The wooden beauty of Young Master Sheng(156-160)

Chapter 156: Uninvited Guest


Jiang Chenchen nodded at her, "Yeah, I'll come with you."


At the same time, she introduced Xia Changli as her good friend.


"My apartment is quite small, hope you don't mind," Xia Changli, always composed, was still a young woman in her twenties with a delicate mind. Seeing the girl before her was reserved, she became more amiable.


Bai Junwen thanked her sincerely.


Understanding the difficult situation Bai Junwen was in, Xia Changli couldn't help but recall her own past. Back when she took the college entrance exam, she faced everything alone. The emotions of that time were something she could empathize with deeply.


She squeezed another talisman from her purse and hesitated for a moment before giving it to White Junwen.


"One for each of you and Chenchen. I hope you all perform your best and achieve good results."


Bai Junwen held the talisman, her eyes reddening. She thought she had reached a dead end, but now she found unexpected kindness.


Seeing Jiang Chenchen also holding a talisman, the two looked at Xia Changli simultaneously, and the three of them laughed softly, spontaneously and harmoniously.


A mix of joy and sentiment filled the lively tea shop. The sunlight poured in, making their faces vibrant and radiant—a unique summer afternoon.


...


"What do you want to eat? I'll cook for you."


"Hotpot and cold beer."


"... Don't drink before the exam. Hotpot it is!"


As the three of them rode the bus, they started discussing their plans.


Xia Changli asked the usually quiet Bai Junwen, "Can you eat spicy food?"


Bai Junwen hesitated and nodded, "Yes."


"Really?"


"Really."


Xia Changli doubted if she was too shy to refuse. She contemplated that they could have a half-spicy, half-mild hotpot to accommodate everyone's taste.


Upon arriving at Xia Changli's place, it was a small one-bedroom apartment, but much better than where she used to live. The apartment had good property management, and the neighborhood was safe and convenient.


"The benefits for teachers at Qingjiang University are quite good. You're welcome to consider applying to this university in the future."


Bai Junwen nodded silently.


"Huh? Do you really want to apply to this school? Your grades are good."


Jiang Chenchen added, "She's ranked first in the grade."


"Impressive!"


Xia Changli invited them in, but the recent conversation made her lose focus for a moment.


"My bed might only be enough for two of you to sleep on. I'll make a place to sleep on the sofa or carpet here. Feel free to sit around; relax a bit today before the exam tomorrow."


She went to make tea, "I'll go downstairs to buy some hotpot ingredients. You guys can watch TV; I'll be back in a bit."


"Let's go with you." Jiang Chenchen put down her backpack, and Bai Junwen stood up as well.


Seeing this, Xia Changli smiled gently, "Shopping at the supermarket might also be a way to relieve stress. Let's go."


The three of them bought hotpot ingredients from a nearby supermarket, along with a few bottles of drinks. Jiang Chenchen also grabbed an ice cream, though both White Junwen and Xia Changli declined. When they returned, it was already dark.


The small room was filled with the aroma of food, and after the busy preparations, the three of them sat down to eat.


At this moment, someone knocked on the door.


Xia Changli went to open it and found Zhao Han outside, holding a bottle of wine. She quickly opened the door slightly, pushing him to the side, "Why did you come?"


He held a bottle of grape wine in his hand.


Zhao Han's eyes were fixed on her, "I wanted to see you."


Xia Changli, with thin skin, dared not look at him and changed the topic, "How did you come up?"


"Just happened someone entered, I followed them up," Zhao Han heard voices inside the house, "Who's in there?"


"My friend."


"Can't I meet them?"


Xia Changli's eyes changed slightly, a bit flustered, "It's not convenient. How about you go back?"


"Then, tell me when it's convenient tonight, I'll wait for you here."


Zhao Han leaned against the wall, standing there with a stubborn look.


"Lili?"


Jiang Chenchen, seeing that she hadn't returned for a while, went to the door to check and met Zhao Han's gaze on the other side.


Her gaze was slightly vacant, showing no ripples, quickly shifting to Xia Changli, "The lamb rolls you like are overcooked."


Zhao Han's deep-colored eyes darkened, the hand supporting the wall exerting force.


Xia Changli, upon hearing the sound, hurriedly turned back, "Chenchen... I..."


