Jiang Jiang silently closed her mouth. She even lowered her head along with it.
Ji Xu'an did not look at her directly, only sweeping a glance at her with the corner of her eye. Even without seeing the expression on Jiang Jiang's face, she could guess that the other woman must look aggrieved at this moment.
Ji Xu'an had no choice but to comfort her in a hoarse voice, "I didn't mean to say you were noisy. Didn't your foot hurt? Talk less and save your strength."
As she spoke, one hand wrapped around Jiang Jiang's waist, and her other arm slid beneath Jiang Jiang's knees, lifting her up horizontally.
The sudden feeling of weightlessness made Jiang Jiang clutch tightly at Ji Xu'an's clothes. She closed her eyes briefly, feeling Ji Xu'an carry her forward a few steps.
When Jiang Jiang opened her eyes, she saw Ji Xu'an bending slightly to carefully place her into the wheelchair. Ji Xu'an's profile kept enlarging before her eyes, so close that she could clearly count each of her long, curled lashes.
Jiang Jiang stared straight at Ji Xu'an. When she spoke again, her voice still carried a trace of nasality. "Sister, you're really not angry at me?"
"The one who did something wrong was me. Why would I be angry?" Ji Xu'an still did not look at her, but she knew Jiang Jiang was looking at her. Ji Xu'an could not help but tighten her expression, not daring to relax in the slightest.
She draped the small blanket over Jiang Jiang's legs, helped her put on her coat properly, and only then pushed her toward the exit.
That ambiguous accident just now did not seem to have affected her much. Aside from briefly exposing her suppressed emotions when she told Jiang Jiang to stop talking, Ji Xu'an did not reveal a single flaw afterward.
Because Jiang Jiang kept saying her foot hurt, the two moved in a hurry and even forgot to take the crutch.
Only after reaching downstairs did Ji Xu'an remember. At this point, it was impossible to go back for it.
Since she had already carried her once just now, Ji Xu'an did not even wait for Jiang Jiang to hint. She bent down and picked Jiang Jiang up directly. Jiang Jiang very naturally hooked her arms around Ji Xu'an's neck, her whole body nestling like a small bird into Ji Xu'an's embrace.
Boundaries are lowered step by step like this.
Not long ago, Ji Xu'an would have felt uncomfortable even accidentally touching Jiang Jiang's face. Now she could princess-carry Jiang Jiang without changing expression.
Even if there was the reason of acting out of urgency, if Ji Xu'an herself were not inwardly resistant to such closeness, how could she repeatedly compromise for Jiang Jiang?
Ji Xu'an did not think much about it. The situation did not allow her time to think. She placed Jiang Jiang in the passenger seat and even fastened her seatbelt personally.
After confirming Jiang Jiang was settled properly, Ji Xu'an walked around to the other side to drive.
Jiang Jiang's complexion still did not look very good. The flush on her cheeks from sleep had completely faded because of the accident. She leaned against the seatback with lowered eyes, faint traces of fatigue visible on her face.
Ji Xu'an's expression was dark. She gripped the steering wheel, and the car shot out of the underground parking lot like an arrow released from a bow.
Fortunately, there were hardly any red lights along the way. After parking steadily, Ji Xu'an got out and carried Jiang Jiang again.
Jiang Jiang discreetly moved her left foot. It actually did not hurt much anymore. She had a sense of proportion; she would not truly let herself be injured again.
Still, coming to the hospital for a check-up was fine. In any case, it was almost time for her follow-up visit in a couple of days. Jiang Jiang also wanted to know how well her foot was recovering.
Since there was no one else with them, Ji Xu'an handled registration and queuing. Jiang Jiang had originally worried that Ji Xu'an would not be used to it, but unexpectedly, she seemed quite practiced.
They had just been discharged and now were back again. The doctor had quite a few complaints about Ji Xu'an.
However, she did not say much, only repeatedly reminding Jiang Jiang, "You must pay attention to rest. Before you've fully recovered, don't rush to use your left foot."
