Chapter 645: Ruan Ruan, Can I Hold You?

Seeing the regret in Qin Ruan's eyes, Hou Yunjiao approached her. He stood behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders and leaning in close to her ear.

His voice was ambiguous and husky, "There will always be opportunities to wear it in the future."

"What opportunities?" Qin Ruan turned back to ask.

As she turned, she accidentally bumped into Hou Yunjiao's cool lips.

Their lips met, but neither of them moved.

Qin Ruan's lips were slightly parted as she was in the middle of speaking.

After the initial shock, she slightly closed her lips.

This action coincidentally pressed against Third Young Master's sexy, slightly cool lips.

Qin Ruan caught a whiff of a faint scent of sandalwood.

This was Yunjiao's unique scent, not overpowering but pleasant to smell.

Coming back to her senses, Qin Ruan opened her lips and moved back.

Hou Yunjiao moved forward and embraced her from behind, pulling her into his arms.

He hooked the corners of his lips, a faint smile appearing on his face, "Ruan Ruan."

He sighed with a nasal sound, sounding beside Qin Ruan's ear.

Even though he was just calling her name, Qin Ruan's heart began to beat rapidly.

Although Hou Yunjiao was in a fragile state of health, his tall figure made her feel a slight pressure when he hugged her.

Qin Ruan felt a bit nervous, surrounded by this inexplicable danger.

She didn't push Hou Yunjiao away, and her eyes narrowed as she slightly tightened the hand by her side.

Hou Yunjiao's heartbeat was fast but strong.

With such close contact with him, Qin Ruan could naturally sense his powerful heartbeat.

She didn't dare to move, feeling a bit timid.

All of this was because of Hou Yunjiao's bold and straightforward actions, catching her off guard.

Even though there were clothes separating them, Qin Ruan still felt suppressed.

As Qin Ruan's breathing became lighter, almost suffocating, Hou Yunjiao let out a breathy sigh and slowly loosened his arms.

He had a slightly heavy nasal sound and complained, "Little girl, don't tease me anymore, or you'll be the one suffering."

"...?" Qin Ruan widened her eyes, unable to believe what she just heard.

Her lips twitched, not knowing what to say.

Clearly, it was this man who inexplicably imagined something colorful.

And now, he was putting the blame on her.

This made Qin Ruan feel a sense of frustration she couldn't fill.

Before Qin Ruan could get angry, Hou Yunjiao took the initiative to turn around.

Qin Ruan waved her fist at his departing figure, feeling both angry and aggrieved.

Obviously, it wasn't her fault, yet this man was pushing all the blame onto her.

This made Qin Ruan feel like she was being wronged.

Clearly, it was him who was acting all presumptuous and straightforward.

Even though they had a thin layer of clothes between them, Qin Ruan still felt suppressed.

Just as Qin Ruan was about to burst into anger, Hou Yunjiao unexpectedly turned back around.

She raised her fist, but before she could do anything, she was caught by Hou Yunjiao.

Hou Yunjiao was caught off guard by her cute behavior.

He had originally wanted to go to the bathroom to wash up and deal with the awkward situation just now.

But unexpectedly, Qin Ruan made such a cute gesture.

Some things were different when done alone compared to when done together with someone.

Hou Yunjiao returned along the same path, his calm and elegant footsteps resounding in the quiet room.

Hearing the footsteps behind her, Qin Ruan's heart tightened.

The familiar scent surrounded her again as Hou Yunjiao embraced her.

This time, Qin Ruan didn't cooperate and struggled to break free from his embrace.

Soon, however, she stopped moving.

Qin Ruan widened her eyes, and her pupils bloomed with surprise, as if she was doubting the world.

In the position behind her waist, she could clearly feel something different.

The cold and elegant Third Young Master had fallen off his pedestal.

His seven emotions and six desires were no different from anyone else.

He was just as straightforward and unreserved.

Hou Yunjiao didn't seem to care whether Qin Ruan noticed or not.

He half-closed his peach blossom eyes, giving off a gentle illusion.

In reality, his eyes contained a clear trace of desire.

He lowered his head, getting closer to Qin Ruan's ear.

His sexy thin lips slightly opened, and his warm breath caressed Qin Ruan's earlobe.

Qin Ruan's ears trembled slightly, as if startled.

Hou Yunjiao noticed it.

A pleased smile appeared in his eyes.

Their lips slowly came together.

As Qin Ruan was turning back earlier, it seemed like she unintentionally mistook his lips for something edible and leaned into them.

Her earlobe, still feeling the warmth, was being wrapped in his coolness.

Qin Ruan's face blushed with shyness.

As if it wasn't enough, Huo Yunjiao blew gently on her ear.

He used a deliberately low and alluring tone to say to Qin Ruan, "Not this kind of embrace."

Not this kind of embrace...

It's this kind of embrace...

This kind of embrace...

Embrace...

Qin Ruan was about to cry.

What on earth was Hou Yunjiao up to?

He acted as if he was the one being teased.

But before Qin Ruan could get annoyed, Hou Yunjiao's hand was pulled by her small hand.

Surprised, Hou Yunjiao turned back, and Qin Ruan's face, pure and with a hint of coquettishness, appeared before his eyes.

She complained in a low voice, "Next time, don't push the blame on me for this kind of thing."

Hou Yunjiao didn't understand what pot she was talking about and was puzzled as he stared at Qin Ruan's flushed ears. He looked back at her with the same tenderness, "Okay."

Hou Yunjiao was still thinking about what pot she was talking about and how it was pushed onto her.

But at this moment, no matter what this little girl said, he just had to agree.

He stared at Qin Ruan's blushing ears, a pleasant smile still lingering on his lips, and his peach blossom eyes carried a gentle look.

He let go of Qin Ruan's hand, avoiding her embarrassment, and comforted her warmly, "I was just joking. Go ahead and pick your dress."

After saying that, he turned and walked away with graceful steps.

Just when he had taken a few steps, his hand was grabbed by a small hand.

Surprised, he turned back.

Qin Ruan's face, innocent yet coquettish, with a faint smile, came into his view.

