He wants to adopt a younger sister, but his aloof wife disagrees.

To avoid being recognized and causing congestion at the beginning, she deliberately wore a white baseball cap and a pair of large black-rimmed glasses to cover half of her face.

Immediately afterwards, Shen Qingge also got out of the car.

The moment she stood still, the air around her seemed to freeze for two seconds.

That aura of someone who has long held a high position, that elegance and nobility that emanates from their very bones, instantly created a crushing defeat, even in Jiangnan University, where beauties abound.

Many passing boys stared in disbelief, and even girls couldn't help but stop in their tracks.

"My goodness, who is that lady? She's so elegant!"

"Is he a freshman? No way, he looks like a celebrity!"

"That bag... a Hermès Himalaya? Really?"

Finally, the passenger door opened.

Jiang Che got down.

He went around to the trunk, lifted the three huge suitcases with one hand, as easily as if he were carrying three balls of cotton.

He walked over to Shen Qingge and Su Xiaoruan, naturally placing one hand on Shen Qingge's waist while pulling the suitcase with the other, and said in a low voice:

"There are many people, stay close to me."

This stunningly good-looking family of three completely ignited the surrounding discussion.

"That guy is so handsome! Is he a senior from which department?"

"What senior?! Judging by his aura, he's definitely a domineering CEO!"

"Wait... that girl in the hat... she looks kind of familiar?"

Su Xiaoruan pulled her hat down low, clung tightly to Jiang Che's arm, and whispered, "Brother, let's go! We'll be in big trouble if we're recognized!"

Jiang Che nodded slightly, took long strides, and like an icebreaker, cleared a path for the two women in the crowded throng.

His expression was calm and indifferent, his gaze unwavering, seemingly oblivious to the astonished, inquisitive, and envious glances around him. His entire focus was on the people around him, constantly vigilant to prevent anyone from bumping into them.

As a century-old prestigious university, Jianghai University naturally offers special treatment to exceptional talents.

As a "star freshman" who entered the performing arts department with the highest score in her professional courses, Su Xiaoruan was not assigned to a regular four-person dormitory, but instead moved into the "international student/graduate student apartment" located in the north area of ​​the campus.

The environment here is quiet and peaceful, with rooms for two people, each equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and a small balcony.

Su Xiaoruan's roommates haven't arrived yet.

Pushing open the door, the room, though small, was clean, bright, and had excellent natural light.

"not bad."

Jiang Che looked around and nodded: "Although it's a bit smaller than my home, it has everything I need."

He put down his suitcase, and without taking a break, immediately rolled up his sleeves and started working.

"Qingge, you and Xiaoruan go wipe the table, I'll clean the air conditioner and the bed."

Jiang Che skillfully removed the air conditioner filter, took a rag, and went into the bathroom to wash it. Shen Qingge was somewhat mesmerized by his practiced skill.

She leaned against the door frame, watching the man diligently scrubbing the filter by the pool.

His back was broad, and the muscles in his arms bulged slightly with each movement. The sound of rushing water filled the air, and sunlight shone on his profile, outlining his prominent nose.

Who would have thought that this man, worth trillions and who wields immense influence in the international financial markets, is kneeling on the ground, busy like an ordinary housekeeper for his sister's dormitory life?

"What are you looking at?"

After Jiang Che finished washing the filter, he turned around and met Shen Qingge's gentle, watery eyes.

"It's up to you."

Shen Qingge walked over, took out a handkerchief from her pocket, and gently wiped the fine sweat from his forehead, her voice soft:

"Mr. Jiang, you look so charming when you're brushing the filter."

Jiang Che smiled, grabbed her hand, and kissed her palm: "Really? Then I'll cover the air conditioning at home from now on."

"Ahem!"

Su Xiaoruan, who was cleaning the windows on the balcony, couldn't stand it any longer.

"Hey you two! This is a girls' dormitory! Please be mindful of your behavior!"

Su Xiaoruan, holding a rag, looked at them with disdain: "Go show off your love at home! Don't pollute this pure ivory tower!"

Jiang Che and Shen Qingge exchanged a smile before parting ways.

The next hour was a cozy time for tidying up.

Shen Qingge displayed an amazing talent for organizing.

