The door of the elevator opened. Zhang Jin was the first to step outside, his face showing his anger because of recent events happened. As they were planning to go back to the gathering outside, they saw that the maids were panicking and actually wanted to say something to Zhang Jin.
"Young master...he is already here." She looked so shocked having second thoughts to say 'who'.
"Who?" He asked in frustration.
The footsteps of a man went his way on the hallway coming inside the mansion. "What's the commotion going on here, Zhang Jin?" The voice of the man was confused looking at the outside of their mansion. He immediately put his gaze on Zhang Jin, who was surprised by his homecoming.
Zhang Xi, his older brother, had moved out of the country to start a new life with his own family. He has been abroad for a year because he has his own family. This was why Zhang Jin was puzzled by his sudden arrival.
Zhang Xi, a tall, commanding presence with features that bespoke a family resemblance to Zhang Jin, had always been the pillar of strength in the family. His sharp jawline, dark penetrating eyes, and the mature lines on his forehead hinted at the wisdom and experiences he'd gained abroad. Years away from home had instilled in him a sense of worldly maturity, yet the protective, elder-brother instinct remained as strong as ever. Aside from their father, this man, also acts as his brother's father if he is not present. Lian Qiang can tell that this guy is already in his twenties. Older than her.
From inside the mansion, they could still hear the loud music from the gathering, which is why his brother, Zhang Xi, asked about the commotion. Zhang Jin, was stiffed, he couldn't even say a single word because of nervousness.
"You still haven't changed at all. You keep engaging in useless activities," Zhang Xi remarked with authority but his tone was that of an older brother scolding his younger sibling.
"What are you doing here, brother?" Zhang Jin asked, a confusion in his eyes appeared.
Lian Qiang on the other side was confused about the scene but she immediately thought that this guy was his brother at her first glance. She knew because it was also discussed it to their meeting with Chief Wei.
"Are you not going to even welcome me first?" He smirked sarcastically. "Father told me to go here because of some matters about business and of course, I wanna talk to your bodyguard. Now what are you doing to yourself Zhang Jin. You always do useless things like this." He pointed to the gathering outside.
"I am very sorry about the trouble that I made, Mr. Zhang." She said, interfering them. She asked forgiveness to Zhang Xi. "I was the one who tolerated what he wanted to do. I should've forbidden him." She added.
Zhang Xi, shifted his gaze to Lian Qiang. "May I know who you are?" He asked respectably.
"Lian Qiang, I am an officer of the Orphan Mission, Mr. Zhang. I have been assigned the mission to protect Zhang Jin." She introduces herself who slightly bowed down her head to give respect to the man. The man immediately returned her gesture. She knows that this mission is highly confidential, but she trusts his family and believes they deserve to know about it except some other matters.
Zhang Xi studied her for a moment, sizing her up.
"So, you are the one my father was talking about." He said, impressed because she was a woman, different from what he thought.
"It seems so, Mr. Zhang," she replied.
He instantly shifted his gazes to Zhang Jin, who was silent. Zhang Jin right away shifted his eyes in other direction. Until now he is still afraid of his older brother. He was hoping he won't get grounded. "I don't think it's your fault, officer. My brother was really like this. So please don't cover it up." He said with authority.
"Understood, Mr. Zhang. I appreciate your understanding, but you shouldn't be worried he is my responsibility to ensure his safety from now on," she replied earnestly.
Zhang Xi looked around outside the gathering and went there. He saw many guests still having fun, not noticing the family's problems. He went to the music system and turned it off.
The guests were surprised by the sudden quiet. They stopped talking and started whispering. Everyone looked at Zhang Xi. He seemed like a strong older brother who was in charge.
"Thank you for coming tonight," he said loudly. "But I have to end the party now. Please leave. Thank you for understanding."
People looked shocked but didn't ask questions. They could tell Zhang Xi was serious. They started leaving, looking at Zhang Jin and Lian Qiang, wondering what was going on. Lian Qiang watched Zhang Xi. She was glad he stopped the party. She immediately assisted the guest outside the gateway.
When the crowd already went outside, Zhang Xi right away called Zhang Jin.
"Zhang Jin, come with me. Let's talk." Zhang Xi with his authority. He promptly followed him and left Lian Qiang outside.
An hour passed. Zhang Jin stepped outside the mansion and approached her as she sat on a lounge chair by the pool, resuming the reading that had been interrupted earlier. He halted abruptly when he reached the woman engrossed in her newspaper.
His footsteps light, not wanting to disturb her peace. But as he reached her, he paused, looking down at the woman who had been his shadow for the past few days. The sight of her so relaxed and focused on her book was a contrast to the tense bodyguard he had come to know.
Lian Qiang could sense someone's presence, but she didn't look up immediately. She finished the sentence she was reading before raising her eyes to meet Zhang Jin's. They both shared a brief, silent moment, understanding that the night's events had brought them closer in their shared mission.
Zhang Jin directly shifted his eyes away from her after realizing what happened earlier.
"My brother wants to talk to you too." He said unenthusiastically. She immediately went inside without looking at the young man. It was her first time feeling such embarrassment.