CHAPTER 357: CHAPTER 350: SETTLING SCORES AFTER THE AUTUMN HARVEST

Sisi didn’t know what to do either. She forgave herself for being a love idiot, but after all, she was an adult with a mature soul. In her past life, she had read so many romance novels—though she’d never seen a pig run, she’d at least eaten pork!

"Sister Qiqi, I think at times like these you shouldn’t have to bear it alone. Love is a matter for the two of you, and now that there’s a stumbling block in your relationship, you should work with Zhuge Yun to overcome it," Sisi stated carefully, cautiously offering her advice.

"But it’s my family, how can Ayun bear this with me?" Liu Qiqi was puzzled.

Sisi sighed, which is why she disliked meddling in her friends’ love lives. It was a thankless task, where one mishap could cost you the friendship.

"What I’m saying is, you’ve already set your heart on marrying him, but does Zhuge Yun feel you’re the only one for him too?"

Blushing, Liu Qiqi shyly responded, "Of course!"

"There you go, if both of you are committed to each other, you naturally have to share the joys and weather the hardships together. It doesn’t make sense for you to be crying so sadly alone, without letting Zhuge Yun know, does it?"

After thinking for a moment, Sisi added, "And besides, Zhuge Yun’s brain works much better than yours, maybe he has some good ideas!"

"Right, what you said makes sense, Sisi. Why should I be sad alone? I should face this with Ayun."

Liu Qiqi had a sudden realization, her smile blooming once again, but soon her mind caught up with Sisi’s words, and she pounced on Sisi fiercely, exclaiming loudly, "He Sisi, what did you just say? Ayun’s brain works better than mine? Are you asking for a spanking?"

"If his brain didn’t work well, how could he have picked a flower like you?" Sisi replied seriously, holding back her laughter.

Liu Qiqi herself couldn’t help laughing, coyly rolling her eyes at Sisi, her glow restored, showing none of her former sorrow.

So it goes to show, love is such a thing that can send you painfully to hell or joyously to heaven, all in the blink of an eye!

This year, Tian Xinhua had just graduated from university. His three years of college had made him more mature and refined, but those who knew him well were aware that beneath his seemingly harmless exterior lay a heart that could be quite cold.

As for Tian Xinhua’s post-graduation job, Mr. Yun had already arranged it—he went to work as a junior secretary at the *** Office. Mr. Yun’s plan was to have Tian Xinhua train there for a year or two, before sending him down to mingle.

"Although you won’t learn any real skills at the Office, it’s a necessary path for you. At the very least, you’ll get to understand some procedures and learn some rules. When you’re there, don’t be too conspicuous, but don’t be too weak, either. Find the right balance," this was Mr. Yun’s advice to Tian Xinhua.

But Sisi didn’t understand. Why did Tian Xinhua need to walk this fine line between not standing out too much and not being too weak? How could he grasp this balance?

How could anyone properly make their way in the world then?

Tian Xinhua wasn’t perplexed at all. He looked at Sisi’s puzzled little face with amusement, extended his long arm, and pulled her into his embrace.

Sisi snuggled into Tian Xinhua’s arms as well; early autumn nights in Beijing could get quite chilly, especially on the rooftop.

Yes, on a whim, Sisi had dragged Tian Xinhua onto the rooftop to gaze at the stars, seeking to experience a touch of romance.

But as it turned out, while the stars were indeed beautiful from the rooftop, the chilly breeze was just as undeniably cold.

Sisi snuggled further into Tian Xinhua’s embrace, which delighted him, though he kept his face expressionless, holding her even tighter.

"Brother Xin Hua, let me tell you, we did something big in Hong Kong this time!"

Sisi chattered away about their rescue mission with Yuan Jin, Shangguan, and the others, oblivious to the fading smile on Tian Xinhua’s face above her head.

"Brother Xin Hua, aren’t we amazing? You have no idea..."

"We are amazing, Ah Nan, but I hadn’t realized that you’ve become so bold. Driving to the front lines alone, and now you even dare to challenge the gangs in Hong Kong?"

Tian Xinhua ground his teeth - had he been careless, and this damn girl got too gutsy?

Tian Xinhua’s tone was ominously cold, making Sisi shiver and cautiously glance up at him, then quickly lower her head, filled with regret. If only she had known, she wouldn’t have spoken!

"I’m really capable, and besides, Feifei, Zhang Jie, and the others were there too. We just wanted to help Brother Yuan; he’s so pitiable," Sisi bravely explained.

Tian Xinhua remained expressionless.

"And that person wouldn’t just stand by and do nothing if I were in trouble. Brother Xin Hua, you know I’m so afraid of pain; I wouldn’t let myself get hurt, so rest assured!" Sisi coaxed, holding Tian Xinhua’s hand and invoking that nonexistent mysterious protector.

Tian Xinhua sighed, held Sisi tight, and rested his chin on her hair, inhaling the faint fragrance of the girl’s hair.

"Ah Nan, I know you have a mysterious protector, but relying on outsiders is never reliable. You’ve been lucky these few times, not facing any formidable opponents. If you really encounter a powerful enemy, you won’t have time to shoot before being killed. That mysterious person might not be able to save you in time either!"

Sisi shuddered with fear and her back broke out in cold sweat. Tian Xinhua was right; facing a strong opponent, she could be wiped out in an instant, without even having time to enter Space.

She had become too arrogant, thinking she could do anything with Space at her disposal. Sisi felt immense regret and was deeply remorseful for her recklessness.

"Brother Xin Hua, I’m sorry, I was too careless. I’ll be more careful in the future."

Tian Xinhua looked at the dejected Sisi, who had lost all her earlier vitality, and his heart softened. Had he demanded too much from Ah Nan?

"Brother Xin Hua isn’t saying you shouldn’t care about anything or do nothing, just find a balance. Don’t be too meek, nor too provocative!"

Sisi’s brows furrowed. Balance again? Why did Tian Xinhua sound exactly like Mr. Yun? What did he mean by not being too meek or too provocative? How was she supposed to find that balance?

Tian Xinhua chuckled, watching Sisi’s furrowed brows with affection, and couldn’t resist kissing them, whispering in her ear:

"Don’t think too much, Ah Nan. Just remember, before you do anything in the future, think of your family and me. Don’t put yourself in danger, that’s all!"

The moon shyly hid within the clouds, and the stars closed their eyes, too embarrassed to look at the couple on the roof, wrapped up in each other’s arms.

Dizzy from the kisses, the only thing Sisi remembered was promising Tian Xinhua many things, including not to undertake dangerous tasks without his agreement. As for what constituted a dangerous task, Tian Xinhua would provide the clarification.