Chapter 245: Extra

Six months later.

The day Jiang Chenchen and Sheng Mingsi got married became a sensational event within the upper circles. However, they didn't invite many people, only close friends, and refused any media coverage.

Jiang Chenchen wore a specially tailored wedding dress, with the chest wound repaired to a minimum. On that day, she was the most beautiful bride.

Sheng Mingsi stood on the platform, step by step watching the woman walking towards him. The light behind her highlighted her smile, so bright and charming, delicate and lovely.

His eyes were deep, a faint smile on his lips. Suppressing the joy in his heart, he moved forward and reached out to hold her hand.

Serious and cautious.

In front of family and friends, they made promises to each other.

To deeply love each other forever, regardless of life or death.

The vow's kiss lasted a long time.

Below, there was enthusiastic applause filled with envy.

This time, the bridesmaids and groomsmen were also outstanding. Xia Changli, Bai Junwen, and Feng Xiaozhi, three girls, aside from Bai Junwen's social anxiety, were not very talkative. Feng Xiaozhi was the wildest.

When the bride's bouquet was thrown, she caught it first.

Holding the flowers, she looked at Qin Yansheng, one of the groomsmen. However, he averted his gaze.

Feng Xiaozhi stomped her foot in frustration, walked over with the bouquet, and handed it to Ye Xi, who was standing aside, right in front of Qin Yansheng.

Qin Yansheng frowned slightly, seeming indifferent.

Ye Xi seemed to be enjoying the show, very cooperative. The two walked aside, and he teased her, "I said Xiaozhi, are you still not giving up?"

"I am willing, what's it to you!"

Feng Xiaozhi suddenly walked away a bit, lifted her chin, and said, "I declare in advance, I don't like you!"

"Mutual feelings, I'm not interested in women either." Ye Xi plucked a petal from the bouquet of roses in his hand, suddenly remembered something, and laughed.

Seeing this, Feng Xiaozhi had an epiphany, "Oh~ I see. Heard you were heartbroken by a woman, went abroad, and hooked up with foreign hunks?"

"Get lost! What foreign hunks?" Ye Xi snorted, "Do I look like a loser to you?"

"Tsk tsk, got it."

"You understand nothing!"

While they bantered, on the other side, Qin Yansheng took a glance, then averted his gaze. This reaction was seen by the cold and clear Qin Chi.

"Do you need a drink?" he said.

Qin Yansheng came back to his senses, smiled casually, and said, "Not necessary."

"It's not good to go against your true feelings."

Qin Yansheng paused, and from when did he always treat her as an immature child? He felt a headache at the straightforward pursuit. When did this little girl change? She seemed different now, but the obstacle in his heart couldn't be crossed. They were too far apart.

Suppressing his thoughts, he looked at the elegant and noble Qin Chi beside him and the little girl next to him.

"What about you?"

Asking about her mother was a taboo topic, and he approached it delicately.

Qin Chi's cold gaze paused for a moment, and he looked to the side. "She's no longer here."

The conversation abruptly came to a halt.

It could be a sad story if elaborated, but there was no regret medicine in this world. Once something was lost, it was lost.

Everyone's happiness was different, and some people might be inherently unable to find happiness.

Qin Yansheng contemplated for a long time. Perhaps breaking through the obstacles in his heart and doing something wasn't as difficult as he thought.

Taking a deep breath, he walked towards Feng Xiaozhi.

...

Xia Changli watched as Chenchen stepped into happiness step by step and inexplicably shed tears.

Such a beautiful and pure person deserved the best love.

As for herself, she couldn't love anymore in this lifetime. Zhao Han was just an accident in her life. As people grew up and matured, things would change.

Moreover, love back then was too exhausting.

She was afraid.

But she never expected that one afternoon, she would see Zhao Han, holding flowers, with his short haircut, appearing before her.

"Changli, this is my business card."

A completely new and mature him.

...

...

...

After marriage, Jiang Chenchen was happy and sweet. Occasionally, she would visit her brother's grave, the one who had provided shelter and care during her ignorant and confused years.

For her brother, Zhan Chen.

During those few years, she prayed sincerely:

May he find happiness in his next life.

...

The End.

***Finally able to finish this novel😌 this novel was rushed by the writer there's some storyline that was not concluded

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 244: Conclusion

Although he had speculated about it, hearing her confirm it with her own words still surprised Sheng Mingsi. At the same time, an uneasy feeling began to settle within him.

"Are you leaving here?" he suddenly asked. Once she left, could she come back?

Not to a small place or a distant foreign country, but to another planet, to a civilization so far away that even current technology couldn't detect it. Once she left, only the unknown would remain.

Jiang Chenchen held the ring in her hand and brought it in front of him. "My mother said I should return to where I belong, so I want to go back for a while. But I will come back."

It was another place she considered home, and she definitely wanted to visit.

Sheng Mingsi could understand that feeling, but...

His eyes grew deeper, and he held her hand along with the ring, "It's off work. Let's go home."

They returned to the house he lived in the small town.

"Chenchen, go take a shower. I'll prepare some food, and we can talk later."

He went out to buy groceries, purchasing a variety of rich ingredients. However, when he reached the door of his home, he suddenly stopped, put away the umbrella, set down the shopping bags, and took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

He had quit smoking for a year, but his emotions were complicated at the moment.

He took out a cigarette, leaned against the wall, watched the rain fall in the dark night, and let his thoughts wander with the drifting smoke.

The night was too cold.

His hands were having trouble holding the cigarette.

He discarded the cigarette in his hand.

At this moment, he made a decision as well.

As he turned to open the door, the door was pushed open. Jiang Chenchen stood in the doorway, looking at him. "Ah Si, you're back."

She had taken a shower and changed her clothes. It was cold inside the southern house, but she wasn't wearing much.

"Come in quickly; it's cold outside."

She reached out, held his hand, pulled him inside, and then brought in the shopping bags and umbrella from the door. He, however, hugged her waist from behind.

"I'll do it."

Sheng Mingsi brought in the things, closed the door, and kept the cold rain and air outside.

"The down jacket on the hanger, put it on first. I'll finish cooking soon."

He changed his shoes and went into the kitchen to get busy.

Jiang Chenchen looked at his figure, followed his words to put on his down jacket, which was warm and still carried his scent.

She gently wrapped the jacket around her and went into the kitchen to watch him.

His hands, originally cold, became even redder after washing and chopping vegetables. He was preparing a meal.

Jiang Chenchen walked over, used a handkerchief to wrap his hands, and then placed them inside her clothes. In his bewildered gaze, she tightly wrapped the jacket around herself, then looked up at him. "Ah Si, is it warm?"

Sheng Mingsi snapped out of his daze. In the warm clothes, he felt his hands returning to life, not only warming his hands but also warming the cold night in his heart.

He stared at her, his eyes deepening, and lips slightly curved. "Chenchen, I can't cook like this."

"Then, taste it here."

Jiang Chenchen said as she made his hand loop around her waist. Standing on tiptoes, she approached him and kissed his lips.

"I missed you so much."

In that fiery breath, she confessed these words.

It completely disrupted Sheng Mingsi's complex emotions.

But at this moment, he just wanted to respond to her forcefully, holding her tightly in his arms.

Outside, the rain was bustling.

Inside, the atmosphere was heated. From the kitchen to the small living room, then to the bedroom, when Sheng Mingsi pressed her down, he suddenly became a bit more sober. In the dark room, he lifted his head, looked down at her, and said, "Chenchen, let's go together to your place."

Jiang Chenchen's black hair was disheveled, the heavy coat was long gone, and the pressure in front and the previous kiss made her head a little lacking in oxygen. Hearing this, she looked at him. "Ah Si, what are you saying?"

"I said, I'll go with you to that distant planet."

Sheng Mingsi wiped away the messy hair on her forehead, dropped a kiss on her forehead, and exhaled, his black eyes becoming even deeper in the dark night.

"Let me accompany you, moving forward together with you."

Jiang Chenchen looked at him, somewhat moved. Her eyes were slightly red. "But Ah Si, will your body be able to adapt there? I don't want you to take risks with me."

