Early Monday morning Ji Xia slung her bag over her shoulder ready to leave for school when Jiang Yanqin stepped out of his study car keys in hand.
Let me drive you he said.
No really you are so busy I can easily get there myself she said waving him off.
It is on my way his tone was calm yet not to be refused. I have a meeting at South University regarding our collaborative project with Professor Li Jiaming.
The car pulled smoothly onto the campus. Ji Xia leaned against the window gazing at the red brick buildings and students hurrying past with books in hand filled with excitement and a touch of nervousness about her new beginning. Instead of stopping at the gate the car continued right to the entrance of the building where her classes would be held.
Uncle Jiang you can just let me out at the gate she said feeling awkward about troubling him so far.
It is your first day you should know the way he unlocked the car his manner gentle yet firm. Go now and focus on your studies.
As she stepped out to thank him she saw Professor Li Jiaming of the School of Artificial Intelligence hurrying out to greet them. Mr. Jiang what an honor to have you here the professor said extending his hand warmly.
Professor Li it is a pleasure Jiang Yanqin shook hands with him with easy grace then turned and drew Ji Xia gently forward into the introduction. I am dropping off someone from my household. Ji Xia this is Professor Li.
Someone from my household the warm natural phrase made her cheeks warm as she greeted him politely It is nice to meet you Professor.
Welcome to South University Ji Xia Professor Li replied enthusiastically his eyes darting briefly between them with quiet understanding.
Jiang Yanqin gave her a gentle nod. Off you go now.
Thank you Uncle Jiang Goodbye Professor Li she said hurrying away to join the stream of students.
Professor Li smiled outwardly while his mind reeled. Jiang Yanqin was a man so busy even the university president treated him with deference yet here he was personally escorting a girl to class speaking of her as family. Suddenly it all made sense the generous state of the art laboratory the university had fought so hard to secure. Could it be that everything had been arranged for the sake of this bright young girl standing before him.
He looked at Jiang Yanqin with newfound warmth. You have my absolute assurance Mr. Jiang Ji Xia will be well cared for here.
Jiang Yanqin gave a slight nod. I leave her in your capable hands. He watched for a moment in the direction Ji Xia had gone then walked inside with the professor.
Later that evening Ji Xia returned to the apartment to find Aunt Liu preparing dinner. The gentleman called Aunt Liu told him with a smile He has a business engagement and will not be dining with us.
Ji Xia breathed a quiet sigh of relief happy to have a relaxed evening to herself. She ate then video called her parents sharing stories of her first day. Her mother asked once more Are you getting along well with Uncle Jiang I hope you are not being a burden.
Mother you have asked that several times already Ji Xia said sitting cross legged on the sofa. He is so kind and thoughtful We are getting along perfectly you really have nothing to worry about.
She meant it. Setting aside her quiet uncertainty he had been nothing short of the perfect guardian. After the call ended she watched television and finished her assignments. By bedtime he still had not returned.
He works so hard she murmured to herself turning off the light and curling beneath the soft covers falling quickly asleep.
An hour or two later perhaps deep into the night the front door opened very quietly. Jiang Yanqin stepped inside the air still holding the faint sweet scent of her shower gel. He did not turn on the light setting his coat down softly. His head throbbed faintly from alcohol yet his steps were steady. He paused at the top of the stairs then instead of turning toward his own room he walked down the hall to the farthest door hers.
He stood there in the stillness listening to the soft steady sound of her breathing drifting through the gap. He remained there in the dark for a long moment then whispered so quietly only he could hear it Goodnight little one.
As he turned to leave a soft sleepy sound came from within followed by a muffled murmur as she shifted in bed. Don’t steal my blanket she mumbled her voice soft and drowsy.
