A Promise in a Thought 3

Chapter 3

Jiang Chenyin had lived a few years of unrestrained life abroad. Now, back in her home country, she felt as if those years had been nothing but a dream.

It was like a sudden detour on a well-planned path of life, one that allowed her to rest. But once a certain amount of time had passed, she still had to return to the main road.

The Jiang family’s roots were in Qinzhou City, and the three Jiang children held considerable influence in various sectors of society. Her eldest brother, Jiang Yingzong, was the chairman of the board of a corporate group with business interests in various fields. Her second brother, Jiang Gaojun, was a renowned chef in the country. He had once traveled to France to study under a famous culinary master and, upon returning, opened his own restaurant where he personally served as head chef to this day.

Jiang Chenyin was the most active among the Jiang family. Due to her outstanding looks, she had been asked by some of Old Master Jiang’s friends in the industry to play supporting female roles in a few television dramas and to do voice-over work for some TV series and films.

Sometimes, she was even highly praised by netizens, who commented that her acting outshone the main characters. However, because Jiang Chenyin never considered acting a profession, she never accepted any offers to play a leading role.

In addition to that, while managing the corporate group alongside her eldest brother, Jiang Yingzong, she had once been named the most influential philanthropist of the year.

But all of this, like heavy armor, had been temporarily shed during her years abroad. She was just herself, just Jiang Chenyin.

Not long after returning home, she received a call from Ye Xialan, who told her to come over for a meal once she was well-rested so the two of them could catch up.

Jiang Chenyin and Ye Xialan had always been close, having met in university. Bo Mingliang was ten years older than Ye Xialan and was the youngest son of the Bo family. The Bo family had some dealings with the Jiang family to begin with, and because of Jiang Chenyin’s relationship with Ye Xialan, the two families became even more familiar over time.

Hearing that Jiang Chenyin was meeting Ye Xialan, Old Master Jiang waved his cane and asked her to pass a message to Bo Mingliang, telling him to come over for a game of chess when he had time.

Ye Xialan, Bo Mingliang, and Bo Muyu did not live in the old Bo family residence. Bo Mingliang prioritized his wife and had bought an apartment in a neighborhood Ye Xialan liked, free from the excessive involvement of relatives and elders.

Jiang Chenyin called Ye Xialan on the way and then continued driving.

Although she wasn’t a famous actress, she had played a few supporting roles. The moment Ye Xialan opened the door and saw Jiang Chenyin wearing sunglasses, she couldn’t help but tease her.

“Well, well, Teacher Jiang, how many autographs did you sign on your way here? Tell me, quick.”

“Alright, stop teasing me. Isn’t this just a precaution?” Jiang Chenyin took off her sunglasses, her smiling eyes sparkling.

Ye Xialan linked her arm through Jiang Chenyin’s and pulled her to the sofa, still smiling. “How does it feel to be home? Much more comfortable than being abroad, right?”

Jiang Chenyin sighed and said with a smile, “Each has its own merits. Don’t make me compare.”

“No…” Ye Xialan winked, leaned in closer, and asked in a low voice, “Did you get involved with anyone abroad? The seasoned older type or the fresh young type? How many?”

Jiang Chenyin glanced at her and crossed her legs. “None.”

“None? Don’t lie to me.” Ye Xialan was surprised. “There are tons of men with amazing bodies abroad. You were there for four years and didn’t get with a single one?”

This time, Jiang Chenyin let out a long sigh before speaking. “Xialan, what do you think I went abroad for? I spent my days reading, writing, and working out, occasionally going for walks, and attending gatherings. Where would I find the time to get involved with anyone?”

Ye Xialan eyed her lightly made-up face suspiciously, then reached out to touch her abdomen. Even through the layer of fabric, her fingertips could feel the well-defined muscles beneath.

Jiang Chenyin’s toned abs were truly the same as they had been ten years ago, not diminished in the slightest.

Ye Xialan snorted through her nose, withdrew her hand, and said, “Can’t you try a little harder? Look how old Xiaoyu is now. Do you think being three years younger than me makes you that young? If you don’t get married soon, you’ll be of advanced maternal age when you get pregnant.”

