### Chapter 359: Jiang Kekai vs. Long Qian
It’s just so cozy having his girlfriend by his side that Jiang Kekai, who had planned to make some social connections when he got the chance, suddenly felt rooted to the spot. Ah well, might as well stay and keep Xia Yu company.
Even though Jiang Kekai didn’t feel like leaving, he still noticed quite a few people bringing kids over to offer their greetings. After all, the future belongs to the young ones, and there isn’t much these parents can do except boost their kids’ networks—just like Jiabing taking Jiang Dong out for a stroll.
—
After devouring a feast, Xia Yu sat quietly, taking out her mobile phone to play games. Indeed, children should act like children, and Xia Yu wasn’t the only one behaving this way. Xia Ling, lacking anything better to do, started fiddling with Jiang Hanhang’s and Xia Yu’s long, beautiful hair, braiding Jiang Hanhang’s and then braiding Xia Yu’s—two tiny braids for Xia Yu. Meanwhile, Jiang Hanhang was engrossed in her own phone game; Xia Ling did whatever she pleased, for they had done enough mischief back home.
Seeing the three of them so bored, Jiang Kekai looked toward where the Ouyangs sat and guessed that maybe there weren’t many activities left. Maybe he could take the girls and sneak away.
Checking the time on Xia Yu’s phone, Jiang Kekai turned to her father, “Dad, I don’t think much is happening here. Can we go check out the school?”
“Sure, sure, just be careful.”
Jiabing, very worried about his eldest daughter, readily agreed to just about anything Jiang Kekai wanted, as he usually did. Although Jiabing had no idea if more important events were coming, it mattered little. As the father, he believed he could handle what came next. He watched his daughters leave together and sighed wistfully. He wasn’t exactly a fan of these gatherings either, but what could he do? Dad’s order were orders. On the other side, Ouyang Tianxin also excused herself with Li Yang…
Outside, with the serious tone of the gathering lifted, the four girls broke into huge smiles. They preferred this carefree atmosphere anyway.
Shooing off the bodyguards, Jiang Kekai donned a mask and called for a taxi, ushering in a mini adventure.
It’s not as chaotic in the capital as it is in Peng City or Demon City. Even powerful families had to behave themselves, which gave Jiang Kekai the confidence to leave the bodyguards behind.
He headed to Tianyang High School, a school chosen by the ever-busy Jiang Kekai herself. It was her first visit here; she simply hadn’t had time earlier. This trip could serve as a little vacation.
The security guard at the gate, absorbed in his newspaper and cup of tea, paid no mind to the four girls entering, especially since school was starting soon—the influx of prospective students wasn’t unusual.
Just as Jiang Kekai wandered through, she encountered the very pair she seemed to run into wherever she goes—Long Qian and Long Aoxiang.
Earlier, Jiang Hanhang had already squared off with them online.
Not Peng City, not Demon City, the Longs showed a renewed confidence facing Jiang Kekai, “Jiang Miss, didn’t you say you were always busy? How are you finding the time to loiter around here?”
“That was then; I’m free now, isn’t it? Why does it concern you?”
Maybe it was because of their recent gaming rivalry. The challenge was clear as day, but Jiang Kekai wasn’t about to stir the pot. She was ready to pull Xia Yu away when Long Qian reached out, grabbing Xia Yu’s arm, “By the looks of you, I’d say you’re younger than me. Mind if I call you Little Yu? Last time, you promised me your penguin number, and it’s still missing. How about you give it to me now?”
Xia Yu struggled to free herself: “Let go.”
Jiang Kekai originally didn’t see any issue, but Long Qian’s blatant provocation pushed her over the edge. Before she could warn Long Qian off, Long Qian added: “You seem to like girls. Want to be my girlfriend?”
Gasp!
Beside them, both Xia Ling and Jiang Hanhang froze. This was too brazen—could Jiang Kekai withstand it? Long Qian’s brother, Long Aoxiang, took two steps back, terrified of getting involved.
But Xia Yu managed to shake off Long Qian’s grip and replied awkwardly, “I… I’m not interested.”
Before she could move further away, Long Qian smirked and backed off, “Fine, it’s okay if you’re not interested. We could give it a try… and maybe grow interested. Besides, I’m pretty interested in you.”
With a smile, Long Qian realized something and stepped back. Yes—she saw Jiang Kekai’s reaction coming.
She dared provocations knowing Jiang Kekai wouldn’t stoop to family feuds. Even if this escalated, they wouldn’t dare mess with them. Moreover, Jiang Kekai wasn’t that strong; it would be easy to provoke her.
In their childhood, martial arts training was a common ground. They even participated in tournaments, and Jiang Kekai won while Long Qian came in second. The outcome gnawed at Long Qian, pushing her to train hard after returning home.
Now, Long Qian easily blocked Jiang Kekai’s attack, making her reconsider who would win a rematch.
Seeing Jiang Kekai falter, Xia Yu escaped Long Qian’s grip, giving Jiang Kekai a chance to stop. But Long Qian didn’t let it drop; even as Jiang Kekai paused, Long Qian lunged forward, hoping to embarrass her in front of Xia Yu.
Grab, shoulder grab, and a throw! Thud.
One fluid motion sent Xia Yu sprawling, shocking everyone. Shaking off the dust from her hands, Jiang Kekai re-grasped Xia Yu’s hand casually, “Let’s go, ignore this madwoman.”
As the girls walked away, Long Aoxiang rushed to help his sister, “Long Qian, are you okay?”
Long Qian couldn’t beat Jiang Kekai again, so she turned her frustrations towards her brother.
Her fascination with Xia Yu grew. If she really snagged Xia Yu, Jiang Kekai would definitely lose it. Her interest was growing, and despite being sore, she didn’t show it. “Alright, let’s head back.”
—
The girls departed, but Xia Yu noticed Jiang Kekai seemed down. Jiang Hanhan, famous for her mouthy remarks, was unusually silent.
The mood turned heavy. Jiang Kekai’s initial enjoyment dissipated, and the group followed suit.
Seeing this, Xia Yu felt heartbroken. Finally summoning her courage, she spoke, “Little Ning-sis…”
All eyes fell on her, and Xia Yu blushed fiercely. She had wished she had waited to talk. “I’m not interested in that girl, Long Qian. You don’t have to worry.”
“Yes,” Jiang Kekai muttered, stroking Xia Yu’s head despite her stern look softening.
Silence filled the air as they walked, Xia Yu leaning into Jiang Kekai’s embrace as they toured the school grounds.
Xia Yu’s peaceful expression as she rested in Jiang Kekai’s arms evoked thoughts about Xia Yu’s future. Couldn’t they shelter Xia Yu from those who coveted her?
Jiang Kekai felt secure, yet vulnerable, pulling Xia Yu nearer. Xia Yu’s serene smile confirmed that she was content.
And with that, everything felt right.
