Chapter 10, My Heart is Gentle.

In contrast to his heaviness, Qiao Lexi appeared quite relaxed, as if she had long anticipated this outcome: "I know that regardless of what the facts are, there will always be some people who will say that I simply accepted money and used inferior materials, which led to the accident. Everything that followed was deliberately fabricated evidence because my surname is Qiao and my family is powerful, pushing someone else to take the blame. Perhaps they will even say worse things. That is why Jiang Shengzhuo took great care to lead me away from there; he also knew that you would come looking for me, which is why he was so anxious to get me out of here. So, brother, you need not feel troubled; I will obediently return with you. You are my biological brother and would never harm me. As for Jiang Shengzhuo, I will speak to him. His temper is just like that; he didn't mean to yell at you earlier, so please don't take it to heart.

Qiao Lexi proactively asked: "Did Secretary Qiao send you to take me back?"

Qiao Lexi wrinkled her nose: "My second brother is much more considerate than you; he is laughing so happily!"

He wants to make her happy, to see her smile beside him without any pain or sorrow. However, now that he sees her smiling face, he feels even sadder. Despite her efforts, the sadness in her eyes remains.

He never avoids her when making phone calls, even when he was flirting with other women with smooth talk, he would do it in front of her to disgust her

Jiang Shengzhuo, although I have never said anything over the years, on her memorial day, I have not gone with my father and brother, but I truly miss her. Every year, I secretly go to see her... watching her tombstone change color, watching her photo turn yellow, watching the small tree in front of her grave grow year by year, yet she can never return.

Later, as the moon reached its zenith, Jiang Shengzhuo took her back, but they did not return the same way; instead, they walked further and further away. Qiao Lexi wondered, "Aren't we going back?"

Jiang Shengzhuo placed her on the bed, lay down beside her, and held her in his arms: "At that time, I made a vow in Tibet, and now I want to take you there to fulfill it"

Jiang Shengzhuo was immediately overjoyed, but before the smile on her face had a chance to bloom, her next sentence made her roll her eyes.

A herdsman rode past them on horseback, and Qiao Lexi exclaimed in surprise, pulling at him and shouting: "Jiang Shengzhuo, look, look! That person's horsemanship is amazing! I want to ride like that too, make the horse run!"

At this moment, he is brave and composed, his gaze confident and resolute yet not lacking in tenderness; it is only in the presence of the one he loves that he reveals this side of himself

Jiang Shengzhuo pinched her chin and said, "It is precisely because you do not know that I want to take you to see it."

Everyone believes that the eldest daughter of the Qiao family is the center of countless affections, wanting for nothing. However, to her, those things mean little. People think that the eldest daughter of the Qiao family is lively and cheerful, yet in the face of great sorrow and adversity, she can remain calm and composed, so calm and composed that it pierces his heart like a knife

He knew that she did not need comfort at the moment, and there were some words she had kept bottled up for too long. She did not bring it up, and he also could not bear to ask. Now she finally was willing to speak to him about it

Qiao Lexi hung her head in silence, and Jiang Shengzhuo shot her a glare: "What are you saying? Saying that I have promised to marry you, let me take you away eloping!"

Mother lay in the bathtub with a pale face, the tub filled with blood; she had never seen so much blood before

Qiao Lexi watched as the two individuals glared at each other, their faces flushed and breathing heavily, and said with a lighthearted smile: "Jiang Shengzhuo, it seems I forgot my gloves over there. Could you please help me retrieve them?"

Qiao Lexi remembered that morning when her brothers had all gone to school. She and her mother were sitting on the balcony enjoying the sunshine. Her mother's hands were particularly skillful, as she braided two beautiful pigtails for her, which made her giggle. Later, she went to play in the living room, and after a while, she vaguely heard her mother in the room seemingly talking on the phone. Then a quarrel broke out, and something was shattered.

Qiao Lexi leaned against Jiang Shengzhuo's embrace, her brows tightly furrowed, appearing to be in considerable discomfort

He knows he cannot deceive her

Jiang Shengzhuo was taken aback; just moments ago, Qiao Lexi was enchanting and alluring, her slender fingers holding a cigarette, white smoke curling delicately from her lips, her gaze vacant and dreamy, a captivating beauty he had never witnessed before, yet... it was also disheartening

Qiao Lexi glared at him: "Nonsense! Hurry up and tell me!"

Jiang Shengzhuo looked into the distance, a faint smile on his face, and replied softly: "It's better to be cold; if it's cold, no one will want to come, just the two of us, how wonderful..."

Jiang Shengzhuo stood at the forefront, full of vigor, and asked: "How is it? What does it feel like?"

Qiao Lexi thought again: "But isn't it only fun to go there in July or August? At that time, the green grass will be everywhere, and there will be herds of horses, as well as horse racing and bonfire parties"

Qiao Lexi's hand tightened more and more: "I know you are angry with me, I know you have been trying so hard for so long for my sake, yet I ended up standing on the side of someone else, and I have hurt your heart"

Jiang Shengzhuo glanced at her and continued, "The Bai family probably thinks that pushing you out to take the blame is unlikely, so they plan to make Meng Lai the scapegoat. Little did they know, Meng Lai had already prepared an escape route and immediately turned to Chen Lao's bed. Bai Qixiong took the opportunity to collude with the Chen family."

Qiao Lexi pouted, feeling unhappy. Suddenly, she remembered something and smiled with ulterior motives, leaning close to him while hugging the horse's neck: "Hey, Jiang Shengzhuo, are you jealous of me? Tell the truth, can you not ride a horse either?"

A considerable number of reporters had gathered at the entrance of the hospital. Jiang Shengzhuo drove the car to the back of the hospital and called Wen Shaoqing, who came out to lead them in through the back door

Who would have thought that Jiang Shengzhuo would wave his hand dismissively, saying, "You know, once the investigation team gets involved, it takes a long time, and those media outlets are as annoying as flies. Let's go out and have some fun; by the time we return, there will probably be some results. Staying here is just waiting idly, so we might as well go out and enjoy ourselves."

Jiang Shengzhuo was reluctant to say anything more to her, took off his coat to wrap around her, held her tightly in his arms, and gently kissed her eyes: "Be good, take a nap, it won't be uncomfortable in a little while."

Jiang Shengzhuo allowed her to act recklessly, one hand supporting her waist while the other tidied the loose strands of hair on her forehead, absentmindedly echoing: "Yes, yes, it is simply unparalleled on earth and unmatched in heaven"

Jiang Shengzhuo glanced at Qiao Yu and stiffly turned around to leave

Qiao Lexi understood his thoughts. She did not want to see him wearing a苦脸 for her sake, so she pretended to be relaxed and joked: "You shouldn't wear such a苦脸, it's quite unappealing. Look at me, I'm not worried at all. What are you worried about? Just smile! By the way, Brother Fanren Er, when are you going to find me a sister-in-law?"

It was only later that he understood that it was a form of despair

After arriving here, Qiao Lexi's mood improved significantly. She removed his hand and, taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, quickly stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.

As he lowered his head, he happened to see Qiao Lexi closing the webpage, smiling cheerfully as she looked up at him, with a look of triumph: "It's all done! I'm not that fragile! Didn't you say it? I'm a female warrior!"

