Chapter 43 Chengyuan
"I'll accept it even if you don't take responsibility for me."
Lin Yujing had no intention of hearing anything serious from him, especially after spending the whole afternoon in the car, she didn't even have the energy to argue with him.
However, considering that it is the New Year, if the dormitory manager is not in Yijing, then no one will come back to turn on the power for her.
Winters in Yijing are damp and cold. If she sleeps on a makeshift bed on the floor in the art studio every day, she's afraid her health will collapse first.
Thinking this through, he followed Chen Jingshu back to the car.
Chu Yan was leaning against the car window frame, enjoying the breeze. When he saw the two of them return together, he looked puzzled and asked, "Why did you bring them back again?"
Lin Yujing didn't know how to explain it in a way that wouldn't seem so strange. After hesitating for a while, she finally told the truth, "I forgot to apply for leave to stay on campus during the holidays, and the dormitory didn't have water or electricity left on."
“It would be strange to apply to stay on campus during the New Year,” Chen Jingshu chimed in, pulling her luggage into the trunk.
Chu Yan rolled up the car window and asked, "Where should I take her to stay?"
Chen Jingshu smiled smugly and pushed Lin Yujing from behind into the car, saying, "Of course you'll stay at my place."
"Oh..." Chu Yan teased, "Your Wanxiang won't lack water or electricity."
Chen Jingshu closed the car door, and very naturally spread his arms to lean against the backrest behind Lin Yujing. "Yes, my Wanxiang is only missing a mistress."
These words were naturally meant for Lin Yujing to hear, but she could only glare at him reproachfully and mutter, "Be serious."
Chen Jingshu laughed and used his fingers to tangle her hair, saying, "Jingjing, you've known me for a while now. I never pretend to be serious."
To be honest, it's not like I've never pretended to be serious with her.
When they first met again, he could only keep up the act for less than three months before he could no longer maintain it.
Chu Yan started the car and chimed in, "Yes. Our Brother Jing is blatantly flamboyant."
Lin Yujing smiled slightly, then hesitated for a moment before asking, "So, during the Spring Festival, you won't be visiting anyone else, will you?"
She was afraid that the Chen family might suddenly visit, and she was also afraid that Chen Jingshu was going through a divorce at the time, which might have other effects on him.
Chen Jingshu seemed to have no idea what he was doing and replied directly, "What do you think my home is, a shelter for left-behind girls?"
Lin Yujing clicked her tongue, feigning annoyance, "I'm being serious with you."
After all, the Wanxiang Hotel is right downstairs, and it's bustling with people during the New Year period.
She's not Rapunzel hidden in the attic; it's impossible for her to go up there tonight and never come down again.
"Don't worry!" Chen Jingshu knew what she was thinking, but he found her feigned anger quite adorable, so he deliberately teased her and made her bicker with him. "Without my permission, there won't even be a mosquito in that house."
Chu Yan said sourly, "There aren't many people in the whole world who are qualified to step through that door. But the privilege of living inside has been reserved for you, Lin Yujing, for all these years."
Her current situation is awkward, and she doesn't know how to respond well to such teasing and sarcasm.
So he just lowered his head and played with his fingers.
Seeing her silence, Chen Jingshu stopped teasing her.
He placed his hand directly into her palm, saying, "Warm this up for me."
Chen Jingshu had just undergone heart surgery, and Lin Yujing could clearly feel his physical weakness, especially since he had just gotten out of the car and been through a lot. He was even speaking with a weak voice.
Lin Yujing wasn't incapable of feeling sorry for him, but there was always an invisible rope binding her heart.
They also can't be like Chen Jingshu, who dares to openly express his love without hiding his feelings at all times.
She only dared to take two cushions, hiding her heart inside the fluffy stuffing, and then use them to warm his hands.
"Jingjing, you're being dramatic."
"You've known me for a while now. I'm just an awkward and stubborn person."
Chen Jingshu looked at her and sighed for a long time, "Okay, you can still sit next to me awkwardly, that's already a lot of progress."
...
Lin Yujing turned her head and looked only at the New Year's scene outside the car window.
I thought to myself: This year I finally had a lively New Year.
Chu Yan waited until the back of the car was quiet before asking, "Shall we take Jingjing to Wanxiang first, and then go to the old house?"
"Otherwise what?"
"Brother Jing, look at the time. From the North Fourth Ring Road to Chang'an Avenue, and then to Chengyuan, the old man is already asleep."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yujing said, "If it's inconvenient for you to take me, you can drop me off at a nearby coffee shop."
