Chapter 2, Dream Network

In recent days, he has been contemplating the relationship between the two of them repeatedly and has made responsible plans. If Ye Yingzhang minds, he might as well marry this girl and cherish and love her for a lifetime. After all, everyone in their group, upon reaching the age of being pressured into marriage, will eventually have to get married. ... If he were to marry this girl, it seems ... . ... It seems not bad. After all, everyone in their group, upon reaching the age of being pressured into marriage, will eventually have to get married. ... If he were to marry this girl, it seems ... . ... It seems not bad.

At this point, she fed the peeled grapes to Jiang Zhengnan, and Jiang Zhengxuan pouted her lips and said in a spoiled manner as usual: "Brother, you promised me that when I get married, you would hold my hand together with Dad and walk me down the aisle. If you don't do that, I will be very, very angry and will never talk to you again..."

Once this bottle is finished, given her poor tolerance for alcohol, she will surely be drunk. Nie Chongzhi did not want to face the consequences of being beaten by Jiang Zhengnan tomorrow, so he hurriedly poured two glasses, handing her the very shallow one: "I said I would drink with you, and Nie Dage always keeps his word. Come, let's toast"

Xu Bo responded with a "yes," watching Jiang Zhengxuan enter the dormitory courtyard with a sweet smile, taking delicate little steps. Not far away, the flowerbed was in full bloom, vibrant and lush.

The result, surprisingly, is Nie Chongzhi

Although Ye Yingzhang's tone remained as usual, his expression was unusually stern. Jiang Zhengxuan felt somewhat at a loss and stood rooted to the spot, watching his figure gradually fade into the distance

Jiang Zhengxuan threw out the trash, and as soon as she entered the house, she saw Ye Yingzhang crouched on the floor, looking around nervously. Jiang Zhengxuan was inexplicably surprised: "Brother Ye, what are you doing?"

In the next moment, she finally realized, albeit belatedly, that she was completely unclothed beneath the thin blanket. Jiang Zhengxuan let out a startled scream of "Ah!" as she grabbed the blanket and jumped up from the bed

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhengnan, who was extremely agitated, was momentarily taken aback. Afterward, he finally managed to force a smile, ruffling her hair: "It is not in vain that I have always cared for you. Silly girl, of course, I think of you too"

He is irritable and unpredictable. Even his family believes that he is unable to accept the fact that he is temporarily paralyzed. In reality, only he knows that his behavior is due to the departure of that person. He has been severely injured, yet upon waking, he learns that she has left without hesitation or attachment.

The young girl truly got drunk later, leaning silently against the sofa with a pillow in her arms. Today, she wore a knee-length skirt, and in this sideways position, her two fair and well-proportioned calves were exposed. Nie Chongzhi had seen many beautiful women, yet at this moment, he could not take his eyes off her. He couldn't help but once again exclaim: this young girl has really grown up; just these beautiful legs alone are enticing.

Her expression caused Nie Chong to feel immense pain in his heart, and he stepped forward to offer her support

The feeling of discomfort grew stronger, yet Nie Chongzhi was acutely aware of the situation. All of Jiang Zhengxuan's fears ultimately converged on one point: she was afraid that Ye Yingzhang would find out.

Ye Yingzhang asked her without raising his head, "Did you see a small jade gourd pendant while you were sweeping just now?" Jiang Zhengxuan nodded indifferently, "Oh... that dirty one? I threw it away."

Fortunately, the bar manager is someone who understands subtle cues, having two tall bodyguards stationed beside Jiang Zhengxuan. The onlookers, seeing this arrangement, did not dare to approach casually. While Nie Chongzhi felt satisfied, he thought it was time to increase the bar manager's annual salary.

Nie Chongzhi subtly signaled the bartender to exchange her drink for a non-alcoholic cocktail, then sat down beside her: "Alright, Xuanxuan, after you finish this drink, Brother Nie will take you home."

After that incident, this was the first meeting between the two. Jiang Zhengxuan was caught off guard, and the images from that night surged into her mind like flames, causing her face to gradually heat up.

Explain ... . ... Explain what happened between her and him. She never thought about telling Brother Ye about this matter. No, absolutely cannot let Brother Ye know. Jiang Zhengxuan was flustered and at a loss: "I ... ... I ... ... " After a long pause, there was no further response.

In that moment, Nie Chongzhi felt an emptiness in his heart, unable to articulate the sensation. He spoke first on her behalf: "You simply do not want, nor will you let Ye Yingzhang know about this matter?"

I think of her again! I think of that person again!

Later on, Jiang Zhengnan fully took over the business of his grandfather, Lu Hongye. Coupled with a vibrant personal life and a reluctance to be constrained by family, he moved out. From that time on, Jiang Zhengxuan and Nie Chongzhi had almost no contact, and opportunities to meet were exceedingly rare.

It will be found, it will definitely be found... I will go look for it again...

Jiang Zhengxuan had actually been in inner turmoil for a long time. She had always wanted to speak up, but whenever the events of that night flashed through her mind, her face would flush, feeling that what had happened was already extremely embarrassing. She truly found it impossible to lay that matter out for discussion. Now that Nie Chongzhi had spoken, she simply nodded.

She was initially filled with a sense of confusion, but upon opening her eyes, she was startled into a state of icy fear by the unfamiliar furnishings in the room. She thought at first that she was seeing things, and weakly raised her hand to rub her eyes. When she opened them again, the scene before her remained just as unfamiliar.

In such matters, the woman has stated that we should treat it as if nothing ever happened. As the man involved, he should feel a sense of relief. After all, the woman's identity is special; she is the sister of his best friend, whom he has watched grow up since childhood. He has crossed a line with Jiang Zhengnan's sister, whom Jiang Zhengnan has always cherished. If Jiang Zhengnan were to find out, even if he were lying in a hospital bed, he would immediately jump up and incapacitate him.

Jiang Zhengxuan was already tipsy, and upon hearing that there was alcohol to drink, she stumbled to her feet and said, "Alright, let's... let's go upstairs to drink"

Jiang Zhengxuan instantly understood. ... Last night ... ... Last night. ... ... Poor Jiang Zhengxuan simply could not accept everything before her, her delicate face pale, clutching the thin blanket, standing at the edge of the bed, on the verge of collapse

Let her sleep here for one night. I will stay here with her, and when she wakes up tomorrow, I will take her back to the Jiang family

Ye Yingzhang remained silent, his expression dark as he focused on rummaging through the garbage bag. Jiang Zhengxuan, only then realizing something was amiss, could not pinpoint what exactly was wrong. She twisted her fingers nervously and said awkwardly, "Brother Ye, when I threw it away, there happened to be a garbage truck nearby, so it might... it might have been taken away by the garbage truck..."

