Chapter 134 Part 3 – I Saw Your Third Brother’s Moments (III)
Chapter 134 Part 3 – I Saw Your Third Brother’s Moments (III)
For the next few days, Jiang Li followed Feng Qi on a strict early-riser schedule, spending most of her time at the institute. She hadn’t seen Tong Yi in a while, but he texted her even more frequently now. Even when she was too busy to respond, he kept messaging her with the same enthusiasm.
Feng Qi still made subtle efforts to test her from time to time, likely trying to confirm there was really nothing going on between her and Qin Zheng. At first, she played along. But as the attempts piled up, she could only respond with exasperation.
One evening on the way home, Feng Qi brought up how Qin Zheng’s mother had gotten into an argument with someone, prompting Jiang Li to glance at him with a slightly aggrieved look. “Uncle, do you need me to swear an oath before you’ll believe me?”
Feng Qi, face calm and voice steady, replied, “Of course I believe you. I just happened to remember that story and thought it was amusing—figured I’d share it.”
Jiang Li: “…”
‘No, you are clearly trying to say Qin Zheng’s mom is difficult to deal with.’
Still, to set her uncle’s mind at ease, Jiang Li didn’t expose him. She instead said with a smile, “Maybe I should just swear—if I really like Qin Zheng, may I live out my days alone.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Feng Qi scolded with a frown. “Don’t say things like that. Take that oath back.”
He didn’t believe in superstitions, but he still didn’t want Xiao Lizi to say things like that.
Jiang Li blinked in surprise. “But Uncle, I thought you didn’t like Qin Zheng. Why stop me from saying that?”
Feng Qi cleared his throat. “Who said I don’t like him?”
Jiang Li tilted her head. “But didn’t you list all his flaws before? You even said he couldn’t compare to Big Nephew in any way.”
“He’s indeed not good enough,” Feng Qi replied honestly. “But if you truly liked him and were set on being with him, I wouldn’t oppose it.”
Qin Zheng might be average in many ways, but the boy didn’t have any serious character flaws. If Xiao Lizi was truly determined, he would accept it—reluctantly.
Jiang Li laughed. “I knew you were the best. But I really don’t like Qin Zheng—not even a little. He’s just a regular friend to me. Really.”
Seeing no trace of dishonesty in her expression, Feng Qi finally relaxed. But then, remembering what she’d said before, he couldn’t help asking, “Then what was all that about wanting to date a longtime classmate you knew well?”
Jiang Li kicked a pebble on the roadside, “I was just talking casually—Uncle, you don’t trust me again?”
Feng Qi reached out and ruffled her hair. “Of course I trust you. I only worry because I’m afraid someone might deceive you.”
If Xiao Lizi really insisted on choosing Qin Zheng, Feng Qi wouldn’t be happy, but he’d keep his mouth shut. However, if she were to be tricked by some sweet-tongued scumbag, then he’d have no choice but to play the villain. He absolutely wouldn’t allow the tragedy that happened to Feng Yun to repeat itself with his niece.
Even though Xiao Lizi was at least ten thousand times smarter than that idiot Feng Yun had ever been, Feng Qi still worried someone might deliberately approach her—and if they were too good at pretending, even she could fall for it.
Jiang Li held his arm and asked with a smile, “Uncle, have you ever heard of stewed pears with rock sugar?”
Feng Qi nodded. “Mm. What, are you trying to say you’re clever as snow and sweet as sugar?”
Jiang Li nodded eagerly. “Exactly! So your clever and sweet Little Pear (Xiao Lizi) could never be tricked by anyone.”
Feng Qi chuckled. “I believe you. But we should still be cautious.”
From that day on, Feng Qi never brought up Qin Zheng’s name again. The two of them left early and returned late every day, spending nearly all their time at the research institute. It wasn’t until the day before New Year’s Eve that they finally stayed home.
On New Year’s Eve morning, Jiang Li saw that Feng Bai was heading out early and asked curiously, “Third Brother, are you going to see my future sister-in-law?”
Feng Bai laughed. “Of course I am. That’s totally normal. I’m not like your Second Brother, who’s been single so long he’s gotten used to it.”
Feng Song gave his twin a cold stare. “You should say that in front of Third Uncle.”
Feng Bai grinned. “I’d rather not die young.”
He rushed out the door but returned less than ten minutes later. “Xiao Jiang Li, since you’re free, why don’t you come shopping with me?”
Jiang Li raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t my future sister-in-law going with you?”
Feng Bai smiled. “She has something going on at home this morning and can’t come out. I want to buy her a gift—you can help me choose.”
Feng Song commented dryly from the side, “If she’s helping you as your shopping consultant, are you going to pay her a fee?”
Feng Bai patted his chest. “No problem at all.” He turned to Jiang Li and added, “Help me pick out a gift, and I’ll buy two of whatever you choose—one for her and one for you.”
Jiang Li wasn’t lacking in money, but she definitely couldn’t refuse a chance to mooch on her Third Brother. “Okay, but don’t say I’m trying to scam you later.”
Feng Bai tugged her along. “Your Third Brother is doing well now—don’t worry about saving me money.”
The cousins headed out to the busiest shopping district in Minjiang. Inside a specialty boutique, Jiang Li seriously started picking out gifts for her brother. Even though Feng Bai was now working full-time, his personality hadn’t changed—still a little mischievous. While Jiang Li was choosing bracelets at the counter, he snapped a photo of her and posted it to his Moments with the caption:
The cutest little sister helping her big brother pick out a gift for her future sister-in-law.
He even blocked his girlfriend from seeing the post—no point ruining the surprise before the gift was delivered.
After picking out the present, the two left the boutique and browsed a few more shops. When they exited the mall, Jiang Li immediately spotted Tong Yi standing at the entrance.
Feng Bai saw him too and looked surprised. “Big Nephew, you’re shopping today too?”
Tong Yi smiled and nodded. “Youyou did well on her finals and keep bugging me for a gift. I haven’t decided what to get her, so I came to check things out.”
Feng Bai gave him a skeptical look, and then his eyes lit up with mischief. “You? Picking a gift? How about this—let Xiao Jiang Li help you choose? But no matter what she picks, you have to pay double. Deal?”
Tong Yi agreed without hesitation. “Sure. Youyou adore Jiang Xiao Li—if she knew the gift was picked by her, she’d be thrilled.”
Feng Bai pulled Jiang Li aside and whispered, “That Big Nephew of ours is loaded. When you help him pick a gift, go all out—don’t even think about saving his money.”
Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang. After a few brief replies, he hung up and turned to Jiang Li. “Looks like you’ll be picking the gift on your own now—your Third Brother has a date.”
Jiang Li blinked. “Enjoy your date, Third Brother.”
As Feng Bai rushed off, Jiang Li turned to Tong Yi and asked, “You’re really here to pick out a gift for Youyou?”
Tong Yi shook his head. “I saw the post your Third Brother made and figured out you were here.”
Author’s Note:
Tong Yi: “Big thanks for your assist, Third Bro!”
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