Chapter 616: A Chance Encounter, An Awkward Relationship

"Mommy!"

As soon as the three little ones saw Jiang Baobao, they all scurried over, asking all at once: "Mommy, do the photos you took today look good?"

"When will we be able to see Daddy and Mommy's wedding photos?"

"It would have been better if Mommy had taken us with her today..."

The last sentence was said by Tiantian, who pouted her little mouth in dissatisfaction.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Baobao hurriedly squatted down, gently rubbed her little head to soothe her, and said: "The place where the photos were taken today was too busy, and Mommy was afraid she wouldn't be able to look after you well. But once I get the photos, I'll show them to you first thing, okay?"

"Mm-hmm!"

The little girl was very easy to coax and happily agreed.

Jiang Baobao took the opportunity to kiss her on her little cheek: "Be good, go play."

The three little ones turned back to continue their game.

Jiang Baobao gave Jiang Chenghao a look, signaling that she had something she wanted to say to him.

Just then, Li Beijue also walked in, and the three of them sat on the sofa, chatting briefly about some official business regarding the Jiang Family.

Jiang Chenghao spoke with clear logic, and one could tell just by listening that he had been extremely attentive to company matters during this period.

Seeing that he was in a truly good state, Jiang Baobao finally set her heart completely at ease.

Since her uncle was already fully devoted to the company, there was no need for her to bring up Xinaijie again...

As time passed, this matter would eventually fade away.

Just as Jiang Baobao was thinking this, she suddenly saw Zheng Bo walking in from the entryway.

"Madam, a friend of yours has come to visit."

Zheng Bo said respectfully.

"A friend? Is it Xiao Tang?"

Jiang Baobao asked back subconsciously and hurriedly stood up.

Immediately after the words left her lips, she saw a figure walking in from the entryway.

The few people in the living room were all stunned for a moment, and the air seemed to freeze for an instant.

After a long while— "Xinaijie, why are you here..."

Jiang Baobao had not expected Liu Xin'ai to visit suddenly today, and she felt a sudden shock in her heart.

Liu Xin'ai also had not expected that Jiang Chenghao would be here.

Hearing Jiang Baobao's question, she abruptly withdrew her gaze and hurriedly explained: "I remembered that you are getting married soon, so I prepared a congratulatory gift in advance. Since I happened to have time today, I brought it over, and I also wanted to chat with you while I was at it..."

As she spoke, her eyes couldn't help but glance over at Jiang Chenghao, who had been looking at her the whole time.

Jiang Baobao realized what was happening and hurriedly said: "Xinaijie, don't stand there, come over and sit..."

The current situation was truly a bit awkward, and Jiang Baobao could only offer an invitation to smooth things over.

Liu Xin'ai nodded, then walked over and sat down beside Jiang Baobao.

The atmosphere suddenly became quiet again, and wisps of awkwardness permeated the air.

Seeing the conversation stall, Jiang Baobao hurriedly asked: "Xinaijie, what gift did you bring me?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Xin'ai hurriedly took out the small bag she had been carrying: "It's like this, my father knows a craftsman who specializes in making jewelry. He only takes private commissions now, so I asked him to craft a pair of bracelets for you. See if you like them."

As Liu Xin'ai spoke, she hurriedly pulled a small velvet box out of the bag.

Jiang Baobao took it with some pleasant surprise, and upon opening it, she saw a very delicate hollowed-out gold bracelet; one look was enough to tell the craftsmanship was exquisite.

"This is too beautiful! And so precious..."

Jiang Baobao carefully took the bracelet out.

Liu Xin'ai said with a smile: "As long as you like it. The pattern on it, according to the craftsman, has been passed down from a long time ago and represents good fortune, happiness, and health. I know you aren't lacking anything, so just accept it as a good omen."

"Xinaijie... thank you so much, I really like this gift!"

Jiang Baobao was quite moved, looking at the bracelet in her hand and unable to put it down.

Then, she heard Jiang Chenghao suddenly speak up: "Xin'ai, you are very thoughtful."

Jiang Baobao was taken aback upon hearing this.

Liu Xin'ai was also dazed for a moment before hurriedly replying: "It's only right."

After she finished speaking, the living room fell silent again.

Only the sounds of laughter and play from the three little ones nearby could be heard from time to time.

The atmosphere was awkward to the extreme.

Liu Xin'ai had intended to stay a while longer, but now she had no choice but to stand up: "Baobao, since the gift has been delivered, I'll head back now. I'll come find you to chat another day when I have time."

Liu Xin'ai said this and prepared to leave.

But unexpectedly, as soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Chenghao also stood up and said: "Baobao, I'll head back now too. I'll come see you all another day."

"Ah? Oh... okay..."

Jiang Baobao hadn't expected the two of them to leave together, and for a moment, she didn't know what to say, so she could only respond casually.

A flash of unnaturalness crossed Liu Xin'ai's face, and she turned to walk toward the door first.

Jiang Chenghao followed immediately.

Jiang Baobao subconsciously wanted to follow them, but someone pressed down on her shoulder from behind; she turned around and saw Li Beijue shaking his head gently.

"Let them handle their own affairs."

Jiang Baobao hesitated for a few seconds, finally giving up the thought of following them out, but she watched the direction of the door with some worry.

Outside the door—Jiang Chenghao had caught up to Liu Xin'ai in two steps and said: "Xin'ai, let me drive you back..."

"No need, I drove here myself."

Liu Xin'ai refused without a second thought, and as she spoke, she hurriedly pulled open the car door.

She paused for a moment before getting into the car, her peripheral vision unable to resist taking one last glance at Jiang Chenghao, whom she hadn't seen for some time.

He seemed to be in quite good spirits...

Then she could rest easy.

"Goodbye."

Liu Xin'ai said her farewells to him and got into the car without another word.

With a "bang," the car door closed.

Only then did Jiang Chenghao finally withdraw his gaze, turn around, and get into his own car.

A few seconds later—both cars left Li Mansion at the same time.

There was only one road out, and it would take a while to drive before reaching the main thoroughfare to head toward other roads.

Jiang Chenghao followed behind Liu Xin'ai's car unhurriedly, watching the figure that could be vaguely seen ahead in a daze.

How had she been doing lately?

Was Qin Yiyan still speaking to her with harsh words like before?

During this time, he had often dreamed of her... dreamed of the time when the two of them were together...

Jiang Chenghao gripped the steering wheel tightly, a flash of unwillingness quickly crossing his eyes.

In the car ahead—Liu Xin'ai was also somewhat absent-minded.

She tried hard to control herself not to look at the car in the rearview mirror.

Yet her gaze could not help but fall upon it, only to quickly shift away, leaving behind a trace of loneliness.

She and Cheng Hao were already over.

Do not think about it anymore.

Must not think about it anymore.

Liu Xin'ai took a deep breath and slammed on the accelerator, intending to leave this stretch of road quickly.

But she didn't expect that the next second—a "click" sound suddenly came from the wheels!