After a brief silence that lasted a few seconds, Bai Zhao’s laughter rang out.
“What? Hahahaha! Did I hear that right? You said you want to get into Tsinghua or Peking University?”
Bai Zhao laughed so hard that he doubled over, nearly collapsing on the floor. “Jiang Ling, you must be joking! Hahaha! I do not care if you hit me today, I have to say it, that is truly too funny!”
Bai Zhao wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and looked at Jiang Ling. “Teacher Xu, quickly tell him. Let him know exactly where he stands.”
Teacher Xu, who was suddenly put on the spot, wore an awkward smile. He quickly said, “Actually, if you work hard now, anything is possible.”
Suddenly, Old Master Bai stood at the door and shouted angrily, “Bai Zhao! Instead of studying hard, what are you doing now?”
Hearing the roar, the smile on Bai Zhao’s face vanished instantly. He hurriedly explained, “Grandpa, I did not.”
“Shut up! Get out here. I will personally supervise your lessons!”
Bai Zhao could not help but wail, “Grandpa!”
“Calling out will not help you. Get out here now.”
After Bai Zhao left, the study became quiet. Jiang Ling remained calm throughout. He did not even spare a glance at Bai Zhao as the latter left the room because his mind was elsewhere.
If you work hard now, anything is possible.
Jiang Ling felt he was much smarter than Bai Zhao. While Tsinghua and Peking University might be difficult, a good university was still within reach. Once he made up his mind, he began to take things seriously. He even reduced the frequency of his messages to Huo Junnian.
He went from asking multiple questions a day to three times a day, then to every other day, and finally to once a week. Huo Junnian, who had initially felt a headache from the frequent messages, felt a bit unusual after being clearly set aside.
It was not that Jiang Ling did this on purpose. His foundation was weak, and he had many lessons to catch up on. Because of this, Huo Junnian specifically sent a message to check on the situation.
Huo Junnian: “Ling, what have you been doing lately?” Jiang Ling: “Studying.” Huo Junnian: “Wait.”
The reason was beyond reproach. Jiang Ling was a bit surprised: “What is wrong?” Huo Junnian: “Just checking on you.”
Checking on me?
Jiang Ling raised an eyebrow, pulling his attention away from his books. The corners of his mouth curled up involuntarily, though he quickly suppressed the smile.
Huo Junnian: “Do you have time this weekend?”
Jiang Ling rubbed his chin with his fingertip. Is he trying to ask me out?
Jiang Ling: “This weekend?”
The youth’s reply seemed a bit hesitant. Huo Junnian tapped the desk rhythmically. His eyelashes moved slightly as he continued typing.
Huo Junnian: “Yes. It will be the last time I take you out to play before your school term starts.” Jiang Ling: “Did you not say you were busy before? Were you tricking me?” (Angry Puppy GIF)
Seeing the angry puppy in the sticker, Huo Junnian could not help but imagine Jiang Ling’s face when he was angry. He was truly a stubborn, naughty puppy. He smiled.
Huo Junnian: “Of course not. I specifically set some time aside for you.”
He had to smooth the puppy’s fur. Seeing this, Jiang Ling snorted. That is more like it.
Jiang Ling: “Since Uncle wants to see me, I should have time this weekend.”
After replying, Jiang Ling was in a good mood. Even when Bai Zhao dozed off next to him, with his head taking up half the desk, Jiang Ling did not mind.
Soon, the weekend arrived. As Jiang Ling was about to leave, Old Master Bai called out to him.
“Ling, the kitchen made many pastries today. Take some to Xiao Huo to taste.” Jiang Ling agreed, “Okay.”
A moment later, Bai Mo came running over, hopping and skipping with a bag. “Brother, for you.” “Go back inside,” Jiang Ling said, patting Bai Mo’s head. “Bye-bye, Brother!”
As soon as Jiang Ling stepped out, he saw the luxury car parked nearby. After getting in, he greeted the man inside. “Uncle, long time no see.”
“Ling, you seem to be in a good mood today?” Huo Junnian looked at the items in Jiang Ling’s hand and smiled. “Did you bring a gift for me today?”
Jiang Ling immediately handed over the bag. “Osmanthus cakes made at home.”
