The wooden beauty of Young Master Sheng(231-235)

Chapter 231: Dream-Like Appearance


The long night finally passed.


Dawn arrived.


Sunlight streamed through the window, and Jiang Chenchen, having consumed half a bottle of wine, remained unusually calm.


Outside the door, there were pounding sounds.


The captain of the guard shouted warnings.


She held the hunting rifle, ready for whatever came.


Jiang Chenchen walked to the window, looking at the vast sea. Beyond enduring one more night, victory awaited her.


In the deep blue sea, something seemed to be approaching.


Waves surged, reminiscent of a dream she once had. A gigantic sea creature appeared suddenly before her eyes. However, it wasn't a sea monster but a super yacht!


As it came closer, she finally saw the people on the yacht's deck.


He was still draped in black, with the flag fluttering behind him, emitting a cold and imposing aura. But with the sunlight shining on him, a fusion of extreme white and black, against the backdrop of the turbulent deep sea, he became the most dazzling presence in this summer.


She suspected that the effects of the half bottle of wine were playing tricks on her, making the person she wanted to see appear in this dream-like way.


Her heartbeat accelerated abnormally, and the pain in her heart became more pronounced.


She covered her chest, watching the person in the distance. For the first time, she deeply realized that she didn't want to become his family out of dependence but because she genuinely liked him.


Even from afar, she felt an ecstatic joy, despite the pain in her heart.


The door behind her was forcefully kicked open, and a swarm of people rushed in, aiming their guns at her.


However, Jiang Chenchen was prepared. She shattered the glass with the hunting rifle, jumped down from the window, and landed on a platform on the 10th floor.


The assistant and the guards exclaimed, rushing to the window to see her jumping onto the platform, shattering the glass, and flipping into the 10th floor.


The room where a woman had allegedly committed suicide.


In this room, people were lying on the bed or around it, sleeping deeply.


Weren't these the people like Xiaoqiu?


She approached Xiaoqiu, tested her breathing, which was long and steady in deep sleep.


Was this the room where all those eliminated in this game were transferred and placed? She didn't have time to see how many people were here. She opened the door and rushed out. There were no guards on the 10th floor.


All the guards were on the 11th floor!


They were currently coming down to intercept her. So, Jiang Chenchen didn't take the elevator; instead, she used the stairs. She slid down the banister, and those chasing from the stairs below couldn't catch up with her speed, but a bullet swept past her within range.


However, an urgent command came over the intercom, prohibiting shooting.


Watching her speed increase, she eventually disappeared from their sight.


...


Jiang Chenchen successfully descended without any hindrance and arrived on the deck of the first floor. She saw a familiar face negotiating with others, and she suddenly slowed her pace.


Indeed, it was him, not a dream.


He was really there.


As his cold gaze swept over, she met his eyes. In the vastness of the sea, it seemed like nothing else mattered; her eyes only saw him, the most dazzling existence in this world, bathed in the sunlight like the sun.


Even though it had only been two nights, it felt like a long time.


She felt like crying.


Sheng Mingsi walked toward her with a stern expression. His tall and handsome figure was exceptionally eye-catching on this deck. The chilling aura pervaded his whole being, but when he approached Jiang Chenchen, that icy sharpness vanished, leaving only a cautious fear.


He reached out and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.


In that warm embrace, with a familiar scent, Jiang Chenchen buried herself in his arms, tears streaming silently.


The long night had passed, and brightness was before her.


"Ah Si..." she called out.


Looking down at her, he gently stroked her face. The broken glass had scratched her cheek, leaving fine marks on her fair skin. His hands trembled uncontrollably. His pitch-black eyes showed a hint of red, and his voice was filled with unrestrained self-blame, "Chenchen, I arrived too late. I'm really at fault."


Jiang Chenchen quickly shook her head, rubbing her eyes. Her voice was joyful, "No, thank you for coming, Ah Si. I'm so happy. You're right in front of me, and all of this is not a dream."


Sheng Mingsi learned about the cruise arranged by his mother as soon as he received the information and immediately abandoned a crucial business trip. It was undoubtedly a design by his mother to delay him.


