CFAIACTH Chapter 88 - Will the original storyline return?

Jing Qingxia and Zhong Mingxue spent the New Year at the Jing family's ancestral home, surprisingly peaceful and untouched by the public's chatter.

Numerous relatives came to pay their respects to Old Madam Jing, and several closely allied families sent representatives to offer their greetings. Though these visits had little to do with Jing Qingxia and Zhong Mingxue, they still made appearances when the guests arrived.

Everyone naturally observed how much Old Madam Jing valued her two young relatives.

Meanwhile, the scandal brewed in the public sphere, becoming a favorite topic of conversation for holiday chatter, providing families with a hot topic during their New Year visits.

After Zhongshi Technology's live broadcast, the Jing Group promptly issued a statement and a legally binding letter from their legal team. They announced their intention to swiftly gather evidence to prove their innocence regarding academic misconduct.

Some netizens began to waver.

Even those who had initially harbored goodwill toward the Jing Group started sharing the statement, awaiting the outcome.

However, the shifting public opinion remained volatile, manipulated by paid trolls and marketing bots. The controversy's heat showed no signs of cooling.

The Jing Group continued to endure a relentless barrage of online abuse.

Jing Qingxia and Zhong Mingxue were wise enough to avoid the media frenzy, remaining focused on their studies at the Jing family's ancestral home.

Jing Guangyao's only concern had been the safety of the two young women. Seeing them unharmed brought him peace of mind.

As the backbone of the Jing Group, his public reassurance helped stabilize the company's morale.

Some employees had privately wondered if this crisis would cripple the Jing Group. Now, it seemed to be just another ordinary obstacle on the path to growth.

The Legal Team continued to gather data and relevant information to prepare their counterattack.

Lin Chanjuan also mobilized her network to protect the original project, ensuring no other family could exploit the situation.

While the public speculated endlessly about Jing Qingxia and Zhong Mingxue, the two remained steadfast and unshaken.

When Yuan Leshan called Jing Qingxia to inquire about her well-being, she responded casually, "I'm doing well, just gained some weight from eating too much during the New Year. The continuous rain keeps me indoors, and I can't exercise. This holiday season is so scary!" She didn't even realize what he was actually asking.

"Have you finished packing? We need to get ready to leave soon," Zhong Mingxue said, sticking her head out of the room.

"I'm ready. My suitcase is by the door. Could you help me push it out? I'm on the phone with Le Shan," Jing Qingxia replied, keeping her hand pressed against the phone.

Yuan Leshan could hear her on the other end. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke with restrained excitement, his voice cracking into a duck-like squeak: "Boss, are you and Sister Xue secretly running off for a vacation?! Are you eloping to the ends of the earth, ignoring what the world says?"

Jing Qingxia sighed in exasperation. "Snap out of it! No one's opposing my marriage to Xiaoxue. There's no need to elope, okay?"

Yuan Leshan sounded genuinely disappointed. "Oh, well... then what are you going there for? Why didn't you invite me and Yajie?"

"We're going to the mountains for winter practice. You two didn't apply because you're afraid of roughing it, remember?"

"Ah, that's right... Hahaha, I'd forgotten about that. It's all Duan Yajie's fault. She was worried about safety and splitting up the group, so we decided not to go. Wishing you and Sister Xue a safe journey and all the best!"

"Everything will go smoothly," Jing Qingxia said, pocketing her phone as she walked back to the room.

Zhong Mingxue was just rolling out two suitcases: a large one, which was hers, and a smaller, empty one.

"I couldn't find your suitcase. There was a small one next to it, but it was empty."

"But I put my things in your suitcase," Jing Qingxia said, walking over to take the larger suitcase.

They had agreed that since they would be sharing a room even if the village prepared two separate accommodations, they might as well have someone arrange for them to share a single room. So Jing Qingxia's belongings had indeed been packed in the larger suitcase from the start.

It only contained a few changes of underwear and two thick coats—nowhere near the amount of gear she had brought last time.

"You didn't bring your equipment this time? Compasses, tracking devices, things like that?" Zhong Mingxue put the smaller suitcase back in the room and immediately reached for Jing Qingxia's hand.

Jing Qingxia carried the suitcase in one hand and took Zhong Mingxue's hand with the other.