The first meeting with Jiang Zhengxuan took place on a summer afternoon. She entered the room holding a Winnie the Pooh stuffed toy, timidly surveying this stranger. At first glance, he was already fond of her

Jiang Zhengxuan suddenly stood up from the high chair, shaking her head and loudly exclaiming, "Not good, not good, I said not to go home." Nie Chongzhi sighed, observing that she had already started to get drunk. How could it be if she continued to drink like this?

He pressed the doorbell, and after a moment, a sleepy Ye Yingzhang yawned and opened the door: "Xuanxuan, it's you. Why didn't you give me a call before coming?" Jiang Zhengxuan smiled and swiftly presented the paper bag hidden behind her back: "Ta-da! The delivery girl has brought you the freshly baked cupcakes. Aren't you happy!"

Such a fact left even him feeling somewhat at a loss after he regained his composure, and she must find it even harder to accept. Nie Chongzhi understood this. Yet, as he watched her hurriedly fleeing figure, a subtle and inexplicable unease surged within him, leaving him quite uncomfortable

Not only that, she also inched closer, delicately saying to him: "Brother Ye, you kiss me... why have you never kissed me? Don't you like me?"

Nie Chongzhi felt an overwhelming sense of heartache at that moment

Her gaze was as clear and transparent as a mountain stream that one could see to the end. ... That night, beneath him, her starry eyes were half-closed, her gaze dreamy and utterly enticing ... ... Nie Chongzhi was lost in thought for several seconds before regaining his composure: "How do you intend to explain this matter to Ye Yingzhang?"

This is not her bedroom. So where is she

With Jiang Zhengxuan's poor tolerance for alcohol, daring to drink four cups of "Dark Night Enchantment," her audacity is quite remarkable. It is likely that she should be collapsing at any moment. In fact, Jiang Zhengxuan has already begun to feel dizzy, yet amidst her dizziness, she spots Nie Chongzhi and cheerfully waves at him: "Brother Nie, Brother Nie."

Nie Chongzhi extinguished the cigarette, gazing at her with a low, hoarse voice: "I will take you back." Jiang Zhengxuan reacted like a rabbit that had been overly frightened, suddenly jumping back several steps, her eyes avoiding his, desperately shaking her head: "No, no, no need."

Jiang Zhengnan was eating sweet grapes, and after a moment of silence, his expression seemed to calm down: "Make a call to have 'Croissant House' deliver some takeout." It was rare for my elder brother to show an appetite and take the initiative to express a desire to eat, so Jiang Zhengxuan quickly grabbed a napkin to wipe his hands, then took out his phone and immediately dialed to place an order.

Yet she actually engaged in promiscuous behavior after drinking, having a one-night affair with Brother Nie, committing such an act that betrays Brother Ye. In that moment, Jiang Zhengxuan felt as if she wanted to die. How could she be so shameless and despicable

Ye Yingzhang was amused by her and smiled, stepping aside to let her enter the house: "What time is it now? I still have to go to work for my shift later."

As Jiang Zhengxuan stepped out of the elevator, he could hear Jiang Zhengnan's furious roar from afar: "Get out, all of you get out..." It seems that elder brother's temper has flared up again

After a while, the waiter from "Croissant House" delivered the takeout. Jiang Zhengxuan served a bowl of plain congee, cooling it slightly before handing it to her elder brother. Nie Chongzhi, feeling bored, flipped through the dim sum and his eyes lit up upon seeing the durian pastry: "The only thing worth eating at 'Croissant House' is this durian pastry." He took one and was about to throw it into his mouth when Jiang Zhengnan shot him a cold glance: "If you want to eat, go buy your own; this is ordered for Xuanxuan." Nie Chongzhi, feeling bored, flipped through the dim sum and his eyes lit up upon seeing the durian pastry: "The only thing worth eating at 'Croissant House' is this durian pastry." He took one and was about to throw it into his mouth when Jiang Zhengnan shot him a cold glance: "If you want to eat, go buy your own; this is ordered for Xuanxuan."

When throwing it away, the corner for garbage was filled with a large pile of trash, but at this moment, more than half was gone, clearly taken away by the garbage truck just now. However, Jiang Zhengxuan was still unwilling to give up, and under Ye Yingzhang's building, she pinched her nose and rummaged through the pile of garbage for quite a while.

A small box of three durian pastries. Upon hearing this, Nie Chongzhi halted his movements and placed the durian pastry he was about to eat back into the box: "In that case, I will not compete with Xuanxuan for them"

Nie Chongzhi's gaze finally settled steadily on her face, and he smiled: "Xuanxuan, it's been a long time since I last saw you. How have you been recently?" Nie Chongzhi's demeanor and tone were as usual, as if that incident had never happened at all. Jiang Zhengxuan unconsciously let out a sigh of relief: "I'm doing well. Thank you, Brother Nie."

Jiang Zhengnan, seeing that the visitor was his beloved younger sister, immediately suppressed his anger, furrowing his brows as he looked at her: "Mother said you have not been feeling well these past few days. Why aren't you resting properly at home?"

This girl seems to have some issue with her eyes; how many talented individuals in Luohai City are lining up for her to choose from at will, yet she is fixated on Ye Yingzhang, unwavering and resolute in her choice.

The little girl is so unruly and clueless, yet she is so sweet and alluring

Nie Chongzhi had no choice but to pour a thin layer into her cup. Jiang Zhengxuan's eyes lit up as she lifted the wine glass and drank it down. After finishing, she stopped making a fuss and simply threw herself onto Nie Chongzhi, softly lying on him, grabbing the wine bottle from his hand: "Good Brother Nie, give me the wine bottle... give me the wine bottle..."

Nie Chongzhi pulled out a photo from his phone, looking quite envious: "Look at this, look at this, knowing that none of us have it, yet he flaunts it one by one. Isn't it infuriating? Just look at him holding his son, grinning from ear to ear, completely lost in joy. Forget it, let's tolerate him this time, let him show off for now. Once you recover, we will all go to Sanyuan in a grand manner, clearing out all his treasured collections from 1982, drinking him dry and making him feel the pinch."

