Chapter 264: The Profile Looks Like Nan Jiaojiao

“Young Master Shen is really thoughtful,” Bian Xiaoxiao interjected.

Shen Shichu nodded, “You flatter me, it’s what I should do.”

Unlike Jiang Yu, Bian Xiaoxiao was a person of the entertainment circles, adept at managing relationships big and small.

Initially, she took Ye Shiqing under her wing precisely because she saw real talent and a decent family background.

Though the Ye Family had fallen on hard times, wasn’t there still Ye Jun?

Who would have expected such a disgraceful scene at the wedding?

Ye Shiqing came begging to her and, out of concern for her own reputation, Bian Xiaoxiao had pulled some strings, preventing the program from expelling Ye Shiqing.

If the trending topic hadn’t been pulled and the scandal hadn’t been clarified, Bian Xiaoxiao would not have been willing to help her apprentice further.

Now, witnessing Shen Shichu’s care for Ye Shiqing, Bian Xiaoxiao began to contemplate a new plan.

Jiang Yu’s countenance was stern as she came over from the pharmacy.

She hadn’t changed her outfit, wearing a gray cheongsam that had traces of dead leaves on the hem.

As she stepped into the front hall, leaves fell to the floor, and without even looking down, she stepped right upon them.

Nan Jiaojiao was reading a book when Jiang Yu tapped her shoulder with her cigarette holder and said, “Go play in the back.”

Seeing her impatient demeanor, Nan Jiaojiao assumed it wasn’t directed at her.

“Do you have a visitor?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll get out of the way.”

Nan Jiaojiao had no love for meddling in mundane matters, and Jiang Yu felt the same.

Staying here was almost like living in seclusion; there were few visitors allowed in.

“Miss Nan, let me fetch a cape for you to shield from the breeze.”

Aunt Mou unfolded a white cape and draped it over Nan Jiaojiao’s shoulders.

The hat and trim were lined with white fox fur, which brushed against Nan Jiaojiao’s chin.

Her slender frame was enveloped by the cape, making her appear particularly delicate.

As they walked to the backyard, Nan Jiaojiao noticed the red plum trees in the garden, the branches just beginning to sprout buds, yet no blossoms were to be seen.

She asked, “Aunt Mou, is it going to snow soon?”

Aunt Mou laughed, “It’s still early for that, at least a month away.

You must be craving roasted sweet potatoes, right?”

Nan Jiaojiao wrapped the cape tighter and smiled sweetly at her, “And roasted chestnuts, boiled corn— I remember those are your specialties, Aunt Mou.

I want to be the first to eat them this year.”

“I’ll make them for you.

You haven’t had them for three years, and you must be longing for them.”

Aunt Mou didn’t tell her that during the three years Nan Jiaojiao had been away, Jiang Yu hadn’t touched any of Nan Jiaojiao’s favorite foods.

Sometimes, when the servants in the courtyard craved them, they would secretly roast a few on a fire.

If Jiang Yu stumbled upon them, she pretended not to see.

This was the only indulgence she allowed.

Perhaps seeing these snacks reminded her of Nan Jiaojiao.

Thank goodness Miss Nan has come back now; otherwise, it would be another lonely year.

Thinking of this, Aunt Mou couldn’t help but get teary-eyed, her voice becoming choked up as she supported Nan Jiaojiao.

Nan Jiaojiao supported her in return, tilting her head to talk to her.

When Shen Shichu and his party arrived, they caught a glimpse of Nan Jiaojiao’s profile.

The hood of the cape covered everything below her nose, and while Shen Shichu couldn’t make out her features clearly, his heart suddenly clenched, and he immediately wanted to follow her.

“Young Master Shen,” Bian Xiaoxiao called out to stop him, “The Chief is inside; it’s not appropriate to be impulsive.”

Shen Shichu’s face tensed, unable to divert his gaze, unable to explain his sudden urge.

Ye Shiqing followed his gaze and, seeing nothing, quickly clasped his arm, coaxing, “Brother Chu, it’s better not to wander around when we’re in someone else’s house.

Let’s go inside first.”

Shen Shichu suddenly lowered his eyes and fixed her with a cold stare.

The ferocity in his eyes frightened Ye Shiqing so much she nearly let go of his arm.