It is not a solution for us to keep avoiding this; we must face what needs to be faced. Jiang Shengzhuo, I truly want to go back. I have been very happy these days, but you and I both know that this matter has always been a knot in my heart that needs to be resolved, so that I can continue to be happy in the future. At this point, Qiao Lexi suddenly smiled and said, "Don't worry, I am a female warrior, and I fear nothing!" I have been very happy these days, but you and I both know that this matter has always been a knot in my heart that needs to be resolved, so that I can continue to be happy in the future. At this point, Qiao Lexi suddenly smiled and said, "Don't worry, I am a female warrior, and I fear nothing!"

For so many years, I have been thinking, if Qiao Boyuan had returned at that time, would she have not died? Qiao Lexi frowned, seemingly troubled, I have thought about it over and over again, imagining countless times, why didn't he answer my call? I have always been afraid to ask, afraid to inquire whether he was really in a meeting that day or just brushing me off? If it was just a brush-off, does he regret it now?

Jiang Shengzhuo allowed him to hold her, her face as dark as the bottom of a pot, remaining silent.

He remembers Qiao Lexi's mother, that beautiful and elegant woman, who could make delicious pastries, who would gently stroke his head and praise him for being smart, unlike other elders who always scolded him with stern faces

Qiao Lexi still did not respond, so he squatted in front of her, accompanying her and continuously talking to her. Eventually, his legs became numb from squatting, and he simply sat down on the ground.

Dad, Mom seems to be unwell, please come back and take a look

He suddenly raised his head and saw her appear at the door with a smile, and then he noticed her bare feet and frowned: "Why aren't you wearing shoes again?"

Tell her to answer the phone! Qiao Yu's tone was unfriendly; despite his efforts to suppress it, the underlying tension was still discernible.

Qiao Lexi furrowed her brows and asked, "I remember that our family has always been at odds with the Chen family. I heard that my second brother was reassigned back recently to push down a younger son from a branch of the Chen family."

Jiang Shengzhuo, feeling helpless, could only ask Wen Shaoqing to come over and take a look

Jiang Shengzhuo thought for a moment, looked into her eyes, and answered solemnly and earnestly: "Of course I have confidence in you. You are efficient and capable, able to handle many matters well, but that is different. What your second brother said to me that day was particularly right; he said, if I am not with you at this moment, then I will never be with you in this lifetime. I am very glad I made it back; otherwise, I fear I would spend my life in regret. How could I then claim to be your man with a clear conscience?"

Jiang Shengzhuo placed his hands on her shoulders, his smile frozen on his face

Jiang Shengzhuo picked her up horizontally, smiled and kissed her forehead, then walked towards the bedroom: "Now we just need to wait, come on, let's go back to sleep."

Jiang Shengzhuo looked at her with disdain: "Glutton!"

Qiao Lexi slowly opened her eyes, weakly looking at him and softly admitting her mistake: "I was wrong."

Qiao Lexi furrowed her brows and thought for a long time before asking: "Where are we going?"

She lifted her tear-streaked face to look at him, and Jiang Shengzhuo felt as if his entire heart had been wrinkled by her tears, contracting and expanding with pain. He embraced her tightly, gently patting her back, softly comforting her, his voice light yet firm as he expressed his promise.

Qiao Lexi smiled: "Is this the so-called 'reclusion'?"

Jiang Shengzhuo carefully avoided the syringe, patting her back, allowing her to warm up: "Lexi, it's okay, your brother is here."

Jiang Shengzhuo seemed somewhat impatient: "I have everything arranged; we will leave early tomorrow morning"

The man shyly rubbed his hands and smiled at Qiao Lexi, saying: "Madam"

Jiang Shengzhuo has already arranged for someone to pick him up. After getting off the plane, he drove for several hours before arriving at the racetrack

Just a few seconds later, he began to frown, snatched the cigarette from Qiao Lexi's hand, and extinguished it. Her abnormal indulgence inexplicably made him feel anxious.

Qiao Lexi tilted her head and playfully pressed her face against his with a cheerful smile

The final outcome was receiving an intravenous drip in front of the operating room

Then? Qiao Lexi always felt that Jiang Shengzhuo had not told her everything.

At first, he knew nothing at all; he only felt that Qiao Lexi was different from usual. She tightly clutched the teddy bear in her hands, refusing to let go, as if it were her only lifeline in the world

Qiao Lexi revealed a hint of a mocking smile at the corner of her mouth: "Understood"

This is probably the first time Jiang Shengzhuo has had a dispute with Qiao Yu, and it is such an intense argument

"I must have owed you in my past life!" Jiang Shengzhuo sighed and answered the call, respectfully addressing the person as, "Second Brother."

Jiang Shengzhuo smiled without saying a word, pushed open the door, and turned on the light, instantly revealing everything in the room before her

The dim yellow light softly spread across every corner, not glaring, yet she felt her eyes swollen and painful

Qiao Lexi shrank into her scarf, desperately trying to hide behind him: "The only feeling is... it's too cold! You're insane, bringing me here when it's so cold, I'm going to freeze to death!"

Jiang Shengzhuo nodded slightly

Qiao Lexi obediently raised her head, the night grassland appeared even more vast and expansive. As she looked up, she was captivated by the countless stars in the sky. The deep blue starry sky was clear and pristine, with stars twinkling like scattered diamonds, exuding a unique charm

At that age, he already understood that word. The little one suddenly burst into tears, and a different kind of emotion surged in his heart. It was only later, when he grew up, that he realized this emotion was called sadness

Jiang Shengzhuo finished the phone call, and Qiao Lexi had not yet returned. He got up and walked towards the kitchen, where she was wholeheartedly washing apples under the faucet

After taking just two steps, she began to sway. Jiang Shengzhuo noticed that something was wrong with her and quickly jogged a few steps to support her: "What’s wrong?"

Jiang Shengzhuo took the towel from her hand and dried her hair, quickly regaining his composure: "Let's take a break for now, and later, I will take you to a fun place!"

"Have you suddenly realized that this princess is virtuous, graceful, and exceptionally talented, simply the best?" Qiao Lexi turned around and pressed her damp hand against his face, narcissistically praising herself.

The next day, as the two individuals returned to the resort, they noticed an unfamiliar car parked at the entrance. Soon, the people in the car also saw them and opened the car door to step out.

Qiao Lexi sat on the horse, excitedly cheering: "Wow, this horse is so tall, the air up here is really nice!"

Early the next morning, the two of them boarded the plane. Since they had woken up early, Jiang Shengzhuo, concerned that she might be unhappy, adjusted her seat and said, "You can sleep for a while; we will arrive soon."

Qiao Yu nodded and said, "I understand, I do not blame him. I know he is not feeling well either."

No, I mean to go out for travel

Are you happy? Jiang Shengzhuo's voice sounded very relaxed, lazy and casual

The white light from the screen illuminated his nearly perfect profile. He slightly lowered his head, and his star-like eyes sparkled with brilliance. Gone was his usual nonchalance; instead, his brows and eyes were calm, exuding a silent strength that made him appear particularly imposing.

That cool and soft touch left his face as quickly as it came, stirring a restless feeling within him; if there had not been anyone around, he would have certainly pulled her into his embrace and thoroughly ravished her.

Jiang Shengzhuo replied while reversing and humming to himself, "If you were so eager to know, why didn't you ask earlier?"

Jiang Shengzhuo tacitly refrained from asking further questions, yet the pain on his face became increasingly evident

Jiang Shengzhuo held her hand tightly, exerting so much strength that he could no longer muster even an ounce of energy, yet he could not utter a single word

He quietly asked Grandma Jiang: "Grandma, what happened to Qiaolezi? Is he sick?"

She chuckled foolishly and said, "Where have you been all this time?"

