For a split second, Chu Yueqi almost thought she had misheard. "What?!"
Jiang Jiang turned her head and looked at her in confusion. "I said, the person coming to pick me up is my fiancée."
The expression on Chu Yueqi's face nearly petrified. After several seconds of stunned silence, she finally came back to her senses and looked at Jiang Jiang stiffly. "You have a fiancée?!"
There seemed to be a trace of gritted teeth in her tone.
Jiang Jiang sensed that Chu Yueqi appeared deeply struck by the news. She did not quite understand why, but she did not lie. "Mm."
No, Chu Yueqi felt her temples throbbing painfully. Was her first love going to die before it even began?
"Your… fiancée." Chu Yueqi took a deep breath. "How old is she this year? You look quite young. How long have you two been dating?"
That fiancée who had popped out of nowhere—could she possibly be some scumbag who preyed on minors?
This question was difficult for Jiang Jiang to answer, so she chose the parts that were not important.
"This engagement was arranged by my grandmother. I have not met her yet."
Within the span of three short minutes, Chu Yueqi was shocked once again.
What era was this? How could there still be arranged marriages like this?!
"Wait, let me sort this out." Chu Yueqi rubbed her temple. "Was it your grandmother who told you to come find her?"
"Mm." Jiang Jiang nodded.
"You haven't even met her, let alone fallen in love. A marriage without emotional foundation will not be happy!" Looking at Jiang Jiang's obedient little face, Chu Yueqi felt like coughing up blood.
How could someone be this obedient?
"You can't gamble with your future!"
Chu Yueqi was almost at the point of grabbing Jiang Jiang by the shoulders and urging her to think rationally.
Jiang Jiang did not feel that there was anything wrong with this matter. Marriage had always followed the command of parents and the words of matchmakers. Grandmother would not harm "Xie Xiao."
Seeing that Jiang Jiang did not refute her yet also did not seriously consider her words, Chu Yueqi realized that she did not actually agree.
Calming down, she also realized she had overstepped. Given her relationship with Jiang Jiang, saying such things was indeed meddling too much.
But Chu Yueqi truly did not want to give up just like that. It was not easy for her to meet a girl she liked. She had to at least try.
"I was thinking too narrowly just now." Chu Yueqi forced a smile. "Since your grandmother arranged this engagement, the other party's conditions must be quite good."
Seeing that she had calmed down, Jiang Jiang did not avoid the topic and nodded slightly. "Her family background is very good."
Chu Yueqi's eyes shifted. "You might not be able to tell, but my family's circumstances are also not bad. Among the wealthy families in S City, I basically know them all."
"What is your fiancée's name? Maybe I know her." After asking, Chu Yueqi quickly added, "Of course, I don't mean anything else. Didn't you say you haven't met her? If I happen to know her, you could learn more about her too."
Jiang Jiang thought that made sense. Although she did not know how expensive the clothes and jewelry Chu Yueqi wore were, she could tell from her speech and bearing that Chu Yueqi's upbringing was not poor.
"Her name is Ji Xu'an," Jiang Jiang said while watching Chu Yueqi's reaction. "Xu as in willow catkins rising with the wind, An as in the an of 'empty parasol tree yet filled with dust.'"
When she heard the name, Chu Yueqi's eyes widened. Clearly, she truly did know Ji Xu'an.
A faint trace of expectation rose in Jiang Jiang's heart.
But Chu Yueqi merely stared at her blankly. After quite a while, she confirmed unwillingly, "Xu as in willow catkins, An as in the parasol tree?"
Jiang Jiang nodded with reserved composure.
"No…," Chu Yueqi felt her mind in chaos. "Same name and surname?"
Jiang Jiang's fiancée was Ji Xu'an??
Ji Xu'an had a fiancée?!
Since when? She had never heard anyone mention it!
Jiang Jiang's thoughts turned, her eyes brightening slightly as she looked at Chu Yueqi. "Do you know her?"
Chu Yueqi reached out to steady herself against the wall. "Let me process this. Is it the Ji Xu'an I'm thinking of?"
Recalling what Xie Xiao had told her, Jiang Jiang said, "I heard she was also raised by her grandmother. She is now the head of the Ji family."
Although Chu Yueqi felt Jiang Jiang's wording was somewhat strange, she was too shocked to dwell on that subtle oddness.
