The wooden beauty of Young Master Sheng(131-135)

Chapter 131: Dazzling Gift


Jiang Chenchen noticed that he seemed a bit expectant, and a hint of joy appeared in her eyes. "Brother Ah Si, are you really looking forward to the gift I got you?"


Sheng Mingsi coughed and nodded. "I'm curious. What kind of gift would you give me?"


Quickly, Jiang Chenchen began describing animatedly, using both hands for emphasis. "It's a beautiful phone case covered in rhinestones, sparkling like a dazzling starry sky. Unfortunately, I didn't bring it with me, or I would have shown it to you."


Sheng Mingsi imagined it as she spoke. "..."


A phone case covered in rhinestones? Would he use something like that?


Jiang Chenchen continued, "I noticed you never use a phone case. I thought if your phone falls, it could easily get damaged, so I wanted to give you one."


Sheng Mingsi thought, Is she really considerate?


"Have you ever thought why I don't use a phone case?"


Jiang Chenchen was puzzled. "Why?"


"I just find it troublesome to use."


"Ah? Then, do you not like the one I gave you?"


Seeing her momentarily disappointed expression, Sheng Mingsi felt reluctant to spoil her happiness. He sighed, "It's not that I don't like it."


"Really? Next time, I'll bring it to you. Will you use it then?"


"Use it."


As long as it made her happy, occasionally using a phone covered in rhinestones wouldn't hurt.


Later, when he saw the phone case, his eyes went black, realizing he had overestimated his tolerance.


The rhinestones sparkled dazzlingly in the sunlight. It almost blinded his eyes!


...


Originally, Jiang Chenchen had planned to go choose a dress with Bai Junwen. However, Sheng Mingsi arranged it differently, giving her some free time. She only needed to meet up with Bai Junwen in the afternoon.


After eating, the first thing on the agenda was to return the car.


Sheng Mingsi stood on the roadside, watching the silver car, his expression tense. "You drove the celebrity's car?"


Jiang Chenchen was about to open the car door but was stopped by him.


Resting his hand on the car door, Sheng Mingsi looked down at her. "You violated traffic rules again."


Jiang Chenchen, overshadowed by his aura, knew she was in the wrong. She explained, "Last night, your cousin asked me to come to the hotel to find you. It was too late to take a taxi, so I drove over. Also..."


"I already passed the first part of the driving test. After the college entrance exam, I'll finish the rest."


Sheng Mingsi's expression remained stern. "You can't keep doing this. Even though I know your driving skills are good, do you know you're just relying on luck? If you were stopped last night, wouldn't you have been taken straight to the police station?"


He was genuinely worried about her. Jiang Chenchen nodded in acknowledgment. "I won't do it again, really."


Seeing her remorseful look, Sheng Mingsi's expression softened. "Alright, get in the car."


He decided to drive, and Jiang Chenchen, who was initially going to sit in the front passenger seat, was directed to the back.


Jiang Chenchen: ?


Why was that?


But she didn't think too much about it.


Sheng Mingsi could have let his subordinates return the car to the celebrity, but he chose to do it himself. Even when they arrived, he had Jiang Chenchen take out her phone, and he communicated with the person on the other end.


Lu Su, relieved that the person he had been worried about for so long was safe, was surprised at the man's cold presence on the other end of the call. In an instant, he thought of the noble and aloof eyes he saw that night, the unfriendly aura that was hard to approach.


However, after meeting him this time, he realized he wasn't as imposing as he imagined. He was just ordinarily indifferent.


Sheng Mingsi: "I heard you'll attend a birthday banquet tonight. Is your health okay?"


Lu Su, recalling the smashed phone and his manager's blame, smiled bitterly. "I'll rest a bit more; I should be fine for tonight."


"Rest, and I'll arrange for someone to take care of you."


This statement surprised Lu Su. Although he spoke with a cold tone, did he just say he would send someone to take care of him? The person with such a chilling, aloof aura, saying he would arrange for someone to look after him?


Lu Su's eyes weakened, and he smiled weakly.


As for Jiang Chenchen, her eyes, as usual, showed no difference in expression. There was no extra hint of emotion.


Not even considered ordinary friends?


Taking the car keys, he weakly attempted to escape this place, feeling he was too ridiculous.


"Are you alright?"


