Chapter 6, Serious Injury

The coffee is rich and aromatic, while the pudding has a moderately sweet flavor with a hint of creaminess. The combination of the two in the mouth results in a balance of bitterness and sweetness, with a slight astringency in the sweetness, creating a very pleasant texture. This is a store that pays great attention to detail, which can be felt from the very first bite of food

In his past residences, whether it was his estate, villa, or the penthouse apartment in the city center, or the apartment he later purchased near her home to be closer to her, all were managed by professionals, impeccably clean and beautiful enough to grace the cover of a home magazine at any time

That afternoon, she was reading comics in her elder brother's bedroom, while Nie Chongzhi and her elder brother were playing computer games and drinking beer.

When intoxicated, one will forget everything.

Jiang Zhengxuan remained motionless in place. The objects he threw landed right at her feet, precisely without even brushing against her clothes.

In the past, she had cursed him countless times, merely wishing for him to leave her life, so that they would have no further intersections. However, she had never imagined that he would become the person he is today

After a busy day at the flagship store, it was already past six in the evening when Jiang Zhengxuan turned off the computer. Therefore, he took a taxi directly to the hotel where he was staying

Get lost

In the following story, you can probably guess that the Nie family made things extremely difficult for Nie Gengli and that woman. The Nie family locked Nie Gengli up, while the Wan family went to find that woman to persuade, entice, and threaten her. It is said that the woman was also quite strong-willed, refusing to yield to either soft or hard tactics, and she smashed the items sent by the Wan family on the spot. She declared that if he was indifferent, she would leave, and just like that, she walked away, never to be heard from again. Nie Gengli stubbornly endured for a few years, but later, when the old master of the Nie family fell ill, he had no choice but to compromise and married Wan Shuping. As a result, three years after Wan Shuping gave birth to a son, that woman reappeared, found Nie Gengli, and said she had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and entrusted her son to him.

The moment he woke up, the first thing he saw was her, and he thought he was dreaming

Nie Chongzhi's face suddenly pressed down, kissing her forcefully and indiscriminately. His hands skillfully began to tug at her clothes.

A coffee shop named "Old Love" caught Jiang Zhengxuan's eye. The entrance of the shop is adorned with lush green plants, and soft light filters through. In the corridor, there is a wooden table covered with a large red checkered cloth, and a rustic yet elegant ceramic pot holds a large bouquet of blooming flowers. It instantly evokes a warm feeling.

A sudden, inexplicable heartache struck Jiang Zhengxuan like a bolt of lightning

The person walked into a convenience store that was open 24 hours. After a while, the person came out carrying two large bags. Due to the backlighting, she could not see his face clearly

She stared at him blankly, the sadness and sympathy in her eyes laid bare. She felt pity for him! She was actually feeling pity for him!

It is said that Nie Gengli truly loves his son. However, Wan Shuping cannot tolerate this large grain of sand in her eyes; every blink brings her pain. Nevertheless, the older generation prefers flourishing branches and leaves. At that time, the Nie family patriarch was still alive, and after the paternity test was conducted, he simply acknowledged this grandson with a single sentence. No matter how much Wan Shuping hated it, she could not overpower the strong. Thus, she had no choice but to raise Nie Chongzhi under her name.

As she watched Nie Chongzhi pass by, Jiang Zhengxuan was at a loss for her feelings, only sensing a distinct and sharp pang in the region of her heart

Now he seems to be abandoned by the whole world. How can she pretend not to see and just ignore it? Forget it, let me take another look, and then I will leave this issue to my elder brother and the others. Any one of his brothers can take good care of him. By then, she will no longer be so lost in thought and troubled.

Jiang Zhengxuan looked at his strange actions in this way

The two brands under the Queen label both have direct-operated stores here, and their monthly sales consistently rank among the top within the group. As usual, Jiang Zhengxuan spent a day at the two direct-operated stores, conducting several surveys to gain a detailed understanding of the sales performance of various styles in the stores as well as customer feedback.

The tables and chairs in the shop are quite ordinary, yet the owner has meticulously coordinated various warm decorations in every detail. Whether it is the dried flowers and vases, the throw pillows and cushions, or the ironwork, porcelain, and framed decorations, everything is perfectly placed

Nie Chongzhi stood alone in a daze, and after a while, he regained his senses and strode out of the room, making his way downstairs. Jiang Zhengxuan's figure was no longer visible, and he could not be found. Only the night was pitch black, resembling a mass of black satin, cold and silent, wrapping around him, gradually tightening. Nie Chongzhi was nearly suffocating

Jiang Zhengxuan was overwhelmed with mixed emotions, momentarily unable to take a step forward

Jiang Zhengxuan looked around and, for some unknown reason, felt a surge of impulse. She bent down to pick up the shopping bag that had been discarded in the corner and began to collect the litter on the ground

The light in the corridor was broken, making it very dark. Jiang Zhengxuan had no choice but to feel her way along the wall, taking one step at a time up the stairs. The house where Nie Chongzhi was located had a dim yellow light seeping through the slightly open gap.