"My cousin is handling that. She's in charge of logistics, so we can trust her to distribute everything to the students when the time comes."

As Jing Qingxia and Zhong Mingxue descended the stairs, Jing Qingxia gently squeezed Zhong Mingxue's hand.

"Last time, we didn't know her well and had to rely on ourselves. Now we can trust her. If anything happens, you can trust her too."

Zhong Mingxue sensed something was off. "What do you mean, 'if anything happens'?"

"Like if I get lost in the mountains and need someone to come find me, or if I can't resist beating up Xiang Jiayou. Whatever it is, you can trust your cousin," Jing Qingxia replied casually.

Zhong Mingxue chuckled. "You're practically a human map. How could you possibly get lost?"

Jing Qingxia winked. "Ah, so you don't doubt for a second that I'd beat up Xiang Jiayou?"

"I'd beat him myself if you didn't. I'm ready to take care of him," Zhong Mingxue declared, raising her tiny fist and waving it.

Seeing Zhong Mingxue's kitten-like "cat fist," Jing Qingxia nearly kissed her right there in the main hall.

"Xiaxia and Xiaoxue are going to the mountains," Old Madam Jing announced as she sipped her tea in the main hall. Several unfamiliar faces sat nearby.

This scene had become familiar to them over the past few days.

Jing Qingxia greeted everyone. "Yes, Grandma. Uncle, Auntie, please enjoy your tea. Xiao Xue and I need to hurry to participate in the winter vacation practice."

Zhong Mingxue also suppressed her playful expression, nodding politely at the strangers before bowing to Old Madam Jing.

Old Madam Jing smiled with satisfaction.

As the two girls left, they faintly heard the praise of the uncles and aunts behind them.

"Xiaxia is truly spirited and beautiful. No wonder you adore this granddaughter, Old Madam."

"The one beside her must be your fiancée, she's also stunningly beautiful and poised."

As soon as they stepped outside, Jing Qingxia repeated to Zhong Mingxue, "They praised your poise. My taste is impeccable."

"They also complimented my spirit. My judgment isn't bad either," Zhong Mingxue countered politely.

Butler Xiao Lin was waiting outside, only to be greeted by a mouthful of "relationship goals" the moment the girls emerged. His expression was a complex mix of emotions.

Jing Qingxia couldn't help but chuckle. "Butler Xiao Lin, this is the first time I've seen an expression other than your professional smile on your face. It's quite amusing."

"Ahem, the car is ready. To avoid blocking the entrance for other visitors, it's waiting at the gate," Butler Xiao Lin said, quickly regaining his composure as he took the suitcases.

Jing Qingxia and Zhong Mingxue gazed up at the sky.

Compared to the torrential rains of the past few days, today's weather was relatively mild.

Dark clouds still loomed, threatening another downpour at any moment. Yet, after days of cleansing rain, the air felt unusually fresh.

"Today's weather is actually quite pleasant," Jing Qingxia remarked, sighing.

Zhong Mingxue, in a good mood, waved her hand dismissively. "You're just saying that because you're in a good mood. After being cooped up for so long, we finally get to get out and move around."

Jing Qingxia swayed in rhythm, smiling. "Of course! It's all your fault, Teacher Zhong! You've been so strict these past few days, not letting me sleep before midnight every night."

Butler Xiao Lin walked beside them, suddenly stumbling over a suitcase. Thanks to his regular exercise, he managed to stay upright.

He stole a glance at the two young ladies.

Is this really something a butler should overhear?

Zhong Mingxue hmphed. "How can you have no sense of responsibility as a senior student? Winter break is almost over, and school starts right after. We need to make the most of every minute! Even in the mountains, you can't slack off. I'll quiz you on vocabulary whenever I have a chance."

Butler Xiao Lin finally understood the situation and secretly sighed in relief.

It wasn't the girls acting too wild after all—it was just his own overactive imagination.

Jing Qingxia smiled. "Isn't our winter break project ending with our engagement?"

Zhong Mingxue's grip tightened momentarily before she shook her hand and replied, "Yes, our engagement."

Both girls' cheeks flushed crimson, the blush remaining stubbornly fixed despite the mountain breeze.

Butler Xiao Lin couldn't help but smile faintly. The girls' love was simply too beautiful—pure and sweet.

