The wooden beauty of Young Master Sheng(86-90)

Chapter 86: Are You Nervous?


"Do you not know how to swim?"


Holding the steamer basket, Sheng Mingsi looked at her seriously and asked.


"Nope."


Jiang Chenchen reached out again to grab a small bun, only to have it pulled away once more.


"?"


She looked at him with confusion.


Sheng Mingsi fixed his gaze, "Then let me teach you."


He handed her a pair of chopsticks.


Jiang Chenchen took them, and only then did he push the steamer basket towards her.


It turned out he wanted her to eat with chopsticks.


She used the chopsticks to pick up a hot dumpling, took a bite, and mumbled, "But I've missed a few days of classes, and I don't have time to learn."


Sheng Mingsi frowned slightly, "Learning this is quick. Just set aside half an hour every day. If you're not too slow, you can learn it in half a month."


"Alright."


She seemed to focus more on eating and didn't pay much attention to this matter.


For the first time, Sheng Mingsi personally taught her something. Selfishly, he hoped she would remember it forever.


But with today's news, it seemed like there was no room for asking.


That'll do.


...


Behind Sheng Mingsi's residence, there was an outdoor private swimming pool as well as an indoor one.


Jiang Chenchen didn't expect him to have such a complete set-up; he had everything.


As a coach, Sheng Mingsi was quite strict, and with his excellent physique, Jiang Chenchen wasn't moved despite witnessing him in a swimsuit. However, his swimming figure was elegant and agile, like a beautiful fish. This made it interesting to watch.


Squatting by the pool, wrapped in a towel, Jiang Chenchen held her phone and took a picture of him leaping out of the water.


His black hair dripped with water, his eyes misted from the splashes, and he wiped them away with his hand, messing up his hair in the process. The slightly disheveled black hair, combined with his cold and handsome face, made his eyes, as dark as obsidian, stand out. The muscles on his taut body sparkled with water droplets, creating ripples in the water below.


Although it was midwinter, he made everything around him look like a beautiful summer cartoon.


Sheng Mingsi furrowed his brows slightly and walked toward her. "Are you taking pictures again?"


"It looks great."


Jiang Chenchen handed him the photo she had taken. "Take a look."


"..."


He reached out, pressing down his gaze, "Delete it!"


His wet hand reached out but only touched the edge of the phone. Jiang Chenchen quickly withdrew it.


She was fast, stepping back a few steps and holding the phone to her chest.


"Don't delete it."


Sheng Mingsi's brows deepened. "Why did you take this?"


"It looks good."


"Where... does it look good!?"


"Don't you think so? I think it's good. Do you want to take a closer look?"


She attempted to show him the photo, seeking approval.


"..."


Sheng Mingsi closed his eyes, completely giving up.


Forget it, let her be.


"Put down the phone and get in the water." He adjusted his expression, looking like a coach.


Jiang Chenchen took off her towel, placed it on a lounge chair, locked her phone, and left it there. Walking to the edge of the pool, she hesitated a bit.


She squatted down, looking up at him.


Recalling the incident of falling into the water, there was a slight palpitation.


Sheng Mingsi lifted his chin, "Come down; the water isn't deep."


However, he reached out and helped her into the water.


Jiang Chenchen got in, and the water was indeed shallow. The moment of uneasiness disappeared instantly.


The pool water was comfortable, and she looked up at him.


Sheng Mingsi let go of her hand, took a step back, and at the same time, beckoned to her.


Sheng Mingsi let go of her hand and stepped back, simultaneously beckoning her with a gesture.


"Come here."


"Hmm?"


Jiang Chenchen followed him, feeling the water level rising as she took each step. It reached around her chest when he finally stopped.


"Start by practicing breathing in and out, like this, and then dive straight down."


Sheng Mingsi demonstrated.


"Now you try."


Jiang Chenchen watched, then mimicked the movements a few times.


After several repetitions, the last time she stayed submerged for a long time without resurfacing.


Sheng Mingsi's heart tightened a bit. When he dove down, he saw her comfortably staying underwater. He had underestimated her ability to hold her breath.


He gestured that she could come up.


