Chapter Twenty-Nine: Together

Jiang Haoen nodded and straightened up. He walked over to a single armchair and sat down, pouring himself a glass of water to drink.

“Brother, what’s wrong?” Shi Zhaodi looked at Jiang Haoen hesitantly, unsure why she felt his mood seemed off today.

Jiang Haoen lifted his head to meet her gaze and spoke slowly, “Tomorrow, we’re going to the countryside. You’re coming with me.”

“Can I really go?” Shi Zhaodi asked in disbelief. She had hardly ever gone out with Jiang Haoen before. Partly because he rarely left the house, and partly because when he did, it was always with his family. Bringing her along would seem out of place.

“We’ll go together,” Jiang Haoen nodded in affirmation.

After that, Shi Zhaodi barely remembered how she returned to the small building—more like floating back. That night, she was restless, unable to sleep during the first half, and spent the second half dreaming until dawn.

“Mom, Brother Haoen said he’ll take me to the countryside today. Is that okay?” After getting up and freshening up, Shi Zhaodi stood by the table and asked her mother cautiously.

Shi’s wife was momentarily stunned, then looked up at her daughter and finally said, “If the master and mistress of the Jiang family have no objections, and you won’t trouble the young master, then go ahead.”

“Thank you, Mom!” Shi Zhaodi exclaimed excitedly, hugging her mother’s neck.

Shi’s wife smiled faintly but felt a heavy weight in her heart. Her daughter was sixteen, just at the age when feelings begin to stir. She was well aware of Shi Zhaodi’s feelings for Jiang Haoen.

More than once, she had hinted to her daughter that a relationship with the Jiang family’s young master was impossible, warning her not to fall too deeply to avoid future pain.

But recently, her daughter had confided her true feelings, which had somewhat eased her worries.

“Mom, I know you mean well. I also know nothing can happen between Brother Haoen and me, even though I like him so much. I just want to spend more time with him before I leave—so at least I’ll have memories when I’m gone.”

The next day, after breakfast, Shi Zhaodi went to find Jiang Haoen, only to discover he was already waiting for her to set off.

The servants had packed his easel, paints, and other supplies into the back compartment of the car. The driver opened the door.

Jiang Haoen took Shi Zhaodi’s hand and helped her into the back seat. This was her first time going out with him—exciting yet a little nerve-wracking.

“Brother, where are we going?”

“Brother, do you see the mountains ahead?”

“Brother, there’s a stream here too!”

“Brother—”

All along the way, Shi Zhaodi chattered nonstop. Jiang Haoen barely responded, but she was happily oblivious to that.

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Where is the favor? Where is the praise? Angels need encouragement—more updates, please! OO~