Xiang Qin stayed at home for a few days and gradually became familiar with the place. Occasionally, she would go downstairs for a stroll or go to the vegetable shop or supermarket at the entrance of the community to buy things.

Everything is getting better; they no longer need to hide, and their lives are back on track.

Zhou Jingchen comes here almost every day, and he stays here for lunch or dinner.

At the dinner table, he and Wenxi sat facing each other. She would secretly lift her foot and deliberately brush against his trouser leg, her eyes provocative, making his blood rush and his whole body burn with desire.

While Xiang Qin was in the kitchen or in her room, the two of them immediately kissed passionately. When they heard the noise, they quickly separated and calmly returned to their original seats.

This sneaky feeling is quite exciting.

Zhou Jingchen always indulged her, which gradually made her revert to her former spoiled nature, and she became more and more fond of "bullying" him.

When Xiang Qin asked her to sweep the floor, she ordered Zhou Jingchen to do it; when Xiang Qin asked her to help get a plate, she nudged him with her elbow and pushed him to run errands.

Once, Xiang Qin made a plate of sweet and sour pork ribs. No matter which piece he picked up with his chopsticks, her chopsticks would precisely intercept it, with a sly smile on her face, deliberately preventing him from eating it.

Xiang Qin couldn't stand it and flicked her on the head, "How can you bully your younger brother when you're so old?"

"You have no idea how he bullied me..." Wenxi covered her head, glaring angrily at the man opposite her.

Zhou Jingchen's handsome face was slightly curved with his peach blossom eyes, and he lowered his chin and chuckled silently.

"I've never seen him bully you. You've always been the one bullying Jingchen since we were little." Xiang Qin pushed the plate of sweet and sour pork ribs in front of Zhou Jingchen and said to Wen Xi, "You're supposed to be the older sister, how come you don't act like one at all?"

Wenxi snorted and protested, "Mom, you're so biased."

......

Before the Lunar New Year, Jiang Qi arranged two GG endorsement shoots for Wenxi, and postponed the rest until after the New Year.

A well-known singer invited her to star in his new song's music video, the Linshen City Song and Dance Theater extended an olive branch to her, the Spring Festival Gala director once again extended an invitation to the Lantern Festival Gala, and various GG brands, large and small, across the country also came to her door wanting her to be their spokesperson. Jiang Qi screened and connected with them one by one.

Meanwhile, on several major domestic forums, Zhou Jingchen's anonymous article, "Bad Fairy Tale: Seven Years of a Girl's Rebirth from Adversity," was widely forwarded and discussed.

Wenxi's fame has skyrocketed, and he is currently enjoying great popularity.

The heated discussions among netizens have flooded the screen:

"So that's the truth!"

"Those keyboard warriors who criticize her, take a good look!"

"It's heartbreaking to see a girl shoulder everything after her family's decline."

"After watching the Luoshen Cup competition, her skill level is truly top-notch!"

"I just started following her, and she's absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful inside and out, I'm a fan now!"

"Resilient and dazzling, like a flower blooming on a cliff—this is the kind of idol worth following!"

"I ran into her on the street with my classmates yesterday. We went up to say hello, and she even bought us hot drinks. She's so kind!"

……

Lu Xiaobao sat in front of the computer and liked every single post praising Wenxi.

"Xiao Bao, dinner's ready." Lu Yuanyuan knocked on her bedroom door.

Today is Sunday, and her son is back. Lu Yuanyuan specially prepared a table full of delicious dishes, including steamed turbot, garlic shrimp, steamed pork ribs, and two refreshing vegetarian dishes.

She placed a piece of steamed pork ribs into Zhou Jingchen's bowl. Zhou Jingchen took a bite, and the meat was tender and juicy, with a savory and delicious flavor.

"Mom, can I pack some of this food to go?" he suddenly asked.

Lu Yuanyuan was taken aback and asked in confusion, "Why are you packing it up? We can eat it now."

"I'm going to visit Wenxi on Tonghuai Street in a bit..."

She was filming GG there today.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yuanyuan's lips immediately curved into a smile: "Okay, Mom will pack it for you right away."

As she spoke, she turned around and went to the kitchen to get a lunchbox. In addition to the steamed pork ribs, she also filled the box with some of each of the other dishes, making it a full container.

She placed the lunchbox on the table, looked at Zhou Jingchen, and said earnestly:

"Jingchen, Mom thinks it's time to go see your Aunt Xiang. She's been discharged from the hospital now, and ultimately, it's up to us parents to decide on your relationship with Wenxi. Your dad and I will visit her sometime and discuss your marriage plans."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jingchen's chopsticks trembled, and he almost dropped the food in his bowl.

"Don't go yet."

Lu Yuanyuan and Lu Xiaobao both looked at him.

Lu Yuanyuan asked, "Why?"

He sighed softly, "Aunt Xiang doesn't know about my sister and me yet; my sister told me not to tell anyone."

"So you two..." Lu Yuanyuan started to speak, but Xiao Bao interrupted her, "Brother, hasn't your sister-in-law accepted you yet?"

These words were like a grain of sand, grinding into Zhou Jingchen's heart, making him feel a little uncomfortable.

He explained, "No, it's mainly because Aunt Xiang was just discharged from the hospital not long ago, and I'm afraid she won't be able to accept it all at once."

Xiao Bao frowned: "Oh, in the end, it's because your sister-in-law doesn't want to. If she truly accepted you from the bottom of her heart, why would she hide it from Aunt Xiang? Brother, you don't understand women at all. Let me tell you, your sister-in-law is so popular now, she must have tons of suitors, she has plenty of choices..."

As Zhou Jingchen heard the rest of the conversation, his voice grew increasingly faint. A sense of unease welled up inside him, and a feeling of uncertainty and fear began to spread.

