Chapter 110: Hesitation at the Threshold of Home (extra 200 diamonds)

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Liang Jinshang wasn’t sure whether Chao Jingyu actually understood or not. As long as Chao Jingyu himself didn’t want to show it, no one could read any hint in his expression. Time kept passing, yet Shang Yucheng and Nan Yi still hadn’t appeared. Fortunately, Le Quan and Zheng Jue were two lively souls; with them around, there was no dull moment.

Liang Jinshang had called Shang Yucheng and Nan Yi several times, but as if they had conspired, neither answered. Growing anxious, Liang Jinshang imagined that Liang Xizhou’s feelings were probably even more complicated than hers. A man who had been downcast for years had today summoned all his courage to drag his weakened body and don a crisp, well-fitted new suit, all just to see the love of his youth. Every moment Nan Yi’s tardiness prolonged must have felt like torment to him.

Chao Jingyu perceived Liang Jinshang’s anxiety. He had seen Liang Xizhou’s rough treatment of Liang Jinshang before but hadn’t understood why she would still give herself so unconditionally. However, since that night when Liang Xizhou had bitterly lamented her plight in front of him, Chao Jingyu understood. Such a tragic and dark past, and yet he was surprised he harbored no disdain for Liang Jinshang but instead felt a twinge of sympathy for Liang Xizhou.

He approached and steadied the armrest of Liang Xizhou’s wheelchair. “Xizhou, I’m attending a seminar in Zhouyu, and the topic I’m bringing is about repairing damaged neurons. Thanks to you for cooperating with my treatment and providing so much data.”

Liang Xizhou replied with disinterest, “I suppose this useless man of mine has at least contributed something to medical science.”

“Don’t say that. I haven’t told you about my gains yet. I still strongly suggest you seek treatment abroad. The technology of neuronal implants has advanced so much now…” Chao Jingyu’s voice was gentle, matching his refined demeanor. He spoke eloquently and with great charm.

Unconsciously, Liang Xizhou relaxed a little. If Zheng Jue hadn’t snapped his fingers in front of Liang Jinshang and Le Quan, Liang Jinshang wouldn’t have realized how entranced they were.

“Ladies, especially Ms. Le, could you please give me some attention?”

Le Quan wasn’t embarrassed by her boyfriend’s teasing. “Chao Jingyu is both talented and charming; it’s natural he draws the opposite sex’s attention. What’s your problem?”

Zheng Jue sighed, “Ah, blame my dull life. The simple words ‘tall, rich, and handsome’ sum up my entire existence.”

Liang Jinshang smiled faintly and was about to make another call when her phone vibrated. It was a message from Nan Yi.

“Home treasure, I’ve thought a lot about it, but I won’t be coming today.”

Liang Jinshang quickly replied, “Why?”

Nan Yi kept typing for a while before sending, “Just consider it me being afraid of going back home.”

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Liang Jinshang sent more messages, but Nan Yi never replied again. She looked at the gloomy Liang Xizhou, unsure how to break the news. He had finally taken this step after so long…

Le Quan, scrolling on her phone, suddenly stood up. “Everyone, how about we stop waiting and start eating?”

Now Nan Yi was confirmed not coming, and Shang Yucheng was still unreachable. But since Shang Yucheng was half the host, and the guests wanted to begin, they couldn’t keep them waiting forever.

“All right, let’s eat first,” Liang Jinshang forced a smile. “I want you all to try my cooking before it gets cold.”

As she went to the kitchen to serve dishes, Chao Jingyu looked at Le Quan with a hint of curiosity. Le Quan bit her lip and shook her phone at him, signaling him to check her social media feed.

Chao Jingyu casually scrolled and saw the latest post from Gong Xueyuan: “Never thought a fairy like me would have to personally take care of a child.”

The picture showed Gong Nian on a hospital bed, happily building with Legos. But a man’s hand appeared in the frame—long-fingered, well-manicured, wearing a watch worth over a million.

There might be many men with beautiful hands who could afford such watches in their circle—at least two were in this very room—but only one would be so “calculating” as Gong Xueyuan to flaunt it like this.

Le Quan had heard from Zheng Jue that Gong Xueyuan and Zheng San’er had recently been at odds, both stubborn and unwilling to concede. Who else but Shang Yucheng, the one-in-a-million ex, could provoke Zheng Shan so deeply?

Le Quan exchanged a glance with Chao Jingyu and then muttered quietly, “Bitch!”

It was unclear whether she was cursing Shang Yucheng or Gong Xueyuan.

Liang Jinshang returned with the dishes, and Chao Jingyu and Le Quan withdrew their gazes. Chao Jingyu produced the wine he had brought—indeed, as Le Quan had said, Romanée-Conti.

“Oh? I prepared wine too,” Liang Jinshang said, well-prepared, having chosen two fine bottles from Shang Yucheng’s cellar to entertain everyone, not inferior to what Chao Jingyu had brought.

But Le Quan recognized that the wine wasn’t something Liang Jinshang could afford.

“I won’t drink yours,” Le Quan stubbornly declared. “Chao Jingyu’s wine is smoother; yours makes me ‘drunk’ just by looking at it.”

Liang Jinshang didn’t understand Le Quan’s words, but Chao Jingyu did perfectly. He cleared his throat, signaling Le Quan to stop provoking and be careful not to reveal anything.

“This wine was meant for today. Last time at the Red Gate, I kept you from drinking it; today, I’ll make it up to you.” Taking the corkscrew, he opened the rare bottle. “I have another gift for your housewarming.”

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Chao Jingyu was always composed while Le Quan stared down at her glass, barely audible sigh escaping her lips. How had she been so blind?

Romanée-Conti was Romanée-Conti. Liang Jinshang initially kept an eye on the clock but was about to wear it out as Shang Yucheng still hadn’t arrived.

Relying on the “joy” of her new home, she toasted cup after cup with friends. Everyone was speechless under her relentless toasts—even Zheng Jue, a heavy drinker, couldn’t stand it.

Seizing Liang Jinshang’s glass mid-toast, Zheng Jue said, “Miss Liang, you’re drinking Romanée like water. If you get drunk, we guests will have to clean up. You’ll lose both ways!”

Liang Jinshang’s pupils dilated; she couldn’t even aim properly to snatch her cup back.

Liang Xizhou was also heavily drunk, utterly so. Liang Jinshang still worried about him, watching as Chao Jingyu and Zheng Jue carried him to the bedroom before feeling at ease.

She collapsed on the living room sofa, still slurring, “Don’t leave yet! I just bought the latest game. We’re playing games at my place!”

Seeing her like this, Le Quan and Chao Jingyu didn’t feel comfortable leaving her alone. Chao Jingyu had an extra worry—he feared that when the “abandoned” Liang Xizhou woke up, he might lash out at Liang Jinshang.

So the group genuinely started playing games in the living room.

When a knock came at the door, Le Quan and Chao Jingyu were engrossed in their battle.

Le Quan nudged Zheng Jue, “Jue’er, go open the door.”

Liang Jinshang, surprisingly awake, suddenly said, “Don’t open it!”

Zheng Jue, the only one out of the loop, asked, “Why not?”

Liang Jinshang replied, “All my guests have arrived. Those outside aren’t invited.”