Chapter 18: Jiang Chaoxi’s Defeat in Youth

Blood splattered on his face, reddening Jiang Chaoxi’s eyes. He resembled a fierce wolf, frightening everyone around him. Shouts and screams filled the air, chaos ensued. People remembered that Young Master Jiang had been abroad for many years, but they forgot that Jiang Young Master and the second son of the Ye family should never stand in the same place.

The two had grown up together but never got along. As they got older, the conflicts between them deepened. Something happened later, and Jiang Chaoxi almost killed Ye Kai, leaving a scar on his eyebrow. After that incident, Jiang Chaoxi was sent to study music and cultivate himself.

When the police sirens sounded, Jiang Chaoxi was finally pulled away by the officers in uniform.

The mouthy Ye Second Young Master on the ground was also taken to the hospital.

Jiang Chaoxi was taken to the police station.

The night was cold, and after completing the records, it was already midnight. Jiang Chaoxi’s father, heavily intoxicated, couldn’t answer the phone, and Jiang Chaoxi didn’t expect him to.

He sat in the police station all night, motionless and silent, exuding an aura of desolation. The older police officers couldn’t help but sigh, “You’re so young, with so much aggressiveness. What were you thinking when you attacked? Did you never consider the consequences?”

Jiang Chaoxi raised his dull eyes, and the young man seemed to have grown up. His voice was light, “I’m not a child anymore. I’m an adult.”

He was no longer a child.

“I know what I’m doing.”

Jiang Chaoxi waited until the next afternoon before his father came to pick him up.

Jiang’s father endured his anger and took his son away. They didn’t speak on the way back.

When the car stopped at the Lu family mansion, Jiang Chaoxi raised his eyes and asked, “Aren’t we going home?”

“First, let me take you to thank someone. If it weren’t for him, you wouldn’t be out now. You nearly killed Ye Family’s Second Young Master. Do you think the Ye family will let it go? What were you thinking? Your father couldn’t save you if something happened.”

Jiang Chaoxi looked out of the window without saying a word.

Jiang’s father knew his son’s temper. It was a rare sight for him to be so quiet. After a while, Jiang’s father turned around and found Jiang Chaoxi looking melancholic. He couldn’t help feeling guilty.

“Alright, pay more attention next time. If you have to fight, don’t do it in public places, okay?”

This morning, during the confrontation with the Ye family, Jiang’s father wanted to say something but restrained himself. He really wanted to say, “A waste who can’t win a fight, and you blame my son for being a waste?”

Jiang’s father couldn’t say it. He always remembered that he was no longer the earliest nouveau riche.

Jiang Chaoxi: “…”

Jiang Chaoxi stood in the Lu family mansion again, feeling extremely complicated. He had left this place in a hurry last night, thinking he wouldn’t come back today. However, the banquet was over, and Gu Shisheng should have left.

“Speaking of which, I was drunk last night. When I woke up, I happened to meet Mr. Lu, who had just returned. After hearing about your situation, Mr. Lu helped resolve it. Otherwise, those mad dogs from the Ye family wouldn’t let go.” Jiang’s father exclaimed, “Young and talented, truly outstanding.”

The afternoon sunlight was heavy.

Jiang Chaoxi followed his father and the servant into the backyard of the Lu family.

A path surrounded by bamboo on both sides, scattered spots of sunlight, swaying tree shadows, and the sound of flowing water in the ears, as pleasant as spring. The same scenery, whether at night or during the day, produced different effects.

At the end of the woods, the source of the water flow was visible. A retro-style pavilion was built around it.

Inside the pavilion were jade tables and chairs, with ancient patterns carved on them. The teaware, in a delicate shade of blue, was already prepared. Wisps of mist lingered, emitting a faint fragrance.

A man holding a cup of tea looked up. His light-colored shirt was adorned with ink-like paintings. Even sitting down, his tall and straight figure was apparent. Crossed legs, a powerful aura surrounded him, and his slightly pursed lips gave off a cold and hard impression when not smiling. His ink-blue eyes were sharp, as if capable of penetrating one’s heart.

Jiang Chaoxi wasn’t the first to see such a figure, but he was undoubtedly the most imposing and handsome one.

“Luo, my son just returned from studying abroad. He can be a handful. Thanks to Mr. Lu for helping this time.” Jiang’s father expressed his gratitude sincerely.

Lu Siyi put down the teacup. “It’s not a big deal. Youngsters are full of vigor, a few disputes and fights are normal. It’s Ye’s fault for being narrow-minded.”

“Yes, yes, that’s the reasoning.” Jiang’s father sipped the tea brought by the maid and then discussed the new project with Lu Siyi.

Jiang Chaoxi sat on the side in a daze.

Gu Shisheng should have gone back.

Gu Shisheng had been drunk last night and probably didn’t know what had happened.

The hidden admiration in Jiang Chaoxi’s heart was now subtly painful. He was unwilling and helpless.

Jiang Chaoxi remained in a daze, never expecting the conversation to turn to him.

“By the way, Chaoxi just returned to the country a few days ago and interned at Mrs. Lu’s gallery. I didn’t even know. Sorry for causing trouble to Mrs. Lu.” Jiang’s father said.

Lu Siyi didn’t know, and since Gu Shisheng didn’t mention it, it wasn’t important.

“It’s good. Shisheng shouldn’t find it troublesome. He likes lively youngsters like him.” Lu Siyi said with a gentle smile.

Jiang Chaoxi: “…”

“Who are you talking about?” He suddenly stood up, his face turned pale in an instant. His gaze swept over his father and Lu Siyi, and finally, he stared at Lu Siyi.

“Are you saying that Gu Shisheng is your wife?”

“Shouting like that, where did you put the etiquette you learned when studying abroad?” Jiang’s father frowned, quickly pulling his son back to sit down.

Lu Siyi looked at Jiang Chaoxi with confusion.

While the composed manners of a cultured gentleman prevented Lu Siyi from showing anger directly, the casual way Jiang Chaoxi addressed his wife still made Lu Siyi uncomfortable.

“Yeah, any problem?” Jiang Chaoxi asked, trying to keep his voice steady, lowering his head.

Lu Siyi picked up his teacup. “Indeed, I find Mrs. Gu very amiable.”

The two continued talking, but Jiang Chaoxi didn’t listen. He felt like an outsider, embarrassed and uncomfortable. Nobody would understand his complex emotions. He was ashamed of his earlier actions, but now, thinking back, how could Gu Shisheng be interested in him? Besides his youth, he seemed to fall short in everything compared to Lu Siyi.

He was just upset and unwilling. In what aspect did he lose to Lu Siyi? Was it because of age? Did he lose in the ten years of experience? Jiang Chaoxi never felt inferior because of others.

He was just sad. Why wasn’t he born ten years earlier? If he had met the same-aged Gu Shisheng, would the ending be different?