Chapter 23 (1/2)

Do I Look Like an Animal to You?

Qi Shenbai was smart enough to understand what Xu Jiaojiao meant. “Xu Zhengyang wants you to feel like you’re needed.”

Xu Jiaojiao nodded. “He always uses money as an excuse and asks me for money in various ways, but he also buys all sorts of things for me.” The branded bags, clothes, and pocket money in her wardrobe were all given to her by Xu Zhengyang.

Qi Shenbai did not say anything, but there was a deeper look in his eyes as he looked at Xu Jiaojiao.

Xu Jiaojiao said, “Although my brother looks unreliable, he’s actually a very good person. He even said that you’re his mentor and his best friend.”

Qi Shenbai did not believe that Xu Zhengyang would praise him in front of Xu Jiaojiao. “He never badmouthed me in front of you?”

Xu Jiaojiao paused. She recalled how Xu Zhengyang had called Qi Shenbai an “old dog” and “slave driver”. She smiled guiltily and shook her head.

Qi Shenbai did not expose her lie. After a moment of silence, he asked in a low voice, “You’ve never blamed them?” She had been sent away at birth and raised by her aged grandmother. She had never enjoyed the warmth of a family or the love of her parents.

The smile on Xu Jiaojiao’s face froze. She lowered her head and pursed her lips before she said uncertainly, “I think I did, once.”

Qi Shenbai raised his eyebrows, feeling that this answer was strange.

Xu Jiaojiao pursed her lips. “I’ve forgotten some things. I don’t remember if I blamed them, but I don’t blame them at all now. They must have their own reasons. After all, which parent wouldn’t want their child?” A warm smile bloomed on her cute face. “And I think I’m doing very well now. I’m very happy every day.”

Qi Shenbai looked at her beaming smile, but his heart felt as if it had been struck by a blunt object. She thought all parents loved their children, but that was not always the case. There were some people who even abandoned their children or hated them to the core.

…

The car stopped at the entrance of Qingshui Villa, but Qi Shenbai did not get out of the car. He watched as the butler brought Xu Jiaojiao into the house. When he retracted his gaze, a cold glint flashed across his eyes. He asked Pei Yan, “How’s the investigation going?”

Pei Yan replied respectfully, “The truck driver’s background is completely clear. There’s nothing unusual in his recent bank transactions. It really looks like an accident.”

Qi Shenbai pursed his lips. How many “accidents” had there been over the past few years? Pei Yan seemed to know what he was thinking. He hesitated for a moment and said, “It might not have been their doing. Perhaps…”

Unfortunately, before he could finish speaking, Qi Shenbai interrupted him. “Tell Cang Xing to protect Jiaojiao.”