CH 64

Their eyes met.

Cheng Suran felt an uncomfortable tingling sensation on her scalp, suddenly realizing that the words she had just spoken had exposed her relationship with Jiang Yu. The person in front of her had heard everything.

She had caused trouble...

"Little sister?" Bai Lu gazed at her, a flirtatious smile curling at the corner of her eyes.

The gaze carried a strong sense of pressure, similar to Jiang Yu, yet different. Jiang Yu's gaze was enigmatic and cold, while this person concealed a knife behind their smiling demeanor.

Cheng Suran felt her heart tremble, growing extremely nervous. She whispered softly, "I came to find my sister."

"Oh—" Bai Lu curved her lips. "She went downstairs to the management department just now. We returned not long ago."

Cheng Suran bit her lip and nodded gently.

No wonder her sister's bag was left on the sofa...

This was terrible. She had really caused trouble now. How was she going to explain it to her sister?

The office door suddenly pushed open.

Jiang Yu walked in from outside, looking at the two people in the room. She paused briefly, her gaze fixing on Cheng Suran, surprise flashing in her eyes.

Cheng Suran anxiously gazed back at her.

"Sister Yu—" Bai Lu glanced around, then without waiting for Jiang Yu to speak, she approached with a charming smile. "The little sister came to find you. I was just using the restroom. She mistook me for you and kept calling me 'elder sister.' How adorable."

With that, she linked her arm with Jiang Yu's, casting a glance at Cheng Suran.

Cheng Suran: "..."

"Mm, I know," Jiang Yu nodded lightly and withdrew her hand without showing any emotion. "Taking her to watch a movie later."

"I want to watch too," Bai Lu held onto her waist again.

Cheng Suran furrowed her brows, instinctively wanting to rush over and pull them apart, but she held back, silently clenching her fists.

Jiang Yu seemed to be unaware of her reaction, casually pushing away Bai Lu's hand, playfully scolding with an indulgent tone, "Don't make trouble."

"Then you owe me a movie," Bai Lu smiled mischievously. She knew when to stop and didn't cling to Jiang Yu anymore.

"Alright."

"Let's go then. We'll pick up the car at the 4S dealership tomorrow. Little sister, bye-bye~"

She turned around decisively, waving her hand at Cheng Suran.

As the door closed, the office fell into silence. Cheng Suran stood frozen in place, her head slightly lowered, appearing absent-minded.

She didn't dare to look at Jiang Yu.

"Ranran."

"..."

Jiang Yu walked over to the girl, embracing her shoulders and pulling her into her arms, softly saying, "Sister was originally planning to come pick you up, but didn't expect the little friend to be so impatient." She kissed Cheng Suran's forehead.

There was no blame or questioning as she had anticipated.

"Sister, I..." Cheng Suran held onto her, her voice trembling, her eyes turning red.

Jiang Yu was taken aback. "What's wrong?"

Cheng Suran explained in detail what had just happened.

"Now what should we do? If she tells someone, will it affect you..." Tears welled up in the girl's eyes as she tightly gripped Jiang Yu's clothes.

Jiang Yu, dressed in a black leather coat that almost reached her ankles, wore a black turtleneck sweater underneath. Her long hair cascaded down, and she had light makeup with nude lips, exuding a sense of cold restraint.

After listening, she fell silent for a moment and then smiled casually, saying, "It's alright, Bai Lu won't say anything."

Seeing the confident and trusting look in Jiang Yu's eyes, Cheng Suran suddenly felt a pang of sourness in her heart.

"It's not your fault either. It's just a small matter, don't blame yourself, be a good girl." Jiang Yu ruffled the girl's hair and tidied it up for her.

Cheng Suran murmured softly, "Do you trust her a lot..."

"Who?" Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow.

"Bai Lu."

"Yes, what's the matter?"

Cheng Suran shook her head and forced out a bitter smile. "It's nothing, just asking randomly. I think it's my fault. I shouldn't have come over without notice. Um..."

