Huayu 2021: Isn’t he in the technology field?

Chapter 467 The Person Who Once Needed Protection the Most
8:30 a.m.

The mountain road was still cool from the night before. Jiang Qing drove smoothly down the mountain and soon merged into the increasingly busy morning rush hour traffic in Beijing.

Zhang Jingyi curled up in the passenger seat, draped in Jiang Qing's coat, watching the street scenes rushing past the window. Her face showed a hint of exhaustion after the indulgence, but her eyes were bright and revealed visible joy.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated rapidly. When she picked it up, she saw that it was Fangfang calling.

"My little darling! You finally answered the phone!"

As soon as the call connected, Fangfang's voice came through urgently.

"The internet is in an uproar right now, everyone's guessing where you went last night. What do we do now? The studio is preparing to release a statement saying that you're too tired from running around for promotional events and need to rest for a day. You'll meet up with the 'Unfamiliar Road' team on time tomorrow. What do you think?"

"Hmm~"

Zhang Jingyi yawned slightly, her tone casual.

"Okay, let's send it like that."

Fangfang hesitated for a moment on the other end of the phone, then lowered her voice.

"Um... Jingyi, are you... are you with President Jiang right now? The company... wants to know the situation."

Her tone was tentative and cautious, even though she was already fairly certain of the situation.

Yesterday, my little artist only told me that she was going to have dinner with Jiang Qing, but she didn't return to the hotel all night, didn't reply to messages, and didn't answer the phone. The answer is obvious.

Zhang Jingyi glanced at Jiang Qing, who was driving, and was about to give a vague reply when Jiang Qing looked straight ahead and spoke in a calm tone.

Tell them they're with me. It's okay.

His voice wasn't loud, but it was loud enough for Fangfang on the other end of the phone to hear clearly.

Fangfang immediately seemed to have received a royal decree, and her tone instantly became relaxed.

"Yes, Mr. Jiang! I understand! Don't worry, boss, I know how to communicate with the company, and the statement will be handled properly!"

She assured me with absolute certainty.

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Jingyi looked at Jiang Qing and smiled.

"President Jiang, why are you being so unreserved in public?"

Jiang Qing held the steering wheel with one hand and casually rested the other hand on the window sill, looking relaxed.

"It's just a fact, and it's easy for them to handle."

"Oh, Mr. Jiang is right!"

Zhang Jingyi deliberately dragged out the last syllable, then smiled brightly and happily shook her head.

Jiang Qing looked at her, said nothing, but her smile widened.

Instead of heading to Panhai Shijia, he drove into the Lijing Garden villa area.

The environment here is quieter and offers better privacy.

Jiang Qing parked the car, and the two of them went inside one after the other, temporarily shutting out the noise from the outside world.

Shortly after, Zhang Jingyi's studio released an official statement, which was exactly the same as what Fangfang said, emphasizing the hard work of artists working non-stop and their need for a short rest.

After the statement was released, public opinion was guided, with most netizens expressing understanding, since there were no subsequent concrete photos or videos to prove it.

However, the coincidental timing still sparked a lot of discussion, with many netizens still having doubts, feeling that there must be something between the two, but it just hasn't been photographed yet.

Entertainment bloggers naturally wouldn't miss this hot topic, and they all jumped in to list the female stars who had close relationships with Jiang Qing, turning the comment section into a battleground for the fans of several groups.

"As expected, only we, [Jiangzhou Fishing Lights], are genuine! Our destiny, which began in Peach Blossom Village, has been semi-publicly acknowledged; who doesn't know?"

"Hilarious! Haven't you noticed there haven't been any photos of them together lately? Our [Artistic Love] is the real deal, okay? How did Sister Meng get the movie role in 'All for One'? Don't some people know the answer?"

"Are you kidding me? 'The Long Season' will be broadcast at the end of the month. It's directed and produced by the same team as 'The Hidden Corner.' I don't need to say who Jiang Shen favors, right? Ye Zi is also in 'All or Nothing,' it's just that her age is a problem, so your idol got the benefit!"

"Our Dudu and Jiang Shen have more in common, and you guys don't think it's just a coincidence that someone like Jiang Shen is participating in Running Man, do you? It's obviously for Dudu's sake!"

"Wake up, everyone upstairs! Li Xun and Zhu Yun in the drama, and their surprise appearance at a promotional event and suspected spending the night together—isn't that solid proof? 【Ming Yun Xun Huan】is the perfect couple! Our Xiao Zhang's vibrant energy and boundless vitality are exactly the type Jiang Shen likes!"

"Keep Running" will premiere in a few days, let's see if you're still so stubborn!"

"Heh... Xiao Tian just smiles without saying a word, watching you all have your fun..."

The fans of several factions were arguing fiercely, each believing that their supporter was the only one who knew the truth, making for quite a scene.