Jiang Chenchen finally surfaced.


She opened her mouth, adjusting quickly with a few breaths.


Sheng Mingsi looked at her with some doubt. "You've really never learned before?"


For someone who had experienced being submerged in water, there might be some psychological burden, making progress slower.


But she learned surprisingly fast.


Jiang Chenchen nodded. "Today is my first time learning."


"Once you're not afraid of the water, your progress will speed up."


Originally, the plan was to learn for half an hour, but it extended to two hours.


And then she learned it.


Sheng Mingsi watched her, who was gracefully moving in the water. Though swimming breaststroke wasn't that attractive, he had chosen it initially to boost her confidence—perhaps he had overthought it.


After getting tired, both of them got out of the pool.


Sheng Mingsi reached out to help her up.


When Jiang Chenchen walked toward him, she suddenly looked up. "Brother Ahsi, this is a good time for artificial respiration. Can I try it?"


Sheng Mingsi stumbled for a moment, halting in his steps. He looked at her with a dark expression. "What did you say?"


"Why do you want to learn this?"


"I want to learn."


But she didn't say why.


Sometimes, Sheng Mingsi really wanted to knock on her head to see what she was thinking.


But her face remained as usual, expressionless, and she didn't seem to have any ulterior motives.


Was she really just learning artificial respiration?


Jiang Chenchen approached him, asking earnestly, "Is it okay?"


Her pure gaze made Sheng Mingsi realize he couldn't refuse.


Perhaps he had overthought it.


"How do you want to learn?" He spoke coldly, his face tense and serious.


Jiang Chenchen spread out a towel. "Lie down."


Sheng Mingsi: "..."


How could she say something like that so casually?


Fortunately, there was no one else here. Even if they did this, only the fool in front of her would know.


He took a deep breath, cleared his throat, and then lay down.


The last time they did chest compressions, he was still wearing clothes. This time, he was only in swim trunks...


He had a tall figure, long legs, an excellent physique, and his skin was overly fair.


Lying there, he was quite stiff.


His entire face looked strangely awkward.


Jiang Chenchen squatted down, pressing her hands against his chest, and asked, "Are you nervous?"


Asked in this indifferent, expressionless manner, Sheng Mingsi was left bewildered: "..."

Chapter 87: The First Kiss is Artificial Respiration

He wanted to back out.

He needed to get up.

Jiang Chenchen pressed down on his chest again, using force to keep him down.

"Brother Ah si, don't be nervous. I'll do it properly."

She had watched related videos and explanations online but hadn't practiced, so she wanted to confirm if she had really learned it.

Sheng Mingsi had no idea where she got so much enthusiasm!

This person had no concept of boundaries between men and women!

Pinned beneath her, his face grew even darker, and his seriousness trembled to the tip of his eyebrows.

"I'm starting."

She began with chest compressions, just like last time, skillful and effective.

Then came the artificial respiration she was learning today.

She earnestly lifted his chin, opened his mouth, pinched his nose with one hand, and leaned down.

Breath descended.

Sheng Mingsi's whole body tensed, and his own breath seemed to stagnate.

The person in his line of sight came closer.

The delicate face enlarged in front of him until all he could see were those lips.

Cherry blossom-pink lips, descending with the warmth of her breath.

A strand of wet hair fell on his face, cold and wet, mixing with the scorching breath, stirring something deep within.

He couldn't breathe.

The soft lips touched his in a moment of distraction.

They enveloped him, and the breath flowed in.

A very standard artificial respiration.

But his ears turned red.

His body tightened to the extreme.

He couldn't take it anymore; if he didn't push her away, he might lose control and want to respond with a forceful kiss.

Sheng Mingsi reached over, pushing her aside with a firm hand, leaving those fatally attractive lips. He took deep breaths of air.

In this spacious indoor pool area, despite the heating, he was dressed so lightly that he felt the chill. But his body was burning.

Jiang Chenchen was surprised by his sudden move. "What's wrong? Did I do it wrong?"

Sheng Mingsi had no time to answer, quickly flipping over and heading for a towel. He hastily left.