Her face was burning with pain. Jiang Zhengxuan still did not believe it; she suddenly got up, grabbed the blanket, and rushed into the bathroom

Between Jiang Zhengxuan and Ye Yingzhang, their relationship has always been one of pure love, with kisses limited to the forehead or a gentle touch on the lips, akin to a dragonfly lightly touching the water before swiftly retreating. Because of this, she often feels that Ye Yingzhang treasures her as one would a precious gem

Jiang Zhengxuan's gaze fell upon the disheveled bed... Everything in this room pierced her eyes like lightning, causing her pain.

The bartender shrugged with a smile, uttering an "ok," and began to showcase his charming bartending skills. In a moment, he pushed the drink towards her: "Miss Jiang, your Dark Night Enchantment, please."

She is surprisingly so afraid! Afraid that he will not agree!

Nie Chongzhi parked the car by the roadside and was about to push the door open to get out. Jiang Zhengxuan glanced at the coffee shop by the road, bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, and then softly said: "Brother Nie, why don't we talk in the car instead"

All along, he regarded this little princess as his own sister, cherishing and loving her deeply. However, last night, he actually crossed the line with this little princess, with Jiang Zhengnan's sister.

Nie Chongzhi extinguished the cigarette butt and stood up to walk towards her. He was wearing a bathrobe, the belt loosely tied around his waist, with his well-defined chest faintly visible.

He hurriedly pressed the intercom button, asking someone to bring up iodine and adhesive bandages, and personally took action to clean and bandage her. Perhaps due to the sting of the iodine, Jiang Zhengxuan curled her toes, lifted her eyelids, and gasped delicately, "It hurts... it hurts..."

When these rooms were originally designed, they were intended for the enjoyment of this group of people, naturally equipped with a well-stocked bar and counter. Upon seeing the bar, Jiang Zhengxuan's eyes widened, and she stumbled directly towards the counter. Then, she leaned dazedly on the bar, her almond-shaped eyes half-closed in a daze, pointing at the various bottles of liquor and laughing: "So much alcohol."

Jiang Zhengxuan glanced at the watch: "It's a little past 3 o'clock. Did you work overtime again last night?" Ye Yingzhang yawned as he entered the bathroom: "Yes, the case has reached a critical point, and the colleagues in the office have been working tirelessly for several days. They sent me back to get a few hours of sleep."

Jiang Zhengnan gazed at the photo of the adorable, drooling baby, and a few traces of a smile unconsciously appeared at the corners of his mouth, responding with a soft "good"

The skin on her heel was scraped and throbbed with pain. Yet, it felt as if a piece of her heart had also broken, aching dully. She foolishly could not discern which pain was greater at that moment. The more she thought about it, the more she felt wronged and pitiful, and she could not help but sob quietly in the taxi on her way home.

During that period, everyone knew that Jiang Zhengnan's temper had reached an extreme low. A vigorous and lively person had been reduced to a paralyzed patient; such a blow is difficult for an ordinary person to accept, let alone someone like Jiang Zhengnan, who has always held himself in high regard and possesses a strong sense of pride. This was simply more painful than killing him.

Jiang Zhengxuan did not know how long she had been in the bathroom, her consciousness drifting in and out. She only knew that she felt as if she had frozen into an ice block, so cold that even the roots of her teeth were chattering.

Nie Chongzhi was truly at a loss and had no choice but to take the corkscrew and remove the cork. He had originally planned to leisurely let the red wine breathe, taking his time. However, this girl could hardly wait for even a moment, pouting her soft, tender lips and urging him: "Hurry up, hurry up." Even when drunk, she complained about his service: "You are so slow, slower than a snail." She had the attitude that she would not relent until she got her wine.

The moment Jiang Zhengxuan opened the door, he saw Nie Chongzhi, who had already changed his clothes and was leaning against the wall smoking, frowning as he took deep puffs of smoke.

As expected, the room was in disarray, with vases, cups, and dishes from the bedside cabinet scattered across the floor, shattered into pieces, clearly having just been swept away by Jiang Zhengnan's whirlwind.

Jiang Zhengxuan responded and called the caregiver to tidy up. She then sat by the bedside, peeled a grape carefully, and said: "Brother, I know you are feeling uncomfortable, but getting angry with them won't help. The expert doctors have repeatedly stated that your condition is only temporary. As long as you follow the doctor's advice and persist with acupuncture and rehabilitation, you will definitely get better gradually"

What should I do? Jiang Zhengxuan did not quite understand Nie Chongzhi's meaning. She raised her distinctly black-and-white eyes and looked at Nie Chongzhi. To her surprise, Nie Chongzhi was staring at her motionlessly, and the inquisitive look in his eyes made her feel very uncomfortable. Jiang Zhengxuan quickly averted her gaze and said, "I do not understand what you mean"

Jiang Zhengxuan hurriedly ran to investigate, just as she was about to push the door open, a series of "pili pala" sounds came from inside.

Jiang Zhengxuan finished drinking in one go, furrowing her delicate brows, half-lifting her eyelids as she began to act coy: "Good Brother Nie, I want more... I want more..."

Nie Chongzhi's gaze was suddenly drawn to the two crimson spots on her snow-white heels. Upon closer inspection, it was evident that they were abrasions.

Is it really just for that dirty little trinket

Jiang Zhengxuan hurriedly caught the pillow, peeked out, and timidly said: "Elder brother, it is I."

After Jiang Zhengxuan greeted Nie Chongzhi, she turned around, resting her chin on her hand, her starry eyes half-closed as she said to the bartender, "Andy, I would like a drink just like that one, a 'Rosemary.' What a lovely name." At this moment, Nie Chongzhi had already approached her from behind and shook his head upon hearing her words. This girl thinks that a drink with a nice name must taste good. Although this 'Rosemary' is not as strong as 'Midnight Enchantment,' it still contains a considerable amount of alcohol.

In a moment, Ye Yingzhang finished his shower and changed his clothes. Seeing her bent over organizing newspapers and magazines, he hurriedly said, "Xuanxuan, you don't need to be busy. Come sit down and eat together." Xuanxuan, who had been pampered since childhood, always having her clothes brought to her and food served to her, was still the treasured darling of the Jiang family, and was certainly not someone suited for such household chores.