She whispered in complaint, "Next time, don't push the blame on me for this kind of thing."

Hou Yunjiao didn't understand what she was talking about, but he couldn't help but smile at her blushing ears.

He found it amusing.

He smiled, his voice warm and soft, "Okay."

Hou Yunjiao's mind

was still lingering on the 'blame,' wondering how it ended up on Qin Ruan.

But at this moment, no matter what she said, he would just agree.

He looked at her flushed ears, still carrying a gentle look in his peach blossom eyes, and let go of her hand.

Trying to spare her from embarrassment, he reassured her, "I was just teasing you. Go ahead and pick your dress."

After saying that, he turned and walked away gracefully.

Chapter 644: Third Young Master's Favor Makes

Hou Yunjiao rarely finds himself speechless when faced with Qin Ruan's retorts.

He feels like he can't continue the conversation today.

If they keep talking, he might lose ten years of his life expectancy.

The young girl returned today with a bit of a bad attitude.

If they continue talking, she might compare him to a delicate and sickly Lin Meimei, who faints at the slightest breeze.

Qin Ruan feels she misspoke and looks up at Hou Yunjiao, meeting his profound gaze.

She regrets venting her anger on him.

Hou Yunjiao sees her conflicted expression, and his gaze softens like melting snow.

He places his hand on Qin Ruan's shoulder, pulling her into his embrace, and leads her into the hall.

With an indulgent tone, he says, "What happened to bring such fire when you went out? Who made you unhappy? Tell me, and I'll have someone take care of it."

Hearing the words used to appease a child, Hou Qiang, who had just come over after finishing his phone call, almost stumbled.

He has never heard the Third Young Master speak so softly and tenderly to anyone.

Even the words he spoke were so childish that it sent shivers down his spine.

Qin Ruan's inner conflict and anger fade away under the gentle comfort of Hou Yunjiao.

Her tense body relaxes, and the furrowed brow smoothens, revealing a faint smile.

Her cheeks turn slightly red, and she speaks slowly, "I was just feeling a bit unhappy. Don't mind what I said earlier."

Ultimately, she apologizes.

Hou Yunjiao settles Qin Ruan on the sofa, sitting beside her, facing her directly.

Their noses are almost touching.

Qin Ruan's breath lightens, and her heart races.

She tries to push him away, but Hou Yunjiao retreats first.

Holding Qin Ruan's hand, he speaks earnestly, "Ruan Ruan, we are husband and wife, one entity. What could I possibly mind? If you keep grievances hidden, then I would be truly concerned. Home is a place where you belong without any burdens."

His gentle voice is intoxicating.

Qin Ruan's beautiful eyes sparkle like stars in the sky.

She tries to say something but can't find the words.

Hou Yunjiao favor makes her feel surprised and cherished.

Her father and brothers' affection for her is compensation for the past years, always being careful around her.

Hou Yunjiao, on the other hand, is domineering and all the good things he does for her are after testing whether she would accept them, leaving her no choice but to take them.

The words "home is where you belong without any burdens" are enough to make Qin Ruan's heart soft.

No words of love or any ambiguity, but it touches her heart.

Qin Ruan's eyes curve into crescents, looking absolutely lovely, with bright lights dancing in her eyes.

Hou Yunjiao sees her mood improving and stands up to kneel in front of her.

He lifts Qin Ruan's leg and helps her take off the flat shoes she forgot to change at the entrance.

This intimate and submissive gesture startles Qin Ruan.

She quickly withdraws her foot, saying, "I can do it myself."

In her haste, she forgets about her six-month-old belly, and when she withdraws her foot, it puts pressure on her stomach.

"Ah!"

"What happened?"

Hou Yunjiao hurriedly sits beside Qin Ruan, holding her in his arms with a worried expression on his handsome face.

Qin Ruan holds her stomach with one hand and waves the other towards the Third Master.

"It's nothing, I moved too quickly."

The pain in her stomach quickly subsides.

"Let me help you," Hou Yunjiao offers, standing up and helping her take off the shoes.

Qin Ruan touches her belly, and when she raises her hand, it lands in Hou Yunjiao's palm.

All the dresses have been tailored according to her current month of pregnancy.

With her stomach growing day by day, the dresses from a month or two ago wouldn't fit anymore.

"Rest assured," Hou Yunjiao says, understanding her concern. "These dresses are all custom-made for you, based on your current size. They will definitely fit you. It's just a matter of which one you like."

Qin Ruan frowns and looks at her six-month-old belly.

She's worried that she won't be able to fit into them.

"Don't worry," Hou Yunjiao reassures her, taking her hand and leading her upstairs. "They were all tailored to fit your size. You will like them."

Qin Ruan picks up the spoon to drink half of the soup and stops.

She recalls that Hou Yirong is going to meet Miss Fu.

She looks at Hou Yunjiao and asks, "Is brother Yirong going too?"

Huo Yunjiao nods, "Second Brother will also be there. He will come to pick you up when it's time to attend the banquet tomorrow."

"I see," Qin Ruan agrees.

She no longer resists these arrangements now.

She has come to realize her identity.

She is the wife of Third Young Master Hou, and she has to adapt to many things.

It's only a matter of time.

Hou Yunjiao pinches Qin Ruan's earlobe, praising her, "So obedient."

Qin Ruan tilts her head, avoiding the hand that disturbed her drinking.

Obedient?

She admits she's never been praised for being obedient in her entire life except by this man beside her.

Qin Ruan considers herself, and "obedient" is not a word she would use to describe herself.

Hou Yunjiao, understanding her thoughts, smiles faintly, "Nothing I give you will go to waste."

Qin Ruan remains silent and lets go of his hand to pick a dress.

Every dress is made with exquisite craftsmanship and costs a lot of effort, manpower, and money.

Once she gives birth to the child, these dresses will be left to gather dust.

  Chapter 37: Harvesting the Leeks

Seeing the bailiff refuse her access to the medicinal herbs, Chen Xue didn't get angry but instead questioned him.

