Chapter 58

The weather grew increasingly hotter, marking the height of summer.

When Li Ming received a call from Chen Jing inviting him for a drink, he was taken aback.

“Sit.”

Inside the air-conditioned café, Li Ming met Chen Jing’s steady gray-brown gaze and inexplicably felt uneasy. Despite his apparent calmness, Chen Jing’s demeanor hinted at an undercurrent of tension.

Chen Jing took out a piece of paper, jotted something down, and slid it across to Li Ming.

“When you picked up Dai Dai last time, did you notice anything unusual?”

Li Ming, mid-sip of beer, recalled the scene of Li Hu and Dai Dai together that day. He almost spat out his drink.

His reaction betrayed him, and Chen Jing’s expression darkened.

“Unusual? What do you mean by unusual? Dai Dai seemed perfectly normal to me,” Li Ming stammered with a forced laugh.

“Be honest.” The pressure behind the written words felt palpable.

Finally, Li Ming caved. Intimidated by Chen Jing, he spilled the beans. Scratching his head nervously, he muttered, “Jing-ge, maybe I’m overthinking it. Dai Dai’s such a well-behaved girl—she wouldn’t do anything out of line. And besides, she’s at that age. If she really has a boyfriend, it’s no big deal, right?”

Chen Jing’s gaze dropped to the paper.

“She’s still in high school.”

“Well, sure, but when I was in high school, I’d already—uh, never mind!” Realizing Chen Jing’s icy glare, Li Ming quickly tried to backtrack. “Anyway, Dai Dai’s nothing like me. She’s a good kid. Maybe she just tripped, and a classmate helped her up. Nothing serious!”

Li Ming had been picking up Dai Dai from school for a while and had developed a soft spot for her. Thinking Chen Jing was upset about some early signs of romance, he hastened to defend her. “She’s at a sensitive age, you know. You have to talk to her gently, not scare her. Kids this age can be rebellious if pushed too hard—I was like that myself. If it’s too awkward for you to bring it up, I can ask my sister to have a chat with her about focusing on her studies.”

“No need.” This time, Chen Jing spoke aloud, his voice gravelly and low. The chill in his tone made Li Ming’s hair stand on end.

Chen Jing got up and left the café.

He hadn’t intended to confront Dai Dai about this at all. Asking Li Ming was simply a way to confirm whether the incident he’d witnessed was a misunderstanding.

But Li Ming’s reaction confirmed his suspicions—Dai Dai and Li Hu were undeniably close.

Chen Jing walked briskly, leaving Li Ming in the dust. Watching his retreating figure, Li Ming clasped his hands together in mock prayer. “Dai Dai, sweetie, please don’t blame your brother Li Ming. I’m scared of your big brother too!”

—

Chen Jing lit a cigarette on the roadside, smoking two in quick succession.

He had calmed down over the past few days, realizing his reaction that day had been abnormal. Memories of the past surfaced—back when Chen Lianxing, during her third year of middle school, had also entered a brief romance. Chen Jing had once caught her kissing a boy downstairs, and when confronted, she angrily demanded he not tell their mother.

Chen Jing, respecting her wishes, had let it go.

But when it came to Dai Dai, his response had been far more intense. The jealousy and rage that surged through him that day were extreme, even now making his chest tighten uncomfortably.

Chen Jing exhaled a plume of smoke and laughed bitterly at himself.

A proper older brother, when encountering such situations, might feel disappointment or anger—but never jealousy.

At what point did such inappropriate thoughts creep into his mind?

To desire his own sister—what kind of person was he?

In the past two days, Chen Jing had come to terms with everything that had been troubling him. A chill swept through his heart, mingled with a sense of helplessness.

He’d never imagined himself capable of such emotions. Chen Jing touched his throat, sighed deeply, and lowered his gaze.

He had no right to interfere in Dai Dai’s life anymore.

The moment he let his personal feelings cloud his judgment, he had already crossed a line. If even Chen Lianxing had found him unworthy, what right did he have to expect Dai Dai to accept him?