The two did not speak again, remaining silent all the way. Jiang Zhengxuan only felt that the atmosphere was strange, with each second dragging on like a year. Since that incident, whenever she saw Nie Chongzhi, she felt as if she were a fish being grilled over a fire, enduring an unspeakable torment.

Yet she remained oblivious, her boneless body entwining around him like a vine, twisting as she pleaded: "Brother Ye, don't go, don't go... you must not leave."

She was crying so pitifully that the driver in front frequently turned back to look. Upon seeing such a beautiful young girl crying with tears like rain on a pear blossom, the driver could not bear it and said, "Little girl, did you break up with your boyfriend? Don't cry, you are so beautiful; how could he be blind enough to not want you? In the future, it will be he who has many days of crying ahead."

Jiang Zhengxuan smiled gently: "I have eaten, and I am quite full now. You have slept until now, so you must be hungry. Hurry up and give it a try, then tell me if there has been any improvement this time?" Not only has she eaten, but the entire Jiang family has also become her test subjects, and it is likely that they are all too full to eat dinner tonight

Jiang Zhengxuan was trembling alone in place, feeling as if the sky was spinning and the earth was turning, with the world devoid of light. She still could not believe it, slowly crouching down and vigorously slapping her own face: "It can't be, it can't be. I'm dreaming... Jiang Zhengxuan, you are dreaming."

At this moment, Nie Chongzhi felt extremely strange. He was so irritated that he could hardly bear it, and he experienced an inexplicable sense of resentment. Every time he recalled what Jiang Zhengxuan had just said, "Brother Nie, can we pretend that what happened that night never occurred?" he felt a surge of anger within him, wishing he could find someone to spar with and vent his frustration.

Everything will still be fine by that time

The driver of the Jiang family smoothly parked the car in front of the dormitory building of the Luohai Public Security Bureau. Jiang Zhengxuan carefully picked up the paper bag and opened the door to get out, saying: "Uncle Xu, you can go back first. I will return home by myself shortly."

Having taken only a few steps, a pillow came flying towards me: "Get out, I told you all to get out, I do not want to see anyone."

He had never thought about a person in such a way. However, since the accident, she has vanished like a bubble, never to appear again

Jiang Zhengnan shot him a glare, saying, "You are the one who is not doing well." Nie Chongzhi teased, "Look, you still have the energy to spar with me in words, which indicates that your recovery is going quite well"

Jiang Zhengxuan lingered outside a street lined with pubs for a long time, but ultimately did not dare to enter. Although she wanted to drown her sorrows in alcohol, she was also aware that places like bars are notorious for their mixed clientele and are well-known for their troubles. The risk factor for a girl going to such places is too high.

The young girl, however, was unyielding, wrapping her arms around his neck as if she were throwing caution to the wind, her lips, more delicate and fragrant than flower petals, pressed against his once more. ... The words that Nie Chongzhi had yet to finish were swallowed by her; her timid yet skillful tongue ventured in, entangling with his, causing Nie Chongzhi to tremble involuntarily.

She stood dazed at the bustling intersection, ultimately deciding to head to the bar located beneath the club owned by Nie Chongzhi. After all, that was Brother Nie's territory, and many people there knew her and were aware that she was Jiang Zhengnan's sister, so they would look out for her. Even if she got drunk, it would only take a call from Brother Nie to have her brother come to pick her up.

Such a petite and delicate girl, with snow-white and fine skin, a beautifully rosy and tender face, sweet and lovely almond-shaped eyes, soft and curled hair, and layers of white tulle dress. The moment Nie Chongzhi saw her, he thought he had encountered a little princess from a fairy tale, feeling an overwhelming desire to hold her in his arms and cherish her for a lifetime.

While Jiang Zhengxuan was drinking her third glass of "Dark Night Fragrance," the bar manager discreetly reported this situation to Nie Chongzhi, who was in the exclusive suite on the top floor of the club: "Mr. Nie, Miss Jiang is downstairs. Would you like to go down and take a look?"

There is a private lounge suite for several of them on the upper floor of the club. Thus, Nie Chongzhi half coaxed and half tricked her into his room

Jiang Zhengxuan bit her lower lip and, feeling wronged, explained: "Brother Ye, I didn't mean to. I saw that pendant was so old and the string was broken, and it was thrown on the ground, so I thought you didn't want it..."

Jiang Zhengxuan has regarded Nie Chongzhi as an older brother for many years

Nie Chongzhi silently acknowledged. After a pause, he spoke: "Xuanxuan, what do you plan to do about this matter?"

Six years ago, Luohai

As soon as she finished speaking, Nie Chongzhi also stood up: "Jiang, I should be leaving as well." Jiang Zhengnan was still in the recovery period after the car accident, and after talking for a long time, he also felt fatigued, so he waved his hand: "That's fine, you can just take Xuanxuan home."

Jiang Zhengxuan's voice was low and soft, very cautious: "Brother Nie, can we all forget about that matter, alright?"

But if that were the case, wouldn't it mean that Jiang Zhengnan would never be able to walk for the rest of his life! Not to mention that his mother, Lu Geqing, is deeply worried and unable to eat or sleep. Even his father, Jiang Zhaoguo, who usually only focuses on work and neglects family matters, specifically took half a day off from various work meetings and schedules, set aside his tasks, and went to the hospital to meet with the hospital director and the chief physician in charge of the treatment.

Nie Chongzhi carefully placed her on the mattress and gently covered her with a thin blanket. Just as he was about to withdraw, a delicate and soft arm suddenly wrapped around his neck. The smooth and tender touch made Nie Chongzhi's heart tighten. He lowered his head, only to meet Jiang Zhengxuan's enlarged, exquisite features. With tearful eyes, she murmured, "Brother Ye, I didn't mean to, I truly didn't mean to. Please don't be angry with me, okay?"

Nie Chongzhi was able to endure, but Jiang Zhengxuan could no longer hold on. When she saw the doctor and nurse coming for a routine check-up, she took the opportunity to say to Jiang Zhengnan: "Elder brother, I am going home now, I will come to see you again tomorrow"

When she came out of the bathroom, she saw several outfits laid out on the sofa, accompanied by lingerie, shoes, and other items, all of which were perfectly arranged and comfortable. It was evident that Nie Chongzhi had someone specially deliver them.

