157
r. After her husband lost his position as head of the family, she devoted herself to cultivating their son, hoping that he would one day reclaim the position for his father and restore his honor. The...Chapter Name: 157
Rong Ling sat on the side and glanced at her feet that were casually placed on the floor. His handsome eyebrows raised slightly, and he stood up. When he came back in, he was holding a pair of cloth slippers. He crouched down slightly, grabbed her foot, and put on the slippers, one by one.
Autumn is cool, and the floor gets cold too, making your feet freeze!
She glanced at it, didn't pay attention, and just focused on eating the noodles. It has to be said, these noodles were really delicious, so sour that she felt comfortable all over, as if those unhappy and troublesome things dissipated with the tangy acidity that made her bones feel refreshed!
In the end, she terrifyingly drained the large bowl of noodles, even drinking every last drop of the soup! When she lifted her head out of the bowl, her little mouth was coated with a thin layer of oil!
"Like a pig!"
He took a napkin from the side and naturally wiped her mouth. She mumbled, holding the chopsticks with some embarrassment, she belatedly realized that she was eating so much, wasn't it too strange So she hastily added to cover up: "That... I was too hungry... I didn't eat much this morning..."
Of course she couldn't tell him that she had eaten eggs and drunk milk this morning, and even finished two bowls of congee!
Well, he didn't probe further either. Instead, quite generously, he asked her, "Are you full yet If not, I'll have the kitchen make you another bowl!"
This old geezer really thinks the hotel kitchen is there to cater to him!
Lin Meng was actually quite full, estimating that she still had some energy to eat a little more. However, there was no way she could say such a silly thing! To eat this much, she was really almost catching up to a pig. If this man suspected anything, she'd be done for. So, she shook her head.
Rongling got up and carried the rice bowl out. Naturally, there would be hotel staff outside to clean it up!
He returned to the bedroom, carrying something in his hand, like a file folder. He glanced at Lin Meng and said, "It's nothing, just get some sleep. You've been tossing and turning for ages, you must be tired!"
She didn't dare to retort and obediently lay down. What could she say Now, her identity was that of a woman who had miscarried, so she should feign weakness a little.
Over there, Rong Ling started to flip through the things he had brought in by himself. Afterward, he got up again and brought over a laptop. Occasional tapping sounds from the keyboard began to fill the room, *click clack*, accompanied by the rustling sound of pages turning.
She listened, becoming drowsy and fuzzy-headed, but as soon as she thought of the important matter on her mind, a jolt of energy brought her back to awareness.
"Rong Ling!" she called out his name.
"Hmm..." he replied softly, his fingers tapping on the keyboard incessantly, a clicking and clacking sound that showed he was still focused on the computer.
“I’m going back home, to Xiao He Jie’s house…”
She tentatively glanced at him. Seeing a slight change in his expression, his eyelids drooping slightly, and his eyes still fixed on the computer, she felt a sense of relief and continued, "I need to go back and pack my clothes. My things are still with her, and besides, I have to tell her. I can't just leave without saying goodbye, moving out of her house like that, and..."
She paused for a moment. "Brother Jiang has helped me a lot, and I should thank him. After all, I'm going abroad...and after that…"
Her voice dropped, and she didn't say anything more.
"Then let's go tomorrow." His reply came slowly. "Tomorrow I'll have someone take you there. You shouldn't tire yourself out with all this traveling, your health isn't good right now!"
According to her original plan, she was going to go back tonight and then stay at Jiang Xiaohe's place. But Rong Ling blocked her with that statement, and she couldn't say any more. If she said too much, she was afraid Rong Ling would become suspicious! After all, a woman who had a miscarriage wouldn't have the energy to be running around everywhere!
"Oh!" she sighed inwardly, thinking to herself that feigning a miscarriage wouldn't be so easy.
She blinked and closed her eyes, lost in thought about how she would manage tomorrow. As she pondered, she drifted off to sleep, confused and weary. It was a tiring day, and she eventually fell asleep with her eyes half-closed until Rong Ling pushed her awake.
"Come on, eat and then sleep!"
She was listless, unwilling to budge, and shooed Rong Ling's arm away with a grunt, radiating an air of petulance. This man was too cruel, heartless, and even now, she still harbored some resistance and resentment towards him, despite having secretly kept their child.
He saw her like this, and didn't know whether he had given up or what. He turned and walked away.
"If you're willing to starve, then starve!" a cold and merciless tone!
This startled her, and her eyes widened! She wasn't alone now, but she was starving!
This man!
She ground her teeth in anger. But she still got out of bed as he wished and went to the bathroom to wipe her face with a hot towel! At mealtime, she was a little nervous. However, the dishes were all quite plain, and she didn't see anything that would make her vomit. And she happily drank the beef soup she wanted.
After dinner, he sent her to bed again, as if he truly intended to treat her like a pig. She dozed off for a while, forcing herself to eat, though she wasn't really tired. But thinking it was best not to interact with him, she obediently went to bed, lying awake, staring at the ceiling and letting her mind wander.
When I suddenly came to my senses, I met a pair of eyes, a pair of sharp eyes.
"What are you thinking about!" He raised an eyebrow, his tone light but betraying his displeasure. He had been standing by the bed for a while, and though she was looking at him with her eyes open, it was clear she had only just noticed him!
He stood tall, looking down at her, his imposing figure quite intimidating, making her heart pound. She simply closed her eyes and acted like an ostrich, ignoring him. He eventually left and never came back!
The house was eerily quiet again. She started to fidget, wanting to leave, even her little hand had already lifted the corner of the blanket. The night was dark and windy, the perfect time to run away. But she hesitated. What if this escape attempt failed and he found out What if she alerted him, then all her plans for tomorrow would be ruined! But could she really succeed in leaving tomorrow Rong Ling said he would send people to help her pack, could she escape those formidable subordinates
She paced back and forth, still thinking. Eventually, she got out of bed and went to the bathroom. As she entered, she stealthily glanced back at the bedroom door – it seemed like no one was there. After a moment's thought, she tried her best to move quietly, tiptoeing outside while keeping her eyes darting around, making sure no one was watching. It seemed like nothing was amiss. She took a deep breath and looked towards the study, guessing that Rong Ling was probably working in there. Although the door to the study was open, she didn't dare to go any closer.
She stood there for a moment, the silence in the room still unbroken. A spark ignited within her, and her dark eyes darted back and forth, measuring the distance between her current position and the door. As long as Rong Ling was still in his study, as long as she moved quickly enough, she could reach the door. Then, with a twist of the knob, she could leave this place.
As soon as she thought of this, she became a little excited, her heart started pounding! Her eyes began to wander, between the door and the study, back and forth. Her legs, lightly, took one step after another.
As she watched her get closer and closer to the door, her heart beat faster and faster. Suddenly, a figure flashed out from the study, it was Rong Ling!
She had always been peeking into the study, and seeing this, her body immediately tightened and she froze in place. At a loss, her little face struggled to control herself, barely keeping her composure!
Rong Ling raised an eye and saw her. His eyes narrowed slightly, watching as she stood there like a wooden statue. He also stood there, motionless. His cold gaze was like two arrows, shooting straight at her!
She stiffened, forcing herself to meet his gaze with a semblance of calm while her mind raced, desperately searching for a solution. She knew this kind of staring contest couldn't last forever.
His eyes were somewhat stern, and she felt like she couldn't hide under his gaze. Licking her lips, she spoke in a dry voice. "I'm thirsty..."
Then, he helplessly scratched his own head!
