The class monitor and others took turns updating Jiang Yi on their recent lives. The five of them gathered around the grill, chatting while cooking, their stories largely matching the information Jiang Sixian had provided.
After catching up, they turned to Jiang Yi: “What about you? What happened after you disappeared?”
Jiang Yi recounted waking up to find a grandmother with mental health issues, then joining the military before eventually leaving service.
The class monitor sighed deeply: “Back then you were planning to apply to police academy. When the college acceptance letters arrived at school, you were already gone.”
Jiang Yi’s heart skipped a beat: “I wanted to go to police academy?” Before dying in that car accident saving a child, she’d been attending—of all places—police academy.
Could it really be such a coincidence? Was her own aspiration also the original Jiang Yi’s dream?
The monitor nodded: “Yeah, you don’t even remember that?” A melancholy mood settled over the group.
Jin Duolai especially felt regret on Jiang Yi’s behalf: “If that accident hadn’t happened, you might be standing here in a police uniform right now. With your grades and strong sense of justice, you’d have made an excellent officer.”
Jiang Yi wasn’t particularly regretful. She smiled: “Some things are just fate. Honestly, I’m pretty content with how things turned out.”
Zhang Tiantian nodded in agreement: “Same. As long as you’re living happily, that’s what matters most.”
Chen Wanzhou seemed thoughtful before asking: “By the way, I saw you with Sixian the other day. What are you doing now? Working as her assistant?”
Jiang Yi flipped the lobster on the grill and replied: “Nah, I’m not assistant material. We signed a contract—I’m her personal bodyguard now.”
Chen Wanzhou’s eyes widened before she burst out laughing: “No way, Jiang Yi! You’re her bodyguard? That’s some next-level roleplay!”
Jiang Yi rolled her eyes, recognizing the unspoken implication about kinky games. Truth was, Jiang Sixian had initially wanted to financially support her, but Jiang Yi preferred earning her keep through actual work.
Ignoring their gossipy gazes, Jiang Yi sliced the grilled lobster, seasoned it, and explained: “After four years in the military with no further education, I’m still figuring out my path. Bodyguard work makes sense for now.”
She challenged them with a look: “Got a problem with me making an honest living with my skills?”
They quickly shook their heads: “No problem at all!”
Led by Lin Yinxi, they then pressed Jiang Yi for military stories. Most alphas harbored some fascination with military life, and Jiang Yi found herself relaxing in their company, sharing select amusing anecdotes.
The mood remained lively, with several urging Jiang Yi to stay overnight for proper catching up. But with Jiang Sixian to pick up, she declined all alcohol and kept chatting until the gathering wound down.
As 4:30 PM approached, Jiang Yi exchanged updated contacts with everyone before driving off to collect Jiang Sixian.
En route, Lin Yinxi called—ever the perceptive gossip enthusiast, she got straight to the point: “Jiang Yi, have you seen your mother’s side yet? I’m guessing you’re not planning to return to the Jiang family?”
The question didn’t entirely surprise Jiang Yi. Driving with Bluetooth earpiece in, she replied: “Yeah, no plans to. Why?”
Lin Yinxi chuckled: “Just checking on you. Also… I wanted to propose something.”
Despite their recent reunion, Jiang Yi felt no distance: “Go ahead.”
“I’m planning to open a hot pot restaurant soon but need more investors. Want to partner up?”
Jiang Yi paused before realizing this was Lin Yinxi’s way of helping. She understood her own situation—while her biological mother’s family and Jiang Sixian were wealthy, that wasn’t her money.
Stubbornly self-reliant by nature, Jiang Yi had resisted borrowing startup funds despite knowing it was an option. With just a high school education and military service gap, her career options felt limited.
Lin Yinxi’s offer perfectly addressed her circumstances—a hot pot joint was within her investment capability. After all, she couldn’t remain Jiang Sixian’s bodyguard forever.
Warmth flooded Jiang Yi’s chest, her eyes inexplicably stinging. She steadied her voice: “Sure, hit me up if you need funds. I’ve got some saved.”
Lin Yinxi cheerfully agreed: “I’ll send you the proposal—maybe have Sixian review it too.” After brief pleasantries, they hung up.
