that Little Sister gained might have been a breakthrough, but Feng Linbai himself doesn’t know. I thought of hypnotizing her before, but unfortunately, before that could happen…
“Now that little sister is asleep, there’s no way to hypnotize her. This clue is a dead end.” Jiang Jingnian was still unwilling to give up.
Jiang Chenglang did not reply for a moment.
He had a feeling that something was not right and he had overlooked it.
Something seemed to flash in his mind before it escaped and flew away.
“Hypnosis huh…”
Jiang Chenglang murmured and his eyes suddenly lit up.
“That extra memory that Xiao Yu has is related to Feng Linbai. Although Xiao Yu is asleep, Feng Linbai is awake. What if we hypnotize Feng Linbai instead?”
Jiang Yu’s memory could not have been generated out of thin air. It must have really happened before. As the person involved, Feng Linbai must have experienced it. Even if he had forgotten it, if the memory existed, it would not lie.
“Why didn’t I think of this…” Jiang Jingnian was delighted. “Okay, I’ll tell Feng Linbai about this now!”
It was almost 10 o’clock.
Jiang Zeyu yawned and came downstairs. He shouted, “Has the show started? Has the superstar appeared?”
No one paid him any attention.
Jiang Zeyu was not bothered at first, but when he came downstairs, he saw his eldest brother and his second brother huddled in a corner. His second brother was holding his phone by his ear as if he was making a phone call.
He intended to go over and tease them. He tiptoed over and did not make a single sound. Then, he heard Jiang Jingnian say, “Okay, then I’ll be counting on you. See you at the hospital tomorrow morning.”
The hospital?
The alarm in Jiang Zeyu’s head rang loudly. He immediately jumped up and said hurriedly, “Is there any news about Little Sister? Has she woken up?”
Jiang Chenglang shook his head. “No.”
But he did not completely hide it from Jiang Zeyu. “We just thought of a new idea and want to try it out. It might not work though.”
Jiang Zeyu asked, “Can I go with you?”
“It’s not even a foregone conclusion yet.” Jiang Jingnian put an arm around him. “Let’s go and watch TV first.”
Jiang Zeyu pouted and was unwillingly dragged away by Jiang Jingnian. No matter how he tried to beat around the bush, Jiang Jingnian refused to reveal anything more. And although Jiang Zeyu knew that Jiang Jingnian was acting this way because he was not confident and did not want to give him too much hope in case he was disappointed. But there were some things that once opened, the lid could not be put back on so easily.
At this moment, Jiang Xingyi finally appeared on the stage.
He brought a song called “Waiting for You at the End of the World.”
On the fog-shrouded stage, the mist dispersed and raindrops fell from above. In the dark, a colorful umbrella appeared. The prelude was soft music, and then the rhythm gradually increased. The song was light and lively. And suddenly, the drums started!
Weibo exploded.
[I haven’t seen my brother for a long time. Ahhhhhhh! I’m going crazy! My brother is so handsome today! Ahhhhh! At this moment, I just want to scream!!!]
[Although I’m also very excited, I want to remind my sisters of something! Even if you’re excited, don’t call him by the wrong name. Brother Xingyi said that he doesn’t want us to address him as our Big Brother anymore! Ahhh! Don’t break the taboo! After all, Brother Xingyi hasn’t come out for a long time!]
[Right, right, right. Don’t get it wrong! Let’s just focus on Brother Xingyi’s appearance and performance!]
[Sob, sob, sob. I almost cried when I heard the beginning. I didn’t expect the ending to be so touching. Brother Xingyi never lets us down!]
[Sob, sob, sob. The melody at the end really makes people want to cry. As an old fan, I can feel the pain of my idol. He’s still waiting. Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah…]
[It’s too sad. Today, my heart breaks for Brother Xingyi…]
…
“Hmph.”
Jiang Zeyu, who was in front of the television, turned his head away.
Just you wait. He will also win a championship for his little sister!
When his little sister wakes up, she will see that he did not lose!
He will definitely not be the lowest of the family!
…
After the song ended, Jiang Xingyi and Qiao Leshan high-fived to celebrate the successful performance. Then, they hurriedly prepared to go backstage to change and leave to go home. After he changed his clothes, he opened the door and found Qiao Leshan already waiting at the door.
“Xingyi, I have something to say to you.”
“Huh?”
Qiao Leshan bit her lip and wanted to say something, but she hesitated. “I…”
Jiang Xingyi waited for a few seconds. Seeing that she was hesitant, he interrupted, “Leshan, since you haven’t thought it through, let’s talk about it in the future. I’m leaving now.”
“Xingyi!”
Qiao Leshan called out to him loudly. At the same time, she attracted the attention of those around them.
She lowered her head. “Let’s go inside and talk.”
Jiang Xingyi sized her up and did not reject her. “Okay.”
After returning to the room, Qiao Leshan closed the door. She clenched her fists and finally mustered up her courage. “Xingyi, I…
“Ever since I choreographed your first dance, I’ve fallen in love with you. For so many years, I’ve never dared to tell you. I’ve always been an honest choreographer. However, I’m also greedy and have extravagant hopes. I want to be closer to you. I hope that you will pay more attention to me…”
Jiang Xingyi frowned. “Leshan, you know that I only treat you as a friend.”
