Chapter 85: Only One Pair Matched Successfully

Just like that, Jiang Li naturally ended up sticking close to Xu An’an, leaving the others only to envy them. Jiang Yu, on the other hand, was full of discontent and frustration, though there was nothing he could do about it. He didn’t even understand why he felt so dissatisfied and irritable.

Once everyone had written their names on the little blackboard, the director announced the results, clearly surprised: “Only one pair chose each other successfully.”

“It’s Second Master and Xu An’an!”

All the remaining women had chosen Jiang Li, while Jiang Yu had chosen Xu An’an.

This outcome astonished everyone—especially Jiang Yu.

If not for the setting, he would have rushed over to Xu An’an to demand why she hadn’t listened to him, why she hadn’t picked him!

Jiang Li stood up lazily and beckoned to Xu An’an. “Come, let’s eat.”

“Right this way!” The director practically transformed into a waiter, eager to feed Jiang Li himself.

Jiang Li waved him off impatiently, unwilling to share his meal with anyone else. He said to the director, “How will you arrange for the others? I think that little game you mentioned earlier would do.”

The director was taken aback. He realized he hadn’t even finished explaining that game earlier. But what did it matter? He hurried off to implement his idea anyway; as long as the participants played along, it would suffice.

So, under envious eyes, Xu An’an followed Jiang Li into the dining room to enjoy a sumptuous dinner for the evening—a truly pleasant affair. She could even see, from the window, Xu Wanwan and the others downstairs playing games. They were rummaging in the mud for something! The director really was infamous for his pranks.

Remembering something, Xu An’an quickly asked, “Second Master, have you already helped transfer my mother to another hospital?”

She had thought this would take a long time to arrange, but Jiang Li had handled everything unexpectedly quickly, secretly moving her mother in such a way that no one would be the wiser. By the time Shen Ying realized what had happened, it would be far too late.

Jiang Li nodded slightly. “She’s been moved to St. Mary’s Private Sanatorium. Without a relative’s approval, no one is allowed inside.”

“You’re her sole relative.”

A heavy burden lifted from Xu An’an’s heart. She felt deeply grateful, unsure how to repay Jiang Li. With her current abilities, repayment was beyond her reach.

She chose not to speak of it, tucking her gratitude away in her heart.

After the meal, Xu An’an wanted to return to her room to rest but wasn’t sure whether the director had more in store for them. Then she heard Jiang Li say, “Let’s go. That’s all for today.”

With Jiang Li’s word, Xu An’an happily trotted after him.

As they neared their room and found no one around, Xu An’an asked, “Why did you bring the fat cat too? Is it feeling better now?”

Jiang Li opened the door and gestured for her to look inside.

Xu An’an slipped in, making sure to lock the door behind her. “Fat cat, you little troublemaker, let’s see if you dare sneak off again.”

“Meow.”

The fat cat pitifully complained to Xu An’an.

She reached out carefully, gently stroking its fur, not daring to pick it up. “Honestly, I’ve never seen it this badly injured before. But for a cat that loves to wander as much as this one, it should have plenty of experience, right?”

“If you walk by the river often enough, you’re bound to get your feet wet.”

“You’re right, so you must behave, understood?”

Sitting cross-legged on the carpet, Xu An’an propped her chin on one hand and gently rubbed the cat’s head with the other. “Luckily, your benefactor found you this time. Otherwise, who knows what would’ve happened.”

“Meow.”

“Then I’ll take that as your promise to be good.”

Her eyes curved with a gentle smile, stray wisps of hair framing her face. Compared to her usual lively charm, she looked softer now, her beauty, under the cold moonlight, like a pale datura blooming in the night breeze.

Jiang Li lounged on the sofa, loosening his tie and undoing a few buttons on his shirt, giving him a devil-may-care air. His deep, dark eyes watched her, reflecting her silhouette—outshining the moonlight itself.

For reasons unknown, Jiang Li turned away, a faint, unbidden smile curving his lips.

—

Downstairs, Jiang Yu and the others finally got to eat.

Xu Wanwan looked at her plate—just a piece of sweet potato—and was genuinely furious. She protested, but nobody cared.

She didn’t understand why things had become so miserable for her. Was it because her father hadn’t given enough money?

When she heard that Xu An’an was feasting upstairs, Xu Wanwan was on the verge of tears, feeling as if their fortunes had been reversed.

Damn Xu An’an! Her face was already like that—why did she even come to record the show?!

Xu An’an, just you wait. When we get back, you’re dead!

Ning Xiyue and Jiang Yu’s dinner was decent, though neither looked pleased—one wondered what Xu An’an was up to, while the other couldn’t fathom why Jiang Li had chosen her.

“Ah Yu, I’ve lost my appetite. You can have the rest,” Ning Xiyue said, handing him the leftover fish.

Jiang Yu, still hungry, accepted without hesitation, thinking Ning Xiyue was far more considerate than Xu An’an.

Seeing him take the plate so readily, Ning Xiyue hesitated. In truth, she’d only wanted to put on a show; the games had taken more out of her than she cared to admit.

But Jiang Yu finished the meal in a few big bites.

“I heard An’an and Second Master had a lavish dinner,” Ning Xiyue said. “But why didn’t An’an choose you? Why would Second Master pick her? Are they in contact behind the scenes?”

Jiang Yu, now full, let out a satisfied burp. He coughed awkwardly, but thinking of Xu An’an defying him, anger sparked in his eyes. How had she become so unruly? He’d already pressured the Xu family—was it not enough?

“No matter. I’ll go find her now.”

“Keep an eye out for me.”

Ning Xiyue paused, lowering her voice. “How are you going to find her? There are people everywhere. What if someone sees you going into Xu An’an’s room?”

She was publicly paired with Jiang Yu now; she couldn’t let him be linked to Xu An’an.

Jiang Yu replied with supreme confidence, “Don’t worry. Everyone’s here eating. I’ll sneak into Xu An’an’s room—no one will notice.”

Meanwhile, Xu An’an was trapped in the bathroom by Jiang Li, their passions already spent.

Xu An’an had resisted at first, but Jiang Li’s dominance overwhelmed her.

Afterward, she was so exhausted she could barely lift her arms.

Dazed, she thought, No wonder Jiang Li chose this room—because it was soundproof. Otherwise, there would have been real trouble.

“What are you thinking about? Go to sleep,” Jiang Li said, sated and content. He tousled her hair and kissed her forehead, unable to let her go.

Just then, a noise came from the adjoining room.

And that room belonged to Xu An’an.