Jiang Jiang first arranged her belongings neatly one by one, then carefully explored the entire room in detail.
When she arrived, she had specifically asked Zhao Zitang and learned from him that there were no surveillance cameras inside the room—only two cameras at the entrance. Even so, Jiang Jiang still checked again for reassurance. It was indeed as Zhao Zitang had said; he had not lied to her.
So Jiang Jiang did not only explore by herself—she also held up the White Jade Linglong Mirror and let Xie Xiao look together with her.
From time to time, the two of them let out small exclamations.
"These huge floor-to-ceiling windows! I absolutely love them!" Xie Xiao's eyes were filled with envy through the mirror. "Next time, try pouring red wine into a stemmed glass, then stand in front of the window while drinking and look down at the traffic below. Remember, you must dim the lights in the room."
Jiang Jiang did not understand, but it sounded impressive, so she humbly asked, "Does doing that have some special meaning?"
Xie Xiao's expression turned profound. "That way, you can experience the feeling of being a domineering CEO."
Jiang Jiang: ?
Her face brimmed with curiosity. "What is a domineering CEO?"
Hearing the word "domineering," Jiang Jiang could only think of imperial descendants—dragon sons and phoenix granddaughters—those born with an air of unattainable superiority, each one seeming to look down at others from atop their high pedestal.
The Crown Prince had been like that, and Princess Huaining had been the same.
Xie Xiao did not quite know how to explain the meaning of a domineering CEO to her. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Probably… someone like Ji Xu'an?"
Jiang Jiang immediately understood. It seemed that even though this world did not operate under imperial supremacy, some people still existed above the rest.
"Let's not talk about that anymore." Xie Xiao felt that the more she said, the more wrong it sounded. She was embarrassed to explain those tacky things to Jiang Jiang. Mainly, Jiang Jiang was too pure—Xie Xiao was afraid of leading her astray.
"So next, you're going to start living together with Ji Xu'an, right?" Her face was written all over with gossip.
Jiang Jiang knelt by the window, gazing at the scenery outside together with Xie Xiao. Her eyes were calm and gentle as she spoke softly, "Ji Xu'an probably won't come here often."
Xie Xiao did not understand. "Didn't she say she wanted to cultivate feelings with you? Otherwise, why would she help you apply for off-campus accommodation?"
Jiang Jiang leaned her forehead against the glass window and met Xie Xiao's gaze in the mirror with a smile. "Xieo Xiao, have you also been deceived by her?"
That statement had merely been something Ji Xu'an used to placate Grandma Ji. If Jiang Jiang truly believed it, then she would have fallen right into Ji Xu'an's trap.
Jiang Jiang maintained a balance of closeness and distance toward Ji Xu'an—was Ji Xu'an not doing the same?
Ji Xu'an was adept at the tactic of striking once and then offering a sweet date. Upon their first meeting, she had given Jiang Jiang a show of force, suppressing her with coldness and disdain.
Although her words had been harsh, she had not mistreated Jiang Jiang in other respects, and when cooperation was necessary, she had cooperated. It was easy to create the illusion of being cold on the outside but warm on the inside.
"Ji Xu'an's goal was never to drive me away," Jiang Jiang said calmly. "She only wants me to behave properly and not cause her any trouble. That is enough."
"But before, she clearly acted like she disliked and rejected you, as if she couldn't wait to make you get out of the Ji family immediately." Xie Xiao felt her mind was turning into a mess.
"If she didn't act that way, how could she make me afraid and thus obedient?"
Xie Xiao suddenly understood. "So back then, your fear was all an act?!"
She had not expected Jiang Jiang to start acting so early—even she had been deceived.
"Not entirely." Jiang Jiang truly had been wary of Ji Xu'an, because her limited understanding of this world meant she was no match for Ji Xu'an.
"If Ji Xu'an really wanted to drive me away, she would only need to let Ji Heyuan bully me." But she had not done that. She had even stood up for Jiang Jiang when Ji Heyuan bullied her.
"Then what exactly does she want? To marry you? It doesn't look like that either."
"Probably my recent performance has been satisfactory to her." Jiang Jiang pressed her lips into a faint smile. "The Ji family is wealthy. It's not that they can't afford to support an orphan girl."
Now Xie Xiao understood. "She wants to stabilize Grandma Ji first, and then break off the engagement with you, right?"
That was why Ji Xu'an avoided suspicion at every turn—she was afraid that once Jiang Jiang fell in love with her, breaking off the engagement would become even more difficult.
"So you want to invite her to dinner and lay everything out in the open?"
Jiang Jiang shook her head. "Not entirely."