Once this news was released, as you might expect, you and the entire Qiao family became the subject of discussion. This matter was already under significant scrutiny, and once money was involved, the media's interest escalated even further

Although the two of them bantered playfully on the surface, both felt a heavy burden inside and did not want to worry each other

After a night of tossing and turning, the two quickly fell asleep

Qiao Lexi looked down at him from a height, wearing a provocative expression

Jiang Shengzhuo immediately stood up: "I will go buy some water, what would you like to drink?"

Running towards the living room while speaking

Qiao Lexi wrapped her arms around his neck: "Are we going back?"

After a long time, he finally dared to step forward, cautiously reaching out to touch Qiao Lexi, softly calling out: "Qiao Lezi..."

"Is all of this yours? Then are you going to claim it as your territory?" Qiao Lexi teased him

A group has just been escorted away by security, so at this moment, there should only be family members present. It is fine for you to stay for a while.

Jiang Shengzhuo looked at him with a sly smile: "Indeed, I have found that the girls here are much better than those heartless individuals. After indulging in delicacies from the mountains and the sea, this is much more to my current taste."

She sat quietly on the sofa, her head lowered and not speaking, which was very different from her usual chattering demeanor

The crystal-clear droplets of water playfully leap on her fair arms, clean and refreshing

Indeed, there were only a few individuals who appeared to be family members in front of the operating room. Since Qiao Lexi saw the words "In Surgery," she had begun to fall silent

Jiang Shengzhuo took a puff and laughed amidst the white smoke, saying: "Still pretending, huh? With those moves of yours, you must have smoked quite a bit over the years, right?"

"We are not going back," Jiang Shengzhuo said, pointing to a small house ahead to indicate to her, "We will stay here tonight"

Qiao Lexi was completely unconcerned, still clinging to him, pointing at a local girl not far away: "Is it her?"

As far as the eye can see, the sky is a deep blue, and the ground is an endless expanse of golden hues. The vastness and grandeur are awe-inspiring, and the unique desolation of winter is even more soul-stirring. Despite the cold weather, there are still horsemen galloping and large herds of strong horses on the prairie.

The turmoil in Qiao Lexi's heart was dispelled by his words, and her breathing gradually became steady and regular

Jiang Shengzhuo specifically chose a gentle mare, gave her a few instructions, and spent some time with her and the horse before helping her mount. He then led the horse while guiding her around the grassland.

Jiang Shengzhuo glanced back at her, teasingly saying: "Haven't you learned to walk yet, and you want to run? What if you fall?"

He did not know who fell asleep first between the two of them later, and thus the night passed.

Jiang Shengzhuo's hand rested on her chest: "Why is your heart beating so fast?"

Jiang Shengzhuo did not ask much; she had indeed lost the fragility she had just shown. Her eyes were somewhat red and swollen, yet this did not affect the smile on her face, which was clear and pure, seemingly devoid of any impurities

But... what should we do here? After laughing, Qiao Lexi felt somewhat uneasy

Qiao Lexi glanced at him briefly, quickly took it over, skillfully lit it and handed it to him, then pulled out one for herself and lit it up

Qiao Lexi pushed him into the room and said, "You go ahead, I will wait here for Jiang Shengzhuo."

Qiao Lexi spoke earnestly: "Second brother, I know there must be many girls who like you. I once thought that there was no girl in this world who could match you."

No, I have no heart" Jiang Shengzhuo said self-deprecatingly

Jiang Shengzhuo nodded slightly: "I also suspect it is him. I speculate that he had already sensed the intentions of the Bai family from the very beginning, which is why he took precautions early on"

Jiang Shengzhuo shook his head and murmured softly, "You silly girl"

Just a few steps away, her mother called out to her from behind: "Lexi ... ..."

Jiang Shengzhuo restrained his stern expression and forced a smile, saying: "It's nothing, just received a phone call. There is a group of people downstairs who only take money without doing any work. If I don't scold them a few times, they won't feel comfortable. No need to pay attention to them..."

"President Jiang, take your time. I will go wash an apple for you to eat, as a token of appreciation!"

In contrast, he hoped that Qiao Lexi could cry out loud, wishing that the sadness and sorrow in her heart and eyes would flow away with her tears, and that the smile on her face would become clean and bright again, free of any shadow.

Jiang Shengzhuo had a mysterious expression: "You will know once you go."

Qiao Yu also looked haggard, his voice somewhat hoarse: "Le Xi, Sheng Zhuo, come back with me."

He remembered that day when her mother had an accident. Qiao Boyuan took her to the Jiang family, hurriedly said a few words, and then left. Qiao Lexi watched Qiao Boyuan leave, neither crying nor making a fuss, but quietly gazing at her father's back, allowing Grandpa Jiang and Grandma Jiang to lead her into the house.

As she walked over from behind the desk, Qiao Lexi stood still and directly asked the question that was on her mind: "Is it very troublesome?"

Qiao Lexi leaned drowsily against him, her mind in a chaotic state, recalling many childhood memories, as well as events from the afternoon. These thoughts intertwined continuously, making her feel as if her head was about to explode

Qiao Lexi listened to his words, stretched her neck to examine him carefully, and nodded: "Hmm, he looks like an honest person at first glance." As she spoke, she couldn't help but glance at him a few more times.

After speaking, he turned around and took Qiao Lexi's hand, walking towards the room

Jiang Shengzhuo suddenly covered her eyes and spoke with dissatisfaction: "Alright, stop looking. Your man is here, just look at me."

Qiao Lexi thought for a moment and agreed: "Alright, when shall we leave?"

Jiang Shengzhuo widened his eyes, pointed at his own nose, and exclaimed in disbelief: "I can't ride a horse?"

She is just too understanding, so understanding that it makes him feel heartbroken

Jiang Shengzhuo smiled helplessly as he took the call and began to dial honestly

When Qiao Lexi called again, the only response she received was that Secretary Qiao had gone to a meeting

Come, I will take you to see a doctor

As two people were arguing, the doorbell rang

Qiao Lexi took a breath, wanting to ask something, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Jiang Shengzhuo glanced at her and asked on her behalf: "Can it be saved?"

You are a calamity, as the saying goes, calamities can last for a thousand years, and they are at a loss when it comes to dealing with you

She trembled slightly, unconsciously murmuring: "Brother Zhuo, I am cold, please hold me."

There is a patch of crimson blood.

Jiang Shengzhuo glanced at Qiao Lexi and tentatively asked, "Can I say that she is not with me?"

Qiao Lexi was afraid of disturbing him, so she maintained her position. Knowing that he was not asleep, she changed her posture: "I... I am a little scared. Do you think it will..."

Qiao Lexi tilted her head to one side, pretending to be an ostrich: "I don't care, anyway, I'm not taking it, you handle it yourself"

Uncle, I am Lexi. Could you please let my dad answer a phone call?

Qiao Lexi looked at him: "Is it Bo Zhongyang?"

Jiang Shengzhuo stood at the door with his back to her, his voice growing louder, angrily shouting into the phone: "She dares to use such despicable means against her, and now she is afraid of me tearing off the facade?! Since things have come to this point, I want to see if the Bai family has the ability to bring me, Jiang Shengzhuo, down! I put my words here..."

She suddenly tilted her head and smiled playfully at him, then blew a ring of smoke in his face, squinting her eyes and pretending to be profound as she recited: "Write your name on the smoke, inhale it into your lungs, and let you stay in the place closest to my heart..." After saying this, she burst into laughter again

Jiang Shengzhuo lowered his gaze and quietly looked at her, as a shooting star streaked across the sky, and she excitedly tugged at him to look.