Ye Yingzhang returned to the house and took a shower again. When he came out, his expression had eased slightly, and he said to her gently: "Xuanxuan, you should go home first. I need to go to work."

Occasionally, Jiang Zhengnan would wonder: would she also think of him at some moment? But the next second after this thought arose, Jiang Zhengnan self-deprecatingly curled her lips, mocking her own sentimentalism and overestimation of herself. All along, she had been yearning to escape from him; how could she possibly think of him?

The bartender named Andy, at Nie Chongzhi's gesture, poured the prepared non-alcoholic cocktail into a glass and pushed it in front of her. Jiang Zhengxuan picked up the glass and downed it in a few gulps, then set it down, her eyes slightly dazed as she covered her pink lips and let out a few burps: "Another one, bring me another glass"

This girl is drinking so heartily; it seems she is determined to drown her sorrows today. Nie Chongzhi could only coax her, saying: "Come, let's go to Brother Nie's place. I have a whole cabinet of fine wine for you to enjoy. There are too many people here, and it's too noisy. Let's go upstairs, and Brother Nie will keep you company while you drink"

Yet even amidst such chaotic kisses, at the moment she pressed her lips against his, Nie Chongzhi felt a sudden dizziness, as if a hundred barrels of oil had been poured over him. Her lips were soft, fragrant, and sweet, burning like a spark, igniting him completely from head to toe

After fleeing from the club in a panic and returning home, Jiang Zhengxuan remained in a state of shock and disbelief for several days. Her elder brother, Jiang Zhengnan, had a car accident this summer, and their mother, Lu Geqing, was preoccupied with the daily back-and-forth between home and the hospital, worrying about various matters. As a result, she did not notice the changes in Jiang Zhengxuan after she had concealed her feelings.

As Jiang Zhengxuan entered with Nie Chongzhi, he immediately felt awkward and uncomfortable, deliberately avoiding his gaze, hoping that he would leave soon. However, Nie Chongzhi appeared quite relaxed, sitting on the sofa and engaging in casual conversation with Jiang Zhengnan. He even accompanied Jiang Zhengnan for acupuncture, and thus, he stayed until nearly evening

Jiang Zhengnan clenched her fists with both hands, secretly pounding on the bed, frustrated with her own lack of resolve. She doesn't want you, she doesn't want you. Jiang Zhengnan, you idiot

Nie Chongzhi gently tousled her hair and softly coaxed, "Alright, I'm not angry. Can we sleep now?" He tried to move her hand away, but the girl clung tightly to his neck, refusing to let go.

Her words carried a clear sense of pleading. Nie Chongzhi's eyes, as dark as black ink, grew heavy, and from the corner of his eye, he noticed her delicate white fingers nervously tugging at the chain of her small bag

Jiang Zhengxuan casually pulled out a bottle of red wine and handed it to Nie Chongzhi, her speech slurred and her demeanor charmingly tipsy: "Open... open."

Jiang Zhengxuan timidly called out to him from behind: "Brother Ye... are you really not angry?" Ye Yingzhang turned around and said seriously: "Xuanxuan, I am not angry with you. There have been major cases at the bureau these past few days, and my colleagues are all overwhelmed with work. I must go to the office now. You should head home early."

Jiang Zhengxuan woke up with a splitting headache, feeling extremely uncomfortable, with not a single part of her body at ease. She groggily rubbed her head against the pillow for a long time, wondering why she felt so unwell. What exactly had she done yesterday?

What if a blood clot never dissolves in a lifetime? The doctor helplessly stated that he cannot guarantee that this situation does not exist

In Jiang Zhengxuan's eyes, the broken pendant is an invaluable treasure belonging to him, Ye Yingzhang. During the years of Wufu, he strolled through the streets with that person. In the bustling and noisy night market, that person took a pendant from a small stall, waved it back and forth in front of him, and asked with a beaming smile: "How about this?" Behind her was the brilliant light, and the colorful years were enchanting.

The moment she moved, she was stunned; the little girl was actually still crying in her sleep, with a face marked by mottled tear stains

In that moment, Nie Chongzhi realized for the first time that this little girl, Jiang Zhengxuan, was quite charming.

A great fire finally blazed up with a roaring and overwhelming intensity

Her expression and reaction have already made Nie Chongzhi aware that she does not want anyone to know about this matter, especially Ye Yingzhang

Nie Chongzhi was even certain of one thing: Jiang Zhengxuan would absolutely not tell anyone about this matter, which also meant that he would never have to explain it to Jiang Zhengnan. Logically, he should feel a sense of relief, as this matter should now be considered settled.

If it were usual, Nie Chongzhi would naturally be reluctant to let her feel pain, just like Jiang Zhengnan. However, fearing that she might get infected, he had no choice but to let her cry out in pain, while wiping and soothing her: "Alright, alright, it will stop hurting soon." Jiang Zhengxuan mumbled incoherently for a moment, then turned to the side and quietly fell into a daze.

Jiang Zhengxuan tilted her head in silence for a long time before softly saying: "Brother Nie, can we pretend that what happened that night never occurred?"

Nie Chongzhi came out of the bathroom after washing his hands and saw her curled up like a cat. He recalled her soft voice saying, "Good Brother Nie," and his heart ached even more. Concerned that she might be uncomfortable, he picked her up and said, "Xuanxuan, be good, let's go to bed to sleep"

Although Jiang Zhengxuan's consciousness had entered a state of half-awake and half-dazed, upon entering the room, she surprisingly still remembered that she wanted to drink, searching the entire room for alcohol: "Where is the wine? Where is the wine?"

Only then did Ye Yingzhang, who had just taken a shower, stand in the garbage heap, rummaging around. At that time, Jiang Zhengxuan was still puzzled: "Brother Ye, it's just a broken pendant, it's not worth anything. If you throw it away, just throw it away. How about I buy you a few that look better?"

Ye Yingzhang let out a long sigh: "No need, I have searched everywhere, and I cannot find it, I will never find it again." His tone was gentle, yet it seemed to carry an infinite sense of sorrow and loneliness. Jiang Zhengxuan did not understand what was wrong with him.

Nie Chongzhi suddenly recalled that night when she blocked his lips, holding him tightly and kissing and licking him without restraint. For a moment, his heart felt as if it were being scratched by a hundred claws, an indescribable itch and discomfort. He swallowed hard, dared not look again, and hurriedly shifted his gaze away, awkwardly adjusting his crossed legs.

