Fang ng gave a half-bow.
“Welco back, Master and Madam.”
Madam Jiang said,
“Didn’t expect all of you to arrive so early.”
Chairman Jiang extended a hand to Lin Zhengran for a formal handshake, treating him not as a young junior, but as an equal.
“Young man, I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Jiang Jingshi’s father. I’ve been wanting to et you for a long ti—today, I finally got my wish.”
Lin Zhengran shook his hand, quickly realizing that the chairman of the Jiang Group truly carried a commanding presence. When those sharp eyes looked at him, it felt like they could read straight into his mind—like a hawk staring into one’s soul. A veteran entrepreneur indeed had a unique aura.
Still, even though the other man held considerable status in Zitong City, Lin Zhengran showed no sign of nervousness. He replied calmly,
“You flatter , Uncle. I’ve actually admired you and Auntie for a long ti. Your reputations are well known throughout Zitong City. I’ve always held deep respect.”
With just that short exchange, Chairman Jiang’s lips curled into a subtle smile. He could already tell the asure of this young man.
Unfazed before elders, composed in speech and thought. While this might not impress hardened veterans of the business world, the fact that this young man was even younger than his own daughter, and yet carried himself this way—unprecedented among all the youth he’d ever t.
And strangely enough... Chairman Jiang found the young man likable. For a businessman, that kind of innate likability was a rare gift.
He was pleased.
Seeing the two shake hands so seriously, Madam Jiang shot her husband a look, as if to say, He saved our daughter’s life—do you really have to be sizing him up for his “potential” right now?
She smiled and stepped in.
“No need to stand on ceremony with Auntie. Can I just call you Zhengran directly?”
Lin Zhengran replied,
“Of course. You can call whatever you like, Auntie.”
Madam Jiang smiled.
“Zhengran, thank you for saving our daughter Jingshi’s life. I really don’t know how to thank you properly, but we brought a little sothing for you today. After dinner, take it with you when you leave.
Also, your uncle and I had planned to visit you a while back, but Jingshi told us she was afraid we’d bother you, so we held off. Hope you don’t mind.”
Lin Zhengran replied with a smile,
“You’re far too kind, Auntie and Uncle. How could I possibly mind? I’ve known Jingshi for a long ti—when she got sick, there was no way I’d just stand by. I never expected anything in return when I helped her.”
Chairman Jiang nodded seriously.
“No matter what you say, your kindness to the Jiang family is sothing we’ll never forget. If you don’t mind, you’re welco to visit our ho anyti. Both your aunt and I would love to have you.”
“Thank you.”
Feeling the mont was right, Jiang Jingshi cut in,
“Okay, Dad, Mom, enough formalities. I already had the kitchen start preparing food before I ca. You two go rest for a bit—we’ll be eating in half an hour.”
Madam Jiang nodded.
“Alright. But what were you four doing upstairs just now?”
“Oh, we were giving Zhengzheng a tour of the house. The only thing left is the garden. We’ll take him for a little walk there now.”
Chairman and Madam Jiang both caught that last part—and exchanged a quick glance.
Madam Jiang smiled aningfully.
“Is that so? Alright, go on then.”
With permission granted, Jiang Jingshi led Lin Zhengran toward the courtyard. Fang ng was about to follow—but got tugged back by none other than Second Miss Jiang Qian.
Fang ng turned to look, surprised to see Jiang Qian’s face dark and stormy.
“Qianqian?”
Jiang Qian said coldly,
“Xiaong, co with . Ergency eting.”
Without another word, she dragged Fang ng into the study, shooting one last glare at her sister and Lin Zhengran as they walked off together.
After they were gone, both parents let out quiet chuckles.
Madam Jiang said,
“Did you catch that just now? Did you hear what Jingshi called him?”
Chairman Jiang stepped forward.
“Of course. With that kind of affectionate nickna, it’s obvious what kind of relationship they have.”
Madam Jiang followed him closely.
“What do you think of the young man?”
He looked over his shoulder, full of confidence.
“What do I think? With that business sense? I’m already sold—he’s the son-in-law I’ve been waiting for.”
Hearing this, Madam Jiang gave him a sharp elbow jab. Her husband looked confused as she cut in:
“Business sense? I ant whether you think he’s a good match for Jingshi! Is your brain only wired to think about business?”
Now that no one else was around, Chairman Jiang dropped the act, grinning helplessly.
“Well, she’s already calling him Zhengzheng. What else can I say as her father? All that’s left for to worry about is business compatibility.”
Madam Jiang gave a snort.
“We barely even spoke with him, but I think he’s a solid young man. You can usually tell if soone has real presence from the very first impression. Looks like Jingshi’s future is in good hands.”
Chairman Jiang sat down on the sofa, analyzing the situation.
“Still too early to say. He’s young. Even if he wants to marry Jingshi soday, that’s years away.
And don’t forget—Jiang Group and Zhengshi Company have had so friction lately in business. We’ll need to talk that out over dinner tonight, make sure there aren’t any future risks.
Especially since the Jiang Group is definitely going to be handed down to Qianqian.
She’s not as soft-tempered as her sister, and we don’t even know if she’ll find a boyfriend like her future brother-in-law. Talents like him are rare. We’ve got to lay so groundwork for her too.”
Madam Jiang nodded, then muttered under her breath,
“Brother-in-law? They’re not even married yet. You’re jumping the gun.”
Chairman Jiang clicked his tongue.
“Oh co on, I can’t win with you. So you don’t like it now? You didn’t object earlier.”
Another elbow jab from Madam Jiang.
“I do like it! But you still don’t get to say it like that!”
In the study—
The door closed firmly behind them as Jiang Qian and Fang ng faced each other.
“Xiaong, did you hear it too?” Jiang Qian asked with a dark, despairing tone.
Fang ng let out a soft “eh…” and sighed.
“Even though your question’s a bit vague, I’m pretty sure I know what you an.
Yes. I heard it. Lin Zhengran called the Eldest Miss ‘Jingshi,’ and she called him ‘Zhengzheng.’”
Jiang Qian stared in disbelief.
“Seriously?! So my ears aren’t broken? I didn’t imagine that?!”
Fang ng nodded solemnly.
“Unless my ears are broken too—but that’s impossible. I regularly check my health. And I’ve always paid close attention to yours, Qianqian.”
“I don’t get it. Why would they use those nas with each other? Are they playing so kind of... house?”
Fang ng was speechless.
“I think… things have gone way beyond what you or I expected. There’s a very strong chance that the Eldest Miss and Lin Zhengran...”
At that point, Jiang Qian looked at her, eyes wide in fear.
She wasn’t soone who got scared easily. But right now, her pupils trembled with dread.
Fang ng hesitated, then finished:
“...have feelings for each other.”
Jiang Qian exhaled in relief.
“Even though I hate to admit that Lin Zhengran could be attracted to my sister... but...”
Fang ng said nothing.
She had originally wanted to say that they were probably already together, but those words just couldn’t leave her mouth.
Because deep down, Fang ng didn’t want to see Lin Zhengran end up with any other girl.
Jiang Qian clenched her fists.
“I can’t just sit around and do nothing anymore. When enemies et on a narrow road, the brave will win.
Tonight’s dinner—that’s the perfect ti to declare war!”
“Declare war?! Qianqian, what do you plan to do?!”
“Break through the siege!”
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