C7 Anyway She Wouldn't Stay Here for Long
As Jing Cheng began to speak, the atmosphere in the living room subtly shifted.
Du Qingtian bit her lip, inwardly cursing herself for speaking too hastily and saying the wrong thing.
Jiang Yifan couldn't stay seated any longer. With an apologetic smile, he said, "Please excuse us. My child doesn't know any better."
He then gestured to Jiang Shuyao, "Yao, take your brother and go with your mother."
Du Qingtian picked up the still-fussy Jiang Yuhao and left with Jiang Shuyao.
Yem Xi walked over to the sofa to retrieve her phone.
The screen had cracked from its earlier tumble.
Holding the damaged phone, her thoughts were a tangle of emotions.
Unexpectedly, Jing Cheng had come to her defense.
She had never really known him.
In her past life, their paths had crossed just once when she was being chased on the street, and he had helped her hail a taxi.
Regardless, she now owed him a favor.
Yem Xi approached and offered the phone to Jing Cheng, her voice earnest, "Thank you. The screen is broken—I'll pay for it."
Jing Cheng looked up at the girl before him.
Her youthful face bore a serenity beyond her years, and her almond-shaped eyes were strikingly beautiful, yet they held an ineffable detachment.
He smiled faintly, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly, "Don't worry about it. It was nothing, really. I'm just glad you're okay."
Yem Xi's lips tightened slightly, her mind furrowing.
This was the second time she had encountered Jing Cheng in this life.
Rumor had it, he was not a man known for his leniency.
And yet, this time...
"It was because of me that your phone broke; consider it a favor I owe you."
Yem Xi spoke with sincerity.
Jing Cheng paused for a moment, then his smile broadened.
The young woman clearly believed in repaying kindness.
He nodded in agreement, "Fine by me."
Wen Donglin, standing to the side, arched an eyebrow and averted his gaze.
Jing Cheng's actions were over the top!
He could have easily used a cushion to stop the toy, but he chose to throw his phone instead.
Now, he had the young woman feeling indebted, owing him a significant favor.
What was his angle?
Could it be that he had taken a liking to her?
That's just barbaric!
Jiang Yifan was completely taken aback.
He glanced between Jing Cheng and Yem Xi, his emotions churning.
Had Yem Xi known Young Master Jing before?
Jing Cheng was in high spirits.
He stood up, shot a look at Wen Donglin, and said, "We're leaving."
Wen Donglin rose to his feet, offering Jiang Yifan a smile as he took his leave.
Jiang Yifan, too embarrassed to bring up the project, hastily escorted the two VIPs out.
Wen Donglin drove home.
After a stretch of silence, he couldn't resist questioning the drowsy man beside him.
"So, have you taken a liking to that young lady?"
Jing Cheng massaged his temples, remaining silent.
Eventually, as if struck by a thought, he cracked a smile.
"The seriousness of that little girl is just so endearing!"
Wen Donglin hissed, "You're a beast! She's just a child!"
Jing Cheng arched an eyebrow and closed his eyes to rest.
The little girl would eventually grow up.
At the Jiang family home.
After Jing Cheng and Wen Donglin had departed, Du Qingtian and Jiang Shuyao descended from upstairs.
They had witnessed Yem Xi's conversation with Young Master Jing.
A heavy, stifling atmosphere enveloped the living room.
Jiang Yifan, with a complex look, gently smiled at Yem Xi and probed, "Xi, when did you get to know Young Master Jing?"
Yem Xi lifted her gaze briefly, her voice steady, "I don't know him. Today was the first time we met."
Jiang Yifan's brow furrowed.
Rumors had it that Young Master Jing was aloof, rarely meddling in others' affairs, yet today...
He scrutinized Yem Xi once more.
Her composed demeanor didn't seem indicative of deceit.
At that moment, Jiang Shuyao stepped forward, her voice soft, "Perhaps Young Master Jing acted on impulse. After all, Xi did get hit in the face with a toy."
This reminder brought back the image of her precious son's fall for Du Qingtian.
Her face clearly conveyed her annoyance with Yem Xi, her tone accusatory, "What harm could a little toy do? She's grown enough to step aside for her younger brother."
Jiang Yifan massaged his temples with a frown, "Alright, keep an eye on Yuhao as well. What kind of behavior is this for today's event? He's being spoiled beyond control!"
Du Qingtian averted her gaze, visibly displeased.
Jiang Yifan quickly turned to Yem Xi with a reassuring smile, "Xi, now that we're home, try not to worry too much. If there's anything on your mind, just talk to us. Yao, why don't you show Xi to her room upstairs?"
"Of course, Dad," Jiang Shuyao responded with a gentle smile.
Seeing his daughter's understanding nature brought Jiang Yifan considerable comfort.
Jiang Shuyao led Yem Xi to the third floor.
As they passed a partially open room, Yem Xi glanced inside.
The room was bright and airy, with light blue curtains billowing in the breeze and easels of various sizes arranged in a circle.
This room...
Yem Xi's gaze sharpened.
Jiang Shuyao, noticing her interest, said with a smile, "Xi, this is the painting studio. If you like to paint, feel free to come here and create."
Yem Xi had heard these words in her past life as well.
Back then, she hadn't picked up on Jiang Shuyao's insincerity and had taken her at her word.
As a result, she spent a whole day in this studio, completing a summer lotus painting.
The very next day, Jiang Shuyao "accidentally" caused her a burn injury.
That painting was later presented as a month's worth of Jiang Shuyao's effort, winning first place at the Divine Pen Cup two weeks later.
A faint sneer played on Yem Xi's lips.
Just then, Steward Hsu ascended the stairs and overheard Jiang Shuyao's words. He couldn't resist complimenting, "This studio was custom-built by Mr. and Mrs. Jiang for their daughter. She has been painting since childhood and possesses remarkable talent, far surpassing those who are newcomers to the art. She will be competing in the Divine Pen Cup in a fortnight, and I'm sure she'll achieve excellent results!"
