Chapter 8, Similar to Sparks (IV)

Liang Jinge also raised his head to look at her

Then why does he have a connection with Wu Xian? Chen Danghao could not understand, it was as if fate had played a trick on her. She lowered her head to look at the pack of cigarettes he had handed her. The cigarette box was open, and there were still a few inside. She examined them one by one, then tore the entire cigarette box apart and clenched it in her palm

Chen Danghao did not ask any further questions; he suddenly felt grateful that she did not pry. If she had asked why he was in debt, it would have been a long story. The carriage fell silent; she did not speak, and naturally, he would not either. After a long time, the scenery outside the window began to turn desolate, and the villa was approaching. Chen Danghao nestled in his seat, as if talking to himself, yet also as if asking him: "What does profound love look like?"

Liabilities

Wu Xian certainly knew about this villa, but she could not come. As the director of the affiliated hospital of Ling Mountain University, she could not storm into her mistress's residence with red eyes like a woman from the streets. Her marriage with Ji Mingrui had long been a mere formality, reduced to the most basic interests; while they still needed each other, neither would take the initiative to break the facade.

In an instant, becoming the center of attention, the butler felt somewhat at a loss: "... I don't know about this either. Mr. Ji asked me to come here just to take care of Miss Chen. I have only been here for two years."

Chen Danghao felt that his craving for cigarettes had returned

Chen Danghao turned on the camera of her mobile phone, then raised her hand and turned around in the dimly lit room, finding nothing. She then bent down to lower the phone, sweeping around under the bed, beside the sofa, and beneath the table, yet still found nothing.

Liang Jinge did not install surveillance cameras in the house

You are so young, you should be more perceptive and learn how to conduct yourself. Once you identify who your boss is, working will become much easier.

Mingrui Ji naturally understands her thoughts. Those who once struggled together, even without love now, still share a certain tacit understanding. He does not speak, and she does not speak; the two of them are in silent agreement, subtly competing with each other

Unaccountable estrangement

He handed over the pack of cigarettes

There is no SIM card in the phone. Ever since coming to the villa, Ji Mingrui removed the SIM card. She occasionally calls her father at home, and only then does he put the card back for her, while he watches her and listens to her fabricate stories about her dormitory life to her father.

She might be the most enlightened mistress in the world. Liang Jinge absurdly thought of this, and he suddenly felt an urge to laugh from the bottom of his heart, but having not laughed for so long, he didn't even know how to move the corners of his mouth. He remained expressionless, and his voice was devoid of any fluctuation: "No."

Why are you suddenly asking this

At dinner time, Chen Danghao went downstairs very early. The butler glanced at him in surprise, secretly wondering if Mr. Ji had opened his mind in the morning, and now he was truly willing to obediently play the role of a comfortable canary. When Liang Jinge arrived, she looked up and smiled at him, her smile gentle, reminiscent of a long time ago in the hospital when she had tricked him into fetching medicine for her

Why didn't Sister Qi come herself? She used to come all the time. Why did you casually enter my room without saying a word? This is not the attitude expected of a bodyguard. There were many things on his mind, Chen Danghao straightened his back and approached him like a combative cat. Those words ran through his mind, but when he opened his mouth, they transformed into the one thing he most wanted to say.

In the days that followed, everyone remained safe and sound. Chen Danghao's face had completely returned to normal, and Ji Mingrui did not come. It was not Chen Danghao who felt anxious during the long wait, but rather Wu Xian. When Wu Xian called again, Liang Jinge was standing outside the classroom waiting for Chen Danghao to finish class.

Why go to prison

If there were, such a misunderstanding would be very unfair to her

Still nothing has been gained

"... ... Ji Mingrui wouldn't be doubting you, would he? What did he say to you?"

She threw the cigarette back onto the table, and Chen Danghao opened the wardrobe to change into a dress. When Ji Mingrui was not around, she occasionally felt in a good mood and was willing to dress up for herself

Seated at the table, Liang Jinge glanced at her once more, and she returned his gaze with a faint smile

"Did you hit her?" Wu Xiansheng's tone rose, and the hand that was typing on the keyboard also came to a halt: "Why?"

Why did we separate

I entered prison, and naturally we were separated

"Are you on the phone?" Chen Danghao walked over, his gaze flickering over the phone in his hand. Perhaps he felt that his question was somewhat inappropriate, so he added, "Is it Ji Mingrui?"

Liangzi, please get me a pack of cigarettes

"No, my friend," Liang Jinge said lightly. Chen Danghao did not ask further. Many times when they were together, they did not speak, quietly following behind her. Liang Jinge walked towards the entrance of the corridor when suddenly a girl ran up from behind, bypassed her, and directly ran to the front to grab Chen Danghao's arm: "Danghao!"

