Chapter 36: Two Younger Brothers, Two Older Brothers
Lin Siyu picked up the cup of black tea that had been neglected for a long time, his fingertips gently rubbing the rim of the cup.
“Second Young Master Jiang seems to have a soft spot for milk.” He suddenly spoke, his voice much gentler than before.
Jiang Qing’s tone was flat: “Nourishes the stomach.”
“What a coincidence.” Lin Siyu chuckled lightly, “My mother often says black tea nourishes the stomach, but I actually think honey is more nourishing.”
“Is that so.” Jiang Qing also smiled: “Then President Lin should drink more honey black tea.”
Opposite them, Jiang Linmu was excitedly showing off his game character panel. However, Lin Siwu’s attention wasn’t entirely focused. His mouth agreed with Jiang Linmu’s complaints about the new dungeon, but the corner of his eye involuntarily drifted to the opposite side.
Jiang Qing seemed to have noticed something, his gaze sweeping over inadvertently.
Lin Siwu jerked his gaze back as if he had been burned. His heart missed a beat for no reason, and he hurriedly lowered his head to poke his phone screen frantically, pretending to be incredibly interested in the equipment Jiang Linmu was showing him.
Jiang Qing looked at that fluffy crown of hair that was practically burying its head into the phone. A trace of amusement flashed through the bottom of his eyes, and then he returned to his conversation with Lin Siyu.
On the other side, Lin Siyu took in his younger brother’s series of subtle reactions and Jiang Qing’s fleeting smile. He picked up his teacup and took a thoughtful sip.
“Drinking alone always feels like it’s missing some flavor.” Lin Siyu put down his teacup, pushing the cup slightly closer in Jiang Qing’s direction.
“I wonder if Second Young Master Jiang would do me the honor of tasting it together next time? I know a tea master whose craftsmanship is quite good.”
The two cups were now extremely close to each other on the tabletop, their steam quietly mingling in the air.
Jiang Qing’s gaze rested on the two cups for a moment, then shifted back to Lin Siyu’s face.
“I don’t know much about the art of tea.”
“Perfect,” Lin Siyu smiled, “I can teach you slowly.”
Jiang Qing also smiled as he looked at him.
“Alright,” he said.
Before long, the dishes were gradually served, and the atmosphere among the group noticeably relaxed.
Lin Siyu very naturally used serving chopsticks to place food for Jiang Qing: “This Crab Roe Tofu is Jingyue’s signature dish.”
“Thank you.” Jiang Qing nodded slightly, tasted a bite, “Truly delicious.”
The interaction between the two fell into the eyes of the two people opposite them. Jiang Linmu leaned into Lin Siwu’s ear and muttered quietly:
“Your brother is quite good at taking care of people.”
Lin Siwu glanced at his own brother, lowering his voice: “I’ve never even seen him act like this.”
During the meal, whenever Jiang Qing took an extra look at the Longjing Shrimp in the distance, the next moment that dish would be turned to face him; when his teacup was almost empty, it would always be timely refilled with warm water.
After the second time Jiang Linmu wanted to pick up food for his brother but was beaten to it by someone else, he finally couldn’t help but curl his lip. He specifically aimed for Jiang Qing’s favorite Camphor Tea Duck, but just as he extended his chopsticks, he saw Lin Siyu had already naturally used the serving chopsticks to place a piece onto Jiang Qing’s plate.
“This Camphor Tea Duck uses traditional methods, the smoky flavor is just right.”
After thanking him, Jiang Qing tasted a bite and nodded gently: “Truly authentic.”
The hand Jiang Linmu used to hold his chopsticks froze in mid-air. He resentfully made a turn, stuffed the duck meat into his own mouth, and mumbled a complaint to Lin Siwu:
“My brother never eats food picked up by others.”
Lin Siwu was busy battling the Dongpo Pork in front of him, not even lifting his head: “My brother also never picks up food for others.”
The two fell silent simultaneously, looked at each other, and both saw the same shock in the other’s eyes.
At this time, Lin Siyu scooped a small bowl of chicken soup and placed it in front of Jiang Qing: “This soup was stewed for six hours, it’s the most nourishing.”
Jiang Qing actually took the spoon and tasted a bite.
“Mm. Not bad.”
Jiang Linmu’s eyes widened round, leaning into Lin Siwu’s ear: “My brother hates drinking soup the most! He says it’s like drinking dishwater!”
