Chapter 61
[AAA Game Boosting Xiaoming]: Little Fish Baby, I have a surprise for you.
When Jiang Huaiyu logged into the game, Lu Mingxiao had already logged off. His social media profile contained only one sentence and an emoji of a cat holding a rose.
He dried his wet hair with a towel and checked the time twice. It was sent about an hour after Lu Mingxiao got out of school. Normally, Lu Mingxiao should have just finished dinner and was about to do his homework. Why did he suddenly log on to the game and then log off?
As for the surprise Lu Mingxiao mentioned...
How big can a surprise be?
Could Lu Mingxiao suddenly appear in front of him again?
With her hair half-dry, water droplets dripped from the ends, rolling over the small red mole on her collarbone and the boy's supple and beautiful waist and abdomen, finally disappearing into the edge of the bath towel. Jiang Huaiyu walked barefoot into the dressing room to get clean pajamas.
Opening the cabinet door, Lu Mingxiao's standee was revealed among the neatly hung clothes.
Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but curl the corners of her lips into a smile.
There was no other way; the life-size standee was too big to hide, and he couldn't bear to fold it up again, so he could only hide it in the closet where his underwear was kept. This was a place that his parents and the nanny would never rummage through, making it a perfect place for Xiao Ge, who "cannot come out of the closet."
I had just changed my clothes and stepped outside when I faintly heard Song Jingliang's voice in the hallway outside the door.
"The old man sent someone to take him away? What's this old man doing, causing trouble..." Song Jingliang paced back and forth anxiously: "Okay, Lao Lu, I understand. You don't need to worry. The old man values this bloodline very much. The child will be fine. He'll go back after the New Year."
"He wouldn't dare not go back! What does he want to do if he stays?!"
After saying a few more words, Jiang Lan seemed to be woken up and gently pulled Song Jingliang back into the room.
The door closed quietly, and Jiang Huaiyu's heart began to race.
Did Grandpa Jiang "force" Lu Mingxiao to come to Shanghai?
So what about them...?
After eight months and twenty-two days, will we finally be able to meet again?
The moment this thought popped into her mind, Jiang Huaiyu felt as if the dim lights in the room had brightened, and her joyful mood was like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, eagerly dancing in this warm embrace.
He leaned against the cool solid wood door, struggling to suppress his excitement so as not to jump up and shout.
He tiptoed back to bed, picked up the plush duck from the bedside table, and rolled into the covers. A moment later, a slender hand emerged from under the covers and snapped the light off.
A faint, colorful light shone from under the covers. The little duck was opened, and Jiang Huaiyu whispered something.
A muffled, comical, and adorable mechanical voice came from under the covers: "Lu Mingxiao! I miss you so much! Lu Mingxiao! I miss you so much!"
...
On the 29th day of the lunar calendar, according to past practice, the Jiang family would have a family gathering. This included not only Jiang Qiheng's lineage, but also the younger generation of the second grandfather and great-aunt's families. The purpose of the gathering was twofold: to strengthen family bonds and to exchange useful information and resources. Several of the uncles and aunts on the second grandfather's side were involved in politics and would sometimes reveal policy trends within reasonable limits. Song Jingliang, who had married into a wealthy family, had benefited greatly from this, and she rarely missed the gathering.
Except for last year, when the family of four went to the north, making Grandpa Jiang lose face.
That year, Song Jingliang and Jiang Lan also came back to visit often. The old man's attitude was not so tough anymore, and he even took the initiative to ask about Jiang Huaiyu a few times.
Jiang Huaiyu had not returned to the Jiang family's old house for more than half a year since transferring schools. That year, Lu Mingxiao was hospitalized with a head injury. Old Master Jiang called to question Jiang Huaiyu. From then on, Jiang Huaiyu clearly realized that no matter how well the relationship improved in the future, he would never be able to be without any resentment towards Jiang Qiheng.
But today, I might really have to go back...
Jiang Huaiyu logged into the game in the morning. Around 4 a.m., Lu Mingxiao landed in Shanghai. The first thing he did after getting internet access was to log into the game and leave him a message, sending a picture of his plane ticket.
There are a few more messages.
[AAA Game Boosting Xiaoming]: I wanted to sneak away and take a taxi to find you, but I was discovered and am being escorted to the so-called old house.
[AAA Game Boosting Provider Xiaoming]: Honey, are you going back to the old house today? [Please!] [Please!]