"Do you know how to distinguish good from bad herbs, judge their value, determine if they've been mixed up, and preserve their potency?" she asked, bombarding him with questions, leaving the bailiff with an unpleasant expression as he couldn't answer any of them.

Feeling helpless, he had to defer to Captain Sun for a decision.

Captain Sun, equally clueless, waved his hand and said, "Let her see, she can't take them anyway."

As Chen Xue inspected the herbs, the steward kept a close watch, fearing she might conceal some. Unbeknownst to him, she could easily hide them in her space, undetectable.

Opening the boxes, Chen Xue restrained her excitement, knowing she couldn't take all the herbs at once. She selected some that the system hadn't collected yet.

"Summer Withered Vine, 100 contribution points."

"Moon Crescent Grass, 120 contribution points."

"Mullein, 135 contribution points."

... 

Inspecting just one box increased Chen Xue's contribution points by about a thousand, equivalent to 100 boxes of instant noodles.

Seeing Chen Xue didn't hide any herbs, the steward relaxed slightly but remained vigilant.

Chen Xue's actions earned gratitude from Captain Sun's men, even leaving the steward feeling guilty for his suspicion.

Captain Sun, upon hearing of Chen Xue's help, instructed his men not to hinder her inspections in the future.

However, little did he know that Chen Xue was simply making use of the opportunity and had already collected a significant amount of herbs, potentially leaving him regretful for his generosity.

Chen Xue was delighted by this unexpected gain and decided to repay Captain Sun's "kindness" by not exploiting the situation too frequently.

Back in the carriage, Chen Xue's consciousness entered her space, where her contribution points had reached 1500.

She considered exchanging them for defensive items like armor and swords but decided against it for now.

Considering the possibility of future altercations, she contemplated acquiring defensive items. However, with each piece of armor costing 1500 points, she hesitated as they would need multiple sets for her family.

Deciding to hold off for now, she settled for a box of spicy strips instead.

Although the system's rules were somewhat inconvenient, with each exchange yielding a whole box, she didn't mind.

The familiar taste of the spicy strips brought back memories, and both Madam Chen and Xiao Die were drawn to it.

"What's this?" Madam Chen asked curiously.

"Spicy strips!" Chen Xue grinned, nostalgic for this snack.

Though it hadn't been long since they last had it, about a week to be exact.

"Wow, it's delicious!"

"Spicy!"

Madam Chen and Xiaodie, tasting it for the first time, found it addictive despite the heat.

"What's that strange smell?"

Chen Yuan, entering the carriage, wrinkled his nose at the smell of the spicy strips. 

"What are you burning incense for?" he asked, noticing the incense burning in the stove and the sachets around.

"That's to cover the smell!"

Chen Xue handed him a strip, trying to mask the odor of the spicy strips.

"What's this?"

Taking the unfamiliar snack, Chen Yuan took a bite, immediately overwhelmed by its spiciness.

"Ah, too spicy! Why are you giving me chili to eat?"

"Not spicy at all!"

"Father, you can't handle the heat?" Chen Xue teased, offering him another strip.

"Who says I can't!" Chen Yuan retorted, but upon taking another bite, his face turned red and he started coughing.

"Phew, get me some water, this is too spicy! What kind of chili is this? Not fit for human consumption!"

"Oops."

"Ha, ha, ha! You missed out, father!" With nine packs left, it was a windfall for them.

Rolling his eyes, Chen Yuan refused to eat any more. 

"Cough, cough, cough, I think we should keep a low profile," he said after drinking some water. "The other exiles are either thirsty or hungry, and here we are, laughing and joking in the carriage, and making such a big fuss with these snacks. They'll surely be envious, and if someone gets jealous... "

Realizing their insensitivity, they felt ashamed. They had almost forgotten they were exiled, thinking they were just on a trip.

Deciding to maintain a low profile outside, they considered what being exiled actually meant. 

But wait, what does being exiled entail, exactly?

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 74: Will Only Hate You**

"He's very frightening."

Her tone fluctuated, revealing a hint of fear.

She wasn't afraid of herself; it was Sheng Mingsi.

That person had never harmed her, but anyone who attempted to get close to her was ruthlessly dealt with by him.

In the past, she didn't care about these things or what he did. But now, things were different.

She didn't want Sheng Mingsi to suffer any harm.

However, her words fell into Sheng Mingsi's ears, and he thought she was afraid of that person.

Had that person harmed her abroad?

At this thought, he tightly clenched the steering wheel, his eyes cold and dark. "Anyone who has harmed you, I won't let them off."

Even if that person was abroad, he had his ways.

Jiang Chenchen hurriedly said, "As Gege, it's not like that. That person has never harmed me, but he will harm those who get close to me. I don't want anything to happen to you. Can we not provoke him actively?"

Her tone was genuinely anxious as she leaned towards him, her seatbelt pulled tight.

She was worried about him. Her fear was all because of him.

Sheng Mingsi concealed the icy and fierce look in his eyes, lowering his voice. "Even though I don't know what kind of person he is, as long as you're by my side, you don't need to be afraid. Always believe that I can protect you, and I have the ability to protect myself."

Jiang Chenchen completely believed in him, but the more she cared, the more she feared losing him. So, even if he had the ability to handle everything, she would still worry.

But two years had passed, and Zhan Chen hadn't come to find her. He was sick, always taking medicine, and maybe he had already died abroad.

If he really died, she wouldn't be happy. Looking back, he had been very good to her during those two years.

But it was only like that. It was best never to meet again.

A moment of silence passed in the car.

Jiang Chenchen said, "Gege, please never leave me."

She said it with seriousness and sincerity.

"Promise me to live well."

Sheng Mingsi glanced at her sideways. He knew she treated him like family, fearing loss.

"Okay."

He restrained his gaze, reached over to turn on the music, and played a soothing melody.

"Relax, close your eyes and take a nap. We'll be home soon."

Jiang Chenchen slowly reclined on her seat, her body going from tense to relaxed. She sighed and closed her eyes.

So tired.

She fell asleep in the car, and when they arrived home, Sheng Mingsi carried her from the car. Looking at her sleeping face, he realized he couldn't stare for too long.

