Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
As the New Year approached, everything was in order, and after the company's annual meeting, the employees were basically in a semi-holiday state.
Jono organized his work and was just waiting for the holiday, looking forward to spending quality time with Qiao Lovely during the Spring Festival. She had been complaining that her mommy never had time for her.
As for Jin Chengyan...
That day, Jono told him, "I will never forgive you until the day you are buried."
However, he still couldn't get the divorce agreement from Jin Chengyan. He didn't understand what Jin Chengyan was holding onto. At this point, it was clear that Qiao Lovely was not his daughter, yet he still wanted to bind her with a marriage certificate. Was there any sense in that?
Could it really be, as he said, because of love?
Jono scoffed; the cheapest thing in this world was Jin Chengyan's love. It was better off without it.
After the holiday began, Jono took Qiao Lovely to buy her new clothes. Although Xi Yisheng had always been more attentive than her as a mother, Jono felt that it was time to buy something new for the New Year—whether for herself, Qiao Lovely, or Qiao Chen. A new year called for a fresh start.
They got a lot of things, but in the end, it was still Xi Yisheng who came over to do the heavy lifting.
"How about we go out for French cuisine tonight? Let's invite Qiao Chen too; it's like celebrating your Chinese New Year," Xi Yisheng suggested to Jono.
"You speak as if you have no Chinese blood," Jono shot him a glance. "Besides, I prefer having the New Year's Eve dinner at home. Preparing the meal together in the kitchen and then eating at the dining table as a family is something I really enjoy."
Jono couldn't remember how many years it had been since he had shared a New Year's Eve dinner with Qiao Chen, nor could he recall when he last felt that joy of celebrating the New Year.
Everything changed after they went bankrupt overnight at home.
"There's also a red envelope!" Qiao Lovely, held in Xi Yisheng's arms, chimed in appropriately.
"Alright, then let's go home and eat. Shouldn't we go to the supermarket to buy some ingredients?" Listening to Jono's description, Xi Yisheng felt particularly good about it, just like the holidays he had celebrated abroad during Christmas and Easter; a family should be together.
"I'll call Qiao Chen. He should be on break now, but this guy is never home. Is he in love?" Jono said as he took out his phone to call Qiao Chen.
After a while, Qiao Chen finally answered his phone.
"Qiao Chen, we're having dinner at home in a few days. Come back early!"
"Sis, I have something to do tonight. I might be back late."
"That's fine; we'll wait for you."
"No need. You all eat first. If I can make it back, I will."
"Okay."
Qiao Chen hung up the phone and put it into the pocket of his suit jacket. Turning around, he saw Jin Mengxi walking out of the apartment.
He got out of the car, leaned against the door, and flashed an ambiguous smile at Jin Mengxi.
Jin Mengxi looked beautiful today; even the festive red she wore didn't seem tacky or old-fashioned at all. Her well-proportioned legs paired with high heels could have turned heads of countless men.
She walked over, and Qiao Chen naturally pulled her into an embrace, their bodies pressed tightly together.
"On the road!" 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." With handsome men and beautiful women openly embracing each other, it was only natural that they attracted attention.
"If you're shy, then who was it last night that wrapped her sexy legs around my waist, urging me to go faster? Hmm?"
Hearing Qiao Chen describe last night's events so bluntly, Jin Mengxi's mind was flooded with the embarrassing scenes from the previous night, causing her to bury her head in his neck.
"Stop talking..."
Qiao Chen was quite pleased with the effect he had created. He reached out and gave a playful slap on Jin Mengxi's pert backside.
"If we were in a room, I would really want to pin you down on the bed and do it again." His words were flirtatious and even a bit crude.
But this was Qiao Chen, wasn't it?
This was the Qiao Chen that Jin Mengxi liked!
"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 rule of the Jin family regarding the 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 twirled Jin Mengxi's hair, his tone carrying a hint of detachment, as if suggesting that if they didn't spend today together, they shouldn't be together in the future either.
After all, it was Jin Mengxi who had pursued Qiao Chen first; naturally, she wanted to please him in every way.
"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, it won't be. We are already..." How could it possibly be inappropriate at this stage?
Qiao Chen understandingly ruffled Jin Mengxi's hair, wearing an expression of agreement after receiving the invitation.
"Okay."
Caught up in the excitement of love, Jin Mengxi didn't realize at the time that Qiao Chen was Jono's younger brother. It wasn't until they arrived at the Jin Family home and she saw the expressions on her family's faces that she understood she might have acted too impulsively.
"Mom, Dad, Uncle, Auntie, this is my boyfriend, Qiao Chen." Jin Mengxi introduced Qiao Chen to her family.
In truth, was there really a need for an introduction?
Qiao Chen was Jono's brother. When Jono married Jin Chengyan, the family had already looked into Jono's background and naturally knew about his brother.
But no one expected that the Jin siblings would end up with the Qiao siblings.
Moreover, Qiao Chen no longer looked like the big boy in a school uniform from years ago; his demeanor was reserved, making it hard 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, it was all one-sided on Jin Mengxi's part!