Crushing his cigarette underfoot, Chen Jing watched as the ashes scattered.

—

Chen Lianxing was quick to notice something off at home.

Ever since that performance day, the dynamic between Chen Jing and Dai Dai had shifted. While Dai Dai remained her usual languid and carefree self, Chen Jing seemed to deliberately keep his distance.

His actions, however, told a different story. Just yesterday, Chen Jing had bought cherries, meticulously dividing them into two portions—one for Chen Lianxing and one for Dai Dai. He’d even purchased dresses for both of them.

The peach-colored dress for Dai Dai was particularly striking, with delicate floral embellishments on the sleeves that looked almost real.

Chen Lianxing nearly fainted upon seeing the price tag—five digits! She had never worn anything so extravagant in her life.

Dai Dai, however, treated it like any other dress and casually accepted it.

Chen Lianxing sneaked a glance at Chen Jing. He seemed intent on maintaining a balance, creating the impression that there was no favoritism between the two sisters.

Yet, she felt that Chen Jing was intentionally distancing himself from Dai Ning. Over the past few days, it had been Li Ming picking Dai Ning up from school. Chen Jing neither asked about her whereabouts nor seemed concerned about her schedule.

This was, of course, great news for Chen Lianxing. She secretly wished for Chen Jing to despise Dai Dai and kick her out of the house entirely.

Even Qingtuan, noticed the change, clutching its little round face in worry.

Dai Ning, however, appeared unbothered. She plucked a cherry and popped it into her mouth, as if savoring the calm before a storm.

If Chen Jing wanted to draw boundaries and act like a proper brother again, Dai Ning found it amusing. Since he didn’t want to see her, she decided to make things easier for him.

On Friday evening, Dai Ning knocked on Chen Jing’s door.

After a while, the door opened, revealing the man standing silently.

Smiling brightly, as if unaware of his recent coldness, Dai Ning chirped, “Brother, I wanted to tell you something. Next week, our school is hosting a seven-day summer camp at a resort in Fengming. I won’t be coming home during that time.”

Chen Jing stared at her for a moment before responding, “Okay.”

“Brother, I need 5,600 yuan for the fees.”

Chen Jing handed her a bank card, gave her the password, and told her to withdraw the money herself.

Dai Dai’s eyes curved into a crescent moon as she beamed. “Thanks, Brother! You’re the best!”

After closing the door, Chen Jing lit another cigarette. Normally, he avoided smoking before bed, but lately, the habit had become more frequent.

This isn’t very good for the body. After smoking a cigarette, he did 200 push-ups, his body covered in a light layer of sweat. Only then did Chen Jing finally manage to calm himself down. He went out to take a shower and returned to bed to sleep.

On Monday, because she was going to summer camp, Dai Ning got up early.

At dawn, Chen Jing opened his door and saw her.

She wore a light apricot-pink short dress, her voice sweet as she called out, “Good morning, brother,” as though completely oblivious to Chen Jing’s recent aloofness.

Chen Jing nodded and went to wash up.

Dai Ning changed into a pair of pretty sandals, and outside the small villa, someone honked their car horn.

“Brother, I’m leaving now.” She waved and cheerfully ran out.

Inside the bathroom, Chen Jing’s movements paused as he was shaving. When the house fell quiet again, he walked to the balcony and looked down.

The morning mist lingered, softening the view. Amidst the haze, Li Hu stepped out of the driver’s seat and draped a jacket over Dai Ning.

Li Hu gently ruffled her hair with a warm expression before opening the car door for her. Dai Ning climbed in.

Soon, the car disappeared from sight.

Chen Jing’s pupils were cold as he watched expressionlessly for a long time. Behind him, Chen Lianxing saw him standing on the balcony and called out tentatively, “Brother?”

The moment he left, Chen Lianxing reluctantly pulled out her phone to text Ji Tian.

My brother’s out.

Thanks.