She categorized and arranged the clothes, skincare products, and snacks that Su Xiaoruan had brought into the wardrobe and desk.

"Underwear is in this drawer, socks are here."

"The skincare products are arranged in the order of use, don't put them away randomly."

"I've locked your snacks in this cabinet, and I've taken the key away. You can only eat them once a week."

"Ah?! Sis!" Su Xiaoruan screamed, "That's my manhood!"

"Protest denied." Shen Qingge elegantly put the keys into her Hermes bag. "If you gain weight, your manager will kill you, and I'll have to come to your rescue then."

Jiang Che made the bed.

He folded the blanket into a perfect square (even though there's no military training here), and the sheets were laid out so smoothly without a single wrinkle. Then he took a pink teddy bear out of his bag and placed it next to his pillow.

"alright."

Jiang Che clapped his hands, looking at the newly renovated dormitory:

"Now it feels a bit like home."

Su Xiaoruan looked at the teddy bear, the one she had carried since she was little. She hadn't expected her brother to remember to bring even that.

She walked over, hugged the teddy bear, buried her face in it, and hid the soreness in her eyes.

"Thank you, brother. Thank you, sister."

Noon.

After tidying up their dorm room, the three decided to try out the cafeteria at Jiangnan University.

Jiangnan University's canteen is famous throughout the country, and it was bustling with activity at this time of day.

The moment Jiang Che led the two beautiful women into the cafeteria, the noise level in the entire restaurant dropped considerably.

Su Xiaoruan had already taken off her hat and glasses (after all, it was inconvenient to eat).

Soon, someone recognized her.

"Holy crap! That's Su Xiaoruan?!"

"It really is Su Xiaoruan! She's even thinner and fairer in person than on TV!"

"Who's that next to her? Her parents? Wait, they're so young and beautiful!"

"That's Jiang Che and Shen Qingge! My god! This family of three is the most good-looking ever!"

Many students secretly took out their phones to take pictures.

Su Xiaoruan shrank back behind Jiang Che somewhat uncomfortably.

"Don't be afraid."

Jiang Che stepped aside, blocking most of the camera's view, and said calmly, "Eat normally. You'll have to get used to this kind of situation in the future."

The three of them found a corner by the window and sat down.

Jiang Che went to queue up for food.

Shen Qingge and Su Xiaoruan sat in their seats and waited.

Just then, a tall boy wearing a basketball jersey walked over carrying a tray. He had a sunny appearance and looked like an upperclassman.

"Um... hello junior."

The boy stood nervously in front of Su Xiaoruan, his face slightly flushed: "You're Su Xiaoruan, right? I'm a third-year student in the Physical Education department... Um, could we add each other on WeChat? I can look after you if you need anything at school."

Su Xiaoruan was stunned for a moment, and was about to refuse.

A long, slender hand suddenly reached out and placed a glass of chilled lemonade in front of Su Xiaoruan.

Jiang Che is back.

He stood by the table, one hand in his pocket, looking down at the boy.

His eyes were calm, without ferocity or anger, only a faint, deep-seated scrutiny.

"Protecting her?"

Jiang Che's lips curled into a half-smile, his voice not loud, yet carrying an invisible pressure:

"Thank you for your kind gesture, student."

"However, with me protecting her, she shouldn't need anyone else."

The boy looked up at Jiang Che.

Even though Jiang Che was dressed casually and didn't show off his muscles, his mature manly aura instantly overshadowed this college student who hadn't yet entered the workforce.

The boy swallowed hard, feeling as if he were being stared at by a lion.

"Um... excuse me for bothering you!"

The boy, carrying his tray, slunk away.

Watching this scene, Shen Qingge couldn't help but rest her chin on her hand, looking at Jiang Che with a beaming smile:

"Mr. Jiang, you're quite skilled at blocking unwanted suitors."

"That's right." Jiang Che sat down, put the peeled shrimp into Shen Qingge's bowl, and then put a piece of braised pork on Su Xiaoruan's plate. "Beware of fire, theft, and senior students. This is the responsibility of parents."

Su Xiaoruan looked at the meat in the bowl, then at the boy who had fled in panic, her heart filled with mixed feelings.

She poked at the meat with her chopsticks and muttered softly, "Brother, if you keep doing this, I'll be single for all four years of college."

