Chapter 234: The Eyes of Others
“Um, they’re not just random people—these folks are here to check out properties.”
He wasn’t sure if his words had any effect on these people, but he’d said his piece and now was feeling quite miserable. How did he get into this mess?
As expected, the Jiang family’s bodyguards didn’t budge despite the mediator’s efforts. They barred the entrance like some sort of unmovable wall.
“What are you doing? We’re invited by the property management, so we’re allowed in.” The head of Y Doctor’s entourage boldly challenged Jiang Family’s lead bodyguard Ah Cheng.
And so began the tragedy: Ah Cheng pulled him down in a shoulder throw, leaving him lying rather pathetically on the ground. “What do you think you’re doing? It’s a law-abiding society. We have every right to go in.”
Meeting such a stubborn bodyguard, Y Doctor couldn’t help but curse loudly. And with a decent number of people, he wasn’t worried about any real conflict with the Jiang family.
Just then, Jiang Kekai and Jiang Hanhang appeared together. Walking neither too fast nor too slow, they made their way to the gate.
Upon Y Doctor’s arrival, the Jiang family had promptly informed Jiang Kekai. Upon learning that Y Doctor had stolen the fruits of her late uncle’s labor, she and Hanhang had immediately come over.
She glanced at Y Doctor, then his entourage, and decided it was pointless to waste words. “Leave. I don’t want to argue with you.”
Well-known as the genius Jiang Kekai, Y Doctor certainly recognized her presence, realizing she was the one in charge here.
Since the figurehead was present, Y Doctor thought it might be worth a try: “Miss Jiang, I’m only looking for a girl named Xia Yu; this isn’t about you. If I’ve offended you, I apologize. Can I pass?”
“No.” Jiang Kekai replied swiftly, much to Y Doctor’s dismay. Who knew what this doddering old man was plotting with Xia Yu? Looking at her firm eyes, Y Doctor realized things weren’t so simple. “Miss Jiang, I haven’t done anything to offend you. Why such resistance?”
Her look of disdain deepened upon hearing this, “Stealing my uncle’s labor, is that not an offense? Scram before I lose my temper.”
Hearing this, Y Doctor found it intriguing, though he refrained from arguing. She was right; he had stolen T Doctor’s lab results. With no rebuttals, he pressed on: “Then Xia Yu is under your protection. If you intend to harm me or my family, consider yourselves warned.”
Jiang Kekai’s sternness left Y Doctor contemplating her threat. After some hesitation, he waved off his group and they all left, preferring not to risk a confrontation with the powerful Jiang family.
Naturally, Y Doctor didn’t give up. He found lodging nearby and devised a plan to approach Xia Yu.
He hadn’t expected Xia Yu to have such a close relationship with Jiang Kekai, thinking her merely an acquaintance. But this development complicated everything. Riled by Lin Hai’s apparent lack of full disclosure, Y Doctor felt even more betrayed.
After Y Doctor left, Jiang Kekai dialed her phone, “Dad, how many backup bodyguards do we have? Get them here now.”
“Hm? What’s going on?”
The unexpected request piqued her father’s interest. Noticing his daughter’s insight, he responded quickly.
“As suspected, Y Doctor came from the capital with a posse, apparently needing Xia Yu for some experiment.”
“I’ll send reinforcements immediately.”
With this, Jiang Bin agreed to bolster support. Before hanging up, he added, “Protect Xia Yu and prevent her from participating in any tests. I suspect the doctor has something dangerous in mind, requiring her involvement.”
“Understood,” Jiang Kekai replied.
Meanwhile, Xia Yu and Xia Ling, along with Wang Wenjuan, were ready to head out. As they walked toward the car, Xia Hong reminded them:
“Aren’t you getting Xia Yu’s haircut while in town?”
“Don’t worry, we can handle everything ourselves.”
Seeing Xia Yu’s discomfort, Wang Wenjuan took her away. Xia Yu was terrified of further episodes; plus, as a girl herself, she refused to let Xia Yu cut her hair—a girl’s second life, after all!
So off Xia Yu went with her mother. The grandmother was left in the dust with her queries. Xia Ling caught up as Xiao Yu tried making small talk, but Xia Hong seemed fixated on her hairstyle.
They passed through the old banyan tree, slowing down to greet the neighbors. Unwanted attention was guaranteed; Xia Yu and Xia Ling didn’t quite fit the bill.
Yet there they were, greeted by the elderly man who asked, “Is that little Yu? So gorgeous, hard to recognize!”
Feeling self-conscious, Xia Yu wished she could hide. Xia Hong answered for her: “Yes, she’s little Yu. Came back looking quite different. More beautiful than ever.”
Amid confusion, Xia Hong laughed nervously, “Got some things to take care of. Talk later.”
The car sped off as Xia Hong pondered the talk of his mother and the neighbors. Finally, addressing Xia Yu:
“What do you think about changing your hair?”
“Why change?”
“Your hair! You don’t feel more girly now? Everyone from grandpa down is talking about it.”
“Nah, I prefer it long. Don’t touch it.”
Wang Wenjuan chimed in, “Who cares? Long hair suits you. Happiness beats all else.”
Xia Hong nodded, “Exactly. Let’s focus on that. But if she doesn’t like it, we won’t force her.”
Despite his words, the reluctance was clear.