Qiao Yu then realized he had let something slip, and awkwardly changed the subject: "It's too cold outside, let's go inside and warm up."

Two people played on the grassland for a whole day, and only returned when it was almost dark. After dinner, Qiao Lexi went to take a shower. As she was drying her damp hair and just stepped out, she heard Jiang Shengzhuo's voice.

Qiao Lexi touched his hand, and indeed it was cold. She playfully smiled and said, "I remember that my second brother's hands were always the warmest when we were young. In my heart, you are like a god, capable of anything. It turns out that your hands can also be cold... It turns out that you too have moments of helplessness."

He glanced at the phone number and quickly answered: "What happened?"

It is almost dark, where shall we go to have fun

It seems that Qiao Yu came in a hurry, not having had the time to put on thicker clothing; he only wore a coat over a thin black cashmere layer. On this chilly morning, his voice was somewhat trembling.

Jiang Shengzhuo looked at them with disdain: "I still don't know about you? Are you planning to send her out? If something goes wrong, you will just take this step when you can't handle it, right? This time is no exception, is it? Second brother, you really disappoint me"

After listening, a fleeting glimpse of despair crossed in her mother's eyes. She quickly squatted down to hug her and gently touched her face, saying, "Le Xi, be good, go play outside for a while. Mommy is tired and wants to take a nap."

Jiang Shengzhuo glanced hurriedly a few times before restoring the computer to its original state

In Jiang Shengzhuo's impression, Qiao Lexi only once called him "Zhuo Gege" in a pitiful manner, which was also to inform him that she was very cold

Jiang Shengzhuo gradually walked away, while Qiao Lexi sat down on the sofa

Grandma Jiang squatted down and touched his face: "Sheng Zhuo, Le Xi's mother has passed away, and his sister is very sad, so please do not disturb her."

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Shengzhuo's phone rang: "You think about it first, I need to take a call."

Jiang Shengzhuo did not turn his head, a smile on his lips, and finally felt a bit of comfort in his heart

Qiao Lexi turned to Jiang Shengzhuo and asked, "What place is this?"

Wen Shaoqing glanced at Jiang Shengzhuo and Qiao Lexi, and did not ask much: "One of them was already brain dead when sent over, while the other is still in the operating room undergoing emergency treatment"

At that time, he was only six or seven years old, still a child who did not understand much, yet he suddenly felt a sense of responsibility as a man. He pulled her into his room, and the two of them lay down on the bed. He covered her with a blanket and held her hand under the blanket, soothing her like a little adult: "I will keep you warm, and soon you won't feel cold."

Qiao Lexi wrinkled her nose and shook her head: "Don't say that I am with you."

Jiang Shengzhuo's small face was filled with confusion: "Where did Aunt Le go? When will she be back? Why doesn't Qiaolezi want to part with her, and why doesn't she go look for her?"

Qiao Yu's earlier firmness was shattered by this call of "Second Brother"; he opened his mouth but found himself unable to utter a single word. In these past few years, there truly has not been anything that has made him feel so troubled.

Qiao Lexi shook her head and, with a smile, said in a playful tone: "I don't want to eat, I want to go to the hospital to take a look. Will you take me there?"

Jiang Shengzhuo turned around and warmly embraced the visitor, smiling as he pointed to Qiao Lexi and introduced her: "This is my wife"

She pushed open the bedroom door, finding no one on the bed, nor in the wardrobe. She went to the bathroom and was stunned after just one glance.

Soon, someone approached, dressed in a manner typical of the locals, and called out in halting Mandarin: "General Jiang, you have arrived"

He took out a cigarette box, pulled out a cigarette, and handed it to her: "Here, have one."

He walked over and embraced her from behind, his hands gliding over her waist, grasping her hands that were adorned with droplets of water. He rested his chin on her shoulder, gently rubbing his cheek against her face.

Qiao Lexi nodded obediently, holding the teddy bear and preparing to leave

Qiao Yu furrowed his brows, looking at him with difficulty, and when he spoke, there seemed to be a hint of pleading in his voice: "Sheng Zhuo..."

I am afraid that after accepting it, he will make things difficult for me said Qiao Lexi, frowning and murmuring softly

After hanging up the phone, he fell into deep thought, suddenly realizing that Qiao Lexi was missing, and hurriedly got out of bed to search for her

Travel? Why?" Qiao Lexi also stopped eating, feeling quite puzzled by his suggestion

She cautiously pushed open the door, looking at her mother with a face full of terror: "Mom, what happened to you?"

Qiao Lexi nodded with a smile: "Happy"

Qiao Lexi did not ask anything, smiling as she pulled out a piece of paper filled with a dense list of dish names: "Here, I have written everything down. Let them deliver it quickly; I am almost starving!"

The latter part of the sentence was spat out by Jiang Shengzhuo through gritted teeth, each word striking at Qiao Yu's heart. He could not control himself and shouted: "Do you think I want this? Do you think I want to do this? She is my sister! If it weren't for her sake, would I do this? In the current situation, what good does it do her to stay here? You keep saying you love her, insisting on keeping her by your side, have you ever thought about her?" If it weren't for her sake, would I do this? In the current situation, what good does it do her to stay here? You keep saying you love her, insisting on keeping her by your side, have you ever thought about her?

You will be back soon

The interior is tidy and clean, not overly luxurious, yet it carries the characteristics of the grasslands, creating a very comfortable atmosphere

Jiang Shengzhuo gently patted her chest to comfort her, saying: "Rest assured, that person's surgery was very successful, and he will recover. People are accountable for their actions, and those who do wrong will receive the punishment they deserve"

Jiang Shengzhuo pulled her into the house: "This is my most secret hideout, and my parents don't even know! I was thinking that in the future, I would bring you here to enjoy your old age, raise sheep, and tend to horses."

Jiang Shengzhuo held her hand and teased her: "I intend to establish my own territory. When next year comes and my forces are strong, I will take you as my wife in the stronghold."

Jiang Shengzhuo looked at her and said: "How could he not know that I am with you? Even if I tell him, he wouldn't believe it!"

Qiao Lexi tilted her head and looked at him for a long time: "When did you acquire the horse ranch? How come I didn't know about it?"

Jiang Shengzhuo, feeling indignant, immediately turned over and mounted the horse. Before she could react, the horse beneath her began to gallop wildly. He held her tightly from behind, with the sound of the wind and his triumphant laughter in her ears, making her feel as if she were about to take flight.

She also gripped tightly, then raised her smiling face and called out: "Second Brother..."

Qiao Yu held his sister's hand, his voice weary: "Second brother is not a god, second brother is just an ordinary person"

That was the only time Qiao Lexi called him Brother Zhuo; before and after that, no matter how he threatened or tempted her, she refused to call him even once

Jiang Shengzhuo felt his palm dampened by her tears, the cold wetness slowly extending from his palm to the depths of his heart. After pondering for a moment, he spoke: "There is no parent in this world who does not love their own child, Lexi. I remember her; she was beautiful and gentle, her smile was lovely. I still recall that afternoon, under the willow trees in the courtyard, when the two of us refused to take a nap and surrounded her, asking her to tell us stories... Everyone could see that you were a treasure in her heart; how could she possibly not love you?"

