Chapter Thirty-Eight: Jiang Xi’s Talent

Jiang Huan had no objections.

“I’ll drive and lead the way, you can follow behind,” she said, conveniently preventing Deputy Director Xu from re-entering the museum and discovering so many missing exhibits.

“Alright, we still have a vehicle at the facility with some supplies inside. It’s still roadworthy. Would you mind if we fetch it first?”

“Of course not.”

Li Xiuguo called everyone to get back into their vehicles. He noticed that compared to the other two men, Jiang Huan was more alert and wary of them. Yet it was precisely this vigilance that reassured him.

Their group first went to the entrance of the facility to retrieve the vehicle. Li Xiuguo courteously offered a bag of biscuits to the three of them. After a simple lunch, Jiang Huan led the way with her delivery van, retracing the route back to Xingcheng Community.

At the gate, the two young men standing guard spotted the unfamiliar vehicle and immediately blew their whistles. Four or five people from the property management rushed out, gathering at the entrance. They greeted Jiang Huan first and then asked about the newcomers.

Jiang Huan handed her car keys to one of the young men. “They’re survivors. Two of you come help me park and move things; the rest, take them to find Captain Wu. By the way, I want everything here. There’s nothing edible or drinkable, it’s all just my personal collection. I’ll let Captain Wu know later that I’ll make up my share next time.”

“No worries, Sister Jiang. Our captain said you’re formidable, and if you’re willing to share, it’s our good fortune. If not, we wouldn’t dare—”

“Enough, if you don’t know how to speak, don’t. Sister Jiang, I’ll arrange everything for you.” Jiang Huan was deserving of special treatment, but this fool’s blunt words made it sound unpleasant.

Jiang Huan paid no mind, ushering the survivors inside. When reporting, she said, “They were brought by Deputy Director Xu and Xiao Yi, nothing to do with me. If there are contributions to distribute later, don’t count me.”

The community suddenly had thirty or so newcomers, loud and conspicuous as they stood together. Wu Gang immediately arranged accommodation for them.

Li Xiuguo rolled his neck and requested to stay in the same building as Wu Gang. Wu Gang was delighted—these coaches were strong, sturdy men, willing to be close to him, which reinforced his leadership position. He quickly accommodated their request.

Seeing that she had nothing left to do, Jiang Huan slowly went upstairs. On the way, she snacked on soft, freshly baked toast, deeply missing hot meals.

Back on the twentieth floor, she found Jiang Xi busy with his sketches. When Jiang Huan walked in, he immediately put down his sketchbook and came over. “You’re late. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. Did you have lunch?”

“Yes, I had a meal set and some instant soup.”

Jiang Huan had been out most of the day and was famished. She laid out a plate of pork knuckles, two servings of rice, a spicy stew, and a lotus pond dish. Still unsatisfied, she sliced half a smoked goose and ate with her brother.

Her brother was eating an early dinner, Jiang Huan a belated lunch, so their portions balanced out.

After eating, Jiang Huan slumped on the sofa, watching her brother clean up.

The trash was sorted—burnable items incinerated, the rest to be disposed of next time they went out.

Fortunately, the enormous storage space she possessed kept everything in the same condition as when it was placed inside; garbage wouldn’t rot or stink.

Full and sleepy, Jiang Huan forced herself to her bedroom before resting. When she opened her eyes again, it was already dark. The wind tonight seemed stronger; she could hear it even in her room.

Stepping out, Jiang Xi’s voice called, “Sis, it’s windy.”

Jiang Huan approached the window to feel it—the wind was indeed louder, and the temperature had dropped noticeably since daytime.

She brought out the previously unused indoor fireplace and set up a popular heated foot table from southern Hunan. She and her brother ate dinner at the warm table.

Dinner was simple: a portion of chicken leg rice and a bottle of hot milk tea each.

She tossed a few chestnuts and two small potatoes into the fireplace to roast, watching her brother continue his sketching.

After just a brief break, Jiang Xi’s drawing was already taking shape. Jiang Huan looked closely, reached out for the sketchbook to examine it, blinked, and raised her gaze. “Xiao Xi, you’re amazing.”