Chapter 38. Wearing it will guarantee you get all the test questions right, even if you just guess...
While picking up his milk tea, Jiang Deyu complained, "You two both use 'OEM manufacturing,' aren't you afraid that the effect of 'passing the imperial examination' will be compromised?"
"Pah, pah, pah."
“Jiang Deyu,” Xia Fan called him by his full name unhappily, “Don’t say such unlucky things!”
"How could there be a discount?" Jiang Sui rested her chin on her hand, staring intently at Ji Jingyu's nimble fingers. "This bracelet was made by the two best students in Xunning. Wearing it will guarantee you get all the questions right, even the ones you guess!"
“Yes, Sui Sui is right.” Xia Fan’s mood instantly brightened, and she gently poked Gu Ci’s arm with her finger, pushing her luck, “Brother, when you’re making this up, remember to sincerely recite ‘Xia Fan will definitely get full marks’ in your heart.”
She emphasized the word "devout".
"You want a perfect score too," Gu Ci pinched the back of her neck lightly, a half-smile on his face, "you little greedy devil."
Xia Fan tried to dodge but failed. She grabbed Gu Ci's wrists with both hands and looked at him fiercely, "Just tell me, will you study or not?"
"I'll read it." Gu Ci's smile faded. "Let go, or you're not allowed to come crying to me later when your wrist is twisted."
Xia Fan then sat up obediently again.
"Brother Ji."
Warm breath brushed against his ear. Ji Jingyu looked up and met Jiang Sui's eager gaze. Her raven-feather eyelashes fluttered, making her incredibly cute.
He remained calm. "Hmm?"
"I want one too."
"……knew."
Ji Jingyu responded softly, her clear voice sounding exceptionally gentle at this moment, as if she were making an unconscious compromise.
Then let us pray that everything goes smoothly for Jiang Sui.
He thought.
"I just asked the class monitor for the link." Jiang Deyu, who was very excited by Jiang Sui's words, looked at Ji Jingyu and Gu Ci with a look of eagerness, "Which of you has time to make one for me too, so that I can also get some of this sacred academic aura?"
"Oh."
Jiang Deyu: "..."
—
A few days later.
[Gu Ci: Xiao Jing, are you free right now?]
Ji Jingyu put down her pen and replied: 【I'm free.】
Gu Ci: Then please ask Jiang Sui to come to my house.
Ji Jingyu glanced at the dark night outside the window, but didn't immediately agree. "Jiang Sui is probably already resting. Let me ask her first."
Gu Ci: Okay.
Ji Jingyu contacted Jiang Sui on WeChat and only after receiving a positive reply did she get up and knock on her door.
Before long, a delicate and pretty little face peeked out from behind the door.
Jiang Sui smiled at Ji Jingyu. Just as Ji Jingyu was about to speak, she said, "I have to go out now."
The man's voice was deep and affectionate, naturally carrying the intimidating power of someone in a superior position.
But when she heard Jiang Sui say she was going out with someone, her tone was full of disapproval, "It's so late, what are you going out for? Can't you do it tomorrow?"
A look of surprise flashed across Ji Jingyu's eyes. Was Jiang Sui talking to her father on the phone?
"Of course there's something going on." Jiang Sui's voice was sweet and soft, with a slight rise at the end. "Don't worry, it's just in the neighborhood, and I'm not going out alone. Brother Ji will protect me."
"Eh..."
Jiang Yunzhao was about to say something more when he realized that his beloved daughter had already hung up the phone.
He stared in disbelief at the end of the call screen. Just moments ago he had said he missed his father so much he was about to cry, but now he hung up the phone so decisively.
Brother Ji, Brother Ji.
Anyone who didn't know better would think this was a bodyguard he arranged for her, given how much he trusts him!
Jiang Yunzhao gazed at the fleeting halos of light rushing past the window, his expression complex.
The name "Ji Jingyu" appears on Jiang Sui's lips far too often.
Even Yu Chen, who had been playing with her for many years, didn't receive this treatment.
What is so special about Ji Jingyu that makes Jiang Sui look at him with such special regard?
If it weren't for the fact that he simply couldn't find the time, Jiang Yunzhao would have loved to rush to Xunning immediately to meet the real person.
—
Jiang Sui had just taken a bath, and her little face was pink and tender from the steam.