Jiang Yu lowered her head and sealed Cheng Suran's lips with a kiss.

After a few seconds, she slowly let go.

"Sister..."

"I checked the score levels for Exam C1. It's impressive to score above ninety. Ranran, you're amazing. Keep up the good work," Jiang Yu praised in a warm voice, her smile resembling a cup of warm coffee on a winter day. She thought that instead of red envelopes, what the kid desired more was her approval.

Cheng Suran's eyes brightened with delight as she looked at Jiang Yu, her two little dimples naturally forming a sweet and charming curve.

Sister actually took the trouble to check!

The previous dejection and sadness disappeared in an instant, and her mood instantly brightened.

"Mm, mm."

When she genuinely smiled, her eyes were pure and bright, her face delicate and captivating, like a delicate flower blooming under the warm sun, exuding infectious charm.

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=4738582

This translation is originally posted on

love4baihe.blogspot.com

please read it there. and check out other stories too

Jiang Yu found herself somewhat lost in watching.

Finally, there was a youthful vigor on the kid's face that matched her age, rather than being constantly suppressed and restrained, forcing her soul into confinement, forcing herself to be sensible and mature.

Was it simply because of her approval and encouragement?

In a daze, she remembered her past self, who was very similar to Cheng Suran today. Fortunately, her career nourished her and helped her emerge from the gloom, but deep down, there was still a child who refused to grow up. So, what about Cheng Suran? Did she also have a little child living in her heart, wrapped in layers and not easily exposed to the light...

"What movie do you want to watch?" Jiang Yu snapped back to reality and held the person in her arms tighter.

Cheng Suran leaned against her while acting coquettishly. "Can we watch 'Unsheathed Blade'? It's a suspenseful mystery film, and I quite like it."

After speaking, she froze.

In the past, when others asked her what she wanted to eat, drink, or watch, she wouldn't directly answer but instead ask the other person in return. So why did she answer directly today? She should have asked Jiang Yu first what she wanted to watch...

"No, that's not right, Sister. What do you want to watch?"

"I'll watch whatever you like."

"Um..."

Jiang Yu took out her phone from her pocket, ready to search for movie tickets, but Cheng Suran reached out and stopped her. "The public cinema is too crowded, and there have been many discussions about you online these days. It would be troublesome if we're recognized. Let's go to a private cinema instead."

She wore a worried expression, her little face wrinkling.

"Silly girl, private cinemas don't show newly released movies. It's okay, I'll wear a hat and a mask. It's not that easy to be recognized." Jiang Yu smiled and pinched her cheek.

Cheng Suran bit her lip, lowered her gaze, and spoke softly, "Then let's not go."

"?"

"We don't have to watch a movie, but I don't want you to take this risk. Even if the risk is small. Those people who spread negativity online, they might be around. " She frowned tightly.

This matter had been weighing on her heart for a long time. Since she couldn't bear the harm for Jiang Yu, she would try to avoid potential troubles as much as possible. It was the limit of what she could do.

It's not about watching the movie, it's about watching it together with her sister. Even if they just cuddle up and watch old movies on the computer, it would still be very enjoyable.

Jiang Yu fell silent, gazing quietly at the girl, trying to read something from her face.

But there was nothing.

It felt like a casual concern, like a lover's flattery to a benefactor, or even like a strategic performance. It just lacked what she wanted to see.

She let out a sigh of relief, but also felt a bit disappointed.

A lover is still a lover, and a lover is just a lover.

"Then let's go to a private cinema," Jiang Yu said softly, her smile fading slightly.

There was a private cinema at home, more comfortable and free than the outside. At this moment, she suddenly had the impulse to bring the girl home, but considering their relationship, she dismissed the thought.

Not bringing a lover home was her principle.

….

After dinner, Jiang Yu directly took Cheng Suran to "NOTTE," where there were private cinema-themed private rooms.