At this moment, Nie Chongzhi seemed to have truly awakened, suddenly opening his eyes and standing up like a carp leaping out of the water. Then, he stood there like a stone pillar, facing her directly

Jiang Zhengxuan nodded and said: "Please bring me a special pasta, and for dessert, I would like an egg pudding. Oh, and also a latte." "Sure, please wait a moment."

Jiang Zhengxuan was filled with extreme anger and hatred, struggling with a "Wuwuwu" sound, like a little lion driven mad. She fiercely tugged at his hair, grabbed his face, and clawed at his ears, but it seemed as if her actions were hitting a wall, as the person before her showed no signs of pain or discomfort.

How did he end up in this state?

Since learning about Nie Chongzhi's background, Mother Lu Geqing has treated him differently from others, often inviting him to stay at their home. Especially during the summer vacation, Nie Chongzhi spent one and a half months of the two-month break at the Jiang family. When others inquired, Lu Geqing would always respond with a smile, saying: "This child from the Nie family is quite good, and I find him very likable. Our Zhengnan has never encountered someone so compatible; the two of them together are like brothers, they might as well be wearing the same pair of pants."

Perhaps the romantic entanglements of her youth have exhausted all her energy, and coupled with the differences in cultural habits abroad, Jiang Zhengxuan has remained as calm as still water in recent years. There is nothing wrong with this; she lives peacefully and contentedly. Aside from love, she possesses many things that girls dream of. If she were to ask for more, heaven would surely think her excessive. In life, perfection is merely a dream, akin to the final line of a fairy tale.

Nie Chongzhi returned to the house in a daze, sitting down amidst the chaos with his head in his hands

With just one glance, Jiang Zhengxuan was completely stunned. The area within her line of sight had been engulfed by various kinds of garbage, and she could only discern that it was originally a small living room from the sofa and small square table among the furniture. Due to the angle, Jiang Zhengxuan was unable to see Nie Chongzhi's figure.

He cannot possibly appear in Ningcheng

It's good to be drunk

At that time, Jiang Zhengnan and Nie Chongzhi were both extremely fascinated by computer games, advancing through levels and defeating enemies, spending an entire day without eating, speaking, or sleeping. However, Jiang Zhengxuan was unaware that Nie Chongzhi was obsessed with computers, self-studying programming, and had already shown his talent in the field of computers at such a young age

She was not unfamiliar with his smile, and Jiang Zhengxuan took a step back

Jiang Zhengnan said to Nie Chongzhi: "Nie, please go downstairs and get an ice cream for Xuanxuan." Nie Chongzhi smiled at her and went downstairs as instructed

Nie Chongzhi lay straight on the sofa in the hall, seemingly either in a deep sleep or heavily intoxicated, not moving for quite some time

Nie Chongzhi's expression was originally complex and difficult to decipher, but her touch somehow provoked him. A different emotion appeared in his eyes, as if he had been electrocuted, and he ruthlessly pushed her hand away, saying: "Get lost, stay away, don't touch me"

He did not know whether he had woken up or not. If he wakes up, how should she face him? Jiang Zhengxuan hesitated for a long time before finally making up her mind to go upstairs

Nie Chongzhi was curled up on the sofa, sleeping soundly, completely unaware of her approach

The person in Jiang Zhengxuan's memory is tall and graceful, with an extraordinary demeanor, high nose and sword-like eyebrows, and eyes that are always dark and bright, as if they were the most dazzling black diamonds in the world. He is completely different from how he is now

Finally, she decided not to sleep at all. She got up and stood by the window, watching as the sky over Ningcheng gradually brightened.

It is truly her! That Jiang Zhengxuan, who haunts my dreams, whom I both hate to the core and long for to the core!

Such a house, in the past, even if money were offered, he would not have stepped inside it

As she had just picked up a plastic packaging box, Nie Chongzhi rushed over, snatched the bag from her hand, and shouted at her fiercely: "Who told you to do such things! Who told you to do such things! Get away!"

Gradually, he began to learn not to remember anymore

Nie Chongzhi was struck heavily in the heart by something, and the unprecedented humiliation drove him into a frenzy, like a wounded beast, as he shouted madly: "Get out, get out. You get out of here."

