The wooden beauty of Young Master Sheng(206-210)

Chapter 206: Touch, Approach!


Ye Xi, who had been kicked and fallen, had already gotten up. At the same time, he took off his shirt, revealing his well-toned and firm muscles.


The good physique of a young man who exercised regularly was exposed to the air.


He stood there, somewhat bewildered, rubbing his head and wiping the sweat from his face. He felt like his body was about to explode from the heat.


Why wasn't the air conditioning turned on?


A woman... a beautiful woman was right in front of him.


It seemed like he wanted to get close, to possess her.


He took a few steps towards her, but the pain in his abdomen from the earlier kick brought back some sense. What the heck was happening? Did some jerk spike his drink?


As soon as he thought of this, a layer of anger appeared on his handsome face.


Did Ye Xi need to resort to such despicable methods to get a woman? Besides, everyone here was a friend, especially Jiang Chenchen, who was Sheng Shao's woman. Even if he went crazy, he wouldn't make a move. However, his body couldn't hold on any longer, feeling uncomfortably hot as if his skin was about to melt.


He looked up, and the sweat on his face rolled down as he did.


His gaze met the pure and misty eyes, and with a flutter of long lashes, damn, she was too beautiful. It was so enticing that it intensified the impulsive desire, making it unbearable!


He rushed into the only bathroom in this small house, locking the door.


Then, he turned on the cold water, drenching his scorching and bursting desires.


"Absolutely do not come in!"


In his remaining sanity, he shouted loudly and locked the door.


Seeing his sudden behavior, Jiang Chenchen looked at Bai Junwen and asked again, "What kind of drug is it?"


"It's a kind that makes people want to get close to others. You can't help but want to kiss and go to bed..."


Bai Junwen's voice was trembling. These words were something she had never expected to say in her life. But the situation was urgent, and she had to tell Jiang Chenchen. Could there be any way to deal with it?


Jiang Chenchen was pulling the waist-hugging Xia Changli through the corridor, passing by a small coffee table, and reaching the bedside. She was stunned by Bai Junwen's words and pushed Xia Changli onto the bed.


Turning her head, a bit dazed, she asked, "Is it true?"


Bai Junwen, not caring about shame, said, "I'm not sure, but it might be..."


"I've never heard of such a situation. Shouldn't we go to the hospital?"


She went to grab her phone, but the zipper on the small bag hanging diagonally across her body couldn't be pulled open. Her eyes were a bit blurry and couldn't see clearly. She was in a hurry, but Xia Changli on the bed reached over and pulled her down.


The two fell heavily, startling Bai Junwen, who quickly came over to help.


How could the reaction be so intense for the drug? Even to the point of not being able to distinguish between male and female—did it make everyone unable to resist?


She pulled Jiang Chenchen away from Xia Changli, but Xia Changli held onto one hand and didn't let go. Jiang Chenchen was being pulled on one side, and the palms of the two hands were transmitting a scorching touch.


As if the skin of the body was melting, it was so hot!


An unprecedented heat!


The instinctive reaction of the body made her shake off the tugging on both sides, run to the tea-making area, pick up a kettle, and drink all the ice-cold water inside.


No good, still hot!


Why was it so hot? She opened the small refrigerator, ate all the ice cream inside, and still felt hot. Leaning against the refrigerator, she even wished she could crawl inside.


At this time, Ye Xi in the bathroom couldn't bear it anymore.


Even cold water couldn't endure.


He completely lost his sanity! He opened the bathroom door and rushed out!


At the same time, Xia Changli lying on the bed entangled Bai Junwen. Bai Junwen was frightened, as the girl's entanglement was both soft and irresistible.


"Help! Sister Lili, don't do this!"



The room was in chaos. Just as Ye Xi rushed out of the bathroom, he saw the girl crouching near the refrigerator. He approached, extending his hand, succumbing to the effects of the drug, wanting to get closer, to touch.


Jiang Chenchen sensed the approaching danger, reached out, grabbed his hand, and twisted it. In his wailing, she pressed him against the refrigerator. Just before their lips met, she stuffed a bottle of iced beverage into his mouth.


Ye Xi felt unable to make a sound, and the coldness reached his heart. He moved the iced beverage away, unscrewed it, and drank it. Then, he plunged his entire head into it—freezing!


