Qi An’an had spoken with a tone of utmost sincerity. Well, what she said was the truth. Whether it was the Jiang Lu in the novel or the Jiang Lu she knew in real life, he had always been as clean and radiant as moonlight, a young man whose excellence was plain for all to see.

Jiang Lu stood just behind that wall, his breathing completely thrown into disarray.

Even though he had reminded himself countless times that there was nothing flirtatious or suggestive in her words— that it was nothing more than a childish and innocent compliment— he still couldn’t calm the thunderous pounding of his heart.

His fists clenched tightly. Jiang Lu shut his eyes for a long time and took several deep breaths. Only after making sure he wouldn’t reveal any emotion did he slowly walk out from around the corner.

When Qi An’an saw him coming, she raised her hand and called out, “Jiang Lu, come sit and have some fruit.”

Qi Zhen looked up at him briefly, then lowered her head and quietly scooted over to the side— a clear invitation for him to sit beside her.

Jiang Lu pretended not to see it. With a cold expression, he walked straight to the single seat at the far end of the sofa. He hid his reddened left wrist behind his back, not daring to let Qi An’an see it. Back at the café, he had scrubbed his palm raw after grabbing Boss Wang’s hand, and Qi An’an had seen it. Though that had been a long time ago and she might’ve already forgotten, he still didn’t want to let his overly intense aversion show too obviously.

Qi Zhen pursed her lips and straightened her back again, deliberately turning her face away from Jiang Lu.

The subtle undercurrents between the two passed quickly, and Qi An’an didn’t notice. She pushed the fruit plate toward the space between Jiang Lu and Qi Zhen and asked, “Jiang Lu, what are you doing over the break?”

“Just drawing some stuff.” Jiang Lu replied. Then, meeting Qi An’an’s smiling eyes, his voice unconsciously softened, “Didn’t you say before that you wanted me to draw something for you? What do you want me to draw?”

Before the high school entrance exams, Qi An’an had mentioned it once to Jiang Lu. But at the time, it was really just an excuse to get him to come over so he could have a chance meeting with her precious girl.

Now that he was about to fulfill that promise, Qi An’an began to think seriously. As for what to draw…… it definitely couldn’t be Qi Zhen. They weren’t familiar enough for that, and it would be awkward.

After some thought, Qi An’an tapped her own forehead. “Then…… can you draw me?”

That was exactly what Jiang Lu expected. Fifteen- or sixteen-year-old girls were unlikely to be all that interested in landscapes. Most likely, they would ask for a self-portrait.

When he agreed to Qi An’an’s request back then, he had harbored a selfish and shameful intention. And now, everything was unfolding just as he had hoped.

Jiang Lu said, “Sure. But my skill’s limited, and I’m not great at realistic drawing. Can I take a picture of you and draw it slowly at home?”

Though his tone was calm, the throw blanket behind him was already crumpled beyond recognition.

Qi An’an didn’t know much about such things and certainly wouldn’t question him. She immediately nodded. “Of course, that’s fine.”

She had originally been sitting cross-legged on the sofa, hugging her knees. After thinking about it, she shifted her posture, resting her elbows on her knees and cupping her face in her hands, flashing a cheerful smile. “How about this? You can take it now.”

She was so cooperative, immediately posing for him without the slightest hesitation, leaving Jiang Lu no room to use any of the excuses he had prepared.

The hand Jiang Lu had hidden behind his back slowly loosened and the corner of his lips lifted into a faint smile. He took out his phone, holding it up in front of him like a treasure.

His thumb trembled slightly as he pressed the shutter.

Time froze in that instant.

The girl in the frame had delicate features, and her eyes curved like two little crescent moons. Just looking at her made his heart go soft.

He wouldn’t get to see her again in the future, but at least he had this precious memory. In the end, it was a greedy, despicable gift he had stolen for himself.

Once the photo was taken, Jiang Lu put away his phone. “Qi An’an, you should take care of your guest. I’ll send the finished drawing to you later.”

Huh? He was leaving already? Qi An’an’s heart skipped a beat.

Wait! The drawing was only an excuse to invite him over. If he left like this, it would seem like she’d invited him just to have a portrait done.

Jiang Lu hadn’t even properly met Qi Zhen yet. They hadn’t exchanged more than a few words.

“Jiang Lu, don’t leave so soon.” Qi An’an said, looking up at him as he stood. She quickly stood as well, her eyes brimming with reluctance. “Stay and have dinner with us before you go, okay?”

Qi Zhen hadn’t been able to get a word in until now, but she joined in too, “Yeah, you’ve only just gotten here. Don’t be so formal. No need to rush off.”