She found it hard to explain, feeling awkward in her current situation. She didn't want to be seen by anyone, including her best friend.


"Did he do something excessive to you again?" Jiang Chenchen, noticing her abnormal expression, stepped forward.


Xia Changli quickly stopped her, "No, it's just that I seem to have forgotten to buy something. You go in and eat first; I'll be back up soon."


She turned to pull Zhao Han away.


However, Zhao Han didn't move, lowered his head to look at her, "Eating hot pot, I'm hungry too."


Xia Changli was anxious, "Zhao Han!"


However, Zhao Han remained calm, looking down at her, his voice sounding as if there were no others around, "Tomorrow, I'm also a candidate for the exam. Can you bear to let me go hungry?"


In the moment her expression eased, he whispered in her ear again, "Today is my birthday. I want to celebrate with you. I want to eat the hot pot you make."


His words fell on her ear and cheek.


Xia Changli's cheeks turned red, and she couldn't help taking a few steps back, looking at him fixedly, her feet feeling weak.


In the end, Zhao Han still went in with the wine.


In the one-bedroom apartment, the four of them sat there eating hot pot.


The atmosphere was not as cheerful as before, a subtle awkwardness lingering.


Jiang Chenchen didn't feel awkward; she was probably the most casual eater among them.


Zhao Han glanced at her, opened the bottle of wine he brought, and poured a glass for Xia Changli, "A very old wine, it tastes excellent."


Seeing this, Xia Changli said, "I can drink, but you guys can't."


She took the bought drinks and handed them out, "You guys drink this."


"Mix the wine with this, and it'll be fine," Zhao Han went to get an empty glass, mixed the wine with the drink, and poured half a glass for them.


"Since we happened to meet for dinner, let's wish each other good luck tomorrow."


In this grade, second place, after briefly reaching first place and falling out of the rankings, then returning to second place, for Bai Junwen, it had always been a significant pressure.


Zhao Han always managed to catch up when she relaxed, so she dared not relax for a moment.


Today, sitting in front of her, she still couldn't relax.


But Zhao Han raised his glass first, "In our proud academic achievements, I have always been at the top since I was a child. However, the nightmare of being suppressed in high school for three years has never stopped. You're amazing, much more impressive than me. I have to admit that."


The pressure of academic rankings, as the top student, Bai Junwen understood too well. She was just anxious and upset about falling out of first place once.


Although she couldn't express it, she raised the glass in front of her and clinked it with his without saying a word.


She drank the half glass of grape drink.


Xia Changli also drank the glass of wine without mixing it with the drink.


Halfway through the hot pot, the two of them slumped on the table, feeling dizzy.


Zhao Han looked at the person on the other side who hadn't touched the grape drink.










Chapter 157: Overturned


"What should I say to celebrate this moment?" he looked at her with cold eyes.


The hot pot in the middle had simmered halfway, steam rising, and within the lingering smoke, that expressionless face was half-hidden.


Jiang Chenchen put down her chopsticks and lifted the cup in front of her, "They shouldn't be drunk; there's something wrong with your wine."


If he had malicious intentions, she would have thrown the glass filled with grape juice at his head.


Zhao Han watched her actions, glanced at the fallen Xia Changli beside him, and said, "Don't worry, they're just going to sleep peacefully; nothing will happen."


Jiang Chenchen still held onto her cup, "So what do you want?"


Zhao Han sneered, "It's not what I want, it's you! How did you bewitch my dad to take you away, abandoning me and my mom to go abroad? You broke up our family, and he died in a foreign country!"


His emotions were highly agitated. Due to the spicy ingredients in the hot pot, his face appeared even redder, and his features contorted, "But why are you still alive?"


Their family was originally happy and harmonious. His father was humble and kind, liked by everyone around him, and had treated him well since he was a child. So, he couldn't accept the fact that his father, who was so good, suddenly disappeared from his world as if he lost his mind.


His mother searched in vain, and a very attractive girl in the hospital disappeared along with his father.


He had seen that girl when he was a child. Two years older than him, her eyes were lifeless, like a lifeless piece of wood.


How could such a person take his father away!


Take away his beloved father!


And when they met again, it was news from abroad, dying in a rented room, in a miserable state, but determined as suicide?!


