DO NOT VOTE!!
•••
Chapter 646: Escape Room (4)
Translator: Exodus Tales
Editor: Exodus Tales
Back then, she faintly heard them talking about what a freak she was.
At that time, Jian Yiling did not know what she had done wrong.
They told her that they were playing a game. And thus, she had played according to the rules.
Only later did Jian Yiling understand that she had probably done something wrong.
Zhai Yunsheng looked at the silent crowd with cold eyes. He was just about to speak when Jian Yiling promised Yao Moping:
"Okay, you guys play then."
Then, Jian Yiling stepped to the side and stopped participating in solving the puzzles.
Most people did not feel like this was the right thing to do. However, because of Yao Moping, they did not end up saying anything.
After a moment, Jian Yiling asked Zhai Yunsheng in a small voice: "Did I mess up?"
"You didn't," Zhai Yunsheng replied. "You're playing by the rules."
She just didn't understand the ways of the world. However, she didn't need to understand.
"Sometimes, they say that you shouldn't play exactly by the rules," Jian Yiling said quietly.
"Ignore those people. It's not possible for people to think the same way. You don't have to care about what they say."
Zhai Yunsheng said as he gently held Jian Yiling's hand.
Then, Zhai Yunsheng looked at Yao Moping with cold eyes.
As Jian Yiling was no longer involved in the escape room, the group's progress slowed down by a lot.
Everyone wandered around the room for quite some time. However, they could not figure out the correct answer for the next puzzle.
"Han Mengyu, where's the pager? Let's ask the owner to give us some hints!"
They could not find the answer by themselves. As a result, they had to seek help.
But at this time, they were too embarrassed to ask Jian Yiling for help. Therefore, they could only ask the store owner for help.
However, when Han Mengyu took out the pager, he realized that the pager was malfunctioning.
"No way? It's not working at this time? Ahhh, what's wrong with the store owner? Can't he check these things regularly?"
Everyone confirmed that the pager was indeed broken.
"So what now?" Xing Wei asked anxiously.
If the pager was broken, then how could the store owner help them?
If they did not get hints, how could they leave this place?
"Who has a phone on them? Make a call to the store owner," Yao Moping suggested.
"There's no signal in here. If we had signal in here, the store owner would not give us a pager," Han Mengyu replied. He immediately dismissed that idea.
"No way! Then how do we get out?" someone cried out.
Everyone's mentality immediately changed.
Originally, they were having fun.
However, now, there was the possibility that they were actually trapped in here.
Then, the eyes of the crowd looked at Jian Yiling in unison.
If there was no pager to help them, then the only person among them that could lead them out was Jian Yiling.
However, all of them remembered what had happened just now. As a result, it would be rather awkward to ask Jian Yiling for help.
The most awkward person was none other than Yao Moping.
Upon hearing this, Zhai Yunsheng said: "Well, it doesn't really matter. Let's just wait in here for the night. In the morning, the store owner should come in to find us."
Zhai Yunsheng's words did not ease everyone's anxiety. Instead, it made everyone realize how important it was to ask Jian Yiling to solve the puzzles for them.
None of them wanted to stay in this place until tomorrow morning.
This place was filled with dust. There wasn't even a proper place to sit! How could they possibly spend the entire night here?
It would be okay if they were trying to solve the puzzle for the entire night.
However, at this moment, they were basically a group of headless flies. It was so painful to be in this room!
Then, everyone looked at their surroundings. There was an eerie aura of terror in the abandoned factory building.
And thus, the thought of being trapped here for an entire night was not very pleasant for even the boldest of them.
•••
Chapter 647: Escape Room (5)
Translator: Exodus Tales
Editor: Exodus Tales
And thus, a few of them began to say nice things to Jian Yiling:
"Sister-in-law, could you please help us again?"
"Yeah, staying here for the night would be too much for us. Please show us the way out."
"Yeah. The pager is broken. And thus, we can only rely on you now."
Xing Wei and Han Mengyu also began to flatter Jian Yiling:
"Sister-in-law, we're all depending on you! You got this! Please help us get out of here!"
"Yeah, yeah! It's a pleasure for us to watch you solve these puzzles."
However, upon hearing this, Zhai Yunsheng said: "Well, it still seems as though Miss Yao does not want Yiling to help."
Miss Yao.
This was probably the first time in years that Zhai Yunsheng took the initiative to mention Yao Moping.
At first, it seemed as though Zhai Yunsheng was being polite and courteous. However, in reality, Zhai Yunsheng's words were distant and hostile.
They had known each other for so long already.
However, to him, she was still 'Miss Yao'.
