The wooden beauty of Young Master Sheng(161-162)

**Chapter 161: The Number**


"Is there something I can't hear?"


Sheng Mingsi's gaze was deep, full of suspicion.


Especially when his gaze swept towards Wu Bi, Wu Bi's heart skipped a beat. Sheng Shao, I didn't do anything!


Sheng Mingsi averted his gaze, understanding that Wu Bi wouldn't dare.


He fixed his eyes on Jiang Chenchen and said in a low voice, "What are you hiding from me?"


"Nothing, I just have something to ask Brother Wu Bi for help." Jiang Chenchen explained hastily but didn't mention what it was.


Sheng Mingsi's mood darkened. He looked at her and snorted, then pushed the car door open and got out.


Seeing this, Jiang Chenchen leaned over and anxiously asked, "Are you angry?"


Sheng Mingsi walked ahead, his tall and straight figure not stopping. "Finish talking quickly and go inside. Auntie Hua is almost done with dinner."


"Okay!"


Jiang Chenchen replied, and then sat back in her seat. She took out her phone and checked the number in the text message. Then, she turned to Wu Bi in front and said, "Brother Wu Bi, can you help me check a number?"


Wu Bi felt surprised. Why couldn't she tell Sheng Shao about this?

"What number?"


Jiang Chenchen reported a string of numbers, and then specifically instructed, "Please, don't tell Mr. Sheng about this."


"This..." Wu Bi hesitated. How could he hide this from Sheng Mingsi!


Jiang Chenchen looked into his eyes. "Can I trust you, Brother Wu Bi?"


Wu Bi: "...Yes! But can you tell me why you don't want to tell Mr. Sheng?"


Jiang Chenchen said, "I don't want to cause unnecessary trouble. I just need to check who this number belongs to."


Wu Bi wanted to ask more, but obviously, Jiang Chenchen didn't intend to say more, so he didn't ask.


This kind of number could be checked quickly.


He agreed to help.


Looking at her getting out of the car, he sighed inwardly. How would he explain to Sheng Mingsi later? He didn't plan to hide it, but he also wanted to keep his promise.


After that, Sheng Mingsi called, but surprisingly, he didn't ask about this matter. Wu Bi was almost unable to hold back from asking. Why didn't Sheng Shao inquire about it!?


"Young Master Sheng..."


"I know what you want to say. Since she didn't tell me, there must be a reason, but I can guess some things."


"Oh?"


Sheng Mingsi's cold voice came from the phone, "Since she got in the car, she has been holding her phone tightly, her mind wandering. After getting off the car and going home for dinner, she still kept her phone close. This is obviously unusual behavior.


She is not a girl addicted to her phone. With such a reaction, I guess there is something in her phone that makes her uneasy. I don't know what it is, but not telling me means she probably thinks I'm less reliable than you, right?"


Wu Bi was shocked!


"This, this, this... absolutely not! Miss Jiang just asked me to check a string of numbers! There's absolutely nothing improper! I definitely didn't suggest this to Miss Jiang, Young Master Sheng! I'm innocent!"


"Oh, well then, you go ahead and check."


Sheng Mingsi's lips twitched, and he hung up the phone.


Only then did Wu Bi realize that he had said everything.


...


Jiang Chenchen had been waiting for Wu Bi's message. She knew it might not be so fast, but her mind was not so at ease.


There was a knock on the door.


She pulled her thoughts back and opened the door.


Sheng Mingsi stood outside, handing several wrapped paper bags to her.


Jiang Chenchen was stunned, quickly hugging the bags and looking at him, "Brother Ah Si, what is this?"


Sheng Mingsi leaned against the door frame. "These are some randomly bought clothes. Didn't we agree that after the exam, I'll take you somewhere? Pack these and get ready to leave tomorrow."


"Huh?"


Jiang Chenchen was slightly curious. "Where are we going exactly?"


Seeing her interest, Sheng Mingsi said, "I have a villa in Xiu Mountain. The scenery is excellent, and it's a summer resort. It's suitable for resting and relaxing after the exam. You can climb the mountain and rock climbing, or go drifting and boating. In short, it's very nice. I'll take you there tomorrow."


