Jiang Ren was breathing heavily.
Meng Ting touched her cheeks, also feeling flushed with heat.
Jiang Ren said, “If you don’t leave now, don’t leave at all.”
The startled little swan finally left him, running back to her teacher and teammates.
Jiang Ren looked at the wet wipe and milk in his hand, and after a long while, he chuckled softly.
Did she like him a little?
Meng Ting returned to the minibus. Teacher Zhang glanced at the young man in black sportswear outside and clicked her tongue with a smile. Not easy, huh? A boyfriend who chased her all the way here?
They didn’t return to Swan Cottage but prepared to have lunch, and then rest well in the afternoon. The list of finalists will be announced in the evening.
If they advanced from the semi-finals, they could participate in the grand finals tomorrow.
Teacher Zhang wasn’t stingy either. She had public funds with her, which could be reimbursed later. So she offered to treat everyone to B City’s specialty snacks.
The young boys and girls gathered around the table. Teacher Zhang looked at their youthful faces with deep emotion.
Chen Ying asked Meng Ting in a low voice, “How many years have you been learning dance?”
Meng Ting had studied piano for six years, but dancing was different. She started learning dance at six. While other kids played after school in first grade, she was in the dance studio stretching. She stopped dancing after fourteen, but then picked it up again for a long time.
“I started learning at six,” she replied.
“Even earlier than me, no wonder you dance so well.”
After eating, Teacher Zhang didn’t allow them to wander off, fearing something might happen to the students. She only let them stay active in the hotel.
Chen Ying excitedly brought a deck of cards to Meng Ting’s room, with Zhang Xiaofang following behind. She asked Meng Ting, “Want to play cards?”
Meng Ting honestly replied, “I don’t know how.”
Chen Ying was surprised, “You don’t know anything?”
Meng Ting nodded.
She had to learn many things as a child, but later her eyes were injured, and she lacked light for several years. Mr. Shu didn’t play cards either, so she never learned.
Chen Ying liked Meng Ting, so she said, “It’s okay, I’ll teach you.”
Meng Ting didn’t want to spoil the fun, so she nodded.
So the three girls sat in a circle to play “Fight the Landlord.”
Meng Ting was very smart. She was completely lost in the first two rounds, but by the third round, she understood the rules and didn’t need guidance anymore. In later rounds, she could even count cards!
Damn, Chen Ying was dumbfounded.
It was good that Meng Ting could play, but her way of holding the cards was awkwardly cute. While others held them like fans, Meng Ting took a long time to arrange her cards and kept dropping them.
Chen Ying laughed and said, “Since my number was towards the back, I sneaked a peek at the judges’ seats.”
Zhang Xiaofang exclaimed, “You’re so bold.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I just looked. I saw a young man! And the person next to him seemed to be Zhu Yixuan! You know, the one who played the Cyan Luan Immortal in the TV drama ‘Asking for Love.'”
Zhang Xiaofang was also interested, “Really?”
“Of course! That young man must be the investor. Tsk tsk, rich people.”
Chen Ying’s eyes darted, “Don’t you think Meng Ting is even prettier than Zhu Yixuan?”
Zhang Xiaofang nodded heavily.
Meng Ting couldn’t join the conversation because when she was dancing, she didn’t see who was in the audience. She had always thought there were only two types of people below the stage: either audience or judges.
However, soon Teacher Zhang asked Meng Ting to come down.
Meng Ting had just finished showering and playing cards with the two girls, and now she had to get dressed and go downstairs again.
Teacher Zhang was pondering. Seeing Meng Ting come down, she waved at her, “The organizers said they want to see you.”
Meng Ting was also puzzled, “Why do they want to see me?”
“Not sure, don’t worry, this is an official competition. I’ll go with you.”
Meng Ting nodded.
Outside, a car was waiting. It had come from Swan Cottage to pick her up.
The city’s neon lights flickered, the night was slightly cool, and Meng Ting had put on a white jacket over her clothes.
The car arrived outside Swan Cottage and entered directly after showing a pass. Going further in was a high-end villa area. Meng Ting felt uneasy in her heart, but having Teacher Zhang there gave her some sense of security.
The car stopped in the villa area of Swan Cottage.
A servant came to open the door for them.
Teacher Zhang patted Meng Ting’s shoulder and walked in first. Meng Ting followed closely behind.
In the brightly lit living room, a refined man put on a pair of glasses. He was pleased, “Pour some tea for the teacher and this… young lady.”