And this time, Gu Mingmei also deceived him.


He originally believed that his trustworthy elder sister wouldn't lie to him. Yet, she deceived him to cooperate with their mother, fabricating false information.


And in two nights, so many unexpected and irreparable things could happen.


He hated himself a bit. Why did something that could be avoided have to happen?


"Chenchen..."


His eyes were bloodshot, and he held her shoulders, his tone cold yet resolute. "This kind of thing won't happen again in the future, even if she's my mother, it's unforgivable!"


No one could harm her! Not even his mother!


Guards from the security team rushed to the entrance of the deck. Jiang Chenchen was afraid they would open fire, and there was no cover on this deck, making the target clear.


She immediately turned around, reaching out to shield Sheng Mingsi. She addressed them, "Don't shoot!"


She intended to drop the hunting rifle in her hands but was taken by Sheng Mingsi.


His sharp gaze swept forward.


The muzzle of the hunting rifle aimed at the face of the captain of the security team. Sheng Mingsi, with a noble and indifferent posture, asked coldly, "Who was about to shoot?"


"No, no, no!! There was no intention to shoot. It's all a misunderstanding!"


The captain of the security team quickly holstered his gun, raising his hands, looking terrified, and said to the others, "Put your weapons down!"


In the midst of a chaotic mix of fear, everyone raised their hands to show sincerity.


No one dared to offend Sheng Mingsi, the young master of the imperial capital. At this moment, it was evident that his anger was rising uncontrollably, and whoever crossed paths with his gun would be damned!


But there was no intention to move the gun an inch.


The captain was sweating coldly. "Young Master Sheng..."


Sheng Mingsi stared at him with cold eyes, his expression indifferent. "Come over and explain what happened here, and I will spare you."


The captain had already explained part of it to the captain. Still, he wanted to hear what methods his mother had used to what extent.


The captain didn't dare to delay even a moment and hurriedly approached, explaining everything voluntarily, fearing that he might annoy Sheng Mingsi if he were even a second late.


However, Sheng Mingsi didn't let him speak first. Instead, he reached out to touch Jiang Chenchen's head and whispered, "Chenchen, are you tired? Go to the yacht and rest. I'll be right there."


"Ah Si..."


Jiang Chenchen looked up at him, always a bit worried about him.


Sheng Mingsi ruffled her hair gently, his voice softening, "Be obedient."


Meeting his gaze, Jiang Chenchen nodded. As she followed Wu Bi down to the yacht, she said to him, "I'll wait for you."













Chapter 232: Here, It's All About You


Sheng Mingsi indeed came back quickly. After confirming that Jiang Chenchen hadn't suffered too much harm, he felt some relief and finally set down the heavy stone in his heart.


He went to the cabin to get a first aid kit and treated the wounds on Jiang Chenchen's face. They were only minor scratches, not too severe, but he still handled them with great care, fearing he might hurt her.


Jiang Chenchen held his hand and said, "Ah Si, it's okay, it doesn't hurt at all."


Sheng Mingsi gazed deeply into her eyes. "Chenchen, even if there's only a slight injury on your body, it's my fault. If possible, I wish all these wounds were on me."


"Ah Si, that would make me sad."


Sheng Mingsi was taken aback, and his eyes flickered slightly. His eyes, filled with red blood vessels, were already just in good shape. He had rushed here with a tired and restless body. However, her words pacified his inner turmoil. He firmly stared at her.


His voice was hoarse yet determined. "Chenchen, I'll never let go of you."


Jiang Chenchen looked back at him. Initially joyful, she quickly lowered her head. "But my body is filled with mysteries and unknown dangers. I don't know when it will affect you."


Sheng Mingsi reached out to lift her chin, looking into her eyes. He said solemnly, "No matter what the future holds, living in the present moment is the most important. You should know that I want to experience everything with you, even if it's dangerous."


"Ah Si..."


Jiang Chenchen nodded silently, tears swirling in her eyes. She decided to tell him everything she knew about her past, about the risks and the mysterious experiments.


"Do you want to hear about my past?"