"No..." Chen Danghao shook his head in denial, yet he did not know how to explain his identity. Liang Jinge noticed her embarrassment and naturally walked over to take her hand, saying, "It's getting late, let's hurry home"

It is as if to say, I have already prepared it for you long ago

"We have class," the girl pointed to the stairs, indicating that she had just come down from upstairs. "It's one thing that you didn't come back to class with us after taking a year off, but how come we can't even reach you by phone? We asked the counselor, but he wouldn't tell us anything. We thought you might be missing."

Alright, Director Wu

Just thinking this way, I suddenly feel that there is a glimmer of light in the otherwise dull and flavorless life

Liangzi, you haven't forgotten, have you

"It is truly regrettable," Chen Danghao lamented

He sensed what she was about to say and preemptively spoke before her next sentence: "Director Wu, I will install the surveillance camera as soon as I return today"

Mr. Ji must have a great deal of trust in you, as there have never been any bodyguards residing in this villa before. The butler also took a seat, smiling, perhaps because such moments with all three of them together were too rare; although they were not family, she still preferred a livelier atmosphere. Chen Danghao lowered his head to drink soup, and upon hearing this, tilted his head with a look of simple curiosity: "So, in the past, have other women lived here?"

Liang Jinge responded and turned to see the classroom door open, with someone walking out from inside, clearly indicating that the class had ended: "She has come out, I will hang up first"

Chen thinks that girl is not clever, but she is both impatient and stubborn. Although I know I don't need to remind you, she doesn't need to know about this matter either. Don't create unnecessary complications for me, do you understand

Mr. Ji is at the villa this morning Liang Jinge replied succinctly, unconsciously glancing at Chen Danghao's door as he spoke

Chen Danghao's mental calculations settled down as she tossed her phone back into the drawer. Based on her speculation, Liang Jinge would certainly not remain idle. Perhaps the time had not yet come, or perhaps he had already taken action without her noticing. Her lack of awareness did not mean that Ji Mingrui was also unaware, and since Ji Mingrui had said nothing, it was evident that Liang Jinge's presence did not pose a threat to him for the time being

The rearview mirror only reflected his eyes. Liang Jinge had a face that appeared somewhat resolute, and his crew cut accentuated his rugged appearance. When only his eyes were visible, Chen Danghao suddenly felt that he possessed a pair of very gentle eyes. Whether gazing straight ahead or turning his head, whether in a bustling city or a desolate countryside, his gaze was always cool and gentle, vibrant in warmth, yet distant to strangers. When only his eyes were visible, Chen Danghao suddenly felt that he possessed a pair of very gentle eyes. Whether gazing straight ahead or turning his head, whether in a bustling city or a desolate countryside, his gaze was always cool and gentle, vibrant in warmth, yet distant to strangers

Just before the call was disconnected, Wu Xian heard someone on the other end shout "Liangzi", followed by a busy tone. She did not know if he had responded. A sense of inexplicable loss filled her heart, as if all the men around her, whom she had painstakingly nurtured, ultimately ended up with the same woman.

It turns out that everyone has secrets, even the taciturn and silent Liang Jinge. Yet she believed he was one of the few good people in this circle. He lent her a pair of shoes and helped her out of a predicament, and she was ready to open her heart to him. Ultimately, she was still young, her thoughts were mature yet she remained innocent. Just as she was about to trust him, he chose to continue his disguise a little longer.

It is unclear, but there are sounds of arguing

Mr. Ji hit Miss Chen and then left. I was outside the room and did not see the specific situation

But that does not mean they do not have other intentions, and Wu Xian is not someone who is willing to be kept in the dark. The worst outcome would be divorce; she must find evidence of Ji Mingrui's infidelity, otherwise, after so many years of marriage, it would be a losing deal.

After a moment of silence, Wu Xian regained his earlier calmness: "I understand. At the beginning, you should refrain from asking too many questions, as it may arouse his suspicion"

A few cigarettes were thrown on the table. Chen Danghao reached out to pick one up and sniffed it near her nose. She had never known that men also liked this mild tobacco, and she recalled Liang Jinge's face, which was always devoid of much expression

Somewhere in the heart, a thread suddenly tightens and then snaps.

"No, I'm just a bit busy." Chen Danghao's face showed embarrassment as she instinctively turned to look at Liang Jinge, who was standing behind her. The girl followed her gaze and her expression brightened again: "Is he your boyfriend?"