Jiang Chenchen calmed down for a moment, stepped back a bit, and quickly opened the zipper of her small bag to take out her phone.


Emergency call!


But at this moment, her phone received an incoming call—from Sheng Mingsi!

At the same time, there was a knocking sound on the door!

She quickly answered while walking to the door, hearing Sheng Mingsi's hoarse and cold voice through the receiver, "Chenchen, are you at Qingjiang University's Le Lin Apartment?"


"Yes... How do you know?"


"Open the door."


Jiang Chenchen reached out to open the door, and Sheng Mingsi, holding a phone, was standing outside. He wore a black shirt and trousers, his face pale and tired, his long eyebrows tightly knit, and tiny beads of sweat on his forehead.


Seeing him, the previously calm but now burning internal turmoil rekindled. What was happening?


She instinctively threw herself over, grabbing his waist with both hands. Her heartbeat suddenly accelerated, and touching him felt even hotter. However, she didn't want to let go. She was so conflicted, not under rational control. She looked up at him, "Ah Si... It seems like someone drugged the drinks..."


Sheng Mingsi saw her unusually flushed face, her erratic and rapid breathing. Hearing her words, his brows furrowed deeper, and his face turned dark.


Lowering his head to look at her, his tone cold and clear, "Is there anyone else inside?"


"Lili and the others..."


"What about Ye Xi?"


"Also inside."


As Jiang Chenchen spoke, she involuntarily moved closer, tightly encircling his waist. Sheng Mingsi's figure stiffened, and his pitch-black eyes stared down. At this moment, he had to maintain his composure.


Because of that guy, Ye Xi...


He carried Chenchen out, instructing Wu Bi to go in, "Get Ye Xi out and deal with him."


Wu Bi:!

This Ye family's third young master was too much. Knowing that he was flirtatious, but reaching out to Young Master Sheng side repeatedly, even attempting to make a move on Miss Jiang several times, and now directly drugging her drinks! It was like touching the bottom line of Sheng Shao. It was too light to say that he wanted to beat him to death!


His thoughts flashed, immediately going in to retrieve Ye Xi. Seeing the big man who seemed eager to stuff himself into the refrigerator, he felt speechless...


Without any hesitation, he went over to pull him out, but he wasn't willing to come out?


Wu Bi didn't need to waste time with him. With a swift blow to the back of his neck, the man immediately fainted.


He pulled him out from the refrigerator, and then, with a glance, he saw the two girls on the bed...


A never-before-seen blush, especially Xia Changli, her messy long hair and blushing were different from the usual Xia Changli.







Chapter 207: Taking the Initiative


Wu Bi quickly averted his gaze, carried Ye Xi out, and then, under Sheng Mingsi's orders, swiftly knocked out Xia Changli inside.


"Will this be a problem?"


He was somewhat worried.


Sheng Mingsi glanced at him with cold eyes, seeming to catch that fleeting concern but didn't react much. He simply said, "Go downstairs and buy some medicine."


After receiving Sheng Mingsi's instructions, Wu Bi immediately went downstairs.


Sheng Mingsi watched as Chenchen, who was in his arms, started to be restless with her hands. He reached out, restraining her wandering hands on his shirt, took a deep breath, and said, "Behave, don't move recklessly."


"Ah Si, it's hot..."


Jiang Chenchen looked up at him, feeling a coolness from his body, which was quite comfortable.


Sheng Mingsi felt layers of goosebumps rising on his waist from her scorching fingertips. Now, her words were like pouring oil on the fire, stirring countless thoughts in his restrained heart.


Especially when Jiang Chenchen tiptoed closer, her hot breath falling directly on his cheek, followed by a series of kisses, different from before, with a slightly messy and random but continuously seizing the initiative.


From the cheek to the corner of the lips and then to skillfully taking the initiative...


The warmth mixed with the sweet juice and the alcoholic scent intertwined in the confusion between their lips and teeth.


Until she easily embraced his waist again, lifting the hem of his shirt, and wandered haphazardly on the skin around his waist.


Every touch of her fingertips triggered waves.


She entangled herself entirely, just like Xia Changli had entangled her before.