Lies!


The prime suspect disappeared, and a few years later, she could return to the country with her head held high, not only alive but also living so well, using this beautiful face to hide how despicable his heart was!


Jiang Chenchen, hearing him say this, only in the steaming steam did she vaguely understand why he seemed familiar before; it turned out he was the son of that doctor.


But wasn't the person in the car that day his father?


Zhao Han clenched his fists on the table, leaning forward, in a questioning manner, "Remember now? There are only two of us here today. You better tell me the truth! Did my father die because of you? What kind of pain did he suffer that day!?"


Jiang Chenchen looked at him expressionlessly, "He sought death on his own."


Upon hearing this, Zhao Han's face changed dramatically, hatred surged, and he suddenly pounded the table heavily. With a loud bang, the half-full bottle of fine wine on the table poured down, shattered on the floor, and the wine splashed.


"Indeed, you killed him!"


Such a loud disturbance was truly shocking and terrifying. In the midst of rising hatred, Jiang Chenchen remained calm and said, "I didn't kill anyone."


"Then how did he die? If not you, who else could it be!?"


In his excitement, Zhao Han overturned the half-pot of scalding hot pot towards her. The hot and spicy broth spilled out, and Jiang Chenchen easily avoided it, but Bai Junwen, who was lying on the table, would be the first to suffer!


If she were to be splashed by the chili oil, not only would her skin be ruined, but it would also severely affect tomorrow's exam!


An exam that was so important to them!


In his impulsive actions, Zhao Han also felt a bit panicked. Regardless of the plot, he never intended to harm someone's body like this. This time, he wanted to save them, but it was already too late!


Everything happened too quickly, and the overturned hot pot was like spilled water, impossible to retrieve!


In this emergency, Jiang Chenchen, turning to shield Bai Junwen, pulled her away from the table, following the trajectory of the hot pot spill, she threw herself to the side of the table.


The overturned scalding chili oil, along with the pot, fell on the side. It was summer, and they were all dressed lightly. Although Jiang Chenchen avoided being hit directly, she was still splashed on her arms and thighs.


Soon, red blister dots emerged.


The originally clean and warm little house was now in a mess, and the owner of the house was still sleeping soundly.


The person who had just experienced a dangerous situation was still in a deep sleep.


The once clean and warm little house was now in complete disarray, yet the owner of the house was still deep in slumber.


This matter was far from over.


Jiang Chenchen helped Bai Junwen lie down on the sofa and then approached Zhao Han.


She picked up the surviving wine glass on the table. Seeing Zhao Han's expression, which seemed somewhat unsettled, she walked over. His demeanor fluctuated, full of vigilance.


At this moment, a loud knocking echoed from outside the door, forceful and insistent.


Neither of them made a move to open the door.


Zhao Han regained composure, glared at her, and said, "What do you want? Are you planning to kill me to silence me?"


After all, she had a history of physically harming people at school, always decisive and ruthless. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so convinced that she was someone with a seemingly dull exterior but a sinister heart.


His father must have been killed by her!


Jiang Chenchen didn't respond to him. Instead, she lifted the wine glass in her hand and splashed it onto his face. Her actions were swift, and although he tried to block with his hands, he still ended up with wine splattered across his face.


As he erupted in anger, she walked a few steps closer, opened his arm, tore open his collar, and violently ripped off a few buttons from his white shirt, letting them fall to the ground. She then forcefully pushed him down onto the open kitchen counter.


The knocking outside the door had stopped and turned into a banging sound!


The sound of a body colliding with the door!


In this unexpected turn of events, Zhao Han's expression twisted, and he struggled to push her away, "What are you doing? Are you crazy!?"


While he was exploding with anger, she, with a few steps, reached him, opened his arm, and tore open his collar. A white shirt button was violently pulled off, rolling on the ground. She used one hand to press the empty wine glass against his abdomen, reminiscent of the person who had stabbed the doctor in the lower back with a knife that day. Blood gushed out, but it wasn't fatal.


"A crazy person? This is what your father did."


"Impossible!"


Zhao Han simply couldn't believe it. Despite her calm expression, this violent act occurred with her seeming tranquility. The underlying meaning beneath this behavior was that it was what his father had done!?


