Chapter 13: Identity

The drive from here to Yati Road took about twenty minutes. Neither of them spoke during the first half of the journey.

Finally, Jian Xi couldn’t hold back and gently tapped the brakes. “Why are you always smiling?”

Ever since he got in the car, this man hadn’t had a serious expression on his face.

He Ran glanced at her. “Drive properly, don’t keep looking at me. If you really like it so much, pull over and I’ll let you look your fill.”

Jian Xi raised her hand, barely able to contain herself. “Alright, alright, just stop talking.”

He Ran lowered his gaze, shifting his eyes from her face to the car window. “Why didn’t you go with that Lu guy?”

“I promised you first, to take you home.” Jian Xi said.

He Ran chuckled. “Are you concerned about me?”

“Just integrity,” Jian Xi was somewhat exasperated.

He Ran made an acknowledging sound, his gaze fixed on her fingers tightly gripping the steering wheel, silently laughing without saying anything.

Under this gaze, Jian Xi felt her whole body tense up, almost blushing with embarrassment. She snapped impatiently, “Don’t think too much.”

This time, He Ran genuinely laughed softly. “I’m not thinking too much.”

Jian Xi pointed to the roadside. “I’ll just stop at the alley entrance; I won’t go in.”

He Ran got out of the car nimbly, swinging a large bag of injury medicine. “Drive carefully.”

Once he was gone, the surrounding air pressure seemed to lighten significantly. Jian Xi finally felt able to breathe freely.

The Jian family’s old house was in Lianshui. Even if walking, there was a small path that only took fifteen minutes from here. But driving still required a stretch of mountain road.

When Jian Xi arrived, Tao Xinglai waved to her from afar. “The Shadow Emperor personally came to greet you. Are you about to cry, sis?”

Jian Xi chuckled. “Scared me into tears.”

Tao Xinglai wasn’t satisfied with this response and came around to open her car door for her. “Are you really my sister?”

“Long ago, I wasn’t,” Jian Xi still smiled. “Doesn’t the Shadow Emperor have a show to attend today?”

“For Old Tao’s birthday, I do have a bit of conscience.” Tao Xinglai placed his hand on her shoulder, and the two walked towards the house.

Jian Xi carried the gift. “Where’s Dad?”

“In the study.”

Upon entering, Tao Xihong was playing mahjong with her group of elderly friends. Jian Xi greeted each one individually, then hugged her mother affectionately. “Mom, happy birthday.”

Tao Xihong beamed with joy, squeezing her hand. “Good girl, Auntie Zhang brewed bird’s nest soup; go taste some.”

Jian Xi didn’t change her position hugging her mom. She glanced at the tiles on the table and pointed. “Play this one.”

Tao Xihong pushed out the eight bamboo tile as suggested by her daughter. “Following my daughter’s advice.”

After watching the game for a while, Jian Xi went upstairs.

The second floor housed the bedrooms and study. The farthest room belonged to Jian Yanqing. Jian Xi gently knocked and opened the door.

Inside, the redwood furniture set was simple yet elegant, the mixed scent of wood and paper akin to aged sake. The large balcony was adorned with neatly arranged potted plants, and the ten o’clock sunlight streamed in. Jian Yanqing sat at the desk, several files before him.

“Dad, even on rest days, you’re so busy?” Jian Xi closed the door behind her.

“Little Xi has arrived.” Jian Yanqing straightened his back, put down the file in his hands, and nodded warmly. “It’s the end of the year; there’s a lot to do in the city. How’s work at the hospital?”

Jian Xi walked to the desk and refilled the empty teapot. “Not bad, every day someone is giving birth.”

Jian Yanqing nodded. “Your mother called you a few times, but you were always in surgery. Take care of yourself when you’re alone outside.”

“I know, Dad.” Jian Xi walked behind the wooden stool and began massaging Jian Yanqing’s shoulders. “You too, Comrade Jian. When you have nothing to do, go play dance mats or claw machines with Tao Xinglai.”

Jian Yanqing burst into rare laughter, his stern image completely erased. “Dad’s getting old.”

“You’re still a handsome man even when you’re old.” Jian Xi’s expression turned coquettish. After easing her grip, she slowed down. “And about the other matter, my friend asked me to thank you.”