Reason was completely defeated, and every move was driven by subconscious compulsion.


Retreat...!

Sheng Mingsi was stirred up by her, and his breathing became rapid. Leaning against the door, his cold eyes were filled with desire, a desire to take the lead.


However, when he touched Jiang Chenchen's unconscious expression, his mind shook. He forcefully suppressed the emerging impulsive thoughts.


"Chenchen, I'm sorry."


After the gentle but icy words, a side chop came, causing her to faint.


Otherwise, he couldn't resist this proactive Chenchen.


He didn't want her to engage in such unconscious behavior. It was harmful to her.


However, the action of chopping her down made Jiang Chenchen subconsciously sense danger. She raised her hand to intercept, clasping his wrist!


Those raised eyes were bewildered yet fiery.


But her movements didn't relax at all. In the next moment, when Sheng Mingsi was slightly surprised, a twist from behind, and if it weren't for Sheng Mingsi's quick reaction, he would have been twisted into a pretzel.


He sidestepped, pulled his hand out of her grip, and dodged behind her, pressing on her shoulders. However, Jiang Chenchen crouched down, turned around, and delivered a swift kick!

Sheng Mingsi kept retreating, narrowly avoiding a critical hit.


His breathing became heavy, sweat beads rolled down his forehead. Looking at her, he called her name, "Chenchen!"


Jiang Chenchen, in the midst of her fierce movements, suddenly stopped and looked at him in confusion, "Huh? Ah Si, why are you here?"


She shook her head, feeling alcohol flooding her mind, and what happened before seemed like fragmented pieces.


So hot, her whole body was unbearably hot.


She looked again, moving forward towards him, "Ah Si, didn't you turn on the air conditioner? I want to take a shower."


Under the haze of alcohol, she instinctively entered the small bathroom but forgot to close the door.


Turning on the cold water showerhead, she directed it at herself, offsetting the chaotic and scorching feeling with cold water.


Sheng Mingsi closed his eyes, held his breath, went over, and closed the bathroom door.


Stepping back a few steps, he exhaled a few breaths.


At this point, Wu Bi efficiently returned with the purchased medicine, knocked on the door, and Sheng Mingsi went to open it, taking the items Wu Bi had bought. He first injected a dose for the collapsed Ye Xi, then opened the medicine box, feeding him two pills. Wu Bi handed a bottle of water, and Sheng Mingsi made Ye Xi drink it.


Next was Xia Changli, who was now covered with a thin blanket by Bai Junwen. After giving her an injection, the task of taking medicine was handed over to Wu Bi.


Wu Bi then handed it over to Bai Junwen.


Doing these tasks up close, he couldn't handle it...


Bai Junwen was truly shocked tonight, not only because of the incredible collective madness that had occurred, but also because Jiang Chenchen's brother actually knew how to give injections, and his movements were skilled, like a professional doctor.


It made people feel strangely reassured.


Especially when just now, with Chenchen rushing over and the two entangled, he could push her away, maintaining composure and refraining from taking advantage of the situation.


But in the bathroom with Chenchen...


She quickly got out of bed, watching as Sheng Mingsi walked to the bathroom door. She grabbed a clean bath towel and her own nightgown, afraid that Chenchen might come out of the bathroom suddenly. Wouldn't that be soaking wet and exposed?


But Sheng Mingsi stood by the door without entering, reaching out to knock and calling Jiang Chenchen's name.


Bai Junwen suddenly stopped in her tracks, standing behind, not daring to approach.


The shower was still running in the bathroom, and Jiang Chenchen hadn't come out.


Sheng Mingsi was a bit worried about the situation inside. When he reached out to open the door handle, Bai Junwen stepped forward to stop him.


She seemed to have gathered courage, not daring to look at him, "No... I, I'll do it."


She, who never dared to refuse anyone, now said such words to the tall and imposing man in front of her because of Jiang Chenchen.


Sheng Mingsi's movements paused when he heard her words. He looked at her with a sidelong glance. Indeed, his previous actions were offensive in the urgency of the moment. He let go of her and pushed her back, "Then you do it."


After Bai Junwen went in, he quickly closed the bathroom door.


Heart pounding.


At this moment, Jiang Chenchen had already undressed for the shower.