Jiang Chenchen said, "Brother Ah Si, are you sure you have time with your busy work schedule?"



Sheng Mingsi's eyes twitched slightly at her words, feeling teased. "I am the boss. I still have control over my time. Don't worry about it. Sleep in tomorrow, and we'll set off when you wake up."


"How much did those clothes cost?" Jiang Chenchen asked, holding the paper bags.


Sheng Mingsi: "..."


Couldn't he even buy her clothes?


"Not much. If you find it difficult, consider it my sponsorship. You can pay me back when you have money later."


However, Jiang Chenchen thought it meant she had to return an equivalent set of clothes.


"Okay." She nodded and quickly glanced at his figure. She knew his height and weight from last time, so buying according to the size should be fine. She would earn money from part-time work during the summer vacation to repay him later.


The plan for tomorrow's outing was settled.


Sheng Mingsi originally wanted to ask more questions, but in the end, he didn't say anything and told her to go to sleep early before returning to his room.


Jiang Chenchen closed the door and opened the paper bags. Inside were sportswear, beautiful dresses, and casual suits—seven sets in total. She had to return seven sets later.


Putting down the clothes, she immediately sent a message to Xia Changli, inquiring about the hourly wage at the convenience store where they discussed working during the summer.


Xia Changli quickly replied, "80 per day, around 2400 per month."


After seeing the message, Jiang Chenchen silently calculated. Would this salary be enough to buy Sheng Mingsi's shirt? It seemed she needed to work a couple more jobs!


In this tired state of mind, she received a call from Wu Bi. Only then did she truly relax and go to bed after packing up.


But she couldn't be at ease even in her dreams.


This uneasiness was due to her fear that the person would harm the people around her.


...


Wu Bi found that the overseas number belonged to Country C, a gathering place for all kinds of fraudsters, relying on sending messages and making calls to deceive people and take their money.


He felt somewhat relieved, thinking it was just some unspeakable secret!

He told Jiang Chenchen about this matter and also informed Sheng Mingsi, considering it a mission accomplished.


However, Sheng Mingsi sat slouched on the sofa, one hand supporting the computer and the other holding the phone in contemplation. "Send me that number; I'll take a look."


Wu Bi was surprised. "Young Master Sheng, is something wrong?"


Sheng Mingsi sat upright, opened the laptop on his legs, and said, "No, just take a casual look."


"Okay, I'll send it to you now."


Wu Bi sent the number, and Sheng Mingsi used the computer to check the overseas phone number. It was the same as what Wu Bi found—an area known for scams in Country C.


But if it was a scam message, would it make Jiang Chenchen react so strangely?

What kind of information would cause such a strong reaction from her?

He delved deeper into the search, drank several cups of coffee, and spent almost half the night finding a more precise location and the owner's name. It was a common name, and he tried searching for it.


He didn't find any useful information and turned to the international dark web.


Finally, he found a useful piece of information—this person seemed to be a member of the largest gang in Country A.


The name was probably fake, and it was unlikely to find more useful information.

But Country A?

Was it just a coincidence?





Chapter 162: Endurance

Even if everything is just a coincidence, he has to remain vigilant because Jiang Chenchen had once mentioned that the person is formidable and could harm her again.

He won't allow such a thing to happen again.

He changed his computer, masked his location, and set up a transaction on the dark web.

If he could actively lure the fish, even better; he's not accustomed to waiting passively.

...

The next morning, sensing someone beside him, he opened his eyes abruptly and looked over.

When he saw Jiang Chenchen sleeping with her head tilted at the edge of the bed, his expression was a bit sluggish at first, but soon he furrowed his brow.

Did she climb through the window again?
The door was locked from the inside, so she must have climbed through the window.

Sheng Mingsi's eyes had a hint of fatigue, unsure when she came in, but he only felt her presence just now. Had he become sluggish because he had adapted to her existence?