He averted his gaze, carried her into the house, helped her take off her coat and shoes, covered her with a blanket, and quickly left the room.

Busy all night, he was exhausted. Still, he instructed Wu Bi to investigate the person named Zhan Chen.

Combining Jiang Chenchen's previous words, the doctor who took her abroad had died. Perhaps it was the work of this Zhan Chen.

If the speculation was correct, this ruthless person had shown kindness only to Jiang Chenchen. They had been together for two years, spending every day together, and there was no guarantee he hadn't done other things.

The night Sheng Mingsi had too much to drink, her resistance to him, her fear, even crying in front of him for the first time.

The more he thought, the heavier his heart became, and his gaze turned colder. If he had known her earlier, taken care of her sooner, and not let her go through these unnecessary things.

He didn't know that caring could feel like this, with his heart throbbing painfully.

Perhaps it was already late into the night when he felt tired. His face was pale and sweaty, and he clutched his chest, leaning against the table. It took quite a while for him to recover.

If that person had done something unforgivable, even if he was abroad, he would never let him off.

...

The next day, Jiang Chenchen woke up. She studied for a while in the morning, went to the hospital to pay the fees in the afternoon, and received substantial donations from the school and society. Most of the amount came from an anonymous donor.

A teacher brought the donations to the hospital, shaking Jiang Chenchen's hand. "You are her sister, right? Make sure she cherishes her life, live well, and take care of herself. The school and teachers will pay attention to her. For now, she can take a break from her studies, and when she recovers, she must come back for the college entrance exam."

Jiang Chenchen looked at the teacher. She couldn't promise for someone else's life, but she could convey the message.

Perhaps her expression was too numb and lifeless, making the teacher sympathize with her. It must be tough for someone so young to experience such things.

Her cousin, Jiang Jie'er, had no one to rely on now. People avoided her, considering her the daughter of a murderer. This cousin's situation was also pitiful.

After some encouraging words, the teacher left.

Later, she went to the ward. Jiang Jie'er lay on the hospital bed, wrapped in bandages, unable to move easily. She was weak and despondent.

She looked at Jiang Chenchen as she approached, and Jiang Jie'er, who was bearing the entire cost of surgery and hospitalization, knew that now the burden was entirely on her.

But she couldn't say words of thanks. Her heart was filled with endless hatred.

Why did you save me?

Her parents had such an incident, and the violent debt collectors hadn't stopped. People around her scorned her as the daughter of a murderer, spreading various rumors about her parents' relationship.

Her mother had raised the knife to kill her father for her sake.

Her life was already over. What was the point of living now?

"Why did you save me? I won't thank you. I will only hate you!"

Clutching a bundle of hatred, she uttered these words from her throat.

Jiang Chenchen looked at her. "Suit yourself."

She hadn't been harmed, and no one could harm her because she didn't care about others' life or death.

Except for Sheng Mingsi, no one else.

Jiang Jie'er hated Jiang Chenchen's emotionless and lifeless appearance. If she hadn't run away back then, things wouldn't have turned out like this.

"Then get out!"

Tearing off the needle, she shouted in excitement.

Blood oozed from the needle hole in her skin, and the instruments next to the hospital bed rang. Nurses rushed in, pushing Jiang Chenchen aside. "The patient's emotions are agitated. Please leave for now."

Before leaving, Jiang Chenchen glanced at the person on the hospital bed. She wouldn't come again.

As she exited the elevator, the doors opened, and she saw that person—Mr. Li.

Li Zhenhai also seemed stunned when he saw her.

**Chapter 75: Well Developed**

Jiang Chenchen didn't look at him again as if she didn't recognize him.

Her usual expressionless demeanor continued.

Li Zhenhai came out of the elevator, still looking at her. He felt that something was different from the last time he saw her, but he couldn't pinpoint what.

It wasn't until he entered the elevator, the doors closed, that he collected his thoughts.

Although this woman had escaped from his house, feeling a bit played at the time, Jiang Zhong was already dead now, and there was nothing to dwell on.

But... Jiang Zhong's daughter might be an opportunity.

He walked towards the ward.

...

Jiang Chenchen got off the elevator, left the hospital, and was about to take a car back when she saw an old man faint on the platform.

People were passing by, and no one stepped forward to help.

They kept their distance.

She saw it and went over unconsciously.

She never used to care about other people's affairs, but now she did it instinctively.

She didn't know why. It felt like the right thing to do, just like that time on the plane when she saw Sheng Mingsi helping someone.

He had shone brightly back then.

She didn't know how to help, thinking that carrying the person to the hospital for the doctors to handle would be the best option. But as she was about to do that, a young man came over and stopped her.

"Don't move."

Then, he squatted down by the elderly man, called out to him by the ear, checked for responsiveness, and confirmed the pulse in his neck, his expression turning serious.

"Call for emergency medical assistance."

After saying this, he took off his heavy coat and handed it to Jiang Chenchen, starting chest compressions and artificial respiration on the elderly man.

A crowd gathered.

People started talking loudly, but in the midst of this scene, the man was performing emergency aid skillfully, as if he were isolated from the world.

Jiang Chenchen looked at him, witnessing another extraordinary scene beyond her comprehension. Apparently, helping someone could be like this too.

The old man quickly regained consciousness, and the onlookers cheered.

"If it weren't for him, the old man would have been in trouble!"

"That's amazing."

The young man wiped his forehead with his hand, looked at Jiang Chenchen who had helped him with his coat, and said, "Is this your family member?"

Jiang Chenchen shook her head and handed him the coat.

The young man took it and advised, "In the future, if you encounter such a situation, don't move the patient recklessly. If you try to learn some first aid knowledge, you won't do things like this. Doing good shouldn't lead to harm."

He spoke with a slight breathlessness, not forcefully or sternly, just offering well-intentioned advice.

The ambulance arrived quickly, taking the old man on a stretcher. The young man and the nurse exchanged roles.

"Are you a doctor too?"

"I'm a teacher at Qinglin Medical School."

The young man got on the ambulance, and when the door closed, he noticed the girl not far away who had been staring at him.

...

