She’s Being Naughty - Chapter 20

Jiang Yao turned and headed upstairs immediately after speaking.

Xu Zhaoyi stood in the living room for a long time, those words echoing repeatedly in her mind.

“If only someone could have protected my mother like this ten years ago.”

Ten years ago, Jiang Yao’s mother passed away.

She had been driven to her death by the Jiang family or at the very least, their coldness and injustice had exacerbated her illness. Back then, Jiang Yao was just a teenager. She had watched her mother slip away, utterly powerless to stop it.

That was why now, when someone tried to use similar tactics to threaten her, she protected Xu Zhaoyi so resolutely. It wasn’t because Xu Zhaoyi was her legal stepdaughter. It wasn’t because of the Xu family fortune. It was simply because… she didn’t want the same tragedy to repeat itself.

Taking a deep breath, Xu Zhaoyi slowly walked upstairs. When she reached Jiang Yao’s door, she hesitated before knocking softly.

There was no response. She knocked again. Still silence.

She pushed the door open gently.

Inside the room, Jiang Yao was sitting in a single armchair by the window. Her back was to the door, and she was staring out into the distance, lost in thought.

Xu Zhaoyi stepped inside and closed the door. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner.

“Jiang Yao?” she called out softly.

Jiang Yao didn’t turn around, her shoulders only shifting slightly. “Hmm?”

“You… what did you mean by what you just said?” Xu Zhaoyi asked.

“What words?”

“You said, if only someone could have protected your mother ten years ago…” Xu Zhaoyi paused. “Your mother… how did she pass away?”

Jiang Yao remained silent for a long time, so long that Xu Zhaoyi thought she wouldn’t answer. Then, she suddenly turned around to look at Xu Zhaoyi.

The moonlight filtered through the window, falling across her face. It made her look even paler, her eyes bright but harboring a trace of exhaustion and… pain.

“She was sick,” Jiang Yao said softly. “Heart disease. The doctors said if she could stay in good spirits and lead an easy life, she might have lived a few years longer.”

She paused. “But in the Jiang family, she wasn’t happy. My father didn’t love her, the family looked down on her, and by extension, they looked down on me…” She didn’t finish, offering only a faint, fleeting smile. “So, she fell ill quickly, and then… she was gone.”

Xu Zhaoyi’s heart wrenched. She thought of her own mother. Her mother had also died of illness, cancer, discovered only in its late stages. She was ten years old then, going to the hospital every day after school to watch her mother grow thinner and weaker.

She remembered her mother’s final days, how she would stroke her hair and say, “Zhaozhao, be good, listen to your father.” On the day she passed, Xu Zhaoyi had cried hysterically, refusing to let go of her mother’s body.

She understood that pain. And because she did, she could understand Jiang Yao.

“I’m sorry,” Xu Zhaoyi whispered. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s alright.” Jiang Yao shook her head. “It was a long time ago.”

She stood up, walked to the bed, and sat down, patting the spot beside her. “Come, sit.”

Xu Zhaoyi walked over and sat beside her. They were close enough to feel each other’s warmth.

“Zhaozhao,” Jiang Yao said, suddenly turning to her. “If… if I have to do some things in the future that seem excessive, will you hate me?”

There it was again. That question.

Xu Zhaoyi remembered Jiang Yao asking this in the car once before. At the time, she only had a vague sense that something was wrong; now, she realized Jiang Yao was likely referring to something that was actually going to happen.

“What kind of things?” she asked.

“I can’t say yet.” Jiang Yao shook her head. “But I need you to know in advance. If you see or hear certain things when the time comes, don’t be quick to hate me. Wait for my explanation, okay?”

She spoke with gravity, her eyes locked onto Xu Zhaoyi’s, carrying a look that was almost a plea.

Looking into those beautiful eyes, Xu Zhaoyi realized that Jiang Yao was actually very tired. Though she always appeared composed and elegant, as if she could handle anything, she was carrying a heavy burden: the pressure of the Jiang family, her father’s expectations, and the dangers lurking in the shadows.

“Okay,” Xu Zhaoyi said. “I promise.”

Jiang Yao smiled, and this time, the smile was much more genuine. She reached out and gently stroked Xu Zhaoyi’s head. “Thank you.”

Her hand was warm and the touch was comforting. Xu Zhaoyi didn’t pull away, she just watched her quietly.

“Jiang Yao,” she said suddenly. “If there is danger in the future, can I… help you?”

Jiang Yao’s hand stilled. She looked at Xu Zhaoyi, a flash of surprise in her eyes. “What did you say?”