Jiang Chenchen asked.


Lu Su halted, looking at her. Although her expression was usual, her words seemed caring.


Was it concern?


He felt there was still a tiny bit of hope.


"Are we... friends?"


He asked, and she nodded calmly. "Yes."


With this answer, he felt relieved.


At least, they were still friends, only friends.


"See you tonight."


He said and looked at Sheng Mingsi. "Thank you."


This time, he truly went upstairs. However, feeling light-hearted, he returned to the apartment. As soon as he stepped into the room, the phone started ringing again. It was the manager's interrogation because he had declined other work for the night, causing dissatisfaction with the company.


Lu Su was prepared to be bombarded.


Finally, the manager seemed tired and hung up.


In his drowsy state, the apartment's doorbell continued ringing. He didn't want to answer, but he received another call.


It was the manager again.


He had to answer, and the manager's tone had evidently changed. "Little Su, rest well. I've arranged for a doctor to come over. Assistant Xiao Yang is on the way too. See the doctor properly, don't think too much, all work is postponed. Rest well, and we'll talk after your health improves."


Lu Su hung up the phone, feeling bewildered.


On the other end, the manager wiped off some sweat. He hadn't expected that President Gu would be so concerned about his artist, personally calling to inquire about Lu Su and canceling his subsequent schedules.


Lu Su, in his rising popularity period, might have experienced a momentary fame, but without subsequent works, it was easy to become a fleeting star. At this time, he was most valuable, and they couldn't afford to wear him out. So, the president's command to prioritize his health was not surprising.


The manager wasn't aware that President Gu would be so concerned about his subordinates, calling to inquire about Lu Su and personally instructing to cancel the following arrangements.

She thought her cold and heartless brother should taste this bitterness.


Having a crush on a girl who treats other men differently, looking at his suppressed but still forcibly high and cold face, it seemed interesting to think about.


...


Sheng Mingsi's car was parked outside, the driver waiting.


Before getting on the car, he asked Jiang Chenchen if she wanted to go somewhere with him.

Chapter 132: Turns Out, They Knew Each Other So Early

Jiang Chenchen nodded.

Seeing her reaction, Sheng Mingsi's expression subtly changed, and he asked, "Aren't you curious about where we're going?"

"It's still early; wherever you go, I'll go."

She added, "I just want to be with you."

The impact of her words was overwhelming, with both her gaze and words being straightforward. It shook him internally, but he maintained a composed expression. His gaze deepened, "It's not a fun place. Will you still come with me?"

"Yes, I'll come with you."

Sheng Mingsi's gaze became profound, his aura intensifying as he took her hand. "Get in the car."

The driver took them to a place.

The journey was long and gradually secluded.

Finally, they stopped. The weather was beautiful, with a bright and sunny spring day.

Yet, the place they arrived at was somber and shadowy.

It was a cemetery.

The grave of Sheng Mingsi's father, Gu Xiechang.

His mother hated him to the extent that she refused to let him have a tombstone, even wanting his remains to sink into the water. Constructing a grave was his final act, providing a place for his deceased father.

Buried and left with a tombstone.

Apart from him, nobody came to visit. When Gu Qinhua chose his father, he was just an orphan without any relatives. Gu Mingmei wouldn't visit him either, as his mother forbade it.

Gu Qinhua didn't allow them to visit and commemorate here. The designated burial site was her greatest kindness.

However, this time, Sheng Mingsi still came.

"Today is his birthday. He never celebrated it while alive, and since he's gone, let's consider this the last time. Forget it."

He wouldn't come back here again.

Although his childhood memories of his father were good, he ultimately betrayed the family. Even though he wouldn't harbor hatred like his mother and go crazy, this was the last time he would cut ties with the past.

Therefore, his father, who betrayed their family before dying, also abandoned them. He only remembered that woman in the end.

Jiang Chenchen now understood that he was talking about his father, the person who was once in the same mental hospital as her. At that time, she didn't care about anyone or anything and didn't know that this person would turn out to be Sheng Mingsi's father. Otherwise, she might have found time to talk to him, just like Sheng Mingsi did when he wanted her to perceive everything anew.

So, would he have hesitated to commit suicide on that day, after gazing at the night sky?

She couldn't imagine because the person was already dead.

