Chapter 77: Aren't You Going to Soothe Me?

Jiang Ci You walked straight to Bo Jin Xiu’s side and naturally hooked her arm through his. She looked up, her brows curved, meeting his eyes; her gaze shimmered like roses swaying in a summer night breeze, stirring the heart.

The frost in Bo Jin Xiu’s eyes seemed to melt in an instant, warmth spreading softly. His voice, cool yet gentle as moonlight, replied, “It’s nothing, just discussing philosophy with Young Master Yan.”

Jiang Ci You’s brows arched slightly, and the tiny tear mole at the corner of her eye moved with her expression. She smiled and said, “We should go now, it’s late. Let’s not disturb his rest.”

“Alright.” Bo Jin Xiu lifted his head, his face suddenly cold and aloof. “Young Master Yan, we’ll take our leave.” With that, he and Jiang Ci You left together.

Watching their retreating figures, Yan Feng felt as if a knife had been plunged into his heart, the pain twisting through him. When did the two of them become “us,” and he became “the other”? Could it be that their twenty-odd years of friendship couldn’t compare to Bo Jin Xiu’s mere month with her? He couldn’t accept it, nor did he believe it. Jiang Ci You must be doing this on purpose.

He paused, then rushed forward, grabbing Jiang Ci You and forcibly separating her from Bo Jin Xiu. He had wanted to do this for a long time—when Bo Jin Xiu and Jiang Ci You danced, when they watched the fireworks… Tonight, emboldened by drink.

“Ci You, don’t go—”

Before he could finish, a loud thud echoed. A sharp pain shot through Yan Feng’s back—he had been thrown to the ground with a textbook over-the-shoulder toss, his occiput hitting the floor, dull pain spreading. He lay there, staring blankly at his assailant—Jiang Ci You.

Her movement was swift as lightning; now she stood elegantly, nobly, above him, looking down as though nothing had happened. Even Bo Jin Xiu was stunned. In that split second, she’d been like a violent little sprite, fast and ruthless, clearly venting personal anger. But a moment later, she was languid and composed again, making Bo Jin Xiu wonder if what he’d seen was a hallucination.

Unconsciously, a chill crept up his spine.

Jiang Ci You looked indifferently at Yan Feng lying on the ground. “Yan Feng, have I not made myself clear enough? If you won’t listen when I speak civilly, you should know I’m not unfamiliar with hand-to-hand combat.”

She’d said everything that needed saying, and was unwilling to repeat herself, issuing a final warning. “If you dare lay hands on me again, I’ll ruin you.”

With that, she turned and took Bo Jin Xiu away.

Yan Feng remained on the floor, pain in his back, his head, his heart—his whole body aching.

Jiang Ci You left in Bo Jin Xiu’s car, quickly departing the Yan family villa.

Once inside, she noticed Bo Jin Xiu’s mood had soured. His face was cold, entirely different from his demeanor at the Yan’s. For most of the drive, he didn’t utter a word. Jiang Ci You deliberately kept silent as well, watching the scenery slip by outside the window.

The man could finally hold it in no longer.

“Jiang Ci You, why aren’t you comforting me?”

She looked at the sulking man and burst out laughing. “Why should I? Did I do something to wrong you?”

Bo Jin Xiu pondered. “Well, no.”

He suddenly became assertive. “But I’m unhappy.”

“Then tell me, why are you unhappy?” Jiang Ci You propped her head on one hand, asking lazily, “Did you lose the argument in the courtyard with him?”

Bo Jin Xiu didn’t look at her, but lifted his chin proudly. “Impossible. I won, hands down.”

“Is it because I threw him down so violently that you felt uneasy?”

At this, Bo Jin Xiu’s lips curled involuntarily. “Of course not. You beating him up was extremely satisfying.”

His expression was completely unrestrained, like a mischievous child delighting in others’ misfortunes—utterly childish.

Jiang Ci You actually found his jealous look somewhat adorable.

She raised her arm and scratched his chin. “If it’s neither, then why, my little princess?”

Seeing Jiang Ci You in good spirits, apparently unaffected, Bo Jin Xiu felt much better.

He said, “I’m just angry. Yan Feng actually believes that a simple apology, admitting fault, regret—can wipe the slate clean for all he’s done to you. Where does he get such an idea? It’s laughable.”

Tonight, more than once, Bo Jin Xiu had been infuriated enough to laugh.

This Young Master Yan was truly remarkable—how thick-skinned must one be to speak such words?

What truly bothered him was whether Jiang Ci You and Yan Feng had always interacted this way, giving Yan Feng the impression that a casual apology would win her back. What he feared most was whether Jiang Ci You… might really turn back.

After all, in one respect, he could not compete. She and Yan Feng had grown up together, over twenty years of affection. As for him, though they’d met when he was eight, for him it had been a grand salvation, a nearly twenty-year search and longing. But for Jiang Ci You, he was long forgotten in the recesses of her memory. In this, he was far outmatched by Yan Feng.

Jiang Ci You pinched his chin. “Bo Jin Xiu, there’s no need to test me. Since I’ve broken up with Yan Feng, I won’t look back. Whatever he thinks has nothing to do with me.”

Hearing this, Bo Jin Xiu finally felt relieved. Indeed, his earlier words had carried a hint of probing, just to see how Jiang Ci You would react to Yan Feng’s apology. Fortunately, she was unwavering.

Bo Jin Xiu shrugged, not at all embarrassed to have his motives exposed. “It’s just that I feel insecure—after all, you won’t even give me a proper status.”

Jiang Ci You’s laughter was charming and alluring. “If I give it to you, would you dare to accept it?”

Bo Jin Xiu turned to her, suddenly serious. “Are you being sincere?”

“Of course not.”

“Hmph, you’re teasing me again.”

Jiang Ci You glanced out the window, lips curled. They were good now—lovers, friends, confidants, their souls intertwined yet both clear-headed. When together, their love was intense; if parted in the future, there would be no lingering regrets.

That night, Bo Jin Xiu was utterly besotted with her, clinging until she was almost annoyed.

“Bo Jin Xiu, do you know what time it is? Don’t you have work tomorrow—no, today?”

Jiang Ci You’s hair was soaked, a strand stuck to her flushed cheek, adding a silent allure. She looked helplessly out the window; dawn was nearly breaking.