The princess-style loungewear featured soft lace trim and bows adorning the chest and cuffs. Even from several steps away, Ji Jingyu could smell the warm and sweet fragrance emanating from her.
It's like a cute little sweet cake.
"Let's go."
"Wait a minute." Ji Jingyu called out to her, his gaze sweeping over her bare calves. "It's getting windy outside, put on a jacket."
“Okay.” Jiang Sui believed Ji Jingyu’s words without a doubt. “Then wait for me for a moment, I’ll go get my coat.”
Little Sweetie ran back to her bedroom barefoot without even wearing slippers.
Ji Jingyu looked at the half-open door, and the smile on her lips grew fainter and fainter.
At that moment, he suddenly understood how Jiang Yunzhao felt when he heard that Jiang Sui was going out with someone.
She's all alone at home now, how can she be so careless?
In situations like this, she should close the door without hesitation.
So, is Jiang Sui only making an exception for him, or can anyone who is close to her gain her unconditional trust?
Ji Jingyu knew that he was not only ridiculous, but also a bit neurotic, but he just couldn't control his thoughts.
"They're here, they're here."
Soon, Jiang Sui ran out of the bedroom, afraid that Ji Jingyu would be anxious.
For a fleeting moment, Ji Jingyu thought she would rush into his arms.
Even though he knew it was impossible, he still subconsciously relaxed his body to avoid even the slightest possibility of bumping into Little Sweetie.
—
The hallway was very quiet.
Jiang Sui tugged at Ji Jingyu's clothes, stepping down the path he had trod.
As Jiang Sui passed the fourth floor, her steps suddenly stopped.
Ji Jingyu, who was walking ahead, stopped as well. "What's wrong?"
Jiang Sui clearly heard a very faint woman crying, but now she could hear nothing at all.
The dark sky, the swaying shadows of the trees, the dim and narrow staircase, coupled with the faint sound of crying... all unsurprisingly create an uncomfortable feeling.
Jiang Sui suddenly got goosebumps on her arms.
She regretted coming out with Ji Jingyu, but then she thought that she would be alone at home anyway, so she might as well stay with Ji Jingyu.
Jiang Sui pursed her lips, trying her best to suppress the chaotic thoughts in her mind, and urged Ji Jingyu to leave quickly.
Ji Jingyu keenly noticed that Jiang Sui's grip on his clothes had tightened, with a barely perceptible tremor.
Why is she suddenly scared? What frightened her?
Faced with Ji Jingyu's questioning gaze, Jiang Sui had no choice but to bite the bullet and tell him what was on her mind.
"...But now I can't hear anything, I must have misheard."
The other person didn't mock her for being timid, nor did they use this opportunity to educate her about the common sense that there are no ghosts in the world. Instead, they reached out and grasped her wrist, gently rubbing her pulse point with their thumb a few times.
Ji Jingyu stood there and listened carefully. Occasionally, the smell of smoke would escape from the cracks in the tightly closed door, but there was no crying sound among these noises, as Jiang Sui had described.
He asked, "Is this any better?"
A clear and deep voice flowed and spread through the small stairwell.
The intimate gesture, which crossed the line, became precious because of the undisguised concern in his eyes.
Jiang Sui's gaze slowly moved downwards.
The pale white back of his hand was bulging with bluish veins, and his ten fingers were even and bony, giving people a strong sense of security.
This wasn't the first time they had held hands; there was even a thin jacket between them. But it was the time Jiang Sui's heart was beating the fastest.
It turns out that Ji Jingyu has had such a big influence on her.
Jiang Sui stared blankly, overwhelmed by a completely unfamiliar emotion.
For the first time, she realized so clearly that boyfriends and playmates were completely different.
Even if Ji Jingyu did nothing but stand there, Jiang Sui felt very happy.
It turns out that she really did inherit her father's romantic nature.
—
"Did Gu Ci contact us because of Fanfan?"
Although they all live in the same neighborhood, Jiang Sui and Gu Ci's interactions have been limited to the presence of Xia Fan for a long time.
After leaving the apartment building, Ji Jingyu quickly released Jiang Sui's wrist and said calmly, "It should be."
"He needs our help, so why should we have to come to his door?"
Jiang Sui belatedly spoke, raising her eyes to meet the other person's gaze, which was as cold as moonlight.
“Then let’s go back now, and I’ll have Gu Ci come over.”
