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墨書 Inktalez
As the New Year approached, everything had been taken care of, and after the company’s annual meeting, the employees were essentially in a semi-holiday state.
Qiao Nuo organized her work and looked forward to the break, eager to spend quality time with Qiao Kawai during the Spring Festival. The little girl had been constantly complaining that her mommy never had time for her.
As for Jin Chengyan…
That day, Qiao Nuo had told him, “I will never forgive you until the day you’re buried.”
Yet, naturally, she still hadn’t received the divorce agreement from Jin Chengyan. She couldn’t understand what he was holding onto. They had reached this point; it was already clear that Qiao Kawai wasn’t his daughter. What was the point of keeping her tied to him with a marriage certificate?
Could it really be as he said—out of love?
Qiao Nuo scoffed; the most worthless thing in this world was Jin Chengyan’s love. It was better off without it.
After the holiday began, Qiao Nuo took Qiao Kawai shopping for new clothes. Although Xi Yisheng had always been more attentive than her in that regard, Qiao Nuo felt it was necessary to buy something new for the New Year—whether for herself, Qiao Kawai, or Qiao Chen. A fresh start for the new year.
They collected many items, but in the end, it was still Xi Yisheng who came to help with the heavy lifting.
“How about we go out for French cuisine tonight? Let’s invite Qiao Chen too; it could be a way to celebrate your Chinese New Year,” Xi Yisheng suggested.
“Sounds like you have no Chinese blood at all,” Qiao Nuo shot him a glance. “Besides, I prefer having our New Year’s Eve dinner at home. I love preparing the meal together in the kitchen and then enjoying it at the dining table with family.”
Qiao Nuo couldn’t remember how many years it had been since she last shared a New Year’s Eve dinner with Qiao Chen, nor could she recall when she last felt that joy of celebrating the New Year.
Everything changed after they went bankrupt overnight.
“Don’t forget the red envelopes!” Qiao Kawai, nestled in Xi Yisheng's arms, chimed in.
“Alright, then let’s head home to eat. Shouldn’t we go to the supermarket to buy some ingredients?” Listening to Qiao Nuo's suggestion, Xi Yisheng felt particularly pleased. It reminded him of the festive celebrations he had experienced abroad during Christmas and Easter—times when families should be together.
“I’ll call Qiao Chen. He should be on break now, but that guy is hardly ever home. Could it be that he’s in love?” As Qiao Nuo spoke, she took out her phone and dialed Qiao Chen.
After a moment, Qiao Chen finally answered.
“Qiao Chen, we’re having dinner at home in a few days. Make sure you come back early!”
“Sis, I have something to take care of tonight. I might be a bit late.”
“That’s fine; we’ll wait for you.”
“No need. You all go ahead and eat without me. If I can make it back, I will.”
“Okay.”
Qiao Chen hung up the phone and tucked it into the pocket of his suit jacket. Turning around, he spotted Jin Mengxi walking out of the apartment.
He got out of the car and leaned against the door, flashing an ambiguous smile at her.
Jin Mengxi looked stunning today; even the festive red she wore didn’t come off as gaudy or old-fashioned. Her well-proportioned legs paired with high heels must have turned heads and captured the attention of countless men.
She walked over, and Qiao Chen instinctively pulled her close, their bodies pressing tightly together.
“On the way!” Jin Mengxi's face suddenly turned red.
“Shy?” Qiao Chen whispered in Jin Mengxi's ear, his warm breath making her heart race.
“Someone is watching us.” With handsome men and beautiful women openly embracing each other, it was no surprise that they were attracting attention.
“If you’re shy, then who was it last night that wrapped her sexy legs around my waist and urged me to go faster? Hmm?”
Hearing Qiao Chen describe last night’s events so bluntly, Jin Mengxi could only recall the steamy scenes from the previous evening, causing her to bury her head deeper into his neck in embarrassment.
“Stop it…”
Qiao Chen was quite pleased with the effect he had created. He reached out and gave Jin Mengxi's shapely backside a playful slap.
“If we were in a room, I’d really want to pin you down on the bed and do it again.” His words were cheeky and even a bit crude.
But that was Qiao Chen, wasn’t it?
The very Qiao Chen that Jin Mengxi adored!
