Chapter 42

Chapter 42 Rose x Kiss

Their gazes suddenly met.

Jiang Ji saw it was her. His thin lips pressed slightly, he wanted to say something more, but in the end, he remained silent.

The air instantly grew quiet, filled with an eerie stillness.

Lin Manxi’s brows moved slightly. Following Jiang Ji’s gaze, she looked over—and with just that one glance, the words she wanted to use to persuade him stuck in her throat.

She looked at Ji Mingzhu standing at the entrance. “Mingzhu… why are you back?”

From the beginning until now, Ji Mingzhu had maintained a cold and composed demeanor. Hearing Lin Manxi ask like that, she tugged at the corner of her mouth and smiled faintly. “After finishing dinner with Lian Tang, there wasn’t anything else, so I came back first.”

Then, her gaze swept past Jiang Ji, fixing firmly on Lin Manxi.

“Aunt, have you eaten?”

“…Yes, I have. I specifically chose this time to come over for a good meal,” Lin Manxi said, desperately trying to signal Jiang Ji with her eyes, but he remained motionless.

“Alright, I’m a bit tired now. I’ll go rest in my room first,” Ji Mingzhu said, walking toward her bedroom.

Lin Manxi assumed she was tired from shopping and quickly replied, “Okay, rest if you’re tired. I’ll make dinner for both of you tonight.”

She didn’t know how much of Jiang Ji’s words Ji Mingzhu had overheard just now.

Once Ji Mingzhu’s figure disappeared down the hallway, Lin Manxi raised her hand and slapped Jiang Ji on the back. “You’re going to drive me crazy!”

“When you speak to the young lady like that, do you think it makes her feel any better?!” Lin Manxi immediately regretted asking that question. The key was, she never expected Jiang Ji’s answer to be like that.

Moreover, she hadn’t anticipated that Ji Mingzhu would return at this exact moment.

Jiang Ji remained silent, but his aura was fierce.

His whole being exuded a coldness, as if solitary and forbidding to strangers.

The little pang of sympathy Lin Manxi had felt for Jiang Ji just now vanished completely. “I’m done caring… let’s see what you do next!”

After saying this, still feeling unsatisfied, she raised her hand again and slapped Jiang Ji’s neck.

Jiang Ji silently endured it, his posture unmoving, eyes fixed tightly on the corridor.

…

Ji Mingzhu didn’t know how she got back to her room. Her feet felt like they were filled with lead, so heavy she could barely move.

She kicked the door with her foot and collapsed onto the bed.

Her mind was relentlessly washed with Jiang Ji’s words.

Scene after scene, so close, yet sounding so distant.

He had said: [It’s just an arranged marriage.]

He had said: [No spark.]

Ji Mingzhu recalled Jiang Ji’s expression just now. His jaw slightly lifted, his tone indifferent, side profile like frost.

That distance made it seem as if she were a burden to him.

This scene, in an instant, brought her back to her sophomore year.

When he coldly rejected her.

Yes, it was something that had already happened.

How could she forget?

Those memories buried deep, carved into her bones and flowing alongside her blood, were the past Ji Mingzhu had tried to forget for years but could never truly erase.

She was like a little hedgehog, unafraid of pain or wind and rain.

Even if she fell, battered all over, she would stubbornly raise her soft spines, declaring to the outside world, I am strong.

Ji Mingzhu would always shine, like a pearl.

Her chin held high would never bow for anyone.

But now…

She felt like a ridiculous clown, invisibly labeled “overly sentimental.”

Shaking off the memories, Ji Mingzhu grew angrier and angrier.

Thinking it over carefully, she felt her anger could shoot into the sky and take a small plane along.

Since returning to the country, she had been the one indifferent toward him at the start!

Most of the time, she had never taken the initiative.

Earlier, when her teenage heart was broken, Ji Mingzhu had also indulged in a bit of melodrama for a while.

But after all, it was youth; what’s past is past. Who hasn’t had some past?

…And she had already given him face!

And yet Jiang Ji could still say things like that!

Even if he were to say…

It should have been her who didn’t feel a spark toward him!

Ji Mingzhu’s indignation burned, entirely fueled by the frustration of not having expressed her disinterest in him first.

Her gaze fixed tightly on the Sally chicken plush beside her. “Don’t blame me—today I’m going to hit you, and you won’t even have a third leg left!”

After venting, Sally chicken’s yellow feathers were messy, and its orange lips were swollen like sausages.

Ji Mingzhu looked at the gift bag lying quietly next to the little chicken plush and irritably pushed it away a bit.

…

That night, for some reason, Lin Manxi stayed over.