Chu Yan chuckled, “Jingjing, you haven’t been to his old family home, so you don’t know how desolate it is for miles around. I can’t even imagine how repressed Jing-ge would have been if he had lived there since he was a child.”
Their childhood in the coastal town was about riding the waves, chasing the tides, and competing with the summer sea in terms of excitement.
The unrestrained and carefree spirit ingrained in her bones is something that this rigid, grand mansion cannot easily change.
"Park the car a little further away in a bit, and you wait for me in the car with her," Chen Jingshu said, then quickly explained, "It's not that I'm afraid you'll meet the Chen family. It's just that the eldest branch of the family is quite complicated, and I don't want you to get her attention. She... is too dangerous..."
Without him needing to explain further, Lin Yujing could guess that the relationships within powerful and wealthy families were often intricate and complex.
Huaren Group alone has a wide variety of subsidiaries.
The entire Chen family is comprised only of uncles and aunts with close ties to each branch of the family.
The in-laws of the children's families, through all the twists and turns, probably all the respectable people in Yijing have some connection to them.
Thinking this through, Lin Yujing turned to look out the window, a bitter smile creeping onto her lips.
All the words I wanted to say were melted into the boundless night.
She watched as the car drove through the bustling city and into the quiet mountains.
There were even guards at the gate near the mountain.
Chu Yan showed his pass, and the man then took out his walkie-talkie and said, "It's Young Master Jing Shu, let him through."
Lin Yujing was quite curious and stared at Chen Jingshu with her big eyes.
He only moved his lips, without uttering a sound, "Young Master Jing Shu?"
"You should really get a mirror so you can see the expression on your face."
"I didn't. 'Young Master' isn't a derogatory term."
This was another time Lin Yujing was shocked by the power of the Chen family; it seemed that everyone on this mountain was surnamed Chen.
The mountain road at night is brightly lit by streetlights, as bright as day.
The horizon was dim, with the misty mountain streams visible, and evergreen plants lined both sides of the road.
Reflected by the car lights, sparse shadows drifted into the carriage and then quickly disappeared into the distance.
Before Lin Yujing could even sigh in her heart, the car quickly stopped in front of the quaint old house built against the mountain.
Chen Jingshu seemed to be taking a deep breath as well. Before getting out of the car, he looked at her and said, "You and Chu Yan can wander around here. I should be out in about an hour."
Lin Yujing nodded, and the next moment she felt a kiss on her brow.
"I'm going in." As if it were the last second before a life-or-death separation, his eyes were filled with tender, flowing love.
The car door closed again, and Lin Yujing watched as Chen Jingshu strode into the courtyard.
His straight back disappeared into the elegant corridor.
"Would you like to get off and take a look around?" Chu Yan asked.
Lin Yujing looked out the car window, "Won't it be very cold in the mountains at night?"
"It's not cold. In the Chen family's territory, even bare feet are warm." This was said ironically, but it was also true.
When selecting a site for the Chen family's old residence, three criteria were considered: first, good feng shui to bring prosperity to future generations; second, a favorable location suitable for recuperation; and third, a distinction from other residences.
Chengyuan Garden is nestled against the mountain, seemingly isolated and cold, but it is actually warm in winter and cool in summer.
Lin Yujing pushed open the car door and got out, feeling a warm sensation running through her body. "Seriously, the world of the rich is beyond my imagination."
"Lin Cai Nu, you're doing pretty well now too." She always maintained a calm demeanor. In the week before the Lunar New Year, the domestic media practically raved about this healing-style painter. Yet, she could still bury herself in her studio, oblivious to everything else. "I heard that the major art museums in Beijing alone have sent you countless invitations, hoping your work will be exhibited."
Lin Yujing gave a faint smile. "My previous paintings were all for selling. Painting as practice would only ruin my reputation, and it would be half a year before they were even selected for exhibition."
"Good things come to those who wait, which makes them all the more precious." Chu Yan leaned against the car hood. "The same applies to art museums."
Lin Yujing looked up at the sky and trembled slightly.
Her remarkable good fortune was actually the result of hard work and perseverance.
At that moment, a light shone in front of them.
A black government vehicle pulled up beside them.
With the rear window rolled down, Lin Yujing saw her old employer from many years ago again.
Chen Rongqing's facial features have hardly changed; he is still as approachable as ever. While others may exude authority without anger, he naturally becomes friendly without even smiling.
"Deputy Director Chen." Chu Yan stepped forward, slightly nervously blocking Lin Yujing's path.
Chen Rongqing only observed his actions without showing any change in her subtle expression. "Hmm. It's so cold outside, why don't you come inside and sit down?"
Unlike Chen Rongqing's relaxed demeanor, Chu Yan wore a completely serious expression. "No, we'll go back once President Chen comes out."
