Don’t Be Afraid. Wait Here for Me.

When he heard Jiang Zhou’s name, Chen Ju’s heart lurched. He tensed, pressed his lips together, and looked fearfully at the old man in front of him.

Is he Jiang Zhou’s grandfather? What should I do? Jiang Zhou isn’t here. What if I can’t act well and give myself away?

Chen Ju nervously clutched the hem of his clothes. His already pale face grew even paler, and he lowered his head, not daring to look at the old man.

“Didn’t you hear me talking to you?” The old man’s voice was calm but imposing, its cool tone carrying an intimidating authority.

“I-I’m sorry,” Chen Ju stammered. Though terrified, he still chose to honor the contract and keep acting. Clutching the hem of his clothes, he raised his head and looked at the old man. “Jiang Zhou and I... we’re truly in love!”

Jiang Qi stared at the clean-cut young man before him. He seemed vaguely familiar, but Jiang Qi couldn’t place him. Frowning, he said, “What do you mean, ‘truly in love’? You’re both so young. What do you know?”

“It... it’s true. I want to call Jiang Zhou and ask him to come get me...” Chen Ju trembled like a leaf, his eyes rimmed red. He looked utterly pitiful.

Watching Chen Ju’s reaction, Jiang Qi suddenly felt as if he were bullying a child and behaving disgracefully for his age. At the thought, his expression stiffened. He forced himself to dismiss the idea, sat down on the sofa opposite Chen Ju, and said, “How much money do you want? Name your price. As long as it’s not too outrageous, I can give it to you.”

Chen Ju froze and stared at the old man in confusion. Money? Was this the part in the novels and TV dramas where he was supposed to say, “Take this money and leave my son”?

“I know you’re going to say money doesn’t matter, but, young man, I’m three times your age. If you don’t take it now, you’ll regret it later.” Jiang Qi’s voice was cool, and his manner was just like Jiang Zhou’s...