Jingxia Rose

Chapter 96: The Date

Wen Qi followed her to the backyard, raised his hand to cover his mouth, and coughed lightly, "My second aunt is a bit too hospitable, so she's a bit too..."

Ji Xian paused for a moment upon hearing this, then interrupted, "I don't dislike my second aunt. I know she's only being so enthusiastic because she likes me."

She paused, frowned, and asked, "You think I gave you those meaningful glances because I disliked your second aunt?"

"No," Wen Qi replied.

Ji Xuan didn't know why he thought that way. Clearly, the two of them sometimes thought on different wavelengths.

But she felt she needed to clarify this issue, "I just feel a little uncomfortable, after all, we broke up so long ago... Does my second aunt not know about this?"

Upon hearing the slightly harsh words "breakup," Wen Qi's thin lips pressed into a straight line once again.

His voice was slightly deep, "I know."

Ji Xuan was taken aback, but quickly realized it from their attitude.

They just want to bring her and Wen Qi back together again.

“Wen Qi… what I told you last time was the truth.” Ji Xian pondered for a moment before speaking slowly.

Sometimes love can turn into fear and withdrawal.

Because they have loved, given, and still have expectations, they often feel apprehensive and afraid when they get close to what they once wanted most.

However, it must be said that Wen Qi's recent actions have indeed calmed her down considerably.

But that hesitation and lingering feeling remains.

People who have never been treated with care or truly loved will always push others away to prove how much the other person cares and how important they are to the other person.

This approach is pretentious and childish.

But it is the most effective.

Ji Xian didn't even know when Wen Qi had developed feelings for her, or what place Ruan Zheng held in his heart now.
She didn't even have the courage to ask, because the repeated experiences she had had made her afraid of the answers she would get from him.

For the first twenty-six years, she lived at home, carefully watching her second uncle and aunt's expressions, and with Wen Qi, she also carefully cherished this already rugged and dull relationship.

She didn't have much, so when she grasped these beautiful things, she was reluctant to let go.

It could be said that at this moment, a door had already been built in her heart.

If Wen Qi wants to enter this door again, she must push it open again and again, and dispel all her doubts before she can obtain a pass.

It's quite troublesome.

But this is the only way.

Wen Qi said in a hoarse voice, "I know. Ji Xian, I'm doing it, I'm trying."

The sun was shining brightly near noon, and the temperature was quite high. Ji Xian felt that he might have been wearing too many clothes, as he was feeling a bit hot. He was also feeling dizzy from the sun, so he simply looked away and walked towards the pavilion not far away.

As Wen Qi watched her retreating figure, he suddenly recalled the company team building event when he took Ruan Zheng to the meeting point because she was injured.

That figure looked forlorn and lonely.

It was early summer, a beautiful day with lush trees and a clear blue sky, yet he felt inexplicably desolate.

It felt as if I were trapped in a desert.

Ji Xuan sat in the pavilion for about ten minutes, then felt it wasn't good to stay out too long, so he went back inside.

Around lunchtime, Wen Jingyan also returned.

If there are guests at home, they are usually not in the dining room, but in another hall with a round table.

With my second aunt and the others around, the atmosphere at the dinner party became even more harmonious. Plus, with the little imp Can Can around, it was incredibly lively.

"It's more lively in a family when there's a child."

Sui Yi's eyes held a hint of envy.

Aside from her career, her life has been relatively smooth sailing, but her children's marriages have not been so successful.

Although she was an adopted daughter, to her, she was no different from her own.

Now, like her, he's injured his leg and can no longer dance, and his marriage has even broken down. And his youngest son!

It's so hard to even win over a wife.

Her wish to hold her grandchildren is extremely far away!

My second aunt said with a smile, "Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. If you don't have children and grandchildren, why are you in such a hurry? When it's your turn to hold them, you'll have to hold them."

As she spoke, she glanced at Wen Qi and Ji Xuan, intentionally or unintentionally.

Sui Yi smiled and nodded, "That makes sense."

Now she only hopes that Wen Qi can live up to expectations and bring his daughter-in-law back first.

While they were talking about their children and grandchildren, Wen Qi on the other side paid no attention to their conversation and was instead focused on serving food to Ji Xuan.

Would you like steamed fish?

Ji Xian shook his head, and Wen Qi asked again, "Would you like some white soup?"

Seeing Ji Xian nod, he leaned over and handed her a cup, instructing her, "Be careful, it's hot, drink slowly."

Look at how worthless he looks.

Sui Yi chuckled, and fearing that Ji Xian might feel awkward or reject the topic, she simply changed the subject.

After having lunch and resting for about an hour, my second aunt and her daughter-in-law got up to say goodbye.

Before leaving, she held Ji Xian's hand and said, "Come visit our house with Wen Qi sometime. Your second aunt is waiting for you at home."

Ji Xian should neither agree nor disagree.

Wen Qiwen readily agreed, "Don't worry, Second Aunt, we will definitely come to bother you and Uncle when we have time."

"Bye-bye, Uncle and Aunt."

Can Can was being held by her mother, her big, grape-like eyes crinkling with laughter, and her chubby little hands waving to them.

After seeing them off, Ji Xian sat in the living room for a while. Just as he was about to get up to say goodbye, Sui Yi said, "Ah Xian, you've been back in Beijing for a few days now. Haven't you had a proper chance to explore yet?"

"Ok?"

Ji Xian raised his voice, seemingly unaware of what was going on.

Ruan Zheng immediately chimed in, "Wen Qi is free today, and the weather is nice, so why don't you have him accompany you around? I heard that several good movies are showing today, you can go check them out too."

The intention to bring them together was practically written out in bold calligraphy.

She only came to her senses after the car drove out of the old house's courtyard.

They tricked me into getting on their 'pirate ship' with just a few words.

Where would you like to go for a stroll?

Ji Xuan looked at him upon hearing the voice, his gaze calm, but his brows were already furrowed. "You're asking me?"

Upon hearing this, Wen Qi raised his hand to cover his mouth, "Let's go to Zhongling Street. There are plenty of shopping malls, cinemas, and shops there."

Ji Xian didn't say anything.

This was probably the first time they'd ever met... well, if you don't count the fireworks show on New Year's Eve, it was definitely their first proper date.

But it's clear that Wen Qi, a straightforward guy, is completely at a loss when it comes to dating.

I don't know exactly what to do.

After parking the car, the two walked into the shopping district, and Wen Qi asked her if she wanted to drink milk tea.
Ji Xian shook his head, then asked, "Would you like some snacks?"

He received another rejection, so he looked around and asked, "Want to see a movie?"

Ji Xian pursed her lips and looked him straight in the eye. "Wen Qi, you don't need to be so forced and deliberate. If it was your aunt and Sister Ruan Zheng who asked you to come, actually..."

"I wasn't forced to come, nor did they compel me to. I came of my own free will."

Wen Qi licked his slightly dry lips. "It's also something I want to change myself. I'm a very boring and dull person. I don't have any other interests besides work. I'm not good at dating either, but I'll learn and try my best not to make you feel bored or dull."