MY - 20

Having received too little kindness since childhood, if someone was even a little kind to Lu Nandu, he wouldn’t dwell on the nine parts that were bad.

Jiang Xi had once given Lu Nandu candy. No matter how cold she was to him later, Lu Nandu still clung to her.

And still wanted more candy from her.

Lu Nandu had just woken up, looking dazed and lazy, but seeing Jiang Xi, he instantly became more alert and immediately stood up from the ground.

Jiang Xi hadn’t expected Lu Nandu to actually stay all night, and she was also startled when she saw him.

She subconsciously glanced at his hand, which was messily bandaged.

Lu Nandu saw her looking at his hand, raised it, and showed it to her: “It’s nothing, just poked by a broken wine bottle. It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Jiang Xi looked away: “I didn’t ask you.”

“Oh.”

Lu Nandu scratched his head awkwardly: “Um, I, it rained last night, so I came in to shelter from the rain.”

This excuse was full of holes; since he drove there, it would have been more convenient to shelter in the car.

Lu Nandu also felt that the reason he came up with in a hurry was clumsy and he was too embarrassed to say more.

Childhood shadows are most likely to follow a person throughout their life. Jiang Xi had seen Lu Nandu lose control of his emotions before, and she was indeed worried under circumstances like last night.

Since nothing bad happened, Jiang Xi didn’t want to ask too many questions. She only said: “The rain has stopped now, you can go.”

Sometimes, Jiang Xi’s indifference would still catch Lu Nandu off guard.

After she finished speaking, she seemed unwilling to say another word to him and turned to leave.

Lu Nandu’s expression instantly became blank. He thought Jiang Xi had come down to see him.

Lu Nandu was clearly stunned. He hadn’t reacted until Jiang Xi was almost at the door.

As Jiang Xi was about to open the courtyard gate and leave, Lu Nandu grew anxious, his voice sounding a little wronged: “Jiejie, I waited for you downstairs all night last night.”

This was the truth.

Jiang Xi’s movement of opening the door slowed.

Lu Nandu looked at her back, his eyes drooping: “You didn’t come down to see me.”

She didn’t even come down to take a look, not caring at all if he was downstairs or not.

For the first time, Lu Nandu didn’t use a joke to defuse her indifference. His voice lacked its usual cheerfulness, clearly indicating sadness.

After a few seconds, he spoke: “Even now, you didn’t come down to see me.”

Jiang Xi lowered her gaze: “No.”

She didn’t look at Lu Nandu’s expression behind her. After a long moment, she said: “Lu Nandu, I told you not to wait for me. I won’t feel sorry for you.”

“Neither now nor in the future.”

Jiang Xi looked up, pushed the door open, and left: “Don’t come looking for me again.”

________________________________________

Huahong Group, Beijing

Old Master Lu, without any prior notice, personally visited the group’s headquarters.

Since stepping down from his duties, Old Master Lu rarely returned to the company. His sudden visit this time, whether for inspection or something else, was unclear to everyone, causing a stir in several departments of the company.

Upon receiving the news, Qin Jin hurried downstairs to meet Lu Jinghong.

No one knew what Old Master Lu was there for, and Qin Jin was also unsure, but he didn’t panic. He followed Old Master Lu closely, answering every question.

Old Master Lu’s demeanor was amiable, as if he were just taking a stroll, leaning on his cane and slowly walking around.

He asked a few questions about the company’s recent situation, and Qin Jin answered them one by one.

Qin Jin’s voice was calm and steady, his thoughts clear and intelligent. He was a rare talent in handling affairs and dealing with people.

Old Master Lu was clearly very satisfied with him: “That kid certainly picked a good assistant.”

Qin Jin: “You flatter me. There are still many areas for improvement.”

They walked all the way up to the CEO’s office. Even though Lu Nandu wasn’t there, Qin Jin still opened the office door for Old Master Lu: “Mr. Lu is out on business today.”

Old Master Lu, with one hand behind his back, walked in.

He walked to the sofa and sat down, then spoke: “Gone back to Yicheng?”

Qin Jin hadn’t expected Old Master Lu to know. He placed the prepared water on the coffee table and gave a summary: “Recently, the group has a collaboration with a factory in Yicheng. Mr. Lu has strict requirements for the product quality of this batch, so he went there personally to supervise.”

After listening to Qin Jin’s explanation, Old Master Lu was in no hurry. He picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip.

“I think that kid,” he said slowly after putting the teacup back on the table, “isn’t just going there for work.”