"..."
Ji Jingyu's tone was completely normal, and Jiang Sui was unsure whether he was joking or serious.
"Never mind, we're almost there." Jiang Sui wrinkled her nose slightly. "Let's just do it for Fanfan's sake."
"Okay, whatever you say."
Suddenly a summer breeze arose, dispelling the smile in Ji Jingyu's words.
Jiang Sui was completely unaware.
—
Just as Jiang Sui thought, Gu Ci was looking for them because of Xia Fan.
Regardless of whether Xia Fan can get into a university in Jiangcheng next year, Gu Ci and she will inevitably be in a long-distance relationship for a year.
This year has been far too long for Gu Ci.
It's a long process, and unexpected changes could happen at any moment.
He had been by Xia Fan's side since she was born, and this was the first real separation in their lives.
The feelings of a young person can sometimes be so powerless.
No matter how outstanding Gu Ci is, he cannot shorten the distance between Jiangcheng and Xunning.
If anything happens, he'll be too far away in Jiangcheng to be of any help, and he won't be able to get to Xia Fan's side as quickly as before.
Gu Ci was even more afraid that Xia Fan would only report good news and not bad news, and would not tell him anything.
He has been a part of Xia Fan's life for seventeen years and plans to continue to be involved.
Gu Ci never intended to leave Xia Fan's life.
Jiang Sui originally thought that Gu Ci had asked them to come over so that they could help monitor Xia Fan's every move and report to him at any time. She guessed that they would also have to help him get rid of all kinds of potential rivals.
She had even prepared her retorts to Gu Ci.
As a result, Gu Ci handed Jiang Sui a piece of paper as if entrusting his orphan to a caregiver. It was filled with what Xia Fan liked and disliked, as well as how to discern her various emotions.
“Fanfan can get stuck on things and be emotional sometimes, so could you please keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn’t bottle things up inside?”
Gu Ci's tone revealed the helplessness and frustration typical of someone his age.
It's impossible for me not to be moved.
Although Jiang Sui had always known that Gu Ci liked Xia Fan, at this moment his feelings were concretely manifested.
"Don't worry." Jiang Sui looked at Gu Ci with sympathy. "Fanfan is my good friend, of course I will take good care of her."
However, as I said before, you have to find a partner who is your own age.
At least when Gu Ci was in her dorm at Jiangda University wondering whether Xia Fan had eaten properly or was in a bad mood, she could see Ji Jingyu as soon as she left home and be inseparable from him.
A complicated expression flashed across Gu Ci's face. "Stop. I don't have that high an expectation of you."
This pampered little princess from the city needs Ji Jingyu to take care of her; he never expected her to be able to take good care of Xia Fan.
Perhaps because Jiang Sui's expression was somewhat irritating, Gu Ci couldn't help but be sarcastic: "Actually, everyone is the same. If you don't get into the same city for university, you'll go your separate ways after the college entrance exam, and you might never see each other again in this lifetime."
Everyone present knew perfectly well who this "everyone" referred to.
However, since he needed Jiang Sui's help and was warned by Ji Jingyu's gaze, he could only stop there, feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
But it still infuriated Jiang Sui.
What's the difference between Gu Ci's words and a curse?
"Are you done talking?" Jiang Sui glared at Gu Ci angrily. "If you're done talking, Brother Ji and I are going back."
"Yes, please make yourselves at home."
Gu Ci slowly made a gesture of invitation.
Although Jiang Sui wanted to leave on his own, the way he did it gave off a shameless vibe of using someone and then discarding them.
"..."
Jiang Sui grabbed Ji Jingyu's arm and started walking out.
Ji Jingyu lowered her eyelids slightly, glanced at Gu Ci expressionlessly, and then left with Jiang Sui.
Despite his tall stature, he was like a puppet held in Jiang Sui's hands, completely obeying Jiang Sui's commands and letting her do as she pleased.
—
Jiang Sui angrily walked down one floor, then suddenly stopped.
"Ji Jingyu".
They've started calling him by his full name again.
Ji Jingyu thought, it seems that Gu Ci really angered her.
"Hmm?" Ji Jingyu's dark eyes were deep and calm, and his tone was gentle, without the slightest impatience.
"Have you decided to apply to Jiangnan University?"
Ji Jingyu nodded.