"What's wrong with being single?" Jiang Che said matter-of-factly. "Being single allows you to focus on your career. Once you win the Best Actress award, what kind of man can't you find?"

Su Xiaoruan pouted.

"But... no matter how good a man is, he's not you."

Two o'clock in the afternoon.

Having settled everything, Jiang Che and Shen Qingge were ready to leave.

Downstairs in the dormitory building.

The leaves of the sycamore trees rustled in the wind, and dappled sunlight fell on the three of them.

The atmosphere of parting is always somewhat melancholic.

Su Xiaoruan stood on the steps, looking at the two people below.

"Alright, let's go up."

Jiang Che looked at her gently: "Just send me a WeChat message if you need anything, and remember to lock the door at night. If you don't have classes this weekend, we'll come pick you up and take you home for dinner."

"Mmm." Su Xiaoruan nodded, her eyes a little red.

"Little Softie".

Shen Qingge stepped forward and opened her arms.

Su Xiaoruan threw herself into her arms and hugged her tightly. The pleasant, cool fragrance emanating from Shen Qingge made her feel incredibly at ease.

"Sister... I'll miss you."

"We'll miss you too." Shen Qingge patted her back. "Take care of yourself and don't let yourself be wronged. If anyone dares to bully you, tell me, and I'll make them regret ever being born."

Releasing Shen Qingge, Su Xiaoruan looked at Jiang Che.

She took a deep breath and opened her arms: "Brother, hug me."

Jiang Che smiled, stepped forward, and pulled her into his arms.

This embrace, broad and warm, is the harbor she has cherished most for the past eighteen years.

Su Xiaoruan buried her face in his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.

They greedily inhaled his scent.

"elder brother……"

She silently said to herself:

"I will grow up well at Jiangda University."

"When I become good enough, when I can stand shoulder to shoulder with you..."

"I don't want to be just your sister anymore."

"Alright, go ahead."

Jiang Che released her and ruffled her hair: "Don't cry, people will laugh at you."

Su Xiaoruan sniffed and gave a bright smile:

"Who's crying! I got sand in my eye!"

She turned around and waved:

"Let's go! I'm going to enjoy my free life!"

After saying that, she ran into the dormitory building without looking back.

She didn't stop until she ran into the hall and hid behind a pillar, then turned around and looked outside through the glass door.

The two figures, one in black and one in white, looked so well-matched in the sunlight.

Jiang Che gentlemanly opened the car door for Shen Qingge, placing his hand on the roof to prevent her from hitting her head. Before getting into the car, Shen Qingge glanced back in the direction of the dormitory building.

The car started and slowly drove away.

Su Xiaoruan leaned against the pillar, and tears finally fell.

But this time, it wasn't because I was sad.

It's because of growth.

……

In the car.

Jiang Che drove the car and glanced at the empty back seat through the rearview mirror.

"What's wrong? Feeling empty inside?" Shen Qingge sat in the passenger seat and reached out to hold his hand.

"Um."

Jiang Che sighed, "This girl has always been clingy. It's really a bit strange to suddenly leave her here alone."

"She will eventually have to learn to fly on her own."

Shen Qingge gazed at the fleeting scenery outside the window, her eyes gentle:

"Moreover, we also have the lives we want to live."

She turned her head to look at Jiang Che's profile, her fingers gently tracing the lines on his palm:

Jiang Che.

"Um?"

"No one's home tonight."

Shen Qingge's voice suddenly became somewhat low and husky, carrying a hint of allure:

"We can... not close the door anymore."

Jiang Che's grip on the steering wheel tightened suddenly.

He turned and glanced at Shen Qingge.

She was tilting her head and looking at him, her eyes sparkling. The neckline of her silk shirt dress was slightly open, revealing her fair skin and the magnolia pendant underneath.

Jiang Che's Adam's apple bobbed up and down.

He unconsciously pressed the accelerator a little harder.

"President Shen."

His voice turned low and dangerous:

Are you... inviting me?

Shen Qingge smiled, a smile brimming with charm. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek:

"It's an order."

"go home."

Jiang Che's lips curled into a wicked smile:

"Yes, my dear wife."

The black Cullinan accelerated, like a black cheetah, speeding towards the home that belonged only to the two of them.

