Chapter 43

Chen Jing spent the entire afternoon basking in the sun, his shirt soaked with sweat.

By evening, the air had cooled, and dark clouds gathered above the house. Chen Jing changed out of his damp clothes and tossed them into the washing machine. As darkness fell, the alleys that were usually lively remained eerily quiet, likely due to the looming rain keeping people indoors.

Chen Jing thought of the mischievous girl he had taken in and walked to her room, knocking on the door.

Dai Ning had just woken up, her voice soft and sleepy, “What is it?”

Chen Jing showed her the note in his hand:
“Move the pansies in the yard inside.”

Dai Ning stared at the words and burst into laughter. Her companion, Qingtuan, joined in mockery:
“Ha! The male lead is ordering you around. He thinks you shouldn’t just freeload!”

The pansies were thriving in the yard, a whole cluster of them in countless pots.

Pouting, Dai Ning complained, “Brother, I’m starving and have no energy.” Leaning against the doorframe, she looked pitiful and frail, as though she were being mistreated.

Chen Jing glanced at her, thinking anyone who didn’t know better might really believe she was being abused.

Realizing it was futile to expect this spoiled girl to help, Chen Jing gave up and went to the yard himself. Ignoring the pain in his wound, he moved the flowers to a spot under the eaves.

Dai Ning sat on a small stool, watching him shuttle back and forth.

For years, no matter the weather or his physical condition, Chen Jing had always taken care of everything within his responsibilities.

Suddenly, Dai Ning asked, “Does he like Chen Lianxing? He’s so diligent with these flowers, always at her beck and call.”

Qingtuan quickly refuted, “Impossible!”

Dai Ning knew it wasn’t true and had only said it casually. The man’s eyes always carried a trace of world-weariness. He didn’t seem to care much about his injuries, and he likely wouldn’t flinch in the face of a blade.

For Chen Jing, living or dying made little difference.

There was nothing in this world he cared enough to live for—perhaps only Chen Lianxing and her mother, if barely.

—

Just as Chen Jing finished moving the pansies, he received a call from the hospital. His mother had developed a fever.

A fever was a dangerous situation for a leukemia patient. Chen Jing dropped everything and rushed to the hospital.

In his current condition, riding a bike wasn’t an option. Dai Ning watched as he hurriedly hailed a taxi and remarked, “No matter what, Chen Lianxing and her mother must stay alive!”

“Why?” asked Qingtuan.

“They’re absolute masters at causing trouble and draining him dry. It’d be great if they finally wore him out!”

Both sides were like vampires, endlessly demanding Chen Jing’s care and resources.

But Dai Ning’s wish was doomed to fail. If a protagonist of fortune were so easily defeated, what would be the point of being one?

—

Dai Ning spent some time watching the rain before lazily crawling back into bed.

Floating in the air, Qingtuan observed her languid posture and sighed softly.

Zhao Yu’s fortune had partially compensated for her damaged soul energy. Despite her seemingly lively and adorable demeanor, Dai Ning grew increasingly fatigued and took more pleasure in sleeping.

Qingtuan mused regretfully, Maybe I should try stealing some of Chen Jing’s luck?

Such a thing was technically possible, though it had never attempted it before. Inexperience aside, it wasn’t sure if it could succeed.

Outside, the rain began to patter softly against the window.

Half-asleep, Dai Ning heard Qingtuan remind her, “Chen Jing should be back soon.”

Revitalized, Dai Ning bolted up and ran out. As her “guest” returned, she planned to resume her act of being “sweet and thoughtful,” ensuring Brother Chen would feel her admiration.

Under Qingtuan’s guidance, she pulled Chen Jing’s freshly washed clothes from the washing machine.

“Dai Ning, the clothes hanger is to your right.”

Neither of them noticed the pole for hanging clothes nearby. Dai Ning didn’t need it anyway. She dragged a stool to the eaves, clumsily slipping the shirt onto the hanger. Kicking off her shoes, she climbed onto the stool. Even on tiptoe, she was still slightly short of the clothesline.

When Chen Jing opened the door, the first thing he saw was the girl standing barefoot, struggling to hang his shirt.

The wind lifted her purple skirt to her thighs, revealing legs that were slender, pale, and perfectly straight.