“Not today. I have to go home for the New Year’s Eve dinner; I can’t miss it. The Jin family has strict rules.” Although she wanted to stay with Qiao Chen, the rigid tradition of the Jin family’s New Year’s Eve dinner meant that no one could be absent.
“But what should I do? I really want to be with you today,” Qiao Chen said, twisting a strand of Jin Mengxi's hair with a hint of detachment, as if implying that if they didn’t spend today together, they might not have another chance in the future.
After all, it was Jin Mengxi who had pursued Qiao Chen first; naturally, she wanted to accommodate him in every way possible.
"Then how about... you come home with me for New Year's Eve dinner? Dad said he wants to see what kind of person my boyfriend is."
"Isn't that a bit too soon?" At this moment, Qiao Chen seemed somewhat hesitant.
"It won't be a problem, we already..." How could it possibly be inappropriate at this stage of our relationship?
Qiao Chen understandingly ruffled Jin Mengxi's hair, his face showing the kind of expression that indicated he agreed to the invitation.
"Okay."
Caught up in the excitement of love, Jin Mengxi didn't even consider that Qiao Chen was Qiao Nuo's younger brother until they arrived at the Jin Family home. It was only when she saw the expressions on her family's faces that she realized she might have acted too impulsively.
"Mom, Dad, Uncle, Auntie, this is my boyfriend, Qiao Chen," Jin Mengxi introduced him to her family.
In truth, there was no need for an introduction.
Qiao Chen was Qiao Nuo's brother. When Qiao Nuo married Jin Chengyan, the family had already looked into Qiao Nuo's background and naturally knew about her younger brother.
However, no one expected that both siblings from the Jin Family would end up with siblings from the Qiao Family.
Moreover, Qiao Chen no longer looked like the boy in a school uniform from years ago. His demeanor was reserved, making it hard for anyone to discern what he was thinking.
Even when Jin Mengxi introduced him to her family, he maintained a calm expression, as if in this romance, all the feelings were one-sided from Jin Mengxi's side!
And Qiao Chen seemed more like someone who couldn't refuse Jin Mengxi and had to respond in some way.
The Jin family could sense the change in atmosphere, and Jin Mengxi was the one who had brought this person into their midst.
"Uncle and Aunt, hello. I apologize for the sudden visit; I hope you don’t mind," Qiao Chen said to Jin Mengxi's parents.
Jin Zhonghe nodded lightly. His daughter had already brought someone home without his consent; would he really chase the guest away now?
It was not that he couldn't do it, but today was New Year's Eve dinner. Did he really want to spoil the meal over this small incident?
At that moment, Jin Zhongshu and Yu Xin exchanged knowing glances. Yu Xin quickly instructed the kitchen to prepare an extra set of dishes for dinner.
Just then, Jin Chengyan returned home.
His work never paused for holidays, especially in the past four years. Without Qiao Nuo by his side, he had practically made the company his home, only returning on essential days.
As soon as he entered, he sensed a tense atmosphere in the living room. He shot a questioning look at his sister, Jin Mengxi. Was it because he had come home so late that everyone was upset?
However, Jin Mengli gestured for him to look toward the center of the living room.
He turned his gaze and saw a tall man standing there, not one of his cousins or distant relatives.
Looking closer, he noticed the man was standing next to Jin Mengxi. Had she gotten a boyfriend? And brought him home?
It seemed that Second Uncle was not very pleased.
"Dad, Mom, Second Uncle, Aunt Er," Jin Chengyan greeted as he took off his suit jacket and handed it to the servant. He was left wearing only a white shirt and loosened his tie slightly.
Hearing the voice, the person turned around and slightly raised the corners of their mouth at Jin Chengyan.
"Qiao Chen?" Jin Chengyan looked at Qiao Chen in surprise.
Seeing Qiao Chen reminded Jin Chengyan of Qiao Nuo.
He had intended to call her back for the New Year's Eve dinner. After all, she was still his wife, and since they had returned to Qin Cheng, they should celebrate the New Year together.
However, not only was he unable to reach her by phone, but he also couldn't find Qiao Nuo at the Qiao Family Villa.
She had said that she would never forgive him, even if he died.
He knew he had committed many sins, but without a chance for redemption from Qiao Nuo, how could he clear his conscience?
Yet now, seeing Qiao Chen, Jin Chengyan felt an unsettling premonition rising from deep within him.