In September, the wind was warm over the river and sea.

...

..

In mid-September, the autumn heatwave raged in Jianghai City.

The sky was an unnaturally blue, without a single cloud to obscure it. The scorching sun poured down like molten gold, baking the asphalt road in waves of heat. The air was thick with the pungent smell of sun-baked vegetation and dust, while cicadas shrieked desperately in the treetops, as if protesting the abnormally high temperatures.

On the east playground of Jianghai University, a somber, dark green expanse stretched out.

Thousands of freshmen, dressed in matching camouflage uniforms, stood at attention under the scorching sun, responding to the instructors' whistles. Sweat streamed down their faces, hitting the sweltering rubber track and evaporating instantly.

Among the freshmen of the performing arts department, one figure stood out.

Although everyone was wearing the same bulky, rough-fabricated camouflage uniforms and camouflage hats that didn't flatter their faces, Su Xiaoruan still looked radiantly beautiful.

To avoid getting a tan, she applied a thick layer of sunscreen to her exposed neck and wrists, which shimmered with a delicate pearlescent sheen in the sunlight. Her large hat covered her meticulously maintained wavy hair, leaving only a few strands of sweaty temples peeking out from her porcelain-white cheeks.

Her face was small, no bigger than the palm of her hand, and now, due to the long hours of sun exposure and the sweltering heat, it had an extremely alluring blush, like a ripe peach. Her usually bright and lively eyes were now slightly narrowed, with glistening beads of sweat clinging to her eyelashes. With each blink, the beads of sweat slid down the corners of her eyes, across her pert nose, and finally gathered at her delicate philtrum.

Her lips were dry from lack of moisture, and the light pink lipstick she had applied had worn off, revealing her original pale pink lips. They were slightly pouting, exuding a sense of stubbornness and grievance.

"Stand up straight! Keep your hands close to your trouser seams! Don't move!"

The instructor's stern roar exploded in my ears.

Su Xiaoruan bit her lower lip, feeling as if her legs were filled with lead, and the soles of her feet felt like they were stepping on a red-hot iron plate, burning with pain.

"Waaaaah... I want to go home..."

"I want an iced cola...I want to eat the iced watermelon my brother cut..."

"I want to turn on the air conditioning... I want to lie on a clean, leather sofa like a corpse..."

She wailed inwardly, but dared not show the slightest sign of weakness. After all, she was Su Xiaoruan, a student who entered university with the halo of a "celebrity freshman," and countless eyes were watching her, waiting to see when this delicate movie queen would fall.

"I will not fall! I will never fall! I am Rothschild! I am Niu Hulu Xiao Ruan!"

She took a deep breath and tried to straighten her chest, making her not-so-full figure appear somewhat upright under the loose camouflage uniform.

Just then, the whistle for a break finally blew.

"Rest here for twenty minutes!"

"Whoosh—"

The entire formation collapsed instantly. The students slumped to the ground, utterly disheveled, and groans filled the air.

Su Xiaoruan didn't care about her goddess image anymore. She plopped down on the lawn, took off her hat and used it as a fan, fanning herself frantically. Sweat instantly soaked her bangs. She wiped her face haphazardly, and her disheveled yet genuine appearance exuded a youthful vitality that was hard to look away from.

Here, water.

A girl next to her handed her a bottle of water. She was Su Xiaoruan's roommate, named Lin Keke, a straightforward girl from Northeast China.

"Thank you, Coco! You're my savior!" Su Xiaoruan took the water, tilted her head back, and gulped down a large mouthful, letting out a satisfied sigh without any restraint.

Just as Su Xiaoruan caught her breath, a commotion arose from the edge of the playground.

"Holy crap! Who is that? So arrogant?"

"Is that Chen Kai from the finance department? I heard he's a super-rich second-generation heir who drives a Ferrari to school."

"What is he doing here? And he's carrying so much stuff."

Su Xiaoruan followed everyone's gaze.

A young man wearing a shortened camouflage uniform (obviously altered to show off his physique), Ray-Ban sunglasses, and a green Submariner watch on his wrist was walking over with two followers, carrying two large bags of Starbucks takeout.

