Jing Li was momentarily stunned as he raised his palm to look at it. He witnessed with his own eyes the last wisps of light mist being pulled into long strands before dissipating back into the woman’s body.
That pure white glow represented nothing other than pure blessings and good fortune that is his unique koi luck! But his spiritual power had long since dissipated along with his cultivation base, so how could these blessings appear without the support of spiritual power?
Jing Li’s heart stirred as he involuntarily recalled those white specks of light that had previously entered his body. Could those be the cause? But he remembered that only pure spiritual power could…oh no, there was also the power of people’s faith!
He recalled that in the past, Master and Senior Brother had often gone into the mortal realm to do good deeds, earning them the admiration and faith of the common people who built temples to worship them, channeling power through their faith to aid in cultivation. Back then, Senior Brother had said that the power of people’s faith was of the same origin as the spiritual power needed for cultivation, perhaps even more pure as it skipped a step of refinement.
Although Jing Li had never witnessed the power of faith himself, if it truly shared the same origin, then it must also manifest as a pure white light like spiritual power.
As Jing Li looked at his palm, his heart was filled with shock, confusion, and a hint of rising delight. If what he guessed was true, did that mean he was recovering…?
“Thank you. Can I get your contact information to return these clothes later? Don’t worry, I’ll wash them thoroughly before giving them back,” the woman said, unaware of his internal turmoil. Instead, the man’s kindness warmed her heart and brought her comfort in her desperate hour.
“It’s fine, they’re just clothes,” Jing Li hurriedly collected himself at the sound of her voice, giving her a reassuring smile. But seeing her insistence, he had his assistant exchange numbers with her.
With that settled, he and his assistant stepped back into the rain and left.
Watching the tall yet slender figure disappear into the downpour, the woman stared blankly for a moment before raising her phone to take a photo, determined to forever remember this kindness that had saved her life and her child’s in their most hopeless hour.
Jing Li was completely unaware of the woman’s actions. After returning to the car, he continued on his way home.
However, the scene just now was also seen by several people in the car. Although they were far away, they could still roughly make out Jing Li helping a stranger take shelter from the rain.
This deepened the positive impression already forming toward Jing Li in the team members’ minds. Their earlier reservations faded away with this act of kindness, replaced by admiration. The bolder ones began conversing with Jing Li, pleasantly surprised to find no pretense or arrogance about him, only politeness and good manners. Influenced by the atmosphere, the others soon joined in lively chatter as well.
The mood in the car regained its previous liveliness, but now centered around Jing Li.
In this fashion, they arrived at the Jing family villa, where the team bid reluctant goodbyes as Jing Li gracefully headed inside.
“I really didn’t expect Er Shao to be this kind of person,” someone finally gave voice to the thoughts on all their minds.
“You’re telling me. After those rumors, I didn’t dare speak to him at first. Who knew he’d be so easy to get along with?”
“That’s the danger of gossip – it smears even good people’s names! A distinguished young master like him gets dragged through the mud by jealous people who can’t handle his excellence.”
“You might be right. Even his best friend backstabbed him in the end. The circles of the rich really are….”
…….
“Alright, that’s enough,” Manager Wang-jie coldly cut them off as their gossip grew heated. “Mind your own business and stop wagging your tongues. Do you want Er Shao to overhear?”
The others immediately shut up when they heard this. They had not forgotten the trending incident that had caused a lot of buzz on the Internet two days ago, and they also knew that Second Young Master hated it most when others talked about others behind their backs.
As members of the Second Young Master’s team, they naturally had to set an example with proper conduct.
In just a few short hours, a strong sense of unity took hold in this newly formed team, which made the entire team more united in the subsequent work and was invincible despite countless setbacks.
*
When Jing Li entered the house, everything was the same as always. But without Jing Yu’s presence, the empty space left him feeling like something was lacking.
However, thinking that his brother would be back tomorrow, he couldn’t help but smile. He handed off his luggage and called for the housekeeper to begin preparing ingredients to welcome Jing Yu home.
Though he had been in this world for some time now, Jing Li had yet to cook a meal himself, but he had tasted so many exotic delicacies. In addition, in order to please the scumbag, he also made some meals, although the other party did not take a bite. With a little thought, it shouldn’t be too difficult as he already had some foundation in the kitchen.