In fact, Jiang Sui already knew Ji Jingyu's answer even without asking.
After all, it's the best university in the country.
Only a university like this is worthy of Ji Jingyu.
"I see."
Jiang Sui continued walking downstairs.
The only difference was that the speed at which they went downstairs visibly increased.
"What's the rush?" Ji Jingyu's voice sounded from behind.
Jiang Sui paused again, turned back to look at him seriously, and said, "Go back to your studies."
From childhood to adulthood, Jiang Yunzhao has never made any demands on Jiang Sui, because he has the right and the confidence to give Jiang Sui the best life.
Jiang Sui did indeed live a very carefree life for seventeen years, but during this time she thought a lot. If she could become better and more outstanding while maintaining happiness, why not?
This was not only for Su Yinian and Ji Jingyu, but also for herself.
Ji Jingyu gave her a deep look, as if he had something to say.
"Xiao Jing?"
The appearance of a strange man interrupted the silent "standoff" between the two.
At some point, a middle-aged man carrying a suitcase appeared in the hallway.
He looked like he had just gone on a long journey; his face was tired, and the dark circles under his eyes were very obvious.
"Uncle Gu?" Ji Jingyu's tone was unusually surprised. "Why are you back?"
Because of the nature of his work, Gu Mengyan's cell phone rarely had a signal, and when they did manage to contact him, they could only exchange a few words. They had all assumed that he wouldn't be able to make it back.
Gu Mengyan laughed heartily, "I took leave to come back and take my family's college student to school for registration."
He has been very busy all these years. Even Gu Ci's parent-teacher conference was attended by Xia Fan's parents. So in the past, some people had rumors that he was rarely home because he was in jail.
Therefore, he has to come back this time no matter what.
Gu Mengyan's gaze swept over Jiang Sui, who was standing to the side. He was taken aback at first, then seemed to realize something. "You're Jiang Sui, right? You've grown so much."
Ji Jingyu's conversation with the man had already revealed his identity, but Jiang Sui was certain that she did not know Gu Ci's father.
"Gu Ci mentioned me to you?"
This was the only reasonable explanation she could think of.
"Yes, he mentioned it to me." Gu Mengyan glanced at Ji Jingyu discreetly, his tone very approachable. "It's too late today, so Uncle won't invite you up to play. Uncle will treat you to dinner tomorrow."
Every time Gu Mengyan came back, he would treat several children to a meal and buy them gifts.
It's both compensation and gratitude.
They filled the void in Gu Ci's otherwise helpless and empty childhood and adolescence.
"Then we'll head back now. You should get some rest."
Gu Mengyan nodded. "Please give my regards to Grandma Ji."
Jiang Sui didn't notice the undercurrent between Ji Jingyu and Gu Mengyan; she lowered her head and remained unusually silent.
Ji Jingyu naturally knew that her silence was not because she was shy.
"Brother Ji."
"Um?"
"Don't you think what Gu Ci's father said to me is strange?"
What do you mean by "she's grown up so much"? It's as if he's seen her as a child.
"It is quite strange." Ji Jingyu changed the subject. "Do you know him?"
"I don't know you. That's why it's strange."
"Since we don't know each other, there's no need to worry about it. Uncle Gu probably just misspoke."
"But……"
"I told you I was in a hurry to go home and study, let's go."
"..."
After seeing Jiang Sui enter the house, Ji Jingyu did not go home immediately, but instead went to Gu Ci's house.
—
The person who opened the door for him was Gu Mengyan.
He wasn't surprised to see Ji Jingyu return, and greeted him with a smile, "Xiao Jing."
"Oh, you're back again. Are you here to stand up for Jiang Sui?"
Gu Ci stood at the kitchen doorway, jokingly teasing him.
Ji Jingyu ignored Gu Ci's teasing and looked at Gu Mengyan. "Uncle Gu, I want to talk to you."
"Is it related to Jiang Sui?"
"Um."
"Okay." Gu Mengyan turned to Gu Ci and urged, "Xiao Ci, why don't you go play with your sister across the street for a while?"
"..." Gu Ci was so angry he laughed. "You're discussing things in my house, and you want to avoid me, the host?"
Author's Note: Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 23:55:26 on August 10, 2024 and 00:12:26 on August 16, 2024!
Thank you to the little angel who watered the nutrient solution: s_33 1 bottle;
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
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