As there was a lack of light in the room, the group could not clearly see Yao Moping's facial expressions.
However, they could easily guess the expression on Yao Moping's face.
Yao Moping looked around her. She saw that people around her were looking at her with hopeful eyes.
She didn't want to slap herself in the face. However, unless she had the ability to lead everyone out of the escape room, as of now, she could only ask Jian Yiling to help them.
"Miss Yiling, please continue to help us," Yao Moping said.
Upon hearing this, Zhai Yunsheng said: "Well, wouldn't that ruin the fun for you?"
Yao Moping attempted to restrain her temper as she said: "I'm sorry."
Upon hearing Yao Moping's apology, Jian Yiling finally made a move.
Just now, the group had spent a lot of time looking for the exit. However, Jian Yiling merely took three minutes to get out of that room.
It was as though she had gotten the script in advance.
As soon as Jian Yiling began to problem solve, the whole group moved through the puzzles incredibly quickly.
An hour later, the group escaped from the abandoned factory building. They ended up back in the store.
The one-eyed store owner had a surprised expression on his face when he saw the group come out.
These people actually solved his escape room?
They hadn't even asked him for any hints!
Furthermore, it only took them two hours!
This was the first time someone managed to escape the rooms he designed without asking for any hints.
The one-eyed store owner and his highly intelligent shop assistant scanned their eyes over everyone.
This group frequented the escape room. Previously, they had asked for a lot of hints.
Then, the one-eyed storekeeper's eyes fell on Jian Yiling.
Out of the group, Jian Yiling was the only one who hadn't visited before. She was the variable that was different.
And thus, the one-eyed store owner walked towards Jian Yiling and said: "Our store is willing to give a lifelong VIP card to players who can get through the escape room without using hints. Are you interested in continuing to play in the future?"
Jian Yiling nodded her head. She was also curious about this store.
Then, the store owner asked Jian Yiling to register her information.
His eyes watched Jian Yiling write down her name and contact information.
When Jian Yiling finished writing down her details, the one-eyed store owner had already memorized those details.
Then, Jian Yiling asked the store owner some questions regarding the production of the dummies.
Seeing that Jian Yiling was interested in their dummy production, the store owner invited Jian Yiling to come and watch their production process in the future.
Upon hearing this, Jian Yiling readily agreed.
After Jian Yiling left the store, the store owner made an international call. The call lasted for around ten minutes. During that call, the store owner gave Jian Yiling's contact information to the other party.
•••
Chapter 648: Love Rival Appears (1)
Translator: Exodus Tales
Editor: Exodus Tales
Eventually, the rest of the Jian family learned that Jian Yiling planned to get engaged to Zhai Yunsheng.
This news brought a large shock to the Jian family.
If it weren't for the fact that Master Zhai visited them and Jian Yiling herself admitting to it, the Jian family would have never believed in this matter.
And thus, the Jian family temporarily borrowed the Wen family's study room to discuss this matter.
In addition to Grandpa Jian and Grandma Jian, the people who were present were Jian Shuxing, Wen Nuan, Jian Yuncheng, and Jian Yunnao.
"No! Definitely not! My daughter is only eighteen years old! She can't get engaged right now!" Jian Shuxing cried out.
"Well, your mother and I have already agreed to it," Grandpa Jian responded.
"But why? Yiling is only eighteen years old. She's still so young... I guess she can date right now but to be engaged..."
The most Jian Shuxing was willing to accept was his daughter dating someone.
"Well, this is something that Yiling herself agreed to," Grandma Jian replied. "I will always support Yiling's decisions. I just want her to be happy. I don't want to listen to what you guys say."
"Mother..." Jian Shuxing said. His tone was bitter and helpless. He did not know how to describe his feelings at this moment.
Grandma Jian sighed again: "Shuxing, Yiling is different from other children. You guys broke her wings when she needed you the most. Therefore, you can't blame her for having her own thoughts and ideas. Furthermore, in the past, Master Sheng helped Yiling. Therefore, in her heart, perhaps Master Sheng is more qualified to protect her. And thus, we are not qualified to stop her from making her own choices."
Grandma Jian's words were like a steel nail that was hammered into Wen Nuan and Jian Shuxing's hearts.
After all, the wound from three years ago was not completely healed.
Then, Grandpa Jian added: "Furthermore, it's the Zhai family. If the Zhai family really wants Yiling, how do we even stop them?"
Whether or not the Jian family wanted to admit this, this was still the truth.
And thus, Grandpa Jian and Grandma Jian used two different reasons to block the voices from the rest of the Jian family.
The reality was cruel.