Jiang Shengzhuo smiled as he pinched her cheek: "My wife is truly clever! Yes, we are not on the same path. Over the past few years, the competition has become increasingly fierce, with both sides having complex backgrounds and their own supporting forces. The Bai family has disregarded everything this time and has allied with that side, even resorting to such underhanded tactics. They have the Chen family backing them, and they have executed it beautifully. Initially, nothing could be uncovered, but tonight I just received news that someone sent a document to the investigation team. I just took a look, and it is very beneficial to us."

I... I just realized that my voice was hoarse beyond recognition when Qiao Lexi spoke, "I thought of her, I... I... she..."

Jiang Shengzhuo smiled, and unknowingly, a hint of indulgence was added to his smile: "What do you want to eat? I will have them deliver it."

Thinking of this, Jiang Shengzhuo's heart began to ache again, accompanied by a sense of helplessness. He could do nothing but hold her tightly, whispering in her ear: "Lexi, I am here, do not be afraid..."

Upon opening the bedroom door, I saw her sitting at the dining table, browsing the internet on her computer. Only then did I breathe a sigh of relief and walked over to pour a glass of water, handing it to her: "Is it still hot?"

Father still has many things to attend to This kind of situation has played out countless times over the years, and he is already tired of it Please take good care of your mother Alright, no more talking, let's leave it at that

As soon as he got in the car, he received a call from Qiao Yu, and Jiang Shengzhuo showed her his phone with a苦脸.

She had a long dream, feeling utterly exhausted. With great effort, she turned over, her eyes fixed intently on the pattern of the curtains, gradually emptying her mind, losing focus.

Jiang Shengzhuo picked up the phone and listened for just a couple of sentences before quickly glancing at Qiao Lexi, then went straight to the balcony. After a long while, he returned, his expression unchanged: "Have you thought about what to eat?"

Qiao Lexi seemed not to have heard, not even lifting her head, yet he saw her tears falling down drop by drop

"Lexi, I love you." Jiang Shengzhuo spoke slowly, his voice deep and melodious in the quiet night, blending with the gentle sound of flowing water, creating an exceptionally enchanting atmosphere, imbued with a unique power that brings a sense of reassurance.

Wen Shaoqing seemed to have no curiosity about the arrival of the two individuals: "You can wait here for a while, the surgery may take a long time. I am on duty today, so feel free to find me if you need anything."

After sleeping the entire way, Qiao Lexi's energy had recovered significantly. Upon getting off the car with Jiang Shengzhuo, she was stunned by the scenery before her.

Then why aren't you answering the phone

Two people laughed together in a joyful manner

In the middle of the night, Qiao Lexi woke up wanting to drink water, but found that Jiang Shengzhuo was not by her side

Qiao Lexi wore a forced smile on her face: "I know it’s troublesome; otherwise, you wouldn’t be so anxious to bring me here from so far away. The transportation and communication here are underdeveloped, which is why I can remain unaware of everything. But you seem more and more irritable by the day; I can sense it. The situation has become more complicated, hasn’t it? You warned me, but I was foolish, naively falling into someone else's trap. I should have listened to you. I didn’t expect Bai Jinjing to be so ruthless... I can give up everything; I can even leave this line of work in the future. But there are those few lives at stake, and I cannot. You warned me, but I was foolish, naively falling into someone else's trap. I should have listened to you. I didn’t expect Bai Jinjing to be so ruthless... I can give up everything; I can even leave this line of work in the future. But there are those few lives at stake, and I cannot... I cannot pretend that nothing has happened..."

"You can smoke a cigarette when you're feeling down." Jiang Shengzhuo handed her another one.

Suddenly, it seemed as if she had returned to that night, surrounded by complete darkness, with not a glimmer of light. She could see nothing, and she was all alone, as loneliness and coldness swept over her

Jiang Shengzhuo stared at her with a blank expression, neither nodding nor shaking his head

Qiao Lexi nodded and said, "Alright, I will go right away. Mom, please don't cry."

He could only watch from a distance, unable to step forward

Yet all of this is limited to him; he does not wish for his sister to be involved in this conflict. He only hopes that she can live a peaceful and stable life

Qiao Lexi asked with a smile, "What’s wrong? Who made you angry?"

In the countless nights that followed without Jiang Shengzhuo by her side, whenever Qiao Lexi looked up at the stars, she would think of that night, remember the twinkling starry sky, and recall his warm embrace

I know, it's nothing, Lexi, you can rest assured that I will never let anything happen to you, no matter when.

Jiang Shengzhuo held her as they rode for a long time before arriving at an open space, surrounded by complete darkness and silence, with only the sound of the horse's breathing audible

As Qiao Lexi stood up, everything before her was pitch black, and she blinked her eyes before moving forward

Jiang Shengzhuo looked at the operating room and asked, "Are there any reporters over there?"

Qiao Yu glanced at her, said nothing, and entered the room alone

Alright!" Qiao Lexi nodded, but felt a vague unease in his heart; the arrangements were made too hastily, and the reasons were too far-fetched

Qiao Lexi was quite surprised by this answer: "Who told him, the old man?"

Jiang Shengzhuo opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, he swallowed it back, letting out a silent sigh

Qiao Lexi glanced at it; the gloves were indeed hanging around her neck. At that time, Jiang Shengzhuo was worried that she would lose the gloves, so he specifically bought this type.

Qiao Lexi dismounted and quietly gazed under the moonlight: "Is this yours?"

Jiang Shengzhuo and Qiao Lexi sat in the chairs in front of the operating room, remaining silent for a while, when she suddenly spoke: "Jiang Shengzhuo, I am thirsty"

Qiao Lexi's eyes immediately lit up: "The takeout has arrived!"

Does she love me? Otherwise, why does she always smile at me when we are together? I have read many books about depression, and they say that those who suffer from this illness often feel low and lack energy. However, I always remember that she has never shown any signs of abnormality in front of me. She tells me stories, makes me happy, and buys me beautiful dresses

No, Qiao Lexi smiled at Qiao Yu and said, "Really not, Second Brother, I have no intention of blaming you at all. I understand that the Qiao family cannot intervene in the current situation, and there is nothing you can do. Any action you take to help me now would only push me into the fire pit. I... I just feel sorry for him. He cares for me so much that he disregards everything, so how can I not feel sorry for him?"

She stood on a small stool just to reach the phone, and the person answering was Qiao Boyuan's secretary

Qiao Lexi fell asleep very late last night, quickly dozing off while leaning in his embrace

Then he continued to frown and listened quietly, only speaking after a long while: "Alright, I understand."

"Be good," Jiang Shengzhuo coaxed her, "the IV drip will be fine, it's right next to you, and I'll be back in a little while."

Um ... ...

Jiang Shengzhuo conveyed Qiao Yu's words: "Your second brother said to take good care of you, and that he will always be there for you, no matter when."

Qiao Yu shook his head: "No, little sister, you shouldn't always think of Dad this way. This time it really isn't him; it was Grandpa who sent me here."

Jiang Shengzhuo used softness to overcome rigidity: "Don't, Qiao Bu, don't be angry, it will affect your image! It's not that I'm preventing her from answering the phone, but she has been tired all day and just fell asleep for a little while. If I wake her up, she will definitely get angry!"

