âYou donât have to go to work now. It doesnât make a difference where you stay, right?â Nian Junting furrowed his brows in frustration. âListen to me, Nian Xi. Youâre not young anymore, and our parents are worried sick because of the accident this time. Call it an accident or whatever, but there are just too many things that have happened recently, and weâre all worried about you.â
Nian Xi pursed her lips in annoyance and glanced at Jiang Yuning helplessly.
Jiang Yuning lowered his head and tried to hide his expression. He stroked her hair and whispered gently, âXixi, I think... itâs better if you listen to your brother this time.â
âJiang Yuning...â Nian Xi spoke through gritted teeth.
This fool! If she went back to stay in the Nian house, the two of them would not be able to spend time together given how strict her brother was.
âXixi, heâs just worried about you,â Jiang Yuning muttered gently. âBesides, we havenât figured out what happened with the elevator, so I donât want you to get on any elevator for now. Itâs extremely boring being cooped up in an apartment as well, and your brotherâs place has a backyard. That will make things more bearable...â
âYouâre just afraid that Iâll stop you two from doing those shady things, arenât you? I promise I wonât interfere, alright?â
Nian Xi was shocked when she heard him. Was he her brother? He used to look at Jiang Yuning with wariness and caution. Was he patronizing her?
âWhat shady things? Weâre a couple! Itâs normal for us to share hugs and kisses.â
âIâm not going to waste time on this! Just pack your stuff, or do you want me to do it for you?â Nian Junting said unceremoniously.
âIâll do it!â Jiang Yuning abruptly stood up and replied.
...
20 minutes later, Jiang Yuning loaded the boot with the trunk and looked down. âXixi, you head over with your brother first,â he said softly. âI need to grab something from my place. Iâll see you at night.â
â...Okay.â Nian Xi wanted to speak to Nian Junting about something in private as well. âHow about you come over tomorrow? Itâs not safe to drive so late at night, not to mention you must be exhausted from today as well.â
Before Jiang Yuning could reply, Nian Xi added quickly, âItâs decided then! Text me later.â
She pecked him on the cheek before leaving with Nian Junting. In the car, he rolled his eyes and mocked, âDonât you think the two of you are gross?â
âAs if you donât behave the same way with Sangsang!â Nian Xi pouted and narrowed her eyes at the man in the rearview mirror. She looked slightly worried as if something was on her mind. âBrother, do you think that what happened today wasnât an accident? Is that why youâre asking me to stay with you?â
âIâm not sure either, but I just want to play safe. You only have one shot at life, and we canât risk it.â Nian Junting looked serious as he drove away.
âDo you all think that Jiang Yuning is the reason why I was injured?â Nian Xi prodded him further with a downcast expression.
âDonât overthink things. We havenât figured things out ourselves, but it pays to be careful. Donât end up getting yourself killed before you even step into the church with him.â Nian Juntingâs words cut Nian Xi like a knife. âYouâre an old maiden now, so you should get to enjoy married life in this lifetime. Itâll be a pity if you donât.â
âShut up!â Nian Xi hit his shoulder. âIâll get married for sure! Iâm going to give birth to many little Jiang-jiangs!â
Meanwhile, Jiang-jiang barked happily in the back seat.
Nian Junting turned to look at the dog as he tried hard not to giggle. âYou want to give birth to puppies, eh? Youâre genuinely trying your best, arenât you?â
Nian Xi ignored his comment.
...
In the estate, after Nian Juntingâs car drove away, Jiang Yuning headed to the estate management department.