He raised an eyebrow, softening his expression.
"The house has a refrigerator, and there's food inside!"
She suddenly bit her lip, feeling incredibly frustrated and embarrassed. She thought she was completely stupid. She had stayed in that bedroom several times before; there was a mini-fridge built into the wall with some food and drinks inside. How could she be so foolish to run outside and say she was thirsty!
“I forgot……” She knew her excuse was a bit far-fetched, but she had no other way to say it. Regardless of what Rong Ling was thinking, she could only sullenly turn around and go back to her room. She opened the fridge, bit her lip, and took out a bottle of mineral water. And he followed closely behind, finally leaning against the door, looking at her with an unfathomable expression.
She clutched the cold bottle of mineral water in her hand, her grip tightening. She tried to ignore his presence as much as possible, but it was impossible. The temperature of the mineral water was a bit too chilling, not a very good choice, but in order to cover up her previous actions, she seemed to have no other choice but to drink it! Lowering her head, she watched as the bottle wall began to slowly fog up with steam. She blinked, unable to, and reached out with her other hand, starting to twist the cap!
"Don't drink that yet!" he suddenly exclaimed.
As she stared at him in bewilderment, he walked closer and snatched the mineral water from her hand.
"Dinner is being made in the kitchen, it will be ready soon. You can have soup too."
Saying that, he put the mineral water back into the refrigerator.
She stood there, suddenly unsure what to do. She stole a glance at him, and he was looking at her too, silently pitiful. She turned away, pouted her little mouth, climbed onto the bed, pulled up the covers, and burrowed back under them like a pig again.
He started taking off his clothes right in front of her, and she widened her eyes in shock! Her heart was racing, gritting her teeth inwardly. She thought to herself, "Is this man insane! Has he forgotten I just gave birth!" If this man dared touch her, she would fight him to the death!
She eyed him warily, guarding against him as if he were a notorious rapist. When he was down to his underwear, she gave him a sideways glance.
She instantly blushed, her ears turning red. The small hand she had placed outside the blanket clenched into a fist, her eyes blazing with determination as she stared at him.
He approached, his physique, perfect enough to rival that of a Greek god, stood starkly before her. Broad shoulders, narrow hips, an inverted triangle of flawless proportions – he was breathtaking, quickening her breath and sending her heart racing. She had to steel herself, remain calm, to gather the courage to keep staring at him.
A slight upturn of his lips held a trace of devilishly alluring charm, almost enough to make a woman scream. His handsome eyes, which had been cold, now held a hint of tenderness that made one's heart flutter. He leaned in, his breathtakingly handsome face moving closer to hers.
She couldn't hold it in any longer, panting heavily, her face flushed red, and she asked in a hoarse voice: "What do you want to do!"
That voice was hoarse, like sandpaper scraping across gravel.
He chuckled darkly, his black eyebrows arching upwards slightly, a smile playing at the corners of his eyes.
"Let's wash together!"
I have to say, this cool man, if he turns mischievous, he's a big flirt!
"Wash...wash what!" She was completely smitten by his masculinity, her mind short-circuiting.
He smiled again, and extended his hand as if to pull her.
"Taking a bath!"
Her face became even more flushed, as if filled with blood, and even her resistance weakened.
"No." A frail, mosquito-like voice.
“Are you sure” He seemed in a good mood, continuing to smile wickedly at her. His eyes flickered with mesmerizing light. His nearly nude body was inching closer, the feeling of being about to be crushed upon her. The heavy scent of masculinity hit her, making it hard for her to breathe!
Her heart pounded fiercely, she was about to scream!
This man is definitely on purpose!
She suddenly yanked the blanket over herself and wrapped it tightly around her.
“No, I don’t want to wash with you.” she mumbled sullenly. Out of his sight, the magic that had tempted and drawn her weakened considerably. She reminded herself that she was still the woman he had forced into an abortion, not someone who would be so accommodating, not someone who would do whatever he wanted.
He said nothing.
She huddled under the covers, not daring to move. Her body was tense, bracing against his animalistic rage, the wolf ready to pounce on its helpless lamb!
Just then, she lay rigid in the bed like a sculpture for two minutes. Only when she heard the sound of water cascading from the shower in the bathroom did she realize that the despicable man had probably left.
She pulled back the covers and looked up. Sure enough, there was no one in front of her!
"Damn it!"
She cursed!
He left without a word, what a jerk!
How dare you scare her!
Muttering under her breath, she listed his transgressions for what felt like a hundred times. She was just getting started when he emerged from the bathroom, naked except for a towel around his waist. His tanned skin glistened like it had been coated in honey. Water droplets slid down his dark hair, resembling diamonds, and trailed down his shoulders, creating shimmering waves that sent an inexplicable thrill through her heart.
Damn good!
She muttered a curse under her breath, and added another one more spiteful--
Devil!
Closing her eyes, she didn't look at him but secretly pricked up her ears. As her object of vigilance, she naturally had to pay attention to his movements. Feeling him approach, she closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep. He unceremoniously pinched her cheek.
Get up, take a shower, I know you didn't sleep!
She opened her eyes reluctantly, unwillingly. The water droplets from his hair fell onto her face. She pouted and wiped them away impatiently with her hand. Then she got out of bed and went into the bathroom. Behind her came his voice, devoid of emotion.
"No need for a bath, just rinse off!"
She was fuming inside, inwardly glaring at him and thinking: Why should she listen to him anyway! She just wanted to take a bath, what could he do about it!
She filled the bathtub to the brim, then poured in a generous amount of bath salts, letting her entire body sink into the water. At first, she felt a sense of satisfaction from getting back at him this way. But after a while, she found it boring and disappointing. Suddenly, she realized how childish this was. How could she possibly get back at him with such an invisible act What harm could she inflict upon him And what would she gain from it!
Reluctantly, she climbed out of the bathtub. Maybe there was just a little too much bath oil spilled earlier, as the moment her other heel came out of the tub and touched the floor, it slipped, causing her to lose her balance. She teetered precariously on the verge of falling!
"Oh..."
She screamed in fright.
At that moment, she wasn't thinking about anything, just that she couldn't fall. Absolutely not! Due to the inertia of her forward lean, she was bound to fall ahead. She hurriedly stomped forward a few times, and her slender arms instinctively followed, stretching out in front. After stumbling several steps, she finally managed to grasp the sink with her hands. Her legs trembled uncontrollably, she gripped the sink with all her might, using her hands almost like crutches to support her legs and prevent herself from collapsing.
With a bang, the bathroom door swung open.
"What's wrong!" His voice was laced with urgency and a tremor, his face no longer the picture of calm. It flushed faintly, an unsteadiness creeping across it. His breathing was heavy, starkly audible in the stillness of the room!
Seeing her leaning against the washbasin, she was safe. A wave of relief washed over him and the pallor on his face vanished. He strode forward, reached out with a large hand, and scooped her up, naked as she was, into his arms. He was like a towering tree, his two arms, like strong branches, held her securely, silently telling her that within his embrace, she was safe, there was nothing to fear.
She was terrified, unable to imagine what would have happened if she had actually fallen onto the bathroom tiles. She was still trembling with fear, her face pale with horror. The thought of how her petty argument could have cost her the child she had finally managed to keep, brought tears streaming down her face.
She felt so stupid, so foolish, how could she be so careless!
The large floor-to-ceiling mirror in the bathroom reflected everything about her. She clutched his arm with one hand, while the other trembled against her abdomen, her fingers spread wide and limp, as if trying to protect herself but seemingly unable to do so. Tears silently flowed down her small face, plopping onto the floor drop by drop.