How many people are watching him as he becomes the subject of this living joke

Jiang Zhengxuan, holding a cushion, lazily leaned against the soft sofa. The sweet and gentle music in the shop quietly flowed around, like a gentle hand gradually brushing away the weariness in people's hearts

He does not want her to see his current appearance

Nie Chongzhi actually lives in such a house, and he can actually reside in it

Nie Chongzhi suddenly stepped forward, grabbing her shoulders and pushing her towards the door: "Get out, get out of here."

She did not know what was wrong with her. In the past, she had tried every possible means to rid herself of Nie Chongzhi, wishing every day that he could disappear from her life. At this moment, she clearly could pretend not to see him, not to encounter him, but she found it so difficult to do so

Jiang Zhengxuan cautiously pushed open the iron door, only to hear a faint "click" as the door brushed against something inside the room. Perhaps due to the nature of her actions resembling that of a thief, Jiang Zhengxuan was startled by this small sound, causing her heart to tighten. She quickly crouched down, holding her breath, and carefully raised her eyes to observe the situation inside the room.

On this day, Jiang Zhengxuan arrived in Ningcheng, the last city of his business trip in Province Z. This is a highly developed coastal city, where the people enjoy a prosperous life and exhibit remarkable purchasing power

With his strength, if he had truly wanted to strangle her at that moment, it would have taken only a few seconds for her to be dead. There would have been no time to wait for someone to bring a sedative and then inject it into him. It was only after she arrived in New York that she suddenly realized such an obvious fact

Nie Chongzhi grabbed another can of beer and smashed it down heavily, shouting: "Get out, get out of my way, roll away, get out!" He seemed to have gone mad, as he hurled one beer can after another.

Jiang Zhengxuan seemed to have turned into a stone statue. She stared blankly at the deep night sky, and it took her a long time to regain her senses, realizing that it was already late at night. She should return to the hotel. Jiang Zhengxuan tried to move her feet, but as soon as she did, it felt as if countless needles were pricking her. It was then that she realized she had maintained this position for too long, and her feet had gone numb.

In the first moment that Jiang Zhengxuan regained her senses, she pushed him and raised her hand to strike, coldly saying: "Nie Chongzhi, you have succeeded." Nie Chongzhi was taken aback, not dodging or avoiding, allowing her hand to fall heavily on his face. Fueled by extreme hatred, she used all her strength, and the force was naturally considerable. With a loud "slap," a sound of flesh meeting flesh echoed, and a red mark in the shape of five fingers appeared on Nie Chongzhi's left cheek

She has left, truly left

Jiang Zhengxuan focused her attention, her gaze seemingly frozen as it followed that figure. The person gradually moved away, about to disappear from her line of sight. Jiang Zhengxuan suddenly came to her senses, pulled out some money from her bag and placed it on the table, hurriedly grabbed her bag and coat, and rushed out, saying: "I apologize, I have something to attend to, the money is on the table."

In the next moment, Nie Chongzhi's lips pressed down heavily without warning, fiercely sucking on her lips and even biting her, forcing her to open her mouth. She winced in pain and opened her mouth, filled with the taste of his alcohol and an unfamiliar flavor. Such an intense kiss left no room for breath. Memories surged like a tide, and Jiang Zhengxuan struggled, wildly hitting him with her hands.

Jiang Zhengxuan stood outside, and from her concealed position, she could still see some of the situation inside the room

Soon, Nie Chongzhi was at a considerable distance from her again. Jiang Zhengxuan came to her senses and quickly followed him. In the end, she watched Nie Chongzhi enter a dilapidated old building not far away. Moments later, the lights in an apartment on the top floor suddenly turned on.

Get out, you get out of here

It is good to be drunk

Jiang Zhengxuan has been gambling, wagering on her own feelings. She senses that Nie Chongzhi in front of her will act just like the last time in the hospital when he choked her; even if he hates her, in the end, he would not truly be willing to hurt her.

Jiang Zhengxuan leaned against the hard door frame, staring blankly at him, her heart silently aching, her eyes stinging as if something had happened, on the verge of tears

Nie Chongzhi gradually approached her, his fingers gently brushing across her face, the malevolence intensifying: "Do you pity me? Then how about you just show me your pity in its entirety?"

It was only then that Jiang Zhengxuan realized that this elder brother of the Nie family was a child without a mother. ... However, every time Brother Nie smiled, his bright eyes would squint into crescent shapes, so cheerful, so beautiful ...

Nie Chongzhi said, "Your brother went downstairs to get some food." He paused his computer game, stood up, and walked towards her, smiling as he softened his voice, "Xiaoxuan, hello, my name is Nie Chongzhi, and I am your brother's classmate"

Jiang Zhengxuan stared at him motionlessly, as if she had not heard anything. Due to the close distance, she could see that his eyes were bloodshot, swollen, and murky, devoid of any trace of their former clarity.