That word ‘guest’ in his earlier sentence had left a sour taste in Qi Zhen’s mouth. She was also Qi Hong’s daughter. How was she a guest?

Jiang Lu didn’t even glance at Qi Zhen, let alone respond to her. His eyes remained fixed on Qi An’an. “You guys have fun. I’m heading out.”

His tone brooked no argument. Qi An’an knew better than to keep pressing. Both of them were her precious darlings. Since her darling was so adamant, she didn’t have the heart to make things difficult for him. “Alright then, I’ll walk you out.”

Qi Zhen stirred a little. She had originally planned to walk Jiang Lu to the door as well, but seeing him turn away without even sparing her a glance, a wave of displeasure welled up inside her. So she stayed seated.

She had just gone out of her way to be warm and welcoming. How could he suddenly turn cold again? Was this playing hard to get? Qi Zhen stared meaningfully at Jiang Lu’s retreating back.

Qi An’an asked Butler Chen to bring the fruit and snacks she had prepared in advance for Jiang Lu and then led him to the entryway to help him change his shoes.

She stood next to him a little deflated, her head lowered in guilt. “It’s so hot out, and you came all this way without even having anything to eat. Now you’re heading back already, and you still have to draw for me.”

Qi An’an was a little annoyed at herself. She wondered if maybe she had rushed things too much. Perhaps Jiang Lu just wasn’t comfortable around strangers, which was why he was leaving so soon. Maybe she should’ve set up a casual encounter first or waited until class assignments in high school to let the two meet naturally.

Ah, guess it had to be like this for now.

Jiang Lu looked at Qi An’an’s pitiful expression, his lips parting as though to speak, but he didn’t know what to say. She would never understand what he had truly gained today.

But then, remembering something else, he lowered his gaze to Qi An’an and asked, “Who was that girl here today?”

Oh? So maybe she had been too quick to despair. Jiang Lu had noticed Qi Zhen after all. Maybe the force of the plot had stirred something in him. Otherwise, why would he ask about Qi Zhen right after meeting?

Qi An’an got excited inside and introduced Qi Zhen with a bright smile, “Her name is Qi Zhen. She’s…… a friend of mine.”

Oh no. Their earlier interaction had clearly shown she and Qi Zhen had just met. There was no way to slip in any subtext now. Sigh.

The girl’s surname was Qi and she carried herself like she owned the place.

Combined with Butler Chen’s attitude, it didn’t feel like a normal way to treat a guest at all. Jiang Lu quickly put two and two together. He didn’t say anything, but by now, he had a pretty good idea who Qi Zhen was.

Judging by Qi An’an’s reaction, today was likely the first time they had met. If she had a choice, Qi An’an would never have invited someone like that over. Qi Zhen’s appearance there was probably arranged by their father. And judging by Qi Zhen’s domineering attitude, she hadn’t come by invitation but by force. After all, Qi An’an had an older brother who adored her. If Qi An’an had any say in it, Qi Zhen wouldn’t be there.

Those thoughts flashed by in a heartbeat. Jiang Lu didn’t dare dwell on it further. Qi An’an’s warmth toward Qi Zhen wasn’t an act. She was so considerate and well-behaved it made his heart ache.

He couldn’t help but feel protective. Though he knew he shouldn’t, he still said gently, “Qi An’an, if anything happens…… you can come to me anytime.” His words were vague, meant to be comforting and respectful of her feelings.

But to Qi An’an, they sounded like something entirely different. Was this the power of the plot? She had just been worrying about how to find a reason to invite Jiang Lu in the future, and there he was, handing her an excuse on a silver platter.

It was like falling asleep and someone bringing her a pillow. Qi An’an’s mood lifted instantly. Her joy was impossible to hide. Her eyes and brows shimmered with a smile. “Really? I can come to you, no matter what it’s about? You won’t make some excuse to avoid me when the time comes?”

Her round eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked up at him, like a child waiting for candy.

Jiang Lu felt as if something had flicked a flame in his chest— a sharp, tingling burn. “I won’t.”

Qi An’an was easily pleased. She immediately beamed with happiness. “Great! Then be careful on your way back!”

────ρя

Please only read this translation at S h a n g h a i f a n t a s y . c o m to support the translator

Because Qi Zhen had shown up, Qi Yan didn’t feel at ease. He rushed to finish the project on hand within a week and returned home without a word.

He hadn’t called ahead. When he stepped inside, Butler Chen was momentarily stunned, then smiled in surprise. “Young Master, you’re back all of a sudden? Please wait a moment, I’ll tell the kitchen to prepare a few more dishes.”