His gaze swept across her stomach, then lingered on the space between her legs before pulling away. He distracted himself by glancing around the bathroom. When he saw the tub filled with foamy water, his face darkened.
"Stupid woman!"
He was so angry he cursed, completely unable to understand what she was thinking! Could her brain be as small as a walnut How could she possibly do such a stupid thing!
You're so hopelessly stupid!
He was so angry that he couldn't help but glare at her.
She was lost in her own world of sadness and couldn't even argue with him about his insults. She just feared getting too vulnerable!
She felt like she knew very little about being pregnant, even though she wasn't completely clueless. Would other pregnant women feel this way too! It shouldn't be possible! If a woman was pregnant, she would definitely be the center of attention and carefully protected at home, right! Her mother would definitely take good care of her daughter, wouldn't she And the baby's father would surely revolve around his wife! Something like taking a shower alone and almost falling down, this kind of thing definitely wouldn't happen easily, would it!
She was just wronged!
At this moment, she felt incredibly vulnerable and overwhelmed with sadness! She had made the decision to keep the child, but even though she had a baby growing inside her for company, she still felt lonely. She was also afraid that because of her impulsiveness or carelessness, she wouldn't be able to protect the child!
The deeper she thought about it, the more her tears flowed like rain!
Why, when things fall to her, do they become so difficult! So difficult!
A big hand reached out and covered her eyes. It was warm and tender, the warmth almost seeping through her eyelids.
"Don't cry, it's alright!" The man's chin rested against her head, his soft voice tinged with resigned helplessness. "Don't be afraid, I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you!"
What is this!
Hot tears rolled down his warm palm. She thought sadly, he doesn't understand anything!
Yet she was held tightly by him, keeping pace with his steps as they came to the shower head. Then, like a doll, she let herself be manipulated by him. She was so frightened that she felt her strength failing.
The hot water rushed down, slowly washing away the foam from her body, revealing her milky white form little by little.
The warm, slightly rough palm gently slid over her delicate body, using the water to wash away the foam. The big hand caressed her fair neck, rounded shoulders, sexy collarbone, sweet breasts, a little bit curved belly, and brushed past that deep, dark forest...
She shuddered sensitively, pressing her lips together tightly, her hands gripping his arm that spanned her chest, afraid it would slip away again. He usually always held her waist, but since a moment ago, his arm had been placed above her waist, slightly pressing against her chest. She hadn't thought much of it, just assuming this was the norm. And she didn't pick at it at this time, saying he was taking liberties with her, because although he had touched her all over, there wasn't any sensual intent behind it.
He was just giving her a bath!
That's all there is to it!
"Be more careful next time!"
After she was done crying, her tears had lessened considerably, only an occasional drop falling now and then. He wrapped a towel around her sweet little body and began to discipline her with the last of his strength.
She didn't say a word in response, allowing him to reprimand her! In her heart, she was also scolding herself, warning herself that she must be more careful in the future.
He reached one hand under her lifted buttocks, the other protecting her smooth back that felt like silk, and lifted her up from the ground. He held her just like he would hold a little girl. She reached out and lightly gripped his neck. At this point, she wasn't putting up a fight, not even bothering to be angry with him. She just went with the flow, doing whatever felt good.
As he laid her on the bed, another golden tear rolled down her cheek and she let out a sob.
He roughly wiped with his finger and, without any manners, pointed her forehead with that very finger. The heavy force made her forehead hurt.
"Little brat, just stay there and be stubborn!"
She burst into tears again, dropping another golden bean. She turned her face away from him.
He frowned. "Ouch!"
He then sat down, his gaze flitted over her stomach before quickly retreating, and asked again, "Where does it hurt!"
She shook her head wildly, the wet hair flinging droplets everywhere.
His brows relaxed, his face regaining its usual composure. He pulled the towel she was wrapped in closer, pulling her into his embrace. His large hand began to rub against the towel, gently wiping her long hair.
"If you feel uncomfortable, just tell me. Don't push yourself!"
He wasn't convinced and added another sentence.
She didn't make a sound, docile as an inflatable doll. From his angle, he could see her naked body clearly. Her two mounds of flesh, white and tender, swayed gently with her trembling frame. And she leaned against his chest, her soft back pressed completely against his front, where their skin touched, a faint warmth spread.
His desire, stirred softly, lifted his head slightly.
This idiot!
He muttered a curse under his breath, subtly shifting his hips back. She remained oblivious, nestled against him, her body exposed and vulnerable, as if inviting his every touch.
He narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing in them!
"Ding dong—"
The doorbell rang.
She came to slowly, being held by him, drifting towards the bed a little. Then, soft blankets covered her instantly.
"Stay put!"
He got out of bed, wearing only a towel around his waist, and went naturally toward the door. A little later, a female attendant pushed a food trolley into the room and placed it by the bed before politely leaving.
"Come eat this bird's nest!"
His words were hard and commanding, but his actions were gentle. He carefully held the porcelain bowl and brought it to her.
She was downcast because of what had just happened. She stared at the bird's nest that was placed in front of her, but her hand wouldn't reach out. She kept her mouth shut and didn't move, not responding at all. She seemed like a wooden statue.
He didn't show any impatience, instead he picked up a spoon and scooped some bird's nest, bringing it to her lips.
"Open your mouth!" he commanded coldly.
Only then did she open her mouth and swallow the bird's nest, tears welling up in her eyes and falling into the bowl.
He frowned, a trace of gloom in his eyes, and scolded, "Where did you get so many tears from!"
He reached out and wiped away the tears that had just rolled down his cheeks.
"Let bygones be bygones. Be more careful next time, so you won't fall again. Consider this a warning and remember it. Don't cry over spilled milk!"
His comfort was so cold and stiff, and awkward!
But with such stiff words, accompanied by a mouthful of warm bird's nest that went into her stomach, she inexplicably felt a bit relieved.
After that, he took a spoon and scooped up the bird’s nest, spoonful by spoonful, feeding it into her mouth until she finished eating. Throughout the process, she didn't cry anymore.
He put the bowl back and lifted the lids off several serving dishes. Inside were some delicate little snacks that looked quite appetizing.
"Have some more snacks, your body is weak, eat more to make up for it!"
He uttered something unintelligible, pulled her back to the bed again, and covered her with the blanket, hiding her temptingly bare body. He then climbed onto the bed himself, still letting her rest in his arms. Picking up the towel that was still lying nearby, he continued to dry her hair. Almost finished, the hairdryer took over.
And she, began to extend her pale, slender hands, picking up the pastries one by one and putting them into her mouth. A bowl of bird's nest soup stirred her appetite. Besides, these pastries were exquisitely made, almost one bite per piece, and not overly sweet. Some even had a slightly sour taste, which left her feeling refreshed throughout her body. In the end, she devoured most of those sour pastries until she could eat no more.
And he, too, had already dried her hair, catching her delicate neck, kissing it gently.
The familiar touch made her flustered. She strained her neck to glare at him, "Don't move!"
His eyes were ablaze, dark and luminous, contrasting with his porcelain-like complexion. He was stunningly beautiful, almost like a demon!
He took a deep breath, leaned his head forward, and bit down hard on the bright red lips.
She immediately pushed him away, luckily he hadn't kissed her deeply, he just bit her lips a few times before letting go.
"Don't touch me!" she huffed angrily. "I'm not feeling well, don't get near me!"
