And she had already made an agreent with Jing Feng: no matter what happened or who it was, actions taken to protect soone important to the other party must not lead to resentnt toward that party’s significant other.
"Is she planning to co back and start over?"
As if she had rely gone abroad for two years of leisure, then returned to resu life as normal.
Qin Mu asked Mu Yichen with a hint of confusion, while Mu Yichen lowered his gaze: "No idea!"
He truly didn’t know, but he thought that Jing Qing probably wouldn’t stay long.
"How about going upstairs for a nap?"
Mu Yichen suggested, his deanor this ti lacking the arrogance of earlier, his eyes seeming to plead with her.
Qin Mu gazed up at him for a mont, then lowered her head as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and led her toward the elevator.
At that mont, in the corner downstairs, Jing Qing—who had been chatting with her friends—turned her head and glanced upstairs, though all she saw was the side profile of the two.
"Everyone thought you were dead. How about throwing a gathering? Let your friends know you’re back?"
"No! Just you knowing is enough. I’ve co back for my mother’s birthday, and as soon as her celebration is over tonight, I’ll leave right away."
At that ti, it would feel as though she had never returned to this city.
Her friend couldn’t help but feel sorrowful: "Jing Qing, back then..."
"Don’t talk about the past. I made plenty of mistakes back then, didn’t I? I just want to start over abroad."
——
Evening!
Qiao Yi, Zhao Huai, and Jiang Zhiyuan all brought their girlfriends to the Jing Family residence to celebrate Jing Feng’s mother’s birthday. While they had already heard that Jing Qing was there, they were still shocked upon seeing her in person.
Jiang Zhiyuan’s expression nearly collapsed: "Jing... Jing Qing?"
"It’s !"
Jing Qing replied softly, awkward yet still polite, offering him a reserved smile.
She glanced briefly at the girl sitting beside him and gave a slight nod.
However, her reaction was visibly stiff when looking at Zhao Huai and Xiaoi. Her smile appeared forced, especially when she noticed the way Xiaoi was looking at her—it brought back mories of the past. By the ti her gaze moved to Qiao Yi, Jing Qing’s breathing beca faintly uneven.
"Qiao Yi, long ti no see."
Qiao Yi didn’t speak, simply locking his eyes on her deeply before finally, with difficulty, giving her a small nod.
Xi ng stood beside Qiao Yi. She knew that Qiao Yi had harbored feelings for Jing Qing for many years, so she wasn’t surprised by his reaction—it felt, to her, like she was rely there fulfilling her boss’s orders.
"Secretary Xi, long ti no see as well!"
Jing Qing greeted her, seemingly unaware of the history that later unfolded between Xi ng and Qiao Yi.
"Hmm!"
Xi ng returned a faint smile, slightly nodding in acknowledgnt.
"I hadn’t expected all you youngsters to have girlfriends. Co, sit down."
Jing Feng’s mother erged, having dressed up especially for the occasion, and cheerfully welcod them to the dining area.
"Where are Yichen and his wife?"
Jing Feng’s mother inquired. Due to interactions with Helian Hao, her relationship with Qin Mu had improved considerably over ti, and she genuinely missed her.
"Oh! She and Yichen had to head out of town for so business. But they made sure to send gifts with us to wish you happiness as vast as the ocean and everlasting beauty."
Zhao Huai promptly responded, then turned to Xiaoi. Xiaoi handed over a large box to the family’s housekeeper, who stepped forward to assist.
"You’re all so thoughtful. It’s wonderful that you were able to co today. Your uncle’s out on a business trip and couldn’t make it back, yet those two still managed to coordinate inviting all of you. Now, co on—dig in."
The table was laden with various exquisite dishes befitting a celebratory feast. Being there to honor her birthday, the young guests ensured the atmosphere didn’t grow awkward; Jiang Zhiyuan, in particular, kept Jing Feng’s mother entertained with his wit and charm, making her laugh frequently.
Helian Hao leaned in to whisper to Jing Feng: "Is he a savior sent by Buddha himself?"
Jing Feng listened to his wife’s remark with amusent and smiled wryly.
Indeed, if not for Jiang Zhiyuan, this dinner might have been unbearable.
Eventually, they excused themselves to go out together, taking Jing Qing along with them.
Jing Feng’s mother and Helian Hao stood at the front door. Jing Feng’s mother turned to Helian Hao: "Was this Yichen’s idea?"
"I’m not entirely sure myself."
Helian Hao didn’t know how to respond, yet seeing her mother-in-law so disheartened left her with pangs of guilt.
"How could you not know? That boy—he’s ruthless when he acts!"
Jing Feng’s mother gave a bitter smile, raising her gaze courageously even though there was nothing left to see.
The luxury car heading to the airport was enveloped in silence.
Jing Feng drove personally, while Jiang Zhiyuan had voluntarily opted to sit in the back seat so Jing Qing could take the front.
"The two of you siblings might as well treat as transparent."
Jiang Zhiyuan had sent his girlfriend ho earlier, so for now, the car held only the three of them.
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