Chapter 309: Speechless
Even with all the green lights leading the way, there was still quite a bit of work needed to prepare and transition everything. By the time all the paperwork was done, it was already afternoon and approaching evening.
For the sake of the barbecue feast later, the ladies skipped lunch after breakfast. What mattered was having enough at dinner, and occasional recklessness could be forgiven. Meanwhile, Lin Jie spent the day at the Xia family home talking extensively with Xia Le about Jiang Kekai and Xia Yu. Who would’ve thought their closeness was even stronger than he imagined; seems like wedding bells were ringing soon.
Lin Jie also understood why Jiang Kekai had been so easily agitated in the past over things involving Xia Yu. Love had evidently made this young lady emotional. His own feelings towards her attitude were quite apparent. But as he watched TV, contemplating whether he should continue getting closer to her and the Jiang family, his phone rang.
“Hello? Yes, I know.”
Xia Le handed his phone to Lin Jie: “It’s for you.”
“For me?”
Lin Jie was curious. Those close to him usually had his number, so why call Xia Le’s? Nonetheless, he took the call and greeted, “Hello? Hello? This is Jiang Kekai… Tonight at the villa by the village, I’m hosting a barbecue party. You coming?”
He thought it was a friend, not expecting Jiang Kekai. Suddenly he got serious: “Barbecue party? Inviting me and Xia Le along?”
“Yes or no is up to you. I’ve said my piece.” Jiang Kekai hung up, handing the phone back to Xia Yu.
Puzzled, Xia Yu asked, “Sister Kekai, didn’t you hate that Lin Jie? Why are you inviting him too?”
Jiang Kekai patted Xia Yu’s head, “I have my reasons. Don’t worry, Little Yu; just watch the fun.”
Sighing, Xia Yu muttered, “It’s just a prank, right? Why hide it?”
Riding back took a while, so Jiang Hanhang covered herself in a blanket, snuggling comfortably in Xia Ling’s arms. “Little Ling, hold me tighter. The blanket’s drafty.”
“Stop blabbering, huh?”
Slightly annoyed but still warm and cozy, she tightened her embrace.
Ring-ring!
Ring-ring!
Suddenly, Xia Ling’s phone buzzed repeatedly. Xia Hanhang wanted to shut it off, feeling neglected. However, it wasn’t her sister’s phone… did everyone have business today?
She only dared think these thoughts.
Looking through messages, she replied before hugging Jiang Hanhang again, “Some people have arrived. They’re asking if we’re here.”
“Hmm, what next?”
“They’re waiting outside. Tell Vicky to drive slower. I don’t want to be home before dark.”
The women exchanged glances.
Although this order felt a bit like retaliation, it was Jiang Kekai’s wish. “Understood, Miss. Go slow, Vicky.”
“Not fun. I don’t want to eat barbecue with so many people.”
Listening to Xia Yu’s complaints, Vicky just smiled, stepping on the gas.
Jiang Kekai remained silent, knowing Xia Yu’s reservations. Her small cute friend was a bit slow… by now, plenty must’ve noticed.
Indeed, when everyone gathered around Xia Ling, they started gossiping. “Xia Ling, wasn’t that the girl who came out from the car and went back your brother? Why’s she dressed funny?”
“Yes, yes. But you two look so much alike! Just now I almost mistook her for you.”
“So you’re praising me or mocking me?”
Xia Ling rolled her eyes.
“No, no, we’re praising you.”
A friend reached for Xia Ling’s hand, hoping to explore the mansion. At that moment, Jiang Hanhang perked up, pulling Xia Ling away.
“We should prepare for the barbecue. Let’s go!”
Seeing them headed to the mansion, the others joined them.
In the grand villa, Jiang Kekai quietly instructed a nearby bodyguard.
Back in the room, Xia Yu quickly changed from her feminine outfits to handsome men’s wear, straightening her high ponytail.
“This looks cooler,” she murmured, still hesitant about facing former classmates.
Meanwhile, Lin Jie and Xia Le bade farewell to Xia Hong, Wang Wenjuan, and Xia Yu’s grandparents, heading to the villa.
Surely, if Jiang Kekai called, their relationship couldn’t be too sour, right? So why miss the chance?
“Move these items, they’ll all be needed.”
Jiang Hanhang pointed out the barbecue gear and prepared vegetables, urging everyone to help. Although they expected immediate food, teamwork made light work.
Busy organizing, Jiang Hanhang led Xia Ling upstairs and left the others to work.
Jiang Kekai stood on the second floor, looking around. She asked, “Did you see Xia Yu? Shouldn’t she be dressed by now?”
“No idea,” Xia Hanhang replied, “Xia Ling and I just arrived. Let’s check her room.”
Opening the door, Xia Yu anticipated Jiang Kekai’s visit. Awkwardly, she greeted, “You’re here.”
“Xia Yu, these clothes suit you less than the dress,” Jiang Hanhang teased.
Xia Ling subtly elbowed her. “Be careful what you say. Xia Yu isn’t ready for this yet.”
Jiang Kekai caught the hint, understanding the sensitive situation.