She bit her lip, still looking at him with that kind of gaze

Jiang Zhengxuan had never seen Nie Chongzhi like this before

Jiang Zhengxuan boldly approached the iron gate little by little, and as soon as she stepped inside, an unpleasant odor rushed towards her. This peculiar smell, a mixture of mold and rot, nearly made Jiang Zhengxuan gag.

She raised her eyes to look at him, and little did she know that Nie Chongzhi's dark and bright gaze was also fixed on her. Their eyes met, and she saw Nie Chongzhi smiling gently at her, the corners of his eyes curving upward, as if there were starlight dancing within them. Jiang Zhengxuan felt an inexplicable sensation in her heart, as if she had been lightly tapped by a small hammer. Her face flushed, and she hurriedly lowered her eyelids, softly saying: "Thank you, Brother Nie."

Nie Chongzhi casually grabbed an object nearby and threw it mercilessly: "Get out of here." With a loud "bang," a can of beer struck the ground beside her feet: "Get out."

Jiang Zhengxuan admired the scenery under the streetlights outside the window. The night was thickening, the streets were dim, and a few passersby strolled leisurely by. Ningcheng is a city very suitable for living and life

Haha, how wonderful, he has achieved his goal

Jiang Zhengxuan felt a strong bitterness rising within her, a feeling that was inexplicable. She had made the right bet! No matter how much he hated or resented her, he had never truly been willing to hurt her.

The strong smell of alcohol, along with the peculiar odor emanating from him, intertwined together. How long has it been since he last bathed! Has he really been living like this in such self-destructive abandon during this time!

On an autumn morning, thick fog enveloped the surroundings, already carrying a sense of desolation and chill. The community where Nie Chongzhi lived was not far from her hotel. Jiang Zhengxuan, relying on her memory from last night, soon arrived at the foot of Nie Chongzhi's building

The streetlights along the narrow street bloom one after another like flowers. The dim yellow light illuminates several small coffee shops by the roadside

In that cold room of the hospital, he experienced for the first time what it truly felt like to hate someone. He vowed that in this lifetime, he would use every means possible to forget her. He would definitely do it

Jiang Zhengxuan ultimately decided to go up and take a look first

He has finally succeeded in driving her away as he wished

He actually wants to do such a thing! This bastard! She still felt sorry for him! Jiang Zhengxuan kicked him and shouted angrily: "Nie Chongzhi, let go, will you let go?" She was blocked by his lips and teeth, only letting out an ambiguous "woo woo woo" sound. In moments like this, such sounds were instead intoxicating.

Ning Xi is indeed outstanding. The girls in the design department dress up beautifully every day, hoping to attract his attention. Perhaps Jiang Zhengxuan has been accustomed to handsome men since childhood, such as her elder brother Jiang Zhengnan, and some of his friends like Chu Suifeng, Zhu Anping, Lu Zhouyi, and even Nie Chongzhi and Ye Yingzhang. Each of them, whether charming and suave, romantic and dashing, gentle and refined, or imposing and majestic, could easily become the male lead in a romantic drama. Therefore, for Ning Xi, Jiang Zhengxuan only appreciates him, much like admiring a tree, a flower, or a cloud.

The person passing by was wearing a wrinkled camel-colored trench coat, and her long hair had already reached her shoulders. In that fleeting moment, she caught a whiff of a strong alcohol smell that was almost nauseating. She noticed the two large bags he was carrying, which looked heavy and were clearly filled with alcohol.

Jiang Zhengxuan herself did not know whether it was the small shop that attracted her or if it was the name of the "old love" that touched her. Unconsciously, she crossed the road, walked forward, and gently pushed open the door of the coffee shop

Get lost! I don't want to see you. Get out! Get lost!

Only Nie Chongzhi on the sofa remained unresponsive. Jiang Zhengxuan let out a sigh of relief, bending at the waist like a cat, tiptoeing as she stepped into the room

Ning Xi asked with a half-smile on the other end of the phone, "Do you need Tchaikovsky?" Jiang Zhengxuan was taken aback for a second, then replied with a smile, "Director Ning, you are so busy with important matters, how can I trouble you!" Ning Xi, unfazed, laughed heartily and said, "Then let's do it next time. I believe there will be bread, and there will be opportunities."

Every day of that summer vacation, Nie Chongzhi would come to the Jiang family to report in. Jiang Zhengxuan also gradually became familiar with him.

He wants to scare her away! He does not want her to see him in such a disheveled state! Jiang Zhengxuan finds it strange why she has this feeling, yet she feels this way nonetheless

However, it is hard to believe that I have now fallen from the clouds, reduced to such a state that I am neither human nor ghost!