After returning, Jiang Chenchen finished studying late into the night. After washing up, she sat in the living room and looked up information about first aid.

She sat on the sofa, watching her phone, waiting for Sheng Mingsi to come back and bring her some delicious cakes.

When Sheng Mingsi returned, he saw her looking at her phone.

He took off his coat and brought what he had in his hands over, saying, "What are you looking at? Be careful not to strain your eyes."

Jiang Chenchen turned her phone screen towards him. "This."

"You want to learn this?" Sheng Mingsi's gaze slightly narrowed, then he turned to make a cup of coffee.

Jiang Chenchen got up from the sofa and walked over to follow him. "Can I try it? It won't take long."

Sheng Mingsi turned to look at her. "You want to learn all of a sudden? Why?"

"Just because that person mentioned it, so I thought of understanding it. Can I try it after you finish your coffee?"

Sheng Mingsi couldn't finish his coffee in one gulp. He struggled to swallow it down and put the coffee cup down.

He looked at her with a deep gaze and sighed, giving in.

"Okay, here then." He gestured for her to stand up and then lay down on the sofa, extending his legs.

"Press here, like this."

Sheng Mingsi demonstrated with both hands.

He was wearing a black high-necked sweater, revealing a broad and sturdy chest. Jiang Chenchen, not controlling her strength properly, almost caused him to lose his breath.

He grabbed her hand and coughed.

"Not right. The force isn't used like this."

Jiang Chenchen looked at him. "Then let me try on you first. I'll see what kind of force is appropriate."

Sheng Mingsi glanced at her. "..."

Well developed.

His gaze deepened, suppressing the sudden inappropriate thought.

Recovering his usual demeanor as a medical professional, he instructed her from the side, demonstrating the proper technique and explaining how to do it and what to check.

Jiang Chenchen nodded. "I got it. Let me try again."

Sheng Mingsi helped her up from the sofa, and their positions were reversed.

He lay on the sofa this time.

"I'm starting."

Jiang Chenchen performed much better this time, earning Sheng Mingsi's approval. She was happy about it.

When she reached out to help him up, she noticed something unusual about his ears. "Hey, why is it red here?"

She even reached out to touch it, fearing he might have a fever again.

But before her hand touched his ear, Sheng Mingsi caught her hand.

"Don't move."

Next Chapter▶▶

Chapter 156: Wait a Bit Longer

Lin Jinfan saw the serious and meticulous expression on Bai Lu's face, smiled, and said, "It's okay. Those things were gifts from the villagers to you. Keep them to nourish your body."

"Rest early. I'll go back first."

After saying this, he left.

Bai Lu felt that Xiao Wei was acting strangely. He used to be unwilling to talk to outsiders, so why did he suddenly rush her away today?

But before she could ask her question, the little guy spoke first, "Did you have dinner with him today?"

The tone of his questioning couldn't be concealed.

Bai Lu swung her sleeve, dragging her little tail back to the house and closing the door. Then she said calmly, "Yes."

"Any problem?"

Xiao Wei felt that there was a big problem, "How can you have dinner with a man other than my brother?"

Bai Lu chuckled, "If that's the case, I shouldn't have dinner with you every day. What do you say?"

Xiao Wei looked serious, "I'm just a kid."

"Last time on your brother's birthday, didn't I have dinner with Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dazhuang, and Wang Haoyi?"

"They're different!"

"They are all men, why are they different?"

Xiao Wei furrowed his brows, thought for a moment, and explained seriously, "They are my brother's brothers, but you are my brother's wife. It's normal for everyone to have dinner together."

This explanation was no different from not explaining at all.

Bai Lu raised an eyebrow, "Oh... so, according to you, your brother can have brothers, but I can't have friends?"

"I didn't mean that."

Xiao Wei scratched his head, quickly found the distinction, and said, "Big brother is a man, big brother's brothers are also men, but you are a woman, and your friends are men."

As Bai Lu walked towards the backyard vegetable garden, she said, "Wang Cuihua is also a woman."

"That's different. Why are you going to the backyard?" Xiao Wei noticed the deviation in the route and promptly stopped Bai Lu.

"I'm going to pick vegetables. It's getting dark, and it's time to prepare dinner." Bai Lu had eaten just in the afternoon and wasn't very hungry, but she couldn't let the flowers of the motherland go hungry.

The little guy said, "I've already prepared dinner."

Saying that, he pulled her back to the kitchen.

Bai Lu looked surprised, "Can you cook?"

"I can't cook?" Xiao Wei was very sure, and it seemed that Bai Lu had some memory gaps.

When Big Brother was often not at home, Bai Lu used to go to Li Shuixian to send money. When she didn't cook, if not him, then who cooked?

Bai Lu seemed to finally remember this issue and cleared her throat. She decisively raised her thumb to Xiao Wei, "You're amazing. What dishes did you make?"

Xiao Wei pulled Bai Lu to the stove and pointed at the pot lid, "Inside."

Bai Lu removed the lid, and a delicious aroma wafted out. "Steamed ribs with mushrooms on top, a pot of carrot rib soup, and a plate of garlic stir-fried vegetable hearts. You made so many dishes. Impressive!"

In the pot were four not-too-long bamboo slices, two horizontal and two vertical. On the bamboo slices were plates of vegetables, there was water at the bottom of the pot, just above the two bamboo slices, and there was charcoal in the stove hole without a fire, keeping the water in the pot warm.

The dishes naturally remained warm.

A wave of warmth surged in Bai Lu's heart. Feelings were mutual. If she treated them well, they would treat her well.

Both Xiao Cheng and Xiao Wei were good.

At the dinner table, Xiao Wei felt a bit awkward being looked at by Bai Lu. Even his usually stern little face blushed slightly.

"Is the food not good? Why do you keep looking at me?"

"It's delicious."

Bai Lu picked up a piece of ribs for the little guy, and her smile was particularly gentle, her voice soft, "Did you go to the market to buy vegetables after school? Did you buy two ribs, one for steaming and one for soup?"

Xiao Wei nodded, "Yes."

"How much did you spend?" Bai Lu asked.

