久久婷婷丁香五月综合五

Chapter 171: 065 Alian: Idiots, just play by yourselves (second update)_1

He only saw the name “Bai Lian.”

He had just been transferred today and was informed that he would be in charge of the Calligraphy Association matter. This slot had been directly assigned to him by the director, and Minister Xu hardly knew anyone involved.

Apart from Ren Wanxuan, he had only heard of “Qiu Boqing.”

Not to mention the name “Bai Lian,” he hadn’t even heard of anyone with the surname Bai in Xiangcheng, but with caution, he still asked a question—

“Do you know her?”

Ren Wanxuan spoke indifferently, “My father’s niece.”

Ren Wanxuan’s father?

Minister Xu had not heard of her father’s name; he only knew that the Ren Family had taken in a son-in-law.

“I see,” Minister Xu suddenly felt enlightened, “Miss Ren, shall we exchange contact information?”

“Of course.” Seeing that Minister Xu was on board, Ren Wanxuan was not stingy either.

The two amicably added each other on WeChat.

Minister Xu smiled; this was not his first time doing such a thing.

As a new official, he was using an insignificant person to ingratiate himself with Ren Wanxuan and the Ren Family.

This deal was indeed extremely worthwhile.

Meanwhile.

Xu En was having a meal with Ji Heng and others.

The place was Xu En’s rented cottage, where he was always able to lighten the mood. He started the conversation, “Why isn’t Alian here today?”

“Alian had something to attend to the day before yesterday,” Shen Qing felt a bit uneasy about the situation, but Ji Heng and Ji Shaojun were never ones to talk much, “She has to make up classes today and is quite busy.”

Naturally, she would not say that Bai Lian didn’t want to come here.

The implication was clear, Bai Lian hadn’t been attending school the past few days.

Across from Shen Qing, Ji Mulan was holding her chopsticks and glanced at Xu En subconsciously.

Xu En didn’t mind; he knew about Bai Lian’s grades and lightly moved past the subject, “The date has been tentatively set for the 20th day of the 12th lunar month, close to the New Year. Alian will be on holiday by then, so you all will have time to attend. After the wedding, you can still enjoy a few days in Jiangjing.”

At the mention of the wedding date, Ji Mulan’s expression softened.

This was the date they had all agreed upon.

Ji Heng put down his chopsticks, took out his pipe but didn’t smoke it. His callused hands caressed the pipe as he looked at Xu En, “Does your family know about this?”

He was referring to Xu En’s mother.

“I’ve moved out and I’ve mentioned it to them in advance,” Xu En smiled, unconcerned, “It’s our life after all. If Alian comes over, she can live with us too.”

Xu En had everything arranged properly.

As he spoke, suddenly there was a noise from upstairs.

Upon hearing it, Xu En recognized it as Xu Yajun’s voice. He didn’t wait to excuse himself from Ji Heng as he stood up, “Miss Xu?”

At the dining table, as soon as Xu En left, Shen Qing felt less oppressed.

After about a few minutes, Xu En came down the stairs holding his phone.

Behind him followed a woman in a white dress.

She had a delicate face, but she didn’t look very well.

“Sorry, I have to drive someone,” Xu En apologized and explained to Ji Heng, “Miss Xu said there’s been a change at the Traditional Calligraphers Association and she’s anxious to return to Jiangjing. I’m going to see her out.”

“Traditional Calligraphers Association?” Shen Qing had never heard the term and asked instinctively.

At most, she had heard of calligraphy and paintings.

Although Ji Mulan didn’t introduce her, Shen Qing also knew that the woman following Xu En wasn’t an ordinary person, especially given Xu En’s respectful attitude.

Xu En had no intention of introducing Xu Yajun to them.

“This…” For the first time, Xu En was surprised to find someone unaware of the Calligraphy Association. He paused, unsure how to explain.

Ji Mulan couldn’t help but purse her lips and glanced at Shen Qing.

Xu Yajun looked at Shen Qing indifferently. While her gaze bore no particular meaning, to Shen Qing, it felt somewhat piercing, “Uncle Xu, I’m in a hurry to return to Jiangjing.”

“Alright.” Xu En picked up his car keys and nodded to Ji Heng.

He also signalled for Ji Mulan to take good care of the Ji Family’s guests.

After Xu En and Xu Yajun left, Shen Qing turned to Ji Shaojun, “Should I have not spoken just now?”

She was just an ordinary and common market woman.

Ji Shaojun was quite used to it over the years and shook his head, indicating it was alright.

However, Ji Mulan’s face turned cold, looking back and forth between Shen Qing and Ji Shaojun.

She was amused with annoyance.

“Since he’s not here,” Ji Heng finally lit his pipe, the smoke rising thinly, blurring his vision, “let me remind you not to push Alian too hard.”

Ji Mulan watched Ji Heng smoke his pipe.

The image of Bai Lian flashed through her mind in an instant, and she made the connection in a heartbeat, “Isn’t what I’m doing for her own good? Me pushing her? She used to listen to me so much, but look what she’s learned since coming to Xiangcheng!”