The car drove away from the old town, leaving behind for the time being the family atmosphere that was a mixture of awkwardness, warmth, and heavy pressure.
The view outside the window gradually changed from familiar old streets and alleys to modern highways and high-rise buildings.
The silence inside the car lasted for a long time, with only the steady hum of the engine.
Ling Qingxue and Ye Meier were both looking out the window, seemingly still processing the shock of the jade bracelet on their wrists and the rollercoaster-like experiences of the past two days.
Finally, Ye Meier couldn't hold back any longer. She shook the deep purple on her wrist, breaking the silence, her tone carrying an awkwardness she herself didn't realize: "Hey, you hypocrite, tell me... what does Auntie mean by giving us this? It's a family heirloom! She just gave it to us like that?"
Upon hearing this, Ling Qingxue turned her gaze from the window to the lustrous white jade bracelet on her wrist, her fingertips gently tracing its smooth surface. She remained silent for a moment before softly saying, "I dare not refuse a gift from an elder. This is... a blessing, and also a responsibility."
Her voice remained cool and clear, but compared to its usual calm tone, it seemed to carry an indescribable weight.
Zhang's mother's unreserved love and recognition were like a pebble thrown into her calm, still heart, creating ripples in circles.
This pure emotion from the "ordinary" world felt unfamiliar to her, yet she couldn't resist it.
"responsibility?"
Ye Meier pouted, but her eyes flickered. "I don't care about responsibility! But this bracelet... it's really pretty, and it suits me perfectly!"
She said she didn't care, but the way she stroked the jade bracelet showed that she cherished it.
Zhang Shaozhong glanced at them in the rearview mirror and couldn't help but interject, "My mom genuinely likes you. That's just how she is; she'll give her heart to anyone who treats her well. You... don't feel pressured."
"pressure?"
Ye Meier, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, immediately retorted, "What pressure do I have! It's just a bracelet!" But her slightly reddened ears betrayed her.
Ling Qingxue did not respond, but gently tucked her hand, adorned with a jade bracelet, back into her sleeve, as if to carefully preserve that warmth.
Back in the courtyard house on the outskirts of the city, a familiar and comforting atmosphere greeted me.
Leaving the cramped old house and the ever-present gaze of their parents, all three of them subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.
It's so much more comfortable here!
As soon as Ye Meier entered the door, she kicked off her high heels and collapsed onto the living room sofa without any regard for her image, letting out a satisfied sigh: "Ah—it's so comfortable at home! I didn't even dare to breathe loudly over there!"
Although Ling Qingxue didn't speak, she lightly went to check on the condition of the flowers and plants in her courtyard. Seeing that the bamboo was upright and the orchids were unharmed, her brows relaxed.
Seeing their reactions, Zhang Shaozhong felt much more at ease.
He put his luggage away, cleared his throat, and prepared to hold a "family meeting".
"Ahem, well then, since we've just gotten back, let's summarize this 'Mid-Autumn Festival operation' and establish a few new rules!"
Zhang Shaozhong adopted the demeanor of a homeowner, though it wasn't very intimidating.
Night Enchantress lazily raised her eyelids: "Setting new rules again? You're such a busybody!"
Ling Qingxue sat upright in the armchair, indicating that she was all ears.
"The first and most important point!"
Zhang Shaozhong raised a finger, his expression serious. "The misunderstanding between me and my parents last night, and... and certain 'unexpected events' (his eyes flickered), let's put it behind us! No one is allowed to mention it again! Especially you, eldest sister! Especially when there are outsiders present, you're not allowed to tease me about 'the head of the household' or anything like that again!"
This was a decision he made after much painful reflection!
That unhealthy trend must be stopped!
Otherwise, we won't be able to live like this!
Hearing this, Ye Meier snorted indignantly, but seeing Zhang Shaozhong's unusually serious expression and Ling Qingxue's indifferent glance from the side, she finally muttered reluctantly, "I know, I know! I won't mention it! You're so stingy!"
Ling Qingxue nodded slightly, which was taken as acquiescence.
That unexpected kiss that night also took her time to process.
"The second point concerns cultivation and the application of abilities."
Zhang Shaozhong continued, "Our goals are clear: to make money, to become stronger, and to find our way home. Therefore, in the future, when live streaming and taking orders, we can appropriately showcase some 'unconventional' abilities, but we must be careful not to overdo it! We cannot cause widespread panic or attract the attention of relevant departments! Safety first!"
This point was unanimously agreed upon by both leaders.
They didn't want to cause trouble, especially after witnessing the power of the state apparatus in this world (the flag-raising ceremony on National Day) and the immense spiritual power gathered by ordinary people.
"The third point is the issue of internal unity!"
Zhang Shaozhong looked at the two of them and said earnestly, "We're all in the same boat now, with the same goal! From now on... let's try to get along peacefully and reduce internal friction! If there are any conflicts, let's... let's resolve them civilly! Vote! Or let me arbitrate!"
He didn't want to experience another chaotic scene like the old street tour; it would shorten his lifespan!
Ye Meier and Ling Qingxue exchanged a glance, their eyes briefly meeting in the air before looking away.
Night Enchantress: "Fine, as long as some people don't have that icy face all the time, I'm too lazy to bother with them."
Ling Qingxue: "I will not cause trouble out of nothing, but I also hope that someone will behave properly and not cause unnecessary trouble."
Zhang Shaozhong: "..." Forget it, it's good enough that we can achieve a superficial peace!
"The last one!"
Zhang Shaozhong took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the jade bracelets faintly visible on their wrists. His tone became exceptionally serious, "Since my mother has given you all her family heirlooms, then... we really have to manage this 'home' well! From now on, this will be our base in this world! Let's work together!"
After he finished speaking, the living room fell silent for a moment.
Ye Meier dropped her playful expression, looked at the violet jade bracelet on her wrist with a complicated look in her eyes, and finally nodded: "I know, stop nagging!"
Ling Qingxue also gave a soft "hmm", and her fingers inside her sleeve gently grasped the warm white jade.
A silent understanding flowed between the three. All the previous awkwardness, jealousy, and probing seemed to be temporarily set aside under the impact of the shared goal of "going home" and the heavy recognition of the "family heirloom".
Instead, there is a stronger bond and responsibility, like that of family.
The first day back in the courtyard house began amidst the newly established "family rules" and the subtle new atmosphere.
Zhang Shaozhong knew that the road ahead was long and difficult, but looking at these two big shots who, though awkward, had become an indispensable part of his life, he was filled with unprecedented strength and determination.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com