He looked at the person leaning on the bed, contemplating whether to wake her up or carry her back to bed.

While hesitating, Jiang Chenchen woke up, raised her eyes, and looked at him in a dazed manner. "Is this a dream?"

...

Sheng Mingsi reached out and tapped her head. "What do you think? Don't tell me you sleepwalked through the window."

Dodging his tapping, Jiang Chenchen thought for a moment. "It seems like it."

Though she knew the text message was a scam last night, she worried for a long time, resulting in a nightmare where Zhan Chen stabbed Sheng Mingsi, frightening her. After climbing through the window and finding him unharmed, she still guarded him by the bed and soon fell asleep again.

This was the scene upon waking up.

Sheng Mingsi saw her expression, reached out, and tapped her head again. "Don't climb through the window. It's dangerous."

"But sometimes I can't see you at night, and I get scared."

Sheng Mingsi held her wrist for a moment but quickly let go, coughed, and looked away. "Had a nightmare? Knock on the door and call my name; I'll hear you."

"Okay, Brother Ah Si."

Jiang Chenchen stared at him, as if confirming that besides exhaustion, he had no other injuries, and then felt truly relieved.

"I'll go out now."

"If you still want to sleep, we'll set off after you wake up."

She nodded but refused to sleep again.

The dream was too unsettling; it was better not to sleep.

After breakfast, they set off for the mountain villa. Wu Bi, who was driving in front, was very focused, ensuring both speed and smooth driving without bumps, eyes fixed ahead.

In the back seat, Sheng Mingsi, with a serious and focused expression, gazed outside. Next to him, Jiang Chenchen slept leaning on his shoulder.

She wore the sleeveless white dress he bought today, fresh and elegant, like the cleanest girl in the world. Her slender arms unconsciously held his, displaying the most reliant and intimate appearance.

She had indeed fallen asleep.

And it was a dreamless, peaceful sleep.

When she woke up, they had arrived early. Wu Bi was nowhere to be seen, but Sheng Mingsi remained in the back seat, unmoved. It was only then that Jiang Chenchen realized she had tightly held onto his arm, making it difficult to move.

"Ah..."

She quickly let go. "Sorry, Brother Ah Si."

Sheng Mingsi composed himself, tidying the wrinkles on his all-black outfit. "It's okay."

"Let's go down."

He opened the car door, and both got out, entering the vast and elegant mountain estate.

However, the weather was not favorable, with several days of continuous rain. They could only stay inside the estate and couldn't engage in outdoor activities.

In the summer mountains, thunderstorms were frequent. The sound of thunder and rain at night was even more explosive, startling Jiang Chenchen on the first night. She rushed out of her room and knocked on his door, calling his name.

At midnight, she called out Sheng Mingsi's name.

He quickly opened the door.

But...

"Do you want to come in and sleep?" Sheng Mingsi's black pupils looked even darker under the dim wall lamp as he supported the door, looking down at her.

Hugging her pillow, she nodded. "But I can sleep on the sofa."

The door was already wide open, allowing her to enter.

"Um... you, do you want to sleep on the bed, and I'll take the sofa."

Sheng Mingsi turned on the wall lamp near the sofa, casting a faint light in the dim corner. He walked over and sat down.

"Sleep, and when you wake up, let's talk about what's been happening recently."

Jiang Chenchen sat down on the sofa next to Sheng Mingsi, her face pale, saying, "I've been having nightmares lately, dreaming that you were killed."

Sheng Mingsi: "..."

What kind of dreams is this guy having?

He chuckled lightly, his stern face showing a hint of liveliness, "So who killed me?"

Jiang Chenchen looked at him with worry, "Aren't you afraid?"

Sheng Mingsi composed himself, saying seriously, "Dreams mostly reverse reality. Don't worry. Even if someone wants to kill me, in this world, the only one who can kill me besides myself is me. Perhaps, if that doesn't ease your mind, we can spar a bit."

"Spar?"

They went to a second-floor activity room with punching bags and a boxing ring. Sheng Mingsi preferred not to punch Jiang Chenchen in the face, so they opted for something like taekwondo.