Jiang Yanqin froze completely rooted to the spot. A sudden fierce heat surged through him stirring something deep and powerful within him. His breathing grew heavier in the darkness. How was it possible to be so utterly captivating even half asleep. The thought came clear and unbidden that I wantHere’s the clean version with all links removed and text flowing smoothly:
The next morning Ji Xia rubbed her eyes as she stepped out of her room and saw Jiang Yanqin standing near the door as if about to leave. He turned at the sound of her footsteps his gaze resting briefly on her sleepy face and slightly tousled hair. Awake.
Good morning Uncle Jiang she said feeling sheepish for rising late.
Good morning he replied evenly finishing his instructions Have breakfast then the driver will take you to school.
Yes thank you Uncle Jiang.
He gave an almost imperceptible nod then stepped out the door which closed softly behind him leaving only the impression of his tall figure.
Ji Xia slipped into the kitchen to pour water where Aunt Liu was already busy cooking. You know Aunt Liu said with a smile He left ten minutes later than usual this morning I think he waited just to see you before going.
Ji Xia blinked feeling guilty Did I hold him up Is he usually so early.
Indeed Aunt Liu said pouring her a cup of warm milk Assistant Li tells me when work is busy he barely sleeps often staying late into the night. He spends most of his time at the office. This big house sees so little of him. He works far too hard for someone so young.
Ji Xia pictured him completely consumed by duty. He really does give everything to his work she said sincerely never guessing there was any special reason behind his late return or morning wait.
Aunt Liu sighed He has everything going for him yet he never looks after himself. This place is so quiet and empty someone should be here to look after him a warm caring presence to make sure he rests properly.
A presence like that The thought unsettled her sympathy mixed with a strange quiet realization. Perhaps he simply has not met the right person yet she murmured half to herself.
Aunt Liu noticed nothing amless and smiled That is true and he is so capable and handsome even if he can seem a little reserved whoever becomes part of his life will be truly fortunate.
Fortunate Ji Xia bit into her bread. Fortunate indeed perhaps waiting alone most nights. She shook her head ashamed of the unkind thought How could I think such a thing he is so good and kind.
Finishing her milk quickly she stood up I am off to school Aunt Liu.
She hurried away leaving those uncomfortable thoughts far behind.
Elsewhere in the car Jiang Yanqin watched the live feed showing her dart out the door like a bright fluttering butterfly. A faint smile touched his lips. Not met the right person yet. Look how flustered she gets. Precious thing.
On the way to school her phone buzzed. A message from her high school friend Zheng Wen appeared. Xia Xia Are you free tonight Some of us are gathering in the city to welcome you and Senior Fu Yichen will be there too.
Her heart skipped a beat. Fu Yichen was coming. A tangle of feelings rose up. She wanted to see him yet he had missed meeting her at the airport said those strange worrying things then vanished and now here he was appearing through someone else. What was he playing at. She had her pride too. After a moment the stubborn part of her won out better not seem like she was hiding away.
She typed back quickly That sounds lovely send me the time and place smiling face emoji.
Then thinking it proper to let him know she messaged Jiang Yanqin. Uncle Jiang I will be out with former classmates this evening so do not wait dinner for me I will be back before ten o’clock. She added a cute little nodding cat emoji.
Almost instantly her phone buzzed again his name lighting up the screen. Startled she answered Hello Uncle Jiang.
There was a brief pause then his voice came deeper than usual and impossible to read. A gathering with classmates.
Yes just a few friends from high school now studying here catching up she answered her tone instinctively polite and dutiful.
Where will it be.
At a shopping and dining place called International Trade Plaza downtown.
Who will be there he asked naturally sounding like any concerned guardian.
Her heartbeat quickened just a little Zheng Wen Zhou Kai and a couple more she said leaving out the name she knew would matter most.
Another short silence fell heavy and quiet. Then he spoke his tone gentler yet still firm. Very well Send me a message before it ends and the driver will come for you Be home by ten.
I will Thank you Uncle Jiang she said relieved.
He ended the call promptly. Ji Xia let out a long breath noticing her palms felt damp. He had sounded exactly as he always did so why had she felt so nervous as if being questioned. She shook her head telling herself it was just lack of sleep.