Jiang Chenchen stayed in place, watching his departing figure, wondering if what she did was good or bad.

...

The swimming lessons were put on hold like this.

Sheng Mingsi only taught once, and then he intentionally avoided her.

Although Jiang Chenchen couldn't understand, after learning on her own, she would come to swim for half an hour, becoming more proficient. She could stay underwater for a long time without coming up.

Time quickly arrived at the night of New Year's Eve.

Jiang Chenchen finished the red sweater she had been rushing to knit overnight. She looked at the completed work with satisfaction, imagining the happiness of the person who would receive the gift.

Because Xia Changli, who received her scarf, unexpectedly reddened her eyes, hugged her, and sincerely said thank you.

So, Sheng Mingsi would also sincerely thank her.

She waited for Sheng Mingsi to come back.

The phone on the table rang.

It turned out to be a call from Zhan Momo.

When the call connected, Zhan Momo's energetic voice came through. "Jiang Chenchen, long time no see."

"Hmm." She responded softly.

Zhan Momo was long accustomed to her less talkative nature and quickly shared some recent updates before getting to the point.

"Can you help me make an appointment with Ye Xi? You agreed last time."

Jiang Chenchen did agree; Zhan Momo insisted, holding her hand, and she agreed.

"Now?"

"Yeah," Zhan Momo said, "you don't have to say it's for me, just tell him you're inviting him. At 11:30, on the 108th floor of Jin Gao Building."

Jiang Chenchen checked the time; it was only 8:30 in the evening, still early.

"Now?"

"Yeah," Zhan Momo said, "tell him if he doesn't come, you'll keep waiting for him."

She said some pleading words, then hung up.

Afterward, Jiang Chenchen's phone received a transfer.

Two transfers.

Two transfers of 5200.

Below, there was a message: "Love you, yo!"

Jiang Chenchen stared at the phone screen, stunned. Suddenly, many heart emojis appeared, falling like a rainbow rain.

"How did you make these hearts appear?"

Zhan Momo could imagine the puzzled expression on her face, chuckled, and cheerfully typed, "Just send 'love you,' and the hearts will appear."

So Jiang Chenchen also sent a "love you."

Sure enough, a cascade of hearts appeared on the screen.

Jiang Chenchen: "Thank you, I understand."

Zhan Momo: "My dear, accept my love, quickly check your red envelope."

But Jiang Chenchen didn't check the transfer; she couldn't accept so much money.

Understanding that earning money was not easy, she wanted to make money based on her own abilities.

Exiting WeChat, she looked in the direction of the door, but Sheng Mingsi hadn't returned yet.

She huddled on the sofa, holding a throw pillow, and decided to call Ye Xi.

When the call connected, a loud and flamboyant voice came through, "Who is it? Looking for big brother!"

Jiang Chenchen fell silent for a moment.

"It's me, Jiang Chenchen."

Ye Xi paused at her words, then his tone became even more flamboyant, with a hint of surprise, "It's you! How did you get my number? Are you calling me because you've figured it out and want to kick out that cold-blooded man, our Young Master Sheng?"

Jiang Chenchen: ?

What is he talking about?

"11:30, meet at the 108th floor of Jin Gao Building."

She repeated this sentence.

Ye Xi exaggeratedly laughed for two minutes, "Who the hell is arranging to meet me?!"

Sheng Mingsi happened to return from the bathroom; he quickly put the phone on speaker, making it audible to everyone nearby.

"Say it again, who are you?" The arrogant tone was almost taking off.

But his eyes glanced at Sheng Mingsi.

This was an annual New Year's Eve banquet; they met every year.

This year was no exception.

After drinking two glasses of wine, Sheng Mingsi was about to leave.

The trunk of his car was already loaded with fireworks, as promised to her, to set them off together.

Ye Xi, always boisterous, gave him a quick look, his lips curling slightly. This guy never stopped making noise.

But when he heard the voice and name coming through the phone, his raised lips stopped, and he looked over.

Jiang Chenchen was calling Ye Xi?

Was she inviting him?

Ye Xi looked at Sheng Mingsi triumphantly, answering on the phone, "Wait, since you're inviting me, your brother will definitely come."

