Where Have You Been?

Fortunately, the bus driver was kind enough to patiently wait as Yang Mu guided her up the bus and to her seat.

It wasn't until they sat at the very back did the bus start moving.

Jiang Shen's feeling of adrenaline from before had died down and the buzz from the coffee she had drank had long died down. Even if she was against Yang Mu taking her home, her body said otherwise.

"Let me just..." Jiang Shen had no qualms resting her head on his shoulder. "... borrow your shoulder for a bit."

Yang Mu smiled and gently removed the tie on her hair. He knew it was bad to tie up a girl's hair because it would make her hair fall faster and discourage hair growth.

He lightly swept her hair on one side of her shoulder and sat lower in his seat to let her head rest more comfortably.

Jiang Shen soon succumbed to sleep as she felt the warmth of his clothes come in contact with her head. Her last thought before going to sleep, /I'm never going to host an event ever again.../

The 20-minute ride from school to the east made Yang Mu savor the time. If possible, he would've liked it to last longer, but it was fine seeing as Jiang Shen was already tired.

He gently woke her up, practically carrying her, as they got down the bus. Yang Mu thanked the driver as he struggled to steady her.

Seeing that it wasn't working, Yang Mu sighed. It looks like he had no choice.

"Jiang Shen..."

"Hmm...?"

"Can I carry you on my back?"

Her house was more than a ten minute walk from the bus stop. It would take him twenty if he continued at the pace they were going.

Jiang Shen, who was completely out of it like a drunk, smiled and nodded with half lidded eyes. "Sureeeee..."

Yang Mu then squatted as he gestured for her to get on his back. "Please, get on."

It was already quite late. He wouldn't want her to come home any later than eleven. As he glanced at the full moon, he felt the warmth of Jiang Shen's body as she completely leaned on him for support.

Because she was tall, her face was buried in his neck as her hair covered her face. It was a good thing she wore shorts underneath, else she would've vehemently protested despite her exhaustion.

And because she knew Yang Mu was reliable, she had no hesitation allowing him to carry her. In any case, this wasn't the first time she had been carried by the opposite sex.

If you counted the times she fainted, it was more than enough.

"Is my grip okay?" Yang Mu was careful not to touch her behind, instead gripping both of his hands together as they walked.

"Mhm."

The walk was quiet as the cicadas grew louder. Yang Mu was lucky enough to spot her house. Their household name was engraved in the large mailbox just beside the gate.

"We're here," Yang Mu whispered as he slowly squatted to let her down.

Jiang Shen released him and rubbed her tired eyes. Letting out a yawn she said, "Already?"

Yang Mu chuckled. His clear melodious voice ringing in her ears. "Why? Did you want me to carry you until my arms tire?"

Jiang Shen shook her head. Of course she didn't. That would be masochistic of her. And she intruded on enough of his time.

"Thanks for taking me home. I'll treat you to a meal next time," Jiang Shen turned around but before she could take two steps, an arm pulled her back.

Yang Mu enveloped her in his arms as he tightly hugged her. Even he was surprised by his actions. But at least it made his night.

Jiang Shen had mistaken it as a harmless interaction as she messed up his hair. "See you tomorrow?"

"Mhm."

He released her from the hug as he waved goodbye. Jiang Shen smiled as she headed inside the house, not once looking back.

When she removed her sneakers and turned around to go to her room, a thunderous slap shook her awake.

The force of impact behind it made her collapse on the floor as she held her burning cheek. Jiang Shen made sure to clench her teeth as she forced herself to stop tearing up.

"Where have you been?" Jiang Feng asked in a imposing but calm voice. His force of presence was enough to make her shake in her boots. "I have raised you for seventeen years and this is how you act?

If your nanny hadn't told me you had gone out, would you have hid this from me? Going to a party so late at night. I expected more from you."

His words attacked her heart as she gripped her arms so tight she could felt the blood threatening to drip. Jiang Shen's lips were swollen from the chewing to prevent her from saying something she shouldn't.

Jiang Feng gazed at her with un fathomable eyes, the same one she inherited, filled with disappointment and regret. As if she was the one at fault.

Disappointed that she did not act like a prisoner in a cage. Disappointed that she was akin to the black sheep of the family. Disappointed that she was not at all feminine and graceful like her younger sister. Disappointed that she was too smart for her own good.

In the depths of his heart and mind, Jiang Feng wished he had never allowed her to stay at the Jiang Estate. After all, she was nothing but a thorn in his heart.

Jiang Shen looked back at him with dull eyes. She had no desire to fight back. In the first place, why would she fight a losing battle? Did fighting back meant that he would understand her? No.

If it weren't for her younger sister, then she would've taken the chance to leave with her mother. After all, it was up to Jiang Shen to take care of her.