“I caught the latest flight back. I wanted to check on An’an.” Qi Yan glanced into the house, then lowered his voice, “Qi Zhen came, right? How’s An’an doing?”

Butler Chen’s expression softened with affection. “Miss is really just too sensible. She hasn’t shown any sign of being upset. I see her smiling every day. But honestly, Sir Qi is so biased. I’ve never seen him care this little about Miss.”

Qi Yan’s gaze darkened, his expression turning cold. “Let’s not talk about him. You’ve met Qi Zhen. What’s your impression?”

“I’ve only interacted with her a few times, so it’s hard to say.” Butler Chen said carefully. “She seemed polite, gentle, and quiet. Not the type to stir up trouble.”

Given their identities, the situation was already awkward and strange. But surprisingly, the two girl’s first meeting hadn’t carried any tension. It was even…… friendly.

Qi Yan didn’t ask further.

After dinner, Qi Yan turned to Qi Zhen and said, “Go wait for me in the study. I need to talk to you.”

Qi Zhen walked into the study gracefully. She was composed and poised, waiting calmly for Qi Yan. She wasn’t afraid of his demeanor. Cold indifference was what she had expected all along.

“Settling in alright?” Qi Yan didn’t look at her after entering. He lit a cigarette, his tone flat and businesslike.

“It’s fine. An’an has taken great care of me. Thank you, Brother, for letting me stay.” Qi Zhen replied, drawing in her shoulders slightly and sitting obediently in the wide chair, making her look even more delicate.

Qi Yan chuckled. “There’s no need to call me brother. I only have one sister, which is An’an. Letting you stay here has nothing to do with you being Qi Hong’s daughter. It’s because I can’t challenge him for now. If I refuse, he’ll keep bothering An’an.”

Qi Zhen lowered her posture even more. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know. It’s all my fault.”

“Good. As long as you know that.” Qi Yan didn’t bother with pleasantries. He went straight to the point. “You probably aren’t comfortable living here either. I’ll find you a place and wire money to you every month. Just move out as soon as possible. With me around, you won’t need to worry about your living or schooling expenses. If Qi Hong asks, handle it yourself.”

Under the table, Qi Zhen’s hands clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palms. She hadn’t expected Qi Yan to be so hostile toward her. She hadn’t even done anything.

All this was to shield Qi An’an, wasn’t it? So that was it. No wonder Qi An’an didn’t seem to mind her presence, the other party had been waiting for this.

First, the warmth and friendliness to lower Qi Zhen’s guard. Then, a few days later, Qi Yan returned to drive her out. These siblings were clearly working together to bully her!

Qi Zhen had never suffered such humiliation. She was her mother’s precious jewel. Now reduced to a lonely orphan, she actually had to suffer this kind of treatment. Tears welled in her eyes. “I know my situation is awkward. It’s normal for you and An’an not to like me. I understand that my being here is inconvenient. But Dad insisted I come. I couldn’t defy him. But don’t worry, I’ll do as you say. If Dad asks, I won’t say a word.”

She looked pitiable, but Qi Yan showed no reaction to her words of loyalty.

He didn’t take her words seriously. “Whether you keep quiet or not doesn’t matter to me. It’s better if you don’t tell Qi Hong the truth— less trouble for everyone. But if you do, I’ve got plenty of ways to deal with you. You know very well what your beloved father is like. He’s busy with women and booze. If he wants to play the good father, it all depends on his mood. But he sure won’t be in that mood twenty-four-seven.”

Qi Zhen looked like she still wanted to explain, but Qi Yan wasn’t interested. He had said what he needed to say. “That’s it. I’ll take care of it soon. Get some rest.”

He walked out after speaking, turning left from the doorway— likely heading to Qi An’an’s room. Qi Zhen hesitated for a moment, then quietly followed him.

……

Earlier, Qi An’an had crept up to the study door to eavesdrop, but the soundproofing was too good and she hadn’t heard a thing. Still, she trusted that Qi Yan wouldn’t do anything bad. He probably just reminded Qi Zhen to get along with her.

When Qi Yan entered her room, Qi An’an greeted him with a smile and quickly ran over to grab his arm. “Brother! Didn’t you have a project this month? You said you might not come back at all. Is this a surprise for me? What did you say to Ah Zhen just now? You wouldn’t even let me listen.”

Qi Yan looked down at her, hearing her call Qi Zhen ‘Ah Zhen.’ He reached out and gently touched her hair. “My little sister doesn’t need to be this obedient.”

He smiled and said lightly, “It was nothing. I just asked a few questions.”

He didn’t mention that he was planning to send Qi Zhen away. His sister was so kind. If she heard, she would probably feel guilty and try to suppress her feelings. He didn’t want to trouble her with it.