Teacher Zhang said, “Thank you, no need to trouble yourself. It’s a bit late, do you have something to discuss with us?”
Wen Rui’s gentle gaze fell on Meng Ting.
Since entering, she hadn’t looked around carelessly, showing good manners. She was still wearing the H City team uniform, her long hair cascading down, giving her an almost innocent, radiant charm. Compared to her natural beauty, Zhu Yixuan was worlds apart.
“It’s like this,” Wen Rui said, “This competition isn’t just about selecting champions and runners-up. I invested in this more for promoting the Swan Cottage villa area.”
“Regardless of tomorrow’s results, I think this young lady is very suitable for our company’s theme, so I wanted to discuss signing a contract to shoot a promotional video with her.”
Teacher Zhang let out a sigh of relief, her eyes brightening, happy for Meng Ting.
However, the previously obedient and quiet Meng Ting said, “Thank you, but I don’t want to shoot a promotional video.”
Wen Rui smiled, “Why not?” His patience was good, and this budding young girl’s voice was very sweet.
Meng Ting pressed her lips together, “I just want to go home after the competition.”
Wen Rui looked at her jade-like skin under the lights, and as if afraid of scaring her, spoke very gently, “I’m the CEO of Junyang’s branch company. How about we send you home after the shoot?”
Meng Ting stood up, bowed to him, and then said to Teacher Zhang, “Teacher, let’s go back.”
Teacher Zhang could only say okay.
Wen Rui’s eyes dimmed.
He twirled his cup, and the servant quickly said, “Miss, sir has prepared cake for you and the teacher. Please eat before leaving.”
Teacher Zhang opened her mouth, but her phone rang.
It was the organizers calling, asking the teacher to come and get the list of names and competition rules. It was at the same place as the daytime competition, not far from here.
Wen Rui said, “Teacher Zhang will come back to pick up Meng Ting later.”
Meng Ting held onto Teacher Zhang’s hand, “Can I go with you?”
Teacher Zhang was a bit troubled. She stroked the girl’s hair, “Teacher will just be a moment, students aren’t allowed in.”
But Meng Ting didn’t want to stay here. She couldn’t explain why, but she was afraid. She was very sensitive to danger, and she didn’t like Wen Rui. The servant enthusiastically put the cake in her hands, but Meng Ting shook her head, saying she didn’t want it.
Teacher Zhang had already changed her shoes and was about to leave.
Meng Ting felt a terrifying sense of abandonment. She was about to stand up.
At that moment, someone kicked the front door open.
The servants all looked over in disbelief. Who dared to kick Mr. Wen’s door?
But when they saw the black-haired young man with an icy face,
Everyone didn’t dare to breathe.
Behind him followed the bootlicking and miserable-looking Gao Yi.
The servants all bowed, “Young Master Jiang.”
Wen Rui, sitting on the sofa, had a frozen smile. He hurriedly stood up and respectfully said through gritted teeth, “Little Master Jiang.”
Jiang Ren had completely changed.
When he left the Jiang mansion last year, he had a head of dazzling silver hair, black diamond earrings, and eyes full of defiance. He even boarded the plane to H City alone with blood still on the corner of his mouth.
At that time, Wen Rui had been beaten pale by him and sent to the hospital.
Everyone believed Jiang Ren had had an episode, but Wen Rui knew it wasn’t so.
And now, this demon was back. Wen Rui was seven years older than him, but he instinctively feared him. No joke, growing up in a military academy, with innate superhuman strength and an illness to boot. Not just him, even Jiang Ren’s father didn’t dare to provoke this little wolf cub.
Jiang Ren said, “Where’s the kitchen knife?”
The cook tremblingly brought over a boning knife.
Jiang Ren was unusually calm. He even skillfully twirled the knife.
Wen Rui smiled forcedly. He didn’t dare mention the past and asked friendly, “Little Master Jiang is back, have you notified your brother-in-law? Why aren’t you preparing food for Young Master Jiang? What are you all standing around for?”
None of the servants moved. They were all waiting for Jiang Ren’s reaction. It was obvious who the real master was.
Wen Rui’s face turned ashen.
Jiang Ren said coldly, “Why notify my dad? To save you?” His tone was flat, but no one thought he was joking. “Close the door.”
The servant closed the door.
Jiang Ren narrowed his eyes and raised his arm, “Wen Rui, aren’t you and my mom close? I’ll send you to meet her tonight.”
Gao Yi almost fell to his knees.
Young Master, I beg you, are you going to kill your uncle?
