Chapter 44

While Dai Ning enjoyed a leisurely time, on the other side, Chen Jing was recovering from his injuries. He took his medication, but his body needed time to heal.

During the day, the house was eerily quiet, the stillness only broken by the sound of leaves falling outside.

Chen Jing closed his eyes and coughed softly. He was alone again, but he didn’t mind; it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The ringing of his phone broke the silence. Seeing “Chen Lianxing” flash on the screen, he answered the call.

“Chen Jing, the money you gave me last time was only enough to buy costumes for the play,” she complained. “But for my role, I still need a pair of shoes. Can you transfer me some more money?”

Chen Jing didn’t reply, his deep black eyes reflecting a turbulent emotion.

When Chen Lianxing didn’t hear an immediate response, she finally realized that this man wasn’t so easily trifled with. Memories of him as a boy, sitting at their doorstep with a knife in hand, still sent chills down her spine.

Softening her tone, she pleaded, “You know, I’ve been preparing for this play for a long time. Remember when Dad was still with us? He used to send me to dance classes and choir practice. He would definitely want to see me complete this performance.”

Suppressing a cough, Chen Jing responded in his usual raspy voice, “Your mother… her condition has worsened.” He avoided speaking in long sentences to prevent his stutter from showing.

Chen Lianxing was caught off guard but quickly brushed it aside. “I’ll find some time to visit her, but… I can’t let everyone down right now. Please, Chen Jing, just this once.”

“How much?” Chen Jing asked coldly.

Her tone brightened with excitement. “Not much—just six hundred yuan for the shoes. And don’t come to my school like last time; just transfer it to my account.” Too focused on the money, she missed the suppressed strain in his voice.

Chen Lianxing had always been self-centered. To her, their bedridden mother in the hospital was beyond saving. Chen Jing’s income, mostly spent on their mother’s medical bills, left little for anyone else. The allowance she received from him each month wasn’t enough in her eyes.

Satisfied with his agreement, she hung up.

Chen Jing sat up, got dressed, and left the house. It was the weekend, and he had accepted a job from Miss Ji. His lips were pale, a sign of his lingering weakness, but the pain was something he could endure.

On his way out, he passed the clothesline. The garments hung there, now dry, cast shadows under the sunlight.

The clothes had been haphazardly hung by that spoiled girl, yet Chen Jing stared at them for a long while.

He had to admit—before today, he had craved familial warmth from Chen Lianxing. He wanted to feel that he wasn’t some anomaly, that he could experience the simple comforts of being alive.

But now, he suddenly realized he no longer felt anything.

A surge of weariness and irritation rose within him. Whether Chen Lianxing accepted him or not—what did it matter?

—

Ji Tian had been eagerly preparing for today’s outing with Chen Jing, starting her grooming process early in the morning.

She had a keen sense of style. While her features weren’t particularly striking, her refined aura and carefully styled half-up hair, adorned with a star-shaped clip, paired with subtle makeup, elevated her appearance significantly.

She had considered revealing Chen Jing’s identity as the eldest son of the Yan family but hesitated. First, she couldn’t explain how she knew this information. Second, her experience with Zhao Yu had taught her to be cautious.

Three years ago, when she and Zhao Yu were equals in status, he had fallen for Ji Dai Ning, the eldest daughter of the Ji family. Even though Dai Ning ultimately met her demise, just as the story predicted, Ji Tian still seethed with resentment when she thought of her own struggles during those years of hardship.

Others who found themselves transported into novels became queens, noble ladies, or pampered daughters of wealthy families. Only she had lived like a rat in the gutter for three years! The nightmares from that time still haunted her.

Now that she had secured a better life, Ji Tian was determined to win over Chen Jing. The Ji family was unreliable; if it went bankrupt, she’d be left with nothing.

Strategically, pursuing Chen Jing was advantageous. His social circle wasn’t too elite, so someone like her—a cultured and attractive young lady—could easily capture his attention with a bit of tenderness and care.

A poised, elegant young woman and a long-lost heir—both in reality and appearance, they were the perfect match.

Ji Tian had thought of everything except for one detail: until recently, the most beautiful and refined woman Chen Jing had ever met was indeed her. But now, in his mind, no one could surpass the vision of that sunset when he found a girl in a bakery—Dai Ning.

—

Chen Jing arrived on time. Ji Tian greeted him with a smile. “Shall we go?”

He nodded without objection.

They got into the car together, and Ji Tian discreetly observed the man who, in the story, was the second protagonist blessed with extraordinary fortune.

Today, he wore a black shirt that fit perfectly, accentuating his lean and muscular build. His composed and stoic demeanor exuded a sense of unapproachable sophistication. When Ji Tian had first met Zhao Yu three years ago, he still carried a youthful charm, but Chen Jing was different. His sharp brows, thin lips, and cold, ashen gaze made him appear like an untouchable phantom.