The lighting in the room was a pinkish-purple hue, and the large circular water bed was soft and comfortable. There were endless snacks and fruits, and they could even soak in an essential oil bath. When they pushed open the window, they were greeted with a magnificent view of the riverside.

The two of them chose an old suspense movie they hadn't seen before.

In the dim light, the atmosphere gradually became enchanting. Although it lacked the hidden excitement of a public cinema, the intimate world of the two in the small space was also romantic. For Cheng Suran, this was a great place for a date.

She leaned against Jiang Yu's shoulder and reached out quietly, her hand touching the warm skin, her thumb hooking slightly.

Jiang Yu was completely absorbed in staring at the screen, seemingly unaware of the little movements of the person in her arms.

Cheng Suran grew bolder and let her fingertips venture into Jiang Yu's palm, gently scratching it. Seeing no reaction from Jiang Yu, she slowly separated each finger and carefully interlocked them together.

Their ten fingers intertwined, palms pressed against each other, and the burning warmth seeped into Cheng Suran's heart.

So blissful.

She rested her head on Jiang Yu's neck, lowered her gaze, and looked at their hands clasped together. A smile unconsciously curled up at the corners of her mouth.

Ah, so childish.

Hehe.

"Why aren't you watching?" Jiang Yu suddenly lowered her head and naturally withdrew her hand, caressing the girl's face.

"Is it not good?"

The warmth in her palm disappeared suddenly, and Cheng Suran was momentarily stunned. She quickly regained her senses and shook her head repeatedly, saying, "I am watching. It's just more comfortable to watch while cuddling with Sister."

With her hand now free, she didn't know where to place it and felt a bit at a loss, so she could only wrap it around Jiang Yu's waist.

Jiang Yu smiled, her hand descending again, unconsciously grabbing the girl's hand and rejoining their fingers, returning to its original position.

Cheng Suran: "!!!"

Her heart beats faster, and a warm flush rises to her cheeks as her breath catches in her throat.

She really can't focus on watching the movie now.

It wasn't until they left "NOTTE" that the chilly night breeze blew against their faces, and the warmth on Cheng Suran's face subsided, leaving her feeling clear-headed.

The buried thoughts in her heart began to stir once again.

Last time, when she tried to hold Jiang Yu's hand like she did today, she remembered clearly that Jiang Yu had avoided it. She knew then that Jiang Yu understood the meaning behind that hand-holding gesture. As a benefactor, she naturally wouldn't indulge her.

But today, Jiang Yu took the initiative to hold her hand, so she probably knows about her little actions as well.

Could it be that her sister also has a little bit of affection for her?

….

Back at the hotel, Jiang Yu received a phone call, and her initially smiling face gradually turned cold. She told Cheng Suran to go take a shower and went into the master bedroom, holding her phone.

At the very last moment when the door closed, Cheng Suran heard the words "fans."

She instinctively felt that it was related to the incidents on Weibo these past two days. She took out her phone, opened Weibo, and saw that all the related topics had disappeared, and the original marketing account had deleted its posts.

Suddenly, everything was calm.

What's going on?

She felt a bit uneasy, glanced at the master bedroom, put down her phone, and hurriedly went into the bathroom to shower. After finishing, without drying her hair, she peeked into the living room.

Jiang Yu was standing alone by the window, holding a tall glass. The rich crimson liquid accentuated her slender fingers, and the splendid ceiling lights shone upon her, casting a glow over her whole body.

A hint of loneliness and desolation.

Cheng Suran's heart trembled, feeling an indescribable sense of melancholy. Ignoring the water dripping from her hair, she hastily wiped it with a towel and walked toward that person.

"Sister..." She embraced her from behind.

Jiang Yu seemed startled, her body trembled, and she suddenly grabbed the hand around her waist. "Hm?"

"Are you feeling down?" Cheng Suran pressed her face against Jiang Yu's ear.

"Be good and go to sleep."

"I don't want to."

"Can you listen to me?" Jiang Yu turned her face slightly and gently patted Cheng Suran's hand, as if coaxing a child.

