The Byoukidere Is Her Sweetie

Chapter 100: 100: Jiang Zhi: Going to give my wife an umbrella~
 

“I beg you, Mother, please don’t let it play…”

Old Lady Jiang looked down at her. “Have you seen clearly?”

She knelt on the ground, tears blurring her vision, clutching her palms without answering.

“I’m asking you,” Old Lady Jiang raised her voice and asked again with a heavy tone, “Have you seen clearly?”

She dared not hesitate any longer and nodded vigorously: “I’ve seen it, I’ve seen it… Mother,” she crept forward on her knees, grasping the edge of the Old Lady’s robes, “please don’t let it play, don’t let it play…”

She was pleading, crying soundlessly.

“Wei’er,” the Old Lady bent down, her wrinkled hand touching her face, wiping away the tears, her voice finally softening a bit, “Don’t blame your mother for being heartless. If you don’t wake up painfully now, you will suffer for a long time in the future.”

She choked up, blurting out, “It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have—”

With that, Old Lady Jiang’s face turned to ice, she hadn’t even finished listening before she became angry: “You’re still defending him.”

On the screen, Jin Song was holding a knife, carving letters into Xiao Linsu’s back.

He laughed as he cursed him for being lowly.

Then, with each stroke a trail of blood was written, the character for ‘lowly’ was carved onto Xiao Linsu’s back; the sheets stained with splotches of blood, his gaze empty, he lay there numb, motionless.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ɴονǤο.сο

Devoid of dignity.

Jiang Wei’er could no longer bear to watch, not even a glance, her heart was in too much pain, the knife seemed to carve into her own flesh, blood spilling violently.

“Mother, I have never asked you for anything, just this one time, just this one time,” she knelt, bowing deeply, “Mother, Wei’er is begging you.”

She had seen this video before; she’d only managed to watch less than ten seconds before turning it off.

The segment she saw was not of the present Xiao Linsu, but of him at eighteen, when he would still struggle, still cry. She hadn’t watch it to the end, not knowing when he had started to become numb and stopped resisting altogether.

Old Lady Jiang moved forward with the support of a cane, lifting her shoulders, urging her to rise: “Stop kneeling. Such a trifle is not worth the Fifth Miss of the Jiang Family bending her back for him.”

Jiang Wei’er lifted her head, tears in her eyes, a solitary defiance swirling within, she wiped her face, placing all her chips on the table: “Don’t force me.”

Old Lady Jiang, infuriated, laughed: “You still won’t repent?”

Repentance?

Jiang Wei’er raised her hand, pointing towards the screen, her voice trembling, each word choked but resolute: “Then tell me, what have I done wrong? What has he done wrong? Can’t you see it? His eyes are pleading for help.”

But nobody was saving him.

No wonder, she always felt that his eyes held frost, an enduring gloom that couldn’t be swept away.

There were so many people standing in the courtyard, yet no one turned off the projector. They just watched indifferently, spectating the play, as the person in the video was humiliated and trampled on without dignity.

But nobody was saving him.

Everyone was silent, only Old Lady Jiang’s powerful voice resounded, accusatory and aggressive: “You’re not wrong, and perhaps he has his own difficulties, not wrong either. But you know that if you continue to be with him, for the next three, five, or even ten, twenty years, you won’t be able to let go of this incident. Knowing that I, as a mother, will absolutely not allow my daughter to spend half her life paying for someone else’s mistake, yet you still stubbornly pursue this course; that is where you are wrong!”

Jiang Wei’er glared back with red eyes: “That is my business.”

“You—”

The Old Lady’s hand was already raised, on the verge of a harsh slap, but she was interrupted: “Grandmother.”

Coughs approached from a distance; it was Jiang Zhi. The rain had not yet started, but the air was heavy with moisture. Someone held an umbrella over him as he made his gradual approach, the servants stepping aside to make way for him.

Old Lady Jiang swept her eyes over the crowd and spoke sharply: “Who is so blind as to have called the Young Master here?”

Jiang Zhi moved with a labored breath every three steps, a cough every five, stumbling forward. At this moment, the old butler, Jiang Chuan, spoke up: “It was my meddling, please, Old Lady, calm your anger and don’t let it spoil the harmony.”

Jiang Chuan was an old member of the Jiang Family. He served by the Old Master’s side when he was still alive, and Old Lady Jiang usually showed him some respect. While she was on the verge of unleashing her wrath, Jiang Zhi spoke: “That’s enough.”

