Chapter 227: Chapter 227: Emotions Remain the Same Chapter 227: Chapter 227: Emotions Remain the Same Jiang Yaowang really did live just a stone’s throw away.

None of them could figure out, after all these years, why Jiang Yaowang had avoided meeting them?

The question lingered in everyone’s minds, but no one had a definite answer.

…

The ancestral home.

Jiang Xiruo greeted Jiang Zhe and the others with a beaming smile, inviting them in.

“So this is our ancestral home? It’s so big.” Xia Enci entered while looking all around in amazement.

The grand villa was three stories high, and although it had been a long time since anyone lived there, it had been refurbished and now looked as bright and new as ever.

After passing a vast courtyard, the inside of the triple-story building was even more spacious.

Jiang Xiruo introduced everyone, “On the first floor is the living room, reception area, kitchen, and dining room; on the second floor is where Grandpa and I live, along with the study, and several guest bedrooms. Your rooms are all set up on the third floor.”

After finishing, she turned to Xiao Meng, concerned that she might not be accustomed to it, and said specifically to her, “Xiao Meng, you’ll also be staying on the third floor with Xiaozhe and Enci.”

“Auntie, would that be too much trouble?” Xiao Meng felt a little embarrassed, having to impose again and again.

“What trouble? Go on.”

Xia Enci was the first to run upstairs, “I’m going to check it out first.”

Xiao Meng waited for Jiang Zhe to go up together.

Qin He didn’t find it appropriate to follow and see their rooms, so he asked Jiang Xiruo, “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Yes.” Jiang Xiruo brought out a pot of tea, “Please have some tea.”

Jiang Zhe noticed that the entire ancestral home’s decor, while retaining its traditional opulence, had new additions that were still simple, in line with Grandpa’s and her aunt’s consistent style.

All the items prioritized practicality, modest in appearance, and the colors were all sober and elegant.

However, the third floor was a whole different story.

Every room on the third floor was very spacious, and the decoration and layout were completely different from the rest of the house.

It clearly took into consideration the preferences of young girls, and it was obvious that a lot of thought had been put into the design.

“Wow, I really love it here.” Xia Enci looked around from east to west, completely immersed in the environment.

She was used to living in Wangjia Alley, and although she wasn’t fussy about food and accommodation, the light in the houses there was generally mediocre, nowhere near as good as the sunlight now spilling onto the windowsill of the current room.

“Xiaozhe, this is definitely your room!” Xia Enci pushed Jiang Zhe into one of the rooms.

This room had the best lighting. It was already past lunchtime, yet the sunlight was still filling the entire room.

The decor was also less flamboyant.

Those familiar with Jiang Zhe knew this suited her taste very well.

After checking out the rooms, Xia Enci wanted to go downstairs to walk around in the garden, so she dragged Xiao Meng with her.

Jiang Zhe stood lazily in the sunlight, enjoying the warmth.

“Xiaozhe.”

Hearing Jiang Yaowang’s voice, Jiang Zhe opened her eyes, “Grandpa.”

Jiang Yaowang approached, his gaze filled with affection as he asked, “Do you like it here?”

“I quite like it, Grandpa.” Jiang Zhe’s tone was still somewhat careless, but she maintained a certain degree of respect for Jiang Yaowang.

This was her usual demeanor, not changing with the status of the person she was addressing.

Jiang Yaowang showed a kind smile, “There are a few words I’d like to say to you.”

“Please speak.” Jiang Zhe pulled over two chairs.

She sat casually.

Jiang Yaowang looked at her bright yet indifferent face, a rare combination of calm composure for her age.

He spoke slowly, “How are things going with you and Jingchen?”

Ever since Jiang Zhe returned to Wangjia Alley, Jiang Yaowang had not inquired about any of her personal matters, be it studies, life, or emotions.

It was as if she was just a lodger in Wangjia Alley.

Today, when he brought it up, Jiang Zhe naturally knew he genuinely cared.

Normally, he offered her enough trust and respect, and since he asked, Jiang Zhe casually responded, “Same as always.”

Same as always, which meant there was no progress.

A look of deep concern furrowed Jiang Yaowang’s brows, “Xiaozhe, I know with your abilities, you actually don’t need any protection.”

Many things were understood between them without the need for words.

Jiang Zhe hummed nonchalantly.

“Actually, before, I thought you were an average girl and didn’t worry too much about you. Living an ordinary life is something many people yearn for but never get. But now it’s different, the better you are, the more eyes are on you.”

Jiang Yaowang spoke with deep sincerity, “When the tree stands out in the forest, it is the one that is most likely to be brought down by the wind.”

“Water rises to cover the earth, the wind comes and the trees stand in its way,” Jiang Zhe joked in return.

“It’s not the same,” Jiang Yaowang shook his head, “I can see that Jingchen truly likes you, with him around, I feel more at ease.”

Jiang Zhe didn’t speak, merely continuing to lazily soak up the sun.

The sunlight was somewhat blistering, making it hard for her to keep her eyes open.

Knowing she was different from other girls, Jiang Yaowang didn’t press further but stood up and said, “I’ll go downstairs and check around.”

Only after he left did Jiang Zhe slowly open her eyes in the sunlight, not saying much.

When Xia Enci came back upstairs, she brought a parcel with her, “Xiaozhe, you’ve actually got a delivery! How did you know we were going to move here and even change the address?”

“Just a couple of days ago.” Jiang Zhe hadn’t ordered anything online, but she took the parcel and glanced at it.

Seeing the handwriting on it, she recognized it as Yang Feiliu’s.

She had mentioned to Yang Feiliu that she was returning but hadn’t given the exact address.

However, for Yang Feiliu, finding an address was not a difficult task.

Jiang Zhe opened the box to find a beautiful diamond bracelet inside.

“??” Jiang Zhe sent a message to Yang Feiliu.

“It’s a gift for you. You never wore any jewelry before, and I saw you break that habit last time. So when I saw this bracelet with decent diamonds, I bought it especially for you.”

Jiang Zhe looked down at the wristwatch on her arm, “…”

Yang Feiliu: “Don’t thank me too much, after all, you gave me quite a lot previously.”

“Thank you,” she replied.

Jiang Zhe did not wear it but put it back as it was and tossed it into the drawer.

She indeed wasn’t in the habit of wearing such things.

But a wristwatch… it seemed that changing habits can subtly happen without one noticing.

Xia Enci couldn’t stay idle, and she had already run off somewhere.

Jiang Zhe opened her phone and dealt with a few things.

…

In the villa next door, the party had ended.

Jiang Cheng and Ding Yuehua wanted to stay a few more days with Jiang Yaowang, so they made a special trip over.

Since everyone was relatively unfamiliar with one another, there wasn’t much to say after a few exchanges of pleasantries and small talk.

Sitting on the living room couch, Ding Xuexue felt somewhat uncomfortable, “Mom, I think we should just stay in a hotel tonight.”

The place was tidy and looked neat.

But it still fell short of Ding Xuexue’s preferences.

Ding Yuehua doted on her and nodded: “Hmm, I also think it’s better to stay in a hotel, so we don’t disturb Grandpa’s rest.”