Jiang Cheng sat there, probably looking like the stupidest person on earth. He had thought that he was communicating his concerns (he was a terrible communicator and he knew it.) He hadn't moved in because he was afraid. He was afraid of being trapped, afraid of being thought of as someone who simply slept their way into homes and couldn't provide for himself. Which, he was currently with his sister, so how was that any different?

But her words? They cut. He had thought they were progressing forward! Cheng had no confidence in this department and what little he had built had been so easily shattered by someone who was no longer here. But it looked like Wen Qing wasn't interested in that. It felt too much like before when she returned the comb to him and didn't want the protection or help he could provide. And why would she? There were two capable men now with a third she could take care of. There was no reason to have Cheng around anymore. He had already dropped everything, made certain she had the proper supplies for her charges-there was no reason to keep him around if he wasn't 'putting out.'

Right. Not like Nie Huaisang at all. He wished things could have returned to a few days prior before all these idiots showed up. He had thought things were changing, hoping for something that...He guessed he was just being hopeful again.

If anything, he still had his pride and wrapped that around him like a mantle. He stood up gracefully, looking in her direction but not at her. "My apologies for keeping you. I've monopolized your time."

He bowed, still not looking directly at her. "You are strong and capable. I know these men are in good hands. Rest well, Wen Qing."

No need to stop him. He knows his way out.