He wanted to boast some more, but his phone was snatched away.

A chilly and sinister aura enveloped him.

Ye Xi didn't even want the phone anymore, stepping back a bit.

Loves to provoke but also timid!

Zhao Shitian didn't even want to comment on him anymore.

Qin Chi sat on the side, watching Sheng Mingsi with a cold gaze. He always had different reactions because of this girl. Just watching this was more interesting than anything else.

"What are you doing?"

A questioning tone.

Jiang Chenchen, ready to hang up the phone, heard the voice on the other side change to Sheng Mingsi, and she froze.

"Why is it you? Brother As!"

Chapter 88 Progress: Any Moves, Do We Have a Car?

Sheng Mingsi coldly glanced around, furrowing his eyebrows, then turned off the speakerphone.

"Did Xixi do something again? Tell me, and I'll help you teach him a lesson."

Ye Xi stepped back, raising his hand to show innocence. "This has nothing to do with me. She came on her own!"

"No, Brother As, it's..."

Jiang Chenchen stopped her words at her lips. Could she tell him about this? Zhan Momo specifically instructed her not to tell anyone, and she promised not to.

However, not revealing who it was could still be considered keeping her promise.

So she said, "Someone asked me to invite him. Please don't tell Ye Xi."

Sheng Mingsi's expression eased slightly. "Who is it?"

"I can't say."

"Can't I say it either?"

"I'm sorry, I can't."

"Never mind." Sheng Mingsi didn't press the matter. "I'll be back soon."

Jiang Chenchen felt elated upon hearing this. "Okay, I'll wait for you, Brother As. I also have a New Year's gift for you."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Mingsi thought of the half-knit sweater sleeve she had made. Could it be that?

He cleared his throat. "Sure."

Then he hung up.

The others on the other end seemed unbothered by this. However, they had experienced the calm before the storm.

Unexpectedly, Sheng Mingsi appeared calm and not angry.

"Just do whatever; I'm leaving."

As they watched him leave and disappear from sight, Ye Xi and Zhao Shitian exchanged a glance. It seemed like he really didn't care?

Qin Chi leaned against his seat, looking relaxed. "Maybe things aren't as they seem."

Ye Xi and Zhao Shitian looked at him, asking, "What?"

"Explain it clearly!" Ye Xi scratched his head and asked again.

The orange tufted hair stood up, looking not too intelligent.

Qin Chi glanced at him coldly and said, "Aren't you going to find out by going to the appointment?"

"Cut it out." Ye Xi tossed a chopstick at him. "Are you really brewing some big move to deal with me? It's not my fault, okay? Maybe your sister is tired of you. Don't you need some self-reflection?"

Zhao Shitian threw another chopstick at him. "Shut up! You're always hopping around on the edge of death. One day, if you really die and nothing is left, you won't even know the reason!"

Ye Xi caught it, or rather, he maintained a handsome posture with both hands, displaying a confident smile.

Others: ...

This guy's condition is relapsing; there's no cure.

.......

Sheng Mingsi drove back and received a call when he was about to reach home.

He glanced at it and had no intention of answering.

But the calls were persistent.

So he frowned and answered, "What is it?"

The anxious voice of Gu Mingmei came through, "Miss Sheng suddenly fainted and lost consciousness. I've taken her to the emergency room. Hurry over!"

Sheng Mingsi looked ahead and furrowed his brows, then turned the car in another direction.

...

Jiang Chenchen huddled on the sofa and almost fell asleep.

Although Sheng Mingsi had called, asking her to sleep and not wait for him, this was the first time she spent New Year's with him, and she wanted to wait and see.

Glancing at the time, it was already midnight.

The first day of the lunar new year.

After some consideration, she sent a message.

"Happy New Year."

Then she thought again and sent another one with a "love you" and a cascade of hearts and rainbows.

But there was no response from the other side. She didn't know why he didn't come back as promised. Weren't they supposed to welcome the new year together and set off fireworks?

She clutched the phone tightly in her hand.

Suddenly, the phone rang, startling her.

She gripped the phone tightly in her hand.