The customized pendant on Jiang Zhengxuan's neck mischievously peeked out from his collar, swaying back and forth in front of him. Jiang Zhengnan's gaze paused, and his expression relaxed. This was a chain designed and customized by a renowned master, containing a global positioning system. In addition to his sister Jiang Zhengxuan, he had also ordered another one, which he personally hung around another person's neck

Jiang Zhengxuan looked on, feeling a sense of relief in her heart. After all, Nie Chongzhi was impressive, managing to elicit a smile from her elder brother without making a sound.

Jiang Zhengxuan set down her bag and looked up at the bartender, saying, "Make me a drink just like hers." The bartender was momentarily taken aback, asking, "Miss Jiang, are you sure?" Without considering the consequences, Jiang Zhengxuan had only one thought in her mind: she wanted a drink. "I am quite sure," she replied.

He observed her expression, which was exceedingly subtle and strange. Jiang Zhengxuan suddenly felt that something was amiss

Nie Chongzhi noticed that as soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Zhengxuan beside him seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and her pale fingers also loosened the chain

Ah! This silly little girl! A girl who evokes both love and pity!

Calm down, isn't it just the euphemistic words that couples usually say before breaking up

Jiang Zhengxuan looked at the litter scattered on the ground and sighed inwardly. She bent down, preparing to tidy up a bit. Seeing this, Jiang Zhengnan shouted, "Don't touch it, what are you moving it for? Be careful not to cut your hand. Let the caregivers and housekeepers handle it."

She paid no attention to Nie Chongzhi's reaction and hurriedly entered the elevator, repeatedly pressing the close button

As a result, along the way, Nie Chongzhi, under her noisy complaints and coquettishness, drank an entire two bottles of red wine. Although Jiang Zhengxuan did not drink much each time, the frequency was high, and it is estimated that she consumed about one or two glasses in total.

Ye Yingzhang paused for a moment, his tone softening: "I am sorry, Xuanxuan. This is not your concern. Let's go, it is also time for me to head to the office." With that, he left the dormitory without looking back

Upon hearing this, Nie Chongzhi immediately realized that Jiang Zhengxuan was in a situation below. Jiang Zhengnan's sister was essentially his own sister, so Nie Chongzhi promptly closed his computer and stood up

Nie Chongzhi was taken aback for a few seconds; this girl actually wanted to drink again. However, in just those few seconds, Jiang Zhengxuan had already grown impatient, frowning and stamping her little foot: "Hurry up, hurry up and open it, I want to drink."

He really cannot see what is so good about the one surnamed Ye. She is just average in appearance and all aspects are so-so, and it seems that the one surnamed Ye does not treat her well either. Like the time he went to the abandoned construction site to rescue Xuanxuan, seeing her in that disheveled and frightened state made his heart ache terribly. He went up and gave that pig-headed kidnapper a thorough beating, leaving the man gasping for breath. However, he observed coldly and noticed that the woman Ye Yingzhang was concerned about Jiang Zhengnan seemed to care for Jiang Zhengxuan in much the same way.

The azure sky, with clouds like cotton, a gentle breeze caressing the face, and the soft, undulating afternoon sunlight. The autumn days of Luohai are vibrant with a kaleidoscope of colors, shimmering and radiant.

Nie Chongzhi then brought up a topic and spoke a few words with Jiang Zhengnan. Suddenly recalling something, he patted his forehead: "By the way, I forgot to tell you some good news: Zhu Anping has had a big fat son."

After searching through the trash, he ultimately found nothing. In the end, Ye Yingzhang was truly at a loss and had no choice but to give up

Jiang Zhengxuan thoughtfully placed the soft pillow behind her elder brother's back and covered his legs with a blanket. Due to his question, a scene from that day’s cold shower flashed through Jiang Zhengxuan's mind like a slow-motion film, and her hands paused for a few seconds: "Alright... I am fine now"

Although this smile is radiant like spring, it is clearly a silly grin. However, the large almond-shaped eyes, particularly bright and dark due to their moisture, sparkle like diamonds under the ambiguous and enchanting multicolored lights of the bar. The tender and crystalline face, paired with a head of neither long nor short curly hair, made Nie Chongzhi feel as if something had gently tapped his heart, producing a crisp sound of "ding" before slowly cracking open.

Ye Yingzhang lowered his eyes, seemingly enduring and holding back for a while, then softened his tone: "Xuanxuan, I am sorry. I have been too tired these past few days, and my emotions have been too tense. Please allow me some time to calm down. You can go back today."

No one knows that the fact she does not want him actually causes him more pain than paralysis

Jiang Zhengxuan followed him closely, saying: "Brother Ye, please don't be angry, okay?"

Brother Ye, please stop looking. How about I go buy you a replacement?

Ye Yingzhang suddenly raised his head, his tone rising several decibels in urgency: "What, you threw it away, where did you throw it?" The trash can in front of him was completely empty. Without waiting for Jiang Zhengxuan to respond, Ye Yingzhang swiftly stood up and rushed out of the room like a gust of wind

Jiang Zhengxuan stood in place, stunned for a few seconds, unable to understand what was happening to him, and could only follow him downstairs.

Brother Ye

However, as soon as Jiang Zhengxuan opened her mouth, she urged him to act as if nothing had happened. It was evident that she cared deeply for Ye Yingzhang, to a degree that exceeded his imagination

However, Jiang Zhengxuan could not refrain from eating, so she had no choice but to open her mouth, her face flushed with embarrassment

Nie Chongzhi stared at her, helpless to do anything but watch. After a while, he turned and left.

Then, she saw Nie Chongzhi. He was standing by the window not far away, smoking. Hearing the noise, Nie Chongzhi turned his head and locked eyes with her

Jiang Zhengxuan felt embarrassed by his persuasion, wiped her tears, opened her misty eyes, and sobbed silently. The taxi was passing through the bar street along Hubin Road. Jiang Zhengxuan saw the flickering neon lights of the pubs by the roadside and couldn't help but have the thought of getting drunk: "Driver, please stop here. Thank you"

As the car drove along, Jiang Zhengxuan, sitting beside, kept her gaze fixed straight ahead without looking away. Nie Chongzhi's eyes scanned her face and he said: "Xuanxuan, let's find a place to talk."