After staying, she naturally stopped Jiang Ji, who was about to head to the company.

“You still have work to do together. Hiding like this isn’t a solution—can you hide for just a while, or for life?” Seeing Jiang Ji’s behavior yesterday, Lin Manxi subconsciously felt things weren’t exactly as he had said.

Jiang Ji’s brows knitted tightly, his handsome face tense, not clear if he even heard her.

That night, Ji Mingzhu didn’t come out for dinner, saying she wanted to sleep.

By the next morning, she still hadn’t appeared.

Lin Manxi found it strange, and before she could knock on Ji Mingzhu’s door, she received a call.

On the phone, Ji Mingzhu said she was going home to stay for a few days and told her not to worry.

She planned to come back to the Jiang residence in a few days, and the work previously assigned to her had been completed carefully, with nothing left undone.

Ji Mingzhu’s behavior, in a sense, was a “cold war.”

At this point, Lin Manxi wasn’t anxious. She smiled and relayed Ji Mingzhu’s words to Jiang Ji. “You two take your time. I’m really not interfering. When the day comes that you really reach the point of breaking off the engagement, you can tell your mom then.”

…

Ji Mingzhu packed some luggage and went straight to the Ji residence to stay.

She had no other matters.

She simply felt that living at home now was easier and more convenient. Being in a familiar environment allowed her mind and body to open, much better than staying at the Baiyue residence.

Wasn’t Jiang Ji “not feeling a spark” toward her?

Fine, then she wouldn’t show up in front of him at all, leaving him without any source for sparks!

According to what he said, the two were only in an arranged marriage anyway.

So why should she get tangled up?

They didn’t have any vows, and besides, Jiang Ji hadn’t treated her badly.

No debts remained between them.

However—Ji Mingzhu still felt a bit blocked in her chest when thinking about it again.

Ji Shaoyan was only surprised that Ji Mingzhu had returned to stay, and didn’t come over to her; he probably asked someone and vaguely understood what had happened.

But Jiang Ji’s words—Lin Manxi could never casually tell anyone outside. Only when Ji Shaoyan called to inquire did she relax.

Ji Shaoyan, rarely losing his temper, felt awkward doing so in front of Lin Manxi.

However… the precious girl he held in his hands as if she would melt, was actually treated like this by Jiang Ji?!

He had once thought Jiang Ji was really a good person—good family, refined appearance, pleasant to look at, and…

Thinking of this, Ji Shaoyan silently cursed the brat, then went to comfort Ji Mingzhu again.

When he entered the room, Ji Mingzhu was lying on the bed watching a video on her tablet.

These few days back at the Ji residence, she hadn’t stepped outside. The usually active girl, always filming videos or going out, refused to go anywhere.

Even Ji Shaoyan couldn’t persuade her.

“How many days are you planning to stay at home?” Ji Shaoyan sat on the side of the bed, brushing her hair aside.

Ji Mingzhu’s tone was a little flat. She picked up strawberries and stuffed them into her mouth one by one. “A married daughter is like water poured out—so eager to get rid of me?”

Ji Shaoyan smiled. “So you’ve already married off?”

Ji Mingzhu paused, then continued along his words, “Then that means I was abandoned by you before I even got married.”

“Staying home all day isn’t a solution either. When I came back yesterday, I heard from Aunt Li that you hadn’t come downstairs all day, and she had to bring meals to you.” Ji Shaoyan had been busy the past couple of days and only called to ask; today he finally had time to return.

“I’m happy to,” Ji Mingzhu said, handing him a white strawberry. “Dad, taste this—sweet, right?”

“Don’t act cute.” Ji Shaoyan couldn’t resist her. After saying this, he accepted her attentions as if resigned. “If you’re not going to Jiang’s for a few days, fine. Go film videos or attend yoga class—that should be okay.”

“You’re not against me filming videos now?” Ji Mingzhu said, her fair legs swaying in the air. “I asked for a few days off from yoga; my teacher also has things, so even if I wanted to go, I couldn’t.”

Ji Mingzhu’s appearance, like his, would make a man’s eyes blossom with charm—she looked like a stunning beauty if she were female.

When she pouted, she actually resembled her mother the most.

But Ji’s mother was naturally gentle, rarely sulking—rare to see.

Seeing her like this, Ji Shaoyan’s tone softened. “Don’t worry. This time, Dad will make the call for you.”

“Eh, no—” Ji Mingzhu dragged out her words, quickly turning to grab Ji Shaoyan’s arm. “Let’s just leave it, Dad. It’s not that bad. When I first agreed to this marriage upon returning, it was because you promised I could keep filming videos without interference.”