"Safe travels," Butler Xiao Lin said, placing their luggage in the car. His smile, though still professional, carried a subtle warmth not usually present in his usual courteous demeanor.

Zhong Mingxue thanked him. "Thank you, Butler Xiao Lin."

Click.

Jing Qingxia frowned. She quickly pulled Zhong Mingxue behind her and glanced toward the woods beside the main road leading to the old Jing residence.

A faint flash of a camera and the soft click of a shutter—Jing Qingxia caught it in an instant.

"A flash. Journalists? Paparazzi?" Jing Qingxia looked at Butler Xiao Lin uncertainly.

She couldn't believe the Jing Family would make such a mistake. Being ambushed by reporters and paparazzi right at the entrance of their ancestral home was a blatant insult to their security measures.

Butler Xiao Lin was surprised. He hadn't noticed the flash, but he figured it must have been some rookie from a third-rate TV station who forgot to turn off the flash. He hadn't expected them to be discovered.

The young mistress's sharpness rivaled the Old Madam's. Could this be the power of genetics? Is this the true reason the Old Madam dotes on her?

Butler Xiao Lin swiftly stepped in front of Jing Qingxia, fulfilling his duties as the family steward, and took three seconds to gather his thoughts.

"It was the Old Madam's tacit approval. The recent rumors have drawn a great deal of attention to the Jing family. She reasoned that rather than being subjected to wild speculation and relentless pursuit, it would be better to provide a controlled outlet. So, the message was released: the Jing family will not accept interviews or tolerate stalking until they choose to release information themselves. However, reporters are free to loiter outside the ancestral home."

"Why weren't we informed?" Jing Qingxia relaxed slightly, still uncertain if this would affect Zhong Mingxue.

Butler Xiao Lin patiently explained, "The Old Madam said there was no need to bother you with such trivial matters. I was remiss in not reminding you before leaving. My apologies."

Jing Qingxia didn't hold it against him.

Zhong Mingxue gently tugged at Jing Qingxia's hand, accustomed to these situations.

Even during their parents' funeral, a swarm of reporters had descended. In this age of information overload, many unscrupulous individuals masqueraded as journalists, their ugly faces twisted by lies and deceit.

Old Madam Jing's approach was far more effective.

She openly invited reporters from major television stations, as well as independent media outlets, all of whom received the same set of photographs.

Even if they concocted various news stories, it wouldn't be enough to fabricate a scandal. Any individual outlet considering rumors would have to weigh the risks carefully.

Jing Qingxia and Zhong Mingxue got into the car.

The vehicle drove away.

Jing Qingxia glanced out the window at the rain-soaked reporters lining the road, cameras and microphones at the ready. "No wonder more people came to visit Grandma this year than ever before. With all these witnesses outside the old mansion, everyone's here trying to curry favor."

It was common for smaller clans to seek alliances with larger families through such visits.

The fact that so many families still came to pay their respects to the Jing family, even amid the storm, proved that no one believed Zhong Xiaoling's schemes could bring them down—no matter what the truth might be.

The car disappeared into the mist-shrouded mountains, vanishing from view.

---

They arrived at the school gate.

The school bus was already waiting, packed with students.

As Jing Qingxia and Zhong Mingxue boarded, the chatter inside the bus suddenly ceased.

Everyone stared at them, their minds undoubtedly curious about the topic that had been trending non-stop for days. Yet no one dared to ask.

A figure suddenly stood up from the front row, breaking the tense silence and allowing movement to resume in the bus.

"I wasn't supposed to sit here anyway. You can have this seat!" Su Tai bowed respectfully and moved from the right seat in the front row to the back of the bus.

Despite their late arrival, Jing Qingxia and Zhong Mingxue had somehow secured prime seats in the front.

Su Zhenyi, seated in the left seat of the front row, waved them over. "Cousin, I couldn't wait to see you and came over myself. How have you been? You both look radiant—life must be treating you well."

"It's been alright. But look at those dark circles under your eyes—you must be working too hard," Jing Qingxia replied. She positioned Zhong Mingxue by the window, while she and Su Zhenyi sat in the aisle to chat.