That way, domineering and a bit willful, quite different from the quiet just now, she seemed to have come alive!
He grasped her delicate nose, twisting it cruelly!
Don't worry, I won't take anything from you!
Her ears turned red, and she awkwardly averted her gaze. Then she saw him get out of bed and pick through the few plates of pastries he hadn't touched, popping them into his mouth one by one. His expression was blank, giving nothing away about whether he liked them or not. He seemed to eat as if it were a duty, with no enjoyment whatsoever!
She looked, and her heart softened a little.
"Hey!" she said, pointing with her chin. "Those look delicious!"
Those were the dishes she ate the most of.
He turned his head to take a glance, his handsome brows furrowed slightly, finally showing some emotion, but it was directed at her displeasure.
"Don't keep calling me that! I have a name, and next time, please don't call me like that!"
...but he didn't understand her intentions at all and still picked up the snacks she hadn't touched much!
She snorted softly, thinking to herself: What a clueless fool!
Not until all the snacks, sweet, salty, and sour, had been sampled did he stop. He called customer service to have them come clean up, and asked for some hot water to be brought over at the same time.
The waiter came over to tidy up, and took away the two people's used clothes. The next morning, these clothes would be washed clean and sent back.
Lin Meng felt uncomfortable all over and whispered, "Can I borrow a set of your clothes"
Completely bare, feeling very uncomfortable.
He climbed on top of her too quickly, ignoring her feeble struggles, pulling her into his embrace. The smooth feeling against him was bliss, and he let out a heavy sigh.
"What are you afraid of! You've slept naked with me before!"
He chuckled, using his refined demeanor to effortlessly deliver vulgar remarks.
Her face flushed red, she didn't say a word, and awkwardly turned her body away from him.
Under one's own roof, one has to bow their head! He is the master now, and she has no ability to resist!
"Did you call Xiao He" She suddenly remembered this and thought of Jiang Chengfeng.
"He's hit her!" Rong Ling responded indifferently. "I said I'd go to her place tomorrow morning."
"Oh, have you told Brother Jiang We could all have a meal together at Sister Xiao's place then!"
"Notice!"
She calmed down and thought about her plan. It should still be feasible, so she felt reassured!
He flicked his eyes, his hand slowly traveling across her body. Her skin was delicate and smooth, softer than the finest silk, leaving him wanting to touch it forever.
Her heart began to race, and she mumbled softly, "I'm going to sleep!"
He ignored her, his burning hot palm still wandering over her body. It slid along her waist and reached her cute belly button, then lightly traced her soft abdomen all the way down, getting increasingly unruly with each movement. Her breathing became rapid, and she couldn't help but reach out with her small hand, grabbing his wandering palm to reaffirm her stance once again.
"I'm going to sleep!"
He lowered his head and began kissing the skin on her back, biting gently. He had said not to touch her, but he deserved a little taste, didn't he It had been over two months since they last touched!
“Rong Ling!” She struggled in his arms unhappily, stretching out her small legs and kicking back at him. But as soon as her buttocks lifted up, it was obvious she’d bumped into something hard. Her body stiffened, her cheeks flushed a bright red with embarrassment – she didn't know whether to kick or not to kick.
He then kissed her back, oblivious to her. Her frail little hand was no match for him; his big palm continued its unrestrained wandering, but instead of going further down, it returned to her chest, covering a soft lump and kneading it lightly and heavily. She felt both angry and flustered, realizing that her posture seemed too passive. So, she struggled and turned over, lying on her side facing him. She stretched out her small hand, defensively protecting her chest. Her big, dark eyes glared at him angrily.
"I'm a patient now, you can't treat me like this!"
Stopped him firmly!
He was insatiable, almost maddeningly so, as he began to kiss her eyelids and brow. Those eyes that could once send shivers down your spine were now shimmering with warmth, yet laced with an inky blackness of desire.
She was flustered by his kiss, her resentment growing with each passing moment.
"I'm going to sleep!" she yelled, her face flushed red and her emotions visibly agitated.
He stopped, reached out and put his hand on the back of her head, running his fingers through her hair haphazardly.
"Okay, go to sleep!"
She glared at him, not believing his words.
He indeed did not move again, drooping his eyes and quietly looking at her, taking in her every feature as if she were a masterpiece.
She stared for a while, but couldn't hold it in any longer. Seeing him being so obedient, she pursed her lips and, as if she were a skewer of lamb, flipped herself over, facing away from him again. She closed her eyes, trying to hypnotize herself into sleep.
His large hand moved over, trailing along her waist. Just as she was about to lash out, his hand stilled. The opened palm fell just on her lower abdomen. The palm was warm, feeling like a hot blanket, warming her belly until it felt pleasantly warm. She had been apprehensive, fearing he might do something inappropriate, but then she thought, "He's never been that kind of person. He must be worried about her miscarriage or getting cold, so he put his hand there."
Thinking about it this way, she endured. And, I have to say, the warm and soothing palm pressing against her was truly comfortable. She timidly took a breath, softened her body, her eyelids slowly grew heavy, and her consciousness began to blur.
"Good boy!"
Her ears itched a little, as if someone was whispering in her ear.
"Hmm" She instinctively replied with a nasal hum, her awareness still hazy, but she remembered the man sometimes calling her that.
"You need to be good, don't cause any more trouble. Trust me, once we're out of the country, everything will be fine."
"Hmm..." she mumbled in response. She snuggled closer into his arms, her eyes half-closed, still drifting on the edge of a dream.
"Are you even listening!" A slightly cold voice mumbled by her ear, the hot breath making her ears itch.
She reached out and tugged at her own small ears, humming sleepily. "I heard you, don't move me..."
Someone chuckled softly.
Then her little hand was grabbed, and then something soft began to move against her small hand. For a while, the tip of her finger seemed to be held by something, being caught and bitten by something.
"Ugh!" she grumbled, her little hand shooting out with a swat. She sent the pesky creature flying and then withdrew her hand, placing it back calmly on her chest.
Rong Ling narrowed her eyes, touched her lips that had just been hit by her fingertip, lowered her head angrily, and bit her round and jade-like earlobe, letting out a low hum.
"Bold as brass!"
She pursed her lips, letting out a little hum I don't know what it meant. Her head shrunk back, as if trying to avoid him.
Only then did he stop teasing her, carefully hugging her, pressing against her back, and following suit by closing his eyes.
Xiao Xiang Academy first release.
The next morning, Rong Ling sent three people to escort Lin Meng to Jiang Xiao's house. The three people looked very strong and capable, making Lin Meng feel a little uneasy. She wasn't sure if Jiang Chengfeng could handle these three. However, she had heard Jiang Po浪 say before that his brother was very skilled in combat. When he fought with the police, he seemed to have no trouble handling four of them!
I hope everything goes well!
Lin Meng bit her finger, her heart pounding nervously.
When Lin Meng arrived at Jiang Xiaohe's house, the man who was acting as her driver didn't follow her inside, which let Lin Meng breathe a sigh of relief. Facing two opponents alone, she had a better chance of escaping. Stepping into Jiang Xiaohe's home, she was surprised to not see Jiang Chengfeng.
"Hey! Where's Brother Jiang!" She panicked and looked around wildly!
Jiang Xiaoxiao explained with a smile. "I just received the notice this morning, asking him to go to Beijing for something urgent. It was an order from above and he couldn't refuse. He left right away, and should be back tomorrow!"
"Ah!" Lin Meng's face changed, her heart sinking to the lowest point.
"What!" Jiang Xiaohe asked curiously.