Perhaps it wasn’t only because of that.

But at this point, she didn’t care.

At worst, she’d hide again.

Ji Mingzhu didn’t want to argue too much; there were just too many things in the world that couldn’t be explained.

“Anyway, I’m fine. Not as fragile as you think.”

Ji Shaoyan stared at her for a moment, then slowly said, “If that’s really the case, then that’s good.”

“Of course~” Ji Mingzhu’s voice rose slightly. “Consider it like I got a handsome guy for free—I’m not at a loss.”

“Judging by your tone, are you sure you’re not the one at a loss?” Ji Shaoyan suspiciously stared at her for a while.

Ji Mingzhu’s mind immediately drifted to many scenes with Jiang Ji—in the bathroom, in the hot spring, in various places where things were indescribable.

She paused, then continued emphasizing, “I don’t care—that’s still me freeloading him!”

Freeloading or not.

Ji Shaoyan, hearing that, was unusually speechless and choked up for a moment.

Perhaps Ji Shaoyan’s words had some effect.

That evening, Ji Mingzhu came downstairs.

“Don’t look around, Shu Yuhua isn’t here.” Ji Shaoyan crossed his legs, leaning lazily on the sofa, watching her glance around.

Ji Mingzhu snorted, went over to Aunt Li, and rubbed against her, wanting some sweet syrup.

When she came back, carrying the nourishing syrup Aunt Li had made herself, she sat directly next to Ji Shaoyan.

“Dad, I want to discuss something with you.” She snuggled close to her beloved father.

“Hm?” Ji Shaoyan lifted his eyelids slightly in response.

Ji Mingzhu dipped her spoon into the syrup and said, “I’m planning to go to Switzerland for a week.”

“Why suddenly Switzerland?” Ji Shaoyan asked, puzzled.

“You know my yoga teacher, right? She lives there most of the year. From her descriptions, Switzerland’s scenery is beautiful, so I want to go see it for myself.”

Ji Mingzhu continued, “I’m not slacking off, I just—” Her peach-blossom eyes sparkled. “I simply want to go, walk around, and see for myself.”

In that snowy, natural country, perhaps some things would find their own resolution and answers.

Ji Shaoyan didn’t respond immediately. Ji Mingzhu looked at him. “If nothing unexpected happens, I’ll go straight into the Ji Company after this trip to help you.”

Ji Mingzhu said she would be gone for a few days, but she didn’t return to Baiyue afterward. Lin Manxi harshly tugged Jiang Ji’s ear; though she claimed she wouldn’t interfere in their matters anymore, her actions still showed honesty.

With her gone, Jiang Ji hardly went to the company either.

Whenever he had time, he returned to Baiyue, sitting like a statue.

His gaze was fixed on her room door, never moving.

Lin Manxi’s parting words rang in Jiang Ji’s ears.

The word “breaking the engagement” struck him like thunder, ringing an alarm in his mind.

His first reaction was: impossible.

He had never thought about this, not even once, since preparing to return to the country.

If she truly intended, as she said, to let go…

He wouldn’t, and didn’t want to.

Jiang Ji went over it again and again for several days, finally coming to a clear decision one early morning.

In this life, he had rarely had what he truly pursued.

Even if he couldn’t firmly hold it, he wanted to allow his heart to run free.

After all, she was still his fiancée in name.

As long as Ji Mingzhu didn’t bring up ending the engagement, he was willing to remain in place, lingering, waiting for her.

This precious, hard-to-come-by time together, he didn’t want to waste anymore.

Jiang Ji wiped away all his emotions and drove directly to the Ji residence.

Upon entering, he was greeted by Aunt Li.

The living room was empty.

“Little Jiang is here—coming for our young miss?” Aunt Li led him into the hall.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes, I’m here to bring her home.”

Something in Aunt Li’s words seemed to hit him; she looked at him deeply. “The young miss’s plane the day before yesterday went to Switzerland. She should have landed yesterday.”

Jiang Ji processed Aunt Li’s words for a moment, then paused. “Switzerland?”

“...How long is she staying?” Jiang Ji’s voice was thin and cold, almost unlike himself at this moment.

“I don’t know either, but she can’t stay there forever. Don’t worry.”

Aunt Li smiled, hesitated for a moment, then spoke slowly, “I don’t know exactly what happened between you two, but you’re both young. Why can’t you speak openly? You’re more capable of accepting new things than our older generation. Being awkward back and forth isn’t good.”

Jiang Ji lowered his gaze upon hearing her.

It wasn’t just Aunt Li; previously Xiao Yi and Lin Manxi had said the same.