Cold water droplets scattered, reducing the heat and the pungent smell of alcohol.


She took a deep breath. Luckily, she had entered by herself just now; otherwise, Chenchen would have been seen completely naked. Although she had been seen by her, there was generally no problem between two girls.


But... to be honest, she also witnessed such a scene for the first time. Her cheeks turned red, and her eyes dared not look, only feeling a fair and beautiful figure in her sight.


Her mind buzzed, and she stood still by the door, shouting to her, "Chenchen, have you finished washing?"


Jiang Chenchen opened her eyes in a daze, turned her head back, wiped off the water droplets from her face with her hand, and squinted at her, "Huh?"


Bai Junwen looked at her and quickly lowered his head again, "Are you still uncomfortable now?"


"It seems not so uncomfortable now. I don't know what happened just now. The medication turned out to be so unbelievable." Jiang Chenchen turned off the shower and saw the wet clothes thrown on the floor, as well as her own nakedness. Taking a cold shower seemed to be quite effective?


"Wenwen, lend me the bath towel in your hand."


Bai Junwen quickly handed it over. Seeing her unembarrassed appearance, she admired her even more.


This calm and unashamed temperament was something she admired but couldn't achieve!


"I'm going out."


She said a sentence, didn't dare to stay any longer, and quickly flashed out.


Meeting Sheng Mingsi's gaze head-on, this person with a high-level temperament made her look again.


However, he took a step forward and asked, "Chenchen, what's wrong?"






Chapter 208: He Has Never Taken a Photo Together!


"It's... it's nothing," Bai Junwen said. Hearing movement on the bathroom door handle, he quickly moved aside, silently disappearing from the line of sight, not wanting to be a staring presence in others' eyes.


However, as she moved to the side, her gaze fell on Jiang Chenchen, who had just come out of the bathroom. Fresh from the shower, Jiang Chenchen's skin was so white it seemed to glow, and she wore a grey straight nightgown. Despite the ordinary and somewhat worn-out clothes, she exuded a unique charm.


Her hair, wiped dry with a towel, cascaded down in disarray in front of her.


But... she wasn't wearing a bra. Startled, she quickly looked for a coat.


At this moment, Sheng Mingsi had already taken off his black shirt, revealing a dark undershirt. Wearing such attire in the summer indicated he was the type who didn't mind the heat.


He draped the shirt over Jiang Chenchen, his gaze serious and concerned. "Are you okay?"


Jiang Chenchen nodded and put on the shirt. The garment carried his cold and light scent, and... the smell of alcohol?


Suddenly, fragments flashed through her mind, scenes of their close entanglement.


She looked towards him, her face, lips, neck, and body... pinched and scratched.


Suddenly, her cheeks felt hot, and her heartbeat quickened. "Did I do something strange just now? It wasn't intentional; it felt like I was controlled. You're not angry, are you?"


Sheng Mingsi's eyelids twitched slightly. All emotions were hidden behind his dark and cold exterior. He reached out to touch her forehead; it wasn't hot. It seemed she had metabolized the medication she had taken after the shower.


"How much did you drink?" he asked.


"Two bottles."


Sheng Mingsi's expression darkened. That damn guy, Ye Xi!


He looked at her with a cold gaze. If Chenchen could drink so much and still wake up after a shower, while Ye Xi, who seemed to have taken a shower too, didn't wake up, did it mean that Chenchen's body really had an unusually fast recovery rate?


The thought flashed through his mind, temporarily leaving it open.


"Ah Si, I won't drink anymore in the future!" Jiang Chenchen, thinking he was angry, quickly expressed her resolution not to drink again.


Sheng Mingsi looked at her, his gaze stern but very serious. "Chenchen, it's not that I won't let you drink. You're an adult, and you have the freedom to do what you want. However, you need to learn to control yourself and not overdo it. At the same time, pay attention to the mix of people and situations. Be cautious about your safety. Do you know when you were drugged?"


Jiang Chenchen carefully recalled. Besides the waiter bringing the wine, there was no one suspicious approaching her.


She affirmed with certainty.


Sheng Mingsi thought for a moment. It could be targeted at one of the four of them, but no matter who it was, if it involved Chenchen, he wouldn't let it go.