Feeling a bit sad, she also thought of her own parents. In that night of flames, her mother asked her to live on, go to where she should go. Where was that?

She stood silently beside Sheng Mingsi.

In front of the tombstone without a photo, only a name, there was a moment of silence.

"Chenchen."

He called her name, and in this deserted place, his voice was low and heavy.

Jiang Chenchen softly replied, "Yes."

Sheng Mingsi stood tall, his figure still, and his tone fluctuated, "Do you know why I brought you here? Because, alone, I might not have the courage to come here and formally bid farewell to the past."

He exposed his vulnerable side, his eyes and words revealing a touch of despair and sorrow.

Since his father's betrayal of the family, life had been unpleasant. It even created a significant psychological shadow, and even now, he wouldn't celebrate his birthday. All of this was because of his father's actions.

But people had to face things eventually, learn to let go, because he also wanted to cross this hurdle. He hoped to sit down on the next birthday, have someone sing him a birthday song, close his eyes to make a wish, and fill his heart with hope, like any ordinary person.

He hoped to move beyond the darkness.

Jiang Chenchen stood by his side, casting a sidelong glance at him with straightforward yet determined eyes.

"Brother Ah Si, when you don't have the courage, I'll give you courage. I am your courage from now on."

Her speech became increasingly fluent, with a smooth flow between sentences, making her appear less hesitant than before.

Although her facial expressions didn't show much emotional fluctuation naturally, looking into her eyes, he could feel ample strength.

This was courage.

Sheng Mingsi reached out to pat her head, temporarily setting aside his cold and tough exterior. He nodded slightly, his gaze lowered towards her.

"Thank you. Meeting you is the luckiest thing that has happened to me."

Jiang Chenchen, upon hearing this, became slightly excited. It seemed like she was recalling a scene from the past. "Brother Ah Si knew each other long ago. When I was six years old, I saw you. You gave me ice cream, and you smiled at me. The sun was so bright that day, and your smile under the sunlight was probably the most beautiful I've ever seen."

Unfortunately, she couldn't dwell on the past too much. Thinking about her parents in the fire would only bring sadness.

But today, in front of his father's grave, she wouldn't let her sorrow show.

Sheng Mingsi found it somewhat unbelievable. "Is that so? Turns out, we knew each other so early."

He didn't remember at all.

Perhaps after that, experiencing a bloody and shadowy scene made him forget about this past incident.

"On the way back, I'll buy you ice cream."

Jiang Chenchen's eyes sparkled. "Really? Can I eat it?"

Sheng Mingsi met her gaze, deep and intense like liquid. "Yes, I'm not lying to you."

On the way back, Jiang Chenchen said, "Brother Ah Si, you should come back here in the future. I'll come with you."

"This is the last time; I won't come again."

"Why? Don't you like your dad?"

Sheng Mingsi looked out of the car window and paused for a moment. "Probably."

Jiang Chenchen didn't ask further. It seemed like both their parents had done things that made them sad. Even though she didn't know the reasons, the recent interactions and awakening of consciousness made her realize that there were all kinds of people in this world, including those she had encountered before – people she considered despicable.

...

They returned home, and Wu Bi brought the latest brand-name haute couture, not yet on the market, for the grand occasion.

Even the most famous stars couldn't borrow it for attending the ceremony.

Wu Bi wondered if it was necessary to wear something so extravagant for a classmate's birthday, treating her the same as her classmate.

He directly sent the dress over.

After trying on the dress from her home wardrobe, Jiang Chenchen came out. Sheng Mingsi instructed Wu Bi to find out about the events at the cemetery that day and who sent the flowers.

So, she didn't pay much attention when she came out. It was only when the person approached that she raised her eyes to look.

Her gaze became fixed.

Chapter 133: Brother Ah Si, Do You Want to Get Married?

Jiang Chenchen looked at him with surprise. "What's wrong?"

Sheng Mingsi shifted his gaze away and cleared his throat. "It's nothing. I was just wondering if this dress might feel cold. It'll get cooler in the evening, and catching a cold wouldn't be good."

Jiang Chenchen dismissed his concerns. "I don't catch colds."

He was silenced by her words. She never caught a cold even when playing in the snow on a cold winter night. Her body's resilience and recovery were exceptional.

