Those few days were the happiest time for Jiang Chen.
Lu Jin hadn’t returned.
Aunt Zhao was a ray of sunshine, taking Jiang Chen grocery shopping and watering flowers every day, and preparing delicious meals for her in various ways.
Gradually, Jiang Chen’s cheeks became rosy, and her spirits grew higher and higher.
“Miss, come try this.”
Early in the morning, Jiang Chen was pulled out of bed by Aunt Zhao. A plate of fragrant, soft pastries appeared before the girl.
“I succeeded! Miss, didn’t you say you tried a soufflé once before and couldn’t forget the taste?” Aunt Zhao excitedly placed her hands on her hips. “This time, I finally managed to recreate it! A taro chocolate soufflé—give it a try!”
Jiang Chen stared blankly at Aunt Zhao, her eyes shimmering with tears.
Late that night, she had been so hungry that she quietly got up and went to the kitchen to look for food. She saw some pastries Chen Xi hadn’t finished on the counter. She remembered Chen Xi saying it was a trendy dessert and that he had waited in line for a long time to buy it.
That was the first time she had ever tasted a soufflé, and the wonderful flavor had stayed with her for a long time. However, because she ate too much, Chen Xi found out the next day, and he never missed a chance to mock her for being greedy and lowly.
“What are you spacing out for? Hurry up and try it!”
Aunt Zhao’s plump face leaned in close, pulling Jiang Chen out of her memories.
Jiang Chen took the spoon from Aunt Zhao’s hand, carefully cut a piece, and put it in her mouth.
“How does it taste?”
Aunt Zhao looked nervous, quietly awaiting Jiang Chen’s “verdict.”
Jiang Chen tasted it seriously for a long time before suddenly breaking into a sweet, radiant smile.
“It melts in your mouth, sweet and delicious—absolutely amazing!”
“Whew~~” Aunt Zhao finally relaxed. She patted her chest and murmured to herself, “That’s good, that’s good.”
“Aunt Zhao, your cooking skills are truly incredible.”
Jiang Chen’s eyes were slightly red at the corners. “Thank you.”
“Silly girl, it’s just a small thing. Why thank me so seriously?!” Aunt Zhao waved her hand, feeling a bit embarrassed.
“Miss, the weather is lovely today. How about we go for a walk outside?”
“Aunt Zhao, I’d like to visit a certain place. Could you come with me?”
Jinghang University.
“Miss, is this your school?” Aunt Zhao looked around with curiosity.
“Yes.” Jiang Chen linked arms with Aunt Zhao.
Class had just ended, and students poured out of the teaching buildings from all directions, instantly filling the campus with liveliness.
“This is wonderful. I’ve heard that Jinghang University is one of the top universities in the country. Those who get in are all future leaders. Miss, you’re truly amazing.”
Jiang Chen felt a bit embarrassed by Aunt Zhao’s praise. “Not at all, it’s not as impressive as you say.”
“Hello, classmate.”
A cheerful male voice came from behind.
“Are… you talking to me?” Jiang Chen turned around uncertainly.
It was a tall, slender boy carrying a large backpack.
“Um… sorry to bother you.”
The boy, wearing large-framed glasses, scratched his head nervously. “Um… could I add you on WeChat? Could we, could we be friends?”
Aunt Zhao looked at Jiang Chen with a gossipy expression.
Jiang Chen blushed deeply. “Sorry, I… I haven’t officially enrolled yet.”
The boy suddenly understood and bravely stepped forward, “So you’re a junior student! Let’s get acquainted first, and when school starts, I can help you move your things, okay?”
“This… this… but I don’t have a phone yet,” Jiang Chen answered honestly.
“No phone?” The boy looked at Jiang Chen suspiciously.
Finally, he shrugged helplessly, “Seriously, if you don’t want to add me on WeChat, just say so. Why use such an old-fashioned excuse?”
Watching the boy walk away dejectedly, Aunt Zhao gently nudged Jiang Chen.
“Miss, you’re about to start school. Why don’t you ask the master to buy you a phone?”
At the mention of that man, Jiang Chen’s good mood instantly plummeted.
“No need to trouble him. After I start school, I’ll look for a part-time job. Once I earn money, I’ll buy one myself,” she said stubbornly.
“Ah~~ I’m really worried about you.”
Aunt Zhao sighed.
“Worried about what?” Jiang Chen asked curiously.
“Miss, you’re so beautiful. Once you start school, won’t there be a whole line of young men queuing up to pursue you? Tsk tsk tsk~~” Aunt Zhao shook her head mysteriously. “By then, the master will probably have quite a few love rivals.”
Jiang Chen blushed, “Aunt Zhao, you’re so annoying, always joking around.”
“How is that a joke? Who knows, Miss, you might even be the new campus belle!”
“Aunt Zhao!”
The two bickered as they walked out of the school gate.
“What do you want to eat tonight?” Aunt Zhao asked.
“Let’s have hotpot, with a spicy broth. I want fatty beef rolls.”
“That might not be good. After all, you’ve just recovered your health. Eating such heavy food might not be suitable.”
“It’s fine. I’ve been craving hotpot for days. Aunt Zhao, let’s have hotpot, okay?” Jiang Chen pleaded.
“Alright, alright~ You silly girl, I can’t do anything with you.”
The two bought two full bags of groceries and left the supermarket satisfied.
A van sped over and suddenly screeched to a halt in front of them.
The window rolled down, revealing a plump, round face.
“Damn, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, but it really is you!”
Thud.
The groceries in her hands slipped unconsciously, and the potatoes and carrots inside scattered all over the ground.
It was actually Liu Rui Feng, his smile sinister, with gauze wrapped around his left eye.
“Who is this?” Aunt Zhao looked puzzled. She glanced at Jiang Chen, then at the man in the car with a menacing grin. “Jiang Chen, do you know him?”
“Aunt Zhao, he…” Jiang Chen’s mind went blank, and she couldn’t speak clearly. She could only helplessly grab Aunt Zhao’s arm. “He… he’s the man I told you about.”
“Damn, you even changed your name! Bitch, haha, I’ve been looking for you for so long! I never thought I’d run into you here today!” Liu Rui Feng licked his lips. “We have some unfinished business to settle this time.”
Aunt Zhao shouted angrily,
“What do you want? In broad daylight, you… you don’t even know who our master is?! If you dare cause trouble, I… I’ll…”
“You fat old hag, what can you do? I’ve been in the underworld for years, and everyone knows the name Liu Rui Feng. Who the hell is your master?!”
The van door swung open, and three men jumped out one after another, all of them fierce-looking and full of malice.
“You… you stay back!” Aunt Zhao shielded Jiang Chen behind her, waving her grocery bag forcefully to keep them from getting closer.
“Miss, run!”