He suppressed his thoughts; this matter had already been assigned to someone to investigate. "In any case, be careful in the future."


Jiang Chenchen took two steps forward, looking up at him. "Are you still angry?"


A person with a fresh fragrance, fair skin like a lotus emerging from water, Sheng Mingsi's eyes twitched slightly, avoiding eye contact. "Not angry. As long as you're okay."


Seeing that she was completely awake, he spared her from another injection.


As for Ye Xi, who showed no signs of waking up anytime soon, Wu Bi was asked to take him away and be sent home by the Ye family driver.


"Don't say much, just say he's drunk," Sheng Mingsi instructed.


"Mr. Sheng, I understand," Wu Bi said, supporting Ye Xi as they left. Xia Changli was entrusted to Bai Junwen.


Before leaving, Jiang Chenchen and Sheng Mingsi helped tidy up the house and then left.


At the same time, she asked Bai Junwen to call her if anything happened. Bai Junwen nodded in agreement.


As they left from here, Jiang Chenchen suddenly remembered and looked at Sheng Mingsi. "Weren't you at the old house? How did you know I was here?"


"About that..."


Sheng Mingsi felt a headache when he thought about it. He had never taken a photo with Chenchen, and that damn Ye Xi dared to show off so openly!?


Kicking him out of the group was just the first step; there were more moves waiting for him.


He opened the group chat on his phone and asked her to take a look.


Jiang Chenchen saw the photo and examined it closely. "Ye Xi is quite good at taking pictures."


Sheng Mingsi: ?

Who asked her for her opinion?

Feeling a bit frustrated and unsure of what to say, Sheng Mingsi enlarged the photo. "Huh?"


"What's wrong?" Sheng Mingsi, seeing her unusual reaction, approached to take a look.


Jiang Chenchen enlarged the photo on her phone. Originally, it was a colorful scene with various lights, but the phone's flash function automatically activated, identifying faces in the lens. Two side glances in the background looked particularly suspicious.


"Could this be the person who tampered with our drinks?"


Sheng Mingsi took the phone and examined it carefully. "Did they come close to you?"


Jiang Chenchen shook her head. "It seems not."


Sheng Mingsi contemplated for a moment. "It might be someone watching you, but not necessarily the person who tampered with the drinks. There were four of you this time, and it's hard to tell which one they were targeting. But don't worry; I'll find out soon."


He saved the photo and sent it to Wu Bi. This matter needed a careful investigation to avoid any potential dangers.


Looking at the photo on the phone, Jiang Chenchen suddenly felt the urge to delete it immediately!


However, she thought of Zhao Han. Could he be the one having someone keep an eye on Xia Changli?


Zhao Han liked Xia Changli, and after witnessing Xia Changli kissing Ye Xi, he seemed to be enraged, appearing quite dangerous.


She didn't pay attention to Sheng Mingsi's expression at the moment but asked, "As, let me ask you a question. If, I mean if, the girl you like kisses someone else in front of you, how would you react?"


Sheng Mingsi's eyes narrowed, his face darkening, and a chilly aura enveloped him. "Who kissed you?"


"Not me, I've only kissed you."


Wu Bi, driving in the front seat: "..."


This Miss Jiang is indeed straightforward. There's more than just the two of them in this car!


Sheng Mingsi: "..."


He cleared his throat, suddenly feeling better, and his handsome face relaxed. "Why ask such a question out of the blue?"


So Jiang Chenchen told him about what happened today.


Sheng Mingsi snorted. That idiot Ye Xi, not only did he make a big deal out of it, but now things had become more complicated.


"This Zhao Han sounds quite dangerous. He targeted you before, and he could hide and observe you, waiting for an unexpected opportunity to ambush."


After analyzing the situation, he said, "You should protect Xia Li tomorrow."


Sheng Mingsi leaned tiredly against the back of the seat, reaching over to ruffle her hair. "It depends on what your friend is thinking. If she feels threatened, she should report to the police and not give him any chance. But if she's conflicted inside, things become more complicated."








Chapter 209: Scumbag


"It's so complicated," Jiang Chenchen said after giving it some thought. "Wouldn't things be simpler if people were more honest?"


