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In the parking lot.
Once they got into the car and started the engine, Jiang Jinnian turned his head to glance at the girl in the passenger seat and asked as the vehicle began to move,
“Did you have a fight with Tingxu?”
Shen Nanzhi, holding her phone and lowering her eyelids, shook her head.
“No.”
Over twenty years ago, the Shen family, like the current Jiang family, was one of the top elite families occupying the pinnacle of Huaihai City’s social hierarchy.
Additionally, the Jiang and Shen families had always maintained a friendly relationship, with their elders frequently interacting. From the moment she was born, the Jiang and Shen families had arranged a marriage alliance.
However, this kind of situation didn’t last long.
When she was ten years old, a tragic accident took both her mother and father in one night, causing the Shen family business to teeter on the brink of collapse.
The Jiang family acted promptly, using their influence and connections to protect the Shen family business and brought her to live with them, raising her as if she were their own.
The Jiang family had two sons, with Jiang Jinnian being seven years older than her. By the time Shen Nanzhi arrived at the Jiang family, he was already studying abroad.
Living in the old Jiang residence and growing up together day by day was Jiang Tingxu, who was two years older than her.
Before reaching adulthood, perhaps due to their shared living situation, her relationship with Jiang Tingxu during those years was actually quite good.
Not just good, but unexpectedly so.
At school, Jiang Tingxu protected her.
In the Jiang family home, Jiang Tingxu took care of her.
Even when Jiang Jinnian’s mother occasionally left Huaihai City and was not at the old residence, it was always Jiang Tingxu who stayed by her side during every thunderstorm.
This harmonious and gentle companionship abruptly came to an end two years ago.
The marriage alliance between the Jiang and Shen families had never been a secret.
Compared to Jiang Jinnian, she and Jiang Tingxu were not only close in age but had also grown up together. Almost everyone tacitly acknowledged that the marriage agreement would fall upon her and Jiang Tingxu.
Shen Nanzhi once believed this as well.
Until two years ago, when her relationship with Jiang Tingxu distanced itself without warning.
At first, she couldn’t understand why the bond they had nurtured for so many years would suddenly change.
It was only later that she understood it was because Jiang Tingxu rejected the arranged marriage.
He resisted the life that was planned for him.
He resisted living like a puppet, following a predetermined path laid out by others.
Naturally, she, as the fiancée who had been “arranged” from the start, was also met with his rejection.
Before realizing that Jiang Tingxu scoffed at the engagement, Shen Nanzhi had never considered the possibility of calling it off.
Throughout her life, everyone had told her that she and Jiang Tingxu were betrothed from birth. Jiang Jinnian’s mother treated her as her own daughter, lavishing her with love and care.
In Shen Nanzhi’s mind, the marriage between their families had long become a habit that she unconsciously accepted as she grew up.
So when she found out that Jiang Tingxu rejected this marriage, she was stunned.
After the initial shock and confusion, the first thing she did was to use the excuse of the distance between the Jiang family’s old residence and Huaihai University to move out
This way, she and Jiang Tingxu wouldn’t have to face each other awkwardly.
During this Mid-Autumn holiday, Shen Nanzhi hadn’t planned to visit the Jiang family. Over the past month, she had been overwhelmed with the research group’s tasks, busy for two consecutive weeks. Finally getting a break, she intended to relax in her apartment for a couple of days and recharge.
However, she hadn’t anticipated that Jiang Jinnian, who hadn’t returned to the country in two years, would suddenly come back.
Thinking it over, she realized that the unclear and stagnant state of the marriage agreement between the Jiang and Shen families wasn’t a suitable situation either.
Seizing this Mid-Autumn occasion, if she could have a frank discussion and gracefully annul the engagement, it would be a good outcome.
—
The Jiang family had deep roots, and the villa area of the old residence was a prime location in Huaihai City, where every inch was worth its weight in gold. As their car approached the villa area, the vehicles on the road had already become sparse.
Shen Nanzhi looked at the familiar cluster of villas outside the car window as Jiang Jinnian parked in the parking area in front of the villa.
The villa was unusually quiet.
Walking from outside to inside, she only saw the old house’s servants.
There was no sign of Jiang Jinnian’s parents.
Entering the hall, noticing her gaze searching around, Jiang Jinnian took off his coat and explained,
“My parents’ flight was delayed, so they won’t be able to make it tonight. They’ll arrive tomorrow morning.”
Shen Nanzhi softly responded.
As his words fell, Jiang Jinnian looked at the girl who had grown up in this home, now standing in the hall yet appearing somewhat uneasy. He subtly moved his wrist,
For a fleeting moment, he imagined reaching out to ruffle her hair like Jiang Tingxu used to do when comforting her, telling her not to feel constrained or nervous, reminding her that this would always be her home.