She does not remember exactly what method she used to make him compromise, but she clearly recalls the sudden onslaught of a spicy and bitter sensation that choked her, causing her to cough and tear up, while he laughed heartily beside her

Just as that hand was about to withdraw and warmth was about to fade away, she quickly reached out to grasp it, covering her eyes and slowly speaking: "Do you remember what she looked like? I just dreamed of her; she was standing right in front of me, but I couldn't see her face clearly no matter what. It seemed like she was trying to say something to me, but I couldn't hear a single word. Ever since I woke up, I've been thinking about it, but I just can't recall her face... I just dreamed of her; she was standing right in front of me, but I couldn't see her face clearly no matter what. It seemed like she was trying to say something to me, but I couldn't hear a single word. Ever since I woke up, I've been thinking about it, but I just can't recall her face... How could I possibly forget what she looked like?"

He was still worried, so he touched her forehead again; her temperature had returned to normal. He looked at her with a concerned expression and asked, "Is there anywhere else that feels uncomfortable?"

Qiao Lexi suddenly jogged a few steps and hugged him from behind, intertwining her hands around his waist

Jiang Shengzhuo gently stroked her head and firmly interrupted her, saying: "No."

Qiao Lexi had always been calm, but at this moment, her voice suddenly became a bit agitated: "Since she loves me, then why did she do that? Why did she so easily give up her own life? Why did she so easily abandon me? Today, when I saw that blood at the base station, I was thinking, are their wives and children at home happily waiting for them to return safely? If they can never wait for them again, how heartbroken they must be? That is a life, how can they... Today, when I saw that blood at the base station, I was thinking, are their wives and children at home happily waiting for them to return safely? If they can never wait for them again, how heartbroken they must be? That is a life, how can they... ... What right do they have to joke with other people's lives?"

The weather is indeed very cold. In Qiao Lexi's memory, it has been many years since she last wore something this thick. The wind makes her face hurt: "If I had known, I would rather be trampled to death than freeze to death"

Jiang Shengzhuo immediately agreed: "Alright, alright, alright"

Qiao Lexi looked at him strangely and asked, "Where are you going so late?"

That night, she knocked on his door wearing only a nightgown and holding a teddy bear, standing in front of him with tear stains still visible on her face, pouting and looking at him with tearful eyes: "Brother Zhuo, I am cold"

Jiang Shengzhuo tilted his head to glance at her, gently rubbing her face, his voice tinged with a hint of heartache: "Alright, stop smiling, it's so forced, not funny at all. I'm not angry with you, you don't need to placate me. You just spent quite a while soothing your second brother, didn't you?"

Grandfather and grandmother spoke to her, but she did not respond

Qiao Lexi's eyes lit up at the sight of delicious food, and she smiled as she nodded: "Good!"

Jiang Shengzhuo was unsure if she had heard him; she only saw her eyes closed, smiling foolishly. She slipped her cold hands under the hem of the person next to her's clothing, pressing against the warm, firm skin. With a comfortable sigh, she nestled closer into his embrace and mumbled, "So comfortable..."

After a long time, she finally spoke to break the silence

Qiao Lexi was clearly suffering to the extreme, yet she still stubbornly shook her head

Jiang Shengzhuo pulled her into his arms and said, "Alright, we will talk about tomorrow's matters tomorrow. For now, close your eyes and sleep well"

He pulled her to sit down on the sofa in the study, warming her feet in his embrace, and slowly spoke: "The investigation team has been looking into it for several days but has not determined the authenticity of the signature on the blueprints. Instead, they found issues with the materials used in the project, and coincidentally, there is a large amount of unexplained money in your account... So, do you understand what I mean?"

Qiao Lexi noticed that his expression was not good, and in a cheerful tone, she teased him: "The last time you told me you would elope with me, I always thought you were joking. Who would have thought it was really an elopement"

She suddenly turned around and embraced him tightly

Jiang Shengzhuo felt sorry for her, yet he continued to scold her harshly: "Did you catch a chill from standing by the window this afternoon? I told you not to do that, but you wouldn't listen! It's so cold, and you didn't think to dress warmly! Now you know how uncomfortable it is, don't you?"

A table full of delicious food, Qiao Lexi was eating with great delight. Jiang Shengzhuo, seeing that she had eaten quite a bit, put down his chopsticks and suggested in a tone that remained irreverent: "Hey girl, shall I take you out to have some fun?"

The two individuals quietly gazed at the starry sky, while the horses beneath them stood obediently still. Having distanced themselves from the noise and clamor of the city, their hearts became much calmer in this tranquil night where all sounds were hushed

Qiao Lexi softly collapsed into his arms, her vision filled with golden stars, and she even experienced a slight ringing in her ears: "No, I want to wait here."

Qiao Lexi did not pay attention to his address, but was momentarily moved by his simplicity. Although he did nothing, the purity in his eyes was exceedingly rare. She smiled at him with a slight curve of her lips, then exchanged a glance with Jiang Shengzhuo, her face filled with joy.

She returned to her bedroom in frustration to tell her mother

Grandma, Aunt Le has passed away... Is that true? Wuwuwu...

After quite a while, he finally pushed the door open and entered, his expression dark, lips tightly pressed together. Although he still appeared elegant and languid, the sharpness in his eyes was hard to conceal

Jiang Shengzhuo hung up the phone and threw the mobile phone to Qiao Lexi

Qiao Boyuan quickly picked up the phone: "Le Xi, what is it?"

Mother hurriedly wiped away the tears on her face and squatted in front of her: "Le Xi, dear, could you please call Dad and ask him to come home?"

Jiang Shengzhuo rested his chin on her head, gently patting her back: "Don't overthink it, you are still unwell, everything will get better..."

Grandma Jiang subtly explained: "Once you go to that place, you cannot return, and my sister cannot go either"

Qiao Yu tilted his head to one side and said, "I have no mind for that right now"

Jiang Shengzhuo did not know how he fell asleep. By the time he was startled awake by the phone, Qiao Lexi was no longer in his arms.

That night was quiet and warm, as they relied on each other

Qiao Yu sighed: "As long as you know, right now both sides are at a stalemate, and there is no conclusive evidence to say that the signatures were made by Meng Lai and Bai Jinjing. We can only wait; what we need is time. The Bai family cannot withstand such immense pressure and has gone to find my grandfather, expressing a willingness to reconcile, automatically giving up everything, only asking to protect Bai Jinjing. My grandfather specifically called me over to bring you back; everything can be discussed once you return. Moreover, the situation is quite troublesome as the media is making a huge fuss about this matter, almost turning the world upside down, and the comments are very harsh. We have done everything we can, but in the face of public opinion, we are truly powerless."

Qiao Yu watched the figure growing more distant: "I don't know if he has informed you of the current situation, but in fact, the situation is already quite optimistic. The funds in your account of unknown origin have been traced back and found to have no relation to you. The signatures on the drawings have also been compared and confirmed to be forgeries. There will be someone who will come forward to confess, but it will not be Meng Lai or Bai Jinjing. You are aware of our relationship with the Chen family; a single thread can affect the whole fabric. I know you feel wronged, but this outcome is truly the best we could hope for. There will be someone who will come forward to confess, but it will not be Meng Lai or Bai Jinjing. You are aware of our relationship with the Chen family; a single thread can affect the whole fabric. I know you feel wronged, but this outcome is truly the best we could hope for. However, Jiang Shengzhuo is stubbornly insisting on dragging Meng Lai and Bai Jinjing out, refusing to yield even a little..."

At that age, boys generally dislike seeing girls cry, yet when he saw her tears, he felt not a trace of annoyance. He clumsily extended his chubby little hand to wipe her tears and hurriedly comforted her: "Qiaolezi, oh no, Lexi, please don't cry. I promise I won't bully you anymore. How about I take you out to play?"

Qiao Lexi began to frown: "What are we going to Tibet for? It's so far away, and haven't we already been there?"

