Being Raised in Captivity by the Former Canary - Chapter 18

Time truly flies. Neither of them could remember the last time they had shared a meal at the same table.

Breakfasts together were even rarer, practically nonexistent.

Usually, when Quan Ruo’an woke up, he was either already gone or preparing to eat out.

When had Jiang Jixue learned about his breakfast preferences?

It was during the time Quan Ruo’an was bedridden with illness, when she came to care for him, that she discovered this. Each instance of Quan Ruo’an’s vulnerability became a precious opportunity for her to understand him better.

Morning sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the natural wood dining table. Beside the table stood a wet bar, its island countertop adorned with various glass containers that shimmered with iridescent light. The window near the bar was left open, allowing a gentle breeze to carry in the crisp, tinkling sounds of the glass vessels clinking together.

After Aunt Quan left, the two ate breakfast in silence. There was no need for the usual gestures of serving each other food; even after years apart, the ingrained habits of their shared life flowed smoothly between them.

Once they finished eating, Quan Ruo’an stood up to clear the dishes. After all, he was now living under her roof and couldn’t simply do nothing.

Jiang Jixue saw through her intentions. As Quan Ruo’an turned with the bowl, she said, “Just put it in the sink. Aunt Quan will wash it when she comes to cook lunch.”

When renovating the apartment, Jiang Jixue hadn’t considered installing a dishwasher. To her, this place held only sentimental value; she never imagined she’d live here long-term or even cook much.

But now that her elder sister had returned, perhaps it was time to reconsider.

Jiang Jixue silently made a mental note to look into getting a dishwasher.

Just after nine in the morning, Quan Ruo’an sat on the living room sofa, waiting for the gift Jiang Jixue had promised.

Jiang Jixue emerged from the walk-in closet with her long hair cascading down her back. She had changed into a different dress, her slender figure accentuated by a wide belt that cinched her waist tightly, perfectly tracing its smooth curves.

She approached Quan Ruo’an, holding a transparent document folder.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, she always looked aloof when she didn’t speak.

Just as Quan Ruo’an thought this, Jiang Jixue extended the folder. “Open it and take a look.”

This is the gift she mentioned?

The packaging didn’t suggest anything special. Though puzzled, Quan Ruo’an accepted the folder and immediately opened it. Four large characters leaped into view:

“Sponsorship Agreement”

The terms below were even more enticing: Party A would cover all of Party B’s living expenses, including food, clothing, housing, and transportation, with a monthly allowance of 100,000 yuan, and additional funds as needed. Party A would also assist Party B in establishing a company, providing capital, human resources, and social connections.

In return, Party B was required to satisfy all of Party A’s sexual desires. They were to share a bed every night and refrain from intimate relationships with anyone other than Party A.

Quan Ruo’an read through the document, her shock no less profound than if she had discovered the truth was time travel and the two women’s souls had been exchanged.

It’s only been a little over three years. How did my innocent little white flower transform into someone with the ostentatious air of a nouveau riche?

Quan Ruo’an failed to recall that Jiang Jixue was now the same age Quan Ruo’an had been when she first sponsored her.

“I have an exhibition to attend this afternoon, Elder Sister. You can take your time considering this at home.”

“I have an appointment at the law firm this afternoon too,” Quan Ruo’an said earnestly. “Xiao Xue, if we win the lawsuit, I could receive over a million yuan in compensation. I’m currently gathering evidence, exploiting loopholes in the original agreement.”

Her unspoken message was clear: she hadn’t yet fallen to the point of needing a sponsor.

Jiang Jixue tossed her long hair and smiled understandingly. “No problem, Elder Sister. I can wait for you.”

She believed her name would soon grace both copies of the contract.

As Jiang Jixue reached the entryway, she added, “I’ll leave the car keys with you. The museum assistant will be here to pick me up shortly.” After a pause, she asked, “Elder Sister, could you pick me up for dinner tonight?”

Her dark pupils met Quan Ruo’an’s gaze, their depths seeming to possess a magnetic pull, drawing out the answer she wanted to hear.

“…Alright,” Quan Ruo’an replied, yielding to her unspoken request.

Jiang Jixue smiled faintly and waved. “Bye~ Have a nice day.”

The Azalea Snow exhibition was scheduled to last two weeks. While Jiang Jixue could have skipped it, the museum had announced that a renowned artist would be visiting today, making her presence mandatory.

The Little Assistant greeted her immediately. “Teacher Jiang, you look much better today than the last time I saw you!”

A faint smile played on Jiang Jixue’s lips as she replied, “Really? Perhaps it’s because I slept well last night.”

The Little Assistant asked, “Are you still having nightmares, Teacher Jiang? I just returned from my hometown and asked my mother for a traditional remedy for nightmares. Would you like to try it?”

Jiang Jixue smiled sincerely. “Thank you, but the nightmares are just occasional. I haven’t had any lately. I’ll ask for the remedy next time I have one.”