Jiang Jiang quickly nodded in agreement. After coming out of the consultation room, she looked up at Ji Xu'an with a face full of apology. "Sister, I'll definitely be more careful next time."
Ji Xu'an held the wheelchair and met her gaze with an unreadable expression. "You don't need to apologize. I didn't take good care of you."
Ji Xu'an seemed unwilling to discuss the topic further. Without waiting for Jiang Jiang to respond, she continued, "It's getting late. I'll take you to eat."
"What do you want to eat?"
Jiang Jiang subconsciously rubbed her stomach. She was indeed a bit hungry. "I want to drink porridge."
"Alright."
Ji Xu'an drove her to a rather well-known porridge restaurant. It was mealtime, and the place was fairly crowded.
After Jiang Jiang finished ordering, Ji Xu'an's phone suddenly rang. She showed Jiang Jiang a slightly apologetic expression. "I'll step outside to take a call."
"Sister, go ahead. I'll wait here."
Jiang Jiang propped her chin on her hand, watching Ji Xu'an stride out.
Before she could withdraw her gaze, someone gently tapped her shoulder. Jiang Jiang turned her head and saw that it was Fu Xiaoyin.
Fu Xiaoyin was beaming. "What a coincidence, Jiang Jiang. We meet again."
She smiled with a face full of surprise, not showing in the slightest that she had actually followed the two of them here.
Jiang Jiang let out a small exclamation. "Sister Fu, you're here too."
Fu Xiaoyin raised her brows. "Maybe this is fate."
Otherwise, how could it be that just when she was worrying about not having a chance to strike up a conversation with Jiang Jiang, Ji Xu'an stepped out to take a call?
It seemed even heaven was helping her.
Taking advantage of Ji Xu'an not having noticed yet, Fu Xiaoyin eagerly took out her phone. "Let's add each other as friends first."
Jiang Jiang did not refuse.
After successfully scanning the code, Fu Xiaoyin asked again, "I really feel like we're quite fated. Can we take a photo together?"
"Don't worry, I won't use it for anything. Just as a keepsake."
Her eyes did not say the same thing.
Jiang Jiang knew Fu Xiaoyin's purpose could not be simple, but she truly could not guess what she intended to do.
After hesitating for a few seconds, Jiang Jiang still agreed.
Fu Xiaoyin half-crouched down, bringing her head close beside Jiang Jiang's.
With a click, their expressions were frozen in that instant.
Fu Xiaoyin felt fully satisfied. But before she could put her phone away, the corner of her eye suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure striding quickly toward them. The smile on Fu Xiaoyin's face immediately stiffened.
Ji Xu'an had not expected that in the mere time it took to answer a phone call, Jiang Jiang would be entangled again.
"Manager Fu." Ji Xu'an looked at Fu Xiaoyin with an indifferent expression. "Why are you here?"
Jiang Jiang might be easy to fool, but Ji Xu'an was not.
Fu Xiaoyin felt cold sweat almost breaking out on her back. She was both guilty and slightly sour. The gaze she had once longed for but never obtained had finally fallen on her, yet it was filled with wariness and rejection.
Ji Xu'an truly had no thoughts about her.
Perhaps in her heart now, she was nothing more than an oversized lightbulb.
"This is a restaurant. Of course I'm here to eat. President Ji, is there a problem?"
Ji Xu'an suppressed the irritation in her heart. "No problem. I just saw you standing a bit too close to my fiancée and wanted to remind you to maintain social distance."
Fu Xiaoyin tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Since when did President Ji have such an adorable fiancée? Why didn't we know? Didn't Jiang Jiang say she was just your younger sister?"
For a brief moment, Ji Xu'an found the two words "younger sister" somewhat piercing.
"This is my private matter. There's no need for Manager Fu to concern herself." Ji Xu'an sat down in her seat and glanced at Fu Xiaoyin, who was still standing beside them. "Does Manager Fu have anything else?"