Cheng Suran tiptoed and leaned over to kiss her lips. "I want to accompany you. I'll stay here and won't leave."

Jiang Yu was taken aback and couldn't help but laugh. "The kid knows how to please her benefactor."

"..."

Cheng Suran's arms stiffened slightly, a thin layer of gray shadowing her eyes.

Pleasing a benefactor--

Yes, that's how a benefactor sees it, isn't it? But only she knows that it's not like that. She likes Jiang Yu, her emotions fluctuate with Jiang Yu's mood. Though she is filled with love, she can only hide it behind appeasement.

"Is it because of what happened on Weibo?" Cheng Suran suppressed the sourness in her heart and tried to ask.

"If sister doesn't want to talk about it... then forget it. Just don't chase me away."

She hugged Jiang Yu tightly.

Jiang Yu gazed at the lights outside the window, feeling the suppressed emotions rapidly expanding within her body, becoming unbearable. She took a sip of her drink, slowly swallowed it, and said, "Do you still remember the female celebrity who wore the same outfit as me last time?"

"Ren..."

Cheng Suran was momentarily at a loss for words and couldn't recall.

It was only at this moment that Cheng Suran realized that her sister was willing to share her emotions with her, whether they were happy or miserable, positive or negative. Did this mean that she held a small place in her sister's heart?

"Ren Shilu," Jiang Yu continued.

Cheng Suran regained her focus and silently repeated the name, suddenly realizing something. She looked up in shock and asked, "Is she behind all this?"

"Yes."

"..."

"The issue with the DM brand started a long time ago. The jewelry piece in question was not the final product but an early sample that was showcased internally in April this year. The potentially discriminatory language mentioned on the official website has a different meaning, although one of its interpretations is similar to actual discrimination, which people unfamiliar with the linguistic history and culture wouldn't know."

"It's a minor matter that was blown out of proportion by someone with ill intentions. Coincidentally, the founder of DM used to work at 'D&M' and, coincidentally, I signed an endorsement contract with the latter this spring. This smear campaign is like dirty water being thrown at me, forcing me to make a statement."

Jiang Yu narrowed her eyes slightly and casually swirled the wine glass, her tone light and indifferent.

Cheng Suran followed her train of thought and suddenly felt a chill down her spine. "So, she's using this incident to manipulate public opinion because it's dangerous for public figures to get involved in political issues. If it gets serious, they might even face censorship. She's gambling, hoping that if she wins, you'll be ruined, but if she loses, she won't suffer any losses."

"The kid is quite clever," Jiang Yu turned around and ruffled the girl's head.

"It's okay. She lost the gamble. Tongtong helped me remove the negative articles. Look, apart from a few marketing accounts and a bunch of internet trolls, no mainstream media has spoken up about this issue. She won't dare to come again."

Jiang Yu's palms were damp, and she realized that Cheng Suran's hair was wet from washing but hadn't been dried yet.

Cheng Suran pouted in disappointment, her small face drooping. "But you're still affected..."

"Why did you come out without drying your hair? You'll catch a cold if your scalp gets cold. Hurry up and get the hairdryer," Jiang Yu interrupted, furrowing her brow and removing her hand.

"Mm."

Cheng Suran responded sullenly and went back to the bathroom to get the hairdryer. She brought it over and placed it next to the sofa, but before she could press the power button, Jiang Yu took it away.

"I'll do it."

"..."

The tall wine glass stood silently on the table, with a small amount of unfinished red wine resembling a mysterious and dazzling ruby under the light.    

The hairdryer hummed in her ears, and the warm air gently caressed her scalp.

Cheng Suran held her breath, not moving a muscle.

After a few minutes, the humming stopped, and it seemed like the whole world became quiet. Suddenly, she grabbed Jiang Yu's wrist. "Sister..."

"Hm?" Jiang Yu was about to get up.

"When you told me all those things, did you believe me?" Cheng Suran looked directly into her eyes, mustering up the courage to ask, "More than you believe Bai Lu?"