Yicheng was where Lu Nandu grew up. He was only formally brought back to Beijing when he was seventeen.

Qin Jin naturally knew all this. Having worked by Lu Nandu’s side for many years, handling both public and private matters, no one knew Lu Nandu’s private affairs better than him.

Including what Lu Nandu was specifically going to Yicheng for this time.

But he didn’t say much, only responded to Old Master Lu’s words: “After all, that’s where Mr. Lu grew up.”

Old Master Lu glanced at him, then smiled: “That kid really knows how to pick people.”

With just that one sentence, Qin Jin immediately understood the meaning behind Old Master Lu’s words.

He was saying that he was tight-lipped.

Before Qin Jin could respond, Old Master Lu continued with a gentle smile: “He’s my grandson, don’t I understand him?”

After all, he was the founder who established Huahong Group back then. His intelligence and emotional quotient were extraordinary. Having struggled for decades, he was adept at strategizing and discerning people.

The facts that Qin Jin had deliberately concealed, Old Master Lu had known long ago.

“Besides, no matter how strict the product quality, there’s no need for him to go personally,” Old Master Lu said to Qin Jin, “Couldn’t you do it? You’re definitely more meticulous than him.”

This was giving Qin Jin a way out. Qin Jin remained quite composed, smiling: “You jest, I’m still far from Mr. Lu’s level.”

Old Master Lu didn’t reply again, picking up the teacup on the table and taking another sip.

The office was silent for a long time. At some point, Old Master Lu sighed, shaking his head: “Still doesn’t learn his lesson.”

Qin Jin knew he was talking about Lu Nandu.

Old Master Lu put down the teacup, then slowly stood up with his cane: “Alright, there’s nothing else. I’m going back.”

Qin Jin quickly came over: “I’ll see you downstairs.”

Old Master Lu waved his hand, his voice aged: “No need, go do your work. I’ll go down myself.”

________________________________________

Chen Huan’s parents were contacted.

With her mother out of the country, the responsibility naturally fell to Xia Xinyan, her aunt.

Chen Huan told her there was no need to go, just ignore it.

Xia Xinyan, however, felt otherwise and arranged a time with the teacher.

So, on Monday morning, Jiang Xi drove Xia Xinyan and Chen Huan to Second High School. When they arrived, the morning reading hadn’t even started yet.

Students bustled at the school gate, entering the school in twos and threes, chatting and laughing.

Chen Huan sat improperly, slumped in the back seat, looking out the window: “So, this is what school looks like in the morning.”

She had been in high school for over a year, and Chen Huan had never been on time even once.

Xia Xinyan, in the passenger seat, said: “Then you can try breathing the morning air sometime in the future.”

Chen Huan wasn’t averse to this aunt, even having a better relationship with her than with her mother. She giggled, pushed the door open, and got out: “I can try right now.”

“Doesn’t smell too good,” Chen Huan began to talk nonsense, “I won’t try tomorrow.”

Jiang Xi, in the driver’s seat, chuckled silently.

Xia Xinyan wasn’t a strict parent either and was amused by her.

Chen Huan bent down to say goodbye to both of them: “I’m going in now.” With that, she closed the car door and went into the school.

________________________________________

Parking wasn’t allowed inside the school, so Jiang Xi parked her car in a spot outside.

She still had to pick up Xia Xinyan to take her home, and there was nothing to do sitting in the car, so she got out with Xia Xinyan and entered the school.

It seemed like it was going to rain today. The sky was gloomy, and students in blue and white striped uniforms continuously passed by.

Morning, school uniforms—such a moment made Jiang Xi feel a little disoriented. She had lived this kind of life for too long, waking up early and returning late every day with her backpack.

The grade level distribution in Second High School was still similar to before. The second-year high school classes were on the fourth floor of the teaching building, and Jiang Xi went upstairs with Xia Xinyan.

The second-year homeroom teachers’ office was noisy. Some homeroom teachers were having students carry homework to the classrooms, some were giving instructions to students, and a large group of students were gathered in front of the newly released monthly exam results.

It was the beginning of the month, and time for the monthly exam results to come out.

Jiang Xi didn’t like crowds and stood outside without going in.

Xia Xinyan went in to ask if the homeroom teacher for Class 10 of the second year was in. Soon, she came out of the office.

“He’s not here,” Xia Xinyan had asked a teacher in the office just now, “That teacher said he went to the classroom and should be back soon.”

Jiang Xi nodded. Behind her, a white wall and a blackboard, and the notice board was densely covered with writing. She leaned against the nearby wall, looking at this familiar yet increasingly unfamiliar campus.