Jiang Zhengxuan was still staring at him in a daze, as if she had been frozen in place

It is uncertain whether it was due to her biting, but Nie Chongzhi's movements paused for a moment and gradually became gentler. The pain slowly receded, replaced by an indescribable sensation, both comfortable and excruciating to the extreme. In the final moments, Nie Chongzhi's lips gently landed on hers, his lips moved slightly as if murmuring a few words. However, it was so faint, combined with the moment of bliss that felt eternal, that Jiang Zhengxuan's consciousness floated away, and she could not hear clearly what was said. In the final moments, Nie Chongzhi's lips gently landed on hers, his lips moved slightly as if murmuring a few words. However, it was so faint, combined with the moment of bliss that felt eternal, that Jiang Zhengxuan's consciousness floated away, and she could not hear clearly what was said.

Jiang Zhengnan bent down and dragged out a large outdoor backpack from the cabinet, winked at Jiang Zhengxuan, and made a shushing gesture with his finger: "Don't tell Mom. This is a secret between the three of us." As soon as he unzipped the bag, Jiang Zhengxuan was stunned to find it completely filled with canned beer. Clearly, she had unwittingly become an accomplice.

Taking this opportunity, she decided to go out. If he woke up, he would probably be unable to leave. There was simply too much garbage in the room, and during the process of making her way to the door, she heard a "thud"; she did not know what she had stepped on again

The two chatted for a few moments when someone pushed the door open at the entrance. The woman, with an apologetic smile, said as she left: "I will go and attend to them, please stay a little longer."

The crisp sound of the wind chimes rang out with a beautiful melody of "ding ding ding" as she pushed the door open. A beautiful woman stood up from the bar with a smile and said, "Welcome."

Originally, apart from his elder brother and a few others, he was surrounded by many people. However, now he is truly left all alone.

Gone! How could it be gone? Jiang Zhengxuan followed the direction in which the person had disappeared, chasing all the way to the intersection. Looking left and right, she finally spotted the figure of that person walking further away on the small path to her right. Jiang Zhengxuan hurried after him, maintaining a distance that was neither too far nor too close, closely following in his footsteps.

At this moment, Nie Chongzhi emerged from a room and entered Jiang Zhengxuan's line of sight. Jiang Zhengxuan was taken aback, fearing that he would be discovered, and instinctively shrank back. Inside, Nie Chongzhi was completely oblivious to the outside; he was busy dealing with the clutter and trash on the sofa, transferring it to the floor by throwing it with his hands or kicking it with his feet. After a moment, he had cleared some space on the sofa with his haphazard cleaning.

At that moment, joy surged towards him like a tsunami, overwhelming and unstoppable. But just as he felt joy for a second, he realized that he now appeared neither human nor ghostly, utterly unfit to be seen by anyone, let alone her. No, he did not want her to see him like this. Anyone else could see him, but not her

When the beautiful shopkeeper came over to tidy up, Jiang Zhengxuan did not hesitate to offer his praise: "Thank you, it tastes great." The shopkeeper smiled gently, the curve of her lips enchanting

Nie Chongzhi was injured; he sustained severe injuries. He uses this madness to conceal it

Nie Chongzhi is merely a high school student, yet he possesses a tall and slender figure, complemented by sword-like thick eyebrows and a straight nose, making him quite striking and spirited. He has typical almond-shaped eyes, which lift at the corners when he smiles, making him very attractive. Standing face to face with Jiang Zhengxuan, it suddenly feels as though the air around them has been compressed, making even breathing somewhat difficult.

Jiang Zhengxuan, taken aback, suddenly felt a sharp pain in her heart as if being pricked by needles

In the middle of it all, Ning Xi received a call: "Teresa, how are you? Is everything going smoothly?" Jiang Zhengxuan reported on the work situation: "Everything is going well, I have a flight back to Luohai early the day after tomorrow"

Since it was the top floor, no one passed by. Jiang Zhengxuan stood outside the door in a daze, watching him drink can after can. After finishing the beer, he began to pour liquor into his mouth—after a long while, Nie Chongzhi inside the room gradually fell silent, probably having passed out from drunkenness

He only loosened his grip slightly, then immediately pressed down heavily again, as if in a frenzy: "I want you to pity me! I want you to pity me!" In the next moment, Jiang Zhengxuan let out a soft whimper... He whispered in her ear: "Jiang Zhengxuan, I am asking you to pity me, asking you to pity me!"