... ...

The young woman was tall and strong, leaping onto the horse's back with a striking air of elegance and vigor

Qiao Lexi shook her head, feeling somewhat embarrassed: "There is none, it's just... I'm hungry"

Jiang Shengzhuo paused for a moment and tightened his arms, occasionally touching her with his nose and lips, softly comforting her: "It's okay, don't be afraid, Brother Zhuo is holding you, it won't be cold in a little while."

He has never feared battle; from the moment he embarked on this path, he was prepared. As he journeyed along, he gradually came to enjoy the thrilling and exhilarating sensations that accompanied it. The stronger the opponent, the more his fighting spirit soared, relishing every success or failure.

Perhaps it was due to their young age at the time, or perhaps the adults intentionally concealed it, but both he and Qiao Lexi were unaware of her illness back then; the only thing they remembered was her beauty

Qiao Boyuan has finally returned, but it is all too late. She has lost so much blood, and the discovery came too late; how could she possibly be saved

She exerted a great deal of strength, squeezing his hand to the point of pain, yet she did not let go.

Her long hair was tousled by the wind, dancing in the breeze, brushing against his face, tickling him. She stood there quietly, tilting her head to look at him, her pair of captivating eyes holding a smile he could not comprehend

Qiao Yu let out a bitter laugh and said, "I am not that good; some people might even avoid me at all costs"

However, not mentioning it does not mean it did not happen. How could events that have occurred leave no traces?

Qiao Lexi glanced at him without responding, then raised her eyes to look at him: "Aren't you the one who told me not to smoke?"

Qiao Lexi tightened her scarf, which still carried the scent of Jiang Shengzhuo, crisp and unique. She took a deep breath and slowly began to speak, white mist rising at the edge of her mouth

But she played until her stomach growled, and her mother did not come out of the bedroom. The guard brought the food up, and she ran over joyfully to call her mother to eat

Jiang Shengzhuo glanced over, and his gaze returned to her face. She looked at the sky with bright eyes, and the smile at the corners of her mouth was particularly radiant and clear

I see, I have remembered it

Before long, a faint cracking sound was heard, and soon someone pushed the door open. A small section of the bed collapsed, and then a dry, warm hand rested on her forehead, with warm breath brushing against her neck, as if letting out a gentle sigh

Jiang Shengzhuo smiled and looked up: "Look up."

Upon entering the room and seeing Qiao Yu, Jiang Shengzhuo still called out softly, "Second Brother"

Qiao Lexi bit her lip and thought carefully: "I want to eat ... ... "

Qiao Lexi looked at him with a mischievous smile for a long time before elongating her voice to tease him: "Where is your phone? I will definitely answer it..."

Over there, it was unclear what was said, but Mother uttered the last sentence: "If you don't come back, I will die in front of you!" and then fell silent.

Jiang Shengzhuo made a few phone calls and then saw Qiao Lexi standing by the window enjoying the breeze. He walked over intending to close the window, but she stopped him, saying: "Don't close it."

"It's done." Jiang Shengzhuo immediately turned around and walked straight towards the girl.

It was only then that I noticed her face was unusually flushed; upon touching it, I confirmed that she indeed had a fever

Oh? Qiao Lexi detected a hint and looked at him slyly

Jiang Shengzhuo sat down beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, boasting with a proud expression: "I will take you to the northwest to see the horse farm that my brother invested in!"

It was only after Qiao Lexi grew up that she realized her mother's depression had already become quite severe at that time. Her mother was constantly suspicious and in low spirits. Meanwhile, Qiao Baiyuan was on the rise, with a distinguished family background, handsome appearance, and a mature charm that radiated from his every gesture. This attracted many women who were eager to win his affection. Although he had no particular thoughts or actions regarding them, rumors and gossip had already begun to circulate.

Jiang Shengzhuo was filled with enthusiasm as he envisioned: "You wouldn't understand this, would you? Why go in July or August? There are more people than horses, just to see people? Be careful not to get trampled! Going at this time is just right, with fewer people, and the landscape is filled with golden hues; that is the truly boundless grassland, just the two of us, and you will feel as if the entire grassland belongs to you. If we are lucky, we might even encounter snowfall, and I will take you to see the sprawling snow-capped mountains, which would be even more beautiful."

Qiao Lexi looked at his back, and after a long while, turned around again and called out: "Second Brother..."

At this moment, those clear and bright eyes were filled with warmth, striking a chord in her heart. Qiao Lexi felt that those eyes were the most beautiful she had ever seen, even more dazzling than the stars in the sky

While Qiao Lexi was washing the fruit, Jiang Shengzhuo quickly clicked the mouse a few times and glanced at the browsing history. News related to this incident occupied the headlines of all the websites, as if she had opened and read every report.

Qiao Yu remained silent for half a day: "I know she is unwilling to answer, and I will not make things difficult for you. I have already sent someone to investigate this matter. You should not let her have her way in everything. If there is anything, please contact me in a timely manner."

This is hard to say, Wen Shaoqing also looked exhausted, "I had two surgeries today, I didn't see the patients when they were sent in, and I don't understand the situation. But rest assured, the lead surgeon is a master, truly remarkable! I will go inquire about it shortly.

At that moment, Qiao Lexi suddenly understood why so many people were willing to come here

She suddenly stopped speaking, turned her head and smiled at him, looking somewhat haggard

When Qiao Lexi woke up, she found herself no longer in the hospital; the room was dimly lit, with only a wall lamp remaining.

This is her heartache; she conceals this scar with a smile in front of others. The closer the person is, the less they can mention or touch upon it; otherwise, all they will receive is her distance.

Qiao Lexi has just arrived, and everything here is new to her. She is truly happy, immersed in this boundless grassland, her spirits soaring, and it seems even her heart has expanded, leaving no room for unhappiness.

Qiao Lexi honestly admitted: "I smoked a few times during those years abroad; sometimes at night, when I missed you so much, I would smoke."

"So if I don't make it back in time and instead call you, would you answer?" Jiang Shengzhuo asked seemingly casually.

Qiao Lexi smiled brightly and said, "Still, my second brother cares for me."

She held it in her hand and asked with a curious expression: "What did my second brother say?"

Qiao Lexi held his hand and said, "I should call home again tomorrow."

Qiao Yu felt even more distressed by her words, his expression somewhat contorted, and his voice slightly altered due to his restraint: "I know you are blaming Er Ge."

Haha ... ... The sight of Jiang Shengzhuo being at a loss for words made her laugh. She herself did not know what was happening to her today, as so many words that she usually would not say flowed out so smoothly from her mouth

Jiang Shengzhuo did not know how to respond. He knew that she would quietly visit her mother every year. Each time she went, he would secretly follow her, watching her stand in front of the tombstone, crying uncontrollably, and then seeing her gather her emotions and leave with a smile, year after year.

Look, a meteor!

Ah, Jiang Shengzhuo, look, is that an eagle?

A sudden thought surged in Jiang Shengzhuo's mind, as if she would disappear at any moment. He grasped her hand tightly and, feigning ease, asked: "Are you hungry? Let me take you out for a meal"

Second brother, do not blame him. He does this all for me; he cares for me and fears that I might feel wronged. In fact, when it comes down to it, what does this matter have to do with him? My surname is Qiao, and your surname is Qiao. You care about me because we are connected by blood, while he has no relation to the Qiao family; his surname is Jiang. Helping me is a matter of kindness, and not helping is a matter of duty. Even if he were to stand by and do nothing today, I would have nothing to say.