Wen Rui also knew things were bad. He had already secretly dialed Chairman Jiang’s number. His face pale, he quickly said, “Brother-in-law, Jiang Ren is back, at Swan Cottage. He’s not quite right, please save me.”
Teacher Zhang was also stunned. She was about to go out to get the notification, but with the door closed, she was also trapped inside.
Teacher Zhang also knew this Wen Rui was a powerful figure.
But when this young man arrived, everyone tucked their tails between their legs and didn’t dare make a sound. And when this young man said he wanted to kill Wen Rui, apart from trembling, no one dared to speak.
Chairman Jiang’s heart skipped a beat. He told Wen Rui to give the phone to Jiang Ren.
Jiang Ren put it to his ear. On the other end, Chairman Jiang roared, “You little brat, if you dare do anything rash, you’re finished, I’m telling you! Little Rui is your uncle, you…”
Jiang Ren chuckled softly, hung up the phone, and casually tossed it into the trash can.
He was smiling, but Wen Rui knew the young man was already furious to the extreme.
Jiang Ren was already a madman. Wen Rui, disregarding his composure, ran towards the room. Close the door! Yes, quickly close the door!
Since entering, he hadn’t looked at Meng Ting once.
If he glanced at her even for a moment, his facade of sanity would crumble, and he’d attack Wen Rui right in front of her.
Gao Yi, of course, couldn’t just watch Jiang Ren have an episode. Just as he was about to call for someone to restrain him,
The young lady who had caught Young Master Jiang’s eye at “first sight” threw herself into his arms.
The young man’s body tensed like a stone.
Meng Ting embraced his lean waist, softly whimpering, “Jiang Ren.”
His right hand still held the boning knife, its edge cold and sharp in the lamplight.
Her soft body trembled slightly. After what seemed like an eternity, the knife fell. He embraced her fiercely as if possessed.
Meng Ting was truly frightened when her teacher wanted to leave her there alone.
She sobbed softly, “I’m a bit… scared.”
His movements were slow, he lowered his head to kiss her crown. Then, holding her hand, he gestured for the servants to open the door.
Passing by the equally shocked Teacher Zhang, he cast an icy glance at her.
That look made Teacher Zhang shudder.
It was as if he had entrusted his precious treasure to her care, only for her to nearly lose it.
Gao Yi watched them walk away before realizing his heart was pounding like a drum. Last year, when Jiang Ren was driven out of the Jiang residence, it was in the dead of night.
The reason was that he had beaten Wen Rui severely.
There were lasting physical consequences, though outsiders didn’t know the specifics. Chairman Jiang, in a fit of rage, had a huge argument with Jiang Ren, telling him to get out of the family. He didn’t have a son who’d forsake all his relations.
Jiang Ren had laughed coldly and boarded a plane.
Later, Chairman Jiang felt remorseful and heartbroken. After all, Jiang Ren was his only child, but he couldn’t bring himself to apologize.
Jiang Ren, his palm holding her soft hand, led her for a walk outside Swan Cottage.
The night sky in the big city had no stars, only the never-ending city lights.
The small swan sculptures in the pond were graceful, each feather intricately carved. They made the night seem pure and gentle in the shimmering water.
He lowered his head, using his fingertips to wipe the tears from her eyelashes.
“Don’t be afraid, don’t cry.”
Meng Ting’s distress was almost unbearable for a moment. Like a child who had found her parent, she sobbed, “Teacher Zhang wanted me to… to stay there.” That feeling of abandonment, facing the unknown alone, limbs weak, and mind blank, can only be understood by those who’ve experienced it.
Her soft voice was as pitiful as could be.
His heart shattered into pieces, his voice so gentle it could almost drip, “Don’t be scared, it’s alright now.”
Meng Ting nodded, her big eyes still watery.
Jiang Ren cupped her face, “Don’t cry, you’re breaking my heart.”
She tried hard not to sob.
Meng Ting felt so embarrassed.
Her obedient attempt to hold back her tears made her look even more pitiful and endearing.
Jiang Ren was at a loss. His cold and prickly demeanor melted away in an instant. He crouched down in front of her, smiling reassuringly, “Let Brother Jiang Ren carry you back.”
He was so shameless, but this time, she found it heartwarming.
Meng Ting, blushing, climbed onto his back, her soft arms gently encircling his neck.
The young man walked steadily.
He carried her out of Swan Cottage, with security guards bowing to him as they passed.
That June, the summer breeze was gentle. The streets of B City had no insect sounds, no cicadas.
Only a string of bright street lamps winded into the distance.
