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Psst! We're moving!
Jiang Lu grabbed his car keys and headed towards the door, but halfway there he was tripped by Tang Dou. Shu Xian rarely saw him in such a hurry and called out, “What’s worrying you so much? Can’t it wait until after dinner?”
“No, you guys eat.” Jiang Lu practically flew to the door.
Jiang Tu was five or six years older than Jiang Lu. When Jiang Lu was young, Shu Xian and Jiang Jinhui had a decent relationship. Jiang Jinhui wasn’t too addicted to gambling yet, so Jiang Lu enjoyed several happy childhood years. Later, as Jiang Jinhui became obsessed with gambling and constantly argued with Shu Xian—sometimes even getting physical—that happiness disappeared. By the time Jiang Lu was born, Jiang Jinhui hardly paid attention to him. Shu Xian was under immense pressure, having to care for two children and a gambling-addicted husband. With Jiang Tu being a few years older and quite independent, Shu Xian focused more on Jiang Lu, leaving Jiang Tu unattended.
Later, as the family debt grew, Shu Xian couldn’t even take care of Jiang Lu anymore.
Jiang Lu was essentially raised by Jiang Tu. The eldest brother was like a father, and while Jiang Lu didn’t fear anyone, he feared Jiang Tu. And Jiang Tu was definitely the person who understood him best. Just then, Lao Yuan’s message popped up on his phone screen.
Lao Yuan: “You and your sister-in-law ended up on your younger brother’s live stream? It’s trending!”
Jiang Tu frowned, turned to look at the doorway, and coldly said, “Stop.”
Jiang Lu was in the middle of putting on his shoes: “...”
He hesitated for a second, quickly slipped on his shoes, and turned to grab the doorknob.
Jiang Tu, expressionless, said, “Try walking out.”
Jiang Lu: “...”
He... really didn’t dare to leave.
If he dared to step out now, their brotherly bond would shatter tonight.
Zhu Xingyao was stunned and softly asked, “What’s wrong?”
Jiang Tu softened his expression, looking down at her, “Check your phone.”
Jiang Lu: “...”
Changing faces so quickly—so gentle with his sister-in-law, yet so ruthless with his own brother.
A few seconds later, Zhu Xingyao knew what had happened.
Jiang Lu felt an overwhelming sense of injustice. He cried out, “I really didn’t mean to! How could I know you’d suddenly walk in? This is a complete misunderstanding! Brother... if you beat me because of this, that’d be too cruel...”
Zhu Xingyao looked at Jiang Tu’s stern profile, not knowing what to say. During the early stages of movie preparation and filming, several variety shows contacted Hua Ling, wanting her and Jiang Tu to appear. Zhu Xingyao rejected them without hesitation; Jiang Tu wouldn’t participate in any programs.
The movie was a coming-of-age film, ending appropriately when the two reunited.
Every day brought new internet sensations, and once the hype died down, attention waned. Jiang Tu was naturally a low-key person who disliked excessive public scrutiny. Jiang Lu had caused trouble before by live-streaming from his house.
Unexpectedly, it happened again.
Jiang Tu sneered, “I really want to hit you.”
Jiang Lu pitifully looked at Zhu Xingyao, “Sister-in-law, I really didn’t mean it...”
Zhu Xingyao caught his plea signal. She gently tugged Jiang Tu’s sleeve. Jiang Tu paused, acknowledging he had appealed to the right person.
He said, “Come back.”
One minute later, Jiang Lu sat back down.
Jiang Tu glared at him, “You shouldn’t live stream at home.”
Jiang Lu: “... But what else could I do? I promised to go live.”
Jiang Tu: “If you promised to go live, why not stream from the club? Why come back?”
“I... isn’t it because you and Sister-in-law came back? Mom made a big meal.” Jiang Lu hadn’t eaten enough, but he didn’t dare pick up his chopsticks, “Isn’t it natural to have dinner with you guys?”
“Not natural,” Jiang Tu said coldly.
“...”
Jiang Lu looked at Zhu Xingyao, sending a plea signal.
Zhu Xingyao: “...”
She hesitated, then tugged Jiang Tu’s sleeve again, whispering, “He still has competitions to attend. If you injure him, how will he compete afterward? Let’s just let it go...” She coughed, looking at Jiang Lu, “Next time, don’t stream at home. Even if you stream... hmm, close the door in your room. That’s better.”
