Your room is upstairs pick whichever you like best Jiang Yanqin led her up the stairs past several closed doors. He gestured casually toward the room right beside the master suite This one has the best view.
Ji Xia’s mind flashed immediate alarms. Living right next to her father’s trusted confidant Where would her privacy or freedom be What if he overheard her venting to her friends on the phone late at night.
She pointed quickly toward the far end of the hall the room farthest from the master bedroom her tone firm No thank you Uncle Jiang I would prefer that one it looks so quiet and perfect for studying.
Jiang Yanqin paused and looked back at her. Shadows fell across his deep unreadable eyes and he held her gaze in silence for two long seconds. Just as she began to feel flustered he spoke slowly. Are you so opposed to being near me.
Before she could fumble through an explanation he seemed to see right through her hesitation finding her small show of defiance both endearing and amusing and looked away. Suit yourself.
His knowing yet indulgent manner calmed her instantly making her feel he might not be so unapproachable after all. She looked at this powerful dignified man and decided to make her request. Taking a deep breath she clasped her hands and gave him her brightest most earnest smile.
Uncle Jiang there is something I would like to ask you.
You see I have finally come out to live independently away from my parents watchful eyes. When you speak to my father could you please share only some of what happens here and leave me a little room to be myself I promise I will be responsible and stay out of trouble.
She waited nervously bracing herself for a lecture.
Jiang Yanqin watched her standing there careful and hopeful like a kitten testing new ground. A faint quiet smile touched his eyes though his expression remained calm.
Very well he agreed simply.
He added with an air of clear propriety I have a great deal of work to do so please do not disturb me after ten o’clock in the evening.
Ji Xia could hardly believe how easily it had gone. Thank you Uncle Jiang you are so kind I promise I will not be a nuisance.
Just as she relaxed certain their agreement was settled Jiang Yanqin stepped closer leaning down slightly so their faces were nearly level. His gaze was steady and unwavering.
However he said his voice low what if I should need your help.
Pardon Ji Xia blinked thinking naturally of the injuries he had once suffered. What kind of help I will do my best whatever it is.
Jiang Yanqin straightened a faint satisfied smile touching his lips as if he had watched something fall perfectly into place.
Nothing comes to mind right now he said lightly as if the question had been casual. I shall let you know when I do. Just remember you have agreed.
He gave her one last look and walked toward his study.
Ji Xia breathed a sigh of relief delighted with her success and hurried happily to her room. She flopped onto the wonderfully soft bed and rolled over gazing out at Deep City’s glittering night sky spilling in through the tall windows like a river of stars. Everything felt perfect she loved this city and being here with him felt far more natural and welcoming than she had expected.
Feeling bright and cheerful she pulled out her phone and called her best friend Gu Yu. Her friend’s face filled the screen instantly. Xia Xia how is it Is Deep City wonderful Did you see him wait a moment Gu Yu narrowed her eyes leaning closer the background falling quiet. This does not look like a dormitory where are you.
I am not staying in a dormitory Ji Xia explained. My father wanted me to be safe so I am staying temporarily at a family friend’s home.
A family friend Let me see show me the room Gu Yu pressed. Ceilings this high and such big windows what kind of place is this.
Ji Xia turned the camera slowly around showing the spacious bright room. Even the brief glimpse drew a gasp of amazement. Goodness Ji Xia this is luxurious What sort of person is this friend of your father’s How old is he and is he handsome.
Ji Xia answered thoughtfully He runs a very successful listed company I suppose he is in his early thirties. She found herself recalling his strikingly handsome face quiet and composed. He is quite good looking but that is not the point.
Thirty something Successful and handsome Gu Yu’s voice rose with excitement and disbelief He is practically perfect barely ten years older than you He sounds like a dream come true.
Stop it Ji Xia’s face warmed. He is a trusted comrade of my father’s and a respectable elder.
Very well I will not tease you Gu Yu said though her tone was still full of envy. Honestly though I am a little jealous I would love to have someone like that looking after me.
They chatted a little longer before ending the call. Then her phone gave a soft new notification. Her heart gave a gentle flutter as she saw the name she had set special alerts for Fu Yichen. Taking a quiet breath she opened the message.