That year, he was eighteen, his back broad. The wind carried his scent, a faint smell of sweat, surprisingly not unpleasant. Instead, it was an overwhelming sense of male pheromones.
She remembered last winter when they climbed Mount Wangu together, and he had carried her on his back for a long, long time.
Back then, she had been reluctant, wishing this jerk would tire himself out.
But tonight, with tears still clinging to her lashes, having nearly been abandoned and faced with unknown terrors,
Meng Ting suddenly realized what a sense of security Jiang Ren had given her over the past half year.
He had gotten into fights and ended up at the police station for her, cheerfully recited self-criticism on stage, gone rock climbing to win her crystal shoes… She couldn’t drive him away, couldn’t anger him away. He was like a flame defying the world, burning with a passion to win her heart.
It was as if even if the whole world abandoned her, he never would.
The image of the boy from her previous life, who had disappeared without a trace after her face was burned, slowly faded away, replaced by this young man comforting her on a summer night.
She was quiet, and Jiang Ren worried she might still be crying.
He didn’t know how to comfort people. So he took out his phone from his pocket and gave it to her, “Call He Junming, put it on speaker.”
Meng Ting dialed He Junming’s number and put it on speaker.
He Junming, wrapped in a towel, eagerly called out, “Brother Ren.”
Jiang Ren said, “Tell some jokes for us to hear.”
He Junming thought, “Is Brother Ren sick?” He was quite good at telling jokes, so he tentatively began.
“A woman said to her male colleague, ‘Last night I dreamed you came to see me riding on a colorful auspicious cloud.'”
“Did the male colleague blush?”
“The woman said, ‘You even stuck your tongue out at me, you were squatting right next to Erlang Shen’s foot.'”
Jiang Ren didn’t hear her laugh.
He had a high threshold for humor and didn’t know if it was funny or not, so he commanded in a low voice, “Tell another one.”
He Junming swallowed hard, thinking that maybe Brother Ren didn’t like this kind of joke. Hey! How about he tries a dirty joke?
So he told a dirty joke.
A very, very dirty one, and quite easy to understand.
After finishing, he laughed heartily himself.
Jiang Ren cursed this idiot in his heart.
Damn fool.
He didn’t know if Meng Ting had understood it or not. For the first time in his life, he awkwardly snatched back the phone and hung up. It’s fine for men to make crude jokes, but how could he let her hear that?
He was afraid his little sweetheart on his back might think he was trying to tease her.
Jiang Ren said, “I’ll deal with him when I get back.”
Meng Ting’s face was very red. She said softly, “Okay.”
Jiang Ren’s heart melted.
Swan Cottage was very far from the hotel where Meng Ting was staying, almost an hour’s drive. Carrying her on foot, who knows when they’d arrive.
But he cherished this moment of her being close to him.
Afraid she might offer to walk on her own, Jiang Ren tried to make conversation, “How are you finding B City? Is it fun?”
Meng Ting nodded, “They just taught me how to play cards.”
Jiang Ren raised an eyebrow, this he could relate to, “What game?”
Meng Ting said, “Fighting the Landlord.”
“Did you win or lose?”
“I won.” Her voice was soft, with a hint of pride.
He chuckled, “Mm, Ting Ting is so smart.”
Meng Ting suddenly felt a bit shy.
Jiang Ren said, “Next time, I’ll teach you whatever game you want to play.”
“What do you know how to play?”
“Red Five, Texas Hold’em, and dice games.”
Meng Ting fell silent.
Jiang Ren cursed inwardly. Did she think he was uneducated? Why was he telling her these things? He took a deep breath and changed the subject, “Is the dance practice tiring?”
Under the streetlights, she could see the young man’s neat black hair.
She also sensed his awkwardness and deeply buried insecurity.
When he said he knew how to play dice games, she just remembered a long time ago, at He Junming’s birthday. She had gone to An Haiting to get her dress back from Shu Lan.
Jiang Ren had said he wanted to make a bet with her, asking her to guess big or small.
Later, she had won.
He wasn’t angry or surprised at all, just chuckled and said, “Mm, you won.”
It turned out that for a long, long time, he had been trying to be gentle with her.
To make her forget about this topic, he desperately tried to shift to an area he wasn’t good at, “Do you have to start learning dance very young?”
The young man’s voice was hoarse and stiff, piercing through the June night, suddenly striking her heart hard.
Yes, Jiang Ren.
Her heart pounded, and blushing, she quickly planted a light kiss on his stern, well-defined profile.