Chapter 757 - 261: You’re Not Taking the College Entrance Exam Anymore (2)

Qin Mei didn’t torment the gardener; she was just plucking petals. The petals had a purpose, and nothing else did. Besides, she wasn’t in the mood for any extra mischief.

Qin Mei went after the roses and only the roses. Bushes of all different colors were plucked bare by her. The gardener’s heart ached as he watched the once lush and vibrant roses, now all stripped bald by Qin Mei.

With a basket full of multicolored rose petals, Qin Mei’s gloomy mood finally started to lift.

Satisfied, Qin Mei picked up her basket and left the garden.

The gardener sighed in relief. ’That handful is finally gone.’

Downstairs in the living room, Grandpa was out, so it was just Grandma and Jing Qi keeping Xu Jiali company.

Jing Qi watched Qin Mei walk in with the basket of rose petals, her expression complicated. ’Didn’t she say she wouldn’t take her anger out on the garden flowers?’

’Still, as long as it helps my sister-in-law blow off some steam... forget the roses, she could pull out my hair for all I care.’

When Grandma saw the brimming basket of rose petals, her heart nearly gave out. The sight of the black rose petals, in particular, was a stab to the heart.

But she couldn’t bring herself to scold her granddaughter-in-law over her precious roses. After all, Qin Mei had not only healed Jing Shan’s leg but had also saved Jiali.

Xu Jiali shot a sidelong glance at Grandma before turning to Qin Mei and asking curiously, "Xiao Mei, what are you going to do with so many rose petals?"

A mischievous glint appeared in Qin Mei’s eyes as she answered without missing a beat. "Jie Jingchen said I smelled funny and suggested I take a petal bath."

Jie Jingshan offered a moment of silence for her brother. A flicker of anger ignited in Grandma’s aged eyes, and Xu Jiali mentally condemned her nephew.

’What smell is he talking about? If Xiao Mei has any scent, it’s a fragrant one.’

Xu Jiali didn’t feel it was right to start badmouthing her own nephew in front of Qin Mei, so she simply asked, "Why rose petals?"

"Jie Jingchen likes the scent of roses." Qin Mei threw him completely under the bus. She was the one who plucked the petals, but now it was supposedly at his request.

Xu Jiali fell silent. She had expected Qin Mei to say that *she* was the one who liked the scent of roses; she never imagined Qin Mei would pin it on Jie Jingchen.

’Does Jing Chen even like the scent of roses? Wait, does Jing Chen even like flowers at all?’

"Grandma, Aunt, Jing Shan, I’ll leave you to chat. I’m going up to take my bath." Qin Mei chirped, heading upstairs happily with her basket.

A dark, terrifying aura began to radiate from Grandma. Xu Jiali and Jie Jingshan, knowing what was good for them, quickly made excuses and retreated to their rooms.

At the landing, Xu Jiali whispered to Jie Jingshan, "Jing Shan, when did your brother get on your sister-in-law’s bad side?"

Jie Jingshan thought for a moment before telling her the whole story.

Xu Jiali was surprised. "Jing Shan, you’re not going back to Huaxia?"

Jie Jingshan shook her head.

"Well, do you *want* to go back to Huaxia?" Xu Jiali pressed.

Jie Jingshan fell silent. ’I do want to go back. But my brother said Grandpa and Grandma are getting on in years and need me to stay with them, to help Grandpa manage the Qiao Family’s business.’

’If I don’t stay in Xiangjiang, he’ll have to. And my sister-in-law doesn’t want to be here. The best solution is for me to stay in Xiangjiang so my brother and his wife can go back to Huaxia.’

「Late that night」

Jie Jingchen stood at the door, rubbing his weary temples before opening it and stepping inside.

In the moonlight, Jie Jingchen saw the bed was empty. His gaze flickered as a bad thought crossed his mind—’Did Qin Mei ditch me and go back to Huaxia alone?’ But then he dismissed the idea as unrealistic.

’She can’t get back to Huaxia without me.’

Jie Jingchen flipped the light switch, and the room was instantly flooded with light. Qin Mei was sitting on the sofa, smiling at him—a smile so full of charm it could steal a man’s soul.

Jie Jingchen’s heart skipped a beat. ’Is she trying to seduce me?’

"Meimei, why are you still awake?" Jie Jingchen asked, shrugging off his jacket as he walked toward her.

"Waiting for you," Qin Mei replied, her eyes brimming with a captivating, flirtatious charm.

Jie Jingchen stopped in his tracks. He met her shimmering, affectionate gaze, but her intent was so palpable that instead of wanting to move closer, his first instinct was to flee.

"Waiting for me for what?" Jie Jingchen’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He used the act of removing his jacket to compose himself.

"What do you *think* I’m waiting for?" Qin Mei gave a bewitching smile and crooked a finger at him.

Jie Jingchen could barely restrain himself. Fighting the urge to pounce on her, he tossed his jacket aside, walked over, and leaned down to press a kiss to her red lips. "I’m going to shower first."

"Alright. I’ll be waiting." Qin Mei raised a hand and patted his cheek. ’Such a handsome face,’ she thought. ’Too bad he’s such a jerk.’

Jie Jingchen stared at the woman before him, feeling that something was off. The scent of roses clinging to her was especially... alluring.

’I’m always the one seducing her. When has she ever taken the initiative? Well, there have been times, but it was always either with ill intent or because she wanted something from me.’