The sudden ringtone startled her.

Quickly checking, it wasn't Sheng Mingsi.

It was Ye Xi.

After some thought, she decided to answer.

"Jiang Chenchen! How dare you play tricks on me!" Ye Xi's agitated voice echoed through the 108th floor of Jingao Tower. "You better think about how to apologize to me!"

"I'm sorry..."

That apology came too quickly.

Ye Xi was stunned for a moment, then continued in agitation, "No! Not sincere enough."

Jiang Chenchen took the phone away from her ear and placed it on the coffee table, putting it on speaker. "So, what do you want?"

Ye Xi laid down a condition, "I'll remember this account, and you'll have to pay me back in the future!"

"Fine."

"Why do people you know have the same violent tendencies as you?" He gritted his teeth.

"What?"

"That woman dared to hit me!" Ye Xi's fair face still had red marks. "You know I never hit women, but she kept pestering me and even resorted to violence. I won't let her off! I won't spare her!"

Anger surged.

Jiang Chenchen said, "But she just wanted to see you."

"Brother doesn't want to see her." Ye Xi, looking out at the fireworks through the floor-to-ceiling glass, suddenly turned serious. "I don't like women who cross the line."

However, after maintaining this tone for half a minute, he returned to normal. "Tell me, did you cause trouble for me? Getting slapped for no reason, do you think you should apologize and compensate for it?"

Jiang Chenchen asked, "What do you mean by crossing the line?"

"It means that we agreed on something, and once it's crossed, there's no room for mercy." Ye Xi continued like a playboy, "Let me tell you, Young Master Sheng dislikes being too sticky. If you give him some space, he'll be more attracted to you!"

He lowered his voice and gossiped, "Tell me quietly, how far have you guys gone?"

Jiang Chenchen was puzzled, "What do you mean by 'how far'?"

"Uh, that, does he have a car?"

"Yes."

Ye Xi's eyes lit up, nearly losing control of his voice, "Damn, Young Master Sheng is impressive! I thought he was a celibate, but turns out he's a beast too!"

Jiang Chenchen felt he was going on and on without end, not really interested in listening.

So she said, "I'm hanging up; I want to sleep."

Ye Xi had forgotten about the slap he received. "Ah, chat a bit more. For example, how is he at driving? Is he wild?"

The call had already ended.

He still had the expression of discovering a new continent on his face, but such things couldn't be shared in the group; otherwise, Shao Shao would eliminate him.

But it could be discussed privately.

When he got in the elevator, he suddenly realized, why was Jiang Chenchen so indifferent even about these things? She said whatever she wanted without any hesitation. She's too naive.

Regret! Why didn't I meet her earlier!

...

Jiang Chenchen hung up the phone and realized that Sheng Mingsi had actually returned, not knowing how long he had been standing at the entrance!

His face showed fatigue and shock, and his hair was slightly disheveled.

His facial features were icy, his eyes exceptionally deep black. He still held a sparkler in his hand, indicating he rushed back.

"Brother Ah si! You're back!"

Jiang Chenchen quickly got up from the sofa and walked towards him.

When Sheng Mingsi saw her coming, he seemed unable to face her.

Why did she use speakerphone during the call? He heard everything, including discussions about driving prowess and other things.

Did she even understand what she was saying!?

Chapter 89: Just Be Carefree Once

"Do you know there's another meaning to 'driving'?"

Sheng Mingsi turned to the side, bent down to take off his shoes, and casually asked.

Suppressing all emotions.

"Um? What is it?" Jiang Chenchen asked while standing nearby.

Sheng Mingsi closed his eyes briefly, and indeed... he found himself unable to articulate it.

He changed into slippers. "Just ignore that guy Ye Xi from now on."

"Oh."

Jiang Chenchen looked at the sparklers he held, bundled together. All her attention was on his hands.

"Brother Ah si, let's go light the fireworks now!"

Seeing the anticipation in her eyes, Sheng Mingsi slightly raised the corners of his mouth and handed the things over. "You hold them."

Jiang Chenchen reached out to take them.

"Where should we go to light them, at the entrance?"