“I know, but I can’t take it anymore! There are so many female celebrities within the industry throwing themselves at you, including that girl duo from that variety show. They’ve only just debuted, yet they don’t know their place. They even have their eyes on you. What right do they have?
“Do they understand you better than I do? Have they been by your side like I have for so many years? Have they done anything for you?
“None of them have! They just want to use your fame and take advantage of your popularity! I’m the only one who sincerely wants the best for you. I can always stay behind the scenes and appear whenever you need me. But can you…look only at me? Can you keep your eyes on me?”
Seeing that Qiao Leshan was gradually spiraling into madness, Jiang Xingyi took a small step back and distanced himself from her. “Leshan, have you been drinking?”
“No!” Qiao Leshan denied, “I’m very clear-headed right now. I know what I’m doing and what I’m saying. But you think I’m talking nonsense.”
She shook her head in disappointment. “You’re always like this. You can’t see my feelings. Even when I’m putting my heart in front of you with both hands right now, you still turn a deaf ear to it. You just think I’m crazy.”
Jiang Xingyi did not say a word.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Qiao Leshan said to herself, “You’re such a pure-hearted person. You have a clear sense of boundaries. Once someone crosses your boundaries, you’ll leave without mercy. It’s because I know you that I’ve endured for so many years.
“Sometimes, I really envy Jiang Yu. She was born to be your sister. You dote on her wholeheartedly and even wrote new songs for her. Now that she can’t wake up and has occupied the most important position in your heart forever, how can a person like you be in a relationship?”
“I won’t allow you to talk about my little sister like that!” Jiang Xingyi’s voice suddenly rose. “She’ll wake up!”
“Look, you’ll only react when you talk about her,” Qiao Leshan said self-deprecatingly, “As long as she’s around, everyone will be ranked second. I’m really jealous of her. Moreover, she’s just lying there. You’ll always be worried about her…”
Jiang Xingyi clenched his fists. “Leshan, let me remind you again. You’re crossing the line.”
Especially since she had touched his sore spot…
“I’m going to speak my mind today!” Qiao Leshan raised her head and said, “I can’t stand being behind you forever. I want to stand by your side. Xingyi, can you let me stand by your side? I can give you what Jiang Yu can give you. Although you don’t have a sister, you have me! I will take her share, together—”
“Enough!”
Jiang Xingyi interrupted her. He could not stand it anymore.
His eyes were fierce and his tone was cold. One could hear the anger in his voice, “Leshan, I gave you a chance, but you didn’t want it. Then, from today onwards, we will no longer work together and we don’t have to interact anymore. For the sake of our many years of friendship, you should leave. I won’t pursue your responsibility today.”
“Pursue?”
Qiao Leshan repeated this word once, and her expression changed from not understanding to shock to disappointment. “You want to pursue my responsibility? Jiang Xingyi, I’ve worked so hard for you for so many years, and this is how you treat me?”
She said in disbelief, “I only mentioned her a few times, and you want to cut all ties with me?”
Jiang Xingyi said fiercely, “You don’t deserve to talk about her.”
After a pause, he added, “Not a single word.”
His words were loud and clear.
Qiao Leshan was unstable. She trembled for a moment, and her expression was absent-minded. She murmured with a trembling voice, “So many years… so many years… I’ve worked so hard for so many years, and all I got were words that I don’t deserve…”
Jiang Xingyi did not want to waste any more time here. He walked past Qiao Leshan and prepared to leave.
When he passed by her, Qiao Leshan said in a short voice, “Stop!”
Jiang Xingyi did not stop at all.
When he opened the door, Qiao Leshan turned around and looked at his back. She asked in a soft voice as if it was the last thing she remembered, “Xingyi, I’ll ask you one last time. What you said just now wasn’t true, right? You won’t be willing to leave me, right?”
She thought to herself, ‘Quickly say no!’
Even if he was lying to her, she was willing to accept this lie!
What she got was a loud bang!
Jiang Xingyi did not answer.
He closed the door and left.
Qiao Leshan was left alone in the lounge.
Qiao Leshan stood there in a daze. After a while, she realized that her face was covered in tears. She was in a daze for a while. With tears in her eyes, she took out her phone and made a call.
“I believe what you said.
“Okay, I agree with your plan.”
After two short sentences, Qiao Leshan hung up the phone.
She held the phone and wiped the tears off her face. She had made up her mind.
Since she could not get it, she would not let anyone get it.
Jiang Xingyi forced her to do this.
She would make him regret it.
…
Jiang Xingyi’s mood was ruined just like that. He did not feel better when he returned home.
Jiang Zeyu saw him and yawned again. He complained, “Why did you come back so late?”
“I met a mad person.” Jiang Xingyi did not want to say more, but he was suspicious of Jiang Zeyu’s sudden solicitude. “What’s the matter? Do you have something to tell me?”