At this moment, Jian Yunnao's heart was seized up with pain.
He knew that his sister was going to be even further away from him now.
After all, he was the one who started it all.
Jian Yuncheng did not add anything to the conversation either. It wasn't because he didn't want to object. Rather, it was because he had no right to object.
###
The next morning, Jian Yichen's apartment welcomed a guest -- Luo Xun.
Jian Yichen told Jian Yiling smilingly: "Yiling, his name is Luo Xun! He's the young and talented man that I wanted to introduce to you!"
Although three years had passed, Luo Xun's features did not change by much. His features were still young and attractive.
"Hello, Yiling. Nice to meet you again," Luo Xun smiled. His smile revealed a row of pearly white teeth.
"Mhmm," Jian Yiling greeted. She was quite happy to see Luo Xun's bright smile.
Jian Yiling had looked into Luo Xun's situation for the past three years.
"Do you still remember me?"
"I remember you," Jian Yiling replied. She would not forget him.
"You also knitted me a hat! I'm taking good care of the hat. In fact, from time to time, I still wear the hat."
"That's good."
Jian Yiling did not speak much. On the other hand, Luo Xun liked to talk a lot. As a result, their conversations were not incredibly boring.
Seeing that Jian Yiling and Luo Xun were having a good conversation, Jian Yichen was quite happy.
A while ago, Jian Yichen was not in a rush to introduce Luo Xun to Jian Yiling. However, after hearing about the news of Jian Yiling getting engaged to Zhai Yunsheng, he immediately dragged Luo Xun over to his house. Then, he arranged for Luo Xun to meet with Jian Yiling.
•••
Chapter 649: Love Rival Appears (2)
Translator: Exodus Tales
Editor: Exodus Tales
When Zhai Yunsheng came over to speak to Jian Yiling, he saw Jian Yiling and Luo Xun happily talking to each other.
He remembered Luo Xun! Jian Yiling had given this man a hat! In fact, it was a hat that she knitted with her own hands!
Jian Yichen was leaning against the door frame. He smilingly said to Zhai Yunsheng: "Look, there's more than one good man in this world. My sister has more choices, you know?"
Jian Yichen spoke very softly. As a result, only Zhai Yunsheng could hear his words.
"Thank you Sister Yichen for recognizing me as a good man," Zhai Yunsheng replied.
"Stop being shameless. Luo Xun and Yiling are having a lovely chat together," Jian Yichen replied. He was intentionally trying to annoy Zhai Yunsheng.
After all, Zhai Yunsheng was trying to steal their sister from them!
His sister was still so young! How could he steal her away so soon?
And thus, he had to make this guy feel annoyed!
"Having a lovely chat doesn't mean anything," Zhai Yunsheng replied. He had a cool and collected expression on his face.
"Well, Yiling knitted a hat for Luo Xun as well. She knitted it herself."
"Oh, what a coincidence. The sweater I'm wearing was also knitted by Yiling," Zhai Yunsheng replied. "Ahh, Sister Yichen, there's something that you probably don't know. Yiling also knitted a sweater for Jian Yuncheng, Jian Yunmo, Jian Yumin, and Jian Yujie."
Jian Yichen originally intended to annoy Zhai Yunsheng.
However, in the end, he instead became upset!
Jian Yichen was frozen in place. He did not know what to say.
After all, he did not receive a sweater as a gift! His sister didn't make him one!
During Jian Yichen's daze, Zhai Yunsheng called out to Jian Yiling: "Yiling."
Jian Yiling immediately turned around to look at him.
"Let's go," Zhai Yunsheng said.
The two of them had agreed to go out together today.
"Okay."
Then, Jian Yiling turned around to say goodbye to Luo Xun. Afterward, she left with Zhai Yunsheng.
After Jian Yiling left with Zhai Yunsheng, Jian Yichen was so upset that he stomped his feet in anger.
"Ahhh! That damn bastard!" Jian Yichen cursed.
Luo Xun smiled before he said: "Young Master Yichen, was that guy Yiling's fiance?"
"He's not!" Jian Yichen replied. His tone was filled with displeasure.
"What did he even do to you? Did he do something bad?" Luo Xun asked out of curiosity.
"Nope, he didn't do anything bad."
"Then why are you so against him?"
"He has poor health. He wouldn't be able to give Yiling the happiness she deserves."
"Poor health? Wouldn't be able to give her happiness? Ahh, I would never have been able to tell..." Luo Xun said with regret. "However, there are advancements in medical technology right now. Maybe his condition can become better. Why don't you ask him to go and see the doctor? He shouldn't hide from the hospital just because he fears treatment. You need to be proactive with these things."