In the darkness of the car, Sheng Mingsi looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "People have vulnerable and cowardly sides. If honesty is built on a foundation that's not afraid of pre-existing hurts, maybe things wouldn't be so complicated. But some people fear getting hurt and lack the courage to face it. You may not be able to fully understand, but that just shows your pure and candid nature."


Jiang Chenchen carefully listened to his words and thought about his past, the birthday shadow he couldn't face honestly.


In the dimly lit car, she met his gaze with a serious expression. "So, if there's something you guys are afraid of, I'll face it with you. I'll lend you my courage."


Sheng Mingsi's cold eyes flashed slightly, and he reached over to ruffle her hair, saying softly, "Then you're my little angel."


Wu Bi, driving in the front seat: !

The night was too quiet, and such words easily echoed in their ears.


Sheng Mingsi never expected himself to say such things in his life. What a cute little angel!


Jiang Chenchen thought being called a little angel was quite a high praise. She rubbed her head against his palm to express her happiness.


"As, is it time to go home now?" she asked.


"Yeah."


"But aren't you going back to the old mansion?"


"Not going back."


"Won't your mom be angry?"


Thinking about the three-day agreement, Jiang Chenchen wondered what challenges Mrs. Sheng had in mind for her. Was it to make her leave Sheng Mingsi completely?


Sheng Mingsi patiently explained, "Chenchen, you've met her. You should know she's a strong-willed person. I'm not someone who yields to my mother's will. Differences in opinions are inevitable, even in family relationships where independence is difficult to avoid."


He knew that after his mother met Jiang Chenchen, she would likely make things difficult for her and try to make her leave. But he couldn't endorse his mother's behavior, and he had already expressed his attitude during the two days back home. No one could decide his choices and future, not even his mother.


"So, Chenchen, no matter what Mrs. Sheng says to you, don't take it to heart. She doesn't represent my thoughts. If she acts strangely again, just ignore her; you don't have to face her."


While nodding at his words, Jiang Chenchen said, "But I want to meet her. Is that okay?"


Sheng Mingsi frowned. "Did she say something to you? Don't be afraid; she can't threaten you. I'll go find her tomorrow."


"As, as long as I want to stay by your side, I can't avoid your mother. So, I want to see what your mother really wants. We made an appointment, after all."


Seeing her determination, Sheng Mingsi knew there was no use in saying more. He was still worried because he knew his mother's methods. She was a dominant woman who had been born into a high position and inherited the fate of the conglomerate from an early age.


"When is the appointment?" he asked.


"The day after tomorrow."


"I'll have Ming Mei accompany you."


Sheng Mingsi couldn't be sure what his mother would do, but Jiang Chenchen was so serious about the appointment. She must have been preparing for Mrs. Sheng's difficult challenges.


Back at home, he immediately retrieved the jewelry box and put the diamond ring with the hollow design on Jiang Chenchen's finger.


"Listen, wear it that day too."


After returning home, Sheng Mingsi immediately took out the stored jewelry box and unhesitatingly put the diamond ring with the hollow design on Jiang Chenchen's finger.


"Listen carefully, wear it that day too."


Jiang Chenchen had always liked this ring and had even planned to save money to buy it. Now, Sheng Mingsi had directly put it on her finger. She raised her hand and asked, "Borrowing it from me?"


Sheng Mingsi's brow twitched. "Consider it borrowed, but if anyone asks, say I gave it to you."


"Okay," Jiang Chenchen nodded.


Her attention was fully on the ring. It was so beautiful and expensive. When would she truly own such things? Maybe she could participate in a few more night races before school started!


Jiang Chenchen went back to her room, took another shower, and went to sleep. Sheng Mingsi's shirt, taken off earlier, was neatly folded at the bedside. The shirt still carried his light scent, as if he was accompanying her.


She quickly fell asleep.


On the other side of the room, Sheng Mingsi didn't fall asleep as quickly. He had already found information about the person who had drugged their drinks. It turned out to be someone seeking revenge on Ye Xi, intending to manipulate them to do something embarrassing after getting drunk. They had even sent someone to secretly take pictures, capturing a scene of Ye Xi pressing Jiang Chenchen against the wall outside the apartment elevator.