Sheng Mingsi had been waiting for the day when she would tell him personally. Today, she finally made up her mind. He softly hummed in response, continuing to disinfect her wounds.


In the cabin, Jiang Chenchen told him about her inhuman experiences. She pulled down the collar of her clothes, revealing the scars on her chest, letting him see.


"Ah Si, look, although it's already healed, there's still a pain from cutting the skin in the body's memory."


The exposed scar was deep, and as a medical student, he had performed many experiments with knives. He knew what kind of pain that was.


Sheng Mingsi's eyes were pitch-black and cold. He reached out to gently touch the scar, his long and clean fingers landing on her skin. His hand trembled slightly.


Despite speculating about various possibilities, the true reality struck him with despair. How helpless she must have been at that time.


"Chenchen..."


His voice was rough with sadness. Redness filled his eyes, and he restrained himself, looking at her. "From today on, I'll heal your pain."


"Ah Si, do you know? My heart is beating so fast right now. Is it because it's beating fast that I feel pain? I feel so happy." She held his hand, placing it on her chest. "Can you feel it?"


"Um."


Sheng Mingsi lowered his gaze, long eyelashes covering his eyes as tears slid down without leaving a trace. He took a deep breath and looked at her, a rare smile appearing on his face. "Me too."


He took her hand and placed it on his chest.


"Here, right now, it's all about you."


Jiang Chenchen tilted her small face, eyes slightly shining. So, they both thought the same way.


Could their hearts accommodate each other's everything? 


She leaned in, ears close to him, carefully listening, gently closing her eyes. "Ah Si, can I sleep while hugging you for a while?"


Sheng Mingsi reached out and embraced her tightly. "Um."


On the yacht in the summer sea, time seemed to slow down. Her breathing was steady, leaning against his chest. If this were just a pleasant seaside vacation, the girl in his arms would no longer have the worries of the past. However, the uncertainties of the past needed to be found and cleared as soon as possible. Sheng Mingsi would protect the future.


...


...


In the yacht on the summer sea, time seemed to slow down. Her breathing was steady as she leaned against his chest. If this were just a pleasant seaside vacation, the girl in his arms would no longer have the worries of the past. However, the uncertainties of the past needed to be found and cleared as soon as possible. Sheng Mingsi would protect the future.


...


...


After returning home, the first person Sheng Mingsi wanted to find was his mother.


The attitude that came to the door with a suppressed and deep anger made Sheng Qinghua feel that she had underestimated Jiang Chenchen's place in his heart.


He even said indifferently that if it happened again, Mother, things wouldn't be so easily resolved.


Threats?! Sheng Qinghua slammed the tea cup in her hand heavily, looking at him with furious eyes. "For a woman, you dare to speak to me like this?!"


"Mom, if I hadn't rushed over, you might have harbored murderous intentions. Are you trying to kill the woman in my heart for my sake, or are you trying to make me die too?"


Sheng Mingsi sneered, took out a cigarette and lit it, his gloomy eyes sweeping through the smoke. "You need to understand, you're not dealing with her; you're dealing with me. You're picking a fight with me!"


Sheng Qinghua's gaze changed, her voice forcefully assertive. "Why does it have to be her?! If it were someone else, I would never interfere!"


"It can only be her. My life doesn't need your interference."


"But her past is not simple. I don't want you to walk the path I once took, Mingsi. The pain of betrayal is unforgettable for a lifetime!"


"Even if that's the case, I'm willing."


Sheng Mingsi walked over and threw the cigarette into her teacup. "Please don't do unnecessary things in the future."


He turned and left.


But she shouted loudly, stopping him.


"Mingsi! Then tell Mom, how can you willingly accept Dad's situation?"


Sheng Mingsi paused, frowned, and turned to look at her. "Tomorrow, you go and question him yourself about why he insists on hating him for so many years."


Sheng Qinghua, who had stood up, suddenly sat down.


Hating someone was exhausting, and she didn't want to, but she couldn't let go. She had invested so much, yet it couldn't compare to a woman who came out of nowhere.


Everything couldn't withstand the test.


It was all a ridiculous joke.