“I…”

Ye Xialan scoffed. “No, you already meet the criteria for advanced maternal age.”

“What ‘maternal’? I’m not even with anyone, okay?” Jiang Chenyin laughed in exasperation.

Hearing Ye Xialan mention Bo Muyu, Jiang Chenyin looked around.

Jiang Chenyin’s interactions with Bo Mingliang had always been initiated by Ye Xialan. Now, as she looked around, it was certainly not Bo Mingliang she was looking for.

Ye Xialan smiled knowingly. “Xiaoyu just got back from work not long ago. She’s resting in her room.”

“Is that so?” Jiang Chenyin smiled. “She’s all grown up now, already started working. I remember when I left, she had just started university. In the blink of an eye, she’s grown up.”

At that time, Bo Muyu exuded a youthful energy. Although she was more introverted than her peers, when she was with Jiang Chenyin, her introverted tendencies would diminish significantly.

She would affectionately hug Jiang Chenyin, eat the ice cream Jiang Chenyin fed her, and recount interesting stories from school in her clear, pleasant voice.

Just as Jiang Chenyin and Ye Xialan were talking, the sound of footsteps approached from a distance. They were slow but light, not the steady tread of Bo Mingliang.

Bo Muyu didn’t know how to describe the feeling of seeing Jiang Chenyin for the first time in four years.

She was sitting with her mother, her wavy hair casually draped over her shoulders, her bright eyes, slightly narrowed, full of smiles.

It was like a captivating painting, unfolding right before Bo Muyu’s eyes, making it impossible for her to look away.

Ye Xialan turned her head. “Hey, speak of the devil.”

Jiang Chenyin looked up, and her gaze met Bo Muyu’s.

Before she could figure out what to say as her first words to the girl, Ye Xialan patted Jiang Chenyin’s arm. “This child is always asking me when you’re coming back. You two talk. I’m going to the kitchen to see how my old man is doing with the food.”

Jiang Chenyin nodded, and Ye Xialan stood up and walked towards Bo Muyu.

Bo Muyu said softly, “Mom.”

“I’m going to the kitchen to check on your dad. You and your Auntie Yin can wash your hands and get ready for dinner in a bit.”

After speaking, Ye Xialan went to the kitchen, leaving the two of them, one tall and one small, to look at each other.

The living room was very quiet. Ye Xialan hadn’t turned on the TV earlier, feeling that even just talking to Jiang Chenyin wasn’t enough time.

Jiang Chenyin felt a sense of guilt towards Bo Muyu.

With friends, it was fine. After leaving, it was just a matter of a phone call. But Bo Muyu was different. She was still a child, a child who was so dependent on her and loved being with her. For that child to suddenly not be able to find her one day… the feeling must have been indescribable.

But at that time, Jiang Chenyin had to leave.

Later, when she called Bo Muyu, she was surprised to find the child was very sensible. She didn’t ask too many questions, nor did she add to Jiang Chenyin’s unease. She just talked about her own life as she had before, through the cold medium of a phone call.

Jiang Chenyin had thought about waiting until Bo Muyu was a little older to tell her in person why she had left. But now, seeing the girl again, Jiang Chenyin suddenly found herself unable to speak of the past.

She didn’t even know what to say for her first words.

Jiang Chenyin stood up. At her age, she was always calm and composed when dealing with outsiders, but for the first time, she felt inexperienced.

What on earth should she say to this child?

Bo Muyu didn’t make her think for too long. In the blink of an eye, she took a few steps forward and hugged her.

A familiar, fresh scent filled the air. All of Jiang Chenyin’s thoughts were dissolved by this familiar embrace, and the image of Bo Muyu’s shy smile as she ran over to hug her as a child flashed in her mind.

This child has grown up, but she’s still the same as before.

“Muyu,” Jiang Chenyin’s breath was warm, her voice echoing melodiously by Bo Muyu’s ear. “I’m back.”

“Mmm…” Bo Muyu was a few centimeters shorter than her, her head buried in Jiang Chenyin’s shoulder.

That soft reply seemed to have a slight nasal tone. Jiang Chenyin faintly heard it, and her heart felt as if it had been lightly tapped by a small hammer, a slight, aching pain.