Lin Meng couldn't even manage a dry laugh.
"That... I'm going to go tidy up my clothes..."
Saying that, he went to the guest room.
Jiang Xiaohe came up with them. "Rong Ling called me yesterday and asked me to help you pack your clothes and stuff like that, so you could just come over and get them, so you wouldn't have to be bothered. I helped tidy things up a bit. Just organize everything yourself and see if anything is missing!"
Lin Mengxin's mind was in turmoil. All she could think about was whether Jiang Chengfeng could defeat the two people who had come with her. But she hadn't even considered that Jiang Chengfeng wouldn't show up at all! He had promised to meet her before she went abroad, saying they might not see each other again. How could Jiang Chengfeng disappear at this crucial moment! Even if it was a big deal, he could have made excuses!
Lin Meng started biting her fingernails again in worry, looking at the packed suitcase on the guest bed. Her heart ached, and she slumped down onto the bed with a thud.
"Is Brother Jiang mad at me, that he doesn't even come to see me one last time!"
"What do you mean!" Jiang Xiaoxiao's face changed, she raised her carefully trimmed eyebrows, and asked sharply, "What do you mean by the last face!"
Lin Meng was stunned and looked up, hurriedly saying, "Rong Ling is about to take me abroad, and I might not see you again later. You don't know!"
"Ling didn't say anything!" Jiang Xiaoxiao stomped her foot in annoyance. "He told me yesterday to help you pack some things, saying you had no clothes at his place. So I helped him pack. I was thinking...you went to the hospital and suffered so much, I wanted to personally deliver them to you so you wouldn't have to run back and forth and tire yourself out. But then I thought, it would be better if you came over yourself, that way we could sit down and have a good chat. Who knows, if I went to find you, Rong Ling might kick me out right away!"
Lin Meng clenched her small hands tightly, her voice trembling as she asked, "So... that means Brother Jiang doesn't know I'm going abroad!"
"Definitely not!" Jiang Xia said with certainty. "If he knew, even the biggest things would have to be put aside!"
Speaking of which, Jiang Xiaoxiao's eyes flashed, and she immediately had an epiphany.
She reached out and placed her hand on Lin Meng's shoulder, silently and gently squeezing it.
"Since you're leaving soon, don't rush off today. You have to eat lunch first. Have a seat, and I'll get you some water!"
Turning back, Jiang Xiaoxiao asked the two men who came with Lin Meng to go out for a stroll, asking them to come back in the afternoon to pick her up, indicating that she wanted to keep Lin Meng for dinner.
Two men directly stated that Lin Meng was scheduled to take a flight at 2 p.m., so they had to leave with her before 1 p.m. This timeframe would be enough for Lin Meng to stay at Jiang Xiaoxiao's house for a meal. Under Rong Ling's instructions, the two of them were not allowed to leave Lin Meng's side casually.
Lin Meng sat on the bed, listening, her whole body stunned!
What is a 2 pm flight! Rong Ling clearly said he wanted to wait a few days, clearly said to let her recuperate in the country for a few days, and then wait for her to recover before leaving the country. How come he suddenly wants to take her away! Before this, he didn't mention anything to her at all!
Jiang Xiaoxiao's heart skipped a beat, she smiled and gestured for the two men to sit in the living room. She explained that she and Lin Meng had some private matters to discuss, things not suitable for outsiders to hear. The two men didn't insist and took their seats in the living room. Jiang Xiaoxiao's home was on the fifth floor, and the only way out of this building was through the main door. These two men weren't worried that Lin Meng would escape from under their noses.
The door to the guest room was bolted shut, and Lin Meng became so flustered that she stood up.
"Little sister, what are we going to do!"
She whispered in Jiang Xiaoxiao's ear, outlining her plan. "What am I going to do If I leave with Rong Ling and go abroad, the truth about the child will definitely come out! It's over, it's over!"
She was so anxious that she paced back and forth!
Jiang Xiaoxiao couldn't stand it anymore, she reached out and pressed her onto the bed.
"Don't worry, let me think about it. I'm sure I can come up with a way!"
But Brother Jiang isn't here! Those two people were looking at me, I couldn't run at all!
"Don't worry, don't worry, you forgot what kind of body you are, Don't worry, you can't be hasty!"
Jiang Xiaoxiao pressed Lin Meng's shoulder again!
Lin Meng only then sat still, not moving.
Jiang Xiaohe began pacing anxiously in the room. It was obvious that Rong Ling's actions were all premeditated and defensive. He deliberately concealed Lin Meng's imminent departure abroad, not giving her and Jiang Chengfeng time to prepare or interfering with Lin Meng's departure. The flight originally scheduled for a few days later had been changed to this afternoon. This showed Rong Ling's urgency and his determination to take Lin Meng away.
Jiang Xiao'xie now can be very certain that Jiang Chengfeng's departure was orchestrated by Rong Ling. After all, Rong Ling has the power to mobilize higher authorities and move Jiang Chengfeng away at such a critical juncture. Now it's past ten o'clock, until one in the afternoon, not even three hours have passed, even if Jiang Chengfeng is incredibly capable, there's no way he could get back here from Kyoto within three hours.
Jiang Cheng's wind-riding talisman is useless; Rong Ling must have already prepared for this!
As for that man, they say he is even more cunning and sly than a fox tenfold. Once he has made up his mind, there's no chance for anyone to interfere! But—
Jiang Xiaoxiao smiled enigmatically, wondering if Rong Ling had the ability to reach the heavens and see through her
"Are you really going to keep the baby!"
Jiang Xiaoxiao earnestly asked Lin Meng! If Lin Meng's determination wasn't very firm, she actually didn't need to leave Rong Ling so hastily!
Lin Meng nodded heavily.
"I want this child!"
From the moment this child was kept in the hospital, his fate was sealed!
"Alright then..."
Jiang Xiaoxie sat beside Lin Meng, leaning against her body. She bit Lin Meng's ear and whispered softly. Lin Meng listened intently, her downcast eyes gradually brightening.
After Jiang Xiaohe finished speaking, she excitedly grabbed Jiang Xiaohe's hand.
"Little Harmony, can this really work!"
"Hehehe, don't worry, your little sister Xiaohui still has some energy!"
Lin Meng thought for a moment, then nodded with delight.
Over there, Jiang Xiaoxiao's nanny began to hurriedly prepare lunch. Jiang Xiaoxiao invited the two bodyguards to eat together, but these two probably feared that the food might be problematic and shook their heads in refusal. Lin Meng didn't have any burden at all and ate a hearty meal. After all, she was about to flee soon, and she needed to replenish her energy.
They had dinner a bit early, and when Lin Meng left Jiang Xiaoxiao's house, it was only 12 o'clock. A bodyguard helped Lin Meng carry her pitiful suitcase, and Lin Meng got into the car feeling relaxed. On the surface, she seemed very natural, but in fact, she was extremely flustered inside. If Jiang Xiaoxiao's plan failed again, she was really finished.
Lowering her head, she looked at her stomach and silently muttered in her heart: "Baby, mommy is doing all this for you. You must protect mommy well, okay"
When the car had been driving for about ten minutes, Lin Meng's face changed. She covered her stomach with one hand and awkwardly patted the front seat, saying in a low voice, "Could you please stop the car I... I need to use the restroom!"
All three people in the car hesitated, glancing at each other. They had received Rong Ling's instructions to keep a close eye on her and not let her escape. The three of them had also undergone training in this area and knew that using the restroom could be dangerous, but since she insisted on going, they couldn't be so heartless as to refuse her!