She was just a mixed-blood human, unable to predict whether they could really reach that planet.

The ring was a hidden flying device, but what if an uncontrollable danger occurred?

She didn't want Sheng Mingsi to take risks with her.

However, the person in front of her moved his gaze away from her face. Lowering his head, he approached her ear, and his voice, low and magnetic, fell into her ears.

"I'm not afraid of danger; I'm only afraid of losing you."

The person in front of her shifted his gaze away from her face, lowered his head, and approached her ear. His voice, low and husky, dropped into her ears.

"I'm not afraid of danger, only afraid of losing you."

"But... ah..."

A slight pain and itch came from the tip of her ear...

Jiang Chenchen experienced a momentary numbness. When she regained her senses and wanted to dissuade him, her lips were sealed again.

Sweat dampened her tense skin.

Inquiring whispers in her ear, she softly agreed.

She was intoxicated in a dream.

...

Jiang Chenchen spent a week here.

Sheng Mingsi sorted out his affairs here and embarked on the return journey with her. Upon landing, they were met by Gu Mingmei.

"Ah Si, are you still unwilling to reconcile with Lady Sheng? That's just how she is, accustomed to being dominant, but it's all for our good. Now her health is not good; she no longer has the energy to manage the conglomerate. Are you going to watch everything from the Sheng family fall into someone else's hands?"

"Chenchen, persuade him too."

Gu Mingmei cast a helpless look at Jiang Chenchen.

Jiang Chenchen nodded at her and looked at Sheng Mingsi. "Ah Si, let's go back to the old house and talk."

"I know. I'll go back later tonight."

Sheng Mingsi understood that to go to that distant planet with Chenchen, he had to handle things here properly before he could feel more at ease leaving.

Will there be a way back?

He didn't know, but he would rather take the risk than not accompany her home.

This matter would not be known to many people.

But there must be support.

In the imperial capital, the Sheng family was the support, and this matter had to be told to his mother.

He openly revealed everything.

In the spacious and luxurious dining room, the atmosphere went from low to even lower.

Sheng Qinghua never thought that her son would be so reckless, so affectionate.

She feared that the person would take advantage of his deep affection.

But he said, "Mother, I willingly chose this."

Why was he so foolish?

Sheng Qinghua's delicate face showed signs of aging, but she was also pleased. A life without love, like hers, was dull, wrapped only in hatred. Otherwise, living seemed meaningless.

"Go, come back and manage the conglomerate well."

This was the agreed condition.

Although he liked practicing medicine, he should understand that he was very suitable for the position above the conglomerate. No one was more capable than him.

...

A few months later, Jiang Chenchen received her diploma and chose not to intern.

With Sheng Mingsi on their family's farm, on a summer night, they activated the ring and boarded the spacecraft, disappearing into the universe.

Heading to her mother's home.

Surrounded by more brilliant celestial bodies, they seemed to have fallen into an unknown dimension.

"Ah Si, are you afraid?"

Sheng Mingsi withdrew his cold gaze from outside, lips faintly curved, holding her hand. "Not afraid. With you by my side, I fear nothing."

"Is this too juvenile?"

"...No."

"It must be!"

After a moment of silence.

"But I'm very happy."

"So am I."

...

...

Three months later!

On the agreed day.

They finally returned.

"If I didn't lie to them that I'm pregnant, I wouldn't have been able to come back. That was close."

Jiang Chenchen stored the spacecraft, put away the ring. Perhaps she wouldn't go back again because her home was here.

Sheng Mingsi tidied her hair, blown into disarray by the wind on this night. Lowering his head, he looked at her. "Let's treat the lie as the truth."

"Ah?"

"And marry me."

Sheng Mingsi knelt on one knee, took out a small box from his pocket, opened it, and a beautiful ring caught her eye.

Under the moonlight and starlight, it looked even more dazzling.

Surprised, Jiang Chenchen approached. "Wow, it's the Milky Way! How did you get it? Isn't it an exhibition piece not for sale?"

"Only it is worthy of you."

Sheng Mingsi, if he wanted it, he could find a way to get it. Perhaps this was the business acumen and capability his mother talked about. Even on their planet, they could survive effortlessly.

"So, Chenchen, do you agree?"

"Yeah!"

Jiang Chenchen's eyes sparkled, nodding vigorously.

She reached out, and Sheng Mingsi stood up, taking her hand. With utmost solemnity, he placed the ring symbolizing eternity on her finger—the Milky Way.

...

End of the main plot

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 243: Triggering Secrets

Regarding Zhan Chen's situation, he didn't hide anything from her.

Including the purpose behind what his mother did.

Someone who never left any troubles behind couldn't have accidentally let someone live, especially in such a tightly secured place.

It was all arranged by Sheng Qinghua.

Finding a weapon to kill Zhan Chen, eliminating this person who posed a hidden danger. Sheng Mingsi confronted his mother, and she vehemently claimed that everything was for him!

"How could I harm you! Do you know that Zhan Chen is now wanted worldwide? A country is searching for him everywhere. Keeping this person is a huge risk! How could it not have an extremely negative impact on our Sheng family consortium? I took care of the matter you couldn't handle. Did I really do something wrong?!"

"I wanted to save a life, and you killed him. You never knew what I truly wanted to do. I gave up on the family business. Mother, you are the one most suited to wield power."

Sheng Mingsi was ice-cold, his gaze coldly emphasizing, "Set me free."

Sheng Qinghua seemed to see his father for a moment—the person she brought out of the orphanage, who eventually betrayed her. Her eyes blurred. Had she really done something wrong?

Had everything been a mistake?

She swept everything off the table beside her, emotionally shouting, "Go! Just go! Don't come back anymore!"

...

After learning about everything, Jiang Chenchen couldn't help but feel even more upset.

Why was her birthday always so painful?

Zhan Chen still left.

Sheng Mingsi severed ties with his mother, something she didn't want to see.

Before leaving, she bid farewell to her friends and went to see Mrs. Sheng.

Leaving the old house, Sheng Qinghua stood by the window, looking down at the departing figure. The person who had always been proud, unwilling to bow down, now had tears overflowing from her eyes.

...

Sheng Mingsi decided to become a doctor in a small place where resources were scarce, and medical conditions were poor. He wanted to atone for his mother's sins; she had too much blood on her hands.

At the same time, he gave up on having Jiang Chenchen go with him.

"Chenchen, you haven't graduated yet. Decide how to live your life after you graduate."

Jiang Chenchen couldn't imagine living in this city without him. "Ah Si, I can't bear to be without you. I don't want to stay here alone."

"Chenchen, don't worry. I've arranged everything. You'll stay at Mingmei's house this year. She's my sister and your sister. Whenever you want to see me, just give me a call, and I'll be there immediately."

Sheng Mingsi's reassurance couldn't make her feel better. How could he appear immediately when they were so far apart?

It wasn't that she couldn't live without him; she was just afraid.

She hugged him, tears wetting his shirt. "Ah Si, you must wait for me."

After Sheng Mingsi left, Jiang Chenchen devoted herself to her studies, rarely socializing or going out.

The place she visited the most was the old house, checking on the elderly couple.

The tree in the yard had grown taller, and she often climbed to the top, looking up at the azure sky.

Just lost in thought.

Time passed minute by minute, and a year went by quickly.

On a rainy day, when she descended from the tree, she suddenly felt a strange sensation.

Stronger than any previous occurrences.

The old lady handed her an umbrella, cautioning her to be careful not to get wet in the rain.

Jiang Chenchen glanced at the old lady and asked tentatively, "Is there something buried here?"

The old lady shook her head in surprise. "No, what could be under here? Could it be those snakes again?"

The rain was too heavy.

Suppressing her doubts, Jiang Chenchen helped the old lady into the house.

When the rain stopped, she fetched a shovel, dug beneath the tree, and found a dull gray metal box buried deep. It looked inconspicuous.

Opening the box, she found only a dim and lifeless ring inside.

Like an unwanted relic.