Seeing Xie Xiao's confusion, she patiently explained, "Xie Xiao, words must never be spoken too fully. Otherwise, you lose all room for maneuver. Say half and keep half; seven parts truth and three parts falsehood are enough. That way, you leave yourself a way out and avoid being trapped in a deadlock."
Xie Xiao pondered. "I understand. You need to know how to leave blank space, right?"
In other words, keep things ambiguous and let the other person interpret and fill in the blanks themselves.
"But didn't you just say Ji Xu'an wants to avoid suspicion? Will she really come?"
Jiang Jiang said with certainty, "She will."
For someone like Ji Xu'an, who held great power and whose personality tolerated no deviation, things that went beyond expectation were the hardest to ignore. Even if only to resolve the doubts in her heart, she would definitely make the trip.
"I'm not sure about the future, but tonight, she will definitely come."
—
A little after four in the afternoon, Zhao Zitang arranged for someone to deliver the ingredients Jiang Jiang had requested.
This was only the second time Jiang Jiang had used modern kitchen appliances to cook. The last time, someone had helped her. This time, she had to rely entirely on herself. It would have been impossible not to feel nervous.
Yet none of that unfamiliarity showed in her movements. Even Xie Xiao sighed, "You really don't look like someone who's never used these before."
"I watched the cooks at the old residence use them," Jiang Jiang explained.
Her pace in chopping vegetables was not fast, but her knife was steady. The potato slices she cut were nearly identical in thickness, leaving Xie Xiao full of admiration.
Moreover, Jiang Jiang was wearing a pink apron decorated with a cute rabbit pattern, and there were even two small ears at the chest area. Xie Xiao was nearly overwhelmed by how adorable she looked.
They had identical faces—why did Jiang Jiang give her such a soft and easily bullied feeling?
Watching Jiang Jiang cook was interesting in itself. As she watched, Xie Xiao suddenly had a flash of inspiration. "Weren't you looking for a job? You could become a food livestreamer!"
Jiang Jiang frowned. "What does that mean?"
Xie Xiao grew animated, her mouth chattering nonstop. By the end, Jiang Jiang understood.
"People here enjoy watching others cook?" Jiang Jiang did not understand. What was so entertaining about cooking?
"Not just that—there's singing, dancing, playing games, all kinds of things. Everything under the sun." The more Xie Xiao thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. She wished Jiang Jiang would register an account immediately.
Jiang Jiang did not dampen her enthusiasm. She only waved the kitchen knife in her hand. "I'll look into it carefully when I have time."
Xie Xiao considered it. "Alright, you focus on cooking first."
Preparing the ingredients alone took more than an hour. Estimating that Ji Xu'an might be arriving soon, Jiang Jiang put away the White Jade Linglong Mirror.
At 6:20 in the evening, Ji Xu'an unlocked the door with her fingerprint. The moment she pushed it open, a rich aroma of dishes drifted toward her.
Ji Xu'an closed the door, removed her coat as she walked, and casually draped it over the arm of the sofa.
By the time Jiang Jiang heard the movement and turned her head, Ji Xu'an was already near the kitchen entrance.
"You're back!" Jiang Jiang raised a bright, wide smile. The delight in her eyes was undisguised, so direct that it made one's chest feel warm.
Ji Xu'an's steps paused slightly. "Mm."
She continued toward the kitchen and asked, "Is there anything I can help with?"
Jiang Jiang looked at her in pleasant surprise and quickly waved her hands. "No need. I can manage by myself. You've worked hard—sit and rest for a while first."
Ji Xu'an was not skilled at cooking—at most she could assist—but Jiang Jiang had already prepared everything.
Seeing that Jiang Jiang was not merely being polite but genuinely did not need help, she did not insist.
However, Ji Xu'an did not go far. She took a seat at the dining table and quietly watched Jiang Jiang.
There was no separation between the kitchen and the dining area. In the open space, Ji Xu'an could clearly take in Jiang Jiang's busy figure.
Taking advantage of a pause between stir-frying dishes, Jiang Jiang brought out a plate of washed fruit—all of them Ji Xu'an's favorites.
"There's only one dish left. Sis—" She corrected herself quickly, "President Ji, have some fruit first to fill your stomach."
Ji Xu'an's gaze traveled from Jiang Jiang's scallion-like fingertips to the fine beads of sweat at the tip of her nose. She nodded slightly. "You've worked hard."
After a pause, she added, "You don't have to call me President Ji."
Jiang Jiang thought Ji Xu'an must have remembered Ji Heyuan's remark about a "special fetish."