But before he could make that gesture, he held himself back.
She had never been close to him.
He was not Jiang Tingxu; he didn’t share that kind of familiarity with her.
Such an intimate gesture would not be appropriate now.
“I didn’t hear you say much on the way here. Are you tired?” Jiang Jinnian’s gaze lingered on her face. “What would you like to eat? I can have Uncle Gu arrange for someone to prepare it.”
Shen Nanzhi’s lips curved slightly, and at a glance, she seemed obedient and well-mannered. However, this was only if one ignored her instinctive head shake and the way she quickly tried to avoid him.
“I’ve already had dinner at school, so there’s no need to trouble Uncle Gu and the others.”
“I noticed your phone has been ringing constantly on the way here. It must be something urgent. I’ll head to my room and not disturb you while you work, Brother.”
Jiang Jinnian watched her intently as she hurried up the spiral staircase without looking back.
The housekeeper, who had been with the Jiang family for decades, approached Jiang Jinnian, but before he could speak, Jiang Jinnian asked,
“For the past two years, has Nanzhi gone straight upstairs to her room after arriving?”
In Jiang Jinnian’s memory, the Shen Nanzhi from childhood was cheerful and lively. She disliked being alone in her room and preferred having someone with her. Even when she was home alone, she rarely stayed cooped up in her room; instead, she would sit on the sofa in the hall, chatting with Uncle Gu and Aunt Wang.
Jiang Jinnian’s question caused the housekeeper to pause for a moment before carefully replying,
“Miss Nanzhi has come home infrequently these past couple of years. Each time she visits, she’ll chat with Mr. and Mrs. Jiang for a while before heading straight to her room.”
Jiang Jinnian didn’t respond.
After a moment, he lowered his eyelids, unbuttoned his shirt cuffs, and rolled them up twice.
Jiang Jinnian had an aloof personality and an enigmatic mind. Coupled with his years abroad, even Uncle Gu, a veteran who had served the Jiang family for most of his life, couldn’t fully fathom Jiang Jinnian’s temperament.
He was about to arrange for dinner when Jiang Jinnian’s phone rang.
The housekeeper instantly fell silent.
Jiang Jinnian glanced at the screen and answered the call.
His assistant, Zhou Lin’s voice came through the receiver:
“Mr. Jiang, the international online meeting will begin in half an hour. Should we proceed as scheduled, or should we cancel it?”
Jiang Jinnian checked his watch and said, “Inform the board of directors; we’ll proceed as planned.”
After hanging up, before heading to his study, Jiang Jinnian instructed the housekeeper.
“No need to prepare dinner. Just prepare a late-night snack for Nanzhi later.”
The housekeeper responded affirmatively.
In the bedroom on the third floor.
Shen Nanzhi called her friend, Gu Qinghe.
She told her about retrieving the USB drive.
“When should I give it to you?” Shen Nanzhi held her phone in one hand, propping her chin up with the other as she half-lay on the bed, asking Gu Qinghe on the other end of the line, “Today? Or after we return to school?”
Gu Qinghe sighed heavily.
Her voice was listless.
“I’ve really angered my father this time, and to make matters worse, I have a gloating older brother pouring fuel on the fire. I’ve practically worn out my mouth explaining, and they still won’t let me out.”
“Today is out of the question. I doubt I can slip away from their watchful eyes this Mid-Autumn Festival, Zhizhi. We’ll have to wait until after the holiday and school starts.”
Shen Nanzhi chuckled helplessly, twirling the cord of the USB drive, comforting her dejected friend.
Gu Qinghe’s mood changed quickly.
Before long, she was talking about other topics.
“I heard from my brother that Jiang Jinnian is back?”
Shen Nanzhi rested her elbow, her chin on her arm, and lazily responded with an “mm.”
Gu Qinghe came from the prominent Gu family, and her brother had a good relationship with Jiang Jinnian. Naturally, she was also aware of the engagement between the Jiang and Shen families.
Shen Nanzhi thought it was just a casual inquiry about Jiang Jinnian, but after a short pause, Gu Qinghe suddenly said,
“Zhizhi, I have a suggestion.”
“What suggestion?”
There was a rustling sound on Gu Qinghe’s end.
Shen Nanzhi was about to ask what she was doing, but before she could speak, her friend unexpectedly threw out a suggestion:
“The Jiang family doesn’t only have Jiang Tingxu who carries the Jiang surname. Since he’s unwilling to accept the engagement between the Jiang and Shen families, why don’t you try dating Jiang Jinnian?”