Xiao Wei had heard this before. Whenever Bai Lu asked this question, it meant repaying the money.

Big Brother had been asked this question by her too.

Xiao Wei lowered his head to eat, "Not much."

To avoid further questioning, Xiao Wei also used the trick Bai Lu often used and changed the topic, "Did you often have dinner with that man before?"

"Who?" Bai Lu asked before remembering the events of the afternoon and nodded, "It's been a long time ago."

Many times, the original owner was falsely accused by Bai Chaojie and was confined by Li Xuelan without food. Lin Jinfan often brought food from home in an aluminum lunch box and handed it through the window for the original owner to eat. The soup and water were the same.

Seeing her lost in memories, Xiao Wei frowned. How could Bai Lu think of other men? She must think of Big Brother.

"My brother often had dinner with you. Every day, every meal, and even supper."

Bai Lu's recollection was interrupted, and she looked at the little guy with a serious face, his stubborn words making her smile involuntarily, "Yes, you're right. I often had dinner with your brother, just like having dinner with Lin Jinfan."

It was fine before, but as soon as the last sentence fell, Xiao Wei immediately retorted, "It's different."

"My brother is my brother, and he is him."

"Alright, alright, it's different. The dishes you cooked are delicious. You have the final say."

Xiao Wei: "..."

After dinner, Bai Lu and Xiao Wei packed up the fruits and vegetables given by the villagers, took a bath, washed clothes, hung them up, and the old clock on the wall rang eight, nine, and ten times. The main house's phone still hadn't rung.

Bai Lu, being pulled by Xiao Wei's sleeves, took a walk until her feet were almost numb, "Xiao Wei, your brother might be busy tonight."

Shouldn't we just give up waiting?

"No, he won't be. Just wait a bit longer." Xiao Wei didn't believe that his brother was so busy that he didn't even have time to make a phone call.

He called his brother at noon, and his brother answered. He would definitely call back in the evening.

His brother was so concerned about Bai Lu; he would definitely call to ask. Just wait a little longer, and the phone would ring.

Bai Lu really didn't want to leave, dragging her little tail back to the main house, "How about you wait here. I'll go back to my room and read. Don't close the door. If there's anything, just call me."

Xiao Wei thought this method was feasible.

Finally, her sleeve was released. Bai Lu went back to her room, sat by the window, picked up the book on the table, and opened it.

She read, looked, and under the moonlight outside the window, the brilliant and blooming roses were as beautiful as people.

Really beautiful, just like a person.

Bai Lu's mouth curled up slightly, her gaze containing the shadow of the flowers, slowly falling onto the book, making the words clearer between the lines.

Reading time always passed quickly.

"Dang, dang, dang, dang, dang..."

The clock rang a total of eleven times.

Bai Lu closed the book, went out of the room, and sure enough, saw a little bald head sleeping on the table.

Helplessly smiling, she picked him up and carried him back to the room.

Maybe Xiao Cheng was really busy today and didn't have time to call back.

Before going to bed, Bai Lu took a look at the silent phone in the main house. She turned off the main house's light and closed the main house's door.

Back to her room to sleep.

Midnight.

Bai Lu had a dream.

She dreamed that a refrigerator fell from the sky, and it grew hands. It hugged her tightly, so tight that it seemed to embed her into the body of the refrigerator, making her shiver.

She subconsciously moved backward, and the refrigerator followed her. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't push away the refrigerator.

Until she said it was cold, the refrigerator disappeared.

But soon, another fireplace with hands descended from the sky, hugging her tightly.

Next Chapter ▶▶

  Chapter 124: Master, I'm Sorry

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole venue erupted.

They had thought that Bai Muyao had been learning the piano since childhood, only to find out... she only started in high school?

Bai Muyao defended herself in a low voice, "Later on, my biological parents hired a piano teacher for me..."

Before she could finish her defense, she heard Ou Yan calmly ask, "Is this the piano teacher you mentioned?"

A young female teacher stepped onto the stage, glanced at Bai Muyao, and greeted everyone, "Hello, I am Bai Muyao's piano teacher. I taught her piano for a month..."

Just one month...

She had only learned the piano for a month...

Everyone was astonished.

"She had never touched a piano before. At first, I taught her to recognize famous pieces, but she found it difficult to remember each melody, and her fingerings were often wrong. Then, a few days later, she suddenly had an epiphany and composed a melody, asking for my evaluation."

"I have never heard such a wonderful piece of music. When played together, it's grand and magnificent, swallowing mountains and rivers!"

"At that time, I suspected she might have copied it from a master's work because it was impossible for her to compose such beautiful music after only a few days of learning the piano."

"But after searching online for a long time, I found no similar piece, so I believed her words and praised her musical talent."

"I asked her, and she said it was a sudden inspiration, a spontaneous creation."

"To be honest, as someone who has been in the piano industry for more than a decade, I couldn't compose such a melodious piece even if I tried! So, I felt inferior and resigned from her."

What the piano teacher didn't expect was that her sixth sense was right; the piece wasn't Bai Muyao's at all—it was copied from Master Tingyin!

No wonder it was so good!

Bai Muyao took two steps back, hammered by the truth, unable to utter a word, trembling violently...

She knew her piano career was over!

The people below began to curse furiously:

"Shameless!"

"A plagiarizing dog is a plagiarizing dog. You had to wait until your teacher and classmates came forward to make you understand the word 'death' before you knew how to write it!"

"I bet she's good at sophistry. She might even try to frame Master Tingyin."

"Apologize to Master Tingyin!"

"You owe the original creator and the original environment an apology!"

"You must apologize!"

"Apologize to Master Tingyin! Otherwise, you won't be able to leave this theater!"

Many audience members spontaneously stood up, sternly rebuking the girl on stage.

Bai Muyao tasted what it meant to be utterly defeated for the first time!!

Gao Yang suddenly found the girl he deeply loved had become strange, vain, and terrible...

Taking the master's work and forcefully claiming it as her own, insisting on causing such a miserable situation before being willing to settle down.

It seemed he had never truly seen through her...

At this moment, Mrs. Gao, who hurried over, was shocked and angry when she saw this scene.