She revealed just the right amount of hesitation and unease, unconsciously biting her lower lip—unaware that the flesh had already been bitten into a moist, flushed red, like a petal soaked in dew.
"Then… what should I call you?"
Ji Xu'an quickly lowered her gaze, not letting her eyes linger on Jiang Jiang's face even for a moment. "Just call me by my name."
Jiang Jiang twisted her fingers together. "I understand."
She turned back into the kitchen. Only after she walked away did Ji Xu'an lift her eyes again to look at her back, her brows knitting slightly.
Had she truly been overthinking?
Jiang Jiang carried the last dish to the table, removed her apron, and pulled out a chair to sit opposite Ji Xu'an.
"There are a few dishes I made for the first time. I'm not sure how they taste." She blushed slightly. "But people who've eaten my cooking before said my skills are quite good."
Ji Xu'an's lips seemed to curve faintly. She picked up some stir-fried lotus root slices closest to her. The taste was savory with a hint of sweetness—indeed not bad.
Strictly speaking, Jiang Jiang's cooking was not extraordinary, but it carried the warmth of home-style dishes. It was delicious.
Combined with the quiet of the house and the soft lighting over the dining table, the atmosphere gained a gentle warmth.
Jiang Jiang guessed Ji Xu'an would like it. She did not know whether Ji Xu'an's cold personality was related to the early loss of her parents, but that event must have affected her deeply. Ji Xu'an probably would not dislike this sense of home.
Jiang Jiang projected her own feelings—at least… she herself liked it very much.
They did not speak, calmly finishing dinner together. Ji Xu'an did not eat much ordinarily, yet tonight she finished a full bowl of rice. Jiang Jiang's guess had been correct—she truly liked it.
After the meal, Ji Xu'an's expression was noticeably less cold than before.
The atmosphere was just right. Jiang Jiang picked up the fruit wine at the side and poured Ji Xu'an half a glass. "Secretary Zhao said this wine isn't intoxicating. We can drink a little."
In the past, Ji Xu'an would certainly have refused, but at this moment she said nothing, tacitly allowing it.
Jiang Jiang poured herself a glass as well. Seeing Ji Xu'an silently watching her, she explained softly, "I'm an adult. I can drink."
That was something Xie Xiao had told her.
Ji Xu'an said nothing. She lifted the glass between two fingers, brought it to her nose, and sniffed. The scent was ordinary; the alcohol content was indeed mild—more like a beverage.
While Ji Xu'an was sniffing it, Jiang Jiang had already downed her entire glass in one gulp, as if gathering courage.
Ji Xu'an glanced up and saw Jiang Jiang's cheeks flushed, her eyes moist as she looked at her.
Drunk?
Suspicion rose in Ji Xu'an's eyes.
Jiang Jiang poured herself another glass. After draining it, she spoke slowly, "Thank you, Ji Xu'an."
Ji Xu'an's gaze flickered. "For what?"
The slight intoxication gave Jiang Jiang courage. She met Ji Xu'an's eyes directly. "Thank you for being so good to me, for taking me in, for giving me a place to live."
Ji Xu'an did not think much of it. "It's nothing."
Everything Jiang Jiang mentioned could be solved with money—and money was what Ji Xu'an lacked the least.
What caught Ji Xu'an's attention was Jiang Jiang's use of the phrase "taking me in." It seemed Xie Xiao was very aware of how flimsy her own excuse had been.
"That's different." Jiang Jiang shook her head. Her voice grew softer, almost like self-murmuring. "You could have ignored me, just like… "
Ji Xu'an did not hear the last words clearly, but she had investigated Xie Xiao and knew she had an uncle, though they were not close and had little contact.
She must have been referring to him.
For a moment, Ji Xu'an fell silent.
She still disliked how Xie Xiao had used so-called fate to pressure her. But setting that aside, Xie Xiao was merely a young girl who had recently lost her only relative and was now alone and without support.
Perhaps the warmth of the evening had softened something. Xie Xiao was rarely speaking of her inner thoughts in front of her.
After a long time, Ji Xu'an found herself recalling distant memories.
Torrential rain pouring down, endless thick fog, hysterical cries, gusting wind through empty halls… and a young girl drenched to the bone, numb as if unable to feel pain…
Ji Xu'an raised her glass and took a slow sip. Xie Xiao's low murmurs continued in her ears.
She must be drunk—otherwise she would never reveal such a posture in front of her.
Ji Xu'an picked up the wine bottle and glanced at it. Alcohol content: 12% vol.
She raised a brow and openly studied the person opposite her, her tone unreadable. "You're drunk. Go back to your room and rest."