Jiang Lu vowed, “Next time, I absolutely won’t stream at home. I promise!”
Zhu Xingyao looked at Jiang Tu.
Jiang Lu also looked at Jiang Tu.
It was as if waiting for him to pass judgment.
Jiang Tu calmly picked up a chicken wing and placed it on Zhu Xingyao’s plate, “Eat, the food will get cold.”
Zhu Xingyao smiled, “Alright.”
Jiang Lu was delighted and picked up his chopsticks...
Jiang Tu looked at him, “I didn’t say you could.”
Jiang Lu: “...”
Embarrassed, he put down his chopsticks. After sitting for a few seconds, just as Shu Xian was about to mediate, he stood up with his phone and sighed, “Then I’ll leave.”
Zhu Xingyao found it childish for the brothers to argue, oddly amusing. She tugged Jiang Tu’s sleeve. Jiang Tu lowered his head, meeting her smiling eyes, and narrowed his gaze slightly, “Let him go. He can do whatever he needs to. We don’t need to bother.”
Jiang Lu: “...”
He walked to the door, tipped his head back with a long sigh, mourning their cold sibling bond.
WeChat notifications kept coming in.
One Sword Cuts Off Rotten Peach Blossoms: “Are you still coming? If not, I’m going out to play!”
Zhou Yan: “Captain, are you okay? You aren’t really beaten, are you?”
Xiao Yang: “Captain, should we come rescue you?”
Hao Zi: “Captain, if you’re still alive, reply! If you don’t, Zhou Yan says he’ll usurp your position as captain.”
Jiang Lu’s lips twitched. He checked Weibo to see what the fuss about breaking his leg was.
Zhou Yan retweeted a marketing account’s post: “It’s over. K God’s hand should be safe since they’re brothers. They wouldn’t be so cruel. His hand is needed for competition, but his leg might be broken.”
Comments were all over the place—
“Really? Is Jiang Tu that cruel??”
“Do you have their address? I’m going to save my husband! K God, wait for me!!”
“Impossible, Zhou Yan, stop spreading rumors! Jiang Tu isn’t that heartless! This is his own brother!”
“Not beaten? I’m actually a bit disappointed? [doge]”
...
Jiang Lu’s lips twitched. His brother was indeed pretty heartless. He replied to Zhou Yan, “You’re done. Prepare yourself a coffin.”
To Miss Rotten Peach Blossoms: “I’ll be there in half an hour.”
The apartment Jiang Lu found for Jiang Jinhui was in a new neighborhood. He earned quite a bit each year now and could afford to buy a house, but he didn’t want to. He was afraid Jiang Jinhui would mess up again and use it as collateral or something.
Winter had set in. He parked his car downstairs and spotted a girl in a white down jacket standing far away. Her furry hat covered her face, unclear, as she looked down at her phone.
He approached her uncertainly, “Miss Rotten Peach?”
Fan Anan snapped her head up, “You’re the one who’s Rotten Peach! Your whole family…!” Seeing his face, her voice faltered, swallowing her words back. Except for the lack of glasses, his features bore six or seven similarities to Jiang Tu. In person, he was even handsomer than in the live stream videos. She blinked, “I spoke incorrectly. Your brother isn’t Rotten Peach.”
Jiang Lu: “...”
He furrowed his brow, “Then why am I Rotten Peach?”
Fan Anan pursed her lips, glanced down at his intact, long legs, muttering, “Your leg isn’t broken?”
Jiang Lu: “...”
This girl was difficult to communicate with. He rolled his eyes, “Not broken. Are you disappointed?”
“Not really...”
Jiang Lu frowned, “Where’s the contract?”
“Here.” Fan Anan pulled out a crumpled contract from her backpack, “Sorry, it’s a bit wrinkled, but no worries. We’ll just sign it. I’ll give you the key afterward.” Originally supposed to sign days ago, it had been postponed multiple times, so finding the contract was already fortunate.
Jiang Lu paused, “Sign here?”
Fan Anan said matter-of-factly, “Where else would you go? Upstairs? Alone at night isn’t safe.”
Jiang Lu hissed, displeased, “How am I unsafe?” Did he look like a bad guy?
Fan Anan confidently looked at him, “Even though you resemble your brother, caution never hurts. I wanted you to sign during the day, but you insisted on coming at night...”