Le Xi, you just need to remember this happiness, you must remember it

Qiao Yu patted his shoulder generously, and everything was understood without words

Two people are lying in bed, embracing each other as they sleep. Qiao Lexi cannot fall asleep and increasingly feels that this matter is not as simple as it seems

"Teasing the girl." Jiang Shengzhuo appeared indifferent, as if he and she were not very familiar, clearly showing annoyance.

Although they did not say much that night, simply embracing each other and quietly gazing at the stars, it left a profound impression on her

When Jiang Shengzhuo returned, he only saw Qiao Lexi standing in the same spot waiting for him. Upon seeing him, she joyfully ran over and asked, "Where are the gloves?"

The temperature on the grassland at night is very low, yet Qiao Lexi feels no cold at all. He unbuttons his coat and wraps it around her from behind. She leans in his embrace, clearly feeling the broad warmth of his hold. They share a scarf, their faces pressed together, and Qiao Lexi feels that their hearts are also close to each other.

Jiang Shengzhuo held her hand gently while washing the apple, looking down as if he were very serious about washing the fruit: "It's nothing, I just suddenly remembered that I don't think I've ever seriously said this to you."

Qiao Yu reiterated before hanging up, "Also, take good care of her. Please tell her that no matter when, Second Brother will always be there for her."

"Weren't you already on the plane that day? Why did you come back? Actually, you don't have to return; I can handle everything myself. You should have that confidence in me; I'm not a little girl anymore." After saying this, she tilted her head to look at him

Early the next morning, Qiao Lexi woke up and pulled Jiang Shengzhuo out of bed to take her out for horseback riding

Qiao Lexi said nothing more, leaning back into his embrace to gaze at the stars. His breath was right beside her, and she had never felt, as she did at this moment, that Jiang Shengzhuo was a reliable and solid shoulder she could lean on

Nonsense! Qiao Yu was enraged, as if he had pushed something to the ground. At this moment, you were not with her, and I see that in this lifetime, you two will never be together!

She held an empty cup, intending to fetch some water. As she passed by the study, an orange light seeped through the crack of the door. She pushed the door open and saw Jiang Shengzhuo sitting behind the desk, staring at the computer screen, occasionally typing a few words.

After that day, he discovered that Qiao Lexi was afraid of seeing other people's blood; she was never afraid of her own blood, only afraid of seeing others bleed

Jiang Shengzhuo slightly raised his head to look at the sky, wearing a look of disdain: "What do you mean by gloves? Aren't the gloves hanging around your neck? You can't even come up with a decent excuse!"

Later on, neither of the two mentioned this matter again. Before long, Qiao Lexi returned to her former self, her smile bright and exuberant, continuing to playfully tease him. Occasionally, a hint of sadness would flicker in her eyes, but it was fleeting.

But who would have thought that the most favored youngest daughter of the Le family developed postpartum depression after giving birth to Qiao Lexi, initially dismissed by everyone, which later evolved into depression, fluctuating in severity

When she woke up, the plane was about to land. She had been lacking energy and looked quite dazed. Jiang Shengzhuo's questions were very simple; she only needed to nod or shake her head in response.

Jiang Shengzhuo was also angered: "And what about you? You keep saying that you are doing this for her good, but what does that really mean? How do you know that this is truly for her benefit? When she leaves, won't that only serve to confirm those rumors?"

Jiang Shengzhuo exchanged a few words with him, and then Wen Shaoqing left

She still remembers at the age of fifteen or sixteen, when she was curious about everything. She caught Jiang Shengzhuo and his group smoking on the school rooftop, and insisted on following Jiang Shengzhuo, determined to learn. Jiang Shengzhuo sternly refused her and lectured her on why a girl should learn to smoke.

Jiang Shengzhuo looked at her for a long time and nodded slightly

Qiao Lexi felt a stir in her heart after listening, turned her head to give him a kiss, and then smiled as she asked, "What’s wrong with you?"

He himself was clearly terrified, yet he patted her and comforted her, saying: "Do not be afraid, do not be afraid, let us sleep; once we fall asleep, we will no longer be afraid"

After a long time, Qiao Lexi finally spoke again, devoid of any joy, anger, sorrow, or sadness, as calm as if recounting someone else's story: "I still remember that day when she told me to go out and play for a while, and that she would prepare something delicious for me later... But when I returned to find her..."

Qiao Lexi turned around to look at her: "Mom"

Grandma Jiang coaxed him for quite a while before finally calming him down. Jiang Shengzhuo stood at a distance, quietly observing Qiao Lexi. Qiao Lexi maintained that posture on the sofa for several hours without moving, as quiet as the teddy bear in her hands

Jiang Shengzhuo lowered his head without even looking at Qiao Yu, his voice somewhat cold, lacking any form of address: "Just wait a few more days, I will send her back, is that not acceptable?"

After a long while, Jiang Shengzhuo finally let out a long sigh and said, "Alright, let's go back"

Qiao Lexi looked around; this should be a resort. However, due to the off-season, there were very few tourists. Jiang Shengzhuo led her into the house, gesturing with his chin towards the person leading them to the left front, and whispered in her ear: "He is a local, and his name is quite complicated. He has told me many times, but I can't remember it, so please don't ask me what his name is. I can hardly come here more than a few times a year, and I basically leave everything to him. The people here are so simple and genuine that it makes you want to cry."

Jiang Shengzhuo was leading Qiao Lexi and asked him: "How are the two people sent over from the base station incident today?"

She still has a deep impression of Qiao Boyuan's impatient tone to this day

Jiang Shengzhuo looked at her smiling face and suddenly felt a pang of discomfort in his heart

Qiao Lexi suddenly leaned over and kissed him, smiling as she said, "I won't run away, so don't worry. You go help me get it, and I'll have a chat with my second brother."

After a long time, Qiao Lexi finally trembled as she held his hand and spoke: "Brother Zhuo, I saw a lot of blood... really a lot of blood..."

Jiang Shengzhuo lay down beside her, tightly embracing her from behind, feeling a dull ache in his heart

Jiang Shengzhuo withdrew his hand and turned to look at her, following her gaze.

At the moment she saw the newcomer, Qiao Lexi felt the hands holding hers stiffen for a moment, and then grip tightly. It seemed she suddenly understood why Jiang Shengzhuo wanted to take her to Tibet again

She secretly leaned against the door to listen, her mother's voice becoming sharp and piercing

Qiao Lexi nodded and did not ask further questions

Jiang Shengzhuo gently tucked her in, his hands moving tenderly, yet a coldness gradually emerged in his eyes

Both he and she wore smiles that seemed light and carefree, deliberately avoiding mention of past events, yet each harbored their own hidden intentions, with a singular purpose: neither wished to cause the other any worry

Jiang Shengzhuo hesitated for a moment: "We should go back, but there is no rush. I would like to take you to Tibet."

Jiang Shengzhuo maintained a calm demeanor and casually remarked: "What is there to question? I see you've been having a bit of bad luck lately, so let me take you out for a stroll to lift your spirits and dispel some negativity."

Qiao Lexi shrugged off his arm and provocatively said, "Then go over and kiss her so I can see."

She hesitated for a moment, stopping in place

Mother suddenly smiled and said, "It's nothing, I just wanted to ask if you are hungry? In a little while, I will prepare something delicious for you."

Qiao Lexi pulled him down and said: "No need, I will go. I feel a bit dizzy, so I will step outside for some fresh air. Please keep an eye on this for me."