Easier said than done—truly implementing it is something one can only understand personally.

Jiang Ji’s nature made him accustomed to hiding his emotions beneath his appearance.

The pressure of being at the top gave him supreme decision-making ability, but it also meant he was lacking in emotional expression and communication.

In business, words weren’t necessary, but in life, it was entirely the opposite.

Jiang Ji thought about Aunt Li’s words for a long while.

At that moment, the wooden stairs beside him creaked under footsteps.

Jiang Ji turned and looked.

Ji Shaoyan stood halfway down the stairs and didn’t continue descending. He wore a sullen expression and said to Jiang Ji, “Follow me to the study.”

Once in the study, Ji Shaoyan didn’t give Jiang Ji another glance.

On his desk was a tea set. Ji Shaoyan pointed with his finger, “Pour it yourself.”

Jiang Ji’s face remained cold and composed.

He began to pour the tea calmly. When the first cup was filled, he pushed it toward Ji Shaoyan across the desk and said, “Uncle, please.”

Ji Shaoyan snorted. “You still know to call me uncle? That day, saying those words—where did you put my face?”

Jiang Ji remained silent.

“I later felt something was off, so I asked Xiao Yi again.” Ji Shaoyan looked at him, deliberately leaving some things unsaid. “I just want to ask you now—what are you really thinking?”

Jiang Ji pressed his thin lips together, expression unchanging. “If she doesn’t bring up ending the engagement, I will continue our betrothal, until marriage and children.”

“So you mean, if she had already brought it up, you would have truly ended it?” Ji Shaoyan played with the luminous pearl in his hand, asking directly.

Jiang Ji didn’t answer this time.

Ji Shaoyan thought it was time and spoke slowly, “But Jiang Ji, have you ever thought that just because I favor you, I would give Mingzhu to you?”

Conversely, just because the Jiang family favors Ji Mingzhu, would Jiang Ji agree?

Sometimes, the simplest truths.

But if someone is kept in the dark, trapped in a cycle, they can’t wake up no matter what.

Jiang Ji’s black eyes flickered, then dimmed again. His voice was clear and cold: “But Jiang Mo’s side… it’s hard to say.”

“That has never been Jiang Mo’s business,” Ji Shaoyan said, putting the pearl back in its case. “She’s my daughter; shouldn’t I know her well?”

“I’m only giving you one chance,” Ji Shaoyan said firmly. “I won’t allow my daughter to be hurt again.”

Hearing Ji Shaoyan’s words, Jiang Ji felt the emotion within him being drawn out and magnified.

Just one more step… one more step, and he could clear the clouds with his own hands.

If it really wasn’t Jiang Mo’s business now…

Then perhaps he could.

Or maybe, he already could.

“You’re here. I’ll take my leave first.”

Jiang Ji stood up neatly, about to open the door and leave, but was called back by Ji Shaoyan.

“Wait a moment.”

Ji Shaoyan handed him a gift bag. “Mingzhu said this is for you before she left. Take it when you come over.”

After speaking, Ji Shaoyan patted him on the shoulder and leisurely walked out.

In the study, only Jiang Ji remained.

He stood there, staring at it for a long time without moving.

Then, he slowly opened it, revealing the small box inside.

On the deep blue velvet surface, the pure white bow had been removed.

Inside the box was a pair of diamond-studded cufflinks and a handkerchief.

Jiang Ji lightly flicked it with his fingertip, and the handkerchief slowly unfolded.

It was handcrafted with gold-threaded silk embroidery, in an antique-style thick sheer black fabric—simple, elegant, and exuding subtle nobility.

In the center of the handkerchief was a chick embroidered in dark thread.

Jiang Ji’s gaze fell to the bottom right, where complementing it was a small piglet.

He then looked at a small gift box beside it, which contained a card.

The handwriting on it was delicate and narrow—

【President Jiang, happy birthday.】

Jiang Ji’s throat moved slightly. His heart felt as if it were squeezed in a press, contracting and expanding in waves.

A repressed emotion, kept for years, surfaced in that instant, unwavering and spreading desperately toward the light.

He packed the bag, holding it tightly in his hands.

As he descended the stairs, he called Assistant Ying.

“President Jiang?”

Jiang Ji’s voice was cold and resolute. “Book me a ticket—the earliest flight to Switzerland.”

Chicken: I’m coming.

Pig: Oh.

Chicken: Once I’m here, don’t even think about getting out of bed.

Pig: ? Is this human language?!

Yes, that’s Brother Chicken who only dares to nag in writing~ But don’t mock him; he might get even more mischievous later and shock you all!