Su Zhenyi immediately began to complain. "Exactly! After that incident last time, my family chewed me out. Now they've put all the responsibility on me, making me constantly run around the village. And all the preparations you asked me to handle, I had to personally take care of everything."

Jing Qingxia nodded, showing no sympathy.

Seeing that Jing Qingxia wasn't continuing the conversation, Su Zhenyi glanced back and lowered her voice. "By the way, Cousin, do you really need me to keep an eye on Xiang Jiayou and Su Tai? Those two are as honest as they come."

Jing Qingxia looked at her, her gaze questioning.

Su Zhenyi cheerfully replied, "I arrived directly with the car, and Su Tai was the first to board. He sat in the front row, asking who I was. When he learned I was your cousin, he kept asking about you."

Noticing Jing Qingxia's frown, Su Zhenyi quickly added, sensing her displeasure. "Even though he was asking about you, his behavior was more like a fanboy. I even wondered if you'd beaten him into submission. To be honest, the Su Family has always been like this—they idolize power. When their grandfather and father first started out, they were eager to piggyback on our old Su Family connections, yet they remained utterly deferential to us."

Jing Qingxia clearly had no interest in the Su Family's situation. As long as he behaved himself and didn't cause trouble, she couldn't be bothered to pay him any attention.

Su Zhenyi continued, "Xiang Jiayou arrived early too, but he went straight to the back and hasn't moved much."

Following her words, Jing Qingxia glanced back again. She hadn't noticed earlier, but now something seemed off.

She had confirmed the list of students going on the winter break practice with Zhong Mingxue at the Student Council. She had seen every name and photo. But there were clearly more people on the bus than there should have been.

"Why does it seem like there are so many more people here?"

Jing Qingxia's words caught Zhong Mingxue's attention, and she turned to look back.

Su Zhenyi smiled helplessly, thinking to herself, These two really have no idea.

"Do you two really expect these pampered rich kids to suffer in the village? At first, I thought you wouldn't last a day."

"Have we checked everyone's identities? The Student Council needs to ensure everyone's safety." Jing Qingxia scanned the bus. Although they were hired, they all looked like high school students.

"They're all students our age hired by the parents together. I verified their identities—they're just ordinary students. I sent Jin Ye a message about this."

"Here! Did you need me?" Jin Ye, seated several rows back, sprang up when she heard her name.

Zhong Mingxue beckoned to her. "Would you like to come to the front? There's a spot next to Su Zhenyi. Since you've already been to the village for research, you can lead the way later."

"Right away, Vice President!" Junior Jin Ye always brimmed with enthusiasm.

Su Zhenyi was pleasantly surprised. She nudged Jing Qingxia with her elbow: See, Cousin? Your wife is quite the wingwoman. You should learn from her.

Jing Qingxia ignored her, turning to look at Zhong Mingxue.

Zhong Mingxue smiled, leaning against Jing Qingxia's shoulder. "I'm still a little drowsy," she whispered.

"Then take a nap," Jing Qingxia said, wrapping an arm around Zhong Mingxue's shoulders. They leaned against each other, heads tilted in unison.

Jin Ye settled next to Su Zhenyi, flipping frantically through her notes without speaking.

Su Zhenyi wasn't sure whether to disturb her. She glanced back at her cousin and her cousin's wife—they had long since fallen asleep, leaning against each other.

Su Zhenyi suddenly realized what was going on: "You didn't bring Jin Ye to the front to help me—you just didn't want to deal with me!"

What a pathetic couple!

As the bus gradually made its way into the mountains, the dark clouds in the sky finally gave way. A torrential downpour crashed against the windshield. The driver, driving slowly for safety, navigated the winding, bumpy mountain roads with a shaky rhythm.

Many passengers on the bus had fallen asleep, while others began retching. The air inside grew stifling and foul. Compared to the smooth, sunlit journey with few passengers last time, today's trip was truly unpleasant.

The bus was filled not only with fatigue but also growing resentment, the noise level steadily rising.

Even Zhong Mingxue felt a little unwell from the swaying and the oppressive heat.

Jing Qingxia took the initiative to walk to the front of the bus, opened two cases of bottled water she had prepared earlier, and gave one to Zhong Mingxue. She then called on Su Zhenyi for help.