Shen Nanzhi felt a sharp buzzing sensation in her head.
She stared at her phone screen, gritting her teeth as she squeezed out a few words:
“Gu Qinghe! Did your father’s scolding finally scramble your brain?!”
What kind of absurd suggestion was that?
Her relationship with Jiang Jinnian was practically nonexistent.
Over the past ten years, their shared memories were few and far between.
Furthermore, Jiang Jinnian’s aloof and distant nature made him difficult to approach. She felt stiff and uncomfortable even being around him, so why would she try dating him?
However, Gu Qinghe continued, quite reasonably, “My dear Zhizhi, don’t rush to reject me. Just consider it calmly, isn’t Jiang Jinnian superior to Jiang Tingxu in every aspect—?”
Shen Nanzhi quickly interrupted, “Don’t give me any more bad ideas, Miss! Why don’t you go back and continue listening to your father’s lectures? I have something to do, so I have to go now. Bye.”
Ending the call, Shen Nanzhi rubbed her temples, which were throbbing from Gu Qinghe’s shocking suggestion. She hadn’t rubbed them for long when a gentle knock came at the door.
Shen Nanzhi tossed her phone down and went to open the door.
Uncle Li stood outside, carrying a late-night snack.
His face held a kind smile.
“Miss Nanzhi, Mr. Jiang was worried you might get hungry later, so he specially asked the kitchen to prepare a late-night snack and some fruit.”
“Do you think you’ll like these snacks?”
Seeing the fruit platter Uncle Li was carrying, Shen Nanzhi paused for a moment before realizing what had happened. She stepped aside to let Uncle Li enter, softly thanking him.
“Thank you, Uncle Li. Please also thank my brother for me.”
Uncle Li set the items down and smiled as he turned to leave.
Before he left, Shen Nanzhi thought of something and added courteously, “Since my brother just returned from abroad, he probably hasn’t had dinner yet. Uncle Li, could you please have the kitchen prepare a meal for him as well?”
The housekeeper replied, “Dinner is already ready. Since Mr. Jiang is in a meeting, I’ll have someone deliver it to him shortly. Miss Nanzhi, please take a rest. If you need anything, just let someone call for me.”
The old villa was spacious, and most of the servants lived in the staff quarters at the back. With only her and Jiang Jinnian in the entire villa, it felt particularly quiet.
Although she was quite tired, it was only a little after eight o’clock, and after lying in bed for a while, Shen Nanzhi found it impossible to fall asleep.
She got up and took her notebook over to the sofa.
Logging into her account, she began to wrap up the projects she had been working on during this time.
Time passed slowly.
By the time Shen Nanzhi finished her work completely, she glanced at the time in the lower corner of her notebook—it was already past ten o’clock.
The accumulated fatigue and drowsiness surged as she typed the last word. Shen Nanzhi tossed her computer aside, grabbed her phone, and unlocked it with her fingerprint to check the messages Gu Qinghe had sent her earlier.
After staring at the computer screen for over two hours while processing forms, her eyes felt strained and her mouth dry. As she scrolled through her phone messages, she headed outside to get a glass of water.
It was 10:18.
At this hour, it was already late.
Although Jiang Jinnian’s room was far from hers, also on the third floor, she didn’t want to disturb his rest, so Shen Nanzhi left the corridor’s main light off. Instead, she made her way to the staircase using the dim light from the wall sconces, following her memory.
Seeing that she was finally done, Gu Qinghe, who was bored at home, bombarded her with messages again, sending an array of emojis and voice messages flooding into the chat.
Shen Nanzhi automatically skimmed past Gu Qinghe’s barrage of rabbit-themed emojis. Occasionally, she would open the pictures sent her way for a quick look, then replied in the message thread.
When a person is tired and fatigued, their reactions are often much slower than usual.
Not to mention, most of Shen Nanzhi’s attention was currently focused on her phone.
As she typed on the screen, she hadn’t finished her message when she reached the corner on the second floor. Not noticing Jiang Jinnian coming up from the first floor, she suddenly bumped into him as she stepped down.
Her phone slipped from her grasp, stumbling as it fell.
In that instant, Shen Nanzhi’s drowsy awareness snapped back into focus. As she retreated to create some distance from Jiang Jinnian, she hurriedly tried to catch her phone.
Behind her was the staircase, and retreating recklessly could easily cause her to fall.
Jiang Jinnian noticed her movements. Before she could be tripped by the steps, his large hand came down to steady her lower back.
The light white phone grazed against the railing of the spiral staircase with a “ding” before it was barely caught by Shen Nanzhi at the last moment as it was about to tumble down from the second floor.