If I could see Lu Mingxiao, I wouldn't care about the other faces I might see. Who would care about those relatives who have no blood ties or feelings for me?
He changed his clothes twice in the dressing room, wearing a short, brown, collared camel hair coat over a white turtleneck sweater.
Jiang Lan was still debating whether to invite Jiang Xiaobao along. She didn't want the child to hear any gossip, but she also felt that it was inappropriate to leave the child alone at home during the New Year, especially since she had received news last night that Lu Dabao had been brought back.
The real young master was the center of attention at the family gathering, while the fake young master was all alone at home. When Jiang Lan thought about this scene, she felt like a villainous supporting character, and her little treasure was a pitiful little thing.
Just as she was hesitating, she heard light, quick footsteps coming down the stairs. Jiang Huaiyu came down and naturally asked, "Mom, when are we leaving?"
Jiang Lan looked at her handsome son, dressed in a youthful and lively manner, with a hint of suspicion: "Xiao Bao, why are you so eager to go back to the old house? It can't be that..."
"What is it?" Young Master Jiang asked calmly, his beautiful eyes sweeping over his mother with a hint of surprise. "He is, after all, your father. You should still pay him a New Year's visit."
Jiang Lan felt a pang of heartache: "You're just too sensible."
Holding her son's hand, she adjusted her shawl as she stepped out the door: "By the way, Lu Mingxiao is back today too, didn't you know?"
Jiang Huaiyu subtly revealed a hint of confusion: "Really? I didn't know, then... should I not go?"
He hesitated and stopped: "It'll make everyone feel very awkward..."
Jiang Lan quickly grabbed his wrist: "What are you saying? Just because he's back doesn't mean you can't go. That's not fair. Come on, let's get in the car."
As the mother and son got into the car, driver Song Jingliang smiled somewhat reluctantly: "Little Bao... are you going again this year?"
"Hmm." Jiang Huaiyu nodded gently, then slowly raised her eyes to look at her father, pursing her lips slightly: "Dad, can't I go? That's right, I heard from Mom that my brother is back. He is the true bloodline of the Jiang family, so it's not appropriate for me to go."
"Don't mention it!" Song Jingliang couldn't bear to see his precious child suffer, so he stepped on the gas and drove the car out of the garage: "If Lu Dabao can go, then of course our Jiang Xiaobao can too!"
Jiang Huaiyu's lips curled into a slight smile, which he quickly suppressed.
To grasp.
As soon as Song Jingliang stepped into the old house, a cool night breeze made him pause.
Good lad.
He was known in the business world as cunning as a fox, and now it seems that the little cabbage he cultivated is no less cunning, taking advantage of his unguardedness and directly ensnaring him.
Since he's already here, what else can he say?
All I could do was watch as the little cabbage I had raised, with its fragrant tea leaves, ran briskly toward the wild boar.
...
When Jiang Huaiyu entered arm in arm with Jiang Lan, the lively chatter in the room suddenly fell silent, and everyone's gaze fell on the tall and handsome young man.
As always, she was dignified and composed, with clear and honest eyes. She even smiled and took the initiative to nod and greet several relatives.
"Second Grandfather, Little Uncle..."
Jiang Qiheng's younger brother, the dignified second grandfather, immediately beamed with joy. The old man warmly greeted him, "Huaiyu, come sit here with your second grandfather. It's been a long time. You've grown taller again. I heard you've received your college acceptance letter. You're such a good child, setting a good example for the younger generation in our family!"
Jiang Huaiyu was somewhat surprised by this enthusiasm.
He didn't know that his second grandfather had arrived early and met his elder brother's real grandson. The scene his elder brother had imagined of grandfather and grandson recognizing each other and crying together never happened. The child's attitude was cold and stubborn, which made his elder brother's blood pressure rise and he had to take pills.
And look at this child in front of him, a child his older brother has carefully nurtured.
Tsk, his older brother will definitely regret this.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled politely at her second grandfather and declined his offer to sit down.
He wasn't there to exchange pleasantries with these people; his gaze swept around, but he didn't find the person he was longing for.
A loud cough silenced everyone in the living room.
The patriarch, Jiang Qiheng, was helped out by a tall and upright figure.
In an instant, everyone's eyes fell on Lu Mingxiao.