The three of them exchanged glances silently, and finally one spoke.
"Let's stop at that big department store up ahead!"
To prevent Lin Meng from escaping by pretending to use the restroom, the two men flanked her as she walked. There was a bathroom on the second floor, yet they took the elevator with her all the way to the sixth floor. At such a height, it was impossible for Lin Meng to jump out of the toilet window. Lin Meng watched, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She knew, just as Jiang Xiaoxiao had guessed, that Rong Ling was keeping an eye on her. This must have been because he noticed her walking towards the door last night and scared her off.
She sighed inwardly and followed the two men to the restroom.
“That... I might have to stay in there for a while longer!” she said to one of the men, covering her stomach and blushing. Her hand covering her stomach fidgeted awkwardly on her belly, as if she desperately needed to go to the bathroom but was too embarrassed to say so.
The man nodded knowingly, not daring to tell her to hurry back. After all, such a big matter wasn't something anyone could control. He could only mask his true feelings with a casual remark. "Don't miss your 2 p.m. flight!"
The man thought to himself, even if you keep messing around, you can't possibly mess around for half an hour!
Lin Meng blushed and lowered her head shyly before going inside. Less than a minute later, another woman carrying a large bag walked in. Seeing Lin Meng anxiously watching the door from inside the restroom, the woman didn't say a word and grabbed Lin Meng's hand.
"Let's go!"
The woman pushed Lin Meng into restroom number one and followed her in.
"Xiaohe is my friend!"
The woman didn't waste any time. She took the large bag off her shoulder and placed it on the ground, then reached straight in to pull out clothes.
"Get out quickly!"
The woman whispered.
Lin Meng understood and hurriedly took off her coat and pants. The woman helped her put on another set of clothes and changed her shoes. When she was dressed, the woman also took out a simple makeup box and quickly applied powder to Lin Meng's face. Finally, she quickly put a curly wig on her head and gave her a pair of thin black-rimmed sunglasses.
The whole process only takes 5 minutes!
The woman gave Lin Meng's outfit one last check. Her thick, voluminous curls cascaded down, effectively covering half of her face and making her facial structure appear about a third smaller. With the heavy makeup she had applied, if you didn't look closely, you wouldn't be able to tell it was her at all. Coupled with the black sunglasses, the leather jacket and pants, and the large black handbag slung across her shoulder, she seemed wild and untamed, her entire aura completely different from her previous sweet and innocent image. It was almost impossible to recognize!
"Ok!" the woman said softly, then pushed Lin Meng out of the restroom. Knowing time was of the essence, Lin Meng couldn't dawdle. He took several deep breaths to steady himself, gathered his courage, and walked out with a natural air, head held high and chest puffed out.
She had practically changed her outfit from head to toe, making it difficult to directly claim she was Lin Meng. The two men at the entrance glanced at her before moving past, their eyes then fixated on the bathroom door. They naturally couldn't have imagined that someone could change bags in such a short time within the very restroom they had randomly chosen!
Lin Meng knew she couldn't be careless now, so she still kept her composure and walked towards the elevator at a normal pace. It wasn't until she successfully entered the elevator that she let out a slight sigh of relief. Then she started anxiously watching the number display on the elevator jump. Finally, it reached the first floor, and she quickened her pace, hurrying towards the side door. In such a large department store, there were definitely more than one main entrance; several side doors would always be open. The car that picked her up was parked near the main entrance, she certainly didn't want to run straight into danger.
Outside the back door, a gray van was already waiting. As soon as they saw Lin Meng, they waved to her. Lin Meng didn't say a word and got straight into the car. The moment the car door closed, the van drove off. There was a man and a woman in the car. They smiled at Lin Meng without saying much. The woman motioned for Lin Meng to lie down halfway on the seat. A soft and thick cushion had already been placed on the seat, thoughtfully prepared to prevent the bumpy road from shaking her up. Lin Meng thanked Jiang Xiaoxiao's thoughtfulness and slowly closed her eyes toward the two people.
She knew she had already taken a step towards success. Once this car got on the highway, she would basically be safe and sound.
The train, she wouldn't dare to take it. By the time she could get to the station, those two men would have probably realized she had escaped. She estimated that by the time she got there, Rong Ling's people would already be waiting for her!
On the other side, the wind howled and clouds gathered, darkening the sky!
“What!” Rong Ling roared, his anger causing him to leap from his seat.
"Someone's missing! What do you mean! Three grown men, and you let a little woman just disappear right under your noses!"
"Good-for-nothing! Good-for-nothing!" he roared, his fist smashing onto the table in fury.
"Get me backup! I need people at the train station, bus station, and every highway exit! By God, if we can figure out which way they're going to flee, block them there!"
……
At 4 am, almost the entire city of J was turned upside down. Many government departments were alarmed, but people were still nowhere to be found!
"Big brother, how about we take the upper route We can say she was kidnapped and ask the upper authorities to issue a manhunt order, making all police stations across the country cooperate in catching her!"
Yu Xu cautiously looked at Rong Ling sitting on the sofa, his face as dark as water. His heart was racing, feeling a wave of oppressive fear. This kind of Rong Ling, his whole body shrouded in darkness, the room wasn't lit, only a pair of eyes flickered in the night, radiating cold light, truly frightening. He seemed to have become a murderous beast, lurking in the dark, coming for one and tearing them apart! The people responsible for investigating Lin Meng came and went several times, but none dared to enter this place again. In the end, they all begged him, he could only bite the bullet and repeatedly report the latest results.
What the hell kind of result is this, we haven't found anyone, what's there to report!
That Lin Meng, what guts does she have to provoke Big Brother like this! Yu Xu thought Lin Meng was crazy! He felt that if Big Brother saw Lin Meng, he would most likely shoot her dead! Fifteen minutes ago when he came in to report the latest progress, he clearly saw Big Brother wiping his beloved gun. Just looking at it made his heart race!
"Big brother…" Yu Xu called out to Rong Ling tremblingly, afraid that if he didn't respond, Rong Ling would remain silent and seem as though he had been consumed by darkness.
"If you have no objections, this... I'll go find someone right away..."
"No!" A frigid voice, laced with a killing intent, echoed like it came from the depths of hell. Rong Ling rose from the sofa, his towering figure bathed in darkness, a somber and chilling aura surrounding him.
"Announce that we don't need to look for anyone anymore, and let everyone return to their positions!"
"He can't possibly..." Yu Xu was flustered. Could Rong Ling, who had been so frantic before, just give up searching for Lin Meng so easily!
"Go!" Rong Ling interrupted, his voice deep and brooking no argument. "Do as I instructed!"
In the darkness, those icy eyes, like blades of light, pierced through Yu Xu. His heart skipped a beat, his throat bobbing up and down nervously, he nodded slightly and quietly backed out.
"Shut the door, let no one in!" Rong Ling commanded again in a deep voice.
Yu Xu's footsteps faltered, his expression changed slightly, then he nodded again and closed the door.
The moment the door slammed shut, a deafening roar erupted inside. The man who had been sitting silently on the sofa like an enigmatic king suddenly unleashed his fury. He tore through the room with reckless abandon, shattering every object in sight.
From within the house, a cacophony of thunderous roars erupted. He clenched his jaw, eyes bloodshot and cold, tearing through the darkness, destroying everything in his path. The once pristine and orderly room was soon ravaged, resembling a scene after a hurricane. The deafening booms and crashes failed to quell the fire raging within him!
