While Jiang Cheng was away, Xiali had been torturing herself, locked in endless mental loops, even hiding in her room too afraid to step out.
Yet the instant Jiang Cheng's silhouette reappeared, every shred of her rationality crumbled.
Even if Jiang Cheng looked perfectly calm, as though nothing had ever happened between them.
Xiali could still weave a reasonable excuse for him in her heart.
She quietly told herself that Jiang Cheng simply didn't want her to feel awkward; his indifference was only to preserve what little dignity she had left.
At that thought, the corners of Xiali's mouth lifted in a self-mocking smile.
After the brief emotional spike, she quickly composed her expression, quickened her pace, and like a devoted puppy followed right behind Jiang Cheng.
She watched Jiang Cheng walk into the house and effortlessly slip off his exquisitely tailored coat.
Xiali reacted instantly, stepping dutifully to the side and receiving the coat with steady, practiced hands.
Once the coat was off, Jiang Cheng lowered his head slightly, sweeping his gaze from the top of her head down her entire figure.
Today Xiali wore a maid's qipao with a fur-trimmed collar; the fitted cut outlined her curves like a delicate scroll painting.
The fine patterns on the qipao shimmered subtly under the indoor lighting, charming and refined.
The furry collar added a touch of playfulness and cuteness, making her look both sexy and innocent.
On her, the outfit truly had a unique flavor.
But remembering that his parents were coming tonight, Jiang Cheng's brows creased slightly.
Given his mother's overwhelming need to control his father, she definitely wouldn't approve of Xiali's eye-catching attire.
Thinking of his mother, Jiang Cheng silently mourned for his father once again.
Sensing Jiang Cheng's gaze lingering, Xiali grew puzzled.
She asked cautiously, "Young Master Jiang, what is it? Don't you like what I'm wearing today?"
Jiang Cheng curved his lips in a wicked smile. "I like it, but my parents are coming tonight…"
At those words, panic flared inside her.
Back in the capital she had stayed by Jiang Cheng's side the whole time.
Judging from the local troop disposition, they had vaguely guessed who Jiang Cheng's grandfather was.
Yet during their entire stay they hadn't even been allowed to set foot past the Courtyard House gate, let alone meet the old man.
As for Jiang Cheng's parents, they had actually already seen them—secretly—in Chengdu.
After all, members of the Security Team were always posted covertly around his home.
They had managed a glimpse from afar.
Now the situation was completely different: his parents were coming to the villa, and as the maid she would have to serve tea and stay close at hand.
She would be in direct contact with them—how could she not be nervous?
Xiali nodded at once. "I understand, Young Master Jiang."
Jiang Cheng said nothing more; he walked to the sofa, sprawled lazily, and closed his eyes for a nap.
"Are you tired? Would you like to go upstairs and sleep a while?"
Too lazy to move, Jiang Cheng replied, "I'll rest here. Wake me around five; I have to pick my parents up at the airport."
Hearing this, Xiali tiptoed to fetch a neatly folded cashmere blanket and gently laid it over him.
Just after seven that evening, two cars headed toward the airport one behind the other.
Only a few hundred metres from the VIP lounge,
the cars ahead began making U-turns and the smooth road suddenly clogged.
Vehicles that had been racing along began frantically turning around.
In the blink of an eye the wide, free-flowing carriageway was jammed solid.
Horns blared and drivers cursed, weaving a chorus of chaos.
Jiang Cheng looked out and saw several police cars with flashing lights blocking the way completely.
A strong unease surged in him.
His parents' flight hadn't landed yet, but the road was sealed at this critical moment.
Had some serious accident happened up ahead?
"What's going on? A roadblock?"
At Jiang Cheng's question Wang Sheng pushed the door open without a word, strode toward the police cars ahead.
He spoke in low tones with an officer on duty for quite a while,
then hurried back to the car.
With a grave face he reported, "Young Master Jiang, it's a traffic control for unknown reasons; no one's allowed through."
Just as a puzzled Jiang Cheng pulled out his phone to call his father,
the lead officer among those waving cars to turn back suddenly seemed to spot something important.
He took off his black sunglasses, revealing deep, sharp eyes.
After a quick look he strode straight toward Jiang Cheng's red flag car.
As he neared the rear window Jiang Cheng set down his phone and pressed the button to lower the glass.
Jiang Cheng smiled faintly and spoke first, "Well, if it isn't Captain Chen—meeting again?"
Chen Qin answered with a warm grin,
"Young Master Jiang, we've got a special assignment today; you can't get through. I hope you understand."
He gave Jiang Cheng a friendly nod of apology.
Jiang Cheng swept his gaze outside.
Besides the police cars with their red-blue lights,
a military-green off-roader was parked by the roadside.
Its hard lines exuded a cold, tough aura, and its white registration plate stood out like a banner.
Wow, they've even brought out the guys with rifles.
The sight sent a jolt through him.
He promptly activated his Danger Perception Skill.
When no warning came,
he went on, "What exactly is happening? I need to pick up my parents—has something big gone down ahead?"