“I said, I can help you.” Xu Zhaoyi repeated, her voice firmer. “I know I’m weak and might not be able to help with anything major. But at least… I can do something. For example, if someone is watching you, I can help lead them away. Or, if you need to pass a message, I can do it.”

Jiang Yao looked at her in silence for a long time. Eventually, she let out a soft sigh. “Zhaozhao, do you know what you’re saying?”

“I know.” Xu Zhaoyi nodded. “I’m very sure.”

“Do you know how dangerous it is?”

“I know.”

“Then why do you want to do it?” Jiang Yao asked. “This has nothing to do with you. The Jiang family’s problems are my own; you shouldn’t be dragged into them.”

“But you’ve already been dragged into mine,” Xu Zhaoyi said calmly. “Those people tonight, weren’t they using me to threaten you? So this is no longer just your problem.” She paused. “Besides… I want to help you.”

Jiang Yao’s gaze was complex. “Why?”

Why?

Xu Zhaoyi was asking herself the same question. Why did she want to help Jiang Yao? Because this woman was good to her? Because she was her legal stepmother? Or because…

Images flashed through her mind. Jiang Yao’s lonely silhouette in the garden. Jiang Yao leaning back in her office chair, exhausted. The things she said on the mountaintop. The determined look in her eyes as she stood at the stairs, calmly arranging the mission.

“Because…” Xu Zhaoyi thought for a moment. “Because I don’t want to see anything happen to you either.”

Jiang Yao was stunned. The emotions in her eyes deepened, surprise, gratitude and… something else.

“Zhaozhao,” she whispered. “You…”

“I’m not a child anymore,” Xu Zhaoyi interrupted. “I’m twenty. I can make my own decisions. So, if you need help, you can tell me.”

Jiang Yao was silent for a long time. Then, she suddenly laughed. This time, the smile was tender and real.

“Alright,” she said. “If I really need help, I’ll tell you.” She paused. “But you must promise me: you follow my arrangements for everything. No acting on your own. Safety first, understood?”

Xu Zhaoyi nodded. “Understood.”

“Then…” Jiang Yao thought for a moment. “I have a meeting tomorrow afternoon. I might need you to do one thing for me.”

“What is it?”

“Help me deliver something to a certain place,” Jiang Yao said. “It’s not dangerous, it’s just… it’s not convenient for me to go personally.” She looked at Xu Zhaoyi. “Are you willing?”

“I am,” Xu Zhaoyi said without hesitation.

The next afternoon, following the address Jiang Yao had provided, Xu Zhaoyi found a very ordinary café.

Jiang Yao had given her an envelope, instructing her to hand it to the person sitting at the third table by the window.

“Don’t say a word. Just place the envelope on the table and leave,” Jiang Yao had cautioned her. “Then come straight home. Do not linger.”

Xu Zhaoyi nodded, committing the instructions to memory.

The café wasn’t large and was decorated in a cozy, welcoming style. When she entered, there weren’t many people inside. At the third table by the window sat a middle-aged man wearing glasses, engrossed in a newspaper.

Xu Zhaoyi walked over, placed the envelope on the table, and turned to leave immediately. The entire process took less than three minutes.

It wasn’t until she stepped out of the cafe and got into her car that her heart rate began to settle. It was the first time she had ever done something akin to “delivering intelligence,” and she was nervous.

Driving home, she couldn’t stop wondering what was in that envelope. Why wasn’t it convenient for Jiang Yao to deliver it herself? Could it be… something important? Like the “evidence” those people were looking for?

At the thought of this, her heart tightened again.

When she arrived home, Jiang Yao was already there. Seeing her return, Jiang Yao smiled. “That was quite fast.”

“It’s done,” Xu Zhaoyi said. “That man… who was he?”

“A friend,” Jiang Yao replied simply. “A lawyer. There are some documents I needed him to look over.”

It sounded reasonable enough, but Xu Zhaoyi felt instinctively that it wasn’t that simple. However, she didn’t push for more. If Jiang Yao didn’t want to say, she wouldn’t ask.

The following few days were peaceful. Xu Jiancheng continued his routine of leaving early and returning late, occasionally joining them for dinner. Jiang Yao was busy as well, but whenever Xu Zhaoyi asked what she was up to, she would just smile and say she was “handling some small matters.”

Xu Zhaoyi didn’t return to the school dormitory, choosing instead to stay at home. She had a vague feeling that the house or rather, Jiang Yao might need her.

On Wednesday night, Xu Jiancheng happened to be home for dinner. During the meal, he suddenly announced, “By the way, there’s a very important gala this weekend. I want both of you to come with me.”