Huo Junnian reached out to take it. At the moment their fingers touched, his palm was suddenly brushed by a cool fingertip, leaving a distinct trace of itchiness. His body stiffened instantly, and his gaze instinctively fell on the bag.
If it were anyone else, Huo Junnian would have absolutely thought that was a lowly and deliberate attempt at seduction. Jiang Ling seemed to notice the momentary awkwardness. He tilted his head slightly and asked with surprise, “What is wrong?”
“Nothing.”
Huo Junnian quickly looked away. He looked at the innocent-looking youth beside him and felt that it must have been an accident. He smiled gently. “Thank you, Ling.”
No reaction?
As expected, Huo Junnian had no guard against him. In the man’s heart, Jiang Ling was still just a child. Who would be interested in a child? However, he would slowly let Huo Junnian know that he was no longer a child, but an adult who could take responsibility for himself.
Jiang Ling rubbed his fingertips together, where the warmth from the other’s palm seemed to linger. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly.
“I will say this first, Grandpa told me to bring them to you. I am just passing them along.” “It does not matter. I am already very happy that Ling brought them to me.” Huo Junnian smiled. “By the way, is there anywhere you want to go today?” “I am fine with whatever Uncle arranges.” Jiang Ling added, “Actually, let me treat you today.”
Huo Junnian glanced over. “Is today an important day?” Jiang Ling shook his head. He met Huo Junnian’s eyes with a bright smile. “We still have not spent that twenty thousand yuan from last time!”
If Jiang Ling had not mentioned it, Huo Junnian would have almost forgotten. He looked at the youth and shook his head with a laugh. “You, all right then, let us spend the money today.”
Time passed quickly. After a day of fun, Jiang Ling was sent back to the Bai residence by Huo Junnian.
“Ling, I will see you on the day school starts.” Jiang Ling waved his hand. “Okay. Remember to pick me up that day, Uncle.” “I will.”
Jiang Ling took one last look at the man before turning to leave. As soon as he entered the Bai house, a dark shadow suddenly rushed out from a corner. Before he could see what it was, his legs were hugged tightly.
“Brother!”
Jiang Ling was startled. He bent down and picked up the little chick at his feet. Due to being sickly for years, Bai Mo’s weight was lighter than other children his age. Jiang Ling lifted him easily and even gave him a little toss in his arms, causing Bai Mo to cry out.
“Brother! Too high! I am scared!”
Jiang Ling frowned. “Now you know fear? Why did you run over without making a sound? I almost thought you were a cat or a dog. It is dark here. You could trip and it would hurt if you fell.”
Bai Mo nodded obediently and admitted his mistake. “I will never do it again.”
Jiang Ling put him down and rubbed his head. He then handed something over. “Here, go play.”
Bai Mo’s eyes lit up when he saw the toy car. He hugged it to his chest. “Thank you, Brother!”
Jiang Ling stood with his hands in his pockets. Seeing the simple desire in Bai Mo’s eyes, he could not help but smile. Children this age did not need to think too much. Their world was simple and easily satisfied. However, he had already passed that age.
When Huo Junnian returned home, he opened the pastries Jiang Ling had given him. As he took out the food box, a small object suddenly fell out, making a crisp sound. He bent down to pick it up. It was a pink keychain with a plastic card attached. This must belong to Jiang Ling.
When Huo Junnian picked up the card and saw the portrait printed on it, his movements stopped abruptly. At that moment, his phone rang. He regained his senses and answered. The youth’s clear voice came through the phone.
“Uncle Huo, I think I accidentally left something in the bag with the pastries.” “Is it a pink keychain with a card?” “Yes, that should be it.”
Jiang Ling reached out to comfort the anxious Bai Mo beside him. “It is not lost.”
An hour ago, shortly after taking the toy, Bai Mo had run over in a panic. He said he had accidentally lost a small photo card keychain given to him by a classmate. Jiang Ling did not understand what a photo card was, but seeing the child so worried, he had no choice but to call Huo Junnian late at night. Fortunately, the man was still awake.
“I will bring it to you when I have time,” Huo Junnian said.
Jiang Ling thought that was too much trouble and did not want to bother him further. “I will come to your company tomorrow to get it. I have not been to your company yet. You must give me a good tour tomorrow.”
