Chapter 107: Beautiful Sister
Yang Jing was quite punctual. At 4 p.m., she arrived at the café wearing a light purple dress paired with a black blazer and a red plaid scarf. When she saw Zhang Yang, her gorgeous face showed a hint of warmth, and she teased, "Oh my, little brother, you've really made something of yourself. You're a big boss now. Looks like this big sister of yours will have to rely on you from now on."
Zhang Yang felt a little embarrassed hearing that. Just a few months ago, he was a broke nobody. Who could've imagined this day would come?
He had even chosen to sit in the same spot as last time, hoping that same good luck would help him again today.
"Sister Jing, please sit. What would you like to eat?" Zhang Yang took the menu from the waiter and handed it to Yang Jing.
Yang Jing blew out a puff of white breath, rubbed her hands, sat opposite Zhang Yang, and said playfully, "So nice of you. Then I'll really feast today…"
She took the menu, glanced at it, and said to the waiter, "Just a latte for me."
Then she glanced at Zhang Yang, wrinkled her nose with a bright smile, and said, "Just kidding. I have to eat dinner with Grandpa later, so it's better not to eat too much now."
Zhang Yang didn't insist and went straight to the point. "Sister Jing, about what I asked you before—have you thought it over?"
Yang Jing glanced at him and smiled. "Why did you choose me?"
"Because aside from a distant uncle, you're the closest person I have in this world. If not you, then who else could I choose?"
Hearing that, Yang Jing chuckled softly and said, "Such a sweet talker. Fine, I'll reluctantly believe that excuse of yours."
"Sister Jing, so that means… you've agreed?" Zhang Yang couldn't hide the flicker of excitement in his heart.
"I haven't even had my coffee yet. How could I give you an answer?" Yang Jing pointed at the busy waiter nearby.
When the coffee arrived, she leaned over to smell the steaming aroma before slowly saying, "I heard from Grandpa about your rehabilitation center. He thinks highly of you and even suggested I resign to help you."
"Then I really have to thank Grandpa Yang." Zhang Yang felt a rush of gratitude toward Yang Shushan.
"However, I can't agree to it for now." Yang Jing hesitated, lifted the cup for a small sip, found it too hot, and put it back down.
Disappointment appeared on Zhang Yang's face. Honestly, even without Yang Jing, the rehabilitation center could still operate. But without her, it felt incomplete—like a person missing their heart.
"Oh, don't look so down." Yang Jing clearly noticed the change on his face. She wrinkled her nose and waved her fair, delicate hand in front of his eyes. "It's not that I don't want to help you."
"It's just…" She withdrew her hand, lifted her coffee cup, and bit her rosy lip hesitantly. "It's just… I have some personal matters."
Zhang Yang pressed his lips together and nodded. "Since Sister Jing has personal matters, of course I won't force you."
Though he was curious about her private affairs, he held back and respected her choice. He was disappointed but not resentful.
"Actually… I guess it's fine to tell you." Yang Jing hesitated, set her coffee cup back down, looked at Zhang Yang shyly, and said, "You know my boyfriend is studying abroad in Maple Leaf Country. He's recently gotten permanent residency there, and he wants me to immigrate too."
Zhang Yang froze. So that was it. He knew Yang Jing had a boyfriend studying overseas. They'd known each other since middle school. The guy had gone to study in Maple Leaf Country near the U.S. for high school, then university, then a master's and Ph.D. His whole family had already immigrated there.
Yang Jing and that man had been in a long-distance relationship for over ten years. Originally, he was supposed to return by the end of the year for their engagement, but now she was the one who might be moving to Maple Leaf Country instead.
Hearing that, Zhang Yang felt a pang of inexplicable sadness.
If she emigrated, it would be hard to see her again. To him, she was like family. If she left, it would leave an empty space in his heart.
He sighed deeply, picked up his now-cold coffee, took a sip, and felt an unpleasant bitterness rise in his chest. A deep loneliness washed over him.
But he still forced a smile. "Then congratulations, Sister Jing."
"Congratulate me for what? Nothing's decided yet." Yang Jing pursed her lips. "I'm still hesitating. We haven't met in so many years that he feels almost like a stranger. Plus, I can't bear to leave Grandpa, Dad, my little sister… and of course, my little brother, hehe."
Her tone softened before she sighed again. "But if I don't go, it feels like I'm betraying all the years he's waited for me."
She looked at Zhang Yang, troubled. "What do you think I should do?"
What should she do?
Of course she should stay.
Zhang Yang screamed it inside his head, but outwardly, he only smiled faintly. "If that guy truly loves you, then you can go take a look, but don't rush into immigration. After all, life here in Huaxia is a lot better these days. Why run abroad?"
"Hmm, you've got a point. Maybe I'll take a leave and fly over just to see how things are before deciding." Yang Jing narrowed her beautiful eyes, smiling at him. "That's a good idea. Thanks, little brother!"
Then, noticing his faint look of disappointment, she stuck out her tongue and apologized. "Oh dear, I forgot we were supposed to talk about your rehabilitation center. How did it turn into me asking for your advice?"
Zhang Yang chuckled. "It's fine. As long as you're happy."
"Hehe, but if my happiness makes you unhappy, how can I be happy?" Yang Jing pouted, tilted her head in thought, and said, "How about this—let me recommend someone to you instead?"
Zhang Yang hesitated, then shook his head. "In my eyes, Sister Jing, you're the only one suited for it. For now, I'd rather keep the position empty than settle for less."
"Oh no, then I'm really guilty!" Yang Jing pouted again, looking embarrassed.
Seeing that, Zhang Yang quickly waved his hands. "I'm just a bit disappointed, that's all. Please don't take it to heart. By the way, Sister Jing, since you've made up your mind, when are you planning to visit Maple Leaf Country?"
As soon as he said that, Zhang Yang wanted to smack himself. Damn it, why the hell did he ask that? Once she went over there… with how beautiful she was, that bastard wouldn't waste any time before pouncing on her.
He'd definitely push that delicate beauty down in no time.
Yang Jing glanced at him and hesitated. "I'm still thinking. It's almost Spring Festival, and I still have to apply for a visa. It doesn't seem like a good time to go now. Maybe after the new year, in spring?"
"Yeah." Zhang Yang calculated—two or three months left. Maybe something would change in the meantime.
Leaving the café, Zhang Yang felt a bit lost. Since it was clear Yang Jing wouldn't be joining his rehabilitation center, he should start considering other candidates.
He checked the time—it wasn't even five yet. Maybe he could visit Yang Fei and try to dig out some info about Yang Jing's boyfriend.
But halfway there, he shook his head. It wasn't the right time. She'd probably scold him for prying, so better not.
Just as he was about to turn the car around, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, he realized it was Yang Jing.
Could it be that she'd changed her mind?