She was indeed an unworthy little girl! It's fortunate she hasn't stepped into the Gao family's door, otherwise, the embarrassment today would be for both families!

"You finally came..." Mrs. Li, who was in the audience, saw Mrs. Gao and couldn't help but mock, "If you don't recognize this daughter-in-law, look at her. She blatantly copied the master's work and still refuses to admit it... It's really embarrassing, so embarrassing it's beyond the Pacific Ocean."

"Mom, why are you here?" Gao Yang noticed his mother had arrived.

"Son, come with me." Mrs. Gao grabbed Gao Yang's hand, "You've seen it too. This girl isn't worth your love! If you marry her, you'll be laughed at for life!"

"It's that girl, so young, yet she's Master Tingyin..." Mrs. Li sighed.

Mrs. Gao, following her gaze, saw Ou Yan's top-tier cold face and was subconsciously surprised. She's Master Tingyin? Now the Gao family is in big trouble...

"I wonder what kind of boy is lucky enough to marry her. I heard that someone in the entertainment industry asked her to tailor-make a piano piece for a sky-high price, but she wasn't interested, saying money wasn't the issue..."

Mrs. Li's words shocked Mrs. Gao, making her face change with astonishment and incredulity...

She used to think Ou Yan wasn't talented, always putting on a cold facade.

Unexpectedly, she really had talent. It was because of her overflowing talent that she exuded a cold and proud aura!!

It was her shallowness that prevented her from distinguishing between fish eyes and pearls...

Gao Yang glanced at Ou Yan on stage. She was so beautiful, standing out like the brightest star in the crowd.

On the other hand, Bai Muyao beside her paled in comparison, significantly inferior.

It's like a passerby, ordinary and unremarkable.

He didn't know why he was infatuated with her before...

Gao  Yang stood up and left with his mother.

Bai Muyao noticed this scene on stage and instinctively wanted to stop them...

But a group of people surrounded her, demanding an apology!

Bai Zhenhai and Xu Aiqin were also ridiculed and mocked by the people around them. They felt ashamed and just wanted to leave this awful place as soon as possible!

"You haven't obtained the consent of the author. For the sake of personal fame and gain, you plagiarized someone else's work, which constitutes infringement and you should bear corresponding civil liability." Ou Yan's voice was cold, her gaze indifferent, "You will receive a lawyer's letter soon..."

Bai Muyao opened her mouth but couldn't speak, completely defeated.

The crowd continued to demand an apology!

Seeing her parents surrounded by people below the stage, Bai Muyao, with tears in her eyes, bowed deeply to Ou Yan, "I'm sorry! It's my fault, I apologize to you."

After speaking, she pushed through the crowd and ran off the stage, never wanting to stay in this awful place again!

Seeing her run away, Bai Zhenhai and Xu Aiqin also hurriedly broke through the crowd and fled.

The crowd surrounded Ou Yan:

"Master, I made a piece recently. Can I have the honor of your guidance?"

"Senior, my name is Liu Feifei, the third place winner in this competition. Can I learn from you for a while?"

"Master Tingyin, your improvisation just now was so beautiful! I was enchanted! I'm your die-hard fan. I can play all your pieces. Thank you for creating so many beautiful pieces and bringing so much healing to your fans!"

"Master Tingyin, I like you! Can you give me an autograph?"

"Can we take a picture together?"

They surrounded Ou Yan, careful and expectant, hoping Master Tingyin would notice them a bit more.

But Ou Yan, looking at her parents from afar, said gently, "I have something to do. Let's pretend you didn't see me today."

"No problem, no problem!"

"Since the master said so, we won't talk about it outside!"

"If others ask us if the master is a man or a woman, old or young, we'll just say we don't know!"

  Chapter 123: Only Knows This One

Li Yusha finished listening to Ou Yan's improvisation, and in her mind, there was only one question: why could she perform so well without any preparation?

Over the years, Li Yusha had heard many niche piano pieces, and she could affirm that Ou Yan's melodies just now had never been published in the market. Most likely, they were truly impromptu compositions!

Why could someone play so brilliantly without repeatedly pondering and carefully planning the melody?

Earlier, she didn't know any better and even asked if Ou Yan had learned the piano, won any awards...

She had shamelessly flaunted her over fifty first-place awards and her apprenticeship under the renowned piano master Andy in front of Ou Yan.

It was embarrassing.

Andy wasn't even comparable to a Master Tingyin.

Master Tingyin was a myth in the piano world, undefeated to this day! Ou Yan had won numerous prestigious awards globally and was a master on par with Long Lao!

In the eyes of a Master Tingyin, having over fifty first-place awards meant nothing. Even if someone had five hundred, Ou Yan wouldn't care.

Their level was in the clouds!

Li Yusha felt like she had made a fool of herself.

When she arrogantly asked those questions earlier, Ou Yan was still playing games. She thought Ou Yan was just a mediocre person who wouldn't achieve anything in life. Little did she know...

Her disdain and arrogance had turned into slaps on her own face.

Li Yusha couldn't describe her current feelings—frustration? Resentment? Sadness? Disappointment? Frustration? Feeling useless? Or what?

"It's your turn," on the stage, Qin Zhilan raised her red lips, looking triumphantly at Bai Muyao, "Senior Tingyin has just completed an improvised composition. How is the level? I believe everyone has witnessed it. You claimed that your talent surpasses Master Tingyin's. Now you have the chance to demonstrate it to everyone."

Bai Muyao stood in place, her body trembling uncontrollably. She knew better than anyone about her composition skills. Once she showcased them, it would surely be a laughingstock.

How could she compete with Master Tingyin !

Seeing her embarrassment, Qin Zhilan sneered, "If you can't improvise, then just play any famous piece you've heard."

Bai Muyao couldn't play...

Even though her private tutor had taught her famous pieces like Canon, Für Elise, and Wedding in a Dream, she couldn't remember the entire melody without sheet music. Even if someone handed her the sheet music, her playing would be awkward, far from Ou Yan's smooth performance.

Any piano enthusiast would immediately recognize her skill level!