But...


Jiang Chenchen turned out to be the only one among those 15 people who could withstand the test.


...


...


After returning from the sea, Jiang Chenchen stayed at home, studying and reading books.


Sheng Mingsi, aside from going to the company in the morning, spent the whole afternoon in the basement gym.


Then, as the school approached, he suddenly said to her, "Chenchen, I want to help you with scar repair. If you don't want it, I won't do it. Don't force yourself. Tell me the truth."


"Ah Si, really? As a doctor like you?"


"Yeah, in the sterile operating environment in the basement, I have a medical license. Do you trust me?"


"As your patient, I'm honored."


Jiang Chenchen lightly patted her chest and said to him, "The wounds here will be healed by you."


"Okay, I will definitely do it."


In a single-person operating room without an assistant, the procedure took a relatively long time due to the depth and specific location of Jiang Chenchen's wound. However, Sheng Mingsi, dressed in a doctor's white coat, was exceptionally meticulous and serious, giving people a sense of absolute reassurance and trust.
















Chapter 233: Be High-profile!


Jiang Chenchen would never forget this scene.


The scars left by the inhumane experiences deep in her memory were being repaired, bit by bit, because of him. Whether it was in her heart or on her skin, things were gradually getting better.


This strengthened her determination for the future—to become a nurse who could heal others.


After the surgery, diligently applying the medication, her condition was truly improving bit by bit.


Two days before the start of the school year, Sheng Qinghua unexpectedly called Jiang Chenchen and invited her to have dinner at the old mansion that evening.


Jiang Chenchen fell silent for a moment. "Are you going to fulfill your promise?"


Sheng Qinghua, upon hearing this, sneered and said coldly, "But you haven't spent three days and three nights. It's one night short. There's no winner, so what promise is there to fulfill?"


"If it weren't for Ah Si' appearance, I could still survive."


"Are you mocking those security guards?"


"No, when I jumped from the 10th floor, the entire room of Imperial Capital socialites could have been used as my hostages. You wouldn't really trouble yourself with unnecessary problems just to kill me. If I endure for one more night, I can still pass the test."


Sheng Qinghua snorted and seemed to view her in a new light.


"As I expected, you appear inexperienced on the surface, but you're quite scheming inside. However, it's not good to be too naive in this world. I like smart people. Tonight, come to the old mansion for dinner, bring Mingsi along, and I won't stop you two anymore."


After saying that, she hung up.


Without giving any chance for rebuttal, she remained assertive.


Jiang Chenchen put down the phone, feeling a bit happy. Did this count as gaining recognition from Madam Sheng?


She immediately called Sheng Mingsi to share the news with him.


He was in a meeting, sitting in the conference room listening to the speakers. When he saw the incoming call on his phone, he expressionlessly reached out and answered it.


His secretary, An Ze, happened to catch a glimpse of the contact name, Chenchen.


Immediately enlightened.


No longer a poor student, huh!

He didn't know what the girl on the other side had said, but looking at Sheng Mingsi's face, which clearly revealed joy, it was truly rare to see such an expression on the usually cold and unapproachable President Sheng. Feeling the icy gazes directed at him, An Ze immediately snapped back to reality, shrinking a little and lowering his head, not daring to speculate recklessly.


However, Sheng Mingsi put down the phone and beckoned to him. An Ze quickly approached, and he whispered, "Prepare a set of the latest summer dresses and a bouquet of flowers."


An Ze immediately complied but couldn't help asking subconsciously, "Are you going on a date?"


The entire conference room suddenly fell silent.


All eyes turned to An Ze.


An Ze: !!! Oh no! His mouth couldn't be controlled! Will President Sheng fire him immediately!


Who knew, the person who usually appeared high and mighty, cold, and gloomy actually said, "Yes."


An Ze: !?!?!


Everyone else in the conference room: ?


Don't want to keep a low profile, want to be high-profile, huh?


...


Jiang Chenchen received the delivered dress and flowers, and at the same time, Sheng Mingsi sent a message.


"Wait for me to come home."


She placed the flowers down and tried on the dress, then replied to him, "How much do I owe you?"