Some students seemed to recognize her but dared not acknowledge it, whispering to their companions, looking back every few steps.

Jiang Xi acted as if she hadn’t heard.

Xia Xinyan said to her: “Xiao Xi, you’ve all grown up in the blink of an eye. Do you remember when you were in high school, Auntie often came for parent-teacher conferences?”

Jiang Xi turned her head and chuckled: “I remember.”

Both her and Jiang Chi’s parent-teacher conferences were attended by Xia Xingming and Xia Xinyan, the couple.

Just as she was about to say something, a male voice suddenly came from behind her: “Hello, are you Chen Huan’s parent?”

The man’s voice was polite and gentle.

Jiang Xi turned around and was startled when she saw the person behind her.

The man was also surprised to see her. Two seconds later, he curved his lips and smiled at her: “Long time no see.”

Xia Xinyan clearly recognized him too: “Chen Lin?”

Chen Lin’s gaze shifted from Jiang Xi to Xia Xinyan. He walked over to greet her: “Auntie Xia, long time no see.”

The man wore a white shirt and dress pants, with gold-rimmed glasses. His features were delicate and handsome, and his demeanor was gentle.

Xia Xinyan looked at him: “It really has been a long time. How have you been these past few years?”

“Very good. I’m working as a teacher here now; the job is quite good,” Chen Lin said, “So Chen Huan is your niece.”

In their previous phone call, both only knew each other’s surnames, so Xia Xinyan didn’t know that Chen Huan’s homeroom teacher was Chen Lin.

At this point, Xia Xinyan thought of Jiang Xi and glanced at her.

Jiang Xi didn’t join their conversation, standing where she was, watching them exchange pleasantries.

Chen Lin also looked back at her, then turned back to Xia Xinyan: “Auntie Xia, let’s go into the office to discuss Chen Huan.”

This was the main order of business. Xia Xinyan smiled at him: “Okay.”

Then she looked at Jiang Xi: “Xiao Xi, you come in too.”

Suddenly called by name, Jiang Xi nodded two seconds later: “Mm.”

As a homeroom teacher, Chen Lin was dedicated. After entering, he discussed some academic matters of Chen Huan with Xia Xinyan.

“Chen Huan is actually very smart, she just doesn’t like to study.”

Xia Xinyan knew this: “Chen Huan is indeed smart, she just doesn’t like to put effort into studying, she prefers to do other things.”

Chen Lin smiled: “Children at this age are rebellious, but if what they like to do is reasonable, it needs support. I remember she likes playing music, doesn’t she? People who are good at music are actually just like people who are good at studying, they both count as individual strengths.”

Students called in with their parents are usually for misbehavior, where the teacher needs to inform the parents, and it’s rarely for good news.

But with Chen Lin, it was different.

It was simply inviting parents to discuss their child and talk about the student’s future life plans.

Although Chen Huan was rebellious, often late, skipping classes, and going to bars, Chen Lin didn’t think she was a bad student.

The conversation lasted an hour.

Later, Xia Xinyan had to use the restroom and asked Jiang Xi to wait in the office. Only Jiang Xi and Chen Lin remained at the desk.

The two hadn’t exchanged a word since entering the office.

Chen Lin chuckled and asked her: “How have you been lately?”

Jiang Xi sat by the window, half her face illuminated by the grayish-white light from outside, making it appear even fairer.

She said: “Quite good.”

Then asked: “And you?”

“Auntie Xia already asked me that question outside just now,” Chen Lin chuckled, “You clearly weren’t listening to us carefully.”

Jiang Xi also smiled, admitting: “I wasn’t.”

They hadn’t spoken many words when Xia Xinyan returned from the restroom.

Chen Lin escorted them out of the office. Xia Xinyan said to him: “You’re working here now, come visit us at home when you have time.”

He smiled and agreed: “Okay.”

Jiang Xi and Xia Xinyan left the teaching building. The sky was darker than when they arrived; it was going to rain.

Xia Xinyan said: “Chen Lin is still the same as before, just more mature.”

Years had passed, but time had left no trace on his face.

Jiang Xi hummed.

“Xiao Xi,” Xia Xinyan said, “You haven’t dated anyone since you broke up with Chen Lin. So many years have passed, do you want to reconsider?”

During those university years, Chen Lin pursued Jiang Xi for a long time.

In their senior year, they dated for a period, a relationship that lasted seven days.

Seven days later, they broke up peacefully.