She seemed a bit impatient.

Sheng Mingsi noticed the exquisitely packaged gifts on the coffee table when he came in.

He subconsciously touched his pocket.

Tightened his grip with his hand.

"The rooftop terrace."

Jiang Chenchen had never been to the rooftop terrace of this building. It was enclosed with glass on all sides. In the winter, it remained closed, while in the summer, it could be completely opened.

It was also filled with flowers and plants, resembling an airborne garden.

It would be incredibly beautiful to come here to see the snow falling on a snowy day.

"Brother Ah si, let's light them together." She handed him some.

"Do you have a lighter?"

Sheng Mingsi took out a lighter from his pocket. "Be careful."

When the small fireworks were ignited, sparks scattered, and Jiang Chenchen stared at the flames for a moment. Although her heart should have been filled with anticipation, an unexpected sadness suddenly overwhelmed her, inexplicably sad.

The parents who were engulfed by the big fire appeared in her mind.

Her eyes glowed with red light, filled with hatred! But those people were already dead, all dead!

When the firework extinguished, her eyes lost the flame. In the sudden darkness, she seemed to remember something.

The last words her mother said to her.

"Survive, go back to where you should be!"

She always remembered the first part but had forgotten the second until this moment, under the small burst of fireworks.

Go back to where she should be?

Where is that?

She didn't know.

"What's wrong?" Sheng Mingsi sensed that her mood was off. "Are you uncomfortable somewhere?"

Jiang Chenchen came back to her senses, shaking her head. "No."

She put aside the words that suddenly came to her mind and looked at him. "Brother Ah si, can you light another one for me?"

Sheng Mingsi's eyes glanced over her and, bowing his head to light the firework for her, softly said, "Anytime you feel scared, just call my name. I'll be by your side."

The flame in her hand reignited.

Blossoming in the dark night, as it should be beautiful.

Watching it, Jiang Chenchen suddenly felt her nose tingling. Being so happy that you want to cry, it turns out it feels like this.

Her parents were no longer in this world, but she had found a new family.

A cold but large hand grasped her wrist, swirling the firework in her hand. "Like this, you'll experience more happiness."

Tonight, Sheng Mingsi was exceptionally gentle. Suppressing the chilling aura, he just wished for her happiness.

In the new year, she could forget the past hardships and start her own life anew.

He lit one for himself too, and the dazzling flame illuminated both their brows and eyes vividly. Facing her, he said, "Happy New Year."

In Jiang Chenchen's eyes, tears glistened.

Jiang Chenchen's eyes shimmered with teary light.

The firelight extinguished.

In the sudden darkness, Jiang Chenchen rushed into his arms.

She hugged his waist tightly, her face against his chest.

Silent tears soaked his clothes.

The unique scent, softness, and vulnerability of the girl overwhelmed him, briefly making him abandon his reason. He extended his hand, holding her tightly, embracing her in his arms. Let his heart, beating so fast, be unrestrained for a moment.

Not far away, a massive firework erupted in the sky, the sound deafening.

Jiang Chenchen lifted her head from Sheng Mingsi's embrace to look over. The dazzling, star-like fireworks illuminated the night sky, showering down, creating an instant of tranquility.

Fireworks continued to bloom in the sky, one after another.

She lowered her head to look at the sparkler in her hand.

Sheng Mingsi: "..."

The contrast was so obvious.

He cleared his throat, released her without showing any emotion, and said coldly, "Fireworks are prohibited in the city. It seems someone can't resist breaking the rules."

"Brother Ah siq, a New Year's gift." Jiang Chenchen brought the prepared gift box over and handed it to him. "Hope you like it."

Sheng Mingsi looked down at the gift box. Although he was prepared, scenes like this still stirred his heart.

It was the first New Year's gift he had received in so many years.

His friends were all men, and there was no custom of exchanging gifts between men. Moreover, he lacked nothing, and he wasn't interested in these things.

However, knowing that what was inside this box was something she had spent many nights knitting by hand, such precious things naturally made people like them.

He reached out and took it, feeling the weight in his hand. It was something she had carefully crafted.