Chen Rongqing nodded and said formally, "Thank you for your hard work."
Then the car windows were rolled up, the car sped away, and then stopped at the main entrance where passengers got out.
"That's Jing Ge's dad," Chu Yan explained in a low voice, thinking she didn't recognize him.
Lin Yujing pursed her lips.
Recalling what had just happened, Chen Rongqing had ignored her, but his gaze was clearly fixed on her face.
It was by no means contempt or curiosity, but it was certainly not very friendly either.
Instead, it's like looking at a kitten or puppy on the street, with a playful gaze.
"Yeah, his dad looks pretty young," Lin Yujing replied dismissively.
-
At that time, inside the small meditation room called "Fangyuan Tiandi".
Chen Jingshu sat in the second seat.
Warming the cup, rinsing the tea, brewing the tea—even a usually carefree playboy can find tranquility and elegance in calmly and attentively brewing tea.
The tea soup was a clear, golden yellow, filling the room with its aroma.
Chen Zhenfeng held his teacup, but seemed rather listless. It was clear that the Jiang family's affair had dealt a significant blow to the old man.
In his youth, he was a man whose every move could shake Yijing to its core. He sighed repeatedly, "I originally thought this marriage would give you some leverage. I never expected this, I really never expected this..."
“Grandpa, I still believe that only mutual benefit can truly solidify relationships between people. Relationships between in-laws that are outwardly friendly but inwardly hostile are always prone to cracks.”
Chen Zhenfeng shook his head again, "You're still young, and you always feel like you have time to rely on yourself. But marriage is a quick way to unite two families. Especially when there are children involved, interests aren't as reliable as blood ties."
"Grandpa, I..."
“This time, Grandpa didn’t choose the right wife for you. Don’t worry, the girl I choose next will definitely not be like that girl from the Jiang family.”
"Your grandfather dotes on you the most, Jingshu, you should quickly say thank you." Just as Chen Jingshu was trying to figure out how to decline, Chen Rongqing pushed open the door and said with a smile.
Chen Jingshu frowned and said bluntly, "Grandpa, there's no need to trouble yourself with arranging a marriage for me anymore. I won't..."
“Jingshu!” Chen Rongqing interrupted him again, “Do I need to remind you again that the primary condition for inheriting Huaren is to obey all arrangements made by the family.”
"Really?" Chen Jingshu put down his teacup. "Then I think my sister is the most suitable."
A father's own son can always ignite his anger with a single sentence, but with his grandfather, who is more affectionate towards his grandchildren, sitting there, Chen Zhenfeng immediately stopped Chen Rongqing's actions, "Alright. He's unwilling now because the Jiang family girl's matter made him lose face. As his father, can't you feel sorry for your own son?"
"You feel sorry for him, but that brat doesn't feel sorry for you at all." Chen Rongqing, who was usually very polite in public, couldn't help but reveal his true colors when facing Chen Jingshu.
"Let's talk about the marriage alliance later. Has the Jiang family notified us of the funeral arrangements?" Chen Zhenfeng, wanting to maintain the relationship between father and son, directly changed the subject.
Chen Jingshu: "The Jiang family doesn't hold funerals. Old Jiang's idea is that when he returns to China, he will only host a banquet for us young people."
"Alright, the most important thing is to avoid gossip." Chen Zhenfeng said, slowly getting up. "I'm getting old, I'll go back to sleep first. You two can chat."
Once the mediator left, Chen Jingshu didn't want to sit there any longer with Chen Rongqing, saying, "Dad, I'm going back too."
"It's so late, aren't you staying overnight?"
"Chu Yan is waiting for me outside."
"Our family doesn't need an extra guest room."
“I still prefer living in Wanxiang.” Chen Jingshu went straight to the coat rack to get his coat. “You should get some rest.”
"You're thinking about the girl outside the door, aren't you?" Chen Rongqing said, holding his teacup, his expression unchanged, carefree and leisurely.
"What do you mean?" Chen Jingshu immediately looked at him warily.
"I saw it when I first came back."
You'd better stay away from her...
"What's the rush?" The long-serving politician smiled insincerely even when facing his son, his voice low and slow, as if it were the most ordinary father-son conversation. "It's just a woman. You can do whatever you want with her. It doesn't matter which house she lives in."
"But you must understand, just like today, just like this very moment, she will never enter my Cheng Garden as the mistress of the house."
"Dad, I play with a lot of people. I play with stocks, I play with investments, I play with cars and watches, but I don't play with women or relationships," Chen Jingshu said, somewhat annoyed.