Their conversation carried them to the art museum’s parking lot.

The Little Assistant thoughtfully offered to carry Jiang Jixue’s bag, but Jiang Jixue politely declined with a smile.

Teacher Jiang is not only beautiful but also so down-to-earth! The Little Assistant’s gaze followed her every move, tinged with admiration.

As soon as Jiang Jixue entered the exhibition hall, she received a phone call. After glancing at the caller ID, she hung up. She waited until she reached the staff break room before returning the call.

“Tingqin, what’s up? I couldn’t answer earlier because I was inside the museum.”

Yue Tingqin’s voice was gentle and warm, his clear tone carrying through the receiver:

“Jixue, I’m on my way over. I thought you wouldn’t be at the museum, so I was just planning to invite you for a casual meal. I didn’t realize you’d be here.”

A faint smile appeared on Jiang Jixue’s face. “You’re back from City C? That’s quite a coincidence. Teacher Hongfeng and her friends are visiting today, so I got a last-minute notice to come meet them.”

“Oh? Are you having dinner with them later? Should we reschedule for tonight?”

Jiang Jixue didn’t answer her directly. “Tingqin, let’s talk when you get here.”

Yue Tingqin arrived around the same time as Hongfeng and her group of veteran artists. Jiang Jixue introduced Yue Tingqin to them.

“To be honest, when I first started painting, I didn’t know what creative concept I wanted to express. But as I painted, halfway through, the painting developed its own ‘core’…”

“Teacher Jixue is truly a rising star among young painters, with immense potential. I believe that within a few years, your works will be featured in major international exhibitions,” Teacher Hongfeng, though over sixty, had a rosy complexion and showered the younger artist with praise.

“You flatter me. I’m not particularly interested in those avenues. My dream is to stay in China and establish a jewelry brand. Do you happen to know any good mentors in that field?”

“…?”

After leaving the art museum, Jiang Jixue settled into the passenger seat of Yue Tingqin’s car. Though it was late spring, the car’s heater was still on, and soothing piano music filled the enclosed space.

“My stomach hasn’t been feeling great lately,” Yue Tingqin said, glancing at Jiang Jixue’s profile. “I found a vegetarian restaurant with a pretty diverse menu. Want to go?”

“After you ask me like that, how could I possibly refuse?” Jiang Jixue replied.

Yue Tingqin smiled, saying nothing.

After a moment, he resumed the conversation. “I overheard you and Teacher Qiufeng discussing your interest in starting a jewelry brand. When did you start considering that?”

Jiang Jixue gave a vague answer. “I’m not really planning anything yet. Everything’s still up in the air.”

The idea had only occurred to her recently, after Quan Ruo’an suddenly reappeared in her life and proposed a sponsorship agreement out of spite.

She wanted to keep her elder sister by her side forever.

“Is it because of her?”

“Huh?” Yue Tingqin’s question caught Jiang Jixue off guard, and she didn’t quite hear him.

“Your ex,” Yue Tingqin clarified. “It’s been almost five years since we graduated. Queen Jewelry went bankrupt three years ago. Was that when she broke up with you?”

Jiang Jixue had never spoken about these matters to anyone around her. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Yue Tingqin chose to pursue further studies in Italy, which meant she missed the period when Quan Ruo’an abandoned Jiang Jixue.

Yue Tingqin was exceptionally perceptive, capable of piecing together the truth from the slightest clues.

“When did you find out she was the owner of Queen Jewelry?”

“I care about everything concerning you,” Yue Tingqin replied casually, as if discussing the weather. She didn’t directly answer the question.

Perhaps she had known since their university days.

Jiang Jixue lowered her gaze, her eyes revealing a hint of profound depth.

“Yes, I wanted to create jewelry because of her,” Jiang Jixue suddenly said after a moment of silence.

Yue Tingqin’s expression stiffened, her throat bobbed, and her eyes momentarily glazed over. Under normal circumstances, she would have undoubtedly offered her unwavering support.

But now, Yue Tingqin could only feign nonchalance and ask, “Still haven’t let her go?”

Jiang Jixue rubbed her temples and said, “Yes, Tingqin. Everything I’ve achieved today is because of her. First, materially; then, spiritually. Even after she was gone, I revered her as my faith. I wanted to become exceptional, to get closer to her, to be worthy of her.”

Not just some nameless, disposable thing behind her back, or some vulgar creature she could nurture with money alone.

Yue Tingqin’s fingers tightened around the steering wheel. Though she tried to maintain composure, a hint of melancholy slipped into her voice as she said, “Thank you for sharing so much with me.”

This was indeed the closest they had ever been. Sadly, Jiang Jixue didn’t notice the slight tremor in her voice or the hidden bitterness within.

Jiang Jixue always kept her heart locked away. This was the first time Yue Tingqin had ever heard her innermost thoughts. To share such private matters with her—a complex mix of gratitude and jealousy swirled within Yue Tingqin’s heart, a bitter-sweet brew.