He stepped forward and promptly turned off the projector.

Only he dared to turn it off, and only he would do it without anyone daring to stop him.

“You’ve given enough lessons; you can state your purpose directly now.”

Such an attitude, as if watching theater.

He said it with ease and relaxation.

Old Lady Jiang glared at him: “Don’t interfere in this matter.” She turned and instructed, “Ah Gui, take the Young Master back to the hospital.”

Before Gui Family could speak, Jiang Zhi pulled over a chair and sat down, crossing his legs casually: “I’d like to see who dares to chase me away,” he said, coughing twice, looking sick and listless.

“Who dares to stop her? What if she faints?”

After all, the Gui Family did not dare to stop her.

This ancestor’s temper was also spoiled by Old Lady Jiang, no one could handle her, “Fuxi, go add a coat to Brother Zhi.”

Jiang Fuxi nodded, stood up, and went inside to get clothes.

Jiang Wei’er was still kneeling, her legs numb and without sensation.

Old Madam remained unyielding, her hair meticulously done, “There’s nothing to discuss. I’m giving you one day to break it off with him completely.”

Jiang Wei’er looked up, meeting her gaze, “What if I don’t?”

In the entire Jiang Family, besides Jiang Zhi, it was Jiang Wei’er who was the most rebellious, stubborn just like Old Lady Jiang in her younger days, the more she was pushed, the more resistant she became.

Old Lady Jiang couldn’t be bothered to say more, stating directly, “Then this video won’t just be shown in our Jiang Family.”

Jiang Wei’er scoffed coldly, her eyes blazing, “Mother, did you drive Wei Ning to death the same way?”

Jiang Weining was the Jiang Family’s fourth child, Fuxi’s mother.

With that statement, Jiang Fuxi, who had gone to get the clothes, paused for a moment. She did not turn around, continuing into the room.

Then, a loud slap followed.

Old Madam had used all her strength, her hand trembling, her voice shaking with rage, “Get out of the Jiang Family right now. Come back when you’ve cleared your head. If you remain confused, then there’s no need to return!”

Jiang Wei’er did not hesitate, she stood up, her steps faltering. Turning around, she dragged her feet, her legs heavy as if filled with lead, one step at a time, she left the Jiang Family’s territory.

On the cobblestone path, Xue Bingxue approached from the other side.

He called out to her, “Wei’er.”

Jiang Wei’er didn’t respond, brushing past him.

He grabbed her, “Wei’er,” clutching her wrist, he exerted a little force. He looked at her swollen eyes, not knowing if she had run there, in the cold winter night, he was sweating, “Don’t go with him.”

It was like a plea.

Jiang Wei’er pushed his hand away, her voice raw and hoarse from crying, “Bingxue, he’s still outside waiting for me.”

She still intended to leave.

Xue Bingxue handed her the umbrella he was holding, “It’s going to rain, don’t get wet.”

She said thank you, took the umbrella, and turned to exit the Jiang Mansion’s gate.

The sky was overcast, with clouds obscuring the moon, a heavy rain was impending. The wind blew at the old-fashioned lanterns in front of the Jiang Mansion’s gate, swaying them to and fro, the shadows on the ground doing the same.

Xiao Linsu stood under the lamp, watching her.

She crossed the threshold, her eyes red as she looked up at him, “Have you been waiting long?”

Xiao Linsu shook his head, stepped forward, and bent down to embrace her. His voice made ethereal by the wind, “Wei’er, would you please go back? Speak nicely with your mother, don’t anger her, and don’t speak up for me—”

She said, “No.”

The hands Xiao Linsu had wrapped around her back tightened slightly.

He bowed his head, but she couldn’t see his reddened eyes.

He knew, her mother had slapped her, her face was swollen. Before, she would always talk to him about her mother, saying she was a traditional and strict person who lacked empathy. But out of the five children, her mother loved her the most.

Jiang Wei’er rested her face on his shoulder, “It’s going to pour soon, won’t you take me away?”

Xiao Linsu said okay, wiping away her tears, “Then no more crying.”

He led her into the night; their shadows clung to each other, elongated by the light of the lanterns.

Raindrops began to fall softly, the air damp and foggy.

A car sped away, Zhou Xufang wearing a hat and mask crouched on a nearby villa rooftop, watching that car for a long while before flipping the switch on her headset.

