Growing Fond of You, Mr Nian

“You don’t have to go to work now. It doesn’t make a difference where you stay, right?” Nian Junting furrowed his brows in frustration. “Listen to me, Nian Xi. You’re not young anymore, and our parents are worried sick because of the accident this time. Call it an accident or whatever, but there are just too many things that have happened recently, and we’re all worried about you.”

Nian Xi pursed her lips in annoyance and glanced at Jiang Yuning helplessly.

Jiang Yuning lowered his head and tried to hide his expression. He stroked her hair and whispered gently, “Xixi, I think… it’s better if you listen to your brother this time.”

“Jiang Yuning…” Nian Xi spoke through gritted teeth.

This fool! If she went back to stay in the Nian house, the two of them would not be able to spend time together given how strict her brother was.

“Xixi, he’s just worried about you,” Jiang Yuning muttered gently. “Besides, we haven’t figured out what happened with the elevator, so I don’t want you to get on any elevator for now. It’s extremely boring being cooped up in an apartment as well, and your brother’s place has a backyard. That will make things more bearable…”

“You’re just afraid that I’ll stop you two from doing those shady things, aren’t you? I promise I won’t interfere, alright?”

Nian Xi was shocked when she heard him. Was he her brother? He used to look at Jiang Yuning with wariness and caution. Was he patronizing her?

“What shady things? We’re a couple! It’s normal for us to share hugs and kisses.”

“I’m not going to waste time on this! Just pack your stuff, or do you want me to do it for you?” Nian Junting said unceremoniously.

“I’ll do it!” Jiang Yuning abruptly stood up and replied.

…

20 minutes later, Jiang Yuning loaded the boot with the trunk and looked down. “Xixi, you head over with your brother first,” he said softly. “I need to grab something from my place. I’ll see you at night.”

“…Okay.” Nian Xi wanted to speak to Nian Junting about something in private as well. “How about you come over tomorrow? It’s not safe to drive so late at night, not to mention you must be exhausted from today as well.”

Before Jiang Yuning could reply, Nian Xi added quickly, “It’s decided then! Text me later.”

She pecked him on the cheek before leaving with Nian Junting. In the car, he rolled his eyes and mocked, “Don’t you think the two of you are gross?”

“As if you don’t behave the same way with Sangsang!” Nian Xi pouted and narrowed her eyes at the man in the rearview mirror. She looked slightly worried as if something was on her mind. “Brother, do you think that what happened today wasn’t an accident? Is that why you’re asking me to stay with you?”

“I’m not sure either, but I just want to play safe. You only have one shot at life, and we can’t risk it.” Nian Junting looked serious as he drove away.

“Do you all think that Jiang Yuning is the reason why I was injured?” Nian Xi prodded him further with a downcast expression.

“Don’t overthink things. We haven’t figured things out ourselves, but it pays to be careful. Don’t end up getting yourself killed before you even step into the church with him.” Nian Junting’s words cut Nian Xi like a knife. “You’re an old maiden now, so you should get to enjoy married life in this lifetime. It’ll be a pity if you don’t.”

“Shut up!” Nian Xi hit his shoulder. “I’ll get married for sure! I’m going to give birth to many little Jiang-jiangs!”

Meanwhile, Jiang-jiang barked happily in the back seat.

Nian Junting turned to look at the dog as he tried hard not to giggle. “You want to give birth to puppies, eh? You’re genuinely trying your best, aren’t you?”

Nian Xi ignored his comment.

…

In the estate, after Nian Junting’s car drove away, Jiang Yuning headed to the estate management department.