Jiang Chenchen's eyes remained unflinching, but she still restrained him, "If I had been conscious that day, and if I had intentionally attacked him, he would probably have died on the spot. But it wasn't me, nor was it anyone else; he chose to end his own life. Whether you believe it or not, I'm telling you this as a warning. If there's a next time, I won't spare you."


The door had already been pushed open.


Wu Bi rushed in, but within two or three minutes, Jiang Chenchen had already let go of him and placed the glass in her hand on the countertop.


What Wu Bi saw was this chaotic scene—a messy room, two people lying down, an angrily blushing Zhao Han, a white shirt with a torn collar, and a figure leaning on the countertop with intense fluctuations in her chest.


And Jiang Chenchen!


She was unharmed!

No... wait, there were small blisters on her arm. It looked like she had been scalded!


Young Master Sheng must be heartbroken seeing this!












Chapter 158: Definitely a Demon


And he failed once again!


Wu Bi rushed over and grabbed Zhao Han by the collar. "What did you just do?!"


Zhao Han's belief was shaken, but he kept shaking his head, saying it was impossible.


He couldn't believe Jiang Chenchen's words. His father was such an amiable and friendly person, how could he commit such beastly acts? However, the foreign police had long closed the case, ruling it as suicide.


And back then, Jiang Chenchen was mentally unstable. If his father hadn't made an effort to take her abroad, she wouldn't have been able to do anything.


But...


The image of his good father in his memory was impossible!


He pushed against Wu Bi, trying to leave the place. He couldn't bear this sudden upheaval of understanding.


However, Wu Bi was a well-trained individual with strong arms, and he couldn't push him away.


"Let go of me!"


He roared, resisting and struggling fiercely.


Wu Bi felt that this person must have been shocked by something. Did Miss Jiang reprimand him, causing this state?


He had seen Jiang Chenchen act ruthlessly before. The scene at the bar entrance, where she almost broke that man's neck, flashed in his mind. He fell silent for a moment.


It seemed impossible to get any answers now.


He hesitated on how to deal with him but saw Jiang Chenchen, who had helped Teacher Xia onto the bed, approaching. She gently knocked on his arm.


"Let him go; he made this mess; he should clean it up."


Today, they couldn't stay here. The hot pot chili oil on the floor needed to be cleaned until midnight, and it still wouldn't be enough.


Upon hearing this, Wu Bi was stunned. "But can he clean it up?"


This state made it impossible to hear anyone's words.


However, Jiang Chenchen said to Zhao Han, "If you don't clean up, I'll call the police. Did you see the half bottle on the ground? There's still wine inside. If they examine it, they can find out everything."


Startled by her sudden revelation, Zhao Han looked at her. This had to be a demon, dragging his once kind father into the abyss, causing him to die in utter misery!


The messy house was handed over to him to clean.


This was the smallest price.


Jiang Chenchen and Wu Bi each carried someone downstairs, grabbing their backpacks and belongings, and went to a nearby hotel.


"I heard that all the hotels near the examination center are full."


Jiang Chenchen placed Bai Junwen on the soft bed, looking around at the luxurious and extravagant decoration. It looked very expensive!


Wu Bi carefully put down Xia Changli, then stepped back and said, "Because this is the Sheng family's hotel industry, the top floor presidential suite is often left vacant for a long time."


"Why?"


"Sometimes it's prepared for entertaining some important guests."


After thinking for a moment, Jiang Chenchen said, "Can we stay here? How much is it?"


"Don't worry about that. Just stay first, and we'll talk about money later."


After all, Miss Jiang, you are much more important here with Mr. Sheng!


"We have burn ointment here. Miss Jiang, your arm needs some treatment. If it's inconvenient, I can immediately call a doctor to come over."


"No need for that trouble. I'll apply it myself, and it'll heal quickly."


"But..."


"Really, you can rest assured." Jiang Chenchen obviously didn't take this matter to heart. She looked at Wu Bi and added, "When will Mr. Sheng return from his business trip?"


"Probably not until tomorrow afternoon."


"Okay, I got it." Jiang Chenchen nodded. "Thank you. You should go back and rest."


"But..." Wu Bi hesitated, standing still, feeling a bit indecisive.