“Shuangjiang.”

“Here.”

Zhou Xufang looked in the direction the car had headed, lying prone, “Among those registered for the peace charm at Lingdu Temple, is Jiang Wei’er included?”

After half a minute, Shuangjiang replied, “There’s no Jiang Wei’er, but there is another Ms. Jiang registered, called Jiang Wu.”

Jiang Family’s fifth son, Jiang Wei’er.

“That makes sense,” Jiang Zhi’s voice was quiet as he regarded the yellow satin peace charm with the character ‘Shu’ embroidered in teal thread, identical to the one hanging in Xiao Linsu’s car.

The window on the second floor was left open, allowing the wind to blow in and causing the curtains to flutter all around.

Jiang Zhi was nestled on a couch heavily blanketed with layers of warmth, toying with a calligraphy scroll Old Lady Jiang had recently given him, his attention elsewhere as he pondered.

Xue Bingxue hadn’t touched her tea and was also lost in thought, until after a long moment, she voiced, “Wei’er has left.”

Jiang Zhi responded absently, “Isn’t that what you expected?”

He had expected it; Wei’er was stubborn and deeply loyal; her feelings for Xiao Linsu ran deep, and the video wasn’t enough to break them apart.

Xue Bingxue was disheartened, “I just didn’t expect her not to ask a single question before taking his side.”

She had seen the video, but Wei’er would rather investigate on her own than confront Xiao Linsu; she didn’t doubt or despise him.

She must really like Xiao Linsu.

Out of the Jiang Family, she was the most stubborn, never begging anyone for anything, never kneeling to anyone, even as a child when Old Lady Jiang opposed her Taekwondo practice and had her beaten as punishment, she didn’t shed a tear. Today, she had done everything she had never done before for Xiao Linsu, casting aside her pride.

“Bingxue,” Jiang Zhi put down the scroll and suddenly asked, “Do you really want her?”

Xue Bingxue didn’t hesitate, “Yes.”

Jiang Zhi’s health hadn’t recovered yet, his skin pale and almost translucent with a hint of illness, appearing slightly drawn as he spoke lazily, “Then you’ll have to be a bit more shameless and despicable.”

Xue Bingxue was momentarily speechless.

It wasn’t that he lacked plans, but he feared making the wrong move might disgust her, might make her hate him. In this world, the person most wishing for her to live well was himself; he wanted nothing more than for her to be content and safe.

From outside the door came a voice, “Third Young Master.”

It was Ah Gui from Old Madam’s side, who had knocked and come in to relay a message, “Old Madam asks for you to come over.”

Xue Bingxue knew what Old Lady Jiang was scheming. He had barely stepped out when Jiang Zhi said slowly from behind, “Last time, a car tried to hit me. I did some investigating and found out a few things.”

Then came a loud rumble from outside.

Sudden thunder, accompanied by the sound of rain, startled Zhou Xufang, who was crouched on the roof of the villa. Then large raindrops began to fall, hitting her face with stinging pain.

Imperial City sure loved its rain!

She wiped the rainwater off her head and retreated under the shelter of the roof’s eaves, hugging herself tightly into a ball.

The rain grew heavier, and Jiang Zhi, with an umbrella held high and another in hand, hurriedly left the Jiang Mansion, and Ah Wan, who had been waiting in the car, quickly ran to him with an umbrella held diligently over both their heads.

“Boss, it’s pouring! Where are you going?” Ah Wan called.

Jiang Zhi moved swiftly, the rain pelting down, and soon his hair was wet, “Don’t follow me.”

Ah Wan jogged behind him, a large man wielding a tiny umbrella, half-soaked to the bone and chilling to the core, yet he remained professional, “How can I do that? If you catch a cold, your body won’t hold up.”

If he allowed his boss to get sick, Ms. Song would sever ties with him.

Ahead, Jiang Zhi stopped and looked around.

The Jiang Family’s old mansion was located in an isolated area, surrounded only by a few villas with yards, all belonging to the high-powered elites of the Imperial City. Ah Wan had no clue what his employer was looking for and asked, “What are you looking at?”

Jiang Zhi ignored him, picked an obvious spot, opened the umbrella he held, and placed it on the ground.

Ah Wan was confused, “Why are you leaving an umbrella here?”