Lu Mingxiao was kidnapped on his way home from school. He was wearing his school uniform jacket and a black hoodie. The argument just now was because Jiang Qiheng thought his outfit was a bit shabby. He wanted the real young master of the Jiang family to make a grand appearance, so he had prepared clothes and a stylist in advance.
Unfortunately, Lu Mingxiao didn't cooperate at all. His clothes were washed by his mother and smelled nice and clean. How could they not be presentable?
Despite being watched by so many people, the boy in the blue and white school uniform was not flustered. He stood straight and supported the old man, which was a sign of respect for the old man. His handsome features, which were very similar to Song Jingliang's, made the people sitting around whisper among themselves.
"This is the real one..."
"He looks so much like Jingliang, and upon closer inspection, he also resembles Xiaolan."
"He seems to have a bad temper; he's so fierce for such a young age..."
Lu Mingxiao didn't look at anyone else; his gaze was fixed precisely on Jiang Xiaoyu.
Their gazes met, a tender, lingering affection intertwined with a burning, eager longing, and they clung to each other impatiently...
Jiang Huaiyu curled her lips into a smile, and Lu Mingxiao released Jiang Qiheng, heading straight for her boyfriend...
However, Song Jingliang darted forward, blocking the little wild boar's hungry gaze. He first smiled at Jiang Qiheng, said a few auspicious words, and then looked at Lu Mingxiao.
He lowered his voice: "You little brat..."
"I was dragged here by force." Lu Mingxiao preemptively lowered his voice, showing no guilt: "Dad, this isn't because I broke my promise."
Song Jingliang took a deep breath, wanting to take a blood pressure pill as well. He didn't believe the kid's nonsense. If Lu Mingxiao didn't want to come, he would be harder to control than a pig to be slaughtered for the New Year. The two bodyguards couldn't hold him down at all.
Seeing Lu Mingxiao peeking around, trying to find Jiang Huaiyu, he quickly grabbed the boy's wrist.
"After dinner, I'll pack you up and send you home right there..."
Lu Mingxiao: "...Old Song, don't go too far."
Song Jingliang had a bad feeling.
Lu Mingxiao cleared his throat: "Grandpa! My dad wants to send me back home, he won't even let me spend the New Year here!"
Jiang Qiheng, who had been keeping a stern face, was taken aback when he heard this address. Then, his brows relaxed, his smile was not very obvious, but his expression softened: "You're spending the New Year in Shanghai, so you don't need to go there. I said it."
Song Jingliang: ...
He looked at Jiang Qiheng, and he was just like himself when he was fooled by the word "Dad".
Since Grandpa Jiang had spoken, and it was the New Year, no one wanted to spoil the mood. Everyone happily sat down at the table to eat. The large round table in the dining room, which was only used during the New Year, was now set with various dishes. Lu Mingxiao had no choice but to sit next to Grandpa Jiang. The table was too big, and there was a miniature landscape of pavilions and towers in the middle, making him and Jiang Huaiyu feel like they were separated by a galaxy.
Lu Mingxiao wasn't focused on the food; in fact, few people at the table were interested in eating, except for Jiang Huaining.
The little girl sat next to Jiang Huaiyu, quickly putting food on her brother's plate, exclaiming sweetly, "Brother, this is delicious! Brother, this is delicious too..."
His mother sat to the side, constantly tugging at his sleeve. This child had no sense of propriety at all; his great-grandfather clearly valued his own grandson sitting next to him more.
The children were oblivious to social cues, but the adults were quite perceptive, and they all started exchanging pleasantries with Lu Mingxiao.
"I heard Xiao Xiao is doing very well in school..."
Lu Mingxiao didn't even look up, casually replying, "It's alright, not as good as Jiang Huaiyu."
Someone else said, "Xiao Xiao is so tall, does he know how to play basketball?"
Lu Mingxiao nodded slightly: "Yes, but not as many as Jiang Huaiyu, who knows both piano and golf..."
Some people said, "Mingxiao looks a lot like your maternal grandfather, especially when he was young!"
Lu Mingxiao was getting impatient and retorted directly, scoffing, "Didn't you always praise Jiang Huaiyu for looking like my grandmother? Does that mean Jiang Huaiyu and I look like a married couple?"
"Alright!" Jiang Qiheng slammed his hand on the table. "Everyone, just eat your food! What are you asking all this nonsense for?!"
Jiang Huaiyu lowered her eyes, ate the ribs on her plate, and the sweet and sour taste went from the tip of her tongue to the bottom of her heart.