Seeing this, Jiang Chenchen said, "Do you want to sleep here too?"


"No, no!"


He would never dare!


The healthy-looking young man was in a panic, immediately saying, "I'll leave now!"


"Wait a moment."


Jiang Chenchen stopped him and, taking paper and a pen from the table, wrote down a promissory note. "Consider this an IOU for tonight's room charge. I'll work during the summer vacation and pay it back."


"This..."


Wu Bi hesitated for a moment but still accepted it. On this point, he agreed. Only by earning with his own hands could he truly grow and become independent.



Not relying on others and not enjoying things that come too easily.


...


Jiang Chenchen didn't bother applying burn ointment. After washing up, she went to sleep. There was plenty of space on the super-soft bed for the three girls to lie down comfortably.


She slept until she was somewhat disoriented about the time when she heard movement and woke up suddenly.


One person went out, and another was studying and doing exercises under the desk lamp.


Jiang Chenchen got up from the bed, rubbed her eyes, turned on the light, and asked, "Why did Lili leave? Is she going out to buy something or what?"


Looking at the time on her phone, it was one o'clock in the morning.


Bai Junwen put down her book with a bit of awkwardness and looked over. "It seems like she's going back home. Jiang Chenchen, why are we here?"


She was shocked when she woke up and saw the luxurious hotel. But later, seeing Xia Changli also waking up but hurrying to leave, she didn't quite understand.


Jiang Chenchen got out of bed, saying at the same time, "Lili's home almost caught fire, so we stayed in a hotel. I'll go out for a moment."


She quickly chased after her and stopped Xia Changli at the elevator.


"So late, don't go back. Your home is a bit messy."


Waking up here, Xia Changli sensed that something was wrong and wanted to go back to check. She wanted to call and question Zhao Han!


Hearing her say this, Xia Changli's expression was conflicted and scared. "Chenchen, tell me what really happened?! What did Zhao Han do?"


"His target is me."


Under Xia Changli's mournful gaze, Jiang Chenchen told her the whole story.


Xia Changli's pupils dilated. She never expected that every approach and closeness was a premeditated deception and scheme!


It was to get close to her for revenge against Jiang Chenchen!


Almost floating in shock, she almost couldn't stand steadily. Jiang Chenchen supported her. "Lili, are you okay?"


She tried to maintain her composure, stood firm, and shook her head, saying, "I'm fine. Maybe I should go back. There are still two days' worth of clothes at home that need washing. I can't let them pile up. Chenchen, you don't need to worry about me."


"I'll accompany you back."


"No need, Chenchen. You still have exams tomorrow. If I don't do well, it will be my fault. Just rest assured and sleep. I'll send you a message when I get home, okay?"


Xia Changli spoke gently but resolutely.


Jiang Chenchen couldn't continue.


Watching her press the elevator button, enter the elevator, and leave in front of her eyes.


Jiang Chenchen stood in place for a while, lowered her head in thought. Why did she seem so sad?


Like hidden sadness.


The elevator door made a 'ding' sound, and it opened.


She looked up and thought that Xia Changli had returned. However, she found that the person in front of her was Sheng Mingsi, who returned exhausted and weary.


He was tall and tired, and his eyes firmly locked onto her. He walked out of the elevator without saying anything and gently grabbed her wrist, lifting her arm to look.


The scattered small blisters caught his eyes, and his deep gaze slightly softened. The hand holding her wrist instinctively tightened.













**Chapter 159: Absolute Trust**


Jiang Chenchen held onto his hand. "Brother Ah Si?"


"It doesn't hurt."


She added, "It'll probably be better in two days."


Back in the hospital, she had been scalded before, but such minor issues healed quickly. She didn't pay much attention to it.


However, Sheng Mingsi kept holding her hand, pulling her into another presidential suite, turning on the lights, and seating her on the sofa.


"Behave, don't move."


Perhaps the fatigue from rushing back overnight softened his features. His gaze was tired but gentle, and his voice had a hint of huskiness.


It was like coaxing a disobedient child.


Jiang Chenchen looked into his eyes and obediently sat down, watching him busily move around.


Sheng Mingsi fetched a first aid kit containing burn ointment. He squatted down, gently applying the ointment to disinfect the blisters on her arm.


"How did this happen?"