Sheng Mingsi, leaning against the window, looking outside while sipping coffee, read the message and smirked, "You can never repay it in your lifetime."


As soon as he sent it out, he received a photo in return.


It was a picture of Jiang Chenchen wearing the dress. She had taken a picture in front of a full-length mirror, looking very beautiful. The dress outlined her figure perfectly.


His finger moved on the photo, looking at it for a long time, and then he replied with a few words.


"I bought the copyright for this photo, consider it as offsetting your debt."


"Is the copyright of a photo so expensive?"


"Because it's you."


"Then should I take a few more photos?"


"...Sure."


Couldn't ask for more.


However, Jiang Chenchen didn't send more photos. She received a phone call.



It was from Lu Su, someone she hadn't been in contact with for a long time.


Due to the previous incident where he almost attempted suicide and the pressure in the entertainment industry, he collapsed to the point where he couldn't face it anymore. After seeking help from a psychologist, he disappeared for a while, and no one saw him during that time.


Jiang Chenchen received a call from him, inviting her to meet in person.


She hesitated. If she went to meet Lu Su, she wouldn't have time to return for the dinner at the old mansion.


"Jiang Chenchen, Overlook Restaurant, I'll wait for you. Let me see you one last time."


She could hear the desolation in his voice and quickly asked, "Lu Su, what are you planning to do?"


"I just want to see you once, that's all."


"I'll come now. Can't you come now as well?"


"I can't come now. Let's meet at 8:30."


Lu Su hung up the phone.


Jiang Chenchen listened to the busy tone, feeling conflicted. The reaction from the other side didn't seem right. Would he repeat the same mistakes and do something harmful to himself again?


After several considerations, she felt a bit guilty. It was because of her that Zhan Chen suffered harm.


However, the dinner invitation from Madam Sheng was also essential, especially since Sheng Mingsi had prepared clothes and flowers for her, showing how much he valued her first visit to his home.


After thinking it over, Jiang Chenchen decided to inform Sheng Mingsi first. However, no one answered the phone on the other side.


Are they still in a meeting?


It should be almost time for the meeting to end?


Someone rang the doorbell outside. Jiang Chenchen immediately went downstairs to open the door, thinking it was Sheng Mingsi returning. However, outside the door stood Gu Mingmei.


She held many things in her hands, handed them all to Jiang Chenchen, and then bowed in apology.


This sudden appearance of the noble sister surprised Jiang Chenchen.


"What's wrong, Sister Mingmei?"


Gu Mingmei spoke solemnly, "I'm sorry, Chenchen. I lied to Ah Si on the cruise, almost causing a big mistake. I didn't expect the danger you faced on the ship. It could have cost you your life! It's my fault. I thought too simplistically."


"It's not your fault. Actually, thinking back now, Madam Sheng didn't really want to kill me. There were times when she could have put me in a life-threatening situation, but she didn't. She just wanted to scare me away."


For example, during the dinner where she fainted in her room after eating. She slept for four hours during that time, and dealing with her would have been easy.


However, Gu Mingmei still felt guilty. "Regardless, it wasn't a good experience. Consider these things I brought as compensation for you. You must accept them."


Jiang Chenchen declined, saying, "No need, really. I haven't worn those from before."


Gu Mingmei: Didn't she receive various bold and revealing uniforms before?


Well, she was still too innocent.


"It's not about that. It's just some dresses and accessories. Consider it a gift from an older sister to her younger brother's girlfriend. Can you accept it?"


Jiang Chenchen was stunned for a moment and muttered, "Girlfriend?"


"Oh, is this the first time I've seen you blush? Has As not confessed and asked you to be his girlfriend yet?" Gu Mingmei placed the gift bags on the hallway cabinet, carefully observing Jiang Chenchen's face.














Chapter 234: The Kiss is the Appetizer


"But this latest high-end dress that hasn't been released yet, without a girlfriend, won't get this treatment."


She added with a teasing tone.


Jiang Chenchen's slow reaction allowed her to come in, and she said thank you.