Someone said he resembled his grandmother, which was something he told Lu Mingxiao during a casual conversation. He didn't expect Lu Mingxiao to remember it so clearly.
It feels really good to be protected by others in every way.
Jiang Qiheng was also a little puzzled. He glanced between the two children, wondering why Lu Mingxiao kept mentioning Jiang Huaiyu, as if he was afraid that everyone present would forget how outstanding Jiang Huaiyu was.
Yes, how could a child raised with the utmost care and effort by their family not be outstanding?
His gaze fell on Jiang Huaiyu.
He hadn't really looked at his fake grandson for a while.
But to his surprise, Jiang Huaiyu was in great condition, even more energetic than before. When she turned her head to talk to Jiang Huaining, a bright smile appeared on her lips.
Instead of becoming anxious and insecure, he seemed to have shed invisible shackles, and became more lively than before.
he……
Jiang Huaiyu seemed to sense something and looked up to meet Jiang Qiheng's gaze.
The old man and the young girl stared at each other for only a few seconds before Jiang Huaiyu looked away first, her gaze calm and unwavering, and she reached out to serve food to Jiang Lan.
The meal was somewhat depressing, and afterwards, everyone wisely declined to stay any longer and took their leave.
Song Jingliang and Jiang Lan were also getting ready to go back. The family of three had just finished saying goodbye to Grandpa Jiang when Lu Mingxiao appeared in his coat.
"Let's go home."
Jiang Huaiyu turned his head away, afraid that Song Jingliang would notice that he was secretly laughing.
Song Jingliang's temple throbbed with veins: "You stay in the old house and keep your grandfather company."
Lu Mingxiao looked at Jiang Qiheng, sighed softly, and slumped his head: "Grandpa, I just want to go home and experience the warmth and love of my biological parents, but my dad doesn't want to. I know he thinks I'm not good enough..."
Song Jingliang: ...
Honey! Look at him!!
Jiang Qiheng glared at him and pushed Lu Mingxiao over: "I don't need him to accompany me. You three should get to know each other better. Look carefully, this is your real son."
Lu Mingxiao had achieved his goal, but he absolutely did not want to hear such hurtful words about Jiang Huaiyu. He frowned and was about to speak when his sleeve was gently tugged.
It was Jiang Huaiyu's little trick.
Lu Mingxiao swallowed back the retort that was about to come out.
The family of four left together. As soon as they stepped out the door, Jiang Lan burst out laughing, covering her mouth with her fair and soft hand and gently patting Lu Mingxiao's back with her other hand.
"You little rascal, where did you learn such slang and banter?"
Lu Mingxiao scratched his head sheepishly and took her arm, saying, "I just missed Mom."
Despite his thick skin, Jiang Lan didn't expose him. With two handsome sons on either side, she walked smilingly towards her car. She went straight to the driver's side, opened the door, and winked playfully at Song Jingliang, who had a dark expression on his face: "If you're angry, don't drive. Sit in the back with your... dear eldest son."
Jiang Huaiyu: "...My dad and I sat in the back."
The main concern is that they might start fighting in the back seat.
Throughout the journey, Lu Mingxiao's joy was evident on his face.
Jiang Lan glanced at him every now and then, and couldn't help but sigh softly.
Everyone says that if the original is correct, the copy must also be correct. She knows all too well how devoted Song Jingliang is to his feelings, so it's only natural that a great romantic would give birth to a little romantic.
In her opinion, Song Jingliang was probably doomed to lose that bet.
...
Once home, everyone went to wash up. After washing his face, Song Jingliang almost took his blanket to his little cabbage-shaped room to sleep on the floor, but Jiang Lan stopped him and pulled him back to his room.
"Alright." Jiang Lan pressed the person down on the bed, looking helpless. "They haven't seen each other in a long time. Let them talk. It will be difficult to see each other again after Xiao Bao goes abroad."
Feeling wronged, Song Jingliang stretched out his arm and put it around his wife's waist: "We were just about to fight to the death, why did Your Majesty surrender first?"
Jiang Lan was amused by him, and her slender fingers ran through his thick hair.
“You worry that if the two of them don’t end up together, they might develop a rift because of this relationship. But have you ever thought that Da Bao is your child, and Qing Jie has raised him so well? Even if the two children separate in the future, there won’t be any drama of love turning into hate or mutual revenge.”
