Chapter 304: Little Jie Zi
When asked by Sister Little Ning, Xia Yu couldn’t help but be reminded of her beautiful dream from last night, and she felt so shy that her cheeks turned beet red. Thus, Xia Yu decided not to spill: “I won’t tell you.”
“Fine, don’t tell me, you clever little one.” Jiang Kekai pinched the tip of Xia Yu’s nose gently and got up first. “Alright, your mom is already urging us; let’s speed up.”
Pulling aside the warm blanket, the cold air from outside made Xia Yu shiver uncontrollably, so she quickly crawled back in: “It’s so cold~”
Since becoming a girl, Xia Yu felt she now hated the cold more than ever, especially at dawn. It was particularly uncomfortable.
Jiang Kekai sighed with a smile, picked up the air conditioner remote, and turned on the heater. “Why don’t you stay in bed a bit longer? I’ll go wash up first. Just don’t dawdle too long, okay?” “Alright~”
Sister Little Ning didn’t forcefully pull Xia Yu out of bed; instead, she warmed up the room for her, making Xia Yu feel deeply cared for by Sister Little Ning. This particular version of Sister Little Ning was one she adored.
After playing with the cute little head poking out of the blanket, Jiang Kekai left with a look of endearment. A while later, Xia Yu felt some warmth in her cocoon.
She extended her arm to test the temperature outside. Once she deemed it suitable, Xia Yu hopped up with newfound energy: “Time to get up!” For some reason, she felt lazier than ever before; this wasn’t who she used to be.
Dressed in his handsome male attire, Xia Yu set off for the day, albeit feeling less cozy compared to the female outfits. However, her male clothes were much better for keeping warm during winter.
Opening the door, she found her parents and brother packing their luggage, while Jiang Hanhang and Xia Ling were casually lounging on the sofa. Indeed, everything was ready for them to leave for breakfast and start their journey.
If Jiang Kekai hadn’t explicitly requested privacy for Xia Yu, they would have called her earlier.
No doubt about it, Jiang Kekai treated Xia Yu with such indulgence that Xia Yu remained blissfully unaware of it all: “Did you guys get everything ready?” “Of course! Hurry up, brush your teeth and wash your face, we’re waiting for you!”
Xia Ling couldn’t wait any longer and slipped behind Xia Yu, pushing her towards the bathroom—because Xia Ling was hungry.
Feeling guilty about being kept waiting, Xia Yu quickly finished her hygiene routine: “Where’s Sister Little Ning?”
“She went to arrange the bodyguards,” Jiang Hanhang replied. “She said they don’t need to follow us in so many numbers; just a couple cars are enough. Otherwise, it’d be conspicuous.”
True to form, Jiang Kekai soon reappeared with several bags: “Little Yu, have you finished washing up? Perfect timing, let’s eat breakfast before we leave.”
Originally, Xia Hong intended to buy some breakfast from roadside stalls. But Jiang Kekai insisted on ensuring Xia Yu had something delicious. She arranged for some food to be brought over to the villa.
What Jiang Kekai brought was quite lavish: a large bowl of porridge, a whole bag of bread, crispy fritters, milk, and tea eggs… Now there was no need for anyone to worry about breakfast on the road; they could eat fully satisfied before setting off.
Having savored Jiang Kekai’s meals for so long, Xia Hong and Wang Wenjuan relaxed and began eating greedily. After all, Xia Yu had already shared her wealth with them.
“Little Yu, what are you still standing around for? Come join us!”
Jiang Kekai took a seat herself and served Xia Yu a small bowl of porridge, careful not to burn her. She seemed intent on showing affection in front of the elders, Xia Hong and Wang Wenjuan. Though they found it strange, there was nothing they could say—so long as she continued to treat Xia Yu so well.
But just as the meal concluded, Lin Jie dropped in: “Xia Le, preparing to go?”
Lin Jie looked like he was ready for a trip, carrying a big black backpack and an elegant leather suitcase.
The others noticed his gear and were intrigued; Xia Le stood and explained: “Lin Jie thinks staying at home is boring. He wants to visit Xia Family Village before New Year’s. That way, he can relax and sleep in my room.”
Xia Hong and Wang Wenjuan exchanged glances. Their children always made decisions before informing their parents. Yet, since Xia Hong didn’t want to turn him down, “Sure, we’re leaving now anyway. Feel free to join us.”
Lin Jie walked in, flashing a friendly smile at the girls. Initially, Lin Family wanted to partner with Jiang Family for mutual benefits. However, a series of misunderstandings put a halt to their plans.
Even so, Lin Hai and Lin Jie recalled those ambitions. If they couldn’t get close to Jiang Kekai directly, getting closer to Xia Yu might work. Over time, they hoped, Jiang Kekai would soften towards them.
Moreover, Lin Jie noticed how Jiang Kekai spoiled Xia Yu; if she didn’t reciprocate his feelings, then at least he could try his luck with Xia Yu himself, without losing anything.
Plus, he genuinely desired to explore and enjoy the trip.
Yet, Jiang Kekai was wary of him. Seeing him as a threat, she decided to show Xia Yu plenty of affection herself, without words.
Fully satiated, the group was ready to leave. Lin Jie, unlike Jiang Kekai, didn’t require constant bodyguard protection, so he traveled sans security, accompanying Xia Le in the Xia Family vehicle.
