148  Chapter 148: Waiting for Rabbits by the Tree

Jiang Zhixun adjusted his mindset and asked Shen Qingqing, "What time are we leaving tomorrow morning?"

Shen Qingqing's chest rose and fell.

Does this man even understand human language?

Jiang Zhixun added, "I just want to know when I can get the money. That's not too much to ask, right?"

Shen Qingqing forced a smile, "It's not too much."

Seeing her gritting her teeth, Jiang Zhixun inexplicably felt like laughing.

This version of her, more alive!

Clenching his fist to his lips, he gave a fake cough, "Then I'll pick you up tomorrow morning."

Even if she didn't say when to leave, he'd be here before dawn waiting.

Sitting tight and waiting!

Shen Qingqing figured this out, this person is stubborn to the core, no matter how much she says.

She cast a cold glance at Jiang Zhixun and brushed past him.

Her presence suddenly approached and then quickly receded.

The tension in Jiang Zhixun's body instantly tightened, not even daring to breathe deeply.

It wasn't until she walked away that he turned back to look at Shen Qingqing's retreating figure.

Like she was avoiding something, she quickly entered the hotel lobby, took the elevator, and completely disappeared from his sight.

Jiang Zhixun stood there, still a bit dazed, as if savoring this brief encounter.

08:11

Jiang Zhixun stood there, still a bit dazed, as if savoring this brief encounter.

With the calloused pad of his finger, he lightly crushed the half-burnt cigarette until it was thoroughly extinguished.

Like being burned, he found a trash can and threw it away.

He sniffed the smoke scent, always feeling it would choke Shen Qingqing.

Decisively, he tossed the entire pack of cigarettes from his coat pocket into the bin.

For non-smokers, smoke is particularly sensitive.

He needed to go home to shower and change clothes!

Stepping quickly into the hotel, he left money at the front desk, "Breakfast for Miss Shen at seven tomorrow morning."

The receptionist was taken aback; it was the first time they'd seen such a request.

Instinctively, they asked, "Does Miss Shen have any dietary restrictions?"

Jiang Zhixun shook his head, "She likes to eat noodles."

Clarifying Shen Qingqing's tastes, he decisively turned and left.

He didn't ask which room Shen Qingqing was staying in.

It would trouble the staff at the front desk, and also disturb Shen Qingqing.

As long as she's well, that's all that matters.

Shen Qingqing returned to her room, standing by the window, watching where Jiang Zhixun went.

Seeing him enter the hotel, she thought he might come upstairs.

Unexpectedly, two minutes later, he left again.

He didn't return.

Drawing the curtains, Shen Qingqing's eyes were filled with doubt. She really couldn't understand what Jiang Zhixun wanted.

She shook her head to clear it; whatever Jiang Zhixun did had nothing to do with her!

She tidied herself up in the bathroom and washed her soiled undergarments.

It was already late, and although not sleepy, Shen Qingqing lay on the bed trying to summon sleep.

When people idle, thoughts tend to wander.

The Jiang Family didn't ask precisely, but surely they're curious about her relationship with Zhou Hansheng.

She didn't want to mention it for the time being, waiting until work was settled to speak.

She pulled the quilt over her head.

With a self-mocking smile, she admitted Zhou Hansheng was right.

She always considered her future, her desires...she was, indeed, selfish.

But she didn't regret it.

The person who would unconditionally love her no longer existed.

She needed to secure a little more for herself.

Bravery and self-sacrifice...these words didn't suit her.

Nor did she have the courage to take those risks.

Just like eight years ago, she didn't give up her career for Jiang Zhixun and go to the Northwest.

She wasn't a gambler.

She wouldn't wager her life on a grand bet.

She wasn't afraid to lose but feared having nothing left and no chance to start over.

It's better to hold tightly onto her career!

In this storm of thoughts, Shen Qingqing slowly fell asleep.

It could be that she returned to a place that made her feel safe, or maybe she was just too tired recently, despite having taken a nap in the afternoon, she slept soundly again.

...

In the courtyard.

Jiang Zhixun had another sleepless night.

Having showered, he stood bare-chested in the room, picking out clothes.

He didn't have many casual outfits, could count them all on one hand.

Among them, two shirts with different details, chosen by Shen Qingqing the year they got married.

He was in a dilemma.

Unsure whether to wear the white shirt or the one with stripes.

The former appeared more serious, suiting his demeanor. Shen Qingqing had complimented him before, saying he looked handsome in white shirts.

The latter was more casual, less rigid. Shen Qingqing also suggested he should try different styles.

Jiang Zhixun was stuck, held the shirts up to himself, and neither seemed right.

If only Qingqing were here, he could directly ask her opinion.

A sigh escaped his thin lips.

In the end, Jiang Zhixun chose the one with stripes.

He wanted to present a new appearance when meeting Shen Qingqing!

Before dawn, Madam Jiang heard noises from upstairs. She lay in bed a while longer, got up, washed, and began making breakfast, but hadn't seen anyone come down yet.

She wondered to herself, muttering softly, "What's that young man up to again!"

Finished nagging, she heard footsteps coming downstairs.

Seeing Jiang Zhixun, she was stunned, "Why are you wearing that shirt? Dressed up like a peacock displaying its feathers."

The shirt was of bright dacron material, favored by many cheerful, handsome young men.

Such outfits often caught the eyes of young girls on the street.

But their Zhixun had never worn it before!

His short hair was evidently well-groomed too.

Madam Jiang tutted, "If people didn't know better, they'd think you were the groom today, off to marry a bride!"

Jiang Zhixun blushed a little.

"I have things to do, I'm heading out."

No need to ask, they knew he was going to see Shen Qingqing.

Madam Jiang looked at the sky, still dark, "Have breakfast before you go, Qingqing won't leave so early for her induction, she might not go until the afternoon."

Jiang Zhixun didn't know when Shen Qingqing would leave, so he had to go early and wait.

If he missed the chance, by the time his leave ended, seeing Shen Qingqing wouldn't be so easy.

He had to seize every opportunity!

Skipped breakfast, "You all eat, I'm off."

His long legs quickly carried him out of sight, leaving no chance for Madam Jiang to say more.

She scolded, "Already in his thirties, still so hasty and reckless like a young bull, not worried about being laughed at."

Father Jiang wholeheartedly agreed, "Thirty-three and still a bachelor, he's the only one!"

The tone of disdain could be felt far and wide!

Madam Jiang always shielded her son, unchanged over the years.

She could criticize her own son, but others couldn't!

"Qingqing and Doctor Zhou probably won't work out, just wait and see, this year Zhixun will surely marry Qingqing home!"

Father Jiang was curious, "How do you know it won't work out?"

"A woman understands women best. I see Qingqing has lost interest."

When feelings are strong, there's eagerness to marry and live together.

Now Qingqing's uncertain, showing signs of retreat, doesn't it prove there's a problem between her and Zhou Hansheng?

Madam Jiang said, "Qingqing and Zhixun know each other well, and our family treats her like a daughter. After looking around, they're the best match!"