“No need for thanks between father and daughter.”

Jian Yanqing held a special status. In memory, this daughter had always been obedient and self-disciplined. This was the first time she openly sought his help.

After a pause, Jian Yanqing asked again, “Later, Old Xu told me that your friend is a man?”

“Mm,” Jian Xi’s voice was soft and slow. “He helped me before.”

“Alright, it’s about time. Let’s go downstairs and join our old friends.” Jian Yanqing didn’t ask any more questions, rising and leading Jian Xi out of the study.

Tao Xihong beckoned from afar. “Old Jian, come see and give me some advice. Which tile should I play?”

Tao Xinglai had sharp ears and shouted from the doorway. “Old Tao, you’re cheating! No calling in a sharpshooter.”

“Brat.” Tao Xihong scolded with a smile. “Alright, alright, you father and son go play somewhere else.”

Despite her words, Jian Yanqing still approached the mahjong table with a smile.

A family of four, gathering with three or five old friends to celebrate the birthday of the honoree. No pompous speeches, no flattery needed. After dinner, Tao Xihong resumed her mahjong game, while Jian Yanqing took fashion-forward boy Tao Xinglai to the study to smooth things over.

Jian Xi found herself with some free time and strolled around the courtyard outside.

With Jian Yanqing present, as per usual, armed police patrolled near the old house. Jian Xi carried a full basin of washed strawberries to Captain Xu, then wandered along the road.

This place was halfway up the mountain, all downhill paths. As she walked, Jian Xi realized she had already reached the foot of the mountain.

Jian Xi had drunk a bit of alcohol that night, exhaling the cold December wind, gazing at the stars through drunken eyes.

She wondered what that man was doing?

Houses on Mati Road were lit up. Jian Xi walked past one house after another under the light shadows. He Ran’s house stood ahead, a two-story building stark against the night.

Jian Xi stopped about four or five meters away. She found it amusing—what would she do here?

Looking for He Ran? Was she crazy?

Looking at the house? Still crazy?

Just as she was thinking, there was movement outside the house. He Ran emerged, tall and imposing, carrying a plastic bucket. Despite the cold weather, he wore only a thin base layer, no pants, just a pair of shorts.

Under the interplay of light and distance, his physique was hard and solid, with clean-cut lines.

Her hesitation vanished instantly. Jian Xi called out with a laugh, “Snow is coming soon, aren’t you cold?”

He Ran was startled, thinking he might have hallucinated hearing her voice wrong while showering, until he squinted and recognized her. “Damn it.”

“Who are you cursing at?” Jian Xi narrowed her eyes and cautiously approached.

He Ran quickly put down the bucket and came forward, extending his hand. “Careful, careful. The community has been repairing water pipes these days and dug a big hole that hasn’t been filled yet.”

Before his words finished, Jian Xi jumped over.

“Oh crap!” He Ran swiftly grabbed her arm. Jian Xi bounced and collided into his embrace.

“Thump thump thump”

Jian Xi’s face brushed against his chest momentarily, but she clearly heard the heartbeat inside.

Jian Xi pulled away slightly, and He Ran squeezed his fingers. “I really don’t want to let go.”

Jian Xi was both amused and exasperated. “Go inside and change your clothes first.”

“I just took a bath.” He Ran’s expression was complex. “Did you drink?”

“Yes, I drank a little for Mom’s birthday.” Jian Xi waved her hand. “Go inside quickly.”

“You also come in and sit. It’s cold outside.” He Ran said.

“No, I’m just passing by.” Jian Xi looked at her watch. “I have to go back soon.”

“Wait for me.” Without another word, He Ran dashed into the house.

Perhaps the alcohol was kicking in because even in such cold weather, Jian Xi didn’t feel cold.

When He Ran came out, he was holding an insulated cup. “Freezing to death. Here, drink some hot water.”

Jian Xi declined. “My palms are warm.”

“Nonsense.” He Ran scolded, grabbing her palm to check. Indeed, it was warm and delicate, without a hint of coldness.

Before she could react, he had already let go. “Even if it’s nonsense, drink the hot water anyway.”

Now it was Jian Xi who was at a loss for words. Not saying something made her feel reluctant, so she muttered softly, “So mean.”