Su Zhenyi obediently carried a case of water behind Jing Qingxia, passing out bottles to the passengers row by row.

Compared to the young masters and ladies in the front, the hired children in the back were indeed in much better spirits.

Apart from a few who had lowered their hats and leaned back in their seats to sleep, the rest were full of energy and even joined the water distribution effort, taking on the role of looking after their peers.

With everyone's mutual support, the bus finally entered the village.

The torrential rain couldn't dampen the village chief's enthusiasm for welcoming them. He stood at the village entrance, just like last time, but this time he was accompanied by Xiao Tian.

The bus stopped and its doors opened.

As fresh air flowed in, the student council members felt slightly better and resumed their duties, organizing the orderly disembarkment of the passengers.

Jing Qingxia and Zhong Mingxue stepped out, just raising their adorable pink strawberry umbrellas, when Xiao Tian approached.

Xiao Tian was wearing a brand-new yellow duck raincoat, completely transformed from his mischievous appearance last time. His face beamed with a charming smile.

"Welcome back!! I've made great progress with my slingshot skills recently. Feel free to test me!"

Seeing Xiao Tian's boastful expression, Jing Qingxia smiled and patted his head.

Behind them, Su Zhenyi and Jin Ye got out of the car and greeted the village chief.

The other passengers gradually disembarked, holding their umbrellas and carrying their luggage as they walked into the village.

Jing Qingxia and Zhong Mingxue weren't in a hurry. They let Su Zhenyi and Jin Ye lead the way while they brought up the rear of the group, counting the people to confirm everyone was present.

Xiang Jiayou, who had been sitting at the back of the car and was the last to get out, slowly descended. His condition had been poor during the journey, but he had refused to accept anyone's help.

As he stepped out, his legs wobbled, and he avoided making eye contact with Jing Qingxia. He simply raised a black umbrella, instantly shrouding himself in its shadow.

When he finally looked up, his gaze met Jing Qingxia's.

His eyes held unhidden hostility, and fragments of cliffside images overlapped in her mind.

Zhong Mingxue would never stand with him again. Would the original plot still unfold?

Jing Qingxia's hands clenched tightly, as if resisting some threat to the world's laws. She averted her gaze from the cold rain and wind, exhaled a warm breath, and stared straight at the gloomy sky darkened by the downpour.

Zhong Mingxue felt Jing Qingxia's hand, which was holding the strawberry umbrella, tremble slightly. She quickly clasped it. "What's wrong?"

Jing Qingxia shook her head. "Nothing's wrong. I just feel a little cold."

Zhong Mingxue wasn't sure if this was the truth, but her expression filled with concern.

For the past few days, Jing Qingxia had seemed perfectly normal, yet beneath that normality lurked an unsettling undercurrent. Her calmness felt like the overcast sky this morning, seemingly stable but harboring the potential for a torrential downpour.

Xiao Tian, oblivious to the tension, chimed in excitedly, "It really is cold! I don't understand why it's been so cold lately without any snow—just rain. Let's not stand here anymore. We should find shelter from the storm."

Zhong Mingxue took Jing Qingxia's arm.

Xiao Tian volunteered to carry the suitcase, straining to pull the wheeled case, only slightly taller than he was, into the building.

Jing Qingxia snapped out of her daze and casually pulled the suitcase into her own hands.

Xiao Tian's hands went empty, and he looked surprised. "I could have helped you! Don't underestimate me."

"Hmm, I do need your help, but for something else. Did you see the last boy to get out of the car? I want you to keep an eye on him for me."

When he realized Jing Qingxia had actually given him a specific task instead of brushing him off, Xiao Tian immediately perked up. "Got it! Watching him? No problem! My stealth skills are top-notch, you know!"

"Right, I know," Jing Qingxia nodded.

Xiao Tian's bright yellow figure darted into the nearby bushes, somehow disappearing into the green surroundings.

Zhong Mingxue blinked slowly, paused, and then looked at Jing Qingxia. "What kind of trouble do you think Xiang Jiayou will stir up?"

"He always seems to have ulterior motives. It's better to be cautious. Just be careful, and leave the rest to me," Jing Qingxia said, fighting against the dull ache throbbing in her head.

Her gaze was intense as she stared at the umbrella in the torrential rain.

PREV | TOC | NEXT