Chарtеr 16: Оbjесtlеss Perfоrmаnсе
“Сhanchan, Сhаnchan~”
Jiаng Zhengzheng fоllоwеd Ji Тingсhаn all thе wау tо the treе-lined path outsidе thе schооl.
Shе triеd еverу triсk in thе book, sауing all sоrts of sweet wоrds, but Ji Tingсhan comрletеly ignоrеd her, treаting her like air—just likе thеir first mееting.
Jiang Zhengzhеng suddеnlу fеlt overwhеlmed with hеlplessnеss, but then it oсcurred tо her: Ji Tingchаn grеw uр in an еnvirоnment devoid оf lovе. Nо one еver taught hеr how tо ехprеss unhapрiness, and shе wаs аlways surrounded by inexpliсаble malice.
Веcause оf this, Ji Тingchan wouldn’t voice her true thoughts or emotions. She needed someone to guide her!
Jiang Zhengzheng’s nose tingled with emotion. It was hard for her to imagine how the Female Lead had managed to endure everything from childhood till now.
“Tingchan.”
Jiang Zhengzheng floated in front of Ji Tingchan again. This time, before the other could even lift a foot, she had already wrapped her arms around her in a gentle, intangible embrace.
Ji Tingchan’s eyes darkened slightly as she looked down at the fluffy crown of hair just below her chin.
In that moment, her mind went completely blank, thinking of nothing.
“Tingchan, I really don’t know what you’re upset about. I want to talk it out with you calmly. Can you tell your Zhengzheng sister the reason? Whatever the issue is, let’s solve it together.”
Hearing that Jiang Zhengzheng genuinely seemed unaware, Ji Tingchan finally spoke:
“Zhengzheng sister, that night… you said you’d be back soon, but I waited for you all night without sleeping. I was worried you’d be discovered, worried someone might capture you in that state for experiments, worried you had no food or place to go. I was so worried about you… Zhengzheng sister…”
Sister puppy, I’ve been thinking of you like this. How could you bear to leave?
Sure enough, Jiang Zhengzheng’s eyes reddened, and tears began to fall.
“Wah, Chanchan! You’re such an angel! You care so much about your sister! And I didn’t even let you know I was safe! I’m so awful!”
Jiang Zhengzheng wanted to slap herself—though she wouldn’t actually do it—but she was truly moved to tears by the Female Lead. The Female Lead was so gentle and kind! Even surrounded by wolves and tigers, she still cared and worried about her!
Jiang Zhengzheng secretly vowed to work even harder to create a happy ending for Ji Tingchan and the Male Lead!
“Then, will Zhengzheng sister leave again next time? I’m really worried about you…”
Ji Tingchan’s eyes misted over as she gazed directly into Jiang Zhengzheng’s reddened eyes.
“No! Never! I’ll never leave again! Wah, Chanchan, don’t cry! It breaks my heart!”
Goodness, seeing such a beautiful and kind Female Lead looking so fragile right before her eyes—Jiang Zhengzheng felt her heart melt!
Though they couldn’t physically touch, the two embraced each other in an intangible way, reconciled once more.
“Mom, look! What is that pretty sister doing? It’s so strange!”
A mother and daughter walked past the tree-lined path, the little girl curiously looking at Ji Tingchan.
“Oh dear, that sister is so pretty. Maybe she’s studying art and doing an objectless performance. Let’s not disturb her.”
The young mother took her child’s hand and hurried away.
Soon, evening arrived.
The Ji Family Villa.
“Chanchan, that’s how it was! I couldn’t come back because I got lost and the weather was bad!”
Jiang Zhengzheng held a fruit plate, popping pieces into her mouth one by one, while explaining her recent ordeal to Ji Tingchan, who was doing homework. Of course, she felt a bit guilty, so she cleverly omitted the part about being discovered.”Luckily Sister Zhengzheng knew to hide in someone else’s warehouse. You haven’t eaten anything these past few days, you must be really craving food. Should I make you some midnight snacks?”
“Ah… haha no need, no need. Although these past few days have been tough and I missed Chanchan so much, I’m already very happy just to have found you!”
Jiang Zhengzheng guiltily avoided Ji Tingchan’s gaze. To cover up her inner panic, she quickly picked up a grape from the fruit plate and offered it to Ji Tingchan.
“Thank you, Sister Zhengzheng~” Ji Tingchan had already detected traces of guilt from Jiang Zhengzheng’s expression, but she didn’t expose her.
It seems the little dog still can’t break the bad habit of lying.
“Oh right! Chanchan, that Qianxi—do your classmates know about her?”
Jiang Zhengzheng asked urgently.
Ji Tingchan nodded.
“I dealt with her again for you that night I went out, but I feel this girl isn’t simple. I’ve heard her mention several times about the school anniversary day and how she wants you to do this or that. Anyway, even if I’m by your side, you still need to be careful and guard against her yourself!”
Ji Tingchan nodded thoughtfully.
So the little dog had stood up for her again that night.
Under the dim lamplight, Jiang Zhengzheng propped her head up on the bed, watching Ji Tingchan who was writing diligently with a gratified expression.
When Ji Tingchan also lay down on the bed, the two just stared at each other, wide-eyed.
“Chanchan, you know I can’t sleep at all~”
Ji Tingchan didn’t speak, her gaze unconsciously drifting to the small window on the wall.
Realizing something, Jiang Zhengzheng quickly assured her:
“Chanchan, don’t worry! Sister won’t go out again! I’ll stay right here with you! You sleep now~”
Only then did Ji Tingchan close her eyes and try to fall asleep.
Seeing her close her eyes, Jiang Zhengzheng reached out to turn off the small bedside lamp, then also closed her eyes and cleared her mind.