Jiang Chenchen hesitated, "Brother Ah Si, I don't want to hurt you."

Sheng Mingsi wondered if he was being underestimated. He thought of going easy on her but changed his mind, "Give it your all; I'm not as weak as you think."

Jiang Chenchen, despite suppressing her instinctive strength, agreed, "Okay."

Outside, the rain poured down. Inside, in the room, Sheng Mingsi underestimated Jiang Chenchen's power. Despite her slim arms, her grip was astonishing.

Her strikes were powerful and fierce. Sheng Mingsi, accustomed to school and training fights, hadn't faced such a formidable opponent. Initially going easy, he ended up seriously sparring, almost accidentally injuring her. He quickly checked her face, apologizing, "Sorry, did I hurt you?"

Amidst heavy breathing from intense activity, he looked at her cautiously.

Jiang Chenchen had stamina left, but Sheng Mingsi, known for enduring heat, had sweat-soaked hair and a paler complexion.

A momentary distraction, and she would lose. She shouldn't have underestimated Sheng Mingsi; he was indeed formidable.

"Brother Ah Si, you're very enduring."

Sheng Mingsi, looking at her with a dark expression, "..."






Chapter 163: Agreement

Persistently enduring and remaining vigilant, their tactics adjusted swiftly during their fight. Observing him in combat, Jiang Chenchen gained a deeper understanding of him. Facing someone who relied on sheer strength and swift reactions rather than conventional strategies, others would have already been defeated.

Both of them sweating profusely, they sat down by the window, drinking water and taking a break. Watching the rain outside, they both felt a sense of relief that had been building up over the past few days.

"Chenchen, it's been a while since I've sweated like this. You know, I dislike the cold, even in the hot summer, I rarely sweat. But today feels good; I kept thinking about inviting you to come relax, but in a way, I was also trying to escape," Sheng Mingsi confessed.

"Escape?" Jiang Chenchen asked.

Sheng Mingsi gazed into the dark night and lowered his voice, "Every decision I make, even a slight mistake, could lead to irreversible consequences. Many people might lose their jobs or face financial ruin because of me. With the entire conglomerate under my control, I have to be cautious at all times. The greater the power, the greater the pressure. This isn't what I wanted, but it's a responsibility I had to inherit and bear."

Jiang Chenchen knew that Sheng Mingsi initially wanted to become a doctor, but due to family obligations, he chose a different path. The pressure he faced was immense, and despite the lack of personal happiness, he managed his responsibilities exceptionally well. His leadership resembled that of his mother, who had successfully guided the conglomerate with a firm hand.

"Brother As, in the future, when you want to spar with me, just let me know. I hope you can relax a bit and find some joy in it," Jiang Chenchen said earnestly.

"Can I really do that in the future?" Sheng Mingsi asked, his voice low.

Every day from now on, for the foreseeable future, could he truly do that?

Jiang Chenchen nodded, extending her hand. "I promise, pinky swear."

Sheng Mingsi didn't consider this a childish gesture; it felt more like a sincere agreement. He reached out, and their pinkies hooked together.

Outside the window, the rain diminished.

Inside the room, a childish yet sincere pact was made.

...

Returning to their rooms, Sheng Mingsi slowed his steps, his face serious and his eyes deep black. "Still afraid?"

If she was, she could come in and sleep. However, this time, Jiang Chenchen shook her head. "Not afraid anymore, Brother Ah Si. I'll go back to my room."

"Okay," Sheng Mingsi said, watching her return to her room. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, lost in thought in the dim hallway.

She's still young; let her wait a little longer.

...

After spending five days in that peaceful retreat, the rain, which had persisted daily, finally stopped when it was time to leave. Jiang Chenchen wondered if the unused clothes could still be returned.

Back home, Sheng Mingsi resumed his busy work routine, while Jiang Chenchen started working part-time. She also managed to find time to obtain her driver's license. Sheng Mingsi didn't want her to work late hours at a convenience store, but he only advised her without stopping her. After all, it was her life, and he shouldn't interfere.

