Chapter 426: The circus monkey (Fifth Watch)

Watching him take another two bottles of wine, Jiang Yisheng parted his lips, but swallowed his words at the last moment.

After all, he had no right to interfere with his thoughts.

Better not to meddle.

In the end, having picked out six bottles of wine, Ji Mingqian left the cellar with satisfaction.

He had just closed the door when a familiar voice came from not far away.

The man spoke with an air of familiarity, "Mingqian, what brings you here today?"

Turning back, Jiang Yisheng saw a man whose imposing figure stood out, especially with his trendy dreadlocks. He had rough, masculine features, and shallow dimples appeared with his smile, which, combined with his appearance, somehow made him look a bit silly.

While he was sizing up the man, the latter had already approached them.

"Yo, Alex," Ji Mingqian high-fived and bumped shoulders with the man, exchanging smiles.

"When did you get here? Why didn’t you let me know?"

Ji Mingqian said, "Arranged a last-minute get-together with some friends and thought we’d try your new wine while we were at it."

Alex smiled, his dimples deepening, and noticed the person standing beside Ji Mingqian, jokingly asking, "Is this your girlfriend?"

The smile on Ji Mingqian’s face froze. What kind of eyesight did this guy have?

Jiang Yisheng felt a moment of disarray, then removed his mask, sunglasses, and cap in a series of movements, offering an awkward yet polite smile, "Hello, I’m Jiang Yisheng."

Alex was struck as if by lightning, "..."

A man?

"Acrily, what kind of eyesight is that? He’s my friend," Ji Mingqian said jokingly while lightly punching his shoulder.

He glanced sideways at Jiang Yisheng, introducing, "Yisheng, this is my friend, Alex, who is also the owner of this winery."

Alex chuckled sheepishly, scratching his head in a rather silly manner, "Sorry, that was forward of me just now."

Jiang Yisheng smiled faintly, "No problem."

He was dressed so securely that it wasn’t a big deal to be mistaken for someone else.

Ji Mingqian patted his shoulder, "We’ve got to run, but Alex, we’ll come back another day for a drink."

"Have you picked your wine?" Alex asked.

"Yes, I had the attendant pack it."

"Alright, let me walk you out, and we’ll make plans another day."

As they were leaving, Alex even took the initiative to grab another type of new wine for them, suggesting they give him feedback after tasting it.

Back in the car, Jiang Yisheng looked up through the rearview mirror at the wine placed in the back seat and spoke softly, "Mingqian, you sure have a lot of friends."

Ji Mingqian didn’t shy from boasting, responding with a grin, "Of course, I’m well-liked."

"..."

Quite the thick skin and self-love.

The gathering was set in the suburbs. By the time Ji Mingqian and his companion arrived, everyone else was already there, waiting just for the two of them.

Having heard from Allen that Ji Mingqian was bringing Jiang Yisheng, everyone was eagerly awaiting their arrival.

After all, the rumored violin prodigy was a rare sight in person.

"Here they come," Allen signaled his friends, having heard the sound of the car.

The group dropped their cards, their gaze unifying on the figures emerging from the car.

A white-clad figure, a graceful gentleman, both gentle and refined.

Meeting everyone’s enthusiastic gazes, Jiang Yisheng felt a bit awkward, inexplicably feeling like he’d become a circus monkey.

"What are you all gawking at? It’s his first time here; don’t scare him away," Ji Mingqian, noticing his unease, slung an arm over his shoulder in a casual manner, teasing Allen and the others.

"Hey, Mingqian, did you two coordinate your outfits?" Allen, with a keen eye, pointed out that their sweaters were matching, tossing the joke back.