Jiang Chenchen had never seen this object before, but it felt strangely familiar.

She picked up the ring, and as soon as it touched her finger, the ring seemed to come alive. A force flashed from it for a moment and then dimmed again.

She stared at it for a while.

Holding the ring in her palm.

The secret was hidden here, and no one else could use it except her.

Leaving the old house, she returned to school. Quickly packing her things, she took two days off and then bought a ticket to the city where Sheng Mingsi was.

After taking the train, she still had to take a bus to a remote town. After a long journey, she finally arrived.

It was a hospital in the town, and Sheng Mingsi was examining an elderly patient.

The rain was still pouring. The weather had turned chilly, and it was already dark by four in the afternoon.

Jiang Chenchen stood outside, pushing her suitcase, watching him. It had been a long time since she had seen him. The last time was during the summer vacation. He seemed to have lost weight. His skin remained cold and pale, lacking warmth.

He was seriously diagnosing the elderly person, and she was deeply engrossed in watching him.

When a nurse passed by, she glanced at Jiang Chenchen, noticed that she was soaked, and recognized her. The nurse called out to her and then shouted inside.

"Dr. Sheng, your girlfriend is here."

This was well-known gossip in the town hospital. The prestigious and handsome Dr. Sheng had a girlfriend who was equally beautiful. Their outstanding appearances made them stand out, and it was impossible not to notice when they were together.

Sheng Mingsi heard the voice and looked up at the door. When he saw Jiang Chenchen standing there, he paused for a moment. The black light in his eyes flickered slightly. He suppressed the indescribable emotions of suddenly seeing her and let her in.

Then, he draped his coat over her, whispering, "Wait for me for a while."

He handed her a hot water cup and continued with the examination.

After the elderly patient left, he closed the door, stood up, and touched Jiang Chenchen's face.

"Why did you come suddenly? You're all soaked. You might catch a cold."

Jiang Chenchen looked up at him, rubbed his palm against her face, and said gently, "Don't worry; I won't get sick. I just really, really missed you and had some news to share, so I came."

Sheng Mingsi didn't believe her when she said she wouldn't get sick. He went to get a dry towel and wiped her hair. Casually, he asked, "What news?"

"I found an item to return to my grandmother's house."

"What?"

This news made Sheng Mingsi pause in the middle of wiping her hair. There was a fleeting astonishment in his black eyes, but he quickly suppressed his emotions. He asked her, "Do you know where your grandmother's house is?"

"Yeah, as soon as I touched the item, I received all the relevant information. Although it sounds strange, I've checked related information. Beyond Earth, there are other planets and star systems."

Jiang Chenchen said as she put down the water cup and took out the ring. "Although it's unbelievable, my mother is not a human from Earth. This ring is the tool that allows me to go back."

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 242: Farewell Forever

After leaving the hospital, Sheng Mingsi, exhausted, sat in the back seat, closed his eyes, and Jiang Chenchen sat beside him. Leaning against her shoulder, he almost fell asleep quickly.

Both of them were very tired.

Although Jiang Chenchen was also exhausted, she was more curious about how Sheng Mingsi had persuaded Zhan Chen. Unable to hold back, she asked.

Sheng Mingsi opened one eye to look at her, his dark eyes quickly closing again, and his voice sounded hoarse and dry, "Chenchen, this is a secret."

As he spoke, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her in front of him, sitting her on his thighs, holding her in a tight embrace, as if relying on her entirely.

He pressed close to her neck, his breath erratic and heavy, but he only held her tightly.

In a low, hoarse voice that followed his breath, he said, "Chenchen, take a nap."

Jiang Chenchen suddenly found herself in a warm embrace. Hearing his tired voice, she hugged him back tightly. With drowsiness taking over, she closed her eyes, letting go of any thoughts about the secret.

Wu Bi, the driver, had a serious expression, focusing only on the road and avoiding any unnecessary glances.

...

Every day, Jiang Chenchen still had to attend classes and would visit Zhan Chen in the hospital after school.

Regarding how Sheng Mingsi had convinced Zhan Chen, it remained a mystery, and Zhan Chen didn't reveal much either.

A week later, Zhan Chen left from there and returned to A Country.

In collaboration for a year, Zhan Chen and Sheng Mingsi managed to obtain research data about Jiang Chenchen. When they saw the results of the research, despite their speculations, they were still shocked.

If the director hadn't died before bringing the data to A Country, revealing the existence of the person involved in the experiment, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Jiang Chenchen was in deep trouble! Even they couldn't guarantee resistance against the entire world!

The laboratory's research went beyond this, posing a threat to humanity.

To stop these threats and completely erase any traces of Jiang Chenchen's identity, Zhan Chen, utilizing his authority, completely destroyed the laboratory, putting himself on the front lines.

Since the laboratory belonged to the upper echelons of A Country, the underground forces that had been monitoring them were directly caught, leading to a bloody and ruthless confrontation.

The royal family ultimately suppressed the underground forces but lost track of Zhan Chen.

He was immediately placed on the worldwide wanted list.

...

No one knew that Zhan Chen would appear in Sheng Mingsi's underground medical room.

If Sheng Mingsi and Fang Yiqing hadn't conducted an eight-hour-long surgery, he would probably have died already.

Although his life had been temporarily saved, the situation was still dangerous.

It wasn't just a matter of his physical condition; no information could leak.

Fang Yiqing made a suggestion.

"Why not let me take care of him? I can treat his illness. I've researched this for several years, and no one understands his body better than me."

Jiang Chenchen, having witnessed her abilities during surgery—calm, cool-headed, and quick in judgment—felt that her courage and surgical experience were probably even more extensive than Sheng Mingsi's.

Considering that Sheng Mingsi also had to manage his daytime work and couldn't take care of Zhan Chen well, after considering it, he called the professor on the island and planned to have his cousin arrange for Zhan Chen to be placed there.

Zhan Chen lay on the sickbed, smiling weakly. "No need to waste your efforts."

Jiang Chenchen knelt by the bedside, feeling guilty and distressed. "Brother, it's not allowed. Even if there's the slightest hope left, we can't give up. Besides, Sister Fang is very powerful. She will definitely cure you!"

All of this happened because of her. They all went through this for her sake.

Zhan Chen's moonlight-like eyes gradually dimmed, and he shook his head weakly.

Jiang Chenchen gripped the edge of the bed tightly, tears falling silently. She moved her gaze away from his face and looked at Sheng Mingsi behind her. "Ah Si... what should we do? It's all because of me. If I had known it would turn out like this, I would never have let you take such risks!"

Sheng Mingsi took a couple of steps forward, his dark eyes deep and cold. He lowered his head and comforted, "Chenchen, how can you blame yourself? It was all done willingly. Zhan Chen, as your brother, did everything he did for his sister. If you blame yourself too much, he will be even more distressed."

He reached out and gently wiped away the tears on her face. "Don't say pessimistic things. Leave it to your cousin; everything will be fine."

Comforting Jiang Chenchen's emotions, he looked down at the person lying on the hospital bed, his eyes tired yet cold and solemn.

"Zhan Chen, there is hope in living. Let's celebrate Chenchen's birthday together this year."

Upon hearing this, Zhan Chen weakly smiled, "Sheng Mingsi, the way you say it, I'm filled with anticipation."

It seemed like a pact, a hope.

Fang Yiqing stood with her arms crossed, saying lightly, "Rest assured, I won't let you die so easily. Over the years, I've made some breakthroughs. My life only becomes meaningful when I pick up the scalpel. Leave it to me."

This was the cousin that Sheng Mingsi had admired since childhood, the initial inspiration for him to study medicine.

Zhan Chen was sent to the island.

Originally, Jiang Chenchen had intended to take a leave of absence to go take care of him, but he refused. He hated farewells and detested the idea of dying in front of her.

Even if he were to die, he didn't want to witness the farewell and her helpless tears.

...

Jiang Chenchen's secret was forever buried.

She didn't know either.

Neither Sheng Mingsi nor Zhan Chen revealed anything to anyone.