Given Zhang Jingyi's studio's statement and the fact that no subsequent photos of them together have surfaced, most bystanders, while finding it suspicious, can only temporarily accept this plausible explanation. However, the "Mingyun Xunhuan" CP fans firmly believe that their CP has become a reality and completely disregard Zhang Jingyi's studio's statement.

The various comment sections are still buzzing with discussion, but the focus has already quietly shifted.

Half past ten in the morning.

Jiang Nan, who had just finished a macroeconomics class, walked out of the teaching building of the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University with the flow of people.

She took out her phone, which was on silent, unlocked the screen, and various notifications popped up instantly.

Unsurprisingly, she saw her brother and Zhang Jingyi's names trending on the hot search list again.

Jiang Nan frowned slightly, a hint of helplessness on her face, and muttered under her breath with her puffed-out cheeks.

"Brother, you're really something...aren't you afraid the other sisters will see!"

Even now, she still feels powerless to accept her brother's chaotic love life.

The image of her once omnipotent and perfect brother has been greatly diminished.

Ha... men, pshaw!
Just as Jiang Nan was about to put her phone back in her pocket, a new message notification suddenly popped up.

Upon seeing the sender's name, Jiang Nan blinked in surprise, held the phone up to her face, and checked it twice.

It's Zhou Ye.

My heart skipped a beat for no reason, and I instantly felt uneasy.

The image of Zhou Ye curled up in bed after discovering the truth in Luyang, his pitiful appearance still bringing tears to his eyes in his sleep, involuntarily came to mind.

The impact of that experience remains vivid in her memory to this day.

If Jiang Qing weren't her own brother, she would definitely punch him away!
Scumbag!

Facing this woman who was once the closest to her and the one she trusted the most, Jiang Nan felt an indescribable sense of guilt and a lack of confidence, always feeling that her brother owed her something.

But her hesitation lasted only a moment; she immediately opened the message and quickly replied.

Zhou Ye: "Nannan, are you at school? I'll be at the east gate of Shuimu around 2 PM. Is it convenient for us to meet?"

Jiang Nan: "Sister Xiaoye! I'm here! It's convenient! East Gate at 2 PM, I'll be there on time!"

After replying to the message, Jiang Nan held her phone, her heart pounding with anxiety, unable to guess Zhou Ye's purpose in suddenly coming to see her.

After Luyang, they never contacted each other again.

At 1:40 pm, Jiang Nan went back to her dormitory to change her clothes, tidied herself up a bit, and practiced a natural smile in front of the mirror a few times before heading towards the east gate ahead of time.

She jogged along and saw a slender figure in a red dress standing outside the East Gate in the distance.

The figure stood out among the passersby, and people would occasionally slow down to steal a glance, clearly recognizing the person.

Zhou Ye wore a simple white shirt today, paired with a bright red dress, which made her skin look even whiter.

Her slightly wavy long hair was casually draped over her shoulders, her face was adorned with delicate makeup, and a faint smile played on her lips as she gazed in her direction.

The sunlight shone on her, making her look radiant and beautiful, a stark contrast to her disheveled and tearful appearance in Luyang last time.

Jiang Nan was taken aback and slowed her pace.

The Zhou Ye before her was strikingly beautiful, her flamboyant radiance almost unrecognizable to Zhou Ye.

Until Zhou Ye smiled, raised his hand, waved it vigorously, and shouted in a clear voice.

"Nan Nan!"

Jiang Nan finally snapped out of her daze and quickly ran to meet him, a sweet smile on her face.

"Sister Ono! You arrived first!"

Zhou Ye naturally reached out and gently hugged her before letting go, his gaze lingering on her face, his tone filled with familiar intimacy.

"Yes, I came to see you. Our Nannan seems to have become even more beautiful."

"Nowhere."

Jiang Nan smiled and took Zhou Ye's arm. "Sister Xiao Ye, you look so beautiful today! It really brings out your elegance!"

"Thank you."

Zhou Ye accepted the praise readily and let Jiang Nan hold his arm.

"Shall we go find a place to sit down?"

"Okay, I know a coffee shop nearby. It's quite nice and quiet."

Jiang Nan nodded quickly and took Zhou Ye's arm as they walked out of the school.

Throughout the journey, Jiang Nan would occasionally steal glances at Zhou Ye beside her out of the corner of her eye.

She discovered that Zhou Ye had really changed.

It's not about appearance, but the aura that emanates from within.

In the past, Zhou Ye was like a sweet gummy candy, with clear eyes and an innocent and naive charm.

Now, her smile is still sweet, but there is something in her eyes, like a calm and aloofness that has settled after experiencing storms. When she doesn't smile, the look that used to be just "fierce" now seems to have been internalized into a barrier that makes her difficult to approach.

This discovery made Jiang Nan sigh inwardly.

The coffee shop wasn't far; it only took about ten minutes to get there.