The chopsticks in Xu Zhaoyi’s hand paused. “I have to go too?”

“Of course,” Xu Jiancheng said. “This gala is very important; all the key figures will be there. It’s time you met more people, it will be helpful for the company in the future.”

Jiang Yao didn’t say anything, silently continuing her meal. Xu Zhaoyi noticed her brow furrow slightly for a split second before her expression returned to a calm mask.

“What kind of gala?” Xu Zhaoyi asked.

“Hosted by Chairman Zhao to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his company,” Xu Jiancheng explained. “It’s a massive event. Basically, everyone in our circle will be there.”

Jiang Yao spoke up then. “Chairman Zhao’s gala… I think I’ve heard of it. I heard it’s quite the grand affair.”

“Yes,” Xu Jiancheng nodded. “So you both need to prepare well. Especially you, Zhaozhao you need new clothes and shoes. Yao, take her out to pick some things out.”

“Okay,” Jiang Yao replied.

After dinner, Xu Zhaoyi returned to her room and messaged Zhou Xiao.

“I have to attend a gala this weekend. I’m a bit nervous.”

Zhou Xiao replied quickly: “What gala?”

“Chairman Zhao’s, for his company’s 30th anniversary.”

After the message was sent, Zhou Xiao’s side went silent for a while. Then, she called directly.

“Zhaoyi, are you sure it’s Chairman Zhao’s gala?”

“Yes. Why?”

“I heard…” Zhou Xiao lowered her voice. “Chairman Zhao’s galas always have some sort of ‘incident’ every year. Last year, someone was hospitalized after a fight, the year before, someone got drunk and caused a scene. Basically… it’s quite chaotic. If you’re going, you need to be careful.”

Xu Zhaoyi’s heart sank. “Is that true?”

“Would I lie to you?” Zhou Xiao said. “I have a distant cousin who worked as staff there and saw it with her own eyes. In that kind of environment, with so many people and eyes everywhere, anything can happen. You’d better stay close to someone; don’t wander off alone.”

After hanging up, Xu Zhaoyi felt even more uneasy. She remembered Jiang Yao’s furrowed brow earlier. Had Jiang Yao heard these things too? Was that why she frowned?

After some hesitation, she got up and went to Jiang Yao’s room.

When she knocked and entered, Jiang Yao was organizing some clothes. Seeing her, Jiang Yao smiled. “What’s wrong?”

“I wanted to ask,” Xu Zhaoyi said. “About the gala this weekend… do you know something?”

Jiang Yao’s movements paused, and she looked up. “Why do you ask?”

“Just… a feeling,” Xu Zhaoyi replied. “Your expression seemed a bit off during dinner.”

Jiang Yao looked at her for a few seconds and then laughed. “You’re quite the observant one.”

She put down the clothes and sat on the edge of the bed. “Alright, I do know a few things.”

“Like what?”

“This Chairman Zhao…” Jiang Yao paused. “He has some dealings with the Jiang family. I’ve heard that some people from the Jiang family might attend this gala.”

Xu Zhaoyi’s heart skipped a beat. “So… there might be danger?”

“Not necessarily.” Jiang Yao shook her head. “Those people in the Jiang family aren’t stupid enough to cause a scene in a venue like that. But… it’s never wrong to be careful.”

She looked at Xu Zhaoyi. “So, Zhaozhao, promise me: stay close to me when the time comes. Don’t wander off, and don’t talk to strangers. If anyone asks you anything, just say you don’t know.”

She spoke with a serious, stern tone. Xu Zhaoyi nodded. “Okay.”

She paused, then asked, “But what about you? If the Jiang family gives you trouble…”

“I can handle it,” Jiang Yao smiled. “Besides, I’m not alone. I have preparations.”

As she spoke, she took a small object out of her nightstand and showed it to Xu Zhaoyi. It was a tiny alarm, no bigger than a keychain.

“Take this,” Jiang Yao said. “If you encounter danger, press the button, and I’ll know.”

Xu Zhaoyi took the small alarm, gripping it in her palm, it felt surprisingly heavy.

“And you?” she asked. “What do you have to protect yourself?”

Jiang Yao smiled, pulled open the drawer, and took out an identical one. “I have one too,” she said.

Looking at the two identical alarms, a strange sensation washed over Xu Zhaoyi. It felt like… a connection. A secret link that only the two of them knew about.

“This way…” she whispered, “we can protect each other?”

Jiang Yao nodded, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Exactly.”

Her smile under the lamp looked incredibly gentle and warm. Xu Zhaoyi looked at her, silent for a long time. The small alarm in her hand seemed to grow heavier by the second.