However, the wide expanse of snow-white skin revealed by the low neckline was a concern!

His deep gaze became restrained, and he kicked Wu Bi away.

Wu Bi was also surprised by Jiang Chenchen's attire. After this kick, he was brought back to his senses.

Sheng Mingsi hadn't specified the style of the dress, just a high-end one, but it was indeed beautiful. None of the female celebrities looked as dazzling. The off-shoulder wrapped chest pink skirt, with a green belt cinched at the waist, created a charming and slightly naive atmosphere.

In the spacious and simple dressing room, there were only the two of them.

Sheng Mingsi sat on the bench, legs crossed, maintaining his usual cold and stern posture. However, in the face of Jiang Chenchen's gaze, he couldn't sit still.

He stood up and went to the coat rack to pick out a scarf. His scarves were either black or gray, soft and wide, like a shawl. He draped it over her shoulders.

"Be careful not to catch a cold."

He said seriously as he covered her shoulders.

Jiang Chenchen nodded in response to his gaze. "Okay."

Her fair face had no makeup, and her eyes were pure and untainted, looking obedient like a little rabbit.

In his eyes, she resembled a rabbit.

Unable to resist, he reached out and gently touched her head. The deep black eyes contained restrained light as he faintly tugged at the corner of his mouth. "So obedient."

Jiang Chenchen's long eyelashes fluttered slightly, revealing a faint smile.

The jewelry to complement the dress was all set, but Jiang Chenchen refused to take off the necklace around her neck. Therefore, she only wore diamond earrings and a ring.

Sheng Mingsi helped her put on the earrings, noticing that she didn't have ear piercings. The clip-on earrings adorned her soft ears, and he carefully adjusted them, afraid of causing her any discomfort.

Jiang Chenchen cooperated well, and she could feel the slight coolness of his icy fingers on her ear. "Is it pretty?" she asked curiously.

Sheng Mingsi paused when removing his hand. "It's beautiful."

Indeed, it was beautiful. The delicate earlobes and fair skin looked good without any accessories.

There was still the ring... the ring.

A platinum diamond-cutout ring with a simple and cute design resembling a small gourd. Sheng Mingsi took it out of a small box and asked her to extend her hand.

Jiang Chenchen reached out, and he caught her hand. Her soft little hand was enveloped in his large one, and the warm feeling spread to his fingertips. His breath hitched, and his gaze deepened.

"I'll help you put it on."

"Okay."

Sheng Mingsi held his breath, and dark waves surged in his eyes. He steadied his expression and put the ring on her ring finger.

Jiang Chenchen found the ring on her finger very pretty, but...

"Brother Ah Si, why wear it on this finger?" She moved the ring to her pinky finger. "It seems there's no difference."

Sheng Mingsi, holding his breath, considered how to explain.

At this moment, Jiang Chenchen took the ring off her ring finger by herself and put it on her ring finger.

"Why?" she asked innocently.

Sheng Mingsi, now calmer, replied, "Generally, there's indeed no difference, and personal preference is allowed. However, there's a traditional default saying that wearing it on this finger signifies marriage."

"Marriage?"

Jiang Chenchen thought about it and seemed to recall that her mother wore the ring on this finger.

"Oh, I'm not married, so I'll wear it on my index finger."

She changed it back.

"Brother Ah Si, do you want to get married?"

She suddenly raised her gaze and asked.

Sheng Mingsi was caught off guard by this question. His gaze deepened as he looked at her, and he restrained his throat.

"Do... do you know what marriage means?"

Jiang Chenchen thought carefully and replied earnestly, "Does it mean becoming a family?"

"That's right."

"Then, you and I are also a family."

Sheng Mingsi's deep gaze became more restrained as he solemnly said, "But it's not the same."

Jiang Chenchen met his gaze with equal seriousness. "Then, I hope you don't get married."

Sheng Mingsi asked, "Why?"

Jiang Chenchen shook her head. "I don't know."

Seeing her like this, Sheng Mingsi sighed lightly, unable to help but smile.

She was still just a naive child.

What was he even thinking about?

"Alright, you look beautiful today."

He didn't continue with that topic and took a step back, appreciating her like an older brother, praising her.

Jiang Chenchen was very happy, holding her dress, she twirled gently.