"No, I'll just go back to the old house. Has Ah Si returned? When As comes back later, he can take you there together."


"I called him, but no one answered."


"I'll give it a try." Saying this, Gu Mingmei quickly put her phone back, and her long eyelashes flickered. "Let's not call. I'll take you to the company myself."


Jiang Chenchen hesitated for a moment. "Go to the company?"


"Yes!"


Gu Mingmei pulled her hand, realizing that she hadn't changed her shoes. She took out a pair of thin high heels from the newly bought paper bag. "This fits well and matches the dress."


Then, Gu Mingmei pulled her to Sheng Mingsi's company headquarters.


However, she didn't go in; she just parked the car outside the building.


"Ah Chenchen, I suddenly remembered that I have something to do, so I won't take you up. Just go to the front desk and say you're looking for Ah Si when you go in."


Jiang Chenchen then got out of the car and stood outside the building, looking up.


Is this where As works?


The building is so tall.


"Chenchen, I'm leaving. See you tonight."


Gu Mingmei waved.


Jiang Chenchen turned back to explain a bit, perhaps indicating that she might not go there tonight. However, Gu Mingmei had already driven the car away.


Turning back, she walked towards the building.


At the reception, she inquired, "Is Sheng Mingsi here?"


The receptionist, accustomed to women coming to the company to find Mr. Sheng, responded politely, "Miss, who are you? Do you have an appointment?"


Jiang Chenchen also politely said, "No appointment. He didn't answer the phone, and I need to talk to him."


The receptionist thought it was another woman bothering Mr. Sheng, and since the call wasn't answered, she decided to come to the company! However, this girl had a good temperament, and her attire was also high-end, maintaining a polite and non-confrontational demeanor.


So, the receptionist tactfully said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Sheng is busy. If you have an appointment, please come back later."


"He's busy, huh?"


Jiang Chenchen didn't hear the refusal in these words. It seemed that he was too busy, and she didn't want to disturb him. So, she found a place to sit and waited.


When she turned around, she almost bumped into someone. Hearing the receptionist's low exclamation, "Mr. Sheng..."


Jiang Chenchen was confined within a small range by a suddenly extended arm, and a familiar scent lingered in her nose. As she raised her eyes, she indeed saw the person she wanted to see.


"Ah Si..."


Sheng Mingsi, dressed in a neat suit, stood tall. He lowered his head to look at her somewhat dumbfounded expression, lightly tapping her forehead. "Be careful when walking. Why did you come here?"


"Aren't you busy?" Jiang Chenchen tilted her head. "Finished with your work?"


Sheng Mingsi quickly understood and looked at the receptionist over there with a cold and usual tone. "In the future, when she comes, just have someone take her to my office. No need to report."


The receptionist immediately restrained her stunned expression and responded, "Yes, Mr. Sheng!"


After Sheng Mingsi gave instructions, he led Jiang Chenchen outside. "You came to see me in such a hurry?"


As they walked away, whispers filled the air.


"Is she a girlfriend or a lover? That woman is quite beautiful, and she looks young. Mr. Sheng likes this type!"


"Look at her, all dressed in designer brands. Her family must be wealthy. It's a perfect match!"


"In the entire imperial city, there's more than one wealthy lady. If Mr. Sheng has chosen her, it's different!"


"To be honest, even without the designer brands, her temperament and appearance are indeed outstanding!"


"I heard it's a date! They supposedly made plans to meet tonight in the conference room!"


"Mr. Sheng really likes women after all. I'm so envious!"


"That girl must have saved the galaxy in her past life to catch Mr. Sheng's eye. Let's not even think about it!"


...


In the car:


Jiang Chenchen explained her intention.


Sheng Mingsi fell silent for a moment at her words. "We can have dinner another day. My mother has me covered there. But are you really planning to go alone?"


Finding the matter surprisingly easy to resolve, which she had been indecisive about before, Jiang Chenchen continued, "Well, can you take me there?"


Sheng Mingsi gazed at her.


To escort her to have dinner with another man?


Although he knew it was for work, but...


He approached her, lifting her chin with his slender fingers. His voice lowered, "Does that mean I won't have dinner?"


