Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2267 - 2203: He Wants the Painting

Previously on Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s...
Chiang Xiao hires two capable male employees for her tea house to ease the burden on her teacher's wife before requesting a three-day leave of absence. After revealing to an indignant Liu Guoying that she must travel to the camp to defend her engagement from unwanted matchmakers, she is granted permission to depart. However, her exit is intercepted by Ji Yuzhi, who has recently started working at the Art Academy. Noting Ji Yuzhi’s expensive new attire and suspicious familiarity with her personal class schedule, Chiang Xiao grows wary of the woman's potential ties to the mysterious Second Master.

Chiang Xiao’s eyes narrowed slightly. Had it not been for the fact that Ji Yuzhi was associated with the Second Master, and her desire to keep her true feelings hidden, her face would have already clouded over with irritation.

Stifling the anger rising in her chest, she spoke with an airy indifference, "What is the reason for you investigating my class schedule?"

Ji Yuzhi offered a smile and replied, "You aren't angry, are you? I simply require your assistance with a particular matter, so I needed to check if your workload was too heavy. If you were too busy, I would have felt quite awkward asking for your help."

Before Chiang Xiao could get a word in, she pressed on, "Why don't we find a spot to sit down and talk? It seems we truly share a fated connection, don't we?"

"I actually have urgent business today; I've already obtained leave from my teacher and need to head back immediately."

As she spoke, Chiang Xiao deftly dodged the other woman's reaching hand.

Ji Yuzhi appeared taken aback, "It is truly that urgent? What is the matter? Do you require any aid?"

"That won't be necessary, it's just a private family issue. I'll be taking my leave now."

"Chiang Xiao, can we pick another time? I really must speak with you," Ji Yuzhi called out.

"Let us schedule it for another day. Since you are always around the campus, there will be plenty of opportunities for us to cross paths, right?"

"That is true. Fine then, I will seek you out next time."

"Understood."

With that final word, Chiang Xiao hurried off toward the sports field.

Watching her retreating figure, Ji Yuzhi smiled and shook her head, whispering to herself, "Destiny truly keeps bringing us together."

It appeared that Chiang Xiao was quite talented; she had even traveled to Country Y for a competition recently. It was no marvel that he was so intent on acquiring her artwork.

However, the young girl seemed rather cold. Even during their last encounter at the airport, she had been distant and persistently declined their offer of a ride home.

The moment Chiang Xiao emerged from the school gates, Sun Han stepped out from the shadows.

"Xiao Chiang, is something wrong?"

Because they were all older than her, Chiang Xiao had requested they refer to her as Xiao Chiang. Besides, that was the name she used to sign her paintings, so it was likely how many people addressed her anyway.

Sun Han could immediately sense something was amiss. When he spotted her, she was moving at a brisk pace with a notably grim expression on her face.

Chiang Xiao glanced at him, feeling a genuine sense of appreciation for his sharp observational skills.

"There is a woman in this school I must be exceptionally cautious of. She herself isn't the problem, but the figures backing her are quite dangerous. I just happened to run into her, though it’s nothing I can’t handle for now."

She provided this explanation because the primary reason she had employed bodyguards was to protect herself from the Second Master.

Therefore, she felt it necessary to keep them informed about anything involving him. This would ensure they remained vigilant and wouldn't underestimate any situation or individual linked to the Second Master.

Her main goal was to maintain a guard against him.

Upon hearing her reasoning, Sun Han nodded in understanding. "Perhaps it would be best if we started accompanying you inside the school grounds from now on."

Their original arrangement was for them to drop her at the entrance, wait outside while she was inside, and then resume their protection once she exited the gates.

But now that he knew there was a threat within the school itself, Sun Han believed it was more cautious for them to follow her inside.

Chiang Xiao paused, momentarily surprised.

"Wouldn't it draw too much attention if I brought bodyguards into the school?"

Sun Han shook his head. "No, it won't. We don’t need to stay right next to you. We can explain the situation to the administration, file an application, and secure a permit for unrestricted access. We can then shadow you from a distance. While you are in your lectures, we will find a place to remain out of sight."

"Is that really possible?"