His name is Chen Kai, the youngest son of a real estate developer in Jianghai City, and a notorious playboy among this year's freshmen. He's already had three girlfriends in just three days of military training, and recently he's set his sights on Su Xiaoruan.

Chen Kai walked to the front of the performing arts department's formation, took off his sunglasses, revealing a pair of peach blossom eyes that he thought were deeply affectionate, and his gaze accurately locked onto Su Xiaoruan sitting on the grass.

"Thank you for your hard work, everyone!"

Chen Kai shouted loudly and in a greasy voice, "It's so hot, I'm treating everyone to Starbucks! Iced Americanos and Frappuccinos are all available, help yourselves!"

As he spoke, he instructed his followers to distribute the bags to the students around him, while he himself carried a specially reserved, exquisitely packaged "Raspberry Blackcurrant Frappuccino" and headed straight for Su Xiaoruan.

"Wow! Thank you, Kai!"

"Brother Kai is so generous!"

Although his classmates thought he was faking it, they naturally cheered and supported him since there were free drinks to be had.

Enjoying the adulation of the crowd, Chen Kai, a confident smile on his face, walked up to Su Xiaoruan, half-squatted down, and handed her the drink:

"Little Softie, I bought this especially for you. It's less sugar and has double the amount of fruit pulp—perfect for cooling down in the summer."

Su Xiaoruan frowned slightly as she looked at the pink drink handed to her.

She doesn't like Chen Kai.

From the very first day of school, when this guy revved his Ferrari at the school gate and almost splashed her with water, she had no good feelings towards him. Moreover, she saw this kind of ostentatious "offering of kindness" not only as greasy but also as a form of moral blackmail.

"Thank you, but I'm not thirsty," Su Xiaoruan politely but distantly declined. "I've already had some water."

"Water can't compare to this!" Chen Kai didn't pull his hand back, but instead pushed it forward even further. "I had someone drive to buy this for me outside the school. How can the cheap drinks in the cafeteria compare? Give me some face, you big star."

"Really, I don't need to." Su Xiaoruan shrank back a little, her eyes turning cold. "Besides, I don't like sweet drinks; I'm on a diet."

"Why are you trying to lose weight? Your figure is perfect!" Chen Kai's gaze swept over her unabashedly, his tone flippant. "Besides, a sip won't make you fat. Here, take it, don't make my arm get sore from holding it up."

A commotion arose around them.

"Xiao Ruan, please accept this from Brother Kai, it's all out of his good intentions!"

"Yeah, big stars shouldn't be so arrogant!"

Su Xiaoruan bit her lip, feeling a surge of irritation. The feeling of being watched and pressured made her extremely uncomfortable. She wanted to explode, to throw the drink in the greasy man's face, but reason told her that this was a school, she was a public figure, and she couldn't act like a diva.

"I said I'm not drinking." Su Xiaoruan stood up, patted the grass clippings off her pants, and prepared to find another place to rest.

"Hey! Don't go!"

Seeing that she wasn't giving him any face, Chen Kai's face darkened. He grabbed Su Xiaoruan's wrist with a rather strong grip:

"Su Xiaoruan, what are you pretending to be so high and mighty for? I know you're rich, but this is Jiangda University. Having more friends means having more options. When I, Chen Kai, treat someone to drinks, no one dares to be so disrespectful."

"Let go!" Su Xiaoruan winced in pain, her eyes instantly turning sharp.

"I'll put it away after you drink it." Chen Kai sneered and shoved the straw to her lips.

At this critical moment.

"Buzz—"

A deep, resonant engine sound suddenly drowned out the noise on the playground.

It wasn't the loud roar of a sports car, but a deeper, more powerful mechanical roar.

Everyone instinctively turned around.

A massive, all-black off-road RV, resembling an armored vehicle, ignored the barriers at the entrance to the playground (the security guards had already raised the barriers to let people in) and drove straight in, stopping steadily at the edge of the playground's lawn.

That was one of Jiang Che's vehicles—a MAN 8x8 all-terrain off-road motorhome.

Compared to this four-meter-tall steel behemoth, Chen Kai's Ferrari, parked in the distance, looked like a toy.

The car door slowly opened, and the automatic running board extended.

All eyes were drawn to it.

The first person to step down was a man wearing a dark blue linen shirt.