Because Sheng Mingsi arrived in time, they couldn't succeed. The person sent to investigate quickly detained the photographer, and the photos on the camera were deleted.


Initially, Sheng Mingsi had some suspicion about his mother, but later he thought it was highly unlikely. His mother should detest such actions.


Now that he had discovered it was Ye Xi's revenge, and the reason being Ye Xi couldn't handle the consequences of his reckless actions, Sheng Mingsi decided not to interfere. He would leave it to his elder brother to educate Ye Xi about proper behavior.


...


The next day during breakfast, Sheng Mingsi briefly mentioned the incident to Jiang Chenchen. He didn't go into details but advised her not to contact Ye Xi for a while as he was busy.


Jiang Chenchen nodded and continued eating.


Suddenly, she looked up and asked, "Is Ye Xi a scumbag because of revenge?"


Sheng Mingsi, taking a sip of water, almost choked. He put down the water glass and looked at her. "Why do you say that?"


"Jian MoMo said so."


"Who's that?"


"An actress, a sister I met on a program."


Sheng Mingsi's lips twitched. "She really hit the nail on the head."


Jiang Chenchen put down her chopsticks. "Is it a serious matter?"


"He got a girl pregnant, she asked him to take responsibility, but he denied it. That's why this revenge happened. The girl is the sister of the bar owner you went to last night."


Sheng Mingsi had told her just enough for her to witness the scummy side of Ye Xi.


Jiang Chenchen was a bit surprised by the revelation. "Then we shouldn't let him be Lili's boyfriend anymore!"


"If he tries to contact you, just ignore him. This guy needs to learn a lesson."


Sheng Mingsi said this and took out his phone without hesitation, deleting the photo of Jiang Chenchen and Ye Xi from the group chat.


Subconsciously, he opened the camera function on his phone, looking at the person on the other side with an incredulous expression, and then lowered her head to eat.


The person in the frame was Jiang Chenchen, eating with her head down.


His finger hesitated, not tapping the screen. He supported his chin with one hand and casually called her name.


"Chenchen."


Jiang Chenchen looked up. "Hmm?"








Chapter 210: Facing It


In her gaze as she looked up, Sheng Mingsi quickly tapped the camera icon on his phone, capturing the candid moment of Jiang Chenchen having breakfast with a lively atmosphere.


Sheng Mingsi casually pocketed his phone and pointed to the corner of her mouth, saying, "You have some sauce at the corner."


"Oh." Jiang Chenchen wiped it off with a tissue, smiling in embarrassment. She really liked dumplings, and they tasted even better dipped in sauce and vinegar.


After breakfast, Jiang Chenchen went to find Xia Changli. She needed to talk to her, even if she couldn't find the courage to face everything or confirm the situation with Zhao Han. At least, she could let Xia Changli vent, better than keeping it all to herself and feeling miserable.


Sheng Mingsi arranged for Wu Bi to drive her there, even though she initially declined. However, Sheng Mingsi insisted that it was on the way, and Wu Bi had some matters to attend to in that direction.


So, Jiang Chenchen took this convenient ride.


When they arrived, Jiang Chenchen greeted Wu Bi and got off the car.


Wu Bi watched her figure entering the apartment building and thought, it seems it was really on the way.


...


Jiang Chenchen had called Xia Changli in advance. At the moment, Xia Changli was still at home. Bai Junwen had originally planned to work, but due to concerns about her, he took a two-hour break.


When Jiang Chenchen arrived, Xia Changli had just left.


Seeing Jiang Chenchen, Xia Changli poured her a bowl of freshly cooked mung bean soup. "Chenchen, WenWen told me about last night. I can't remember a thing, it's a bit scary to think about. The bar is really a dangerous place with all sorts of people."


"Are you okay?"


She gestured for Jiang Chenchen to sit by the small table and handed her the mung bean soup.


Jiang Chenchen took a sip of the refreshing mung bean soup for the summer and found it delicious. She finished it quickly, put the bowl down, and said, "This trouble was caused by Ye Xi. Let him solve it himself. Fortunately, nothing serious happened last night, but..."


"But what?" Xia Changli sat across from her, looking at her.


She knew it too. She just didn't know how to face it, a bit pretending to be ignorant.


