After last night's incident, Jiang Qing was filled with hatred for Fu Xici, and with it, some resentment towards Jiang Zhi.
I deliberately stoked this anger in him. You see, although Jiang Zhi was an illegitimate child, she had received more care and love from childhood than legitimate daughters.
Jiang Qing had raised her like a daughter of a rich family, but he had no idea she was willing to degrade herself.
The situation was already settled. Given Jiang Qing's attitude towards her, Jiang Zhi could have married a good man of equal status.
But she was waiting for a scumbag to divorce. Since the Jiang family had no sons, she even wanted to raise this son-in-law to inherit the Jiang family.
How could Jiang Qing not be furious? In his rage, he even cursed her mother.
You know, that mistress was his sweetheart, so you can imagine how furious he was. Fu Xici, who had just been sweet-talking Jiang Zhi, now wisely chose to shut up. Jiang Zhi must be crazy to like a man like that.
Jiang Zhi wanted to retort, but when she realized the current situation was unfavorable to her, she stopped talking.
"You disgraceful thing, get out of here!" Jiang Qing said fiercely.
Jiang Zhi glared at me and snarled, "Jiang Wanwan, don't get complacent."
With that, she left the Lu residence, and Fu Xici found an excuse to leave as well.
Suppressing my nausea, I soothed her, "Dad, don't be angry. My sister is too straightforward. Even if she doesn't like Yanchen, how could she say such things in the Lu household? If her words got to Yanchen, you'd see what kind of man he is. You have a future collaboration, and whether or not we can expand into the domestic market depends on Yanchen. If my sister ruins the partnership, wouldn't that be worth the loss?"
Men, after all, prioritize their careers. After I said that, Jiang Qing finally understood. He looked at me with a hint of surprise. "You've grown a lot since your suicide attempt."
"I was naive in the past, constantly arguing with my sister and forgetting my last name is Jiang. This marriage is meant to create a better marriage, so I will definitely be a good Mrs. Lu and become the bond between the Jiang and Lu families."
Jiang Qing was clearly pleased with my words, and his expression softened considerably.
See, men, no matter their age, actually enjoy hearing flattering words. No wonder the mistress whispered in his ear for so many years. But from now on, I'll be the one to do it.
"I'm glad you have such thoughts. Dad didn't care about you in the past. If you're wronged or bullied in the Lu family, just tell him."
This fatherly love, like a sun shower, was incredibly short-lived. If Jiang Wanwan were still alive, she'd be delighted.
I wore a smile on my face, my heart calm, and pretended to be even more obedient. "Don't worry, Dad. Mr. Lu really likes me, and Yanchen is even more respectful and considerate to me. I'm sincerely satisfied with this marriage and won't be wronged. I just miss Mom and Dad sometimes, and I miss home..."
I lowered my head, looking pitiful.
Mom patted my head. "Then I'll stay with you more at the Lu family."
"That's ridiculous! My daughter's already married. How can that be considered proper?"
"Whether it's proper or not doesn't matter. You never come home anyway, you're always hanging out. How many people recognize me as Mrs. Jiang? I might as well divorce you."
Jiang Qing glared at me. "I just said you were obedient and sensible, but why are you still acting like a child?"
He grabbed my mother's hand. "Okay, honey, I'll stay with you at the Lu family for a few days. I also need to discuss cooperation with Yanchen, so you can stay with Wanwan."
I saw that my mother didn't show any resistance. It seemed she still had feelings for this scumbag. Their older generation is inherently traditional, and with the huge stakes between the two families involved, divorce is simply unrealistic. They can only make the best of their lives.
Perhaps their feelings warmed considerably last night together. If Jiang Zha leaves Xiao San's family and returns to his family, I have no objection.
After all, Mom needs a man by her side.
In this case, all I have to do is eliminate Xiao San's family for her.
I left space for the two of them to step aside.
These families are planning marriages, and the Su family, for example, is striving for maximum benefits, treating marriage as a negotiation.
In contrast, I felt at ease, having personally dragged them into this quagmire and then withdrawn.
Shortly after returning to my room, Lu Yanchen returned, bringing with him a plate of snacks.
"Here, eat while it's hot."
"It's my favorite molten buns and peach blossom pastries." I beamed. The man's brows relaxed slightly at the smile on my face. "As long as you like it, I just took it. The Fu and Su families have been busy these past few days."
I sat next to him and took a bite of the molten bun. I ate it too quickly, and the golden molten filling burned the tip of my tongue. "Ah, it's hot."
"Slow down, don't rush. I'm not trying to snatch it from you. Let me see."
Before I could react, my uncle had already grasped my chin, and I awkwardly stuck out my tongue for him to examine.
In his eyes, perhaps I was just a greedy little girl. After all, this body was almost a generation older than his.
He blew gently, and the tip of his tongue felt cool, but my cheeks suddenly heated up.
Only then did I realize how close we were. So close that I noticed Lu Yanchen's eyelashes were long and thick, and his skin was even finer than a woman's, white and smooth.
His features were deeply defined, his complexion fair without appearing feminine. His facial features were sharp, like a sword drawn from its sheath, full of menace. No wonder I used to get scared just by looking at him.
"Yanchen, I'm fine." I weakly tried to break free from his grasp.
His eyes locked onto my lips, and after a moment, he released me.
While I was still in shock, there was a knock on the door.
It was the housekeeper's cold voice: "Madam, Master, the old man wants to see you."
My heart tightened. What was coming had finally come.
The old man couldn't have failed to see through our little trick; he was coming to settle the score.
My face was ashen; I was still quite afraid of him.
Someone suddenly grasped my hand, his fingertips gentle and warm. "Don't be afraid, I'm here."