Time passed peacefully. On Jiang Chenchen's 22nd birthday, Zhan Chen couldn't make it to the appointment. He died in a murder, stabbed in the abdomen by his former follower, Bian Zhicheng.

The illegitimate son of Sheng Mingsi's father.

The incident was too sudden. Under tight security, how could someone carry out an attack on the plane?

That person had been kept in custody by his mother, hadn't he?

The more Sheng Mingsi thought, the paler his face became.

He suppressed this matter, personally buried Zhan Chen, and accompanied him in eternal rest, along with the string of beads that had turned into blood droplets.

Jiang Chenchen waited for Zhan Chen's arrival, but even Sheng Mingsi didn't show up.

Close to midnight.

Sheng Mingsi finally returned, appearing ice-cold, exhausted, and pale. He embraced the person waiting at the door, unable to control his trembling.

Jiang Chenchen didn't understand what had happened, but it must be something very serious for him to be so distressed and scared.

Her heart couldn't help but panic. She hugged him back, providing warmth.

"Ah Si, it's okay. Don't be afraid. I'm here."

"Chenchen." Sheng Mingsi finally calmed down, released from her embrace, placed his hands on her shoulders, and looked at her seriously. "Let's leave this place."

"Where are we going?"

"Anywhere, are you willing to go with me?"

"Of course."

The early morning bells rang.

Sheng Mingsi lowered his head and said to her, "Happy birthday."

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 241: Unwavering Commitment

Jiang Chenchen obediently left the room.

In the study, Zhan Chen and Sheng Mingsi had a serious discussion. They compared the data they had each gathered, delving into the creation of the bio-human, forming initial speculations about Jiang Chenchen's identity.

First and foremost, they could be a hundred percent certain that Jiang Chenchen was a human and not a created bio-human.

Sheng Mingsi affirmed this.

However, Jiang Chenchen's blood and various extraordinary abilities, such as enhanced strength, combat skills, remarkable memory, perception, and healing power, made her different from an ordinary person. Given that her parents were researchers, there was a possibility that genetic selection and cultivation techniques were used during her embryonic development, creating a child with superior genes.

But there were problems, especially regarding her extraordinary healing ability and the energy carried by her blood. Could a person like her be created through genetic manipulation and technological means? It seemed beyond the realms of plausibility.

Moreover, the internal conflicts within the research institute where Jiang Chenchen's parents worked were puzzling. Why would they be killed, and why was their daughter taken for research? It didn't seem like a simple disagreement over genetic cultivation within the research institute.

The fact that someone was willing to take such risks, even resorting to double murder, indicated that the motives were far from straightforward. Did Jiang Chenchen's utility surpass what met the eye?

Another mystery was the lack of information about any relatives on Jiang Chenchen's mother's side. It was as if she had appeared out of thin air. Even if she were an orphan, her roots should still be traceable in this world.

However, her mother seemed to have come from nowhere.

After a comprehensive discussion, Zhan Chen and Sheng Mingsi felt that Jiang Chenchen's identity might be more complex than initial speculations.

"Chi Yan's research is in your hands. If it's not feasible, destroy it. In any case, Chenchen's future is in your hands," Zhan Chen said, expending a lot of energy. Even sitting down and reading documents for an extended period was challenging for him.

Seeing this, Sheng Mingsi's dark eyes fell on his face. "If you need, I can check your health."

"No need." Zhan Chen met his gaze, his serene and calm eyes akin to moonlight, his voice gentle and unhurried. "I am prepared."

Sheng Mingsi could probably guess the meaning behind his words. A person like him, who would suddenly talk so openly about Chenchen's affairs, share information and entrust Chenchen's future to him, must be in a state where he had little time left.

The problem with his health was evident.

"If needed, you can contact me. Although I'm not a licensed doctor, I have professional qualifications."

"Perhaps."

Zhan Chen let Ning Yi guide him out of the study. His slender figure was slightly bent, his complexion pale, and his breathing so slow that it seemed like his heartbeat could stop at any moment.

He faced the possibility of spitting blood every day.

Yet, he didn't want to waste a single drop.

When they reached the door of the study, he suddenly asked Ning Yi to stop and turned back to look at the tall, cold-faced Sheng Mingsi. After learning a lot, both from a few encounters and clandestine investigations, he felt that Sheng Mingsi, unlike his appearance, wasn't as devoid of human emotions as he seemed on the surface.

Compared to him, who belonged to the dark world from the beginning, Sheng Mingsi seemed to have a heart belonging to the light.

Thus, he felt a little relieved.

At least, there was no better choice.

He didn't even have the opportunity to choose. Having the blood flowing through Jiang Chenchen, he was already content.

"Tell Chenchen for me; I won't come downstairs."

Sheng Mingsi looked at his figure, his eyes slightly deepening. "When will you return to Country A?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"Aren't you going to tell Chenchen?"

"Doesn't she fear that I might take her away?"

"You can't take her away." Sheng Mingsi's tone was cold and resolute.

A wry smile played on Zhan Chen's lips as he cast a sidelong glance. "Are you really not afraid that I might snatch her away?"

"You can't."

Zhan Chen's lips drooped, and he glanced at Sheng Mingsi from the corner of his eye. "It seems like you really wanted me dead with one strike."

Although his words were harsh, he lacked the energy.

He sighed suddenly.

"That's it then, goodbye."

Sheng Mingsi watched as the person in the wheelchair left, sensing a feeling of sorrow and separation. He shifted his gaze away, and with his usual cold and indifferent expression, he descended the stairs.

Upon seeing the person napping on the sofa in the living room, his icy eyes calmed.

"Chenchen, let's go home."

"Have you finished your discussion? Where's Zhan Chen?" Jiang Chenchen rubbed her eyes, checked the time, and realized they had been talking for almost three hours. "Is Zhan Chen's health okay?"

Sheng Mingsi took a step forward, his footsteps slightly pausing. His dark eyes stared calmly at her. "He has a morning flight tomorrow. Go say goodbye to him."

"Isn't that rushed? His body can't handle it," Jiang Chenchen said, surprised that Zhan Chen had come from so far away just for her affairs.

Today, she had also seen that his health was not good.

She looked at Sheng Mingsi with a hint of supplication. "Ah Si, can you save him?"

Sheng Mingsi's gaze deepened, capturing every expression on her face. "In your eyes, am I that powerful?"

Jiang Chenchen nodded solemnly.

Sheng Mingsi's eyes grew deeper, and his voice, clear yet helpless, said, "Perhaps, Chenchen, I'm not as powerful as you imagine. There are things in this world that can't be accomplished, but... we shouldn't give up. Let's give it a try."

Although Jiang Chenchen also returned empty-handed, merely going upstairs for a farewell, the painful appearance of the person on the sickbed and the distorted voice calling her name were unforgettable.

...

In the car on the way back, the word "death" lingered in Jiang Chenchen's mind for a long time.

She remained silent for a long time.

First, she saw Zhan Chen in increased pain, and then she received a call from Fang Yiqing, understanding his situation.

He might not live much longer.

"Ah Si, I think there's no need to investigate my past. Now Zhan Chen is dying because my blood is flowing in his body, and it makes me feel very uneasy. Our top priority should be to save him!"

Sheng Mingsi also heard what Fang Yiqing said on the phone. Why was Zhan Chen unwilling to change his blood for some reason?

Thinking a little, his gaze became serious, and he clenched the steering wheel tightly.

Such unreserved love made him feel a bit envious and speechless.

However, reason soon overcame this sudden thought. He said to Jiang Chenchen, "Tonight, be my assistant."

Jiang Chenchen was puzzled. "Do you have a way to convince him?"

"Perhaps."

Sheng Mingsi turned the steering wheel, changing direction, and stared ahead with a stern expression.

Regardless of whether it was to ease Chenchen's worries or because of the emergence of a healer's heart, they had chosen to move forward. They had to do it without hesitation.

...

The surgery went smoothly and was very successful.

Although it was just a blood transfusion and couldn't change Zhan Chen's innate genetic disease, he still couldn't surpass the curse of time. At least, for now, things were okay.