With her more mature mindset, Ji Tian naturally gravitated toward men like Chen Jing.

Sitting upright, Chen Jing maintained perfect posture. Ji Tian, unable to adopt Dai Ning’s shamelessly playful demeanor, felt compelled to sit just as properly.

“Chen Jing,” she said with a soft smile, “may I call you that?”

He nodded.

“I only just found out yesterday that you’re Chen Lianxing’s brother. I’m also part of the play she’s in. Today, I’m here to pick out costumes.”

Chen Jing’s eyes remained on his long, strong fingers, giving no indication of his thoughts.

Unable to gauge his mood, Ji Tian cautiously offered, “It seems Lianxing doesn’t quite understand you. Recently, she and I have gotten close. Would you like me to talk to her on your behalf?”

He shook his head. His business card clearly stated that he was speech-impaired, so his silence wasn’t unusual.

Chen Jing knew that no amount of persuasion could change Chen Lianxing’s mindset. As long as he remained a stutterer, she would always see him as an embarrassment.

There had been a time when Chen Jing held high hopes for her. But after driving Dai Ning away, thinking of Chen Lianxing only left him with a strange, fading sense of detachment.

—

At the shopping district, Ji Tian went inside to try on clothes while Chen Jing waited outside.

Standing tall in the women’s clothing section, his silent, enigmatic demeanor drew the attention of many passing women.

The play Rainy Season Rose was a modern production. Ji Tian tried on a floor-length, warm yellow gown. With calculated intent, she lifted the hem and approached Chen Jing. “Chen Jing, what do you think of this dress?”

Smiling sweetly, she gazed at him expectantly. Chen Jing frowned, his cold expression revealing his disinterest. He was here to ensure Ji Tian’s safety, not to indulge her in shopping.

Sensing his mood, Ji Tian refrained from pressing further.

Ji Tian was generous, thanks to the Ji family’s wealth. “Alright, I’ll buy it then.” She swiped her card to pay, and Chen Jing, ever dutiful, picked up her shopping bags.

Ji Tian moved from shop to shop, purposefully trying on outfits that highlighted her slim waist. Realizing that Chen Jing wasn’t the type to flirt with women, she stopped seeking his opinion and merely twirled in front of him occasionally.

Chen Jing, still nursing his injuries, endured excruciating internal pain. No matter how beautiful Ji Tian appeared, he was in no mood to admire her.

Noticing his occasional frown, Ji Tian assumed he was simply annoyed by accompanying her shopping and thoughtfully suggested, “There’s a café across the street. Let’s go sit for a while.”

After resting in the café for a bit, Ji Tian excused herself. “I’m going to the restroom,” she said.

In the restroom, she freshened up her makeup and sent a message to her associate: “Proceed with the plan.”

Ji Tian wasn’t content with just a simple shopping trip. She believed a deeper connection with a man could not be bought with mere money.

Having read this novel, she knew Chen Jing had a protective nature. People rarely offered him protection in return—Chen Lianxing, for instance, was nothing more than a selfish parasite who only took from him. Ji Tian thought that if she could protect Chen Jing, even just once, it would surely leave a lasting impression.

From the restroom window, she observed Chen Jing sitting by the café window. Timing it perfectly, a tipsy man holding a beer bottle stumbled inside. Ji Tian’s eyes brightened, and she adjusted her dress before walking back to Chen Jing.

As the drunk man passed their table, he suddenly pulled out a concealed stun baton and swung it toward Chen Jing.

Ji Tian gasped, “Watch out!” She lunged toward Chen Jing, intending to shield him from harm.

However, Chen Jing swiftly pulled her aside, his expression sharp and decisive. Without hesitation, he countered, catching the attack mid-swing.

The chair screeched as it slid back. The drunk man winced, his wrist twisting painfully. In mere seconds, Chen Jing had closed the distance, his grip firm around the man’s neck like a steel vice.

The drunkard, stunned, realized his weapon was no longer in his hand. He couldn’t even tell when it had been taken from him.

Chen Jing inspected the stun baton he had just confiscated and coldly stared at the man. The drunkard shuddered, feeling like he was being watched by a predator.

“I’m sorry! I mistook you for someone else!” he stammered, his face turning red from fear.

Ji Tian, unscathed and still seated on her chair, thought to herself: …What the hell just happened?

She had expected Chen Jing, with his enhanced physical abilities as a “lucky protagonist,” to fend off the attack, but she didn’t anticipate that he’d subdue the assailant in less than a minute. The man who was supposed to challenge Chen Jing now looked like a scared puppy, his legs trembling.

Chen Jing didn’t pursue the matter further, letting go of the man’s neck with a bored expression. The drunkard didn’t wait to be told twice and bolted out of the café.