Fu Xiaoyin ground her teeth. She had once only thought Ji Xu'an was cold and noble, though strong-willed, still possessing great personal charm. Only today did she discover that Ji Xu'an's mouth could truly infuriate someone to death.
"No. More. Business!" Fu Xiaoyin enunciated word by word. When she turned to Jiang Jiang, a smile returned to her face. "Since someone doesn't welcome me, we'll have to chat next time."
"Goodbye, Sister Fu." Jiang Jiang waved at her.
She watched Fu Xiaoyin leave. When she turned back, she saw Ji Xu'an looking at her with dark, unreadable eyes. For some reason, Jiang Jiang felt as though she saw a trace of grievance in Ji Xu'an's gaze.
She did not think much of it, nor did she speak to comfort Ji Xu'an. Instead, she lowered her head and played with her fingers, appearing somewhat absent-minded.
They had encountered Fu Xiaoyin twice today, and Jiang Jiang's reactions both times had been strange. Alarm bells could not help but ring in Ji Xu'an's heart.
"You like Manager Fu very much?" she asked as if casually.
Jiang Jiang hesitated for a moment before nodding uncertainly.
"There's a very unique aura about Sister Fu."
Jiang Jiang seemed unable to find the right words to describe that feeling. The way she was clearly recalling something only made Ji Xu'an more displeased.
After thinking for a long time, Jiang Jiang finally understood. "I feel like she's very reliable."
Ji Xu'an seemed to understand what Jiang Jiang meant. Because of the lack of fatherly and motherly love, Jiang Jiang had an instinctive yearning and admiration for women older than herself. Just by looking at Jiang Jiang's attitude toward her, she could understand.
But she had at least spent some time with Jiang Jiang. And Fu Xiaoyin?
They had only met for the first time today.
It must have been Fu Xiaoyin using sweet words to deceive Jiang Jiang!
Ji Xu'an felt stifled with anger. Yet seeing the smile on Jiang Jiang's face, she could not bear to shatter her illusion.
Forget it. Ji Xu'an tried once again to convince herself. The person Jiang Jiang trusted most must still be her.
Before Ji Xu'an could settle her heart, Jiang Jiang suddenly said something astonishing. "Sister, can I fall in love?"
Ji Xu'an almost suspected she had misheard.
But when she met Jiang Jiang's uneasy gaze, Ji Xu'an could no longer deceive herself, because she saw more than enough seriousness in Jiang Jiang's eyes.
"You want to date Fu Xiaoyin?" Ji Xu'an heard herself ask very calmly.
But her inner heart was anything but calm. It was even absurd.
Jiang Jiang did not speak, only bit her lip. Yet the blush spreading across her face was so obvious that anyone could understand her thoughts.
Ji Xu'an felt waves of pain at her temples. "You only met for the first time today. What do you like about her?"
Jiang Jiang said softly, "Sister Fu is very good-looking and very gentle to me."
"Just because of that?" Ji Xu'an could not understand.
If one were to say how good-looking Fu Xiaoyin was, was she really that exceptional? Wasn't she just of ordinary appearance?
Objectively speaking, Fu Xiaoyin was indeed quite beautiful, and her temperament was outstanding. But right now Ji Xu'an found her displeasing and felt that she was lacking everywhere.
As for being gentle—everyone was a decent adult. Was she supposed to speak harshly to her boss's rumored partner?
If Jiang Jiang liked Fu Xiaoyin simply because of those two points, Ji Xu'an found it impossible to accept.
An absurd thought even surged within her. Was she not better-looking than Fu Xiaoyin? Was she not more gentle toward Jiang Jiang than Fu Xiaoyin?
Why would Jiang Jiang fall for a Fu Xiaoyin who was inferior to her in every way?
Jiang Jiang lowered her thick lashes. "Feelings are a very marvelous thing. Love at first sight isn't something that doesn't exist at all."
"Sometimes your heart can move in just an instant. And there are also many people you didn't like before, but suddenly end up liking later."
When Ji Xu'an heard this, something seemed to flash through her mind, but it disappeared too quickly for her to grasp.