In the moment their eyes met, there was a clear surprise in Nie Chong's eyes, but soon, in just a second, all emotions had already faded away, replaced instead by a cold demeanor. He looked at her coldly and uttered a word devoid of warmth: "Get lost"

He picked up a bag and took out a beer, opening it with a "pop" sound. Then he plopped down onto the sofa, sprawling out like a lump of soft clay, and began to gulp it down. Soon, he finished one can of beer, then tossed it aside with a flick of his hand, smashing the aluminum can against the wall with a "bang" before it fell to the ground. He did not get up, instead reaching out to the location of the bag and randomly grabbing a few times. After feeling another beer, he opened it with another "pop" and started drinking it down with loud gulps. Before long, he finished another can of beer, tossed it aside with a flick of his hand, smashing the aluminum can against the wall with a "bang" before it fell to the ground. He still did not get up, reaching out again to the bag and randomly grabbing a few times. After feeling another beer, he opened it with another "pop" and began to drink it down with loud gulps. In just a few minutes, another can of beer was empty. He casually tossed it aside and quickly reached for a third can.

In this world, he is truly the only solitary person!

Returning to the hotel from Nie Chongzhi's dilapidated house, Jiang Zhengxuan felt as if something was tightly entwined around her heart, making it impossible to break free. Throughout the entire night, she tossed and turned in the hotel bed like a fish in a pot of boiling oil, constantly writhing and turning over.

Nie Chongzhi was increasingly agitated, his gaze fixed intently on her lustrous red lips

Unlike all the scions of prominent families, he completed all his academic work in the United States while working part-time. During his time in the United States, he relied solely on his own efforts to begin programming. By the second year, he had successfully designed a state-of-the-art media player, after which companies, including Microsoft, sought to recruit him. After returning to his home country upon completing his studies, he founded the social networking site my.life, which swept across the entire nation. By the second year, he had successfully designed a state-of-the-art media player, after which companies, including Microsoft, sought to recruit him. After returning to his home country upon completing his studies, he founded the social networking site my.life, which swept across the entire nation. At its peak, the website had over 500 million users. He did not rely on a single cent from the Nie family; he built the my.life phenomenon from scratch.

Jiang Zhengnan affectionately pinched her tender little face and said with a smile, "If you can't sleep, then don't sleep! Do you want to eat ice cream?" Jiang Zhengxuan's eyes lit up: "I do."

Nie Chongzhi, who had been lying quietly on the sofa, suddenly opened his eyes, as if the bright and glaring light had pierced his vision. He frowned and closed his eyes again. After a few seconds, when he opened his eyes once more, he seemed to be in a daze. He stared blankly at Jiang Zhengxuan for a moment, blinking in disbelief, and then lay back down straight again.

The first time I met Nie Chongzhi was during a sweltering summer, in weather as oppressive as a steamer, with the sound of cicadas outside resembling a boiling cauldron

The taxi wound its way through Ningcheng and came to a stop at the entrance of the business hotel. As usual, I registered and went to my room, taking a shower at the first opportunity. Then I changed into my favorite flat shoes and strolled leisurely along the streets surrounding the hotel, enjoying the local scenery and searching for some local delicacies

He is indulging in self-destructive behavior, punishing himself

Jiang Zhengxuan slowly extended her finger, inching forward until it touched his haggard face. He was so emaciated, his complexion as pale as paper, with disheveled hair that was both dirty and foul-smelling. A homeless person might be in a better condition than he was

Thus, he closed his eyes in despair. The sound of footsteps that came again made him acutely aware that there was definitely someone in the room

Even though he had sworn an oath, he still constantly thought of her, remembering that child with whom he had no fate. He began to learn to numb himself through various means. In that way, he would not have to suffer each time he thought of her.

Now, this myth has been shattered. He has fallen directly from the clouds to the depths of the valley

Jiang Zhengxuan was roughly yanked by him, stumbling against the wall, yet she silently, patiently, and without a word continued to look at him. Nie Chongzhi gazed at her, and suddenly a smirk appeared at the corner of his mouth as he mischievously laughed: "Aren't you leaving yet? Do you pity me?"

Lu Geqing said, "So, Nie Chongzhi is not the child of Wan Shuping?" Aunt Liang leisurely took a sip of tea and replied, "The situation is as follows..."

Uncertain whether she had struck his face, Nie Chongzhi awoke in pain, abruptly releasing her grip, and glared at her, shouting: "Are you leaving or not? Are you really not going to leave? Try not leaving again!"

Nie Chongzhi could not endure her gaze any longer, and suddenly embraced her tightly, pressing her against the wall. His expression was fierce, his eyes reddened, and in a frenzied manner, he exclaimed: "You are not leaving, are you? You are not leaving, are you? I told you to leave, but you are not leaving, are you?"