Qi An’an noticed that Qi Yan didn’t seem in high spirits. She didn’t mind Qi Zhen’s presence, but she worried it might upset him. She softened her voice and asked, “Brother, are you still busy with work? Will you be staying home for a while?”

If he stayed, would he dislike being around Qi Zhen……? Before she could finish the thought, Qi Yan shook his head apologetically.

“Not right now. I paused the project temporarily to come see you. But I need to get back to it soon.”

He wanted nothing more than to stay with her, but he simply couldn’t spare the time. “Sorry, An’an. I’ll have to go on a business trip abroad in a few days. I might not be back until right before school starts. Like I always say, even if I’m not around, no matter what happens, you must tell me. Don’t keep things from me because you think it’ll affect my work, understand?”

He said that every time. Qi An’an had heard it so often it was almost funny. “Got it. But if you keep worrying about everything like this, you better watch out— you’ll go bald.”

The two of them laughed together.

Outside the door, Qi Zhen stood with a cold expression. After a moment of thought, she quietly turned and went back to her room.

Qi An’an and Qi Yan had clearly rehearsed their roles. One played the good cop while the other the bad cop just to humiliate her. There was no way she would let it go.

She could leave. She didn’t want to live under the same roof as Qi An’an anyway. But she wasn’t going to leave like this.

Qi Zhen took out her phone and dialed a number she knew by heart.

It rang for a long time before someone picked up. There was a lot of background noise. Qi Zhen took a deep breath and softened her voice, “Dad.”

“Ah Zhen.” Qi Hong sounded like he had been drinking. His tone was casual, “What’s up? Why the sudden call? Weren’t you going to S City in a couple of days?”

Qi Zhen paused before replying, “Dad, I’ve been here for over a week already.”

“Oh, so you’ve already gone. How is it? Are you used to living there? An’an hasn’t bullied you, has she?”

This time, Qi Zhen was silent a bit longer. Then she deliberately adopted a light, cheerful tone, “Of course not. An’an’s been wonderful to me. She’s taken care of everything— food, clothes, everything. She’s kind and gentle. There’s no way she’d bully me. You’re overthinking it, Dad.”

She had grown up under her mother’s influence and knew exactly how to play her father. As expected, Qi Hong let out a cold laugh. “You don’t have to cover for her, Ah Zhen. I know what kind of person she is. Just look at who her mother is. She’s probably been making your life miserable these past few days, hasn’t she? Don’t worry, you’ve got me to back you up. My Ah Zhen has never been wronged. Who does she think she is?”

Qi Zhen immediately put on a panicked tone, “No, Dad, really! An’an hasn’t bullied me at all. I’m not lying!”

“You don’t have to be so considerate. That girl needs to be properly disciplined. If she dares show you attitude, then she clearly doesn’t respect me either. Since I’ve got some free time lately, I’ll personally go over there one of these days.”

Qi Zhen smiled faintly, her tone soft, “Dad, you don’t have to do this. I never expected you to do anything for me, but if you came to see me, I’d be really happy. I haven’t seen you in a long time.” She lowered her voice, “If you’re not busy, could you come this weekend? It just happens to be my birthday……”

Her voice sounded so gentle and delicate, full of cautious hope, that Qi Hong agreed without hesitation, “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely come. Not only will I celebrate your birthday, but I’ll make sure justice is served for you too.”

After hanging up the phone, Qi Zhen lay on the bed and felt the tight knot of grievance in her chest slowly ease a little. She hadn’t done anything wrong to begin with. Was it her choice to be an illegitimate daughter? Was it she who shamelessly insisted on living there? What right did Qi Yan and Qi An’an have to treat her like this?

She didn’t need to do anything now and just wait for Qi Hong to see with his own eyes how the siblings Qi Yan and Qi An’an tried to throw her out. Maybe, if his heart softened, he might even take her to live with him.

────ρя


Qi An’an hadn’t been idle these past couple of days. The weekend was Qi Zhen’s birthday, and she, being the ultimate fan, remembered it clearly and started preparing a few days in advance.

When it was Jiang Lu’s birthday, she didn’t have a suitable reason to throw a big party for him. But this time, her other cub was having a birthday, and since she happened to be staying at their house during the holiday, Qi An’an was confident she could throw a warm and happy celebration.

Ever since Jiang Lu’s last visit, Qi An’an hadn’t invited him over again. Though he had promised that if she needed anything, she could call him and he wouldn’t refuse, she couldn’t just keep inviting him over without a reason. Not only would that seem inappropriate, but with how smart he was, he might start to see through things.