She admitted that what Jiang Jiang said made sense, but Ji Xu'an still could not accept the fact that Jiang Jiang liked Fu Xiaoyin.
Yet before she could find more reasons to oppose Jiang Jiang, Jiang Jiang smiled at Ji Xu'an and said, "Besides, I'm not even sure whether I really like Sister Fu. I just think she's quite a nice person, and Sister Fu also seems to have a rather favorable impression of me."
She looked at Ji Xu'an with a bright smile, her apricot eyes shimmering with moving light. "Sister, if I truly confirm my feelings one day, can you help me?"
Ji Xu'an did not know what exactly she was angry about, but there was a flame burning in her heart.
She even wanted to ask Jiang Jiang, do you know what you're saying?
But Ji Xu'an did not say those words out loud. Based on the experience she had gained from educating Ji Heyuan in the past, children often have a rebellious streak; the more you forbid her from doing something, the more she wants to do it.
So at this moment she could not blindly oppose Jiang Jiang; she had to guide her patiently.
Ji Xu'an looked deeply at Jiang Jiang. "Alright."
Ji Xu'an attributed her opposition to the belief that Fu Xiaoyin was not suitable for Jiang Jiang. She thought that if Jiang Jiang were to meet someone more suitable in the future, and Jiang Jiang liked that person as well, she would definitely agree.
Jiang Jiang ate this meal to her heart's content, but Ji Xu'an found it somewhat difficult to swallow.
After finishing the meal, the two set off for home. On the way, Jiang Jiang kept replying to messages.
The constant notification sounds rang in Ji Xu'an's ears. She glanced over and suddenly had an ominous premonition. "Who are you chatting with?"
Jiang Jiang pressed her lips together in a smile, confirming Ji Xu'an's guess. "It's Sister Fu. She asked whether I've gone back yet, and she also said that next time she'll take me to eat at a particularly delicious French restaurant."
Ji Xu'an's lips pressed slightly tighter. She still has time to take girls out for French cuisine; it seems Fu Xiaoyin is quite idle.
Jiang Jiang discreetly glanced at Ji Xu'an's tense expression. She casually set her phone to silent and then put it away.
"Sister, have you ever liked someone before?" Jiang Jiang's face was full of curiosity.
It was normal for sisters to discuss this topic, but Ji Xu'an was currently holding in a surge of gloom, and her tone when replying was icy.
"No."
"Today Sister Fu told me that Sister seemed to have had a rather good relationship with a certain female celebrity before." Jiang Jiang tentatively brought up the matter. Of course, she did not mention Zhou Zisuo's name; if there had really been something between Ji Xu'an and Zhou Zisuo, she would definitely know whom Jiang Jiang was referring to.
Sure enough, when Ji Xu'an heard the words "female celebrity," her expression grew visibly colder. She cast Jiang Jiang a subtle glance, taking in all the gossip and anticipation on Jiang Jiang's face.
Ji Xu'an was expressionless. "She lied to you."
So there truly was a story here, just not necessarily as Fu Xiaoyin had described. Unfortunately, Ji Xu'an was unwilling to tell her, so Jiang Jiang could only suppress her curiosity for now and plan to investigate carefully later.
"Then what kind of person does Sister like? Boys or girls?" Jiang Jiang paused, a trace of barely perceptible disappointment in her voice. "The one Sister likes must be someone who can match you, right?"
Ji Xu'an's hand on the steering wheel tightened slightly. "Why do you say that?"
"Just a feeling." Jiang Jiang thought for a moment. "Compared to an immature child who needs you to take care of her, someone who can walk forward shoulder to shoulder with you is surely more worthy of your admiration, right?"
Ji Xu'an was silent for a few seconds. "Just like you said, matters of the heart are impossible to predict. A heartbeat can happen in just an instant. What kind of person she is doesn't matter; as long as I like her, that's enough."
After saying this, Ji Xu'an even felt her own heartbeat quicken a few beats.
