Chapter 136: Do You Know What Love Is?

Jiang Ciyou shook her head. "Do you think I’m someone who lets herself be taken advantage of?"

Shen Nuo agreed, playfully flicking Jiang Ciyou’s chin. "True. My dear Youbao is invincible, taking on the world. If you aren't afraid of thugs, why would you fear a pampered young master with no strength to speak of?"

Shen Nuo’s sarcasm was palpable. Bo Jinxiu, however, did not seem angered by her words. Instead, his gaze remained fixed on the hand Shen Nuo had rested on Jiang Ciyou’s shoulder. The way she flicked Jiang Ciyou’s chin was identical to the way Jiang Ciyou used to do it to him—scratching his chin like she was playing with a puppy. Bo Jinxiu’s brow furrowed, and his expression grew even colder.

"Sister..."

A clear, cheerful voice rang out from nearby. Jiang Ciyou saw a figure jogging toward her. It was Yibai. He hadn't expected that after all the preparations he’d made, the power would go out. Once the electricity was restored, Jiang Ciyou had vanished. Just as he was about to give up and leave, he saw her return after changing her clothes. Unable to contain his joy, Yibai rushed toward her. But when he saw Bo Jinxiu standing beside her, his steps faltered. A flicker of confusion crossed his face.

Soon, Yibai was standing right before her. "Sister, where did you go? I’ve been looking for you everywhere."

Yibai tried his best to ignore the man standing to the side. A bad premonition tugged at his heart. Could it be that Jiang Ciyou and his uncle already knew each other?

Jiang Ciyou remained calm and poised. "I ran into an old friend, so we went outside to chat for a while."

With that, she intentionally introduced Bo Jinxiu to Yibai. "Eboni, this is my friend, Mr. Bo, the CEO of the BJ Group."

Yibai felt his heart sink. He hadn't expected them to be friends. What was he supposed to do now? If he pretended not to know his uncle, would his uncle play along? Before Yibai could formulate a plan, Bo Jinxiu spoke calmly, "Yibai, aren't you going to introduce me to Ms. Jiang?"

Jiang Ciyou was surprised that Bo Jinxiu spoke to Yibai directly; it confirmed that they knew each other, and not just casually. Yibai knew his identity could no longer be hidden. In truth, he had never intended to deceive her, but his situation was complicated. For years, he had been accustomed to hiding his background to make friends. Later, when he learned she despised wealthy heirs, he lost the courage to be honest. He had been torn for days, originally planning to confess his identity after telling her how he felt. Now, he seemed to have no other choice.

"Sister," Shen Yibai said, "this is actually my uncle."

*Uncle?* Jiang Ciyou felt as if she’d been struck by lightning. She had guessed that Yibai might have some connection to Bo Jinxiu—perhaps as a friend or distant relative—but she had never imagined they were this close. She wasn't familiar with the Bo family’s dynamics; she only knew Bo Jinxiu had three older sisters and that his relationship with the eldest, Bo Wanhua, was toxic.

As if sensing her confusion, Shen Nuo spoke up. "You’re Shen Yibai? My cousin, Shen Yibai?"

Shen Nuo’s words stunned Jiang Ciyou again. The Bo and Shen families were notoriously intertwined. Jiang Ciyou recalled Shen Nuo once mentioning that Bo Wanhua’s ex-husband was from the Shen family’s second branch, Shen Zishan. They had a son named Shen Yibai. After Shen Zishan cheated with Su Yan—Shen Qingqing’s mother—the two families had a falling out. Since Shen Nuo was Shen Qingqing’s cousin, she was naturally the cousin of Shen Yibai as well. Shen Nuo had returned to the Shen family late, so she had heard the name but never met him. *Shen Yibai... Eboni...* Shen Nuo had mentioned him before, but Jiang Ciyou had been distracted and hadn't registered it.

Jiang Ciyou suddenly laughed. She didn't look angry; rather, she seemed calm, almost joking. "Eboni, you told me you were a work-study student, that your family was poor, that they were scraping together everything to send you abroad. You even said you were penniless, couldn't afford rent, and couldn't afford to eat..." She never thought she’d be the one getting played.

Seeing her expression, Yibai panicked. "Sister, please don't be angry. I really didn't mean to lie. You said you hated wealthy heirs, and I was just afraid that if you knew who I was, you’d look down on me." A look of hurt crossed his face. "See? You’re already looking down on me now, aren't you?"

Jiang Ciyou remained cold. "I’m not angry. We were just passing acquaintances; there’s nothing worth getting angry over." She took Shen Nuo’s arm. "Let’s go, Shen Nuo."

Shen Nuo, having enjoyed the show, followed her, still savoring the moment. After walking a few steps, Jiang Ciyou stopped and turned back to Yibai. "Don't forget to come and get your luggage."

Before Shen Nuo could say anything, Bo Jinxiu responded coolly, "I will arrange for someone to pick it up. Thank you for taking care of Yibai during this time, Ms. Jiang."

Jiang Ciyou said nothing more and left with Shen Nuo. Yibai’s face fell in despair. "I have to go explain it to her," he said, stepping forward.

"Yibai, stop."

"Why?" Yibai asked, confused.

"You should know better. There’s no future for you and Ms. Jiang. Do you understand her position? Can your mother accept her? If you know all this and still insist on pursuing her, that’s just selfish."

Bo Jinxiu’s words were like a bucket of cold water, sobering Yibai instantly. But the pain in his chest was immense. "Uncle, I want a drink."

In a booth at the bar, Yibai ordered bottle after bottle, downing them one by one. Bo Jinxiu finally couldn't watch anymore. "That’s enough, Yibai."

Yibai was truly devastated. He was already tipsy, his cheeks flushed a deep red. He slumped over the table, the corner of his mouth curling up to reveal a dimple, looking both pitiful and endearing. "Uncle, do you know? This is the first time I’ve ever liked someone."

Bo Jinxiu poured himself a drink. "How long have you even known her?"

"Seventeen days." Yibai glanced at his watch, slurring his words. "To be precise, 418 hours, 57 minutes, and 23 seconds."

Bo Jinxiu stared at him, speechless.