Raised by her grandmother, head of the Ji family—that was exactly the Ji Xu'an she knew!
Chu Yueqi looked at Jiang Jiang with a complicated expression. Though she had never heard her parents mention this matter, Jiang Jiang did not look like someone who would lie. Chu Yueqi decided to believe her.
"If that's the case, then I probably do know her." Chu Yueqi closed her eyes briefly, suppressing the storm of emotions within her. After restraining herself again and again, she still could not hide her unwillingness. "But I've never heard that she has a fiancée."
She paused, then quickly added, "I'm not saying I don't believe you. I'm just a little curious."
Jiang Jiang nodded in understanding. "My grandmother arranged it two months ago, before she passed away."
As she spoke, her lips pressed together slightly. The soft flesh of her cheeks puffed faintly, looking tender and elastic, utterly innocent.
Chu Yueqi instantly felt guilty. She had not expected that her casual question would touch upon Jiang Jiang's sorrow. Wanting to comfort her, she did not know how to begin.
Fortunately, Jiang Jiang sensed her awkwardness and took the initiative to move past the topic. "We had never met before. After my grandmother passed away, I was alone, so I could only come to rely on her."
Although she did not utter a single self-pitying word, in Chu Yueqi's eyes Jiang Jiang had already become a pitiful girl with no one to depend on. Thinking of how she had been secretly crying in the restroom earlier, Chu Yueqi's heart ached unbearably.
That wretched Ji Xu'an—she did not even know how to cherish such a well-behaved, wonderful fiancée, and actually let her take the train to S City alone!
Scumbag!
Chu Yueqi resisted the urge to speak ill of Ji Xu'an. "Did Ji Xu'an arrange for someone to pick you up?"
Or did she come personally?
Jiang Jiang blinked. "Mm, she should have sent someone."
Chu Yueqi let out a dry laugh. "Alright. I'll accompany you to the exit and take a look."
Jiang Jiang was shorter than Chu Yueqi. When she looked at her, her eyes tilted slightly upward, filled with trust.
"I might have to trouble you to lead the way, Sister Chu."
The station was enormous with many exits. Without Chu Yueqi, she truly would not know where to go.
Chu Yueqi forced a smile. "No problem."
——
"Didn't pick her up?" Ji Xu'an frowned slightly as she listened to Secretary Zhao's explanation over the phone, a trace of impatience flashing through her eyes.
Secretary Zhao was extremely nervous. He knew that his boss had arranged for him to pick the girl up partly to test that Miss Xie's temperament.
Originally, Secretary Zhao had thought this would be an exceedingly simple task. Having served President Ji for several years and seen many major scenes, he did not believe he could not handle a girl who had just come of age.
Unexpectedly, the very first step of the probing mission failed—he had not picked Miss Xie up at all!
"President Ji, we can't reach Miss Xie at the moment. Should I arrange for someone to verify the train information again?"
At this point, Secretary Zhao desperately wanted to pour out his grievances. It was already 20XX—was it really reasonable for a young person not to have a mobile phone?!
Even if Miss Xie had been living in the countryside with her grandmother, it should not be this outdated!
Secretary Zhao only had a casual photo of Xie Xiao. To be safe, he had arranged people at several exits and even had them hold wooden placards with Xie Xiao's name written on them, standing in the most conspicuous spots. As long as Xie Xiao exited the station, she would see them at a glance.
Unfortunately, with crowds coming and going and so many young girls passing by, Secretary Zhao simply did not see Xie Xiao at all.
After waiting for more than half an hour and watching the minutes tick by, Secretary Zhao was nearly despairing. When he called Ji Xu'an, his heart was pounding in fear of being scolded.
Ji Xu'an let out a cold laugh. Her fingertips tapped lightly against the armrest of her chair, mockery clear in her eyes.
"She's an adult. It's not as if she could get lost."
Ji Xu'an had not considered that Jiang Jiang might have lost her way in the sprawling high-speed railway station. She suspected the other party was putting on airs.
Xie Xiao had likely calculated that Grandmother valued her and was deliberately stirring up trouble to win sympathy.
If Grandmother found out she had not picked her up and had even lost her, she would surely call and scold her again.
"Investigate however you like. In any case, you must bring her back safely and completely."
"Before tomorrow, I want to see Xie Xiao appear at the old residence."