Jiang Lu: “... I didn’t have time during the day.”
Fan Anan shoved the contract at him, muttering, “So are you signing or not?”
Helplessly, Jiang Lu thought, no wonder she only meets Rotten Peach. He looked at her, “Pen.”
“Here.” She handed him a pen.
Jiang Lu eyed the pink pen, lifting his chin, “Stretch out your hand.”
Fan Anan hesitated, extending one hand, “Why?”
“Both hands, flat.” He coaxed.
After hesitating, Fan Anan obediently flattened both hands.
Slap —
Jiang Lu placed the contract on her hands and swiftly signed his name.
Fan AnAn: “...”
Using her hands as a small table? She moved, trying to pull her hands back.
“Don’t move, there’s another copy,” Jiang Lu murmured.
Fan Anan: “...”
Her emotions complex, she looked up at him.
Jiang Lu lowered his gaze, his eyelashes thick and black, seemingly longer than hers...
He truly resembled Jiang Tu, but their dispositions were completely different. Jiang Tu was cold and abstinent, while Jiang Lu was casual and laid-back. If the elder brother was so loyal, the younger one should be good too, right? Not someone who slept around?
“Done.”
After signing, Jiang Lu handed her a copy and kept one for himself.
Fan Anan snapped back, “Oh...”
“Then I’ll leave first, Miss Peach Blossom.” Jiang Lu casually waved with one hand in his pocket, turning around gracefully.
“Wait!” Fan Anan hurriedly stopped him.
Jiang Lu turned back.
Fan Anan looked at him, “My name is Fan Anan, not Peach Blossom.”
Jiang Lu laughed, “Alright, Miss Fan Anan, I’m leaving.”
Fan Anan frowned, “Wait!”
Jiang Lu raised an eyebrow, “What else?”
“How old are you?”
“Me? I’ll be 24 after the New Year.”
“...”
She was a year older. She didn’t particularly like younger men, but... Fan Anan stared at his face, hesitated, and asked, “So, are you moving into this apartment?”
Jiang Lu said, “No, it’s for my dad to rent.”
Fan Anan quickly squashed the idea of moving next door, replacing it with a sweet smile, “Then where are you going?”
“Back to the club.” Jiang Lu looked at her, “Anything else?”
“I’m nearby, give me a ride.” She quickly said.
“Not afraid I’m unsafe anymore?”
“...What can you do in the car anyway? Yes or no?”
A minute later, both sat in the car. Fan Anan scrolled through Weibo on her phone, then turned to look at him, “Your brother’s popularity is so high.”
Jiang Lu was used to it. He casually asked, “So, you like him too?”
Fan Anan: “Like him? What woman doesn’t like him!”
Jiang Lu: “Sorry, I already have a sister-in-law.”
Fan Anan: “...”
“I’m not a village idiot, I know!” She suddenly remembered something, opened her album, flipped to a photo, “I bumped into them on the plane during their honeymoon last time and took a picture.”
Jiang Lu glanced at it, raising an eyebrow, “Such a coincidence?”
Fan Anan grinned, nodding, “Fate!”
Hopefully, this wouldn’t be another Rotten Peach.
…
Days passed, reaching the end of December. Christmas was approaching, and the movie crew was nearing wrap-up. Zhu Xingyao visited the set once, ordering afternoon tea to be delivered. Lin Jiayu, holding a warm milk tea, turned to look at her, “Jiang Tu is on a business trip. Aren’t you going to visit him?”
Zhu Xingyao hugged a hot water bottle against her stomach, “My period pain was terrible yesterday. He told me not to run around and to wait for him at home.”
Jiang Tu was busy with a new product launch these days. Even if she went, he wouldn’t have time to take care of her. It was better to let her rest at home.
Lin Jiayu chuckled, “I heard that after having kids, period pains go away.”
Zhu Xingyao paused.
She asked, “Really? Is there scientific evidence?”
“No.”
“...”
Lin Jiayu thought for a moment, “Ask Ding Xiang’s wife next time.”
As soon as she finished speaking, her phone rang.
Zhu Xingyao saw the name “Lu Ji” on her screen and smiled. Lin Jiayu cheerfully answered, “Hello?”
“On set, Star came to visit today.”
Lu Ji paused, “I’ve arrived at the airport. Dinner tonight?”
