006 Fickle

The short-haired girl in front of him had thick bangs covering her forehead, revealing only a delicate, palm-sized face.

Her skin was so white that it seemed flawless, and her nose looked like it had been carved from jade, almost translucent under the sunlight. Her lips were lightly pressed together, giving off a sense of coldness.

Her eyes glanced at him briefly before moving away, as if he was just a blade of grass by the roadside, unable to create even the slightest ripple in her heart.

And yet, Charles Gao's heart began to race uncontrollably.

There was a woman in the world who could actually ignore his good looks?

Impossible, she must be playing hard to get.

It wasn't that Charles Gao was narcissistic, but he was as handsome as Jiang Jinchen, even with his fox-like eyes more seductive than Jiang Jinchen's. If it weren't for his foul mouth and arrogance, he might have been the most popular guy in the school.

"Beauty, how come I've never seen you before?" Charles Gao asked gently.

His greatest advantage was his good memory; he would never forget a face once he saw it, especially a woman's.

He was certain he had never seen the girl in front of him before.

What a hidden gem in the school, such a unique beauty she was.

Ming Jing put down her chopsticks, picked up her tray and left.

She always took only as much food as she would eat, so there were no leftovers. She rinsed her tray under the tap, placed it in the sterilizer, and then walked away without looking back.

"Ming Jing, wait for me." Tao Xingxing chased after Ming Jing, not caring about the ongoing conversation with Charles Gao.

Charles Gao stroked his chin as he watched Ming Jing's retreating figure: "Her figure is a bit thin, but she's really quite the clothes hanger. The school uniform looks unique on her."

"Ming Jing, such a nice name too."

Situ Lin looked at him speechlessly, "Are you feeling sick again? Every time you see a girl, you're so eager to chase after her. I bet you'll get in trouble with women in this lifetime."

"No," Charles Gao shook his head meaningfully, "I'm serious this time. I have a feeling that she is my muse."

Situ Lin snickered, "You say that every time. Have you ever lasted more than one week?"

Jiang Jinchen had no interest in their teasing and left the cafeteria after finishing his meal.

He had always been cold and aloof, which made him even more popular among the girls.

His phone suddenly rang, and Jiang Jinchen checked the message, which was a voice note from the contact marked as "Mother."

—Jinchen, there is a banquet tonight. Please accompany me. I'll send someone to pick you up after school, and your clothes are prepared.

Jiang Jinchen frowned; his mother had never asked him to attend such boring banquets before. What was going on this time?

After a while, Jiang Jinchen replied with an "Okay."

—

"That was Charles Gao who just talked to you. He's always ranked second on the school's hottest guys list, and he actually spoke to us! Oh my god…" On the way back to the classroom, Tao Xingxing couldn't stop chattering.

Ming Jing felt as if her ears were developing calluses, but her patience remained intact, and she listened with a faint smile on her face.

"But he's too fickle and untrustworthy," Tao Xingxing glanced at the girl beside her.

"I think he likes you, but Ming Jing, you must stay firm. You can't fall for someone like that, or else you'll be in pain."

Ming Jing nodded.

Tao Xingxing finally brightened up, "I wonder what kind of girl Jiang Jinchen likes?"

Ming Jing squinted her eyes and casually asked, "Jiang Jinchen?"

Hearing Ming Jing's rare initiative to speak, Tao Xingxing immediately launched into a lengthy description, eager to share everything she knew.

"He's the most handsome and aloof guy in our school, the epitome of perfection, and a man blessed by heaven. I've heard that his family background is incredibly powerful, and even the principal has to bow and scrape before him. No one knows the details, but it's certain that no one can afford to offend him."

I never thought he would like Zhu Xiangxiang. Well, I admit they are a good match." Tao Xingxing was disheartened.Ming Jing's eyes sparkled, and she laughed softly.

——

After school, Ming Jing was once again cornered by Zhao Qin.