He Ran coolly replied, “Who is mean? Why dead?”

Jian Xi burst into laughter. “You did that on purpose!”

Though she said so, she still unscrewed the cap. The water temperature was neither too hot nor too cold, just right. After drinking, she returned the cup to him. “I’m leaving now. Mom and Dad are waiting.”

“I’ll send you.” He Ran declared naturally. “No objections. I never let a woman walk alone at night.”

Jian Xi shrugged, and they walked side by side. “Rich love history, Boss He. Who else have you sent?”

“Not telling you.” He Ran sneered. “You’re not my wife.”

Jian Xi glared at him. “I don’t want to talk to you.”

“I want to talk to you desperately.” He Ran chuckled softly.

The winter night was clear and cold, the moon high in the sky making the scene vast. Jian Xi tightened her arms, hugging herself closely.

He Ran asked, “Cold? I’ll borrow a car to take you back.”

Jian Xi shook her head. “No need, it’s not far. And please, don’t take off your coat to give it to me.”

“…” He Ran retracted his hand, incredulous. “You saw right through me.”

Jian Xi giggled. He Ran’s gaze fell on her face, then quickly shifted away.

But soon, he stopped walking. Jian Xi heard him curse softly. “Shit.”

The headlights of a distant vehicle shone directly at them. Jian Xi was blinded and shielded her eyes with her hand.

“He Ran, what a coincidence.” A male voice hid a smile, its exaggerated tone feigning an accidental encounter.

“Master Jia, indeed, quite a coincidence.” He Ran stepped forward, completely shielding Jian Xi behind him.

“Since it’s a chance meeting, why not visit my place instead of postponing it?” Master Jia grinned insincerely, his coercive intent evident. He leaned forward, peering at Jian Xi behind He Ran. “Oh, you brought a friend?”

Instantly, He Ran tensed up, the atmosphere dropping several degrees. “Not a friend, a neighbor borrowing something.”

In the beam of the headlights, dust particles could be seen swirling chaotically. One of Master Jia’s henchmen, catching a glimpse of Jian Xi’s appearance, suddenly said, “Master Jia, isn’t this the woman who testified for him at the police station last time?”

Master Jia’s eyes instantly turned cold. “Such a brave beauty.”

“Master Jia, this has nothing to do with my neighbor,” He Ran said firmly, his voice resolute. “If I’ve offended you in the past, whether with fists or reason, it’s your call. I, He Ran, will unconditionally comply.”

“Such arrogance.” Master Jia sneered. “Two years ago, you ruined a batch of my goods and played me for a fool. Remember this, kid, the grudge isn’t settled.”

He Ran clenched his fists, veins bulging on the back of his hand. “Let’s make things clear. I didn’t do that.”

“Alright, didn’t do it. Then let’s find a place to talk it out, brothers.” Master Jia’s tone was chilling, on the verge of laughter. Catching his drift, the few burly men beside him were already poised for action, their clubs and sticks undisguised.

He Ran knew tonight offered no hope. He turned around, extended his long arm, and forcefully pulled Jian Xi close, pressing her tightly against his chest.

A low, powerful voice came from above her head. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you.”

Jian Xi struggled to calm her frantic breathing, speaking word by word. “I’m not afraid. If I get hurt, I have medical insurance.”

He Ran’s chest vibrated slightly—he was laughing. Then he pressed her even closer. “Good woman, I love you.”

On the other side, the three or five men loomed like beasts lurking in the winter night, brandishing knives and clubs as they approached. He Ran had already picked up a piece of reinforced concrete from the ground. Just then—

Several flashlight beams swept across the abandoned site. “Who’s there?”

Jian Xi was startled, overjoyed. Struggling free from He Ran’s embrace, she raised her head. “Captain Xu!”

Upon hearing the response, the person hurried over. Leading the way was Xu Jin of the guard unit.

“Miss Jian, Mayor Jian thought you were out too long, so we were sent to look for you.”

Xu Jin, dressed in a neat military uniform, saluted Jian Xi formally, then asked, “Who are these people?”

“Just passersby.” Jian Xi said lightly. “Let’s go back.”

She turned around, took a deep breath, and said to the silent He Ran, “I’m leaving.”

Until she walked out of Yati Road, she didn’t hear the man behind her say another word.