Huo Junnian did not say anything more. He placed the keychain on the table and smiled. “Alright. I will give you a tour tomorrow.” “Then it is settled. You do not need to pick me up, Uncle. Just send me the address.” “Okay.”
After settling the matter, Jiang Ling hung up. He pinched Bai Mo’s worried face. He guessed the keychain was a gift from some girl; otherwise, why would he be so anxious?
“All right, do not worry. I will get it back for you tomorrow. Since it is so important, keep it safe next time. Do not be so careless.”
Hearing this, Bai Mo’s face brightened instantly. He threw himself into Jiang Ling’s arms with a sweet smile. “Brother, you are so good.”
Jiang Ling held up a finger to push the affectionate child away. He said sternly, “All right, go back to sleep. I am tired.”
The next day, Jiang Ling woke up early and set out. He checked the location of Huo Junnian’s company. It was in an excellent spot, the most expensive district in City A, but it took him an hour to get there by taxi.
An hour later, Jiang Ling arrived at the lobby. He sent a message. Shortly after, a beautiful woman in formal attire walked toward him with a friendly smile. “Are you Young Master Jiang?”
Jiang Ling replied, “You can just call me Jiang Ling.” The woman said, “I am President Huo’s assistant. My surname is Li. You may call me Secretary Li. President Huo is busy right now, so he sent me to bring you upstairs.” “Okay, thank you.”
Jiang Ling followed Secretary Li and took the president’s private elevator directly to the top floor. Because instructions had been given in advance, he was taken straight to Huo Junnian’s office.
“Young Master Jiang, please wait here for a moment. The morning meeting will end in ten minutes. What would you like to drink? We have tea and coffee.” “No need, I am not thirsty right now.” Jiang Ling added, “You do not need to worry about me. Go back to your work.” “Then please make yourself at home.”
After the secretary left, Jiang Ling began to admire the office. The decor was minimalist and mostly in dark colors. The cold marble floor reflected the light, giving the entire atmosphere a somewhat chilly feeling that did not quite match the man’s gentle and elegant temperament. He wondered why Huo Junnian chose this style.
Jiang Ling’s gaze fell on the desk in the center of the room. He slid his fingertips slowly across the black surface, pulled out the chair, and sat directly in Huo Junnian’s office chair. He leaned back and found it quite comfortable.
Does Huo Junnian usually work in this chair?
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He seemed to smell the faint scent of cedar belonging to Huo Junnian in the air. He wondered if there was a private rest area in this office. Just as he was about to explore, a man’s light laughter rang in his ear.
“How does the chair feel? Is it comfortable?”
Jiang Ling snapped his eyes open. He was startled by Huo Junnian, who had appeared behind him at some unknown time. He quickly steadied himself. “When did you get back?” “Did I startle you?”
Jiang Ling tilted his chin, turned the chair to face Huo Junnian, and said stubbornly, “Of course not.” Huo Junnian did not expose him and only let out a soft laugh.
Jiang Ling quickly changed the subject. “Uncle, where is the item I left with you yesterday?” Huo Junnian replied, “It is in the drawer right by your hand. Open it yourself.”
Jiang Ling opened the drawer and indeed saw the keychain. It was attached to a card. He looked at it; it seemed to be a photo of some celebrity. Huo Junnian stood beside him, watching the youth observe the card seriously. He could not help but ask, “Does Ling also follow celebrities?”
“The personas of many stars are manufactured. They might not be as perfect as you imagine. I do not recommend following celebrities.”
Jiang Ling was stunned. He realized he had been misunderstood. He could not help but twitch his lips. He did not even recognize the star on the card. How could he be a fan? Just as he was about to explain to Huo Junnian, a knock sounded at the door.
Both of them looked toward the door. Huo Junnian said, “Come in.”
The door opened, and Secretary Li walked in. She instinctively glanced at Jiang Ling before quickly looking at Huo Junnian. “President Huo, Mr. Tang said he has something to discuss with you. He is downstairs right now.”
Hearing this, Huo Junnian’s expression changed instantly. He frowned, and his voice turned cold. “I will not see him. Tell him to leave.”
Jiang Ling keenly sensed that something was wrong and raised an eyebrow. He looked at Huo Junnian and asked curiously, “Uncle Huo, who is this Mr. Tang?”