However, this time Zhao Qin's attitude was very amicable: "Ms. Zhu, I want to be friends with you."

Ming Jing raised an eyebrow.

Zhao Qin walked over and said, "Your identity in high society is no secret. There's a banquet tonight. Would you like to come with me and broaden your horizons?"

Fearing that Ming Jing would refuse, Zhao Qin quickly added, "As far as I know, your mother has already taken your fake sister to the party. What does it mean to take her and not take you? Aren't you upset about it?"

"Don't worry, I'll handle all the arrangements for you," she assured her.

"Why do you want to help me?" Ming Jing asked indifferently.

Zhao Qin laughed, "I think we're destined to be friends. You believe me, right? I, Zhao Qin, always speak honestly. I'm determined to become your friend."

However, Ming Jing still refused, citing too much homework and no free time.

Zhao Qin stared at Ming Jing's retreating figure, "Do you think she's truly indifferent, or is she planning something big?"

Li Jiaojiao snorted, "I think she's just scared. She's afraid of angering Madam Jiang and her daughter and being chased out of the mansion. Since we can't rely on her, I can only do it myself."

——

Tonight is the 70th birthday of Li Jiaojiao's grandfather, and all the prominent figures in Jiangzhou will attend.

Lin Qing and Zhu Xiangxiang first congratulated the old man before searching for their target at the banquet.

"Mom, will Madam Jiang not come tonight?" Zhu Xiangxiang asked.

"No, she won't. Li Jiaojiao's aunt married into the Cheng family of Jingdu, and Madam Cheng is a distant cousin of Madam Jiang. Given this relationship, even if she wants to keep a low profile, Madam Jiang has to show her face," Lin Qing explained.

Li Jiaojiao hid in the shadows, her gaze on Zhu Xiangxiang like the stealthy viper, exuding a cold light.

Zhao Qin walked over with a glass of red wine, "Zhu Shaodan has gotten into legal trouble, and his opponent has a big background. The Zhus can't handle it, so I think they're here to seek help."

Li Jiaojiao gloated, "Serves him right. Who exactly is the opponent? Someone even the Zhus can't handle?"

Zhao Qin revealed a meaningful smile, "What do you think?"

Li Jiaojiao giggled, "I just want to know who they want to ask for help."

Zhao Qin nodded towards the entrance, "There, they just arrived."

The newcomer was a woman in her thirties, dressed in a cheongsam embroidered with landscapes. Her slim and graceful figure was displayed to perfection. Her hair was pinned up with a white jade ornament, which had silver tassels that swayed gracefully with the movement. She exuded an air of elegance.

Her brows and eyes were stunningly beautiful, her actions filled with exquisite grace, and there was an indescribable charm in her every move.

As soon as she appeared, all the other gorgeously dressed women seemed to fade in comparison.

The young man beside her was dressed in a white suit, tall and straight, with a refined, handsome appearance. His aloof demeanor only made him stand out all the more like a flower on a high peak, captivating the hearts of all the ladies who looked on him.

Li Jiaojiao stared at the young man in disbelief, "Isn't that Jiang Jinchen?"

Grandfather Li hurriedly greeted them, "Madam Jiang, your presence truly graces our humble abode."

Madam Jiang smiled elegantly, her pride and arrogance exquisitely balanced, "Mr. Li, you flatter me. Today is your birthday, and as a younger generation, I wish you a life as vast as the East Sea and as long-lasting as the South Mountain."

Madam Jiang gestured to the young man beside her, "This is my son, Jiang Jinchen. Jinchen, greet your elder."

Grandfather Li's old eyes lit up, "How wonderful, such a good boy."

Upon hearing the name 'Madam Jiang,' everyone present stiffened with attention, and those who had been casually leaning against pillars instinctively stood up straight.

Lin Qing was excited, "I didn't expect Madam Jiang to really come."

Unbeknownst to her, Zhu Xiangxiang nearby was staring at the young man in the middle of the room with an unfocused gaze.