The two sat down by the window in the cafe and each ordered something.

Zhou Ye gently stirred the latte in his cup with a small spoon, glanced at Jiang Nan who looked a little awkward across from him, and smiled knowingly.

"Nannan, the reason I came here is actually to ask you for a favor."

Jiang Nan's heart tightened, and she immediately sat up straight.

"Sister Ono, please tell me! If there's anything I can do to help, I definitely will!"

She was mentally prepared that whether Zhou Ye came to question her brother about his recent situation or to vent his emotions, she would listen obediently.

Never fight back when hit, never talk back when insulted!
Zhou Ye looked at Jiang Nan's anxious yet composed expression and suddenly chuckled softly.

"Nannan, don't be nervous. Your brother is your brother, and you are you. I've always thought of you as my little sister."

She put down the spoon, looked directly at Jiang Nan, and the smile on her face slowly faded.

"Nan Nan."

The sound was soft, but clear.

"I want to know, besides the few I met in Luyang last time, who else is there that I don't know about? I want to hear the truth."

Jiang Nan was taken aback by the question, and her fingers unconsciously tightened around the coffee cup.

She lowered her eyes, staring at the brown liquid swirling in the glass, and hesitated for a few seconds before speaking.

"Sister Ono, actually... I don't see my brother that often, and I rarely ask about his love life."

After a pause, looking at Zhou Ye who was still staring intently at her, Jiang Nan lowered her voice even further.

"A while ago, my brother brought my sister Zhao Jinmai to have dinner with me..."

Zhou Ye's eyelashes trembled slightly, but he didn't interrupt her.

Jiang Nan secretly glanced at Zhou Ye's expression, then quickly lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the rim of the cup.

"Then……"

She became hesitant and stammering.

"besides……"

Zhou Ye looked at Jiang Nan's conflicted expression and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Your brother and I are already like this, what else can't we know? Tell me."

Jiang Nan thought it made sense, took a deep breath, and made up her mind.

“Last year, Sister Churan spent the Spring Festival at our house.”

These words struck Zhou Ye like a heavy hammer blow to the chest.

Her face turned pale instantly, and her fingers clenched the hem of her skirt tightly.

She lowered her head, breathing heavily, her long hair falling down and obscuring her profile, revealing only her rapidly heaving shoulders.

Jiang Nan leaned forward worriedly, her eyes filled with concern.

"Sister Ono, are you alright?"

After a long while, Zhou Ye slowly raised his head.

Her face had regained its composure, and a smile had returned, though it looked somewhat forced.

"I am fine."

She responded softly, then her expression turned serious as she looked directly into Jiang Nan's eyes.

"Nannan, I need your help."

"What kind of help do you need? Tell me, Ono-neechan."

Jiang Nan nodded quickly.

Zhou Ye smiled, his tone relaxed and natural.

“I’ll be in Beijing soon, you can tell him this.”

Jiang Nan immediately nodded like a chick pecking at rice.

"no problem."

"Thank you, Nan Nan."

Zhou Ye smiled, his eyes crinkling, and his face suddenly brightened, as if the heaviness he had just felt had never existed.

She picked up the menu and flipped through it with great interest, muttering to herself.

"The desserts here look delicious, shall we try some?"

"Ah? Okay?"

Jiang Nan responded slowly, looking bewildered.

In the time that followed, Zhou Ye never mentioned Jiang Qing again. Instead, he chatted enthusiastically with Jiang Nan about the latest fashion trends, shared the delicious food he had discovered, and occasionally let out a clear laugh.

Jiang Nan noticed that although Zhou Ye would still squint his eyes when he smiled, the smile rarely truly reached his eyes.

Her gaze would occasionally drift to the window, carrying a hint of wistful melancholy.

Two hours later, the two said goodbye at the entrance of the coffee shop.

"Sister Ono, I'll head back to school now."

Jiang Nan waved to Zhou Ye with a smile.

"Go back now, let's meet again sometime."

Zhou Ye stood by the roadside, her red dress fluttering gently in the breeze, her smile radiant.

Jiang Nan turned and walked towards the school, unable to resist glancing back once more.

Zhou Ye remained standing in the same spot, the setting sun casting a long shadow over her.

She tilted her head slightly, gazing at the distant city skyline of towering buildings; the lines of her profile appeared somewhat thin in the afterglow.

At that moment, Jiang Nan suddenly understood something.

She looked at Zhou Ye's straight back, bit her lower lip, and a hint of worry appeared in her eyes.

My mind was in turmoil; I felt sorry for Zhou Ye, but also uneasy about what might happen.

She didn't know what Zhou Ye planned to do, nor did she know how her brother would respond.

All she knew was that her brother's comfortable life seemed about to be disrupted.

This time, the one who took the initiative was Ono-neechan, who once seemed to be the one most in need of protection.

(End of this chapter)