###
Jian Yiling was seated in the passenger seat.
As Zhai Yunsheng drove, Jian Yiling shared what she talked about with Luo Xun. She told him she was really happy with Luo Xun's success in his career.
"How are you so sure that I won't get jealous?" Zhai Yunsheng asked Jian Yiling with an unhappy tone.
"Jealous?" Jian Yiling repeated. "Why would you be jealous?"
"Ahh, don't worry. Continue speaking." Zhai Yunsheng replied. She was indeed really slow when it came to these things. In fact, she could be eaten by someone without her even knowing.
"I'm finished."
"Nothing else?"
Jian Yiling only talked about how Luo Xun's career developed after he became a solo artist.
"What else should there be?" Jian Yiling asked.
Zhai Yunsheng glanced at Jian Yiling's eyes before he smiled and replied:
"Nothing else."
•••
Chapter 650: Yumin's Call
Translator: Exodus Tales
Editor: Exodus Tales
Early the next morning, Jian Yiling received a call from Jian Yumin. Jian Yumin's voice was quite stirred up:
"Yiling, are you really getting engaged to Zhai Yunsheng?!!!"
"Mhmm," Jian Yiling replied. In contrast, Jian Yiling's voice was way too calm.
"What did that bastard do to you? Did he threaten you? Did he seduce you?"
"Nope." Zhai Yunsheng definitely did not threaten her. He shouldn't have seduced her either.
"Yiling, don't be scared! Tell me the truth," Jian Yumin said. It was as though Jian Yumin was ready to fight with Zhai Yunsheng.
Jian Yumin was incredibly worried that Zhai Yunsheng used dishonest means to force Jian Yiling to get engaged to him.
"That's the truth. Don't worry," Jian Yiling replied. She attempted to reassure Jian Yumin.
However, it was impossible for Jian Yumin to not worry.
"Then... Do you like him?" Jian Yumin asked with some hesitation.
"I don't know," Jian Yiling replied. She did not know the answer to this question.
What does liking someone feel like? For Jian Yiling, this question was more complicated than any medical question.
She did not understand the question. Therefore, she did not think much more about it.
Don't know... This answer gave Jian Yumin a headache.
"Yiling, do you want to think about it for a bit longer?"
"No need. I already promised him. I'm not going to back out."
Upon hearing this, Jian Yumin's mood became depressed. He hadn't yet spent enough time with his sister. She couldn't be taken away by a wolf already!
"Yiling, we're not backing out of it. We're just waiting for a bit longer. You can postpone the engagement for a year or two."
Then, she could postpone her marriage by another five to ten years.
Jian Yumin was not against Jian Yiling's relationship with Zhai Yunsheng. However, he did not want her to leave their family so soon.
"It's okay. It's the same, sooner or later," Jian Yiling replied.
"It's not the same. It's better if it's later. If it's later, I won't be as upset..." Jian Yumin said as he trailed off.
They only had one girl in their family! The rest were all stinky brats! Furthermore, all of those brats hadn't abducted girls back into their family. Instead, their only girl was getting stolen away from them!
This could not be happening!
"I already promised. I'm not going to change my decision. Don't be upset," Jian Yiling replied.
"Ahhh, I will go book my flight then. Don't get engaged before I reach Beijing. Remember, I must be there!"
"Okay."
Jian Yiling chatted with Jian Yumin for a few more minutes before she hung up the phone.
Once the call ended, Jian Yumin still felt upset. He wanted to find someone to talk to.
As he scrolled through his contacts, he saw Luo Xiuen's name.
For some strange reason, he decided to call her.
The phone rang for quite some time before it was answered.
"Yu... Yumin?" Luo Xiuen said. There was a clear tremor in her voice.
"My sister is getting engaged. I feel really upset. Could you talk to me for a bit? I think you might be able to understand what I'm feeling right now."
Luo Xiuen had quite a good relationship with Jian Yiling. In fact, she was just like Jian Yiling's older sister.
"Wait for a moment!"
This reply did not make sense at all.
Then, Jian Yumin heard the sound of huffing and puffing coming from inside the phone.
After a long time, Luo Xiuen picked up the phone again: "Okay, please continue."
"Did you... Just go for a run?"
"I was a little excited. I wanted to run off my excitement."
Err...
Hmm... At least she didn't end the call right away. This had happened the first time Jian Yumin called Luo Xiuen.
"Do you know that Yiling's getting engaged?"
"Huh? Yiling's getting engaged???"
"..."
How did Luo Xiuen even become a researcher at Huiling Medical Research Institution?