He looked up at her, and even in this moment, his actions remained gentle.


"Splashed by hot pot broth."


Sheng Mingsi frowned slightly but didn't blame her. "In the future, when this happens, rinse it with cold water first. If you cool it down in time, it won't blister."


He was advising her on how to handle such situations in the future.


Jiang Chenchen nodded. Although she didn't feel the pain very acutely, the application of the ointment did make her skin feel more comfortable, lessening the stinging sensation.


So, she lifted the hem of her nightdress. "Here."


On her thigh, the long and beautiful leg, the skin on the right side, from the root down to the calf, was covered in red blister marks from the scalding hot pot broth.


It was clear evidence of how scalding the soup at the bottom of the pot was.


Sheng Mingsi's eyes deepened. Instead of getting distracted by her sudden bold and candid move, he remained serious. "Chenchen, in situations like this, you can't just let it be. Even though you don't feel much pain, the marks left on the skin represent the damage it suffered. Though not fatal, it is still harm."


Jiang Chenchen nodded. Although she sensed that the pain nerves were not very sensitive, it was because the pain she had endured in her memories was a thousand times stronger than this. Hence, she disregarded the current discomfort.


But she had indeed faced such a threat. If her actions had been slower at that time, the consequences would not have been like this.


And the person in front of her, caring for her so gently and seriously, even for a minor injury she didn't feel, made her heart ache.


Looking at the person in front of her, her eyes became slightly red.


"Brother Ah Si..."


Sheng Mingsi's gaze deepened, and he was patient enough. "Do you want to tell me what really happened? Although I heard from Wu Bi, I want to hear it from you. That student from Qingli School is connected to the doctor who took you abroad. You've never mentioned anything about that doctor. It seems like something you're reluctant to bring up."


He seemed to be unwilling to bring it up.


A girl in her teens taken abroad by an adult doctor inevitably led people to think negatively. He always thought about it this way, delving into darker and more suffocating thoughts.


Jiang Chenchen obviously didn't understand the depth of his words and said, "It's already okay. Even if it's not, I plan to stay far away from that person in the future!"


Sheng Mingsi squeezed the cotton swab in his hand tightly, rising slightly to look directly into her eyes with a slight anxiety in his expression. "What kind of entanglement do you have with him? If you trust me, please tell me, Chenchen. I want to share the burden of your past helplessness and sorrow, including anything you've experienced abroad. I want to face it together with you."


Jiang Chenchen absolutely trusted him. How could she not trust him!



Jiang Chenchen absolutely trusted him. How could she not trust him!


She nodded hastily. "Brother Ah Si although I remember every single thing from the past clearly, I'm different now. While I might feel a bit scared, having you by my side makes me unafraid! If there's anything you want to know, I can tell you, but I feel there's no need to tell you. The me from back then and the me now are different. At that time, I truly had nothing to say, living like a soulless person. But if you want to hear about things before I was six, I'm happy to share. Would you like to hear?"


Sheng Mingsi respected any thoughts she had. Even if she didn't want to talk about those past experiences, he nodded in acceptance.


She had evidently begun to face a new life, and that was already the best outcome.


He withdrew his gaze, appearing quite calm, and bent down to apply ointment to the burns on her leg. His voice came lowly, "Mm, go ahead. I'm listening."


...


With the wounds taken care of, it took only five minutes.


As Sheng Mingsi packed up the first aid kit, Jiang Chenchen had already stood up from the sofa. "Brother Ah Si, Xiao Wu said you were only coming back tomorrow afternoon. Why did you suddenly rush back so late?"


Sheng Mingsi wouldn't tell her it was because of her exam tomorrow.


Instead, he said, "Work finished early, so I came back."


"Oh, and good luck on your exam tomorrow."


Jiang Chenchen received many good wishes from others, but the only one she wanted to hear it from was him.


She wanted to hear him say "good luck."


And now, she was satisfied.


Looking at Sheng Mingsi's back facing her, her voice was very determined. "Brother Ah Si, I will do my best."


Sheng Mingsi had already put away the first aid kit. Upon hearing her sufficiently resolute voice behind him, he smiled slightly, turned around, and rubbed her hair. "Don't be nervous during the exam. Just perform normally."