Soon, Zhang Tiantian called about a personal trainer position at her family’s upscale gym—high safety standards, elite clientele, excellent pay. “If working for Sixian feels awkward, we need a skilled team leader,” she added.
Recognizing this as another lifeline, Jiang Yi politely accepted while mentally noting these accumulating favors.
Chen Wanzhou took a more transactional approach—offering lucrative short-term contracts to train her security team and consult on a military-themed amusement park project. Jiang Yi declined the latter, offering free feedback instead.
Jin Duolai’s question cut deepest: “Ever thought about continuing your education?” College held zero appeal, but self-study was possible.
This sparked an idea—if she wanted that goose farm, she’d need agricultural and business management knowledge. She asked Jin Duolai for relevant materials, leaving her friend puzzled but agreeable.
These staggered, considerate calls made Jiang Yi reflect—perhaps others saw her as down on her luck, “kept” by Jiang Sixian.
Yet after two years in combat zones, she’d come to cherish stability. If financially independent someday, she’d happily laze around gaming all day.
Amid these musings, Jiang Yi arrived at the address Jiang Sixian provided—a private hospital. Dread pooled in her stomach.
Remembering Jiang Sixian’s mention of psychiatric medication, panic set in. Was she relapsing?
Fingers trembling, Jiang Yi called: “Where are you? I don’t see you!”
Jiang Sixian’s cheerful voice replied: “Look in your rearview mirror.”
Leaning out the window, Jiang Yi spotted her several yards back—umbrella in one hand, waving with the other, face radiant.
No visible medicine bags. Relief.
“Get in already,” Jiang Yi said, hanging up but keeping watch as Jiang Sixian approached.
Noticing her attention, Jiang Sixian hurried over, sliding into the passenger seat with a smile: “Done so early? I expected an all-nighter.”
She leaned close, sniffing: “Barbecue? You didn’t drink, right?”
Jiang Yi self-consciously checked her jacket: “That strong? I chewed gum.”
“Just thinking about your health,” Jiang Sixian said, smiling when Jiang Yi confirmed sobriety.
Jiang Yi gestured at the hospital: “You said friends. Why a hospital? Doctor friend? Or… are you sick?” Concern laced her voice.
Jiang Sixian’s smile widened at her worry: “I came to see a doctor.”
The admission sent Jiang Yi spiraling. Hands clenching the wheel, rapid-fire questions tumbled out: “Why? What’s wrong? Old condition? Why didn’t you tell me? Why come alone?”
Her frantic demeanor betrayed depths of care she hadn’t acknowledged.
Jiang Sixian’s heart ached sweetly. Cupping Jiang Yi’s cheek, she reassured: “Just routine follow-up. I’m much better now.”
“And… I got some test results.”
Jiang Yi grabbed her hand: “What tests? Bad news?”
Jiang Sixian pretended to ponder: “Not good news.”
Jiang Yi’s grip tightened: “How bad? Serious illness? Treatment options?”
Was this some cruel twist—finally finding love only for Jiang Sixian to be terminally ill?
Jiang Sixian laughed at her expression.
Jiang Yi stared—how could she laugh at a time like this?
Before she could protest, Jiang Sixian embraced her tightly.
That hug filled Jiang Yi’s chest to bursting. Holding her close, Jiang Yi whispered: “Just tell me what’s wrong.”
Her pulse hammered in the suspense.
Jiang Sixian nuzzled her shoulder before murmuring in her ear: “Jiang Yi… my test results… such a pity…”
A pause that stopped Jiang Yi’s heart.
Then:
“I’m… not pregnant.”
The words detonated in Jiang Yi’s brain.
Not illness. Not tragedy. Just… no pregnancy?
Was this a joke?
But Jiang Sixian continued, voice dripping with faux regret: “We went through so many condoms too…”
Her next words ignited Jiang Yi’s entire face:
“Jiang Yi… are you… inadequate?”
“JIANG SIXIAN!” Jiang Yi nearly combusted, crushing her in a hug.
Jiang Sixian blinked innocently from her shoulder: “Hmm?”
“You’re unbelievable!” Jiang Yi growled, squeezing tighter.
Just wait—she’d prove exactly how “adequate” she was.
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