Secretary Zhao wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "Yes, President Ji."
Ji Xu'an hung up cleanly. The matter did not leave much of an impression on her heart; at most, it added another layer of dissatisfaction toward Jiang Jiang.
Xie Xiao… hmph.
——
Jiang Jiang truly did not have a mobile phone. Xie Xiao's phone had been broken earlier. Jiang Jiang was already struggling to adapt to her earth-shattering new life and had no energy left to think about such things.
Under Xie Xiao's guidance, she withdrew one thousand yuan in cash using the bank card left by Grandmother Xie. After buying the train ticket and food, she hid the remaining money in the inner pocket of her black backpack.
She cherished every single coin because it had been left to Xie Xiao by Grandmother Xie. Jiang Jiang did not dare spend it recklessly.
Seeing that Jiang Jiang dressed plainly, Chu Yueqi guessed her family conditions were not very good. Although she did not understand how Ji Xu'an could have such a fiancée, she did not ask further.
After learning that Jiang Jiang did not have a mobile phone, she immediately said attentively, "How can you go out without bringing a phone? Ji Xu'an really is something. No matter how busy she is, she should still spare more thought for you."
After speaking in a subtly provocative tone, Chu Yueqi suggested, "I'll take you to buy one."
Jiang Jiang shook her head. "There's no need to trouble you, Sister Chu. I have money."
Although she did not know what a "mobile phone" was for, seeing how seriously Chu Yueqi spoke, it must be important.
After being rejected, Chu Yueqi was downcast for one second before reviving at full spirit. "That's true. Ji Xu'an is your fiancée; she should think things through carefully."
In other words, if Ji Xu'an did not buy Jiang Jiang a phone, she was being inattentive!
Jiang Jiang said nothing. Inwardly, she thought the things Sister Chu said sounded somewhat strange.
When Father's concubine spoke of Mother in front of Father, she used a similar tone.
Jiang Jiang did not actually agree with Chu Yueqi's words, but she did not want to embarrass her, so she pretended not to hear.
Although she said she was Ji Xu'an's fiancée, Jiang Jiang knew clearly that they only had a verbal engagement. There were no betrothal tokens, let alone the six formal rites.
For her to come and seek refuge with Ji Xu'an was actually quite improper.
Fortunately, the Ji family did not mind her breach of etiquette and were willing to let her stay temporarily. Jiang Jiang thought that Ji Xu'an giving her a place to live was already very kind—how could she then feel at ease spending Ji Xu'an's money?
At present, she had the funds left by Grandmother Xie, so daily expenses were not a concern. But if she were truly to marry Ji Xu'an, she would have to prepare a dowry for herself…
Jiang Jiang's thoughts wandered too far. She did not even notice when they exited the station. Just as she and Chu Yueqi stepped outside, two people suddenly ran over excitedly.
"Are you Miss Xie Xiao?"
Jiang Jiang abruptly returned to her senses. Looking at the two unfamiliar men, she guessed their identities. "Did Ji Xu'an send you?"
"Yes, yes. President Ji sent us to pick you up."
They had finally found her! It had not been easy!
Chu Yueqi stepped protectively in front of Jiang Jiang, her gaze wary. "Did Ji Xu'an really send you? Do you have any proof?"
One of the bodyguards took out his phone to make a call, while the other explained, "Secretary Zhao is nearby. If Miss Xie does not believe us, Secretary Zhao can contact President Ji."
So Chu Yueqi accompanied Jiang Jiang to wait. About three minutes later, Secretary Zhao drove over.
Upon seeing Jiang Jiang, he nearly burst into tears of joy.
"Hello, Miss Xie. I am President Ji's secretary. My surname is Zhao."
After introducing himself, he looked at Chu Yueqi. "Miss Chu, hello. It has been a long time. Is Old Master Chu in good health?"
Chu Yueqi knew him. Seeing that he was indeed Ji Xu'an's secretary, she reluctantly stepped aside, revealing Jiang Jiang behind her.
"My grandfather is still in good health. Thank you for your concern, Secretary Zhao."
Then she turned to Jiang Jiang. "Jiang Jiang, Secretary Zhao is Ji Xu'an's trusted secretary. You can trust him. Go with him."
Reluctance showed plainly on her face. Knowing Jiang Jiang had no phone, she wrote down her contact information on a piece of paper and stuffed it into Jiang Jiang's palm.
