Chapter 283: Feeling a Bit Off
When the phone rang, Jiang Kekai pulled out her phone only to see it was “Little Cuteness” at home. She wondered what this could be about. But knowing it was “Little Cuteness,” Jiang Kekai knew it was important.
She gave a polite smile to those around her who were trying to befriend her. “Sorry, I still have some things to handle. Excuse me for a bit.”
With that, she left the lively gathering and answered the call without further delay. “Hey, Little Yu, what’s up?”
“Little Ning Sister, Zhang Huilin invited me out tonight. Can I go? It’s so boring at home.” Xia Yu said with a cute tone.
Jiang Kekai looked back at the still bustling party. There was no way it would end anytime soon, and leaving now would give her enemies a chance to exploit it.
After some hesitation, she agreed, “Alright, but be careful and don’t turn off your phone. As soon as I wrap things up here, I’ll come find you.”
“Got it.”
This time Xia Yu’s tone held excitement and joy. Once she ended the call, though Xia Yu was happy, Jiang Kekai was worried. She didn’t like the idea of letting this clueless girl go out alone.
Next, Jiang Kekai dialed another number. “Ah Cheng, Xia Yu is going out. Have some guys follow her in case anything happens, and report back immediately.”
Jiang Kekai returned uneasily to her seat.
“What’s wrong, Miss? Is there something difficult? If I can help, just let me know.” “Yes, we are family. If there’s anything you need, feel free to ask.”
Listening to these words, Jiang Kekai felt even more annoyed; her father hadn’t helped her and instead told her to deal with it herself, calling it growth… Meanwhile, Jiang Dong, that guy, seemed to have disappeared again. She couldn’t get him to share the burden. With Jiang Kekai’s permission, Xia Yu began to dress up.
She didn’t put on any of the pretty dresses Jiang Kekai had bought for her. Instead, she donned a cool pair of boyish clothes, tied her hair into a high ponytail, and put on a baseball cap… very cool indeed.
Despite the time passed, Xia Yu still retained some male vibes. Now, with the chance, she was determined to fully express herself. Lastly, she packed up Jiang Kekai’s card before confidently stepping out.
When she passed by Xia Ling and Jiang Hanhang’s room, Xia Yu thought to invite them along. “Xia Ling, Hanhang, want to go shopping together?”
The door opened with a click, revealing Jiang Hanhang in a skimpy nightgown with a lollipop in her mouth. “Going out so late? Has your sister approved?”
“Yeah, I called Little Ning Sister first.”
Somehow, looking at her, Xia Yu felt like a naughty child, a bit uneasy. “We’re not going. We still need to level up. See ya.”
And with that, Jiang Hanhang closed the door.
Since Xia Ling and Jiang Hanhang refused, Xia Yu decided to go alone. What’s one person outside anyway? She wasn’t going to get kidnapped every other day.
With that thought, Xia Yu became bolder.
As Xia Yu walked by in such a cool outfit, the servants couldn’t help but feel curious. What did Xia Yu do to win the favor of the Miss?
Arriving at the courtyard entrance, Xia Yu initially planned to hail a ride. However, Jiang Kekai had anticipated this and an arranged car and driver were waiting—Ah Cheng.
Seeing Xia Yu approach, Ah Cheng helpfully opened the car door. “Miss Xia Yu, where do you need to go?”
Ah Cheng had seen Xia Yu a few times before. He was known to be Jiang Family’s head of security, a reliable fellow.
Xia Yu jumped unceremoniously into the backseat. “Thanks.”
“Not at all, Miss. The Miss asked me to treat you like her. So, where should I take you now?” he responded, fastening his own seatbelt.
“Entrance to Jing Nan Road Walking Street.”
Xia Yu replied swiftly; it was where Zhang Huilin had arranged to meet her and was somewhere she hadn’t been to yet.
Ah Cheng fired up the navigation and set off slowly.
He wasn’t from Demon City and didn’t know the area well. Without navigating, he’d get lost.
It was bound to be a boring trip, so Xia Yu initiated a chat with Ah Cheng. “Uncle Cheng, was this because Little Ning Sister sent you to pick me up?”
“Yeah, definitely. The Miss instructed me to protect you. We’ve got backup coming too, so no need to worry. You can enjoy yourself safely.”
“Oh… how much do you guys earn per month?”
“I don’t get paid monthly—I’m the headquarters chief guard. Annual salary’s five million.”
Whoa.
Hearing this amount, Xia Yu sucked in a breath. Clearly, she should have kept quiet. Feeling a bit dejected, Xia Yu’s reaction made Ah Cheng chuckle, treating her like an old friend. “You’re actually quite good, even Miss’s secretary. Maybe you should look after me now.”
“You’re already the head guard. Don’t bother with me.”
“Well… you shouldn’t envy me. You are Miss’s personal assistant. And, everyone knows Miss likes you, so treat her well, okay?”
“Of course, Little Ning Sister is too kind to let down.”
“Good. Miss has a lot on her plate. We hope you both grow and help out more.”
…
They talked until they reached their destination.
“Alright, Little Yu. Enjoy yourself. I’m watching over you.”
Ah Cheng reminded her as he opened the car door.
Sending Ah Cheng away, Xia Yu surveyed the crowd. Tonight was busy due to it being weekend, especially since students were out having fun.
Seeing no clear path, Xia Yu sent another message and reviewed the photo Zhang Huilin had sent. Finally, she spotted an approximate location…
“Little Yu?”
Hearing a familiar voice, Xia Yu turned curiously. Who else could it be other than Zhang Huilin? Her four girlfriends were with her too.
But why would she invite only Xia Yu? This made sense.
“It’s really you, Xia Yu. Why are you dressed like that? I almost didn’t recognize you!”
Hearing Zhang Huilin’s disapproval, Xia Yu was uncertain, but Zhang Huilin grabbed her hand and addressed the group. “Alright, Xia Yu’s here. Let’s start playing.”
Thus, Xia Yu joined the group in the bustling street.
Zhang Huilin inquired as they walked, “Little Yu, you’ve never been to Demon City, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Don’t worry, come visit more often. Tell me if you want anything later.” Zhang Huilin responded generously.
Familiar words, but not spoken by Little Ning Sister, made them ring hollow in Xia Yu’s ears.
Recalling Little Ning Sister’s words, Xia Yu decided she wouldn’t let anyone else buy anything for her while out.
So, she declined Zhang Huilin’s offer, “I have money.”
Clearly disappointed, Zhang Huilin realized Xia Yu was someone close to Xiao Ning. Xia Yu was not easily manipulated.
Four girls following behind chatted among themselves. They knew Xia Yu and Jiang Kekai, but unlike Zhang Huilin, they showed no boldness—they merely wanted her to remember them.
Before coming, Xia Yu had looked forward to shopping but found it dull in reality. Zhang Huilin remained a stranger to her, and Xiao Ning Sister’s caution added to her hesitation.
Regretting her decision, Xia Yu wondered, Wasn’t staying home and eating snacks better?
Glancing at her surroundings and the four girls, Xia Yu resolved to speak up. “Um… You should go ahead. I suddenly remembered something I need to handle.”
“Huh? What is it? Do you need help? Should I take you home?”
After finally meeting Xia Yu, Zhang Huilin didn’t want to let her go so quickly, but suddenly felt awkward communicating with her.