But this time, she finally had a perfect excuse. Qi An’an was quite pleased with herself. She was going to throw a birthday party for Qi Zhen, introduce her to a few good friends, and call Jiang Lu over too. Then it wouldn’t feel abrupt at all. She believed that once the two met, the strong story plotline would naturally lead to some sweet developments.

Qi An’an contacted a few of her good friends and then called Jiang Lu. He answered quickly.

His end of the line was quiet, and his voice deep and mellow like a cello, “What’s the matter?”

Just from the sound of his voice, Qi An’an nearly began imagining little romantic scenes in her head. “Jiang Lu, tomorrow is Ah Zhen’s birthday. We’re having a party at home. It’s also a good chance for her to meet a few friends. Come join us, okay?”

Jiang Lu furrowed his brows and quietly repeated, “You’re throwing her a birthday party?”

Qi An’an didn’t catch which word he was emphasizing. “Yeah, isn’t that a coincidence? Such an important day. She just got here and doesn’t know anyone. I have to introduce her to my friends to make it lively.”

Jiang Lu went silent.

He stayed quiet for a bit too long. Qi An’an couldn’t help but ask, “Jiang Lu, why aren’t you saying anything? Are you busy on that day?”

There was another two-second pause, then Jiang Lu finally replied, “I’ll come.”

After hanging up, his brows instinctively knit together. Qi An’an was warm and gentle by nature, but considering Qi Zhen’s position, why did she have to go this far?

The girl he couldn’t bear to see hurt, what kind of grievances had she been silently enduring?

────ρя


On Saturday morning, Qi Zhen received a call from Qi Hong. He had just gotten off the plane and sounded in a good mood. The airport wasn’t too far from the city, so he’d be there in just over an hour.

It was almost time for the show to begin. Qi Zhen casually packed a few of her pitifully few belongings. These two days marked the end of Qi Yan’s final warning. If she didn’t leave soon, he would no longer show any pretense of civility and would have her thrown out.

Hmph! She wanted to see who would end up more embarrassed in the end.

An hour later, Qi Zhen felt the timing was just right. She pulled up her suitcase and placed her hand on the bedroom doorknob. Only then did she suddenly realize how unusually quiet the house seemed that day.

Normally around this time, even if it wasn’t noisy, there would be footsteps or conversations outside. And once Qi An’an was awake, she’d be chatting and laughing. Why was it so strangely silent today?

The thought only flashed briefly across Qi Zhen’s mind. She shook her head and pressed the handle to open the door, but in the next instant, she froze in place.

Before she could even process the sight of pink balloons and lilies everywhere, two “Pop” sounds from party poppers brought her back to her senses.

Countless little colored streamers rained down from above. Qi An’an, standing below, gave a satisfied shake of the popper. “Hey, this thing works pretty well.”

“Is that Qi Zhen?” A girl in the living room asked.

Qi An’an looked up. “Ah Zhen, you’re awake. Happy birthday!”

Qi Zhen felt a guilty flutter in her chest.

In the living room stood Butler Chen and a group of servants, along with a few teenagers she didn’t know— and Jiang Lu.

Among so many people, she only locked eyes with Jiang Lu for a second.

His gaze was calm yet sharp. From where he stood, he had a clear view of the suitcase in Qi Zhen’s hand. In that instant, Qi Zhen nearly believed he had seen right through her.

After Qi An’an spoke, the others greeted Qi Zhen too, wishing her happy birthday with scattered, friendly words.

Qi An’an cheerfully introduced them, “These are all my good friends. Since you just got here, you should hang out with us from now on. The cake I ordered will arrive soon— then we’ll eat. Don’t just stand on the stairs, come on down.”

Qi Zhen stood there dazed, taking in the decorations. The ceiling was covered in pink balloons, and the leftovers had been stacked in the living room, adding a dreamy touch to the scene. Several gift boxes were piled on the coffee table and it was obvious they were all for her.

How could this be? Why would Qi An’an go to such lengths to throw her a grand birthday party? Wasn’t Qi An’an the one who had silently agreed with Qi Yan to kick her out?

If things were like this, then how could she……

Qi Zhen still hadn’t moved when Qi An’an came up the stairs. “What’s wrong? Eh? Why did you bring out your suitcase?”

Qi Zhen gripped the suitcase handle tightly. “I……”

Everyone turned to look at Qi Zhen curiously— except Jiang Lu. He lowered his eyes, his gaze icy cold.

Qi Zhen had barely started speaking when the doorbell rang. Butler Chen, puzzled, went to check, and turned back in surprise. “Miss, Sir Qi is here.”

Qi Zhen’s face went instantly pale.