Chapter 221: Silent Affections

Lin Zheng Ran had known Jiang Jingshi for nearly three years.

Over these three years, Jiang Jingshi’s efforts were mostly quiet and unobtrusive.

For instance, every time Lin Zheng Ran came to the company, she personally brewed him hot tea, wiped down the desk, and had files organized in advance.

She kept things simple to make sure he didn’t get too worn out.

No matter how busy her work got, she always found time to freshen up.

And most days, she cooked for Lin Zheng Ran alone at the company, with ingredients prepared days ahead.

Though Lin Zheng Ran never said it out loud, over time he started to notice.

He even mentioned it a few times directly: “Jiang Jie, you’ve been too good to me.”

Jiang Jingshi always replied: “Oh, it’s not that much.”

Even the shy and quiet Xiao Heqing, when she poured water for herself, would say, “Lin Zheng Ran, I’ve poured you some water. Drink if you’re thirsty.”

Lily, on the other hand, handed it over playfully: “Here’s your water, drink up, you dummy!”

But Jiang Jingshi never did that. She just quietly handled these little tasks without a word.

Like refilling his glass when it was half empty or adjusting the AC based on the day’s weather.

Or getting the next files he needed ready ahead of time.

If you weren’t paying attention, you’d think someone else did it.

Maybe Jiang Jingshi never even intended for him to notice these small things. She just wanted to be kind to someone she cared about.

In simple terms, Jiang Jingshi was worldly and skilled, even handling diplomacy for the Jiang Group with ease and top-notch social skills, but she had no idea how to win over the man she liked.

She only did these unnoticed acts, carefully and without fuss.

It was like a schoolgirl secretly crushing on a senior, giving silently, and maybe graduating without him ever knowing she was there all along.

The only time she was really proactive was when she invited Lin Zheng Ran to start the company together.

And today, with illness hitting, she couldn’t hold back her feelings and took his arm.

Lin Zheng Ran had to admit, her unconditional trust back then, plus three years together, had touched him.

Han Wenwen knew this best. To win Brother Zheng Ran’s love, the key was to stay by his side wholeheartedly, with no divided loyalties, and absolute faith in him. Other things like looks or figure

didn’t matter because Brother Zheng Ran, being so exceptional, had seen plenty of that and wasn’t swayed.

Plus, faking sincerity wouldn’t work. He was surrounded by genuinely devoted girls, so any pretense stood out.

In that moment, Jiang Jingshi’s cheeks flushed as her lips brushed lightly against Lin Zheng Ran’s.

It might have been the thrill of finally getting what she wanted, or perhaps the hope this boy reignited in her to live.

Tears of joy slipped from the corner of her eye, tracing down her cheek.

Just as Jiang Jingshi leaned in to hold Lin Zheng Ran, parting her lips to savor this sweet response from the man she loved,

two different phone rings shattered the moment.

A brief silence hung as Lin Zheng Ran and Jiang Jingshi locked eyes, then pulled out their phones.

His was from Lily; hers from her sister Jiang Qian.

Jiang Jingshi’s face turned red as she glanced at Lin Zheng Ran, always thinking of him first, and muted her phone: “You go ahead and answer. I’ll hold off and take mine later.”

Lin Zheng Ran didn’t hesitate and picked up Lily’s call.

“Hey, Lily?”

Lily was still in the hotel room with Han Wenwen and Xiao Heqing. The three had gone shopping in the morning and were now lounging on the bed playing cards, enjoying their freedom after high school.

Of course, when Lily answered, it was on speaker, so the three listened in.

Lily’s voice was playful: “Zheng Ran, are you still busy?”

Lin Zheng Ran noticed Jiang Jingshi staring at his tear-soaked shirt, her hand gently touching the wet spot.

Her eyes full of apology.

Lin Zheng Ran: “Yeah, but I’m almost done.”

Xiao Heqing chimed in: “Lin Zheng Ran, are you coming over tonight? If you are, we’ll wait and eat together.”

Lin Zheng Ran thought for a second: “Don’t wait for me to eat, but I should head over later tonight.”

Xiao Heqing: “You’re not coming back for dinner?” She nodded slowly: “Okay, then what time?”

Han Wenwen added: “Lin Zheng Ran, can you tell us roughly when you’ll be here?”

Lin Zheng Ran checked the time—it was already past four— and replied: “Around six or seven. I’ll message you before I head back, so you three go ahead and eat. I’ll join once I’m free.”

The three agreed.

They chatted a bit more before hanging up.

Now, the three girls each held cards, with the bed covered in them and the phone lying on top.

Lily said teasingly: “Sounds like he’s really busy. So, we won’t wait for Zheng Ran?”

Xiao Heqing nodded eagerly: “Lin Zheng Ran said not to, so let’s go down and eat first.”

Han Wenwen stayed quiet, just staring at the phone on the bed.

Xiao Heqing, who had been watching Han Wenwen closely lately, asked: “Wenwen, why aren’t you saying anything? What’s on your mind?”

Han Wenwen snapped out of it: “Nothing, I just think Lin Zheng Ran sounded really quiet on his end.”

Lily didn’t get it: “Quiet? Isn’t that normal? He probably found a quiet spot to talk.”

Han Wenwen figured that made sense; anyone would.

She shook it off, thinking she was overthinking—always worried Brother Zheng Ran was attracting trouble.

She laughed lightly: “Just rambling. Let’s play one more round of landlord, then head down for dinner!”

The three dove back into their card game.

Back in the Rolls-Royce, Jiang Jingshi saw Lin Zheng Ran’s wet shirt and said: “I got your clothes all soaked with my tears. I’ll buy you a new one later.”

Lin Zheng Ran looked at his shirt: “It’s just a little. No big deal, I’ll wash it today.”

Jiang Jingshi smiled: “Alright, now I’ll take my call. It’s from my sister.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Jingshi answered; Jiang Qian had called twice already.

Jiang Qian’s cool voice sounded serious: “Sis, what are you up to? Why aren’t you picking up?”

Jiang Jingshi sat elegantly in the back seat. After Lin Zheng Ran’s comfort and promises, she wasn’t as scared anymore.

Her tone was back to normal, though a bit hoarse from all the crying.

“Just working. What’s up, Qian Qian? It’s rare for you to call me.”

Jiang Qian replied: “Grandpa and Mom and Dad are here. You should come home tonight; we need to discuss group matters.”

Jiang Jingshi thought this might be about their father wanting Qian Qian to start with group work.

“Sure, I’ll head back once I’m done.”

Jiang Qian asked coldly: “Why does your voice sound off? Like you’ve been crying?”

Jiang Jingshi’s face reddened, but she tried to sound normal:

“What are you thinking, Qian Qian? I don’t cry. Only you did that as a kid. I just have a slight cold. Anyway, we’ll talk when I get home. Bye.”

Jiang Qian didn’t press, just said, “I never cry,” and hung up.