Lin Siwu was equally shocked: “My brother never does this kind of serving work! He even finds drinking soup himself troublesome!”
Throughout the entire meal, Jiang Linmu’s numerous opportunities to perform were unable to be unleashed.
He wanted to pour tea for his brother, only to find the teacup always maintained at seventy percent full; he wanted to pass a tissue, someone always handed it over a step ahead; even for the after-meal dessert, before he had time to recommend anything, Lin Siyu had already accurately stated Jiang Qing’s preferred sweetness level.
Even though his brain worked slowly, he finally realized.
This man…
Is very dangerous!!!!!!!
“Brother!!” Jiang Linmu suddenly clutched his stomach, his entire face scrunching up, “I think I left my stomach medicine in your car…”
Jiang Qing frowned: “When did you put it in my car?”
“J-Just last week!” Jiang Linmu continued acting very seriously, “That medicine was newly prescribed by Dr. Chen, it’s incredibly important!”
Jiang Qing glanced at Lin Siyu, somewhat apologetically.
Lin Siyu smiled gently: “Go get it quickly, I’ll wait for you here.”
After Jiang Qing left, Jiang Linmu instantly dropped his pained expression, straightened his back, and looked at Lin Siyu.
“Big Brother Lin.” His tone suddenly became serious, “I have something I want to talk to you about alone.”
Lin Siwu tactfully took two steps back.
Oh, seems like he’s a bit screwed.
Abducting the older brother right in front of the younger brother.
And the younger brother has a brother complex.
————————————————
Jiang Qing lay bored on the railing outside the private room.
Jiang Linmu didn’t have stomach problems at all.
That kid’s acting was exaggerated, his excuse was clumsy, and even while pretending to be in pain, he sneakily peeked at his reaction. But he still played along.
Mm…
Severe brother complex.
But he actually liked it quite a bit, so he just let the other do as he pleased.
Right at that moment, the door of another private room opened.
“Jiang… Jiang Qing???”
Chi Jiong looked in shock at the back profile leaning against the railing blowing the evening breeze.
Hearing the familiar voice, Jiang Qing turned around while saying:
“Why is Boss Chi also…”
Jiang Qing’s voice paused as his gaze passed over Chi Jiong’s shoulder.
Sitting under the warm yellow light inside the private room was a young woman. Her long hair was loosely pinned up. Two sets of tableware were set on the table, clearly indicating a dinner for two.
A trace of rare awkwardness flashed across Chi Jiong’s face: “A friend.”
Jiang Qing raised an eyebrow, a trace of understanding flashing past the bottom of his eyes.
“It seems I’ve interrupted Boss Chi’s official business.” Jiang Qing’s tone was flat, yet carried a bit of teasing.
“Can’t call it official business.” Chi Jiong gave a helpless smile, “Arranged by my family, couldn’t push it away.”
Right at that moment, the woman lifted her head, perfectly making eye contact with Jiang Qing. She froze slightly, then revealed a polite smile.
“Eh?” Chi Jiong suddenly realized, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Jiang family arrange blind dates.”
Jiang Qing’s expression was indifferent: “My family doesn’t care about these things.”
“That’s nice.”
Jiang Qing didn’t reply.
He knew about the tense relationship between this young master of the Chi family and his parents, and he also knew about the unwillingness hovering in this young master’s heart—wanting to prove himself, yet unable to completely break free from his family’s influence.
“Stop looking so miserable. Someday I’ll come to ‘Zero Six’ and spend a fortune to boost your sales.”
“Hahahahahaha of course you can, welcome anytime.” Chi Jiong smiled and hooked an arm around his shoulder.
Instead of dodging, Jiang Qing smoothly wrapped an arm around Chi Jiong’s waist: “Just welcoming me isn’t enough, Boss Chi. I want the Supreme VIP treatment, the kind that…” He leaned into Chi Jiong’s ear, lowering his voice, “can get you to ditch work.”
Chi Jiong froze at first, then smiled even wider: “Sure, didn’t expect Second Young Master Jiang to actually want to elope with me.”
“What?” Jiang Qing raised an eyebrow, his fingertips tapping lightly against Chi Jiong’s waist, “Only Boss Chi is allowed to party every night, but I’m not allowed to find some fun occasionally?”
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