The low, hoarse voice echoed in her ears, and his eyes stared at her, cold and profound, holding her gaze.


In the confined space, there was a cold aura and a faint scent of tobacco emanating from him.


Jiang Chenchen, holding his hand, replied, "How about I bring you something delicious? What would you like to eat?"


His fingers were cool, but his eyes were warm and deep.


"What? Can't decide what to eat?" she asked again.


Observing her expression, Sheng Mingsi poked her forehead with his finger and sighed gently, "Silly girl."


Jiang Chenchen tilted her head and retorted, "Silly Ah Si!"


In the front seat, Wu Bi, who had been blocking the view inside the car, couldn't stay calm. At times like this, should he abandon the car and leave, or maybe hide under the car?


...


Sheng Mingsi drove and took Jiang Chenchen to the restaurant. When she got out of the car, he suddenly hooked his arm around her soft waist and pulled her into his embrace.


As she raised her surprised eyes, he planted a deep kiss on her lips.


Profound.


A mix of cold and hot.


Jiang Chenchen's hands gripped his shoulders, feeling breathless. She gently pushed him away.


Only then did Sheng Mingsi release her lips and looked into her eyes. "I'll be waiting for you here."


Jiang Chenchen, breathing slightly heavily, said, "But you haven't had dinner yet. I don't know how long it will take. Your stomach might get hungry."


"It's okay."


Sheng Mingsi used his long, cool fingertips to touch her slightly swollen lips, his gaze deep. "I had some appetizers just now; I can hold on for a while."


For a moment, Jiang Chenchen didn't understand what he meant, but as she slowly comprehended, her cheeks gradually turned red.


The kiss just now was considered an appetizer, and it could be described that way?


Then, what about the main course?


















Chapter 235: Still Unwilling to Let Go


Upon hearing her words, Sheng Mingsi chuckled softly. If this topic continued, even he might not be able to handle it. He could never fathom what was going on inside this person's head.


After leaving her ear, he pinched her soft cheek. "Silly girl, go on. I'll be waiting for you here."


"Okay." Jiang Chenchen nodded obediently and got out of the car.


Watching her retreating figure, Sheng Mingsi dialed a number. "Has the area around the restaurant been cleared?"


"Mr. Sheng, it's done. No paparazzi will be able to sneak in."


"Good."


He hung up, adjusted his seat, and took out his laptop to handle some business.


Before long, Wu Bi called regarding the matter of Jiang Chenchen's parents' old house.


Jiang Chenchen's uncle had sold the old house to an elderly couple. Sheng Mingsi had wanted to buy it at that time, but the couple refused to sell. Suspecting that there might be some secrets in the house, he had sent people to search it while they were away, but no valuable information was found.


The elderly couple seemed ordinary—retired and moved to the suburbs for a more relaxed life. Nothing suspicious.


This afternoon, some people forcibly tried to buy the house, resulting in a conflict with the elderly couple. Fortunately, Sheng Mingsi had people monitoring the house, and the situation was diffused.


"Did you find out who wanted to buy the house?"


Wu Bi replied, "It's Zhan Chen! Zhan Chen from Country A!"


Sheng Mingsi fell silent at the mention of Zhan Chen. Was Zhan Chen investigating Jiang Chenchen's affairs as well? Did he know something or did Jiang Chenchen tell him?


Zhan Chen already had more than half of Jiang Chenchen's blood flowing in his veins. That unique, bloodthirsty blood, the world's only rare blood type with super healing abilities—all had been bestowed upon him.


Now, he still refused to let go?


With these thoughts, Sheng Mingsi's expression darkened.


"Continue to keep an eye on the old house. Arrange for a visit tomorrow morning; I'll go there."


Wu Bi could hear the suppressed anger in his voice. He immediately replied, "Yes, Mr. Sheng!"


...


At the restaurant, Lu Su had been waiting.


His hair had grown to shoulder length, casually tied up, and he wore a black knitted hat with glasses. His beard had also grown, giving him a strangely mixed look of desolation and refinement.


As Jiang Chenchen sat down, he handed her the menu. "Choose anything you like."