Thinking of the dance party during the variety show recording, she extended her hand towards him, as if inviting, "Brother Ah Si, it's still early. Let's dance?"

Sheng Mingsi's eyebrows moved, and in the past, he only considered any dancing at a party to be perfunctory. But at this moment, he felt a strong desire to try.

He held her hand and stepped forward, embracing her waist. The dress was slim at the waist, and he grasped her slender waist like a willow branch.

The person in front of him was right there, with delicate features and lively eyes.

In the dressing room without music, the two of them, in perfect harmony, danced, and time passed by second by second. It felt like dancing without realizing the passage of time, and the last segment ended with a waist embrace.

Their eyes met.

Whose breath became chaotic?

Sheng Mingsi quickly pulled her up, releasing her waist, and looked away, panting. "It's getting late. Let the driver take you."

Jiang Chenchen also sweated slightly but said, "Brother Ah Si, can we dance like this in the future when you have time?"

"When you're a bit older."

"What do you mean by 'a bit older'?"

Sheng Mingsi restrained his expression and said seriously, "When you turn twenty. On that day, your birthday, I will celebrate with you, and we will dance together."

He had long remembered her birthday from her ID.

October 11th.

Jiang Chenchen looked forward to that day.

...

The birthdays of the two daughters of the Bai family were held in a luxurious hotel, which was their family's property. The venue was beautifully decorated and luxurious, inviting many upper-class individuals who attended in glamorous attire.

Bai Junjun's dress was specially tailored for tonight, fitting and gorgeous, resembling a beautiful swan.

She had a sweet smile, possessing the innate capital of being pampered. Proud, confident, and charming, she was quite likable. However, the sister brought back from the countryside had yet to appear, and the time was almost up.

Was it because that curvy dress couldn't fit her flat body?

Bai Junjun sneered contemptuously, holding her mother Que Peizhi's hand. "Mom, I've said it earlier, Bai Junwen won't come. How could she dare to come? She'll only make a joke if she does!"

In the midst of many loving and appreciative gazes, she became even more proud.

But those gazes soon gathered towards the entrance.

Someone exclaimed, "Is it a female celebrity?"

Chapter 134: External Assistance

The attracted gaze and the loud statement made Bai Junjun's expression change, her small face tightened! She couldn't believe that there could be anyone more dazzling than her today? Was it another sister coming to steal her spotlight? Or was it that damn Jiang Chenchen!?

As the newly crowned school flower, she had to admit that she couldn't match up in terms of beauty. However, why did someone have to steal the spotlight at her own birthday banquet? Frowning with displeasure, she looked over, the crowd dispersed, and the person gradually walking in from the entrance appeared before her.

Bai Junjun never expected that the person would be her own sister, and the dazzling woman like a female star was Bai Junwen! Where did she borrow that dress, the jewelry she wore, and the makeup she had?!

It was like the ugly duckling turning into a swan. Bai Junjun doubted her eyes.

But Bai Junwen was indeed holding Dad's arm, so how could it be wrong!

Bai Junjun stared in amazement and, with great reluctance, looked towards Qu Peizhi. "Mom, Dad hasn't been here the whole time. Did he go to pick up Bai Junwen? I've never entered with Dad holding my arm like this!"

"Junwen... Is that really Junwen?" Qu Peizhi was more bewildered than she was.

Seeing this, Bai Junjun snorted in annoyance, shook off the arm around her, and lifted her skirt as she approached Bai Junwen.

"Sister, you look really beautiful today. But where did you get this dress? Mom didn't prepare this one for you. Don't you like the dress Mom prepared for you?"

Though she was clearly infuriated, she put on a cute and adorable appearance in front of everyone. By saying this, she wanted to see Bai Junwen embarrassed.

Even if her sister looked beautiful, she would devalue herself when she spoke.

People like her were shy in front of so many people and couldn't face the crowd. They couldn't answer questions.

However, this time, Bai Junwen looked over.

With her light blue eyes matching today's makeup, delicate skin, and finely drawn long eyebrows, this kind of dressing was definitely not something she could do herself. Who was helping her?!

Bai Junjun didn't see Jiang Chenchen, but only Jiang Chenchen could help her!

Her thoughts were disrupted because Bai Junwen looked at her and spoke.

"The birthday gift from a classmate. Do you think it looks good too?"