Moreover, she was standing next to Jin Mengxi.
"Brother, this is my boyfriend!" Jin Mengxi seemed worried that Jin Chengyan might not know Qiao Chen's current status and introduced him deliberately.
Upon hearing Jin Mengxi's introduction of Qiao Chen, Jin Chengyan's gaze fixed intently on Qiao Chen.
"Boyfriend? When did you meet? How did you get to know each other? Who pursued whom? Do you realize he is your sister-in-law's brother?" Jin Chengyan fired off questions that left Jin Mengxi speechless.
At that moment, Qiao Chen held Jin Mengxi's hand and looked calmly at Jin Chengyan.
“Brother-in-law, if you have any questions, just ask me. Xi Er is still young, and if you’re so fierce with her, she will be scared.” With a protective stance, Qiao Chen showed no signs of backing down. “Besides, my relationship with Xi Er has nothing to do with the fact that I’m Qiao Nuo’s brother.”
Qiao Chen’s words left Jin Chengyan speechless for a moment.
“Moreover, Xi Er’s parents haven’t said anything yet, and you’re not her biological brother.”
Jin Mengxi tugged at Qiao Chen’s hand, knowing he was worried about her. However, she didn’t want to see two people who cared for her at odds with each other.
“A Yan, you just got back. Go take a shower and change your clothes; we’ll be having dinner soon.” Yu Xin interrupted the standoff between Jin Chengyan and Qiao Chen, giving a look that urged him not to get involved in this matter.
Jin Chengyan glanced back and forth between Yu Xin and Qiao Chen.
At this moment, the Jin family had all gathered. If he had to clarify Qiao Chen’s intentions now, it was because he was concerned that his sister might not be able to handle it.
After all, he didn’t truly believe that Qiao Chen was simply in a relationship with Jin Mengxi out of pure intentions.
Others might not know, but Jin Chengyan was aware of the care given to Qiao Chen over the years and how much he had been concerned about his growth.
He noticed every little thing about him. Ever since Qiao Chen learned that his sister might pass away, he had become increasingly gloomy.
At first, he even sought out Jin Chengyan aggressively, but gradually calmed down over time.
Could it be that Qiao Nuo’s safe return had lessened Qiao Chen’s resentment?
Well, Jin Chengyan would rather believe that this was the case.
Thinking of Jin Mengxi, Jin Chengyan couldn't help but frown. With so many men in the world, why did it have to be Qiao Chen that she chose to be with?
Frowning, Jin Chengyan returned to his room. Just as he unbuttoned his shirt, ready to take a shower, his phone rang.
He pulled it out to see Qiao Nuo's name flashing on the screen.
Without hesitation, Jin Chengyan answered the call.
He didn't even know how many times he had called her, yet she hadn't picked up a single one.
"Qiao Nuo, we're having a family reunion dinner tonight, and I wanted to invite you over. I've called you many times, but maybe you missed them. Now that you're calling me back, I’ll come pick you up right away, okay?" Jin Chengyan said in one breath, fearing that Qiao Nuo would interrupt him.
However, there was silence on the other end.
Silence meant... agreement?
Jin Chengyan quickly wedged the phone between his shoulder and ear, preparing to put on his clothes and go pick up Qiao Nuo.
"Sorry, I'm not Mommy; I'm Qiao Kawai," came a sweet voice from the other end of the line.
Instantly, disappointment washed over Jin Chengyan like a bucket of cold water.
Ever since he learned that Qiao Kawai wasn't his daughter, he had lost all affection for the girl. She was Qiao Nuo's child with someone else!
Qiao Nuo, what were you thinking when you decided to have a child with another man?
How broad-minded must Jin Chengyan be to overlook this child while wanting to win Qiao Nuo back?
"You spoke too quickly just now; I didn't understand..." Qiao Kawai's limited Chinese made it difficult for her to fully grasp what Jin Chengyan was saying. "Mommy let me play with her phone, but when I opened it, the call just went out by itself... why?"
It was because of the missed call; swiping over it directly dialed out.
"Tell your mommy to answer the phone."
"Your voice sounds really familiar... is it... that Handsome Uncle from that day?"
Qiao Kawai's voice was truly adorable and sweet, reaching deep into Jin Chengyan's heart, softening it instantly.
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