Chen Jing’s face remained impassive. This was the first time he’d ever seen someone hang clothes without using a pole. He was at a loss for words.

Seeing him, Dai Ning lit up with delight. “Brother, you’re back! Help me hold the stool—it keeps wobbling!”

Chen Jing walked over, intending to pull her down.

But Dai Ning jumped slightly, and this time managed to hook the hanger onto the line perfectly. The stool wobbled from her landing, tipping over immediately. Reflexively, Chen Jing caught her mid-fall.

Rain and the chill of the night clung to him, and his cold gray eyes revealed a flicker of pain. Her hand had pressed directly onto his shoulder wound. He staggered back a few steps with her in his arms, finally steadying himself against the wall.

Clinging to his neck, Dai Ning tilted her head and looked at him innocently. “Brother, are you okay?”

He let out a muffled grunt, setting her down. Whether out of anger or frustration, he couldn’t tell. For the first time, he felt an overwhelming urge to reprimand someone—a rarity for the usually silent Chen Jing, who hated speaking due to his throat injury and stutter.

Turning to leave, his clothes were tugged back by a small hand.

Dai Ning lowered her head and said apologetically, “I’m sorry. I know I’m clumsy and useless. This was my first time hanging clothes for someone. If you don’t need me to help, I won’t bother you anymore.”

Her words made Chen Jing pause. It was her first time doing something like this, and it occurred to him it was also his first time being cared for by someone else. Though her attempts were unconventional and often disastrous, no one had ever done such things for him before.

Pressing his lips together, he felt a twinge of irritation. Gently removing her hand, he turned and went back inside.

Dai Ning’s eyes curved into a small smile.

—

The next morning, Chen Jing called Li Ming over. Yawning, Li Ming brought breakfast for both of them. Noticing Chen Jing’s pale face, he exclaimed, “Jing-ge, your injury is serious! You should see a doctor!”

Chen Jing shook his head and rubbed his temples.

He asked Li Ming to pour him a glass of water and took his antibiotics.

Li Ming grumbled, “Jing, stop trying to save all your money for Chen Lianxing and her mom. You’ve spent so much on them over the years, and they don’t even treat you well. Honestly, you’d be better off spending the money on yourself—live a little!”

Chen Jing silenced him with a cold glare, and Li Ming shut up.

Dai Ning glanced back and forth between the two men, confused.

After spending the previous night thinking, Chen Jing finally made a decision. He wrote on a piece of paper:
“Li Ming, I need a favor.”

“What is it? We’re old friends. Just say the word,” Li Ming replied enthusiastically.

“Help me find someone who can take Dai Ning in.”

Li Ming stared at the words in shock. He had assumed there was something between Chen Jing and Dai Ning. He hadn’t expected Chen Jing to suddenly plan to send her away.

Li Ming hadn’t spoken yet when Dai Ning noticed the words on the paper. Tears welled up in her eyes, and without a word, she turned and ran out of the courtyard.

Chen Jing held his pen tightly and fell silent.

Li Ming lowered his voice, “That girl is hurt, Jing-ge. Could it be… does Dai Ning like you?”

Chen Jing lowered his head and wrote: “Stop saying nonsense! Go check on her.”

Li Ming understood Chen Jing’s concern. Alley No. 18 was a chaotic and unsafe place. With Dai Ning’s looks, if she encountered someone with ill intentions, the consequences could be serious. Without hesitation, Li Ming chased after her.

Dai Ning was indeed wandering through the dim alleyway, kicking a pebble as she went, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

Li Ming felt a pang of pity.

He sighed inwardly at Chen Jing’s insensitivity. A girl this beautiful—if he had any sense, he’d woo her into becoming his wife!

Li Ming walked up to her and consoled, “Dai Ning, don’t be upset. Jing-ge doesn’t dislike you. It’s just that his family situation is… complicated. Jing-ge is working himself to the bone every day to pay for his foster mother’s treatment.”

Dai Ning sniffled and asked, “What’s wrong with his foster mother?”

“She has leukemia, which requires a lot of money for treatment. He also has a younger sister in college. Jing-ge barely has time to take care of himself, let alone someone else. His job is dangerous too—he often gets injured, like today. You’re still young and should be in school. Finding a family who can care for you properly will give you a better life. Jing-ge’s decision is for your own good. Let’s go back, okay?”

