Chapter 4: The car alone is worth at least two million

Qiao Nian dodged his reaching hand without a trace, keeping a step’s distance behind him the whole time. Her voice was hoarse and casual, yet her articulation was clear: "I don't mind."

Jiang Li looked at his empty hand, stunned. He glanced unexpectedly at his seemingly frail little cousin beside him, a look of confusion flashing in his eyes.

He hadn't even seen how she managed to dodge him just now.

Jiang Li figured it must have been an accident and didn't think much of it. Just as they reached the car door, he reached out to open the back door for her.

"It's hot outside, get in first."

Before coming out, Qiao Nian didn't know what kind of people her biological parents were, nor did she know what they did for a living. She had simply posted her information on 'Baby Come Home,' a popular website for finding lost children, and someone had contacted her not long after.

The subsequent arrangements were all handled by Qiao Weimin. Qiao Chen had once 'accidentally' revealed to her that her parents were from Luohe Town and were teachers.

Qiao Nian narrowed her eyes as she looked at the Phaeton, which was gilded with a halo of light under the sun, then withdrew her gaze.

She knew this car model; Tang Jin had told her that the base price started at 2 million.

This car had a sunroof, and it was clearly the top-of-the-line trim; it wouldn't have cost less than 3.8 million on the road.

Qiao Nian raised an eyebrow. The Bentley that Qiao Weimin bought the year before last only cost 5 million. Who exactly was her grandfather from Luohe County?

As soon as she sat inside, a blast of cold air hit her face, dispelling the heat from the sun outside. Qiao Nian immediately spotted the 'friend' who would be dining with them later.

The man was in his early twenties, with striking features. Perhaps because the corners of his eyes were slightly upturned, his face looked somewhat cold and sharp when he lifted his chin. The clothes he wore didn't show a brand, but the craftsmanship was exquisite, fitting him as if they had been tailored specifically for him. The metallic buttons shimmered, and there wasn't a single wrinkle. His eye sockets were deep, and he looked lazy yet decadently noble, appearing difficult to get along with.

Yet, he wore a string of Buddhist prayer beads on his wrist for calming the mind, and there was a faint scent of sandalwood inside the car.

Does this person believe in Buddhism?

Jiang Li smiled and introduced him from outside the car door: "Nian Nian, this is Ye Wangchuan, my friend. You can just call him Brother Ye."

Qiao Nian paused, casting a glance at him.

The Phaeton was considered quite spacious for a sedan, yet the man’s long legs gave the illusion of having nowhere to put them, requiring him to bend them slightly to fit.

Qiao Nian felt a gaze land invisibly on her. She pursed her lips and lowered her eyelids, calling out "Brother Ye" in a way that seemed obedient but listless, before finding a spot to sit down nearby.

Ye Wangchuan, however, lifted his eyelids at her soft, gentle "Brother," his deep eyes rippling with a rare wave of emotion.

His gaze fell on the young girl sitting quietly in the corner beside him. Her skin was white—very white, as delicate as white porcelain glaze.

Her eyelids were thin, and as she looked out the car window, her long, curled eyelashes lifted with them. She was so small, and looked incredibly well-behaved!

...

Jiang Li’s driving skills were good. With the three of them in the car, Jiang Li seemed afraid she would feel awkward, so he occasionally brought up a topic to chat with her.

He also took the opportunity to introduce the family situation to her without being too obvious.

Only the man sitting next to her hadn't said a word from beginning to end.

But sitting there, he was like a lion at rest; even without showing his claws, it was impossible to ignore his presence.

The car soon arrived at their destination.

Shuixie Xuan was located in the center of Rao City. In this area where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold, it felt like a waste if every plot wasn't covered by a skyscraper.

Yet, Shuixie Xuan was situated in the most prosperous area while possessing vast garden landscapes. Being in a prime location while remaining quiet amidst the noise, it was destined to be high-end and popular.

"I'm going to park."

Jiang Li parked the car at the entrance and said to the man who hadn't spoken the whole time: "Master Wang, I booked the 'Shui' private room. You take Nian Nian inside first; I'll be there as soon as I park."

Qiao Nian heard a low nasal sound from beside her, and a deep, alluring male voice seemed to brush against her ear: "Let's go."