Jiang Chenchen worked night shifts for half a month, not only earning her driver's license but also becoming familiar with the basic operations. Occasionally, customers, noticing her beauty, would try to strike up a conversation, but she remained silent and uninterested, prompting them to leave.

One night, around 3 a.m., Jiang Chenchen received a call from Lu Su, but no one spoke. After a few seconds, the call was abruptly ended. She thought she heard a low curse from the other end, a voice that didn't sound like Lu Su's. Puzzled, she received a text message from Lu Su, asking her to meet at the Xin Guang Station at 6 a.m.

She hadn't been to that station before and didn't know where it was. While she was pondering this, a customer approached to make a purchase, and she temporarily put her phone down. The woman at the counter was buying cigarettes and a bottle of water, constantly staring at her phone. When she noticed Jiang Chenchen taking off her hat and sunglasses, her face lit up.

"Jiang Chenchen! You're working here?" she exclaimed.

Jiang Chenchen looked at her and recognized her as the actress Zhan Momo. They chatted for a bit, with Zhan Momo gossiping about Lu Su missing the press conference for their new drama.

"That scandal between you two..." she suddenly changed the subject, her tone mischievous.

"It's fake," Jiang Chenchen replied.

Zhan Momo smiled, "I guessed as much. By the way, since you're working here and earning so little, why don't you join the entertainment industry? With your looks and intriguing aura, you won't struggle. Even if it's not a big production, it's better than staying up late here."

"I have other part-time jobs, and I need to study during the day. Maybe I don't have time for filming," Jiang Chenchen explained.

"That's true. Big productions have long schedules, and you might not be able to handle it," Zhan Momo said. "By the way, we haven't caught up in a while. Let's have a drink one of these days."

"Sure," Jiang Chenchen agreed.

After Zhan Momo left, Jiang Chenchen took out her phone and looked at the message again. Lu Su was acting strangely again, just like the last time. Perhaps it was due to stress and pressure. She decided to meet him at 6:45 a.m. after finishing work. She sent a message, "I finish work at 6:30. Can we meet at 6:45?"






Chapter 164: Reunion

Not long after sending the message, she received a reply.

"Okay, I'll wait for you."

After reading the message, Jiang Chenchen checked the location of Xinguang Station. It wasn't too far, but why meet at the station?

She decided to call to get more information. It took a while for someone to answer the call. Lu Su's voice sounded hoarse and intoxicated, "Where do you work?"

"Near Qingjiang University City."

"On the night shift?"

"Yes. By the way, why do you want to meet at Xinguang Station? Do you have something to tell me?" Jiang Chenchen asked.

"There's a new underground bar there. I want to talk to you about something. I'll have a friend come pick you up. Send your location when you're on your way," Lu Su replied.

"Okay."

After hanging up, Jiang Chenchen sent her location. Back in the convenience store, she attended to customers while waiting.

In a luxurious private room of the underground bar, Lu Su was restrained with his hands tied to the ceiling, feet locked with iron chains, trembling, and completely naked. Many needles pierced his arms.

When he answered the call, a person beside him threatened with a video. Lu Su wasn't afraid of death, but he feared being humiliated and having those images spread online.

This kind of fear was crushing.

After the call was taken away, the syringe was stabbed into his neck.

Lu Su's eyes opened wide, showing extreme pain, then rolled back, and he passed out.

"So weak."

A man with a scar on his cheek tossed the syringe aside and patted Lu Su's face. He looked regretful, "He looks pretty, but only for one round. What a waste."

"Brother Ping, what should we do with him?"

"Leave him here, wait for instructions from Boss Zhan."

"Why did this guy offend Mr. Zhan? He came all the way to deal with him?"

"You ask too many questions."

Brother Ping's scarred face turned fierce, scaring the subordinate who quickly retreated, "I dare not, I dare not! We'll leave now."

"No need. Keep an eye on him here; I'll go out for a while."

Brother Ping finished his drink and walked out. The location was busy, but the hierarchy was strict; without proper identification, one couldn't enter.