"You can't even play the top ten famous pieces?" Qin Zhilan found it ironic. She had overestimated Bai Muyao before.

Bai Muyao bit her lip, still persistent, "I just had a sudden blank in my mind..."

Seeing her awkward state, Qin Zhilan found it amusing, "Since you can't improvise and don't have any impression of the top ten famous pieces, just play any piece you know."

Bai Muyao remained motionless. In the past month, she had only practiced the piano piece "Sorrow," and she hadn't practiced anything else.

"What? Can't you play any other piano piece? Not even the simplest Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star?"

Laughter erupted from the audience.

"I didn't expect Bai Muyao really can't play the piano!"

"She only knows 'Sorrow'?"

"She can't remember the sheet music?"

"A person learning the piano should at least know how to read sheet music... It's incredible that she can't remember an entire piece of sheet music."

"More importantly, she can't even play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star! I could play it when I was four."

"Someone like her doesn't deserve the second place! She doesn't even deserve to be in this circle!"

"Bai Muyao, you are a disgrace to the piano world! Get out of this circle!"

"Get out! Get out!"

Bai Zhenhai and Xu Aiqin watched helplessly as their daughter went from being praised as the second best by thousands to becoming a pariah, and all of this was thanks to Ou Yan!

They felt heartbroken and were about to say something when Ou Yan spoke up.

"I met your former classmate in the audience just now," Ou Yan spoke with a calm expression and a strong aura. "Now, let's invite her to the stage."

Everyone looked surprised as a girl stepped onto the stage, standing tall and said, "Hello, everyone. My name is Xu Tingting, and I accompanied Liu Feifei to attend the award ceremony. I was in the same class with Bai Muyao before."

Bai Muyao exclaimed in shock, "Xu Tingting!"

They used to be good friends, but after a small conflict, they lost touch when Xu Tingting transferred to another school.

Little did she know that her former friend would come forward to expose her secrets. Was it because she had bragged about winning the second place in front of Xu Tingting before the award ceremony, or had Xu Tingting been bought by Ou Yan?

Regardless, Bai Muyao felt that her downfall was inevitable today. She instinctively clenched her fists, her face pale.

"Bai Muyao used to have a poor family background. I've been to her house, and there was no piano. Instead, she envied me for practicing the piano since childhood. Every time she came to my house, she would touch my piano."

"I can testify that before high school, she had never learned the piano. She couldn't distinguish between the bass and treble clefs."

"Her piano career probably started after high school."

 Chapter 188: Handmade Brushes

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 187: Tang Rou Tracks Chu Heng

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 643: Third Young Master Disdained by Qin Ruan, Too Fragile

Sensing the boss's bad mood, Liu Liu obediently went to fetch the notebook and pen from the table. Although he couldn't see the ghosts, he could still feel their presence. A chilling aura filled the left side of the table, indicating the presence of the ghosts.

Liu Liu placed the notebook and pen on the table and quickly returned to stand by Wei Linchen's side. Qin Ruan's cold gaze fell on the notebook and pen, and she nodded to Cheng Xuelan, indicating for her to write down the names of the people she knew had issues related to the wishing tree's entanglement.

Qin Ruan walked to the window and made a call to Qiao Nanyuan. After exchanging a few words, she requested his help in finding two people.

Meanwhile, Wei Linchen was still probing Lin Hao about his Yin-Yang Eyes condition, unwilling to give up on the idea of taking him to Qingcheng Taoist Temple.

...

At the Xiangxi Manor,

The warm evening light bathed the residential area of the manor, casting an orange hue through the glass windows, gently illuminating the clean floor.

Hou Qiang walked into the glass room and approached a man reclining lazily on a redwood lounge chair.

Hou Qiang stood behind him and slightly bowed, showing respect. "Third Young Master, the Fu family sent an invitation card, inviting you to attend their banquet tomorrow."

Hou Yunjiao, with his eyes closed, subtly moved his long eyelashes upon hearing the voice. He didn't open his eyes and spoke indifferently, "Give it to her when she comes back."

The manor was in a secluded location, and Hou Yunjiao rarely left the premises due to his health condition. He wouldn't be able to attend the banquet.

Hou Qiang held the invitation card, hesitated for a moment, and said, "We still don't know the movements of the Fu family. Should we send more people to accompany her tomorrow?"

Hou Yunjiao raised an eyebrow, showing a hint of amusement in his cold and handsome face. "Ask her opinion."

Hou Qiang worriedly mentioned that Su Jingshu had been trying to meet Third Young Master, but she was turned away twice. Today, she mentioned again that she wanted to see him.

Hou Yunjiao's brows slightly furrowed, and his voice turned cool, "You're worried that Su Jingshu might pose a threat to her?"

Hou Qiang replied cautiously, "Your concern is unnecessary. Tomorrow's the key event for the Fu family entering the capital. Su Jingshu won't cause trouble for her. After the downfall of the Nangong family, the various factions in the capital will remain calm for a while."

Hou Qiang secretly wanted to say that Su Jingshu was an unpredictable woman, and if she didn't follow the usual rules, it might be troublesome for Madam. However, seeing the confident and calm expression on Third Young Master's face, he refrained from saying anything.

The two continued to stand in the sunroom, basking in the warm evening light.

Soon, several cars slowly drove into the courtyard.

Lin Hao opened the car door, and Qin Ruan got out, still holding her handbag. Before she could stabilize her footing, she saw Hou Yunjiao standing at the entrance, smiling at her.

Frowning, Qin Ruan hurriedly walked up the steps and stood in front of Hou Yunjiao.

She pushed him inside and closed the door behind them. "Why are you standing at the door and catching a cold? What if you get sick?"

Qin Ruan was most afraid of Hou Yunjiao's already weak body getting worse due to illness.

Hou Yunjiao rubbed her hair and spoke with a hint of helplessness, "Ruan Ruan, I'm not that fragile yet."

Qin Ruan looked him up and down, her beautiful eyes assessing him. She put her handbag on the nearby shelf and nodded to herself, "You're not that fragile, but you're weak and prone to illness. You might get sick just from a gust of wind."