Under a black umbrella, a fair and finely chiseled handsome face peeked out. It seemed as though he wasn’t part of the mundane world, further obscured by the misting rain, appearing like a figure stepped out from a painting.

His tone, however, was not as gentle, “I simply don’t wish to drench this patch of land. Is that a problem?”

This capricious behavior was just like menopausal Ms. Song!

Indeed, they were truly mother and son!

Ah Wan replied, “Sure!” You’re the boss! Whatever you say goes!

After Jiang Zhi looked back a few more times, he returned to the mansion.

Only after he was far enough away did Zhou Xufang, who had been hiding on the roof of a nearby villa, leap down, pick up the umbrella, and sneakily hop back up, a jump of more than ten meters, flying through the air!

Jiang Zhi didn’t stay the night at the old mansion. Despite Old Madam’s efforts to keep him, he insisted on going back to the hospital. Old Madam had no choice but to have someone take him back to the hospital.

Arriving at the hospital nearly twenty minutes after him, Zhou Xufang tiptoed into the ward.

“Where have you been?” Jiang Zhi sat on the hospital bed, his gaze fixed on her.

Zhou Xufang picked up the bag in her hand, glanced at the IV stand, then down at the pink bunny slippers she had brought for Jiang Zhi: “I went to buy jelly.”

As soon as she lied, her eyes began to dart around.

Jiang Zhi didn’t expose her lie but just beckoned her over.

Zhou Xufang, feeling guilty, was especially obedient and immediately ran to him.

He touched the back of her hand with his: “Your hand is so cold, aren’t you cold?”

Zhou Xufang shook her head: “I’m not afraid of the cold.”

Her perception of temperature was not very sensitive; she wasn’t afraid of the cold or the heat.

Jiang Zhi, not caring whether she was cold or not, insisted on holding her hand to warm it. She had intended to pull away, but considering her strength often inadvertently hurt him, she didn’t dare to move again.

Jiang Zhi brought a cup from the cupboard to her lips: “Drink this.”

“What is it?”

“Medicine for preventing a cold.” She had been caught in the rain, and he was worried she’d get sick. He had prepared several cups, all kept warm waiting for her return.

“Oh.”

Zhou Xufang obediently drank it all.

“Zhou Xufang.”

When Jiang Zhi called her full name, it was usually for something serious.

Zhou Xufang answered formally: “Yes!”

“If one day, someone forbids you to be with me, what would you do?” He thought of Jiang Wei’er and felt she was ultimately too easy to manipulate.

If Old Lady Jiang interfered with his relationship with Zhou Xufang, he would turn the Jiang Family upside down for her.

Zhou Xufang blushed slightly, shyly looked away, and corrected him in a soft voice: “We’re good friends.”

“…”

Damn good friends!

Who would want to be just friends with her—he didn’t know how many times she had overpowered him in his dreams!

Alright then, he altered his question: “If one day, someone forbids you to be my good friend, what would you do?”

Zhou Xufang thought for a moment, then answered seriously: “I would beat them up.”

She used the word “beat up.”

For someone who was always kind to others, this was a rather aggressive thing to say.

Though it was a bit rash, nonetheless—

Jiang Zhi grabbed her hand and placed it on his head, guiding her hand to tousle his hair: “That’s my good girl.”

Zhou Xufang was puzzled by his action—was he asking her to rub his head?

Oh, she understood.

She rubs Jiang Zhi’s hair as if she were petting that gray cat.

Jiang Zhi was clearly delighted, his eyes sparkling brightly like stars.

“Lin Wanwan.” Suddenly, Jiang Zhi called out.

Zhou Xufang also turned to look at the closed door; Lin Wanwan’s fingernails had accidentally scratched it a few times, and she had heard it.

Jiang Zhi said indifferently: “If you keep eavesdropping by the door, I’ll pull off your ears.”

Ah Wan, who was eavesdropping at the door: “!”

He quickly stood at attention, chest out, eyes staring straight ahead.

Jiang Zhi instructed: “Have someone move a bed over here.”

“Oh.”

Ah Wan didn’t dare to eavesdrop any longer and went off to move the bed obediently.

Zhou Xufang, as Jiang Zhi’s ‘nurse,’ was meant to stay overnight. Normally, she wasn’t fussy and could squat anywhere for the night: “You don’t need to go to all that trouble, I can sleep on the couch.”

“No need to move a bed then, you can sleep with me.”