"Then you should also think about who gave you the power to do these things." Chen Rongqing remained calm and unhurried. After issuing a warning and threat, he didn't forget to offer a sweet treat as well. "Alright. Don't let an outsider ruin the harmony of our family."
Chen Jingshu straightened his clothes and said indifferently, "I've never cared about these things. You should get some rest. I'm leaving."
After saying that, he left "Fangyuan Tiandi" without looking back.
Chen Rongqing snorted coldly, crushing the teacup in his hand to pieces. "After all these years, you still haven't made any progress."
-
Lin Yujing saw Chen Jingshu walk out of Chengyuan's gate and stared at his face from a distance.
It was as if he wanted to glean some details about Chen Rongqing's arrival from his reaction.
Chen Jingshu, however, acted unusually normal. As soon as he got in the car, he cheekily leaned into her arms, grabbed her hand and put it to his heart, saying, "Don't move, I feel unwell from drinking tea."
"Give me a massage."
Lin Yujing gently pushed him, but was afraid of hurting him if she used too much force. "Chu Yan is still here."
As expected, Chen Jingshu paused for a moment, looked at her and asked, "Is it okay if Chu Yan isn't here?"
"roll!"
Both of them seemed to feel more at ease.
And so, for the rest of the journey, the carriage fell into a silent understanding.
When the car finally arrived at the Wanxiang Hotel, Chu Yan waved his hand and said, "I'm not going up. I'm too tired. I'll go home and sleep first."
"Okay. Nothing much to do in the next two days, no need to come over, just rest at home." It's the Lunar New Year, and even the biggest matters have to wait until after the Chinese New Year to be discussed.
Chen Jingshu brought Lin Yujing back this time only to hide away and enjoy a caveman-like world for two.
-
Lin Yujing went to the courtyard on the top floor of Wanxiang again after a long time. In the winter courtyard, apart from the evergreen trees, the other trees were bare.
However, it was windy in the yard, and by the time Chen Jingshu started to raise the windows, she was already familiar with the way and was heading to her original bedroom with her suitcase.
It was as if they were afraid that if they were a little late, they would be taken away to another place by this person.
Fortunately, Chen Jingshu watched her retreating figure and didn't call out to her.
Lin Yujing pushed open the door and finally understood what Chen Jingshu meant by the expression he had just given her.
That's the anticipation of someone who's meticulously preparing a surprise.
Chen Jingshu took advantage of this time to renovate her bedroom, which was as big as three of her dormitory rooms.
It's like a cold war; neither side wants to waste any joy that comes after reconciliation.
The once bare and empty room is now adorned with her favorite calligraphy and paintings, and decorated with seasonal flowers and plants.
An oak-colored table holds a wild jacaranda tree.
The background is the neo-Chinese style she mentioned before.
It also matches the style of his house very well.
On the other side of the wall opposite the bed, a traditional Chinese ink painting screen was added.
Behind it was an antique-style desk, with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones laid out on its surface.
Next to the Chinese painting desk is a wooden easel, and right next to it is a cabinet that covers an entire wall.
The canvases were neatly laid out, along with rice paper, unopened brushes, and paints—everything you could need.
It's like they want her to settle down here.
Their decision to return to Beijing was made on a whim at noon.
She knew that it was impossible to prepare everything so completely in just one afternoon during the year-end season.
Clearly, it was this person who always liked to do dirty tricks behind her back who had been preparing for this for a long time.
Her moving in today was an accident.
But what we see before us is the result of a long-planned scheme.
Lin Yujing's heart couldn't help but stir, because of the rare lively Spring Festival, because of the peace and joy in this room, and even more so because of Chen Jingshu.
"Even if it's a New Year's gift, are you satisfied?" Chen Jingshu followed her in, hugged her from behind, and gently stroked her lower abdomen with his broad hands.
"Satisfied, very satisfied, I'm flattered." Lin Yujing nodded, her eyes already welling up with tears.
Chen Jingshu nodded and placed a passionate kiss on the back of her neck. "Jingjing, do I have a New Year's gift?"
Lin Yujing, whose hands were originally hanging at her sides, suddenly gently stroked the back of his hand, but her voice was not very tender, "A-Shu. If you really want to, I can. But I have to say in advance, I will not take responsibility for you."
Chen Jingshu paused visibly for a few seconds, as if he didn't immediately understand the meaning behind her words.
He then chuckled and picked her up in a princess carry from behind.
"Fine. I'll accept it if you don't take responsibility for me."
A note from the author:
Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 23:47:40 on October 4, 2023 and 13:36:44 on October 6, 2023!
Thank you to the little angel who watered the nutrient solution: zjzzzz (17 bottles);
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
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