How strange. Clearly, she had never been interested in romance before, yet now she could actually say such words.
Jiang Jiang responded slowly with an "Oh." "If someone were liked by Sister, she would definitely be very happy. You're already so gentle to your younger sister; you would surely treat your partner even better."
"If only my future girlfriend could be as gentle as Sister. I'm too foolish; I hope she can be more mature and strong, patiently tolerant of my mistakes like Sister, shielding me from wind and rain."
Ji Xu'an's heart jolted violently. "You…"
She was not stupid. She had the faint sense that Jiang Jiang's words seemed to carry another meaning.
But in the next second, Jiang Jiang immediately shattered Ji Xu'an's suspicion. "It feels like Sister Fu fits my requirements quite well."
Ji Xu'an's breathing grew slightly heavier, yet Jiang Jiang did not stop and continued, "Actually, Sister Chu is also quite good. She treats me very well too."
Jiang Jiang cupped her small face in her hands, her eyes full of shyness and dilemma. "They are both very good people."
Ji Xu'an let out a heavy breath, then sneered inwardly.
They are both very good?
Not necessarily.
She must have gone mad just now to think that Jiang Jiang had been hinting at something.
Hadn't she already known that Jiang Jiang only regarded her as a sister?
At this thought, Ji Xu'an pressed the horn forcefully, her lips almost drawn into a straight line.
For the rest of the journey, Jiang Jiang did not speak, and Ji Xu'an remained silent as well. Both looked preoccupied.
It was not too late when they arrived home. Jiang Jiang tidied up and prepared to wash up.
Ji Xu'an helped her run hot water. She did not leave immediately but stood in the bathroom and exchanged a look with Jiang Jiang.
They looked at each other without words.
After a few seconds, Ji Xu'an's thin lips parted slightly. "Shall I wait for you outside the door?"
Thinking that Ji Xu'an might hear the sounds of her bathing, Jiang Jiang's cheeks could not help but flush. "No need, Sister. I'll be careful. Nothing will happen."
Ji Xu'an knew Jiang Jiang was shy, but perhaps because the irritation suppressed in her heart had not yet dissipated, Ji Xu'an could not help thinking—could it also be that Jiang Jiang was guarding against her?
"What if you accidentally slip and fall, and I'm not there? Can you manage on your own?"
Ji Xu'an's tone left no room for refusal. "Go bathe. I'll sit on the sofa for a while."
Jiang Jiang had no choice but to nod. "Then I'll trouble you, Sister."
Seeing that her gaze toward her was still bright and clear, Ji Xu'an's mood seemed to improve slightly. "It's no trouble. Go on."
As she spoke, she turned and retreated, thoughtfully closing the bathroom door behind her.
Jiang Jiang soaked herself in the hot water, still continuously pondering what had happened today.
It seemed that Fu Xiaoyin's stimulation to Ji Xu'an had been even greater than she had imagined. Jiang Jiang had only tentatively mentioned it, and although Ji Xu'an did not show it on the surface, every subtle expression revealed that she was unhappy inside.
Was it because she was still carrying the title of her fiancée?
After all, today she had proactively admitted her identity as fiancée in front of Fu Xiaoyin.
It was precisely because of this that Jiang Jiang had carried out the series of probing actions afterward.
For now, everything was still within Jiang Jiang's expectations. In fact, everything was developing in the direction she wanted. She closed her eyes and submerged her mouth and nose into the hot water as well.
Perhaps it would not be long before she got her wish.
Jiang Jiang had already thought it through. After some more time passed, she would go ask Grandmother to help her once more.
—
After finishing her bath, Jiang Jiang's entire body was flushed white with pink from the steam. She had not slipped accidentally, but Ji Xu'an was still uneasy and took the initiative to dry her hair.
A few days ago, how could Jiang Jiang have imagined that one day she would be able to enjoy Ji Xu'an's attendance?
Perhaps because she had grown accustomed to taking care of Jiang Jiang these past few days, Ji Xu'an did not feel the slightest discomfort in her heart. Seeing Jiang Jiang sitting obediently in front of her, Ji Xu'an even felt a hint of satisfaction.