"After the exam, I'll take you somewhere."


He said that and suddenly spoke another sentence with a fluctuating expression.


Jiang Chenchen, slightly curious, asked, "Where is it?"


Sheng Mingsi lightly tapped her head, a playful gesture amidst his weariness. "You'll know after the exam."


"Go to sleep; it's already very late. Remember to set your alarm clock."


He instructed her, stepping away. He would stay here tonight, and tomorrow, he would personally take her to the exam venue.


Despite being very sleep-deprived and tired, he had to be involved in such an important matter.


...


When Jiang Chenchen returned to the adjacent suite, Bai Junwen was nervously studying, occasionally glancing towards the door. She was afraid that after everyone left, she would be alone in this luxurious house.


So when she saw Jiang Chenchen, the tension in her whole body finally eased.


"You're back. Where's Sister Changli?"


"She went home. We don't have to worry about her. Let's cheer for tomorrow's exam together. The most important thing now is to go to sleep quickly."


"But I can't sleep." Bai Junwen flipped through her books, expressing her unease. Her voice became lower and more anxious. "I want to go back and see my grandmother after the exam, but I'm afraid I'll disappoint her if I don't do well."


"Am I your friend?" Jiang Chenchen pondered.


Bai Junwen, a bit excited, replied, "Of course!"


Jiang Chenchen then said, "Then, I'll go with you when the time comes, alright?"













**Chapter 160: Unknown Message**


The two of them made this agreement.


Regardless of how the exams went, they would give it their all.


At this moment, Jiang Chenchen felt a different role for herself, as if she was needed, a feeling of being grown up. Was this also a form of growth?


She imagined that Sheng Mingsi treated the girl who relied on him in the same way.


As for Xia Changli, she only sent a short message, roughly saying that she was fine, and there was no need to worry.


Jiang Chenchen didn't know how to help her, how to free her from that suppressed and sorrowful state.


Because Xia Changli didn't tell her.


She couldn't be of any assistance.


...


Early the next morning, when the alarm rang, both of them were already awake. After getting ready, Sheng Mingsi was waiting outside the door, guiding them downstairs for breakfast. Then, he personally drove them to the exam venue.


As they got out of the car, Sheng Mingsi, still holding onto the steering wheel, didn't look back. He just said, "Good luck."


From the moment they left until now, he had only mentioned the exam once, not putting any pressure on her.


Jiang Chenchen picked up the amulet hanging from the corner of her backpack. "Look, I have this. I'll have good luck!"


Bai Junwen also looked at the protective charm hanging from her own backpack.


They would both have good luck!


She hoped that the heavens would favor them!


However, Sheng Mingsi frowned slightly, turned his side profile to look at them, but couldn't bring himself to ask who gave it to her.


"Alright, go."


The two of them got out of the car.


Bai Junwen, without saying a word, kept her head down, feeling a bit lost. Finally, near the entrance of the exam venue, she tugged at the hem of Jiang Chenchen's clothes.


In a voice barely audible, she asked, "Is he really your brother?"


"Hmm?"


Jiang Chenchen nodded, "Yes."


Bai Junwen pushed up her glasses frame, hesitated, and said, "It just feels off."


Even though she was scared to speak too much due to his imposing and cold demeanor, she dared not look up much. But the way he talked to Jiang Chenchen seemed different.


Jiang Chenchen was surprised, "What feels off?"


When Bai Junwen's gaze met hers, she blushed, "It's just... not just the feeling of a brother. Be careful."


"Careful?" Jiang Chenchen shook her head, "No need. I trust him absolutely."


Bai Junwen didn't say anything more, and the two entered the exam venue one after the other.


...


In the early morning, before dawn, Zhao Han was still playing games in the internet cafe. He had been gaming all night.


Xia Changli had been searching for him all night and finally found him.


"What are you doing?!"


She pulled off his headphones.


She had never shouted so loudly outside before, but the person in front of her made her feel extremely childish.


All the manipulation and getting close to her could be put aside, but missing this opportunity, he would definitely regret it in the future.


And she would feel guilty!


Zhao Han grabbed his headphones, looked at her indifferently, and said, "Why do you care? Who do you think you are? Don't you know the game is over? Didn't I make it clear enough last night? Teacher Xia!"