Sheng Mingsi hadn't slept all night, and his eyes were dark, showing signs of exhaustion.

Jiang Chenchen was also tired, but what puzzled her more was how Sheng Mingsi had managed to convince Zhan Chen.

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 240: Shared Goals

"Ah Si, I wanted to talk to you about something."

Jiang Chenchen provided the address, emphasizing that she was absolutely not under any coercion.

"Zhan Chen is seriously ill, and his arrival from Country A signifies an important discovery. Can you come over tonight?" Jiang Chenchen's voice conveyed a sense of urgency.

Sheng Mingsi's tense nerves remained unchanged, and upon hearing this, it seemed like something clicked in his mind. He fell silent for a moment.

Thinking that he might be too busy with work to come, Jiang Chenchen said, "If you're busy, forget it. Don't force yourself."

Sheng Mingsi snapped back to attention, and his tone became slightly more elevated. "No, I'll come tonight. It's just that... Chenchen, what do you take him for?"

The last part of his sentence suddenly lowered, and his usually cold and reserved voice seemed to carry a hint of uneasy inquiry.

Sensing the sudden change in tone, Jiang Chenchen admitted frankly, "He's my brother. I only see him as a brother."

Sheng Mingsi's pitch-black eyes lowered, and a shadow covered his handsome face. It turned out that he, too, was that damned brother.

Without hearing Jiang Chenchen's response, Sheng Mingsi asked with some concern, "Chenchen, what's wrong?"

"What about me?"

A suppressed voice emerged.

Things that were already confirmed could still be disrupted by certain special factors, causing fears of the day of loss, even though it might just be unfounded paranoia.

But these thoughts couldn't be stopped, and they couldn't be handled with the ease of dealing with anything in the company.

He thought, losing rationality, caring recklessly, all the uncontrollable and uneasy emotions came from her.

From this feeling.

No one could imagine that the tycoon, the noble heir with financial power in the capital, would be in a vulnerable position in matters of the heart.

Jiang Chenchen felt that the question was a bit strange. "Sheng Mingsi, what about you? You're my favorite person in the world."

Sheng Mingsi's uneasy emotions immediately dissipated with this sentence. He smiled like a child who had just received candy, even feeling inexplicably pleased with himself.

"Chenchen, I feel the same."

Ending the call, he turned to the window, took out a cigarette, and sighed heavily the moment it was lit. In the swirling smoke, he picked up the files and experimental data on the table, his eyes becoming even deeper.

And more determined.

...

Jiang Chenchen continued to stay by Zhan Chen's bedside, caring for him like a qualified nurse.

He woke up only when it was dark.

Jiang Chenchen asked, "Feeling better?"

Zhan Chen's weak eyes looked over, and there was a moment of confusion. He reached out to touch her cheek.

"If it's like the dream, that would be great."

His voice was dry and hoarse, his breath unsteady.

Jiang Chenchen grabbed his wrist and looked down. "Dream?"

Zhan Chen's moon-like eyes stared at her intently, a gentle smile appearing on his lips. "An extravagant hope that can never be realized."

After saying this, he looked down, trying to sit up, and asked her, "What time is it? Has Sheng Mingsi arrived?"

"Almost."

Jiang Chenchen helped him sit up. "Do you want some water?"

"No need. I need to get up."

"But you..."

"It's okay, I won't die for now."

Zhan Chen got off the bed, changed into formal attire with the help of Ning Yi, and sat in a wheelchair. Together, they went downstairs to the restaurant to wait for Sheng Mingsi. The most lavish dinner was prepared here, perhaps for him, as Chenchen's family, the last meal he hosted.

Sheng Mingsi arrived early.

Jiang Chenchen went forward to greet him, and their eyes met. "Ah Si."

"I'm here."

Sheng Mingsi's pitch-black gaze passed over her face and fell on Zhan Chen sitting in the wheelchair.

His physical condition looked terrible, and his mental state was poor, but he was visibly holding on.

As someone in charge of the entire underground force in Country A, even if he looked frail, his imposing presence was not to be underestimated.

Zhan Chen's gaze had been on him since he appeared, inviting him to sit. Despite his unstable condition, he carried himself calmly like the wind. "I suddenly admire you. You came alone. Aren't you afraid of entering here and not being able to leave?"

Sheng Mingsi placed his briefcase to the side of the chair, gazing at him with a cold and indifferent expression. "No, this is my place in the capital."

"I don't like the way you talk, but maybe you're right."

Zhan Chen, unperturbed, laughed lightly, but the laughter was interrupted by a cough.

Ning Yi quickly expressed concern, asking if he needed to go upstairs immediately, but Zhan Chen sternly reprimanded him.

"Shut up. This is an important dinner. We'll talk later after it's over."

"Mr. Sheng, please have a seat."

Sheng Mingsi sat down, and Jiang Chenchen sat beside him.

Although they had important matters to discuss, the dinner table was not the place for these discussions. It was a quiet meal, as if it were an ordinary dinner.

"How's the food? Does it suit your taste?"

"Not bad."

"Delicious."

Zhan Chen raised the corners of his mouth. "It's a pity there's no wine on this table. I thought we needed to discuss some important matters tonight, so I didn't prepare any. Please forgive me."

"It's okay. We don't need wine," Jiang Chenchen said. "When can I meet the young man named Chi Yan?"

Zhan Chen, who hadn't eaten much, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, stood up, and said, "Releasing him would be dangerous. It's better to keep him locked up. After you leave tonight, I will send him to your place. Now, please follow me."

Jiang Chenchen and Sheng Mingsi followed him to the study. It was a very classical room where Zhan Chen handed some documents to Sheng Mingsi and explained the things he had discovered.

"Originally, I could investigate this matter alone, but I found that it might involve the upper echelons. Recently, my movements have been closely monitored, so it's not convenient for me to act."

"If your people investigate, I will arrange cover and ensure a quiet investigation."

In fact, he didn't explain in so much detail, and Sheng Mingsi also roughly guessed the issue with the situation. Someone who climbed from the bottom to the top could fall from the top at any time, especially in such a frail condition. More people were watching.

So, being in such a precarious position made it inconvenient for him to act.

Therefore, cooperation was needed.

The ultimate goal of all this was to find out why Jiang Chenchen was being studied, what secrets were hidden in the taken data, and what else was being concealed.

Once it involved Jiang Chenchen, Sheng Mingsi would definitely take action.

In this regard, the two of them reached a common goal.

There was no concealment from Jiang Chenchen.

However, when it came to discussing blood, they excluded Jiang Chenchen.

"Why? Can't I listen?"

"Chenchen, this is a topic between men. Wait for me in the living room, and we'll go home in a while."

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 239: Fascinating Possession

Red Flame is the young man from the underground morgue in the private hospital.

He still remains uncontrollable by anyone, but after deliberate training, he can follow some commands from Zhan Chen.

Used by Zhan Chen to eliminate the prince of Country A, Red Flame is the code name he gave him, like a designated designation.

Currently, Red Flame is wanted in Country A. Although it's more of a formality, as the powerful people behind the scenes are from Zhan Chen's faction.

However, Zhan Chen brought him back and handed him over to Jiang Chenchen because he discovered a secret in this young man's body.

The artificial blood circulation system he possesses contains blood that matches Jiang Chenchen's. This rare and unique blood type appeared in an artificial being.

The problem lies here.

Originally, Zhan Chen could continue the research, waiting until there were good results before informing Jiang Chenchen. But recently, the rate of deterioration in his body has been too fast. He's afraid he won't live long enough to see that day.

He will never tell her the truth because, with her blood flowing in his veins, the initial improvement led to significant rejection reactions in the body. This sudden change, combined with the genetic issues, placed this body on the brink of death.

The doctor's suggestion was to change blood as soon as possible, a major operation he refused. Anyway, he won't live more than two years. If letting this last trace of his bloodline disappear from his body because of this would make him unwilling.

"Chenchen, perhaps Red Flame is the key to unraveling the mystery behind you. So I brought him here and handed him over to you. If possible, please let me and Sheng Mingsi meet."