Dai Ning’s eyes dimmed, and she shook her head.

“I can’t do anything well. Staying with him is just a burden. If that’s the case, Li Ming-ge, take good care of him for me. I’ll leave.”

Li Ming grew anxious. Although the girl seemed soft and delicate, she was surprisingly stubborn. Before he could stop her, she had turned down a side street, heading toward another road.

Given how stunning she looked, even dressed modestly, Li Ming worried she might attract trouble. With no other option, he silently followed her, at least ensuring she passed through the dangerous area safely.

Dai Ning’s small, delicate figure gradually disappeared into the distance.

When Li Ming returned alone, Chen Jing’s voice was low and hoarse as he asked, “Where is she?”

The chilling tone sent a shiver down Li Ming’s spine. Despite knowing Chen Jing well, he couldn’t bring himself to soften the truth.

“She said she was leaving and asked me to take care of you. I escorted her out of the alley.” For a fleeting moment, Li Ming even entertained the idea of taking Dai Ning in himself. But with her beauty, someone like him—a drifter—could never protect her.

Li Ming expected Chen Jing to demand he chase after her. But to his surprise, Chen Jing merely said, “That’s for the best.”

Chen Jing was painfully aware of what needed to be done. Dai Ning was delicate, often caused trouble, and had an unclear background. It was better for her to leave before he started to waver.

Li Ming remained silent for a while, lamenting how a girl so lovely and endearing could only be a fleeting presence in their harsh lives.

Far from the alley, Dai Ning finally stopped running. She smiled brightly and said, “Good thing I left quickly, or I’d have to eat that awful breakfast.”

Qingtuan, still caught up in the emotions of being “abandoned,” was speechless.

It had been thoroughly tricked by Dai Ning again.

Qiu Gunan picked her up and brought her to a presidential suite in the city’s most luxurious five-star hotel. Only the best accommodations would suffice.

After eating a satisfying meal and enjoying a long bath, Dai Ning changed out of her dress and slipped into a sleek silver camisole dress.

“Gunan, don’t throw the dress away. I’ll need it later.”

“Yes, I’ll wash it and fold it for you,” Qiu Gunan replied dutifully.

Dai Ning summoned her bodyguards and reviewed the latest updates on Ji Tian and Chen Lianxing.

Amusingly, Ji Tian, now a self-proclaimed wealthy heiress, seemed enamoured with her newfound identity. The superiority she exuded far surpassed anything she’d experienced as a simple village girl. At school, she’d crafted a persona of beauty and elegance, becoming the campus goddess everyone adored.

Perhaps to get closer to Chen Jing, Ji Tian had even struck up a friendship with Chen Lianxing.

In a school drama, The Rainy Season Rose, Ji Tian played the lead, while Chen Lianxing was cast as a supporting role. The two had become inseparable, at least on the surface.

Ji Tian, aware of the storyline, surely knew Chen Lianxing’s true nature—vain, ignorant, and foolishly competitive. She likely mocked the girl in her mind while watching her missteps, all while leveraging their connection to get closer to Chen Jing.

Chen Lianxing wasn’t much better. She treated Ji Tian as a stepping stone to climb the social ladder.

Their shallow friendship was a comedy in itself, but Dai Ning wasn’t ready to reveal her presence yet. It wasn’t the right time. For now, operating in the shadows was far more advantageous.

Yan Mingkou was in critical condition, and as the Yan family’s heir and a bearer of extraordinary fortune, Chen Jing couldn’t be killed. For now, Dai Ning could only manipulate his affections while disrupting his connection with Ji Tian.

Her experience with Zhao Yu had taught her something profound—love was the sharpest and most terrifying weapon. It rendered people vulnerable, fearful, and willing to give up everything.

If Chen Jing developed feelings for her, he wouldn’t dare harm the Ji family. Even if he tried, Dai Ning could ensure mutual destruction.

Whether or not her disguise was uncovered, the torment she inflicted on these male leads would be enough to haunt them for a lifetime.

Just like Zhao Yu, who, three years on, still hadn’t forgotten her. If he discovered she was alive, he’d probably want to strangle her.