The doctors and nurses emerged one by one, shaking their heads and sighing, their expressions filled with distress. Jiang Zhengxuan offered an apologetic smile to each of them. Once the commotion inside had subsided somewhat, she gently pushed the door open and entered.

In the end, she realized that no matter how long she showered or how many times she bathed, it could not change the fact that she had slept with Brother Nie.

Why is Brother Ye always so indifferent to her? What has she done wrong? What exactly has she done wrong? Jiang Zhengxuan was so drunk that she had long regarded him as Ye Yingzhang. When she saw him avoiding her and scolding her, she felt an overwhelming sense of grievance. She became even more infatuated, with one hand climbing up to his neck, and her moist lips kissed him recklessly.

He has truly gone mad! To commit such beastly acts!

It must be that she is dreaming, it must be! Once she wakes from the dream, everything will be fine

She rubbed her body over and over again until her skin turned red, yet she could not wipe it away. Those marks and the unusual, bloody state of her body relentlessly reminded her that this was an ironclad fact

Jiang Zhengxuan saw that Nie Chongzhi's tongue had clearly licked the durian pastry, yet he still put it back. In an instant, the vague images of their entangled moments from that night surged back like a tide, and she hurriedly averted her gaze, not daring to look at Nie Chongzhi again: "I... I am not hungry, Brother Nie, you eat."

Nie Chongzhi was still tugging at her arm, but in the next moment, he felt a soft, warm, and wet object blocking his lips. The girl had no sense of propriety, licking and biting at his lips like a little puppy

Brother Ye works tirelessly, day and night. Jiang Zhengxuan cannot help but feel distressed and gently urges him: "Then hurry up and wash up so we can eat cake; I'm starving."

Nie Chongzhi felt inexplicably gloomy, extremely uncomfortable, experiencing a sensation he had never felt before, a mix of irritability, discomfort, and disappointment. After a moment of pause, Nie Chongzhi finally uttered a single word: "Good"

Only after Jiang Zhengxuan shouted did she lean over the bar, frowning beautifully as she continued to ask the bartender for more drinks: "Andy, another one, please mix me another... I want to drink more"

Jiang Zhengxuan shook her head, completely unaware that she was already slurring her words: "Who wants to go home? I... I don't want to go home. I... I still want to drink." Nie Chongzhi, seeing her frowning and pouting in a charming manner, felt both amused and exasperated. Imitating Jiang Zhengnan, he ruffled her hair and gently coaxed, "Be good, finish this drink and then we will go home."

Nie Chongzhi was momentarily taken aback by her soft and sweet call of "Good Brother Nie," and then he shook his head and chuckled. This girl, she really knows how to play the sweet card! Calling him Good Brother Nie. This was the first time in her life that she had ever addressed him like that.

She was afraid that Jiang Zhengnan would continue to question her, so she changed the subject, pulling Jiang Zhengnan's hand and sweetly acting coy: "Elder brother, I haven't seen you for several days. Have you missed me? Look, I brought you flowers and the blueberry cheesecake from the Time Coffee Shop on Wanghu Road. I always remember that you don't like sweet food, but you have a special fondness for this cake."

That day, Nie Chongzhi, who never smoked, anxiously finished two whole packs of cigarettes

When Nie Chongzhi's gaze swept over, it seemed to pause on her for a moment. But in just a second, he nonchalantly shifted his gaze away, smiling as he teased Jiang Zhengnan, saying: "Jiang, I haven't seen you for a few days and thought you were unwell. Damn it, turns out you look even better than I do now!"

This girl, why does she not understand how to cherish herself? If the shoes are uncomfortable, she can simply throw them away, yet she has managed to wear her beautiful feet down to this state.

Jiang Zhengxuan's distinctly black-and-white eyes shimmered with a momentary glimmer, as she gently tugged at his sleeve and shook it lightly, panicking like a little deer: "Calm down? Why should we calm down? Brother Ye, I truly didn't mean to! Let me help you find it, alright? I will definitely get it back for you."

Jiang Zhengnan and Nie Chongzhi have always been closer than real brothers. Savoring a spoonful of porridge, he said to the girl, "Why be polite to him? Even giving him the leftovers is too generous." He picked up a piece with chopsticks and held it to Jiang Zhengxuan's mouth, "Here, eat this."

Brother Ye told her to calm down for a while She ran to Brother Nie's bar to drink, yes, she had several drinks She also saw Brother Nie and drank with him Countless fragments gradually pieced together

What happened to him

After enduring for a long time, they finally arrived at the doorstep. Nie Chongzhi's car came to a smooth stop, and Jiang Zhengxuan softly said, "Thank you." Without waiting for Nie Chongzhi to respond, she pushed the door open, leaped out of the car, and hurried into the house, moving so quickly as if a fierce wolf were chasing her.

During the years of studying in the country, Nie Chongzhi frequently visited the Jiang family, even having a guest room specially prepared for him upstairs at that time. After returning from studying abroad, Jiang Zhengnan initially lived in the large residence, and Nie Chongzhi would occasionally come over, while Jiang Zhengxuan would also meet with him.

In the dimly lit and ambiguous bar, a crowd of people gathered. At the bar, a voluptuous woman dressed in alluring attire held a beautifully crafted drink in her hand, engaging in a flirtatious whisper with a man.

Nie Chongzhi had watched her grow up, and he had never seen her so sad and wronged. Clearly, she was drunk and muddled, yet tears surged out in waves. It seemed she had quarreled with someone surnamed Ye, who had upset her. Nie Chongzhi felt an inexplicable pang of heartache.

He met Jiang Zhengnan at a private high school, and they became acquainted during a fight. Since then, the two have been inseparable, akin to biological brothers

Jiang Zhengxuan reacted in panic, retreating several steps. Her gaze was bewildered and chaotic, filled with disbelief, as she trembled and pointed at Nie Chongzhi, gasping heavily while screaming: "Don't come over... Don't come over... Get out... Get out!"

Seeing that he liked it, Jiang Zhengxuan felt as joyful as a cupcake infused with honey: "Alright, next time I will make it lighter. You can have a few more, and I will go take out the trash." Ye Yingzhang hurriedly stopped her: "No need, I will take it out later."