Still, Jing Li liked to do things perfectly. He decided to learn a dish or two from the family chef to make some of Jing Yu’s favorites.
The housekeeper was immediately supportive when he learned of Jing Li’s intentions. “Da Shao will be so pleasantly surprised to find you personally prepared a welcome home feast just for him. Please rest assured, we will provide full assistance.” The housekeeper’s face was filled with a sincere smile, and he was very pleased with the harmonious atmosphere between the two brothers.
Jing Li also smiled but reminded everyone to keep it secret and not breathe a word to others.
With everything arranged, the day had grown late. Jing Li ate a simple meal, then retired to rest up for cooking tomorrow. Before sleeping, he messaged Jing Yu a good night and maintained the pretense of still being at the filming location.
The next morning after breakfast, Jing Li began prepping ingredients under the chef’s guidance. Many dishes required marinating for hours in advance, while the soup stock needed to simmer on low all morning. The day passed busily yet fulfilling.
Before he knew it, dusk had fallen outside. Lights flickered on inside the villa as appetizing aromas drifted from the kitchen, tempting everyone’s taste buds and drawing involuntary swallows.
Finally, just as their willpower teetered on the brink against the onslaught of delicious scents, the sound of a car engine came from outside, and not long after, the sound of footsteps approached.
Jing Li quickly set down his utensils and hurried to the front door, hiding to the side. The moment the visitor stepped inside, he jumped out – “Surprise! Ge, are you shoc…”
Jing Li froze mid-sentence, staring in disbelief at the unexpected face before him. The smile slid off as he said, “Tingshen-ge? What are you doing here?”
Gu Tingshen was equally taken aback to suddenly find himself ambushed by the young man hanging off him, though he quickly regained composure, even joking, “Yes, quite a shock. Is this the welcome ceremony you prepared for me? How unique.”
Jing Li: “…”
Jing Li awkwardly detached himself and smoothed his clothes in an attempt at nonchalance. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. What brings you here, Tingshen-ge?”
Seeing the tips of the boy’s ears turning red, Gu Tingshen’s interest was piqued. Unable to resist teasing him further, he replied, “I suppose I’m here waiting for an answer?”
Jing Li naturally recalled their previous phone conversation where he’d said he needed to think about it, then went silent. Gu Tingshen did seem curious about what he had decided.
Usually, when someone says they need to think about it, isn’t that a polite refusal? How could this person still…
Meeting Gu Tingshen’s interested gaze, Jing Li realized he was teasing on purpose. He was surprised a person who had always been cold and taciturn would actually joke with others.
Finding Gu Tingshen rather amusing, Jing Li was about to tease back when another figure approached from behind.
“Why are you still standing outside? Since when do you need to be so formal at my…” Jing Yu trailed off as he looked up and saw Jing Li. He froze briefly before a smile lit his face. “Xiao Jing? When did you get back?”
“Ge,” Jing Li smiled and ran over to pounce on him again. “Surprised?”
“It’s quite a surprise,” Jing Yu laughed and returned the hug before asking, “Didn’t you say the crew was too busy? How did you…”
He trailed off as realization struck, and he gently flicked his brother’s forehead though his smile only grew wider.
Watching the siblings’ warm interaction, Gu Tingshen couldn’t help but let out a slight tut in his heart. This was his first time seeing how they acted in private. It wasn’t what he had expected.
He glanced at his normally reserved friend, whose eyes were obviously full of joy and surprise, then back at the beaming Jing Li. Gu Tingshen raised a brow, intrigued.
When they first met, Jing Li was lounging lazily on the couch while coldly dismissing others’ anger. But when he saw his brother, he instantly turned into a well-behaved and obedient child.
When they met again, Jing Li had been utterly focused on his acting role, his peerless beauty stunning all who saw. But off-camera, he switched back to a polite young master.
On the phone, he had shown balanced composure and witty rebuttals.
And now, meeting again, Jing Li practically radiated harmless liveliness. Even his embarrassed attempts to play it cool were somehow endearing.
It seemed every interaction revealed new captivating sides to him.
Recalling the sudden shift in public opinion, Secretary Qin’s change of attitude, and the deep familial warmth between the brothers…
Gu Tingshen grew curious about just how much more there was to this young man beneath the surface.
Interesting.
Gu Tingshen’s gaze sharpened with intrigue as he looked at Jing Li.
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