Xiao Bao regretted his quick tongue after saying those words and wished he could slap himself.

She went back to school today, and before leaving, she planned to ask Zhou Jingchen for some money, but he refused to give it to her this time.

She's as petty as a sesame seed.

-

In the afternoon, Zhou Jingchen drove to Tonghuai Street with his lunchbox in hand.

Wenxi is currently shooting photos and videos for a snack factory. The studio is bustling with people, including factory staff and a professional camera team.

The girl stood under the dazzling spotlight, wearing a red skirt and a soft white sweater, her hair tied in a cute bun, holding a festive Chinese knot pendant in her hand, striking various lively and adorable poses under the guidance of the cameraman.

Zhou Jingchen waited for more than ten minutes until the filming was interrupted. As soon as Wenxi stepped down from in front of the camera, he smiled and stepped forward.

Before he could even take a step, a familiar figure walked up to Wenxi's side a step ahead of him.

It is Liang Yanting.

What is he doing here?

Zhou Jingchen stopped in his tracks, his gaze fixed intently on Liang Yanting, who was holding Wenxi's pink thermos and handing it to her.

Wenxi smiled and took it, then lowered her head and took a few sips. Afterward, the two walked to a quiet corner of the shed where there were fewer people and whispered something to each other.

Why do you have to say this in private, away from everyone else?

Xiao Bao's words echoed in my ears again: "Your sister-in-law is so popular now, there are so many people pursuing her, and she has so many more choices..."

A ringing in his ears caused Zhou Jingchen's knuckles to turn white as he gripped the lunchbox, his knuckles bulging.

Why doesn't your sister want Aunt Xiang to know about their relationship? Is she really just worried about Aunt Xiang's health and afraid she won't be able to handle it?

She planned to keep it a secret and have an affair with him in front of Aunt Xiang.

Wasn't he her only option?

Why is she always surrounded by so many men? They're like flies, impossible to get rid of. It's so annoying!

Zhou Jingchen stood still, his gaze fixed on the two people not far away, finally settling on their clasped hands.

His jawline was taut, and his dark pupils were churning with intense emotions, a mixture of jealousy and unease.

Dressed in a sharp business suit, Liang Yanting's posture appeared even more upright. He looked into Wenxi's eyes, his tone filled with regret:

"No matter what, I still want to apologize to you. The public opinion was so intense before that Jinxiufang had to announce the termination of the cooperation in order to protect the brand. I'm sorry about that."

If he had held on a little longer and persevered until Wenxi turned the tide, Jinxiufang might have gained even more goodwill as a result.

Wenxi smiled faintly: "President Liang, you flatter me. I don't blame you. Jinxiufang is the result of your mother's hard work. You made the right choice back then. If I were in your shoes, I would have done the same."

"I cannot hold a grudge against you for not choosing me. You simply chose something more important to you."

She has always been sensible, and she knew perfectly well why Liang Yanting had come to explain in person.

Liang Yanting: "I was wondering if it would be alright if you continued to be the spokesperson for our Jinxiufang?"

"Of course." Wen Xi's smile remained unchanged. "President Liang can have someone coordinate with my agent, Ms. Jiang Qi, afterwards."

In short, it drew a clear line in private, implying that there was no need for further private contact.

The man opposite him slumped his shoulders slightly, gave a gentle smile, and politely extended his hand: "Okay, then... goodbye."

After he turned and left, Wenxi looked up and caught sight of Zhou Jingchen standing not far away.

The man was tall and slender, wearing a beige sweater under a crisp gray overcoat. His arms hung at his sides, each hand carrying a thermal lunchbox. His dark eyes were deep and unfathomable, and his gentle yet handsome appearance held a sharp edge, exuding a cold and aloof aura.

Wenxi's eyes immediately lit up with a smile, like a happy kitten, and she quickly ran to him: "Why did you come here?"

Zhou Jingchen concealed his emotions and said softly, "I came to see you and brought you some food."

Her eyes sparkled: "Wow, I'm actually hungry!"

After saying that, she grabbed his sleeve and pulled him into a quiet dressing room.

As Zhou Jingchen opened the lunchbox, he asked, "Is Jiang Qi not here today?"

"She went to Wanxing Building to discuss a collaboration, and will pick me up later after filming." Wenxi stood next to a small sink and turned on the tap.

After she washed her hands, Zhou Jingchen handed her chopsticks and said gently, "Eat."

The warm food in the lunchbox smelled delicious. She wiped her hands, sat down on the stool, and began to enjoy her meal.

Zhou Jingchen sat beside her, his arm naturally resting on the back of the chair behind her, half-encircling her in his arms.

He asked casually, "What does Liang Yanting want with you?"

"Apologize." Wenxi said indistinctly, without looking up, her mouth stuffed with something.

"Apologize?" Zhou Jingchen raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.

"Yes, because of the termination of the cooperation with Jinxiufang, they said they wanted me to continue being their spokesperson."

"You agreed?" He gently twirled a strand of hair that had fallen beside her cheek with his long, slender fingertips.

Wenxi stuffed a piece of pork rib into her mouth, puffed out her cheeks, and said, "I didn't agree directly. I told him to find someone to liaise with Jiang Qi."

She licked her lips, which were still wet with sauce, her eyes crinkling into crescents, and murmured, "These ribs are so delicious!"

Looking at her charmingly naive appearance, Zhou Jingchen raised an eyebrow and smiled, then lowered his head to kiss her greasy little lips:

"If you like it, I'll ask your mother-in-law to make it for you again next time..."

"How dirty! I'm eating. Can you please stop kissing me?" She raised her hand and pinched his thin lips, not noticing what he had just said.

The man gently licked her fingertip, his smile deep: "Where on you haven't I kissed?"

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