Chapter 21: Unable to Withstand

“Mackerel, little sister, wishing you a delightful campus life in the new school year! See you next weekend at the dance!” After saying his goodbyes, Nangong Lu drove off, and Su Cha’s car entered the parking lot.

Xianyu Mackerel was just about to step inside when she caught sight, quite by chance, of a young girl in a pale yellow dress standing gracefully among the blossoms in the garden nearby. Her hands were clasped behind her back, her delicate face lifted with a radiant smile as she gazed at the tall and handsome Jiang Mohe.

Xianyu Mackerel paused, taking a longer look. At that moment, Jiang Mohe turned and glanced her way, then strode over purposefully.

The girl behind him hesitated for a moment, then hurried after him, calling out, “Brother He, I haven’t finished what I was saying!”

Jiang Mohe seemed not to hear, quickening his pace until he stood before Xianyu Mackerel. “Was it successful?” he asked.

She understood what he meant and nodded. “Yes.”

The girl caught up, looking at Xianyu Mackerel with innocent curiosity. “Brother He, who is she?”

Jiang Mohe didn’t answer. From inside the house came Aunt Rong’s voice, urging, “Xiaoling, why are you still here? Your mother will call again to rush you soon!”

Aunt Rong stepped outside, seeing Xianyu Mackerel, and the words she was about to say turned into delight: “You’ve returned, Miss Cousin? Working until this hour, you must be starving. Dinner will be ready soon.”

The girl called Xiaoling opened her bright, watery eyes and whispered to Aunt Rong, “Grandma, since when has the mansion had a Miss Cousin?”

Aunt Rong shot her a glare and scolded, “Such a rude girl, asking so many questions! Hurry home now!”

She then smiled apologetically at Xianyu Mackerel. “Xiaoling is young and thoughtless, I hope Miss Cousin won’t take offense!”

Xianyu Mackerel shook her head.

Xiaoling pouted, looking aggrievedly at Jiang Mohe. “Brother He, I’m leaving. Won’t you walk me out?”

Jiang Mohe’s face remained impassive as Xiaoling’s voice grew soft and plaintive. “Then I’ll come find you next week.”

Aunt Rong tapped her forehead. “You little rascal, don’t come over by yourself again. Otherwise, I’ll have your mother sign you up for another tutoring class!”

“Grandma…” Xiaoling twisted in annoyance.

“Hush now, go home!” Aunt Rong wouldn’t let her misbehave any further, dragging her away.

If the young master hadn’t gone out today, she wouldn’t dare let her granddaughter stay this late. Although the young master trusted her and didn’t forbid family visits, they had to be kept private—never for the employers to see.

Aunt Rong and Xiaoling gradually disappeared into the distance. Xianyu Mackerel and Jiang Mohe stood face to face, the atmosphere awkward.

Aunt Rong’s granddaughter looked about her age, but her ability to act coy was extraordinary. Not just Jiang Mohe—even Xianyu Mackerel herself found it hard to resist a girl speaking in such a sweet, childish voice.

Especially the way she called “Brother He”—it nearly melted one’s bones!

Xianyu Mackerel could never manage that, not even with the brother she had once been closest to.

She noticed a flicker in Jiang Mohe’s gaze, as if he had something to say.

---

At that moment, Su Cha had finished parking and walked over.

“Captain Jiang, do you have something to report to Miss Cousin?” Su Cha asked.

“Nothing,” Jiang Mohe replied coolly, then added, “Shouldn’t you be accompanying the young lady?”

Su Cha knew she was at fault and said nothing. Jiang Mohe turned and left.

Xianyu Mackerel sensed something odd between the two, though she couldn’t quite place it.

She didn’t dwell on it, heading inside and upstairs to change into something more comfortable.

Today was registration day, and she wore an elegant dress befitting a refined young lady—a style she rarely chose. Even now, accustomed as she was, she still found nothing as comfortable as casual sportswear.

She had just stepped into the dressing room when Su Cha followed and spoke suddenly from behind, “Miss Cousin, though Captain Jiang was left here by the young master, he’s from the Jiang family in the north of the city. You should be careful around him.”

Xianyu Mackerel was taken aback. “The Jiang family of the north?”

She didn’t know much about them, only that the northern part of Imperial City was a place swarming with all sorts. She’d heard rumors about it over her three years in the city—such as Dou Dou’s unmotivated uncle, who had once offended someone there and lost the use of a hand.

She recalled Jiang Mohe’s agility and decisive manner the night at the villa—certainly not ordinary. Yet it was hard to imagine him associated with the underworld.

But since Su Cha had warned her, there must be hidden truths. She would be cautious.

“All right, thank you for the warning.”

Seeing that Xianyu Mackerel took her words seriously, Su Cha said no more and went downstairs.

---

That afternoon, the “Stew Squad” chat group grew lively again, everyone curious about Liyang Academy.

Blueberry: [Idle Fish, did you get to see the legendary world-class history museum today?]

Idle Fish: [Not yet.]

Pea: [I heard the hottest musical prodigy, Junle Xi, comes from Liyang Academy’s music department. Was he invited to perform at the opening ceremony?]

Xianyu Mackerel recalled someone performing on stage, but it seemed to be a band.

Idle Fish: [I don’t think so.]

Sweet Jia: [Sister Fish, if you see Junle, please get an autograph for me! Please!]

Idle Fish: [……]

Whimperer: [Whimper, whimper, I want one too!]

Second Element: [You silly, you’re a fangirl now! @Whimperer]

Whimperer: [It’d be great for a photo!]

Second Element: [Scram!]

After the star-chasing topic, Dou Dou brought up their old rival.

Pea: [Did you see Zuo Qingqing? I heard she’s in the finance department.]

Idle Fish: [Haven’t run into her yet.]

The finance department was popular, a bit distant from the history department—for now, it was safe.

Pea: [Good. If she keeps pestering you, just dislocate her arm!]

Blueberry: [Be a good student.jpg]

Pea: [Scram!]

Blueberry: [(´;︵;`)]

Idle Fish: [Question, does anyone know what kind of family the Jiang family of the north is?]

Second Element: [Why are you asking?]

A few seconds later,

Second Element: [Anyway, avoid them at all costs!]

Whimperer: [Wow, Second Element, you sound like someone from the underworld!]

Second Element: [Remember that!]

With that, Second Element went offline. The group began speculating about her identity.

They all hailed from every corner of the country and different walks of life. Aside from