Traditionally, four females rode with the Jiang Family car, which Xia Hong found understandable. He believed they had their own topics, and the Jiangs also wanted to ensure the safety of their daughters.
Concerned with the return journey, especially with Xia Yu’s aversion to cold, Jiang Kekai ensured blankets were placed in both vehicles.
Hence, Jiang Hanhang was delighted upon sitting in the car’s back seat, immediately snatching a fluffy blanket and wrapping herself in it. “Isn’t this wonderful?”
Xia Ling, noticing only two blankets, jumped to the obvious conclusion. She guessed Xia Yu and Jiang Kekai shared one, and Xia Yu and Jiang Kekai would surely team up. So, without hesitation, she vied for the blanket with Jiang Hanhang: “Let’s share, we can both fit under this.”
Jiang Hanhang agreed, adjusting her position so Xia Ling could sit closer to the door. “Now we’re even warmer.”
Xia Ling pulled the blanket around both of them without complaint, thinking it futile to argue when neither could claim a blanket otherwise. Jiang Kekai silently smiled, deciding to let her sister figure it out on her own.
Jiang Lin also positioned Xia Yu between them and wrapped a huge blanket around all three of them. Watching through the rearview mirror, Zhao Wei marveled at her mistress’s resourcefulness, “Everything taken care of, ladies? We’re ready to go.”
“All set, Sister Zheng, you can drive. Just keep the music low. I’m catching a nap,” Jiang Hanhang said, tucking her head into the blanket with utmost comfort.
With everyone cozy and secured, their journey began. The warmth lulled Xia Yu to sleep, nestled in Sister Little Ning’s embrace, much like Jiang Hanhang had shown.
Holding onto Xia Yu’s waist, Jiang Kekai appreciated her warmth, even though this meant no phone usage. Xia Ling and Jiang Kekai leaned against the car doors, yet their sleep was far less restful.
In the other vehicle, without the adults’ presence, Lin Jie and Xia Le freely played games, completely unbothered.
As they drove, Xia Hong voiced concern to Xia Le through the mirror, “Don’t play games while driving. Bad for your eyes.” “It’s fine, just a couple games!”
Frustrated yet accustomed to these remarks, Xia Le didn’t give much attention.
“Your younger sister isn’t into gaming as much as you. Wouldn’t it be nice if she enjoyed it half as much?” Xia Hong sighed, recalling how Xia Yu rarely indulged in technology, unlike his older son who seemed obsessed.
Feeling unjustly compared, Xia Le retorted, “Can she be sick like I am?”
Xia Hong couldn’t disagree entirely, noting Xia Yu’s calm demeanor and sophisticated tech use. Despite her gaming habits, he had never seen her engrossed as their eldest son had been.
Chapter 305: Like It?
Listening to Xia Le, Xia Hong conceded somewhat. Xia Yu’s gaming habits had diminished after her disappearance.
Heaving a deep sigh, Xia Hong added, “Xia Yu’s future shouldn’t concern us much; someone else will take care of her. Just focus on your studies and avoid wasting time on games.”
“Actually, Uncle,” Xia Le ventured, “if I graduate, I can join your company. I’ll make you a General Manager.”
Realizing his daughter’s friends surpassed him in social skills made Xia Hong realize the futility of lecturing. With a final nod, he focused on the road again.
By evening, they returned to their familiar town, but the sleepy travelers remained nestled in their dreams until the rickety road woke them.
Gazing out, Jiang Kekai exclaimed, “Xia Yu, Xiao Yu, we’re almost home!” She nudged the other girls sleeping beside her. “We’re nearing the villa!”
“What? A villa?”
Xia Ling had woken up instantly, peering out to confirm the grand mansion of Xia Family Village.
“This is our villa?” she murmured, recognizing it instantly.
Xia Yu, still somewhat groggy, mumbled, “This villa… is ours?” “Yes,” Jiang Kekai rubbed Xia Yu’s cheeks to perk her up. “Why don’t we move in tonight?”
Seeing Xia Yu uncertain, Jiang Kekai reassured, “I made sure the furniture was all set in Mag City, even the TV and air conditioning. Tonight just means we carry our own bedding.”
Before Xia Yu could protest, Jiang Hanhang jumped in, “Living in a villa and sharing it all sounds amazing.”
Jiang Kekai smiled, “Wei Jie, park here in the garage, upstairs is where the bodyguards will sleep. Buy bedding in town, I’ll reimburse your expenses. Sleeping in cars is unhealthy.”
“Yes, Miss.” Zhao Wei was elated—this was an unexpected treat.
Opening the gate’s fingerprint lock, Jiang Kekai led them inside. Xia Yu marveled at the lavish interior created by Sister Little Ning.
“This villa has four floors. First and second floors have poor views, while third floor is cool,” Jiang Kekai suggested. “Fourth is hot in summer.”
“Alright,” Xia Yu nodded. “Whatever you say, Sister Little Ning.”
Xia Ling followed suit, holding Xia Hanhang’s hand, “If my sister says so, why not pick the third floor?”
After counting available rooms, Jiang Hanhang pouted, “Two rooms, we should share,” she argued. Xia Ling hesitantly agreed.
Seeing their playful banter, Jiang Kekai simply watched, pulling Xia Yu upstairs.
Opening the door, Xia Yu was awestruck by the tasteful decor. Carpeted floors, matching furniture, and a cozy atmosphere awaited.
“Do you like it?”
Jiang Kekai smoothed Xia Yu’s hair, hoping for approval.