Looking up, Jiang Chenchen said, "Open it and have a look."

Under her watchful eyes, he opened the gift box and took out the red sweater.

The touch was warm.

"Like it?"

"Yeah."

With the response, Jiang Chenchen swept away the gloom. "Brother Ah si, this is something I personally knitted. I'm glad you like it. You should wear it tomorrow morning."

Sheng Mingsi nodded. "Yes, I will."

He put the sweater back into the gift box, and with one hand in his pocket, he hesitated whether to give the other gift.

He was not someone who hesitated, but it felt a bit awkward to give a gift to a girl for the first time.

"Brother Ah si, what's wrong with you?" Seeing that he hid in the darkness without saying anything, Jiang Chenchen approached and asked.

Sheng Mingsi saw the person coming closer, gathered his courage, and took out the item from his pocket, then took her hand and placed it in her palm. "This, I'm giving it to you too."

Jiang Chenchen looked at the delicate little box in her hand, not knowing what was inside, so she looked up at him.

Sheng Mingsi's eyes twitched slightly. He restrained the black glow in his eyes and said calmly, "Open it and have a look."

So, under his gaze, she opened the small gift box, revealing a golden rabbit. The large firework that had burned for a long time finally went out.

The sight went dark again.

"I'll go down and take a look."

Jiang Chenchen had just felt a sudden brightening in front of her, so she couldn't wait to go to a brighter place to see it clearly.

It was a golden rabbit necklace, delicate and exquisitely crafted. The eyes of the rabbit were also red, made of red gemstones.

Jiang Chenchen liked it very much and looked up at Sheng Mingsi. "Is this really for me?"

Chapter 90: The One and Only in This World

Sheng Mingsi nodded, his body exuding a cold yet gentle aura. Enveloped in these two extremes, he said, "It's for you."

There was something she hadn't seen—her initials engraved on it, making it the only and unique one in the world.

He designed it himself.

Even though he spent so much effort on it, he didn't mention it at all. He simply gave it to her, hoping she would like it.

"Shall I help you put it on?"

Jiang Chenchen nodded. "Thank you, big brother. I really like it."

Sheng Mingsi saw her straightforward and eager gaze, raised his eyelids, shifted his gaze away, picked up the necklace, and stood behind her to put it on.

She gently gathered her black, long hair with her hand, revealing a slender, radiant neck.

The necklace shone more brightly against her skin, which was already luminous.

Standing behind her, his dark eyes deepened. "Done."

Even his throat felt hoarse halfway through.

Jiang Chenchen let go of her hair and looked down at the little rabbit pendant on her chest, growing happier the more she looked.

She turned to Sheng Mingsi. "Is this very expensive?"

Sheng Mingsi lowered his gaze. "Not as valuable as your gift."

"So, we both like each other's gifts, right?"

"Yeah."

"This has been such a happy year." Jiang Chenchen said on the surface while thinking in her heart that she hoped every year could be like this.

"It's late. Let's go to bed."

"Okay."

As Jiang Chenchen went downstairs, she remembered that he had come back very late, so she asked, "You came back so late today. Did something happen?"

"There's something at home," Sheng Mingsi replied without wanting to elaborate.

His mother, accustomed to luxury, pride, and dominance, suddenly fell ill on the thirtieth night, fainting on the floor. Sending her to the hospital revealed nothing serious, but the long-buried issue in his heart was something no one could dispel.

...

Early the next morning, Jiang Chenchen got up and listened to the movements outside her room.

Hearing footsteps outside the door, she quickly opened it and looked out.

Sheng Mingsi was startled by her sudden appearance, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "What's wrong?" But he quickly noticed where her gaze was and looked elsewhere with a natural expression.

Early in the morning, he had put on the red sweater she gave him. Except for his childhood, he hadn't worn such a bright red for a long time, even though it felt a bit awkward.

But now, he was reluctant to take it off.

Jiang Chenchen approached, looking all around. "I didn't expect it to fit so well. Brother Ah si, you look really good in red."

Sheng Mingsi: "..."

He didn't know how to feel about being praised for being good-looking by a girl.