He spoke slowly, each word piercing her heart.


Xia Changli took two steps back, as if her eyes were stung, and the true him appeared. He was as hurtful as a hedgehog. The Zhao Han she used to know was gone.


Although it hurt, she steadied her emotions and hardened her heart. "I'll say this one last time. If your life continues to be abandoned so casually by you, then you might as well die now."


Zhao Han's eyes shrank sharply. He clenched his fists on the table, staring at her intensely.


"Is this your true feeling?"


"If you think so."


Xia Changli completely suppressed her emotions, moved her gaze away from him, and quickly left!


Zhao Han abruptly stood up, leaving his headphones behind, and chased after her!


"If you want me to go to the exam, promise me one thing."


He pressed her against the wall.


"Kiss me."


...


He still came to the exam venue, checking in on time.


His mother and stepfather, who had been waiting outside the exam venue for days, were getting anxious.


...


Finally, after two days, the exams were over. Jiang Chenchen felt calm, but Bai Junwen remained nervous. Until the moment the results were released, she couldn't relax, even though she had performed well.


Jiang Chenchen asked her, "Are you going home?"


However, Bai Junwen shook her head. She didn't want to go home.


"Chenchen, I'll treat you to a drink. Can we invite Sister Changli?"


After thinking for a moment, Jiang Chenchen agreed, "Okay."


She called Xia Changli, and the three of them arranged to meet at a nearby store.


Xia Changli looked tired, but she didn't mention what happened after she went home that day.


She steered the conversation away to other topics.


"Do you guys need part-time jobs during the summer? I know the owner of a convenience store, and you can work there to get through the time."


Bai Junwen had long wanted to live independently and not return to her home. She nodded, "Can you introduce me?"


"Of course."


Xia Changli looked at Jiang Chenchen, who was looking down at her phone, and asked her, "Chenchen, do you have any plans?"


At this moment, Jiang Chenchen received a text message, thinking it was from Sheng Mingsi, but it was from an unknown number.


There was only one sentence.


"We'll meet soon, wait for me."


It was an overseas number.


Jiang Chenchen felt a faint premonition, could it be him?! After several years without contact, would he come all the way from country A just to see her?


That person who made her feel a strong sense of danger.


He never harmed her, but he was definitely not a good person.


...


Maybe it was just sent to the wrong person.


Hearing Xia Changli calling her, Jiang Chenchen put down her phone, "Hmm? What were you saying, Lili?"


...


Leaving the drink shop, even after saying goodbye to them, Jiang Chenchen still felt uneasy.


Wu Bi's car was parked on the side of the road, calling her name, but she didn't hear.


Seeing the slender figure from inside the car, Sheng Mingsi's eyes darkened. He thought she might not have done well in the exam for her to be like this. He had never seen her so absent-minded before.


Wu Bi got out of the car to stop her. Jiang Chenchen only snapped out of it when he did.


"Miss Jiang, what's wrong with you?"


"Huh?"


"I called you several times. Are you okay?" Wu Bi also guessed that maybe she didn't do well in the exam, speaking in a slower tone.


"I'm fine."


Jiang Chenchen walked over to the side where Sheng Mingsi's car was. Seeing him in the back seat, her heart finally settled.


"Brother Ah Si."


"Get in."


Sheng Mingsi reached out to her, and Jiang Chenchen placed her hand in his as he led her in.


"Regardless of the result, it's already in the past. Don't think too much about it."


Jiang Chenchen sat next to him, listened to his words, and thought for a moment. "Yeah, I won't overthink it."


Maybe it was just a mistakenly sent message.

...


Back at home, Jiang Chenchen didn't go down immediately. Instead, she stopped Wu Bi. "Brother Wu, there's something I want to talk to you about."


Wu Bi: "Huh?"


He glanced at Sheng Mingsi and didn't dare to act recklessly.


Sheng Mingsi, sitting in the car, exuded a cold and silent aura. After a moment, he looked up and glanced at her. "She's asking you a question."


Wu Bi: ...


He heightened his alertness and turned to look at Jiang Chenchen. "Miss Jiang, what's the matter?"


Jiang Chenchen looked at Sheng Mingsi. "Mr. Sheng, can you go down first?"


Mr. Sheng: ?