“Sure.” Lin Jiayu turned to look at Zhu Xingyao, her eyes full of smiles, “I feel like having hot pot.”
“Okay.” Lu Ji chuckled.
After hanging up, Zhu Xingyao handed her the hot water bottle, smiling, “Then I’ll head back.”
“Okay.” Lin Jiayu stood up, looking at Zhu Xingyao, “Star, it’s all in the past. If I’m with Lu Ji in the future, I hope you and Jiang Tu don’t intentionally avoid us. I think it’s fine, nothing hard to accept. You know, right? Tang Xin’s husband once pursued her best friend, she... was worse off. Her husband didn’t know she liked him and even asked her to help. We’ve known each other for so many years. Don’t let some things make us distant. I clearly know what’s important, and Lu Ji should too. Plus, Jiang Tu and I grew up together. If I marry Lu Ji in the future, does he have to avoid us and not attend the wedding?”
Zhu Xingyao was startled, blinking, “I know, but haven’t you agreed to Lu Ji yet?”
Lin Jiayu raised her chin, “Hey, why are you and Xixi so annoying, always rushing me? Can’t I enjoy being chased for a bit?”
“I’m not rushing you.” Zhu Xingyao smiled, “Jiayu, we’ll be 28 after the New Year.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m still unmarried at 28, while you’re a married young woman. I can’t compare.”
“...”
“Hahahaha!”
Zhu Xingyao glared at her, “I’m leaving.”
After Christmas, 2018 was coming to an end. On December 30th, the movie Our Time wrapped up. Li Xixi and Xu Xiangyang returned to discuss engagement matters with their parents. Everyone was in Jiangcheng.
Li Xixi said in the WeChat group, “Let’s gather for dinner and celebrate the New Year.”
On the afternoon of December 31st, Zhu Xingyao finished her makeup, holding two coats at the doorway, “Husband, which one?”
Jiang Tu was feeding Tang Dou fish snacks. He looked up, “The left one.”
Zhu Xingyao humphed, “I knew you’d choose that.”
Down jackets were warmer.
She turned back to hang the coat.
Christmas, New Year, Jiang Tu’s birthday, Valentine’s Day...
Recently, holidays were all bunched together. Zhu Xingyao enjoyed celebrating, but... she had a question. Which day should they celebrate their wedding anniversary? Some said it was the day they got their marriage certificate, others said it was the wedding day...
She put on the down jacket and walked out, linking arms with Jiang Tu, sharing her confusion with him.
Jiang Tu led her out.
The door clicked shut.
He looked down at her, “Of course, it’s the day we got our marriage certificate.”
Zhu Xingyao blinked, “Why?”
“Legally, that’s the day you officially became Mrs. Jiang.” Jiang Tu led her towards the stairs, chuckling, “But if you want to celebrate both days, that’s fine too.”
“I don’t want to walk up the stairs.” Mrs. Jiang pulled his hand, dragging him towards the elevator, “Let’s take the elevator.”
The gathering location was at a high-end hot pot restaurant. Li Xixi booked a large private room since neither she nor Zhu Xingyao were suitable for the main hall. Ding Xiang and his wife brought their daughter along. The little girl was adorable and immediately taken by Li Xixi and Lin Jiayu to play.
Lu Ji was also present. When Zhu Xingyao and Jiang Tu arrived, the atmosphere was slightly awkward.
Lin Jiayu had always known how to make herself comfortable. She was accustomed to being open-minded, and Lu Ji... probably moved on too. But when Jiang Tu and Lu Ji met, the atmosphere shifted.
The air froze for a few seconds.
Li Xixi glanced at them, taking the little girl over, “Star, hold her?”
Zhu Xingyao looked at the five-month-old girl, slowly reaching out to hold her. Jiang Tu, worried she might not hold her well, raised his hand to support her. Maybe it was because Jiang Tu naturally attracted little girls.
The little girl grabbed Jiang Tu’s slender fingers, babbling.
Zhu Xingyao looked at the tiny hand, tightened her lips, and looked up at Jiang Tu.
Ding Xiang burst out laughing, “Look, my daughter has liked handsome men since she was little.”
The next second, the little girl wriggled and lunged towards Jiang Tu.
Zhu Xingyao’s heart fluttered. She softly said, “Tu Ge, you’re very popular with kids…”
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