After spending a long time together, Jiang Zhengxuan also regarded Nie Chongzhi as her own brother

Lu Geqing, upon hearing this, set down the porcelain cup and sighed softly: "Alas, it seems that Nie Chongzhi is quite a pitiful child, isn't he?" Aunt Liang snorted and said: "You know what Wan Shuping is like, a person with a heart full of seven apertures and a mind that is sharp in all directions. On the surface, she naturally presents herself flawlessly, but behind the scenes, she probably hasn't missed an opportunity to trip this boy up. An orphaned child, even if he has food, drink, and flowers, what does it matter? In the Nie family, aside from Nie Gengli, I doubt anyone truly cares for him."

Jiang Zhengxuan lifted her coffee, savoring it gently alongside the sweet, lively notes of music

In a moment, Jiang Zhengnan brought a lot of food and placed it in front of the two. Upon seeing Jiang Zhengxuan, he exclaimed in surprise, "Xuanxuan, why aren't you taking a nap?" Jiang Zhengxuan pouted and softly replied, "I can't fall asleep."

Nie Chongzhi looked up and saw her. After a brief moment of surprise, he smiled in realization: "You must be Xuanxuan!" Jiang Zhengxuan rubbed her sleepy eyes and, upon seeing the unfamiliar face, instinctively took a step back. She glanced around nervously and asked, "Where is my brother?"

Jiang Zhengxuan quickly organized her clothes and turned to rush out of the room: "Nie Chongzhi, from now on, I will no longer pity you. I will leave here for Luohai in the next couple of days, do as you wish!"

The last object fell to the ground with a clatter at my feet

The woman said softly: "The Western cuisine features specially prepared tomato spaghetti and veal steak, while the Chinese cuisine offers a beef brisket set meal. Today's desserts include tiramisu, Black Forest cake, and egg pudding, all of which are the most distinctive dishes of our establishment"

Jiang Zhengxuan, like last night, hid in the corner, quietly peeking out to observe the room.

At that moment, the person turned around and walked in her direction. Jiang Zhengxuan hurriedly hid behind a tree. The person approached slowly, and under the dim streetlight, Jiang Zhengxuan finally saw the features of that person clearly

In Ningcheng, she has three days, which is quite ample. On the second day, she plans to visit the local high-end women's fashion brand mall to explore the designs of some local brands. The flight back to Luohai is scheduled for the morning of the third day

At that time, although Nie Chongzhi was not well-loved, he was still a member of the Nie family. Wan Shuping valued her reputation; no matter how much she hated him in her heart, she could not allow others to say behind her back that she was unable to tolerate others. Therefore, in terms of food, clothing, and other aspects that were obvious to discerning people, she was never stingy. It can be said that from the very first day Jiang Zhengxuan met Nie Chongzhi, Nie Chongzhi, like his elder brother, was always well-dressed and impeccably neat.

In an instant, a loud "bang" echoed in Jiang Zhengxuan's mind, as if a series of firecrackers were exploding within. Jiang Zhengxuan was startled behind the tree, as if struck by a paralysis spell, unable to move an inch.

The gaunt cheeks, the ashen complexion, the greasy long hair, the puffy eye bags, the stubbly beard... This person before Jiang Zhengxuan is so unfamiliar to him. Is he really Nie Chongzhi?

After the elder brother said the company went bankrupt, he disappeared, and since then there has been no news of him, as if he had evaporated from the world

From now on, she will never come back, and she will never see him in such a disheveled state again

Jiang Zhengxuan gazed sorrowfully and mournfully at Nie Chongzhi, who was both strangely unfamiliar and yet intimately familiar to her. She did not know what was happening; in the past, she had never understood him, but at this very moment, she strangely comprehended and understood his reaction.

With this in mind, Jiang Zhengxuan grabbed a coat and went out

Aunt Liang recounted the story: "I heard that Nie's second son, Nie Gengli, was in a serious relationship with Nie Chongzhi's mother, who was a classmate of his in university. The old man of the Nie family did not approve. It is said that at that time, Wan Shuping from the Wan family had already set her sights on Nie Gengli, frequently visiting the Nie family every few days, inquiring about the well-being of the two elderly people, and attending to them with great care. The old men of the Nie and Wan families had both come from the same army unit in the mountains, and their relationship was very close. It is said that at that time, Wan Shuping had already taken a liking to Nie Gengli, visiting the Nie family often, inquiring about the two elderly people, and serving them attentively. By the time of Nie's second son's generation, both families wanted to deepen their relationship further, hoping that through a marriage alliance, they could support each other in public affairs.

One day, Liang's aunt came to visit Mother Lu Geqing, and the two of them were chatting over tea in the living room downstairs. As usual, Jiang Zhengxuan went to greet Aunt Liang, and just as she was pushing the door open, she happened to overhear her mother talking to Aunt Liang about Nie Chongzhi. Remembering the clean and handsome elder brother of the Nie family upstairs, Jiang Zhengxuan gently paused her steps

It is indeed him, it is truly Nie Chongzhi!