Jiang Jiang was truly well-behaved. When told to close her eyes, she closed them; when told to raise her head, she raised it. Ji Xu'an even had the illusion that she was dressing up a doll.
She pressed her fingertips lightly against Jiang Jiang's scalp and gently massaged, then combed downward along Jiang Jiang's long hair, her movements exceptionally gentle.
With her eyes closed, Jiang Jiang was unaware. She turned her head to cooperate with Ji Xu'an. When she tilted her head, she seemed to feel her lips brush against something—warm and soft, like Ji Xu'an's finger.
Jiang Jiang suddenly opened her eyes, but there was nothing in front of her.
"Sister?" Jiang Jiang lifted her neck, looking at Ji Xu'an in confusion. "Just now, did I…"
Ji Xu'an kneaded her long hair, her expression calm and composed. "Hm? Did you what?"
Jiang Jiang withdrew her gaze. "Nothing, maybe I was mistaken."
She did not see that behind her, Ji Xu'an silently let out a breath of relief, and the fingertips playing with Jiang Jiang's long hair paused subtly.
Just now it truly had been an accident, but Ji Xu'an realized that she did not seem to dislike it.
If it were Jiang Jiang, she even felt that perhaps she could accept going a little further.
Ji Xu'an could not help falling into deep thought.
—
That night Jiang Jiang slept alone.
In the hospital it could be said to be unavoidable; now that they were at home, the two of them could no longer find an excuse to share the same bed.
When Jiang Jiang woke up the next morning, Ji Xu'an had already gone to work, but Jiang Jiang was not the only person at home.
"Oh, Miss Xie, you're awake?"
As soon as Jiang Jiang walked into the living room, she saw a head pop out from the kitchen.
"Sister Zhou?" Jiang Jiang was slightly surprised.
She suddenly remembered that last night Ji Xu'an had already told her she would find someone to take care of her, but Jiang Jiang had not expected that person to be Sister Zhou.
"It's me. Did the eldest miss tell you?" Sister Zhou wiped her hands on her apron, smiling. "It's inconvenient for you to be home alone, so the eldest miss asked me to come cook for you."
"Mm, thank you for the trouble." Jiang Jiang slowly walked to the dining table and sat down. Sister Zhou did not come over to support her.
Only after Jiang Jiang sat down did Sister Zhou say, "My hands are dirty, it's inconvenient. Are you alright on your own?"
Jiang Jiang smiled lightly. "It's fine. Go ahead with your work."
So Sister Zhou returned to the kitchen.
Jiang Jiang watched her back as her smile slowly faded.
This person gave her a very strange feeling. Back when she had lived at the old residence, Jiang Jiang had always felt that Sister Zhou was silently observing her, and Jiang Jiang could sense that Sister Zhou did not like her very much.
If previously it had been because Ji Xu'an's attitude toward her was not good, but now that Ji Xu'an's attitude had already changed, why did Sister Zhou still seem to have opinions about her?
Jiang Jiang's fingertips lightly tapped the tabletop. There must be some hidden truth behind this that she did not know. Sister Zhou did not seem to have appeared in the story before, so she was most likely not disliking her because of Zheng Zhouzhou.
Then what could the reason be?
Whenever something happens, there must be a cause. The entanglements of grudges in this world originate from nothing more than feelings or interest.
Which aspect was Sister Zhou motivated by?
After breakfast, Jiang Jiang returned to her room to read. Sister Zhou watched her back with a thoughtful expression.
An hour and a half later, Sister Zhou carried newly bought groceries while walking back to Xingyue Bay. On the way, she answered a phone call. Whatever the person on the other end asked, Sister Zhou's tone was certain.
"I saw it with my own eyes. The eldest miss and Miss Xie came out of different rooms. They definitely did not sleep together!"
"If they were truly fiancées with a good relationship, why would they sleep in separate rooms?"
—
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