That little woman is really ruthless and bold!
For her, he lowered himself again and again, making concessions step by step. She just walked away, without a care in the world!
Where did he let her down Wasn't he good enough to her!
"Making her abort the child isn't for her own good! She thinks Uncle Three would easily let her off if he knew about this child! When her belly gets big, wouldn't it just be a matter of casually having an abortion With one careless mistake, she could end up dying on the operating table!"
And, she's so young, she's still a child herself! Can she possibly raise a child well! Having a child this early isn't good for her either! If they don't let her have the baby, will it be his fault if something happens to her! He should just wait until she's older, until he's more settled, and then if she wants a child, he'll give it to her! Should she feel awkward with him about this!
And, isn't this child the one who was supposed to be aborted!
She was being coy, like a fool, really thinking he didn't know the child was still in her belly! He didn't call her out, nor did he want to know how she managed to convince the doctor who caused the miscarriage to keep the baby under the watchful eyes of San Bo's men. Since things had come to this, if she wanted the child so badly, then so be it, he could help her keep it!
She carefully pretended to patronize the food, having her initial soup replaced and hastily informing the chef to be mindful of her diet. Not all for her! She acted like a fool, indulging in those sour snacks while he discreetly disposed of some sweets to cover up, lest she hadn't left the country yet and was caught by Uncle Three again. He had already made so many concessions, what more did she want!
For her sake, for the little one in her belly, he changed his plans and decided to leave by private jet to avoid security checks at the airport and prevent any leaks.
This plan worked out perfectly. In just four more hours, he could safely fly her to a foreign country, away from the domestic scene. Then she could do whatever she wanted; he wouldn't expose her. He waited until five or six months had passed, and when her belly began to show, he simply went along with it, saying there was nothing he could do about it, letting her have the child!
He had almost planned everything out, bearing such immense pressure to plan for her, to make her more obedient, to stop her from causing trouble. But she disappeared on him!
She's fierce!
She can!
She's amazing!
He admits he is inferior, his skills are not as good as the other person's. He willingly bows down and accepts defeat!
For God's sake, how could he be so spineless and keep giving in to that woman over and over again!
That woman has tricked him so many times!
Have all the women in the world died Why is he able to take her alone!
"Damn it! Damn it..."
He snarled, unleashing a punch that slammed into the pristine white wall. In the dimness, crimson blood oozed down the expanse of white, leaving a horrifying trail. It soaked his hand, staining the wall with a shocking mark.
He panted heavily, his eyes fixed on the blood-red spreading slowly, wishing he could strangle her in that pool of crimson!
"Lin Meng, don't let me get my hands on you, don't let me get my hands on you..."
He gritted his teeth and widened his eyes, his gaze filled with a feral light that was about to burst forth!
"If I ever find you, I'll kill you, I'll kill you!"
Raising his hand, he slammed another fist into the wall. The solid wall cracked and split, fissures appeared, blood splattered out, spreading everywhere, a few drops splashing onto his face, staining his face red, even some getting into his eyes, but he didn't blink. His murderous eyes were stained with blood, staring at the blood-stained wall, flashing with bloody frenzy, and he – his expression was ferocious!
As if possessed!
.This is the first release of XiaoXiang Academy.
A week later, the quiet and remote Qing'an Town, located in the southwest, welcomed a petite guest. The woman carried a simple suitcase and walked slowly on the cobblestone path, carefully observing the houses on both sides of the street. Finally, when she saw a sign that read "For Rent," the woman's eyes lit up. Her pace quickened slightly!
A woman came to the early morning, leaned her head in, and saw a woman sitting on a stool inside with scissors in hand, busily cutting small white objects that resembled plastic.
"Excuse me..." the woman put down the suitcase in her hand and smiled softly. "Are you looking to rent a house!"
The women in the house raised their heads and looked toward the door, vaguely as if they had seen a fairy descending from heaven. The woman was dressed simply, her clothes were ordinary to the point of being unremarkable, like something you'd find at a street stall, but she was beautiful. Her small face was fair and smooth, with sparkling eyes that fluttered like moths. Her tiny nose and lips were meticulously carved, exquisitely delicate. When she smiled, her brows and eyes curved upwards, making anyone who saw her feel comfortable from the bottom of their heart, unable to help but smile along. The girl had short hair, cut in a bob like those popular in the 1970s. Her bangs were neatly combed and perfectly framed her forehead, adhering to strict order. That hairstyle was undeniably outdated, yet it sat upon her face with perfect harmony, making her appear youthful, clean, and beautiful, and…and…oh, elegant!
That's right, it's the two words "elegant"!
She feels like a young lady from a big family, truly like someone who has traveled through time from the 1960s or 1970s!
"Hee hee..." The woman put down the scissors and white plastic head in her hand, wiped her hands on the apron tied around her waist, and greeted them with a smile.
"Is the young lady here to rent a room!"
Lin Meng's face flushed slightly. She was pregnant, and it felt a bit embarrassing to be called "Miss." She didn't correct them right away, though, just smiling and replying: "Well, I saw the notice posted outside, so I came to ask about it."
"Hee hee…"
The woman welcomed Lin Meng warmly into the house. If she could attract such a beautiful and charming tenant, she would be overjoyed.
Qing'an Town was a small town, much like the countless towns scattered throughout the south. It wasn't large, with only about fifty households in the whole town. A winding river gently flowed through Qing'an Town, adding a touch of charm reminiscent of a Jiangnan water village. It was early winter now, and although a cold wind blew, it was milder than in the north. The leaves fell slower, and the weather didn't turn as cold so quickly. There was just a damp chill in the air. The north wind picked up a few yellow autumn leaves and sent them swirling into the water stream. They drifted lazily, creating ripples that added a touch of poetic beauty to the bleak scene.
Lin Meng knew this place. She had seen it in a literary magazine. There was an author who wrote a short article about the little town's ups and downs. The article described the scenery of Qing'an Town in early summer. It said that the greenness had dyed Qing'an Town, making the town seem like a piece of jade embedded in green hills and water.The oily water hyacinths swayed in the water, and duck mothers led their ducklings to play in the river. Moss covered the bluestone paths, lush and verdant. A few chicks huddled together pecking at something, and occasionally a few mischievous children ran laughing on the bluestone road, creating a sweet rural scene, like an idyllic paradise.
At that time, the article impressed her deeply and she also remembered Qing'an Town!
The article also mentioned that migratory birds would sometimes fly to Qing'an Town for the winter, landing on the riverbank outside of town. As a result, birdwatchers from outside the town would frequently arrive with their cameras to capture the graceful figures of these birds. In the evening, these visitors would stay at the homes of the local residents. From the article, Lin Meng sensed that the people in that small town had a warmth and hospitality that was rare to find in cities!
Lin Meng followed the trail, but deep down she wasn't sure if she could rent a house. Still, she came to this place. And luckily, within fifteen minutes of getting off the bus, she found what she needed, and it was perfect!
This woman who rented out her house, surnamed Lu, was mostly called Auntie Lu by others. Her husband worked in a construction site outside the city, but he got injured and hospitalized due to an accident. He later passed away because the treatment proved ineffective. Although the construction site offered some compensation, it was nowhere near enough to cover the enormous medical expenses. Auntie Lu not only received no compensation, but she even had to use her family's savings, yet her husband still couldn't be saved. As a result, their lives fell into hardship overnight.