She handed it back. "You choose."


Seeing her gesture, Lu Su weakly smiled. Once a sunny person, he now struggled even to force a smile.


He took the menu, ordered some signature dishes, and handed it to the waiter.


Then he looked at her and said, "Jiang Chenchen, today, I've come to say goodbye."


"Goodbye? Where are you going?"


"I can't continue to stay here. Every day is a painful struggle. I can't persist any longer, so I want to leave, go to a place where nobody knows me. Maybe then I can catch a breath."


Jiang Chenchen felt guilty seeing how haggard and thin he had become. "I'm sorry. It's because of me..."


If it weren't for Zhan Chen's incident, he wouldn't have been overwhelmed like this.


Lu Su said, "No, Jiang Chenchen, how can I blame you? It's because I'm not strong enough, lacking the courage to face all this. I can't adapt to the fame and fortune in the entertainment industry. The stage I love is not like that. I feel more and more like a puppet, numb. Can you understand the powerlessness of love disappearing bit by bit?


I don't want this. That's why I thought about leaving, not letting the last bit of affection completely fade away!"


"Is that so? Then I support you in taking this step. You will definitely find the stage you love. When that day comes, please invite us to watch your performance, okay?"


Lu Su lowered his gaze, his voice somewhat choked. "Okay, I hope that day will come."


Jiang Chenchen said, "It will definitely come! Have you decided where to go?"

Lu Su shook his head. "I'm sorry, I'll keep it a secret from you."


"It's okay. My phone number remains the same. If you want to reach me, just give me a call, and I'll definitely answer."


This meal was a farewell banquet. They didn't know if they would meet again in the future, or if Lu Su would rediscover his past passion. However, the future was full of hope.


As Jiang Chenchen left the restaurant, she tightly held onto something.


Walking down and seeing Sheng Mingsi's car parked nearby, she approached and knocked on the car window. The window opened, Sheng Mingsi closed his laptop, and looked at her.


Jiang Chenchen said to him, "Hold out your hand."


Although Sheng Mingsi didn't know what playful trick she was up to, he was willing to cooperate.


He extended his hand, palm facing up, and suddenly, a candy was placed on his long and smooth hand.


Sheng Mingsi was momentarily stunned, looking at her. She leaned lightly against the car window and said, "Consider it a post-dinner treat. Let's go for the main course later! Don't you like it?"


She attempted to take the candy back to inspect what might be wrong with it, but he quickly grasped it, pulling his hand back.


"It's acceptable."


He raised an eyebrow. "Get in."


Jiang Chenchen opened the car door and got in. "Where are we going?"


"Home."


Sheng Mingsi unwrapped the candy and put it in his mouth, savoring the rich sweetness. Then, he drove away from the restaurant.


Seeing this, Jiang Chenchen asked, "Are we going home to eat? Otherwise, I can cook."


Looking ahead into the dark night, Sheng Mingsi replied in a deep voice, "Chenchen, you don't need to do anything. Go home and rest. Tomorrow morning, we'll visit your original home together."


Jiang Chenchen was momentarily stunned. Her original home? Was it still there?


She hadn't been back there; it had become someone else's home. Her parents were no longer there. The home didn't exist anymore.


However, she now had a new family and enough courage to face the future.


"Okay, tomorrow I'll go with you."


Sheng Mingsi glanced at her, his tone low. "Chenchen, the current residents of that place are an elderly couple. They've kept the house clean, and the yard well-maintained. That old house has been taken care of, so don't worry."


She nodded. "Okay, I suddenly want to go back and take a look."


As they drove, Sheng Mingsi supported his hands on the steering wheel, his gaze fixed on the road. The words he was about to say regarding Zhan Chen remained unspoken.


What had Jiang Chenchen experienced with Zhan Chen in Country A? What emotions did she harbor for him?


The car fell into sudden silence. As they approached home, Jiang Chenchen's phone rang.


Taking out her phone, she found it was a call from Ye Xi.


On the other end was a tone that combined embarrassment and boldness. "Chenchen, can you lend me some money, bro?"