"My WeChat ID is the same. After you buy a new phone, you must add me!"
Jiang Jiang did not understand, but she nodded earnestly. "Alright."
She paused, then said solemnly, "Thank you, Sister Chu."
Chu Yueqi watched as she got into the car, her disappointment written all over her face.
After sitting down, Jiang Jiang continued to watch Chu Yueqi's figure through the car window. Only when the vehicle merged into traffic did she slowly withdraw her gaze.
Secretary Zhao had been observing her reaction. Seeing this, he casually remarked, "Miss Xie seems to have quite a good relationship with Miss Chu."
Jiang Jiang lowered her eyes and recounted how she and Chu Yueqi had met.
She hugged her black backpack tightly. Inside it were all of her treasures. Sitting upright, she looked obedient and well-behaved—nothing like the vain swindler Ji Xu'an had imagined.
For the moment, Secretary Zhao could not discern anything else. He merely felt that Jiang Jiang was quiet. She did not talk much, nor did she inquire about anything related to President Ji.
From the station to the old residence, Jiang Jiang only silently gazed out the window. Those bright almond eyes were clear and spirited, without the slightest trace of ulterior motive.
Secretary Zhao even felt something strange.
He thought Jiang Jiang seemed to be observing everything around her.
Seeing that she did not wish to speak, he could only remain silent as well.
Though he intended to test her, if the other party did not respond, he could hardly perform a one-man show.
After more than half an hour of driving, they finally arrived at the old residence.
"Miss Xie, there are people in the residence. The housekeeper has already made arrangements. Please rest first. President Ji will come this evening."
Jiang Jiang expressed her thanks, which instead made Secretary Zhao somewhat embarrassed. Under President Ji's instruction, he had been wary of Miss Xie, yet she was very polite, and her gratitude appeared sincere.
Unless her acting was exceptionally good, perhaps Miss Xie was not as scheming as President Ji believed.
Secretary Zhao soon left. Carrying her bag, Jiang Jiang followed the housekeeper, discreetly observing the environment of the old residence.
Having received instructions from Old Madam Ji, the housekeeper was very warm toward Jiang Jiang. Seeing that the young girl was quiet and obedient, she felt even more fondness.
"Old Madam knew you were coming and reminded me several times to make sure everything was arranged properly."
A small smile appeared at Jiang Jiang's lips. "I am the one disturbing you. May I ask where the Old Madam is currently?"
In propriety and in sentiment, she should visit Old Madam Ji to express gratitude for taking her in.
"Old Madam has been staying at the sanatorium recently. Alas, her health is not good, and Miss Ji is usually very busy, running between the old residence and the company. Old Madam feels heartache for her."
Jiang Jiang deeply agreed.
Ji Xu'an alone upheld such a vast family enterprise. Outsiders only saw the glamour; only those close to her understood the hardship within.
Jiang Jiang suddenly felt a faint sense of shared fate with Ji Xu'an.
The housekeeper continued, "Miss Ji instructed that you rest first. Tomorrow she will take you to see Old Madam."
Jiang Jiang could only settle in for the time being.
After washing up and eating something under the housekeeper's arrangements, she fell into a deep sleep. When she woke, it was nearly eight in the evening.
After tidying herself and confirming there was nothing improper, Jiang Jiang opened the door and prepared to go downstairs to wait for Ji Xu'an.
Just as she reached the junction between the first and second floors, she heard a distinct tapping sound.
It seemed to be a unique rhythm of footsteps. Jiang Jiang bent slightly to look downward—only to meet a pair of eyes that were both unfamiliar and strangely familiar.
The woman was tall, with long, well-proportioned legs and a straight back. Her long hair hung loosely to her waist, not even tied with a ribbon.
Her complexion was luminous white; her brows and eyes were as cold as frost and snow, like a sharpened blade gleaming with faint chill.
In the eyes that looked up at Jiang Jiang, there was calm stillness. All probing and suspicion were concealed perfectly.
Jiang Jiang stood frozen in place, as though rooted there, staring at the woman below in bewilderment.
Princess Huaining?!
__
Author's Note:
President Ji: (frowning) What does that look in her eyes mean?
Jiang Jiang: (shocked) (in disbelief) That shouldn't be… how is it possible…
—
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