He said these words with gathered strength. His face was pale to the extreme, and his moon-like eyes seemed to be covered with a mist. Yet, his lips carried a gentle and ultimate smile, casual and indifferent.

Jiang Chenchen, after learning about the bioengineered young man, was greatly surprised. Could it be that the young man was the result of the research data carried by the missing director of the research institute?

Under the shock of this news, she overlooked Zhan Chen's physical condition.

"Then... where is the place you found Red Flame? Any clues?"

Seeing her fluctuating emotions, Zhan Chen leaned forward slightly with his thin and weak body, tightening his spine. "It has been searched. Crossing the forest, in a village surrounded by mountains, there is a secret base laboratory. However, it has been abandoned and suffered severe damage. As for the missing director, whether he is alive or not, my people are searching. The scope can be narrowed down, but there's some resistance."

"Resistance? From the upper echelons of Country A?"

"That's what puzzles me. If it involves the high levels, then your existence cannot be peaceful. The psychiatric hospital here is not well-defended. It would be easy to take away a person. So, what does it mean? They don't know of my existence?"

"So, I speculate that after the director left here, carrying a large amount of experimental data, he went to Country A, did not provide your whereabouts, and did not reveal your identity, and he's already dead."

After finishing his analysis, feeling extremely uncomfortable, he suppressed the discomfort in his chest, enduring it as he said to her, "So, Chenchen, I want to meet Sheng Mingsi. I need him to join forces with me on this matter."

In the past, he detested all the men close to Jiang Chenchen. He even wanted to kill them all because she could only belong to him.

But he figured out a little bit. The blood in his body, all from her, had long merged in the blood in his body. There was no possession more fascinating than this.

He couldn't protect her for a lifetime, so he could only entrust her to a man with relatively equal strength, someone he could trust to get through this final time.

Jiang Chenchen regained her composure and asked, "When do you want to see Ah Si?"

As she spoke, she noticed that he looked very wrong. "Zhan Chen, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

Zhan Chen pressed one hand against his chest. The blood that was about to spew out was forcibly suppressed. However, it overflowed from the corners of his lips. He didn't want to waste any of it and didn't want Chenchen's blood to leave his body.

With a soft hum, he reached out to wipe away the blood at the corner of his mouth. He extended his tongue to lick the blood off his slender fingers, and the veins under the skin on the back of his hand were distinctly visible. This forbidden action seemed particularly taboo.

After completing these actions, he wiped his hands with a handkerchief and looked at her.

With a weak and hoarse voice, he slowly said, "Chenchen, don't call me by my name. Call me brother."

Jiang Chenchen had already stood up and walked to his side, expressing some anxiety. "Let's go to the hospital. You just vomited blood!"

His pale skin showed a tendency to turn blue, indicating a severe illness.

Zhan Chen gently shook his head, stubbornly saying, "Chenchen, you haven't called me brother."

"Brother, let's go to the hospital. I know a skilled doctor. Let's go see him." Jiang Chenchen tried to take him away, but he grabbed her wrist.

"No need. The doctor is outside."

He took out a bottle of pills from his pocket and swallowed a few. After drinking some water, he rested for a while in the wheelchair, gradually recovering his strength. Then he looked at the worried person in front of him. This Jiang Chenchen, in such a state, truly made people reluctant.

If it weren't for this broken body, how could he willingly let go?

He looked up at her. "Chenchen, ask Sheng Mingsi to come see me at 7:30 tonight, at my estate."

It was currently 1:00 in the afternoon.

There was enough time for his body to recover a bit. Since getting off the plane, he had almost had no rest until he came to see Jiang Chenchen.

Finally, he couldn't hold on any longer.

"Chenchen, can you come back to the estate with me?"

Jiang Chenchen nodded. "Yes, I'll take you home."

Zhan Chen weakly forced a smile, and she pushed his wheelchair. He closed his eyes in exhaustion. A doctor checked his body in the car and directly connected him to medical instruments.

Jiang Chenchen could see that he looked worse this time compared to the last time.

Why did he say something different to Fang Yiqing?

Back at Zhan Chen's estate, Jiang Chenchen stayed by his bedside. Once he fell asleep, she left the room to inquire about his condition from the doctor. However, there was no disclosure of any information.

So, she found a quiet corner and called her cousin, Fang Yiqing.

"Chenchen, I'm about to undergo surgery. I don't have time to talk to you. I'll call you after the surgery."

The call was abruptly ended.

It had been a long time since they last contacted. Apparently, Fang Yiqing was no longer working as the school doctor and was now working in a hospital.

The phone almost immediately rang again after she hung up.

She quickly picked it up. It was Sheng Mingsi, and his urgent and worried voice came through the phone.

"Chenchen, where are you?"

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 238: Twenty Years Old

In the end, she still couldn't sort out her thoughts.

Feeling restless, she climbed to the top of the tree, sitting on a branch amidst the lush foliage, gazing up at the sky.

The azure sky stretched above, the sun hanging high, and wispy clouds moved gently in the wind, seeming close yet far away.

She stared at the sky, gradually emptying her mind.

It felt like she had suddenly returned to countless moments when she used to gaze at the sky unconsciously, as if driven by an unconscious force to look up.

What was she looking at? She suddenly felt lost.

Since she regained consciousness, she hadn't stared at the sky day and night. She thought she used to do it to find traces of her parents, as if they should be up there.

But why did she think like that?

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted when someone called her name from below the tree.

Jiang Chenchen lowered her head to see Sheng Mingsi standing beneath the tree. He was wearing a white coat, and his brows and eyes looked stern, resembling a pure angel.

A trace of concern flashed in his deep gaze.

"Chenchen, be careful. Come down and have dinner."

He reached out his hand, as if ready to catch her.

Jiang Chenchen, seeing this, felt a bit dazed. The familiar scene of being in the house, called to dinner, felt like they had known each other for a very long time.

"Ah Si, can you catch me?"

Sheng Mingsi looked up at her, his deep eyes saying, "Yes."

She descended from the tree, jumping down to a branch close to him.

Like a graceful butterfly descending.

He held her firmly, his strong arms tightening around her like a little princess. He lowered his head to look at her, his voice unexpectedly husky. "What are you thinking about?"

Jiang Chenchen, facing his deep black eyes, thought about the strange thoughts from earlier and asked, somewhat bewildered, "Does something exist in the sky? Are there gods?"

"What you believe in is what exists. From a scientific perspective, the universe contains everything: other planets, all the unknowns."

After finishing his words, Sheng Mingsi saw her lowering her head in contemplation. After a while, she raised her head again.

"Ah Si, let's go eat."

"Did you remember something?"

He could see the change on her face even though she was expressionless, and asked with some concern.

Jiang Chenchen tugged at his clothes, indicating he should put her down. When she descended from his arms, she looked at him with confusion and said, "Maybe there is something in the sky, but I've forgotten it."

Sheng Mingsi pondered for a moment at her words, then lowered his head, reaching out to touch her head. In a patient and gentle tone, he said, "Don't worry, you'll remember in time."

After they finished their meal, they left the place.

On the way back, Sheng Mingsi bought a car full of ice cream, clearing away the muddled thoughts in Jiang Chenchen's mind.

For the next three days, Jiang Chenchen still couldn't recall anything significant.

However, returning to the old house seemed to make her feel more indifferent.

The elderly couple enjoyed chatting with her, reminiscing about the past and sharing stories about the old house.

Talking about the tree in the yard, they mentioned how resilient it was, enduring lightning strikes during thunderstorms. Fortunately, there was no significant damage, just a few broken branches. The laurel tree continued to thrive, lush with leaves.

Jiang Chenchen visited less often after the school started, fully immersed in her studies. She chose to live on campus in college and coincidentally attended the same school as Miss Feng Jia, Feng Xiaozhi.

However, Feng Xiaozhi was two grades above her.

Feng Xiaozhi often interned at Qin Yansheng's private hospital and would occasionally bring Jiang Chenchen along. Learning through both theory and practice accelerated their progress.