It is unclear whom one is comforting; after going through this in my heart, it seems that a few degrees of unease have actually diminished

Do you have a girlfriend

A red light was ahead, and the car gradually came to a stop. Liang Jinge looked up and met her gaze in the rearview mirror

I don't care

Mr. Ji said he will not come over this week for the time being and asked you to move here to stay tonight. The butler said this to Liang Jinge, who nodded lightly after hearing it, paused for a moment, and then replied, "Hmm"

That evening, Chen Danghao stood on the balcony, finishing the few cigarettes that Liang Jinge had given her earlier. In the distance, dusk enveloped the surroundings, and she felt as if she had been abandoned at the edge of the world. She needed to finish these cigarettes quickly; only after doing so could she naturally walk up to him and casually strike up a conversation—"Give me a pack of cigarettes"

He did not know that when he made this call, Chen Danghao was standing behind the door. There was a distance from her room to the balcony, and she could not hear exactly what he said, but she knew that the call was from Wu Xian. Wu Xian was Ji Mingrui's wife; in other words, Wu Xian's name was likely regarded as that of an enemy in Fenghua Villa.

Liang Jinge was momentarily taken aback, as the scene from that day flashed through his mind for what seemed like the umpteenth time. Fortunately, with the phone between them, Wu Xian could not see the expression on his face, making it much easier to disguise his voice: "No."

... ... Hmm

Wu Xian responded with a sound, indicating that he was likely still engaged in some work at hand, signaling his readiness for Liang Jinge to continue speaking

"Ji Mingrui has never been there? Does that mean he has gone home every time he is not at the company?" Wu Xian sounded somewhat irritated: "He can't possibly never go there for the rest of his life. You should install the surveillance camera I sent you last time; over time, we will surely find something incriminating."

He never takes the initiative to call Wu Xian; it is always Wu Xian who calls him. After answering, he deletes the chat history completely. When the phone rang for the second time, it rang only once before Liang Jinge picked it up

The expression on the face is contemplative, yet the response from the lips is clear: "I understand, Director Wu"

The topic should have ended here, but she suddenly became interested: "Was there any before?"

The car started, heading towards Fenghua Villa. Chen Danghao leaned back in his seat and suddenly laughed, saying, "Liangzi, she might misunderstand our relationship"

Vaguely, she felt that Liang Jinge seemed to smile for a moment. When she looked up again, it appeared as if he had not. He lowered his head and indeed took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, still the same box, the Daqianmen that cost 2.5 yuan per pack.

Chen Danghao was clearly taken aback by her pull, and after steadying himself, he revealed a smile that was not entirely sincere: "What are you doing here?"

Today, Ji Mingrui is not in the office. Wu Xian speaks directly and does not inquire why he did not answer the phone on the first call

From then on, they no longer spoke. The time spent together had fostered a strange tacit understanding between them, such that even in the absence of conversation, the silence in the air did not make either of them feel awkward. This was clearly a feeling that should belong to those who had known each other for many years, yet they had been acquainted for less than two months. Perhaps it was because Liang Jinge was inherently a person accustomed to silence; during many of these quiet moments, Chen Danghao would often steal glances at him through the rearview mirror.

Liang Jinge recalled the words spoken to him by Ji Mingrui as he patted him on the shoulder

The last cigarette burned out between her fingers. Chen Danghao pressed the cigarette butt into the ashtray and turned to return to her room. Before she reached the door, her gaze darkened as she saw Liang Jinge walking out of her room

He was not flustered; his gaze remained calm as when he first met her, looking up at her. Liang Jinge explained succinctly: "I am helping Sister Qi deliver the washed clothes to your room"

Liang Jinge was momentarily taken aback, then shook his head after a while: "I do not know"

She took her hand off the doorknob and Chen Danghao turned around to sit on the sofa in the room. The curtains were still drawn, and she glanced around the slightly dim room, hesitating for a moment before taking out the mobile phone from the drawer that she hadn't used in a long time. It was the phone that Ji Mingrui had bought for her when they first met. At a time when everyone was using smartphones, Chen Danghao, who had just started university, was still using the most basic Nokia that couldn't even connect to the internet. Ji Mingrui had given her the phone, and at that time, she felt surprised and touched. Now, it seemed that he simply didn't want her to embarrass him when they went out together because of such a personal item.

When Wu Xian made the second phone call, Liang Jinge was once again seated on the balcony chair. The sun had completely set, and the distant mountains concealed a brilliant glow. He was unsure whether Chen Danghao had seen this call, and then thought to himself that Wu Xian's number was not even saved in his phone. Even if she saw it, it would merely be a string of numbers. No matter how perceptive the girl was, she would ultimately be insensitive to numbers. He was unsure whether Chen Danghao had seen this call, and then thought to himself that Wu Xian's number was not even saved in his phone. Even if she saw it, it would merely be a string of numbers. No matter how perceptive the girl was, she would ultimately be insensitive to numbers.

Chen Danghao could hear the girl's voice, which was tinged with both confusion and a hint of excitement, but she did not turn back. She allowed him to pull her along as they walked outside, and even after they got into the car, she did not look back again.

It was probably because her manner of speaking was inconsistent with her usual serious demeanor that Chen Danghao couldn't help but smile and chose not to pursue the matter further. The warm yellow light overhead illuminated them as they sat at the same table; although there were no superfluous words exchanged, it indeed resembled a family gathering.