Her heart hung in her throat.

"Are you jealous?" Jiang Yu pretended to have a cold expression.

Cheng Suran hurriedly shook her head. "No, no, I'm not, um..."

Jiang Yu leaned forward and kissed her lips.

"..."

The girl's face turned red, and she lowered her head, realizing that Jiang Yu was just teasing her earlier and not actually angry. Her heart settled back down.

The smile at the corner of her eyes couldn't be hidden.

Jiang Yu was about to say something when her phone rang again. She put down the hairdryer, stood up, and walked towards the window while answering the call. Cheng Suran followed her gaze, scanning her footsteps and perking up her ears.

The person on the other end of the call kept talking, while Jiang Yu listened silently, occasionally responding with a few "hmm" sounds.

She couldn't hear any useful information.

Cheng Suran slowly withdrew her gaze and found herself smiling foolishly.

After a while, the call ended. She caught a glimpse of Jiang Yu walking towards her, and as she raised her head, their eyes met with a smiling gaze.

"No more jealousy, sister believes in you." Jiang Yu pinched her soft earlobe and then picked up the hairdryer, placing it on the table.

"I'm going to take a shower."

"Okay." The girl nodded, her face still blushing, and she watched as Jiang Yu went back to her room to get a bathrobe and headed to the bathroom.

Soon, the sound of water came from inside.

Her hair ends were still a bit damp, so Cheng Suran reached up to touch them and thought about blow-drying them a little more. She stood up to get the hairdryer but accidentally noticed the nearby phone with its screen illuminated.

She froze.

It was her sister's phone...

Huh?

A thought crossed her mind like a lightning bolt.

The screen suddenly dimmed a bit, and without thinking, Cheng Suran reached out and tapped it. It lit up again.

If she had touched it just two seconds later, the screen would have completely gone black and locked.

That was close.

Nervously glancing towards the bathroom, Cheng Suran let her fingertip slide across the screen. Trembling, she opened the dial pad, entered her own phone number...

Suddenly, two WeChat messages popped up in succession.

When people do something guilty, the thing they fear the most is being startled. She jumped in surprise, her hand shaking, and accidentally tapped the message notification. The page switched to the WeChat chat box.

Bai Lu: [Picture.jpg]

Bai Lu: [Your aunt's late-night snack is so delicious. Today, I can only indulge in tears and run an extra three kilometers tomorrow!]

"..."

Cheng Suran froze, her gaze landing on the profile picture in WeChat. She realized it wasn't the familiar gray-black background she was used to, but a picture of a bunny plush toy.

This was...

Her sister's main WeChat account?

It was so late, and Ba Lu was actually at her sister's place, eating food cooked by the nanny?!

Almost as if driven by an unknown force, she slid her finger and slowly scrolled the page upward. As more chat records entered her field of view, an inevitable sense of guilt arose in her heart.

She was snooping on someone's privacy. She was doing something illicit, something she shouldn't be doing...

But her fingers couldn't stop.

In the chat records, Bai Lu often sent photos. Sometimes it was a fitness selfie, other times it was a casual snapshot of scenery or food. The most frequently used phrase was "I miss you so much."

And Jiang Yu responded every time.

Cheng Suran's mind was buzzing. Despite her heart racing, her hands and feet grew cold. Time passed second by second...

The sound of water from the bathroom stopped.

She suddenly snapped back to her senses, looked up in a panic, hurriedly exited the chat, and then remembered something. She returned to the chat list and selected "Mark as Unread" before exiting again.

She entered her own phone number in the dial pad.

One second, two seconds, three seconds...

Her phone lit up.

She ended the call, deleted the records, locked the screen, pretended that nothing had happened, and sat back on the sofa.

Her heart felt like it was about to leap out of her throat.

Cheng Suran patted her chest, lowered her head, and opened the missed calls on her own phone. She saved that string of unfamiliar numbers into her contacts...