After staying at home for an entire week without going out, Jiang Zhengxuan decided to forget about the matter between her and Nie Chongzhi, treating it as if it had never happened. Before she went out that day, in order to demonstrate her determination to forget, she specially dressed up beautifully and then went to the hospital to visit her bedridden elder brother

It seems there is a smell of smoke in the room? How could there possibly be a smell of smoke in her room? Jiang Zhengxuan furrowed her brows, struggling to lift her long, curled eyelashes.

Jiang Zhengxuan said, "It's nothing, just the second floor, only a few steps away." After saying this, she cheerfully descended the stairs with a garbage bag in hand

When she was tidying up, she indeed saw such a small pendant by the side of the sofa. Perhaps due to the passage of time, the woven red string had already turned black. Even though Jiang Zhengxuan did not have much knowledge about the quality of jade, she could tell at a glance that this jade gourd was nothing more than a cheap trinket, possibly even made of plastic. She did not pay much attention to it and casually tossed it into the garbage bag

Jiang Zhengxuan skillfully navigated around the circular flower bed and arrived at the base of Dormitory Building No. 3. She looked up at a certain window on the second floor, only to see the curtains drawn tightly. Jiang Zhengxuan let out a quiet sigh; it seemed that Brother Ye had stayed up all night again.

She had just communicated with the manager of "Croissant House" about several pastries that the gentlemen enjoyed, and before she could hang up the phone, she noticed someone pushing the door open at the entrance. Assuming it was a nurse, she turned around with a faint smile.

Although she had grown accustomed to Ye Yingzhang's occasional indifference towards her, on that day, Jiang Zhengxuan truly could not understand what she had done wrong to provoke his anger. She felt wronged and deeply saddened, walking aimlessly for a long distance on the road in her high heels.

Nie Chongzhi stared blankly at her figure disappearing into the courtyard. That uncomfortable feeling tightly wrapped around his heart, as now Xuanxuan avoided him as if he were a venomous snake or scorpion

Nie Chongzhi himself did not know what had happened to him last night He did drink alcohol, but this amount of alcohol was not enough to make him drunk and impulsive like this Moreover, it should not be difficult for him to pursue women

Jiang Zhengxuan's lip color is tender, and as her lips part slightly, the pink tip of her tongue is faintly revealed. Nie Chongzhi was originally sitting leisurely on the sofa opposite the hospital bed with his legs crossed. His gaze inadvertently swept across and caught sight of this scene

It is merely a worthless little trinket, so dirty and so worn out that even if it fell to the ground, no one would bother to bend down and pick it up. Even if offered to a beggar, they would disdain such a small pendant. Is it really worth Brother Ye getting so angry over? Jiang Zhengxuan rummaged through so much disgusting trash that even after washing her hands over and over again, she still seemed to carry the peculiar, rancid odor of that garbage on her body

Nie Chongzhi suddenly accelerated the car, pressing the gas pedal as he sped towards the less crowded Sixth Ring Road

Nie Chongzhi took the exclusive elevator directly to the bar at the very bottom. When he entered, Jiang Zhengxuan was holding the fourth glass of "Dark Night Enchantment." Upon seeing this, Nie Chongzhi couldn't help but be taken aback. This little girl has gone mad, daring to drink like this. It should be noted that "Dark Night Enchantment" is concocted from four or five types of strong liquor, capable of numbing a person's nerves without a trace, causing the drinker to become intoxicated without even realizing it.

The Adam's apple moved up and down incessantly as Nie Chongzhi exerted all his control to force himself away, simultaneously trying to remove the frail, boneless arm that was entwined around him: "Xuanxuan, be good, don't move around, go to sleep..."

The icy water poured down from her head, continuously washing over her

This girl is completely drunk, mistaking him for Ye Yingzhang, and uttering such enchanting and ambiguous words to him. Upon this thought, Nie Chongzhi's chaotic breathing calmed down a little, and he lightly scolded, "Stop messing around, go to sleep obediently."

The unique sweet fragrance emanating from her, mingled with an intoxicating scent of alcohol, was extremely pleasant. Nie Chongzhi suddenly felt parched, and he tried his best to turn his head away to avoid her, yet his heart raced wildly like a startled deer, thumping incessantly. Nie Chongzhi felt as if he had lost his mind; he was not a young lad, so why was his heart beating like this

Jiang Zhengxuan collapsed weakly in the bathroom, tears streaming down her face. Her damp long hair was disheveled, sticking to her forehead and shoulders, and her face was covered in water marks, making it impossible to distinguish whether it was water or tears.

Nie Chongzhi has been waiting until now for this, and thus he readily agreed with great enthusiasm

The Hong Kong-style pastries at "Croissant House" have always been exquisite, with the small durian puff being just the right size for a girl to enjoy in one bite... However, this durian puff is the one that Nie Chongzhi just put back...

Brother Ye was clearly angry. But why was he angry? She had worked hard all afternoon to make a cake, with the marks of burns still lingering on her fingertips, and had been urging Uncle Xu to hurry up, faster and faster, just so he could enjoy the warm, fragrant cake.

Ye Yingzhang was indeed hungry, and without further ado, he picked up the cake and stuffed it into his mouth. He ate three in a row before he had the time to compliment her: "Xuanxuan, your skills have improved greatly. The taste is good, though it is a bit sweet"

Nie Chongzhi walked towards the hospital bed as he spoke. With each step he took closer, Jiang Zhengxuan felt as if the air in the room was being compressed, making the surroundings inexplicably heavy, and her breathing began to grow difficult. However, in front of her elder brother, she had to maintain the most basic courtesy, so she lowered her eyes and awkwardly called out, "Elder Brother Nie."

In this state of complete unpreparedness, Nie Chongzhi's face suddenly entered Jiang Zhengxuan's line of sight

No, it won't happen! Such a thing is impossible. It must be a dream, an illusion. She is already engaged to Brother Ye, how could she do such a thing? How could she do something that would betray Brother Ye?

Jiang Zhengxuan carefully arranged the cupcakes on a large white porcelain plate and brewed a cup of coffee with less milk and less sugar according to his preference

After Jiang Zhengnan woke up in the intensive care unit, he found that he had lost sensation in both legs and was unable to move. The attending physician explained that a blood clot caused by the car accident was pressing on the nerves in his brain, which was why he could not walk temporarily. However, the attending physician could not provide a specific timeline for when he would fully recover, only stating that it would depend on the patient's recovery status and the degree of reduction of the blood clot in the brain.