After starting school, Jiang Chenchen became somewhat busier. It wasn't until her birthday that she first visited the Sheng family's old mansion and formally met Mrs. Sheng.

Mrs. Sheng no longer opposed anything and didn't show excessive affection, but she solemnly presented Jiang Chenchen with a gift, a recognition of her identity.

"Jiang Chenchen, don't betray Mingsi and us."

Sheng Mingsi, standing nearby, raised his eyebrows slightly.

Jiang Chenchen accepted the gift box from her hands and earnestly said, "Absolutely not."

Mrs. Sheng sighed lightly at her words, realizing there were rarely absolute things in the world. Still, the current attitude made her feel sincere.

Gu Mingmei also handed over her gift. "Chenchen, happy birthday! If possible, I'll give you a gift every year from now on!"

Her brother never celebrated birthdays, and she never felt the sisterly vibe, but with her brother's girlfriend being obedient, she treated her like a sister and cherished her.

It had been a long time since there was such a lively gathering at the Sheng family's old mansion. They all gave gifts, expressing their intentions.

However, Sheng Mingsi did not give a gift.

Jiang Chenchen looked at him expectantly, as if she were a child insisting on receiving a gift, especially from the person closest to her.

Feeling her intense gaze, Sheng Mingsi smiled helplessly and turned to her. "Chenchen, after dinner, I'll take you somewhere."

"Where?"

"It's a secret for now."

Gu Mingmei, who overheard, clicked her tongue twice. "Ah Si is quite good at this."

Originally thought to be a somewhat wayward brother, he turned out to be good at coaxing his girlfriend.

Mrs. Sheng glanced at her coldly. "Mingmei, stop only focusing on Mingsi. You've been divorced for almost a year. Do you plan to continue like this?"

"Mom, don't bother about me. I'm quite comfortable alone. Marrying Zhao Shitian was my biggest mistake, and I won't make such mistakes again in the future."

"Fine, see things clearly for yourself."

After this dinner, Sheng Mingsi took Jiang Chenchen to the place he had kept secret.

In the pitch-black cemetery at night, Jiang Chenchen's parents' graves were illuminated by Sheng Mingsi's flashlight. Under the moonlight, he held her hand and led her to meet her parents.

It was Jiang Chenchen's first time here.

Since gaining consciousness, she couldn't truly face it, but today, on her twentieth birthday, guided by Sheng Mingsi, she came here.

Some things had to be faced personally.

She understood this principle but hadn't taken this step. Today, Sheng Mingsi brought her here.

"Chenchen, you've grown up. Say goodbye to them. In the future, with me around, I'll take care of you on their behalf."

Jiang Chenchen knelt down silently, tears flowing.

"Mom, Dad, I have a family now."

As the night deepened, the night wind howled, but the embrace and hearts remained warm.

...

Jiang Chenchen spent another winter here. When winter ended, she met Zhan Chen again.

Zhan Chen, coming from Country A, appeared even paler and weaker. Although blood was supposed to be beneficial to him, why did he look more frail?

Sitting in a wheelchair, Zhan Chen looked at the person on the opposite side of the coffee table. It seemed like he wanted to take a few more glances, to remember forever.

"Chenchen, this time I came to tell you some things I've investigated. I'm also handing over the Red Flame to you."

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 237: Forgotten Information

"Huh? You've prepared everything?" Jiang Chenchen was somewhat surprised.

"Yeah, I did some research in advance. There was a conflict yesterday, and someone tried to forcibly buy this house from the elderly couple. So, they are likely to be cautious now."

As Sheng Mingsi spoke, he took off his suit jacket, loosened his tie, threw it aside, unbuttoned two buttons with one hand, appearing more casual and less formal.

Then he put on a white coat.

Jiang Chenchen understood his intention. They were going to play the roles of doctors or nurses and knock on the door of the elderly couple.

So, she also went to change her clothes. It was still hot at the end of August, and she didn't intend to wear another layer. She put the nurse uniform aside, took off her top, and put on the new one.

This series of actions left Sheng Mingsi stunned, unable to stop her even if he wanted to.

She had changed quickly.

But he shouldn't have seen what he shouldn't have seen!

"Ah Si?" Jiang Chenchen noticed that he seemed a bit stunned, so she waved her hand in front of his eyes. "I'm done changing."

Sheng Mingsi regained his composure, feeling his throat dry. He cleared his throat, tugged at his collar, and then opened the car door to get out. "Let's go."

At the same time, he picked up a medical kit.

Someone grabbed the hem of his clothes from behind.

Sheng Mingsi paused and turned around. "Hmm?"

Jiang Chenchen handed him an opened water bottle. "Are you thirsty? Have some water."

Seeing this, Sheng Mingsi's eyelid twitched. He took the water bottle, drank a sip, and glanced at her. Under his dark and deep gaze, there were hidden thoughts.

As she looked back at him, her straightforward and pure eyes seemed to inadvertently exude an attraction, making a subtle warmth appear unnoticed on his cold and noble face.

"Cough, cough..."

He quickly looked away, almost choking. He put down the water bottle, closed the cap, and threw it onto the seat.

Remaining calm, he said, "Chenchen, let's go."

Jiang Chenchen got out of the car and walked to his side. Together, they walked outside the yard.

This time, they pretended to be community medical staff coming to visit and help the elderly. The old lady came out, half-believing and half-doubting. After asking about their origins and hearing a seemingly plausible explanation, she became somewhat convinced.

She came forward to open the door.

But then she stopped.

Looking at Sheng Mingsi, she hesitated. "You seem..."

Sheng Mingsi calmly said, "A celebrity? Many people say that."

The old lady found it unlikely. How could that giant figure in the business world appear here? Seeing that they were medical professionals from the community, her expression relaxed a bit. She opened the courtyard door and let them in.

As they walked into the house, Jiang Chenchen became immersed in memories with each step.

The overall layout of the yard was unchanged, but there were more flowers and everything was well-maintained. It was full of vibrant vitality after the peak of summer.

Jiang Chenchen's gaze fell on the laurel tree on the side of the yard. Her mother had said that the tree was planted the year she was born. Now it had grown thick and tall, with lush branches and leaves.

The tree was there, the old house was there, but her parents were not.

Too many memories rushed to her mind, and she became immersed in reminiscence. However, something crucial, something forgotten, flashed through her mind, but she couldn't grasp it; it snapped off.

Headache... The more she tried to recall what it was, the more elusive it became.

Headache... The more she tried to remember, the more elusive it became.

She stopped in pain, clutching her head with her hands, an anxious look on her face.

Sheng Mingsi, who had been silently observing her every move by her side, saw this and his eyes darkened. He called out her name with concern, reaching out to touch her head, whispering, "Chenchen, don't be afraid, I'm here."

Hearing his low voice, Jiang Chenchen snapped out of her extremely agitated thoughts. She looked up at him, her eyes extremely red. "Ah Si..."

Sheng Mingsi held her hand, and a comforting warmth transmitted from his slightly cool palm. "It's okay, I'm here. Let's go inside and check on the old people."

The old lady, who had heard the commotion, turned around with some confusion. "Why is the little girl crying again?"

Sheng Mingsi, still by Jiang Chenchen's side, calmly explained, "It's her first day of internship, and she's a bit scared of giving injections."

The old lady, upon hearing that the young girl was an intern, felt a bit concerned. However, seeing the doctor's serious and composed demeanor, she found him trustworthy despite his young age. "Little girl, learn well. Everyone has a first time; crying won't solve anything."

Jiang Chenchen rubbed her eyes, looked up, and hurriedly explained, "No, no. I'm not afraid of injections. It's just... I saw a snake in the grass earlier, and it scared me."

The old lady was a bit alarmed at this revelation. "Really? Oh my, my husband is sick, and I dare not come to this side of the yard with flowers and plants. Come inside quickly, and I'll sprinkle some medicine later."

Jiang Chenchen and Sheng Mingsi followed the old lady inside.