The front door remains slightly ajar, just as it was when she left last night. In a house like this, it is likely that even thieves would keep their distance, let alone ordinary people. Therefore, whether the door is closed or not makes no real difference

That figure looks so much like Nie Chongzhi. But it cannot be him! How could he possibly appear here!

Jiang Zhengxuan stood downstairs for a long time. During this period, she held her phone, hesitating repeatedly whether to inform her elder brother that she had encountered Nie Chongzhi in Ningcheng.

However, how could this person possibly be Nie Chongzhi! It is well known that Nie Chongzhi is notoriously particular, just like his elder brother Jiang Zhengnan. Throughout the year, each season's clothing is custom-made at a high level, with professional designers responsible for the coordination. Therefore, his daily attire is stylish and well-fitted, comparable to any male celebrity who frequently appears in the news at events.

While at the hotel, she was completely flustered and unable to control herself. However, upon arriving here and seeing him amidst the chaos of the room, she became even more distressed, utterly at a loss as to what to do

Jiang Zhengxuan wore only a shirt and a knee-length thin cashmere skirt under her coat. Having been intimate countless times in the past, Nie Chongzhi quickly succeeded in pulling out the hem of the shirt, his hand slithering in like a serpent, wandering across the warm, soft, and smooth skin.

Looking up again at the room, one could see him drowsily curled up on the sofa, having turned to the side. One of his leather shoes fell to the ground with a "thud," and the cotton sock on his foot was torn, revealing his grayish toes

Having not shared such intimacy with anyone for a long time, Jiang Zhengxuan bit down hard on his shoulder and neck, biting fiercely without mercy. Over the years, this kind of physical entanglement had only been with him.

Since that year, on every birthday, she has received various teddy bear gifts from Nie Chongzhi

In the Nie family, it is said that his father initially cared for him quite a bit due to feelings of guilt in the first few years. However, because of his mother, he was always unwilling to get close to his father. During his rebellious teenage years, he further opposed his father, and with Wan Shuping's instigation, the father-son relationship gradually became irreconcilable

Jiang Zhengxuan was suddenly struck by the thought of wanting to have a drink. Just as she was about to withdraw her gaze and raise her hand to call the waiter, a familiar figure abruptly entered her line of sight. Jiang Zhengxuan's breath caught in her throat, and her mind went blank in an instant

There have been many instances when she saw a tall figure resembling Nie Chongzhi, her heart would race violently, and she found herself completely unable to control it

That was her first interaction with Nie Chongzhi. She remembers that he brought her an ice cream and even chose her favorite pink strawberry flavor. She also recalls that afternoon when she shared the secret of him and her elder brother secretly drinking beer behind the adults' backs

Still, it is better to call the elder brother and have him come to solve this difficult problem. Jiang Zhengxuan tiptoed to prepare to exit, but after taking just two steps, one foot unknowingly stepped on something, producing a clear and crisp sound of "crack".

Jiang Zhengxuan woke up from her nap, barefoot and holding Winnie the Pooh, as she crossed the hallway and pushed open the door to her elder brother Jiang Zhengnan's bedroom. Her brother was not there, but a strange young man was sitting at the desk in the spacious room, playing computer games.

In a moment of tranquility, Nie Chongzhi suddenly burst into laughter, "Hahaha," as certain objects quietly slipped away from the corner of his eye

She lowered her head. It's over, she stepped on a beer can! With such a loud noise, Nie Chongzhi would definitely notice it, as long as he wasn't completely drunk. Moreover, even if he was dead drunk last night, he should be about sober by now. Jiang Zhengxuan closed her eyes in despair, wishing she could chop off her own foot

The woman brought over a cup of warm lemon water and handed over the menu with both hands. Jiang Zhengxuan took it and said thank you. She did not open it, but instead asked: "What are the recommended main dishes and desserts?"

Soon, another waitress brought over the coffee and egg pudding, smiling as she said: "Please enjoy! The pasta will be out shortly. Our owner's pasta is truly a specialty of the house; you have a discerning taste!"

Nie Chongzhi picked up the wine jar at his feet and poured it into his mouth with a "gurgling" sound. It would be fine to get drunk; after getting drunk, the pain in his heart would no longer throb.

Nie Chongzhi said: "Your brother will be here soon, do you want to play some computer games with me?" Jiang Zhengxuan shook her head while holding Winnie the Pooh.

Nie Chongzhi quickly returned and handed her an ice cream cone. The moment Jiang Zhengxuan took it, she lightly touched his finger, warm and contrasting sharply with the cold cone

Jiang Zhengxuan responded with a polite smile and chose a seat by the window