Though Ji Tian knew Chen Jing wouldn’t be easily harmed, witnessing his martial prowess firsthand left her astonished. His movements were sharp and fluid, like they were etched into his very being.

Chen Jing had grown up surrounded by dangers, where survival often meant hunting alongside wolves. Later, Chen Jirui had sent him for specialized combat training. These skills were now second nature, deeply embedded in him.

Even if Ji Tian hadn’t interfered, he could have effortlessly neutralized the attacker.

But Chen Jing didn’t fault Ji Tian. This was the first time someone, especially a pampered socialite, had tried to shield him from harm.

Even though her actions had caused more trouble than help.

Chen Jing discarded the stun baton into a nearby trash can. Ji Tian smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, I reacted instinctively. I didn’t think it through and nearly caused you trouble.”

Chen Jing shook his head; her intentions were good, after all.

Ji Tian’s original plan was for her to get injured, giving Chen Jing a reason to accompany her to the hospital and spend more time with her. But now that the plan had failed, and her three-hour contracted time with him had elapsed, Ji Tian reluctantly settled the payment and bid him goodbye.

There was no rush. Building a friendship with Chen Lianxing would naturally provide more opportunities to connect with Chen Jing.

As Ji Tian’s car drove away, Chen Jing leaned against a wall, exhausted. He lit a cigarette, allowing himself a moment of reprieve before heading back to the dark alley where he lived.

The driver dropped him off at the entrance, unwilling to venture into the infamous alley. Chen Jing walked the rest of the way.

The alley was lively at night, with raucous laughter and activity filling the air. However, wherever Chen Jing passed, the local delinquents hurriedly stepped aside.

Despite being a stammerer who rarely spoke, Chen Jing’s reputation ensured no one dared to cross him.

His home was dark and silent, contrasting sharply with the illuminated surroundings. As he approached the door, a sudden discomfort rose in his chest, making him pause and glance toward the shadows.

There, behind a cluster of lucky bamboo, crouched a small figure watching him.

When she realized she’d been spotted, the girl whispered, “Brother.”

Chen Jing’s brows furrowed tightly as he looked at her, his expression like someone staring at an enormous problem.

Dai Ning’s bright eyes sparkled as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small embroidered wallet. She offered it to him proudly. “Brother, you’re hurting, aren’t you? Don’t go out to work anymore. I know you’re saving money for Mom’s treatment, so I can help you earn money too.”

The wallet, adorned with delicate pear blossom embroidery, was stuffed full. She ran up to him, pushing it into his hands.

Through the dim light, Chen Jing saw the wallet was filled with thick wads of cash. For reasons unknown, an uncomfortable feeling welled up inside him. He wasn’t sure if it was the pain in his bruised ribs or something else.

She tilted her head up, her delicate curls framing her face like a small, endearing animal. “I’ve been singing folk songs at the tea café down the street for three days. The boss paid me a lot!”

Her voice was slightly hoarse, likely from overuse.

Chen Jing stared down at her.

Dai Ning stepped back cautiously, adding, “I’m not asking you to let me stay! I can take care of myself.”

Even though she knew he didn’t like her presence, she remained cheerful. “I’ll leave now, Brother. I’ll come back tomorrow to see you.”

Before she could leave, Chen Jing reached out and grabbed her shoulder. She turned back, confused.

Under the noisy, chaotic night sky, she heard him speak for the first time.

“You don’t have to go.”

Though his voice was hoarse and awkward, Dai Ning thought: Wow, such a good-looking man, but his voice is so bad.

She ended up staying in Chen Lianxing’s old room, only this time, she didn’t have to sleep on a messy bed.

Chen Jing fetched clean bedding and set up the bed for her. Dai Ning was ecstatic.

“This will be my room from now on?” she asked, her eyes bright with excitement.

Chen Jing nodded.

Dai Ning leaned closer like a curious kitten. “Then, you’re really my brother, right?”

She beamed, her entire being exuding lively energy.

Chen Jing hesitated before nodding again.

Fine, he thought. If she won’t leave, it’s just another mouth to feed. If she becomes a problem, I can always carry her out and toss her somewhere.

That night, Dai Ning slept soundly, content with her success. Meanwhile, Chen Jing lay awake.

He pulled out the embroidered wallet she had given him. Inside were 2,300 yuan—all the money she had earned.

Chen Jing opened an old wooden box he had kept for years. Inside were a few word-learning flashcards and a child’s abacus—tokens of his early days in the Chen family, taught by Chen Jirui and gifted by six-year-old Chen Lianxing.

He placed Dai Ning’s wallet inside the box, locking it shut.

Though he had expected her presence to burden him, to his surprise, he slept soundly that night for the first time in a long while.