Sheng Mingsi slowed down beside her and whispered, "Lying?"

"There really was a snake, the kind that blends with the soil."

"A venomous snake. Be careful in the yard later."

"It's okay; I'm not afraid of snakes."

"?"

Not only was she not afraid, but after checking the old man's body in the room, she even volunteered to help catch the snake to prevent the elderly from being bitten in the future.

The old man, being kind-hearted, allowed them to catch and release the snake. After dealing with it, Jiang Chenchen and Sheng Mingsi were invited to stay for dinner.

Jiang Chenchen quickly agreed. She wanted to stay a bit longer; many objects in the old house were still there, as if her parents were still around.

Sheng Mingsi helped the old lady cook, displaying good cooking skills and his tall, handsome appearance won the old lady's favor. She even welcomed them to come again in the future.

While casually chatting, Sheng Mingsi subtly inquired about the old couple's intention to sell the house. The old lady explained that it was merely a place to live in their old age, with no special significance. Although their words couldn't be completely trusted, Sheng Mingsi had already verified that the couple had no connection with Jiang Chenchen's parents or the research institute.

If there were hidden secrets in the old house, they would have been discovered by others who had already searched the place thoroughly. However, there was still a possibility of unnoticed hidden areas.

Jiang Chenchen, during the time they were cooking, checked every corner of the house. In the end, she came to the tree in the yard, touched the trunk, and felt countless threads of thoughts swirling in her mind.

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 236: A Formal Confession!

"Hmm? Borrow money?"

"Hush, hush, hush! Sheng Mingsi isn't nearby, right? It's because of the last misunderstanding; I got into trouble. Even though the misunderstanding has been cleared, my brother no longer trusts me. He froze my card and cut off all my money!"

Jiang Chenchen listened to the voice on the phone and glanced at the person beside her. "Ah Si heard it."

"..."

Ye Xi adjusted his expression and took a deep breath. "Chenchen, lend me some money this time. Let me get through this difficult time. I'll definitely repay you in the future!"

"But I... have no money."

"What?! You don't have what Sheng Mingsi has! He is your husband, so that money is also yours!"

His voice was a bit loud, a bit excited.

Jiang Chenchen took the phone away from her ear; it was too loud. She looked at Sheng Mingsi but didn't know if he heard.

To the other end of the phone, she said, "I can't; I already owe him a lot."

Ye Xi despairingly said, "Chenchen, are you not helping a friend?"

Jiang Chenchen was also in a difficult position. At this moment, Sheng Mingsi reached out, indicating for her to give him the phone.

"Ah Si? talk to him."

Jiang Chenchen handed him the phone.

Sheng Mingsi took the phone and said, "What do you need the money for?"

"Sheng, bro, you must help me. I really don't want to go through these days of being cut off at any time again. I want to rely on my own hands to strive for a living!"

"So?"

"I want to go abroad to seek opportunities. Now, I'm only lacking travel expenses. Lend me some, and I have friends over there who will pick me up."

"I can lend it to you, but it comes with high interest. Still want to borrow?"

Ye Xi covered his chest, exaggeratedly saying, "So dark... truly a businessman!"

Sheng Mingsi's tone was cold, "I heard that."

"Never mind, never mind, I was just talking nonsense. If it's high, it's high. I'll repay you once I make money in the future!"

"Fine."

Sheng Mingsi was about to hang up, but Ye Xi said, "Wait! Let me say something to Chenchen!"

Sheng Mingsi raised an eyebrow, hesitated for a moment, then handed the phone back to Jiang Chenchen.

Jiang Chenchen took the phone, "Hmm?"

Ye Xi whispered, "Chenchen, this time, I'm going to L country. When you have time, come and visit. I'll call you by then!"

"Oh, okay."

Hearing her response, Ye Xi immediately intercepted and said, "Chenchen, please help me put in a good word, so that Sheng can be less strict! I'm afraid only you have this ability. Please!"

"Uh..."

Jiang Chenchen wanted to say she didn't have such ability. The other side begged once again and then decisively hung up.

"What was that?" Sheng Mingsi took off his seatbelt and asked her abruptly.

Jiang Chenchen answered subconsciously, "Don't be so strict."

Sheng Mingsi raised an eyebrow, looked at her with a deep gaze, "What do you think?"

"Not at all!" Jiang Chenchen quickly replied after coming back to her senses.

He chuckled, a hint of a smile appeared, and he reached over to rub her head, "Well, if there's anything you're not satisfied with, let me know, because I also want to be a qualified... boyfriend."

After saying this, his gaze was deep and serious.

Jiang Chenchen met his eyes, her gaze flickering. "Ah Si, is this a confession?"

"Do you want to hear it?"

"What?"

"I love you."

His voice was not loud but clear in the dark night. The crisp tone carried endless love, tenderness, and a hint of shyness that often accompanied a first confession.

Originally considered a trick of youth, but after saying it out loud, it felt particularly exhilarating. Especially watching the girl in front of him, blushing cheeks and teary eyes, it felt even more real.

However, everything seemed different. Tears unexpectedly overflowed from her eyes. Did his confession startle her?!

Sheng Mingsi became somewhat flustered. He reached out to touch her cheek. "I'm sorry..."

Jiang Chenchen, a petite figure in front of him, shook her head, crying like a tearful beauty, meeting his bewildered gaze. "Ah Si, I love you too."

Sheng Mingsi's figure stiffened, his thoughts suddenly paused, staring at her blankly. It turned out that being confessed to by someone you liked would be so touching.

Was she crying because of this?

Jiang Chenchen's voice came, no longer calm and steady, but slightly excited and choked, "As, do you know? You are the second person in this world, after my parents, to say they love me."

Sheng Mingsi looked at her intently, pulled her into his arms, and gently said above her head, "From now on, I will love you too, until the day I die."

The stars in the night would bear witness to this.

He said deeply.

...

The next morning, Jiang Chenchen and Sheng Mingsi set off for her old house.

While in the car, Jiang Chenchen received a photo sent by Ye Xi.

The background of the photo was on a plane, and the person in it was Lu Su, sleeping with an eye mask and wrapped in a blanket.

Ye Xi posed a "V" sign in the corner of the photo.

Then he sent a message, "Guess what? I unexpectedly met your rumored boyfriend in the entertainment industry!"

Seeing this, Jiang Chenchen frowned and quickly typed, "My boyfriend is Sheng Mingsi."

"Wow, Jiang Chenchen, are you showing off? I can also have a boyfriend very soon!"

Sent it immediately and then retracted.

"No, no, no! I misspoke. It's a girlfriend!"

Jiang Chenchen: "..."

Ye Xi felt that the ellipsis she sent was mocking him, so he shut off his phone in embarrassment and walked outside the airport. Because he was in a hurry, the person in front of him suddenly stopped, and he accidentally bumped into him.

He stepped back a few steps, flipped his dazzling red hair, and said, "Brother, what are you daydreaming about?!"

The person in front turned around, looking somewhat dazed, and apologized, "I'm sorry."

Ye Xi stared at his face, suddenly cheerful. "The big star meets again?"

...

...

Jiang Chenchen and Sheng Mingsi arrived at her old house. Due to the conflict the day before, the old man, who suffered some injuries, was lying in bed. The old lady was taking care of him and refused to see anyone, especially strangers.

Upon hearing the knock on the door, the old lady didn't even go out.

Sheng Mingsi stood outside the yard, thought for a moment, and realized that the old man might be a bit afraid after the incident of forcefully buying the house happened yesterday.

He lifted his head to see Jiang Chenchen rolling up her sleeves and climbing over the wall. His eyebrow twitched, and he quickly stepped forward to pick her up.

"Chenchen, let's wait in the car. I have a solution."

Jiang Chenchen was carried down but not put down directly; she was directly taken into the car.

This...

"As, aren't you tired?"

"You're very light."

"Oh."

Sheng Mingsi lifted her into the car, then closed the window. What happened inside couldn't be seen from the outside. He took out a bag from the car, pulled out a white robe and nurse uniform from inside, and handed it to her.

"Put this on."

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