Song Jingliang didn't speak for a moment, then muttered, "Wife, don't blame me for not reminding you, they're both adults now. If you don't let me keep an eye on them, the little wild boar will definitely be climbing into the bed and rooting up the cabbage tonight."
Jiang Lan: "...It can't be that bad..., can it?"
...
Jiang Huaiyu took a shower, changed into a loose nightgown, and before her feet even touched the ground as she stepped out of the dressing room, a long, slender arm pulled her into an embrace around the waist.
A hot, messy breath rushed against the back of Jiang Huaiyu's neck. Like a big dog finally getting its lost toy back, Lu Mingxiao rubbed his nose against the soft skin of Jiang Huaiyu's neck, mumbling indistinctly, "Jiang Xiaoyu... I'm going crazy, you little ingrate..."
Jiang Huaiyu, whose neck was already sensitive, trembled slightly in his arms and couldn't help but slap his arm: "No... Lu Mingxiao! Are you a dog?!"
These words served as a reminder to Lu Mingxiao. He was no longer satisfied with just sniffing with the tip of his nose. His warm lips pressed against the neck that smelled of shower gel. Not satisfied with rubbing repeatedly, he simply opened his mouth and gave it a light, gentle bite.
"Ugh!" Jiang Huaiyu felt a shiver run through her body and couldn't help but nudge Lu Mingxiao with her elbow: "Lu Mingxiao, let go..."
Lu Mingxiao groaned in pain, but he wouldn't let go. He tenderly licked the pinkish patch of skin and kissed it.
Jiang Huaiyu felt her scalp tingle and her legs go weak from his teasing. She was a little embarrassed and angry, and said in a low voice, "Lu Mingxiao!"
Seeing that Jiang Xiaoyu was really angry, Lu Mingxiao loosened his grip on him slightly and rubbed his face against his neck: "Hey! Why are you yelling so loudly? Be careful you don't get caught by Comrade Song."
Jiang Huaiyu calmed her rapid breathing and chuckled, "You're so thick-skinned you can withstand armor-piercing bullets, yet you're afraid of being discovered?"
"I'm not afraid, aren't you supposed to be very shy?" Lu Mingxiao pressed Jiang Huaiyu's shoulder, turned her around, and cupped her face in his long, slender hands, examining her closely: "You've lost weight. Have you been picky about food again and not eating properly? We need to ask Mom to send you some local specialties. It's not easy to gain some weight..."
“I haven’t lost weight, I’ve grown taller…” Jiang Huaiyu frowned in dissatisfaction, noticing that Lu Mingxiao had also grown taller and was still half a head taller than him.
What are you muttering to yourself? You want a kiss!
Lu Mingxiao turned his head slightly and kissed him.
Jiang Huaiyu was stunned for only a moment before raising her hand to press on the back of Lu Mingxiao's neck and responding on tiptoe.
They hadn't seen each other for more than half a year, and the boy's burning passion and longing were like sparks falling into fluffy willow catkins, instantly turning into a scattering of tiny flames.
The two stumbled and bumped, and Jiang Huaiyu was pressed against the door of the dressing room. The glass sliding door gave a warning sound, and the two of them were then haphazardly leaning against the wall. Lu Mingxiao wrapped Jiang Huaiyu up in his arms like a wolf guarding its prey.
When their lips parted, a moist, ambiguous color appeared. Jiang Huaiyu tilted her head back and gasped for breath, her Adam's apple bobbing, her lips and tongue going numb.
Lu Mingxiao wiped the water from the corner of his lips with his thumb. In his deep eyes, there was an emotion even more melancholy than the night.
"Jiang Xiaoyu..." His voice was hoarse as he lowered his head and pressed his forehead against Jiang Huaiyu's, gently nuzzling her: "I missed you so much..."
Jiang Huaiyu's unfocused gaze finally sharpened, and he hugged Lu Mingxiao tightly, his legs weak, closing his eyes to catch his breath.
At the prime of their youth, the two of them were so close that they could clearly sense each other's physical changes. Neither of them moved, letting their body temperatures gradually rise.
After a moment, Lu Mingxiao couldn't help but say in a hoarse voice, "I'm going back to take a shower."
Reluctantly, he kissed Jiang Huaiyu's ear and straightened up awkwardly.
But Jiang Huaiyu grabbed his arm.
“Brother Xiao…” Jiang Huaiyu’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and after a moment he gently exhaled a hot breath: “No need to go back.”
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com