"If you want to go out today, I'll have Wu Bi take you. I need to go back home for a while," Sheng Mingsi said.

"Can I go with Lili?" Jiang Chenchen remembered the phone case she bought before. At that time, he thought she bought it for the male celebrity, but later, he found out it was for Xia Changli.

"It's up to you. Just be careful outside."

Sheng Mingsi returned to the old house. Gu Mingmei was having breakfast at home. When she saw him take off his coat, revealing the red sweater, her eyes widened.

"Are you Ah si? My dear brother?"

"Wrong person."

"Uh, that's not it. The tone you just used is the annoying one only my brother has."

"Where's Ms. Sheng?" Sheng Mingsi asked.

"Asleep, tossed and turned all night." Gu Mingmei restrained her expression. "Dad is already dead, but Mom still can't let go."

She looked up at Sheng Mingsi, who remained silent. Then she continued, "I'm afraid she won't be able to let go until she finds that illegitimate child. But after so many years, so many years of searching, there's no news at all. Perhaps he's already dead."

Sheng Mingsi didn't listen to her but made a call instead. The middle-aged man on the other end answered.

"Mingsi, I'll be right there."

Sheng Mingsi hung up the phone and looked at her. "Let Uncle Chu come. We need a professional in the psychological aspect."

Gu Mingmei shook her head. "It's useless. Unless we find that illegitimate child and kill him, she won't be completely at ease. But after so many years of searching, there's been no news at all. Maybe he's already dead."

Sheng Mingsi didn't listen to her, but instead of discussing it further, he went to make a call.

Sheng Mingsi put away his phone and then looked at her. "Murder is never a solution. Even if someone dies, the thorn in one's heart won't be removed. It will only sink deeper."

"I understand what you're saying, but Lady Sheng isn't you, and she isn't me either. None of us can persuade her. She has such strong obsession!" Gu Mingmei said with her head down, putting down the spoon, wiping her mouth, and then standing up. "Since you're back, I'll go out for a while."

"It's a New Year's date, you know?" She blinked at him and then left the spacious and ancient dining room.

The maid standing on the side finally had a chance to speak and whispered to him, "Master Mingsi, will you be dining?"

"No need."

He turned around and left, heading to his mother's room.

Sheng Qinghua lay in bed, and the thick curtains in the room made it feel like entering a dark world, with the rich scent of sandalwood lingering slowly.

He hated this feeling.

He reached out and turned on a dim light, walking toward his mother.

She seemed to be asleep.

He sat down beside her.

Although he moved very gently, it still startled her awake from her dreams.

She let out a hysterical scream.

"Bastard—"

Sheng Mingsi sat there with a cold and unchanging gaze, not moving.

It seemed like he had already become accustomed to her occasional madness.

Sheng Qinghua sat up, took several deep breaths, her forehead covered in cold sweat. She glanced at the person sitting by the bed.

With a cold tone, she scolded, "Who let you in?"

"I can leave immediately." Sheng Mingsi took out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her.

Sheng Qinghua snatched the handkerchief from his hand. "Are you all threatening me one by one?"

"No."

"Your father is already dead, and he won't even see me in my dreams! Whose fault is it? Whose fault!?"

Sheng Mingsi remained silent on the side.

Sheng Qinghua sneered and her tone was full of mockery. "Anyway, he's already dead, died miserably, turned into ashes, nothing left."

"But that illegitimate child! I can't let go of my hatred for him!"

She clenched the handkerchief in her hand, her eyes as deep as an abyss and bottomlessly black. "I must find him!"

Sheng Mingsi lowered his eyes, speaking coldly, "Why can't you let go?"

"Let go? Didn't you witness it when you were a child? Mingsi, you should understand your mother's pain."

Sheng Qinghua turned around, reached out and touched his face. "That girl by your side, her methods are not low. At the age of twelve, she could make the entire laboratory people perish in a sea of fire while she walked away unscathed.

Be careful, she might be deliberately approaching you. Do you know the pain of betrayal?"

"She's not." Sheng Mingsi removed her hand, his eyes and tone equally resolute.

Sheng Qinghua sneered at this, "Is that so?"