Bai Junjun was extremely surprised. She couldn't handle the attention of so many people. There must be something wrong somewhere!

But Bai Junwen asked again.

Even this time, her dad, Bai Jianqiao, looked over. She had to grit her teeth, squeeze out a smile, and praise, "...Yes!"

Looking at her, Bai Junwen expressed thanks without any emotion. "Thanks, little sister."

Bai Junjun had already looked her up and down. The dress and jewelry were all custom-made and high-end. She was familiar with various top brands and couldn't believe that Jiang Chenchen would give her such things.

What kind of background did Jiang Chenchen have!?

Her doubts fell on Bai Junwen. She wore delicate pearl earrings like black pearls, and one side of her curled hair fell down, conveniently covering one ear.

Was there an earphone there, instructing her on how to answer?!

That person must be Jiang Chenchen!

Otherwise, how could someone like her suddenly change and become so articulate?

Bai Junjun thought for a moment, then walked affectionately to Bai Junwen and held her arm. "Sister, why didn't your classmate come?"

Staring at her expression, she hesitated for a moment before answering.

"She went to pick up Lu Su."

Bai Junjun's eyes darkened. "Sister, the pearls on your ears look so nice. Can I take a look?"

She reached out, pretending to take a look, lifting the side of her long curly hair that covered her ear. She wanted to destroy whatever was helping her in secret!

"Lu Su?!"

"The famous star Lu Su?"

The older generation might not be very clear, but the younger generation knew Lu Su. They didn't expect the Bai family to actually invite Lu Su to the birthday party! Was it the favor of this eldest daughter who had never appeared in public?

For a moment, people nearby were talking, and quite a few gathered around, wanting to inquire about Lu Su's arrival here.

This squeezed Bai Junjun aside, and she couldn't stretch her hand over again. Looking at her sister being surrounded by stars, she stomped her foot, her small face turning pale with anger!

Although Bai Junwen knew that she had to face all of this when she came in, she was still frightened by the overwhelming figures. However, the person in her earpiece told her, "Don't be afraid of them. Just treat them as... as talking wooden dolls."

Jiang Chenchen sat in the car, glanced at Lu Su sleeping tiredly beside her, the key figure for tonight's appearance. With a body still weary and weak, could he handle tonight?

She had asked Lu Su when she got on the car, but Lu Su just smiled at her, saying it was no problem. Even if he fainted on stage, he would still do it.

"At that time, I'll help you on stage."

She would try harmonizing, at least to save some of Lu Su's energy.

...

At the banquet, Bai Junjun was completely overshadowed. It was supposed to be her grand seventeenth birthday celebration, with everyone showering her with attention, but it was all taken away by Bai Junwen alone! Even her classmates surrounded Bai Junwen, asking about Lu Su.

Why did Dad bring her today, even though he usually treated Bai Junwen coldly? Did the ugly duckling finally show Dad the potential of the swan, making him reconsider and take another look?

Grandma, dressed in a grand manner, waited for her two granddaughters to offer a toast.

Bai Junjun had a plan. When handing a glass of red wine to Bai Junwen, she pretended to let go when handing it over, causing the wine to spill when Bai Junwen took it. Quickly grabbing a handkerchief, she went to help wipe the spilled wine off the gift, consoling her and accidentally pulling out the earpiece hidden in her hair!

Then, amidst the chaos, she kicked it to the ground and stomped on it.

Crack—

The harsh sound rang in her ears. Jiang Chenchen took off the earpiece and frowned.

She heard the conversation before the earphone broke.

It was Bai Junjun's doing.

She always knew that there were relatives filled with malice in this world.

But could Bai Junwen handle this without external help?

She didn't know, and Bai Junwen had no choice but to face all of this.

Under Grandma's quiet scolding as she approached, Bai Junwen's mind went blank. Without the help from the outside, she couldn't cope with all this, and she wanted to escape from here.

However, Qu Peizhi grabbed her arm...

...

Traffic lights!

The car stopped, and Jiang Chenchen, sitting in the back seat, looked out the window. She saw Xia Changli in the car next to hers. Originally, she was going to lower the car window and greet her.

But she noticed a pair of dark eyes glancing over coldly, just a fleeting gaze.

He reached out and embraced Xia Changli's shoulder, kissing her on the side of her face.