Three months was more than enough time for Ji Xia to put down roots in Shencheng.
Sunshine came naturally to her personality and she quickly made a whole group of friends. As for her studies well that was hard to say but she was managing to keep up. Her approach was simply to learn happily.
Staying at Jiang Yanqin’s apartment felt more comfortable than she’d expected. Jiang Yanqin was genuinely busy going away on business trips every few days and even when he was in the city he left early and came back late so their paths rarely crossed. Yet every time he did appear he was impeccably thoughtful.
“Are you settling in at school all right?”
“It’s getting colder dress warmer when you go out.”
“Do you have enough pocket money?”
Ji Xia’s sense of purpose to take good care of her uncle blossomed under such care. Whenever she came across posts about health and wellness she’d find herself thinking That soup sounds perfect for Uncle Jiang before quietly making it for him.
As for Fu Yishen he truly became a silent name in her contacts. She only saw him once from a distance walking past the basketball court he was with Lin Wei. Ji Xia nodded naturally in greeting without stopping. That faint soft fondness from their younger days was like ripples across a lake stirred by wind in time they always settle back into calm.
As the end of the semester drew near the biggest event on campus was the New Year’s Gala.
Ji Xia might not have been top of the class but she had excellent taste and deft hands so the head of the Arts and Culture Department had drafted her in as a roving helper backstage on standby to fix costumes and props at a moment’s notice.
On the night of the gala the backstage area was as frantic as a battlefield.
“Xiaoya’s cramped up Can someone take her place It’s the spot at the back nothing difficult”
“Quick the act’s next Find someone who can go on”
Several pairs of eyes scanned the room all landing in unison on Ji Xia who’d just finished sewing a button onto a costume needle and thread still in hand.
“Me” she blinked utterly bewildered.
The department head’s eyes lit up. “Yes you Ji Xia save the day Go change quick”
“But I’ve never danced before”
“It’s fine Just follow along at the back you’re pretty just being there is enough” a senior student said steering her toward the changing rooms.
Ji Xia groaned inwardly This is way too last minute
On the airport expressway Jiang Yanqin had just landed a faint weariness etched into his features from the long journey.
His assistant Li spoke quietly beside him. “Sir Lin University is holding its New Year’s Gala today. Principal Chen asked if you might attend.”
“Decline it” Jiang Yanqin replied evenly. “Head straight back to the company.”
“Very well.” As Li prepared to leave he paused. “Oh Miss Ji is at the auditorium tonight helping backstage it seems.”
Jiang Yanqin’s hand stilled. “Helping”
“Yes logistical support from what I heard.”
He fell silent for two seconds. “Tell Principal Chen I’ll be there.”
“Understood sir.”
Jiang Yanqin took his seat in the VIP section exchanging a few pleasantries with the school leaders while his gaze swept quietly across the crowd searching but not finding that familiar little figure.
It had only been a month away yet he’d found it harder than he’d imagined to bear.
Ever since he’d brought her into his life he’d developed a habit he couldn’t shake and had no wish to.
Halfway through the evening a group dance took the stage. The lights came up the music flowed. Jiang Yanqin’s gaze had drifted idly until it snapped to attention.
There at the side rear of the stage was his girl dressed in a costume that didn’t quite fit a sewing kit still pinned to the hem of her dress too rushed to remove striving to keep time with the music.
Murmurs rippled through the audience “Who is she She’s so cute.”
“Such bright eyes I’ve never seen her before.”
“Her dancing’s a little unpolished but it’s lovely”
Jiang Yanqin’s fingers curled tight around the armrest. The air around him shifted sharp watchful the way a predator watches something precious wander into its territory.
Backstage the department head exhaled in relief. “Thank goodness Ji Xia stepped in. She may be new to this but what a face she carried it off”
As soon as the number ended Ji Xia practically fled offstage cheeks flushed pink.
Her friends crowded around patting her shoulders excitedly. “Xia Xia you were amazing You looked stunning up there”
She let out a long breath. “Don’t even my legs were shaking the whole time I nearly dropped the flower petals right on the host’s head”
“Come on then” another friend linked arms with her. “Celebration dinner”
Laughing Ji Xia’s phone buzzed. A WeChat message.
**Uncle Jiang** Side gate. Car’s waiting. Let me take you for something to eat.
She stared.
He’s back And he came to the gala
She typed back quickly Uncle Jiang you’re back I was just about to go for late night snacks with everyone now that it’s over you go on home and rest I’ll take a taxi back later [meek]
The message had barely sent when her phone rang he was calling her directly
Stepping away to a quieter corner she answered. “Hello Uncle Jiang”
His voice came through low steady threaded with a quiet tiredness. “I’m here.” Just those two words and Ji Xia felt a sudden soft twist of guilt.
He paused then continued casual yet deliberate each line striking right where it mattered. “I’ve been away a month. Landed this afternoon. Haven’t eaten yet.”
“Ji Xia it’s cold out here at the side gate.”
Then a soft almost helpless sigh spoken in a tone she simply couldn’t refuse as if making the smallest of requests “Couldn’t could I come along”
Ji Xia was completely disarmed.
He’d worked so hard come straight from the airport to see her hadn’t eaten. And she owed him so much these past months. Of course she should think of him first.
“No no wait right there I’m coming now” she surrendered at once.
A low satisfied hum came down the line. “Good. No rush.”
Hanging up she turned to her friends. “My uncle’s here can’t make dinner this time. Sorry”
They looked disappointed. “Aww strict curfew”
Packing up quickly she explained “He just got back from a trip and hasn’t eaten. I need to go see him. Next round’s on me I promise”
She hurried to the side gate spotted the familiar black Maybach climbed in and shut the door.