He checked the time, early but not too early, and drove to the convenience store where Jiang Chenchen worked.

He waited there.

At half-past six, Jiang Chenchen received a message with the car's license plate number. It was this car.

The man inside smoked, and the smell filled the car. Turning around, Brother Ping saw Jiang Chenchen still staring at him. Although her gaze seemed vacant, he felt an inexplicable sense of alertness. Is this the woman Mr. Zhan likes?

"What happened to Lu Su?"

"He drank too much."

Jiang Chenchen lowered her head, dialed Lu Su's number, but there was no ringtone or vibration. Wasn't the phone in this man's hand?

She looked at him again, and Brother Ping tried to act casual, "I'm Lu Su's friend."

"What's your name?"

"Call me Brother Ping."

He chuckled, and his gaze moved forward. Jiang Chenchen continued to stare at him. Although her eyes seemed dull, her suspicion couldn't be ignored.

If the phone wasn't on silent, his cover would have been blown.

Silence during the ride.

The car quickly arrived at the entrance of the underground bar. Jiang Chenchen, holding her phone, looked at Xinguang Station nearby. "Let's go."

Brother Ping urged, trying to sound polite.

Jiang Chenchen clenched her phone in her pocket, and together they entered the bar.

Inside the bar, there were still some drunken people since it was early morning. However, they were quickly cleared out when Jiang Chenchen entered. The man in the wheelchair was brought in.

Jiang Chenchen, although sensing something was wrong, was shocked to see Lu Su, restrained with his hands tied.

He was dressed roughly, but his clothes were torn. His eyes were tightly shut, as if struggling in a dream.

Muttering something, he seemed to be in a bad condition.

Jiang Chenchen took out her phone to call the police. Someone tried to stop her, grabbing her wrist, but she quickly shook it off, kicked the person away, and dialed.

No signal!?

She tried to rush out, but Brother Ping blocked her way. At the entrance, more people came in, blocking her escape route.

A familiar face entered her sight.

The man with eyes like a tranquil moon, with a pale and weak face. He smiled gently, extending his hand toward her, "Xiao Mo, come here."

Seeing her terrified eyes, that originally calm and lifeless gaze suddenly became vivid.

He smiled gently, a smile that seemed kind and warm on the surface, but to others, it sent a shiver down their spine.





Chapter 165: Return to Country A with Me

Zhan Chen's presence in Country A instills fear; his gentle smile conceals a pervasive murderous intent. Looking at Jiang Chenchen, he says, "I know your name, Chenchen. I envy how you're willing to endure so much for that man. I feel like torturing him immediately. Do you know that?"

Despite her experiences with Zhan Chen's brutal methods, Jiang Chenchen quickly approaches and pleads, "Please, don't."

Zhan Chen's methods, beyond the straightforward brutality, induce a slow, paralyzing sense of pain, leading to a self-inflicted end. Zhan Chen watches as she kneels before him, a sight he has never witnessed before, and though her expression may not have changed much to an onlooker, Zhan Chen sees a significant transformation in her.

These years have taken a toll on her.

Zhan Chen's gaze darkens as he captures her chin, gazing into her eyes. "I don't allow anyone to touch you. Does that man deserve to die?"

Jiang Chenchen grabs his hand, removing the restraint from her chin. "You misunderstood. No one has touched me! Those news reports are false."

"Is that so?" Zhan Chen looks at her, withdrawing his gaze to her face. "What changed you? You never cared about others' lives. If it's about this man, I'd be jealous, and I'd still want to kill him."

Jiang Chenchen stands up. "He's my friend. If you want to kill him, I won't forgive you."

"Chenchen, no one dares to speak to me like this."

Zhan Chen grabs her hand, strong yet slender, the back of his hand so pale that veins and bruises are visible.

Jiang Chenchen looks at his gaze, and the silver-gray eyes exude a strong sense of resentment.

She doesn't want to provoke him. Even if it means speeding up Lu Su's death, there's no benefit in resisting.