Qiao Chen seemed more like someone who couldn't refuse Jin Mengxi and had to respond out of obligation.
The Jin family could sense the change in atmosphere, and Jin Mengxi was the one who had brought this unexpected guest into their home.
"Uncle and Aunt, hello. I hope you don't mind my sudden visit," Qiao Chen said to Jin Mengxi's parents.
Jin Zhonghe nodded lightly. His daughter had already brought someone home without his permission; was he really going to kick the guest out at this moment?
It was certainly within his power to do so, but today was New Year's Eve dinner. Did he really want to ruin the meal over this small incident?
At that moment, Jin Zhongshu and Melancholy exchanged knowing glances, and Melancholy promptly instructed the kitchen to prepare an extra set of dishes for dinner.
Just then, Jin Chengyan arrived home late.
His work never took holidays, especially in the past four years. Without Jono by his side, he had practically made the company his home. He only returned on necessary occasions.
As soon as he entered, he sensed the tension in the living room. He shot a questioning look at his sister, Jin Mengxi. Was everyone upset because he had come home so late?
However, Jin Mengli gestured for him to look toward the center of the living room.
He turned to see a tall man standing there, not one of his cousins or relatives.
Then he noticed that 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 about it.
"Dad, Mom, Second Uncle, Auntie," Jin Chengyan called out as he removed his suit jacket and handed it to a servant. He was left wearing just a white shirt, loosening 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 Jono.
He had intended to call her back for the New Year's Eve dinner; after all, she was still his wife. Now that she had returned to Qin Cheng, they should naturally spend the New Year together.
However, not only was he unable to reach her by phone, but he also couldn't find Jono at the Qiao Family Villa.
She had said that she would never forgive him, even after he died.
He knew he had committed many sins, but Jono hadn't given him a chance for redemption. How could he clear his conscience?
But at that moment, seeing Qiao Chen filled Jin Chengyan with an unsettling premonition from deep within his heart.
Moreover, she was standing next to Jin Mengxi.
"Brother, this is my boyfriend!" Jin Mengxi seemed worried that Jin Chengyan didn't know Qiao Chen's current status and made a point to introduce her.
Upon hearing Jin Mengxi introduce Qiao Chen this way, Jin Chengyan's gaze fixed directly on Qiao Chen.
"Boyfriend? When did you meet? How did you meet? Who pursued whom? Do you know he is your sister-in-law's brother?" Jin Chengyan asked, leaving Jin Mengxi speechless.
At that moment, Qiao Chen held Jin Mengxi's hand and calmly looked at Jin Chengyan.
"Brother-in-law, if you have any questions, just ask me. Xi Er is still young, and if you are so fierce with her, she will be scared." Qiao Chen stood firm, showing no weakness. "Besides, the fact that I am Jono's brother won't affect my relationship with Xi Er."
Qiao Chen's words left Jin Chengyan speechless for a moment.
"Moreover, Xi Er's parents haven't said anything yet, and you are not her biological brother."
Jin Mengxi tugged at Qiao Chen's hand, aware of his nervousness, but she also knew that Jin Chengyan cared for her. She didn't want to see two people who loved her at odds with each other.
"Ayan, you just got back. Go take a shower and change your clothes; we can have dinner soon." Melancholy interrupted the standoff between Jin Chengyan and Qiao Chen, signaling him not to get involved.
Jin Chengyan's gaze shifted back and forth between Melancholy and Qiao Chen.
At this moment, the Jin family had all gathered. If he had to clarify Qiao Chen's intentions now, Jin Chengyan was naturally worried that his sister wouldn't be able to handle it.
After all, he didn't truly believe that Qiao Chen was simply in a relationship with Jin Mengxi.
Others might not know, but Jin Chengyan was aware of how much care Qiao Chen had received over the years and how much he had grown.
He observed every move Qiao Chen made. Ever since Qiao Chen learned that his sister might pass away, he had become gloomy.
At first, he even sought out Jin Chengyan in desperation, but gradually calmed down.
Could it be that Jono's safe return had diminished 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?
Jin Chengyan returned to his room, furrowing his brow. Just as he unbuttoned his shirt to take a shower, his phone rang.
He pulled it out and saw the name "Jono" displayed 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.
"Jono, we're having a family reunion dinner tonight, and I wanted to invite you over. I've called you several 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, afraid that Jono 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 his clothes back on and go pick up Jono.
"Sorry! I'm not Mommy; I'm Qiao Lovely," came a sweet voice from the other end of the line.
Instantly, disappointment washed over Jin Chengyan like cold water drenching him from head to toe.
Ever since he learned that Qiao Lovely was not his daughter, he had lost all fondness for the girl. She was Jono's child with someone else!
Jono, what were you thinking when you had a child with another man?
How broad-minded must Jin Chengyan be to overlook this child and want to win Jono back?
"You spoke too fast just now; I didn't understand..." Qiao Lovely'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 Lovely's voice was truly adorable, sweet in a way that reached deep into Jin Chengyan's heart, softening it instantly.
Comment 0 Comment Count