She has a son who is 14 years old and in junior high school. Aunt Lu means that she wants this child to finish junior high school and then stop studying because her family doesn't have the money to support him any longer. Besides, she said that today's education is just a money-eating machine, only responsible for taking money but not seriously cultivating children. There are many college graduates who can't find jobs after graduation, or they can only find jobs with a monthly salary of around 1000 yuan. After Aunt Lu inquired about it, she decided not to spend this wasted money.
The boy's name is Lu Yudao, a well-behaved and filial child. Aunt Lu is very proud of him. Perhaps because there are often foreign photography enthusiasts coming to this town, Lu Yudao developed an interest in photography at an early age, and it seems he intends to work in the field of photography in the future.
Aunt Lu's family was struggling. She took some manual work from a distant factory to do at home, just enough to get by. But her child was about to graduate from junior high and wanted to learn photography like others. Aunt Lu loved her child dearly, so she gritted her teeth and spent most of their meager savings to buy him a top-of-the-line Sony digital camera in town. It had all the bells and whistles, but it cost a fortune – over ten thousand yuan! That was a huge sum for them. So Aunt Lu thought long and hard about it and decided to rent out a sunny room in their house to earn some extra money.
Because Qing'an Town often has visitors, houses are not afraid of being left vacant. However, they need to take a short-term approach because these visitors don't stay long, some for just a day or two, and others for a couple of months at most. According to Aunt Lu, it's just about making a living!
Lin Meng spoke up, saying that she wanted to stay there permanently. This delighted Aunt Lu greatly; if the house could be rented to one person for a long time, it would certainly be much more convenient and save a lot of trouble. Before Lin Meng moved in, she naturally explained her situation and didn't hide the fact that she was pregnant.
Lu Da's auntie, after all, had been married and raised children. Her family had also experienced the major upheaval of her husband's death. So naturally, her outlook was different, with her own unique insights. Without asking much, she let Lin Meng stay. She thought this girl looked good, clean and tidy. Her clothes were from a street stall, and she didn't look like someone wealthy. Being pregnant and coming to such a remote poor place must have been due to some difficult circumstances. She was naturally willing to help. So, she immediately offered Lin Meng 600 yuan a month, providing her with food and lodging. Having given birth herself, she could also offer some guidance when needed, and knew which foods were harmful for pregnant women.
Lin Meng was overjoyed, feeling that she had met a noble person. For only 600 yuan a month, covering food, housing, water, and electricity, she was afraid to give too little. She planned to stay there permanently until her child was born. Seeing Lin Meng's happiness now, Lu's aunt was willing to accept less. Lin Meng feared that later it would be embarrassing to ask for more, and she also worried about creating unnecessary conflict.
“Hee hee, you child!” Aunt Lu was a warm person and quickly became acquainted with Lin Meng. “Don’t worry, everyone in this town is self-sufficient, raising chickens and ducks at home, eggs in the nests, fish in the water, vegetables in the yard, rice in the fields. Most families hardly spend more than a hundred yuan a month going outside. Aunt Lu charging you 600 is already quite generous. Hee hee, your aunt wouldn’t make a loss herself, would she!”
Land Auntie wasn't greedy either; she mainly felt a sense of familiarity towards Lin Meng. Her own son was about the same age as Lin Meng, so in her heart, she treated Lin Meng like a half-daughter. Besides, since Lin Meng was going to be living there permanently, it was much better than having those outsiders rent for ten or half a month! For one month, Land Auntie had fixed the price at 600 yuan.
Lin dreamt that Mrs. Lu insisted on doing this, so she smiled and agreed. Mrs. Lu immediately led her to a room that had been cleaned early in the morning. The room was sunny with windows on both sides, making it comfortable just by looking at it. It was also conveniently located on the first floor, which made it easy for Lin Meng to come and go. In late autumn, the warm sun slanted into the house, making it feel warm inside. Looking at it made people feel particularly comfortable and warm in their hearts.
Lu's aunt went out and told Lin Meng to pour some hot water for her, and let her sit down and rest for a while so she wouldn't get tired. Lin Meng plopped down on the bed, her small hand caressing the soft bedding underneath her, and finally smiled with ease.
Throughout the journey, she was anxious and felt like a kite with a broken string, drifting aimlessly. Jiang Xiaohe's people helped her out of J City, and for the next five days, she walked alone. Her decision to come to Qing'an Town was somewhat hasty. When she first got off the bus, she felt a little uneasy, unsure if she could settle down here. Now that she had finally settled in, found a place to live, and met such kind people, she felt a sense of relief.
Lowering her head, she rubbed her still-flat stomach and smiled foolishly. She spoke in a soft, gentle voice.
"Baby, from now on this will be our home, are you happy!"
The journey was bumpy, but thanks to Jiang Xiaoxiao's preparation of a thick, soft cushion, she was able to cushion herself and minimize the discomfort. At the same time, the little one in her belly was strong and stayed tightly inside, refusing to come out. They finally made it here. It seems like the baby is destined to be hers, no matter how difficult or tiring the journey, it's staying with her.
"Hee hee…"
She chuckled.
As she listened to the same laughter rising, she looked up and saw Aunt Lu standing at the doorway, holding a water glass, smiling at her as she caressed her belly. Her gaze was kind, her eyes brimming with the same tenderness that comes from being a mother.
Steam rose from the top of the cup, warm and inviting. It looked so cozy!
Her heart was set!
In the evening, I met Lu Youdao, the son of Aunt Lu. He was a clean and tidy young man with the fair skin of someone from the south, like a little scholar. He wasn't very tall, about the same height as Lin Meng. But boys develop later, he still has several years of growing to do. His eyes were bright and when he smiled, two cute little tiger teeth showed. He seemed to be a cheerful young man. The hardship and upheaval of his family didn't seem to have broken him! Perhaps, he had a good mother who guided him all the way, allowing him to grow up healthily.
"Hurry up and call Sister Mu Xi!" Aunt Lu laughed from the side and patted Lu Youdao on the back of the head.
Lin Meng didn't dare to use her real name, instead opting for the pseudonym "Mu Xi." She broke down her name, and in the end, there was only a "Mu" and an "Xi," thus giving her this name. Lin Meng thought it sounded quite nice, and she liked it herself. Of course, not revealing her true name was to evade pursuit from those with ill intentions. She also kept her hair long for years because of this. With a deep breath, she spent 5 yuan at an inconspicuous roadside shop and had it all cut off in one go. Long hair and short hair could sometimes bring about significant changes in a person. She didn't have the money for fancy makeup products to transform herself, so she could only make do with what she had.
She looked at her own reflection in the mirror, comparing it to how she used to look. There was a big difference, and if you didn't get close enough to really examine her face, you might easily miss it.
But she is beautiful!
Naturally beautiful, she could not bear to abandon her beauty!
Although Lu Youdao had been online and seen many beautiful women, he had never seen one as pure and unadorned as Lin Meng. Seeing her face for the first time, his cheeks flushed red, and he smiled sheepishly, a hint of shyness in his expression.
Lu's aunt, seeing this, chuckled and unceremoniously exposed Lu Youdao's true colors. "Mu Xi, don't be shy with my little nephew in the future. This child is tough as nails. He's just a bit shy and reserved when he first meets people, but once he warms up to you, he'll become a hyperactive monkey!"
Lin Meng heard, and giggled along.
Lu Youdao blushed sheepishly and giggled awkwardly. His eyes, however, couldn't help but sneakily glance at Lin Meng's direction. He and He Ya. Those who were clever and had experience navigating within powerful families, especially those with unmarried daughters, could almost easily guess at the twists and turns hidden beneath...