"Mr. Zhan, how can we release him? I don't want to witness you killing someone in front of me."

Zhan Chen's eyes darken at the address, but he pulls her down for a face-to-face gaze, his hand squeezing her wrist turning it purple. "Are you really her?"

The atmosphere turns murderous. He moves to stroke her face.

He recognizes her face; how could he be mistaken?

"Really you, but please don't call me 'Mr.' For the first time, I want to hear you call me by my name, call me 'brother.'"

He seems hopeful, speaking gently. "Call me brother, and I'll let him go."

"But..."

Jiang Chenchen can't say it. Her brother is and will always be Sheng Mingsi.

But to save Lu Su, she hesitates for a moment and calls him, "Brother."

Zhan Chen, noticing her subtle change, speculates it's about the man who adopted her—Sheng Mingsi, the prominent figure in the Sheng Consortium.

An unforgivable man.

He smiles gently, his eyes filled with affection. "Good girl, Chenchen. Call me brother more often, and I'll let him go."

"Let him go."

Following his command, Lu Su is rescued.

Jiang Chenchen wants to check on him but finds her wrist held by Zhan Chen. "If you don't ask him, he may survive."

She falls silent.

She knows he has never lied to her.

Leaving the underground bar, they arrive at a secluded yet luxurious villa.

At the entrance, she looks at the person in the wheelchair. "After dinner, can I really go home?"

"Even after all these years, you're still indifferent." Zhan Chen, after seeing her, instructs his silent subordinate, Zhuo Yi, to push him inside.

Jiang Chenchen glances outside. The bright, dazzling sky and the endless road make her hesitate. After thinking for a moment, she turns and enters the house.

In the spacious and luxurious dining room, breakfast is already prepared. It's so diverse that even the row of maids beside her can't finish it.

Jiang Chenchen sits down but isn't in the mood to eat. Her phone vibrates a few times, all calls from Sheng Mingsi. She doesn't want Zhan Chen to know about Sheng Mingsi.

She doesn't answer.

She even concentrates her gaze on the dining table, maintaining calmness to prevent him from detecting any abnormalities.

Zhan Chen, a terrifying person indeed, but he has never harmed her. So, even now, she has never fought back.

"Is it delicious?" he gently asks from the other end.

He always speaks in such a considerate and gentle manner. Jiang Chenchen, however, tightens her heart and replies, "Delicious."

"It seems this chef can't satisfy you. Change the chef," Zhan Chen says to Zhuo Yi, who is standing nearby.

"It's not... It's really delicious."

Jiang Chenchen hurriedly eats a sandwich from the plate, almost choking. One of the maids hands her a glass of water.

She sips it, trying to calm herself, and Zhan Chen says, "If it's tasty, eat more."

The vast dining room becomes excessively quiet.

Zhan Chen asks about her experiences over these years, and she narrates her hospital life and how she was supported by a kind person to go to school. However, she refuses to mention Sheng Mingsi's name.

"Then where do you live now? Well, it doesn't matter. Come back with me," he says, his tone devoid of negotiation.

Jiang Chenchen's heart tightens. "But... I have to go to school. I can't go back."

"By refusing to come back with me, are you blaming me for sending you back here, blaming me for abandoning you?" Zhan Chen remarks.

Indeed, he has been self-blaming for this. If not for the circumstances that couldn't ensure her safety during the gang duel, he might have died. He didn't want to risk her life, so he had a reliable person bring her back. However, that woman betrayed his orders.

He continued to live in the hospital for years, winning a decisive victory against the opposing faction but sustaining severe injuries. Even now, with a deteriorating body, he might not last long. Still, finding her here, he came regardless.

But she has changed, and now she refuses to return with him.

"I don't blame you at all. I absolutely don't. It's just that I'm not the same as before. I want to live relying on my own strength, not needing your care, like a lifeless person. Now, I'm working hard here to attend university and study nursing. In the future, I might become a nurse. Your health is not good; maybe I can help you."

Zhan Chen hears this but doesn't seem moved. Instead, he sweeps away all the dishes on the table.