What am I still considering? The polite responses and interactions I have with friends have never been suitable for Bo Muyu. This is the child I watched grow up, not just anyone.

Jiang Chenyin gently broke free from Bo Muyu’s arms, and before Bo Muyu had time to feel disappointed, she embraced her.

They were silent for a few seconds before Jiang Chenyin smiled, a hint of guilt in her voice. “I’m back, and I’m not leaving again.”

Bo Muyu looked up. Jiang Chenyin’s clear eyes seemed to ripple, shimmering in the sunlight.

Those lake-like eyes blinked, and then Bo Muyu heard her warm voice, low and soft. “Is there anything you want to tell me? We’re not on the phone anymore. We have plenty of time to talk.”

Bo Muyu’s eyes were a little red as she asked sullenly, “Are you staying here tonight? I want you to stay.”

Jiang Chenyin raised a hand to touch the corner of her eye, her voice growing even softer. “Yes, your mother told me a couple of days ago that if I came over, I had to stay.”

“Then…” Bo Muyu pressed her lips together, her gaze, which had been meeting Jiang Chenyin’s, now lowered.

If Ye Xialan asked Jiang Chenyin to stay, it must be for the two adults to catch up. It has nothing to do with me.

Jiang Chenyin knowingly poked her nose with a finger and smiled. “There’s still plenty of time, not just today.”

Bo Muyu was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly smiled, revealing her still-adorable small canine teeth.

That’s right, not just today. She just said she’s not leaving again.

“Then will you come to my room?” Bo Muyu pulled away from her embrace, grabbed her wrist, her eyes full of expectation.

“Alright. Is there something you want to show me? Or some secret you want to tell me?” Jiang Chenyin’s eyes curved into a smile as she let Bo Muyu lead her away.

In the past, Jiang Chenyin had always been free to enter Bo Muyu’s room. Whenever Jiang Chenyin came over, she could go in as she pleased. Sometimes, when she stayed over and Bo Muyu clung to her, refusing to let her go, she would simply sleep in Bo Muyu’s room.

That was why, many years ago, Ye Xialan had suggested that Bo Muyu should just acknowledge Jiang Chenyin as her godmother.

The decor in Bo Muyu’s room had a mature, youthful style—artistic, fresh, and elegant.

The breeze carried the fragrance of the flowers on the windowsill into the room, mixing with the faint scent from the girl beside her. Jiang Chenyin felt a momentary daze.

“Your room has changed a lot.” She slowly walked a few steps away from Bo Muyu, her fingers tracing a path from the wardrobe to the desk. “I remember there used to be many stuffed toys here. A small one on the desk, and several large ones on the bed. And some that couldn’t fit were put in the storage room.”

“Mmm, you bought many of them for me.” Bo Muyu’s gaze followed her constantly.

“But now you don’t need those anymore,” Jiang Chenyin said with a smile.

Bo Muyu quickly took a few steps forward and added, “I didn’t throw them away. They’re all in the storage room, and not a single one is broken.”

Over the past few years, whenever she thought of Jiang Chenyin, she would occasionally go and look at the things Jiang Chenyin had given her. There was the schoolbag she used as a child, a pencil case, extracurricular books, and one other thing—those stuffed toys.

The stuffed toys had an advantage that other things didn’t: Bo Muyu could hug them.

Jiang Chenyin’s fingertips, which were tracing the desk, paused. She turned to look at her and couldn’t help but smile faintly. “From now on, I’ll buy you things suitable for adults.”

Bo Muyu was stunned for a moment and blurted out, “Like what?”

Things suitable for adults? What exactly? Clothes and shoes? But Jiang Chenyin used to buy those for me too. My parents already bought me plenty, but Jiang Chenyin’s affection for me was no less than theirs.

Jiang Chenyin turned to face Bo Muyu, walked up to her, her gaze falling on her hair, her forehead.

After a moment, Jiang Chenyin stroked her head, her palm brushing against her soft hair. She sighed, then smiled with relief. “I’ll buy you many, many things, just like before. Only they’ll be things for adults, instead of for children. Because you’ve grown up.”