Looking at her, Jiang Chenchen said, "LiLi, I'm worried about you. If you feel scared because of Zhao Han, tell me. I won't let him hurt you!"


"It's not..."


Xia Changli shook her head, her eyes slightly red. She only had one or two friends, and yet, this friend was so good to her.


These were things she couldn't share with anyone. Her mother was gone, and her father was almost not her father. Her life was supposed to be lived alone.


"Chenchen, it's me who dares not face it. I like him, but not that much. There's such a big age gap between us, and I'm a teacher. It's impossible. How can I admit it? It was originally a mistake. I can't let the mistake continue, right?"


She said, lowering her head, tears uncontrollably falling.


Always looking forward to meeting someone she liked, even though she had long lost the qualification to like someone, but she hadn't expected that having feelings could be such a painful thing.


Listening to her, Jiang Chenchen realized that this kind of liking, coupled with the fear of facing it, was something Sheng Mingsi had told her about last night—a vulnerability due to a lack of courage to face it.


And that was Xia Changli right now.


"Can age really hinder your feelings?" 


"Chenchen, you don't understand. I'm seven years older than him. Such a big age difference makes it impossible. I don't want to casually date. I have no sense of security; I dare not think about the day I will be dumped and bored."


Xia Changli's insecurity also stemmed from her original family. Her mother was abandoned due to illness, and she didn't have the confidence to face a boy much younger than her. Moreover, she couldn't foresee a future with him. She didn't have the courage to make mistakes.


Hearing her, Jiang Chenchen thought about the insecurity that came with age. She and Sheng Mingsi also had a seven-year age difference. Would he have had these worries too?


It didn't seem like it, but everyone was different. She didn't know much about the societal norms regarding the age difference between men and women.


She just said, "LiLi, why don't you think carefully? Invite Zhao Han out and talk to him. Clearly express what you care about, let him know your true thoughts. If he remains unreasonable, then you really need to consider whether this person is worth it. After all, he's an adult, right?"


Xia Changli knew all this but couldn't truly face it.


Can one really be straightforward about what's in their heart?


Seeing Xia Changli hesitating, Jiang Chenchen pushed the bowl in front of her forward, placed her hands on the small table, and leaned in a bit, looking at her. "How about this, try to think of me as Zhao Han, practice a bit? It's okay if you make mistakes; it doesn't matter."


Feeling comforted by her words, Xia Changli relaxed a bit.


"Chenchen, thank you so much. But I think I'll give it a try. You're right; we're both adults. Maybe things aren't as difficult as I imagine."


Summoning courage, she decided it was time to face it.


She didn't want those around her to worry about her anymore.


Xia Changli prepared some snacks, and the two of them ate while reading. Although the apartment was a single-bedroom, the large windows provided good lighting, and the two gradually immersed themselves in their books.


They could temporarily put aside any troubles.


A phone call disrupted this tranquility.


Jiang Chenchen took out her phone and saw that it was a call from Ye Xi.


Hmm?


She answered, and Ye Xi's voice came through a bit listless. "Jiang Chenchen, are you okay?"


"I'm fine."


Hearing that she indeed sounded fine, Ye Xi felt even more depressed. Was she questioning his character, mocking him?


"I don't have the number of your friend, so I called you. Your friend, the one entangled with that guy, came to me seeking trouble, and my brother's men have detained him, ready to take him to the police station. Can you ask your friend to come over and deal with it?"


"Zhao Han?" Jiang Chenchen glanced at Xia Changli and put the phone on speaker for her to listen.


Ye Xi: "Yeah, him. He dared to attack me, you know? Just around a corner, he dared to swing a knife at the back of my head. He's really audacious. I want your friend to come and see how extreme this person is. Don't get deceived, and don't be soft-hearted."


"How do you know about them..."


"What a joke. I have quite a peak level of dating experience, okay? Even the love gaze of this innocent girl can't fool me. I immediately saw through the liking in her eyes."


Ye Xi was still a bit proud, then suddenly got kicked by his brother. He quickly dodged and hastily said, "Chenchen, that's it. I'll send you the location..."


In the midst of a sudden cry of pain, the call was abruptly ended.


Jiang Chenchen looked at Xia Changli and asked, "Should I go with you?"