Chen Lianxing pursed her lips. Over the past couple of days, she had been feeding Ji Tian updates. Although unwilling, Ji Tian promised to take her to a networking event next time, and Chen Lianxing quickly agreed.

Chen Jing ran into Ji Tian again on his way to the combat gym.

He had been encountering her a lot recently. Ji Tian was wearing an elegant cream-colored long dress, her smile radiant as she approached. “Good morning, Chen Jing. I just bought some breakfast. Want to have a bite?”

She held two savory pancakes.

Chen Jing shook his head.

Ji Tian looked a bit disappointed. She took a small bite herself and delicately wiped the corners of her mouth, her tongue lightly brushing against her red lips. Chen Jing noticed and turned his head away.

This subtle flirting—Ji Tian had been doing it often lately.

Although Ji Tian had no idea what kind of tantrum Ji Dai Ning was throwing, with Chen Jing distancing himself from her, wasn’t this her opportunity?

Before Chen Jing could enter the combat gym, Ji Tian reached out to stop him.

“Chen Jing, you should know how I feel about you,” Ji Tian said. “From the first time I saw you, I liked you. Since you don’t have a girlfriend, why not consider me?”

The girl in front of him had watery eyes that made her seem incredibly sincere.

Chen Jing stayed silent, pointing to his throat.

His hoarse and harsh voice didn’t deter Ji Tian. She smiled and shook her head. “I don’t mind! In my eyes, you’re perfect, no matter what.”

Chen Jing stared at her.

He couldn’t understand what Ji Tian saw in him. Could saving her once be enough to earn her affection? She was a pampered heiress; how could she possibly fancy someone like him—someone broken and empty-handed?

“Don’t mind?” Could someone truly not mind? If that were true, could that same person…

“Not at all!” Ji Tian affirmed, seeing a glimmer of hope. She couldn’t afford to be reserved now. Ji Dai Ning’s shamelessness had driven her to despair; every time she held back, the man would slip away.

“Sorry.” Chen Jing stepped aside and headed inside.

Ji Tian was indeed attractive and had a good personality, but all of Chen Jing’s chaotic feelings stemmed from another heartless girl.

The summer resort was delightful.

Dai Ning sighed contentedly. The resort was incredibly cool, with tall trees and lush greenery everywhere.

She lay in a small boat, letting it drift in the middle of the lake.

At the resort, the teachers were instructing the students—about 20 high schoolers preparing for this year’s math competition. It was said that the top ten scorers nationwide in the competition would receive extra points on their college entrance exams.

The summer camp was run by Li Hu’s family. When inviting Dai Ning, Li Hu had told her she could come to sleep, fish, play with rabbits, and even have hotpot.

Since Chen Jing wanted to avoid her for a couple of days, Dai Ning decided to join a group of studious kids for some fun.

Ever since meeting Chen Jing, she had never been away from him for more than a week. She wondered how Chen Jing was feeling about this separation.

Upon arriving at the summer resort, Dai Ning found that Li Hu hadn’t lied. She spent half the day napping on a gently rocking boat, feeling blissfully happy.

It was much better than staying home and looking at Chen Jing’s cold expression!

In the evening, Li Hu came to check on her after finishing his lessons.

He and the boatman boarded another boat to fetch her. The evening light cast a warm golden hue, and a delicate dragonfly perched on the hem of her dress. The girl’s long lashes rested against her cheeks, making her look stunningly beautiful.

Li Hu’s heart softened as he gazed at her. He boarded her boat and planted a light kiss on her cheek.

Dai Ning woke up to Qingtuan’s squeals. She opened her eyes and, without hesitation, slapped him.

“….” Li Hu turned his face slightly, unfazed, and helped her up. “Come on, let’s eat.”

Dai Ning scrutinized him. Li Hu smiled at her. She thought, he had always been a little audacious with her, but he was definitely the thickest-skinned of them all.

When would her Chen Jing-gege ever grow such thick skin and break through his mental barriers?