Jiang Jiang blinked, looking dazed. Through blurry eyes she stared at Ji Xu'an, then suddenly let out a hiccup.
Ashamed and flustered, she covered her mouth. Tears suddenly gathered in her eyes, as if about to fall.
"You're telling me to leave." Her tone was certain, tinged with grievance. "Do you also dislike me and think I'm useless?"
"I didn't say that," Ji Xu'an replied calmly.
Though she had not found Jiang Jiang particularly useful either—at least so far she had not seen any outstanding quality in her.
Drunk, Jiang Jiang refused to listen. The tears pooled in her eyes rolled down her cheeks.
"You did! You told me to leave!"
There was an unreasonable edge to her accusation.
Ji Xu'an's expression remained steady. "I told you to go back to your room, not to leave this place."
Jiang Jiang seemed to understand. She bit her lip, fell silent for a few seconds, then apologized in a tiny voice. "Then I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been fierce with you."
Her tone was unbearably soft.
Ji Xu'an was not angry. There was no point being angry with a drunk person. But she had glimpsed another side of Jiang Jiang—whether genuine or acted, it was somewhat interesting. So she remained seated, watching Jiang Jiang instead of leaving immediately.
Jiang Jiang stared at her without blinking, tears falling silently and delicately.
"Why are you crying?" Ji Xu'an asked.
Jiang Jiang covered her chest. "I don't know. I just feel very sad."
After thinking for a long time, she said uncertainly, "I think… I miss home a little."
But she had no home here.
Her voice was light, yet the sorrow it carried pressed heavily on the heart.
Ji Xu'an exhaled deeply. For the first time, she set aside her prejudices and spoke to Jiang Jiang seriously and solemnly.
"Xie Xiao, birth, aging, sickness, and death are things everyone must experience. Even the most outstanding and great people will one day walk toward death. If those who leave have attachments, then those who remain should live well—carrying the expectations and blessings of the departed as they move toward broader horizons."
"Living each day earnestly and steadfastly is the best way to remember those who have left." At the end, Ji Xu'an gazed deeply into Jiang Jiang's reddened, tear-filled eyes, her tone carrying an unspoken meaning. "You must believe that every second you spend in this world is precious. Things you treat as worthless might be what others desperately long for."
Jiang Jiang stared at her blankly for a long time—so long that Ji Xu'an thought she might not have understood a word—before Jiang Jiang finally moved her lips.
"I really envy little Yuan."
Very much. Very much.
She looked at Ji Xu'an, yet seemed not to see her at all, as if her gaze stretched far into the distance. "When I was little, I also really wanted an older sister…"
Liu Xiaobao, who lived at the foot of the mountain, had three older sisters. Each one doted on her, gave her all the tasty food, took her to the river to catch fish, to the mountains to pick wild fruit.
But she was stingy—though she had three sisters, she would not share even one with Jiang Jiang, and would deliberately show off in front of her.
Everyone had an older sister. Even someone as ill-tempered as Ji Heyuan had a sister who loved her. Only Jiang Jiang did not.
She rested her head on the table and looked quietly at Ji Xu'an. Tears rolled from the corners of her eyes, soaking her sleeve.
Ji Xu'an exhaled softly, as if understanding something. Warmth entered her gaze.
"Xie Xiao, you can also treat me as an older sister."
"An intimate relationship does not have to be between spouses. You have more choices."
Jiang Jiang nearly bit through her lip. She cried harder and choked out, "Will you treat me as well as you treat little Yuan?"
Ji Xu'an promised, "I will."
Slowly, Jiang Jiang reached out, tentatively crossing the table to lightly grasp Ji Xu'an's sleeve.
Ji Xu'an did not pull away.
Jiang Jiang finally couldn't hold it in anymore. She cried until her whole face was covered in tears. "I know… actually, when you said you wanted to marry me, you were lying to me…"
Ji Xu'an's expression turned cold. She almost immediately moved to pull her sleeve back, but before she could act, she heard Jiang Jiang continue, "I'll tell Grandma Ji. After all, a forced melon isn't sweet."
The alcohol had gone to her head; her gaze was nearly unfocused, and her words came out broken and intermittent.
"Actually, I told you before—I really didn't know the truth behind the engagement. But I know you must think I'm lying to you…"
Ji Xu'an did not deny it, because that was indeed what she thought. In fact, even now, she still had not completely believed Jiang Jiang's words.
"I know you dislike me. I also…" Jiang Jiang paused.
After a moment, she continued, "But I don't want to make Grandma Ji sad. She's really been very good to me."
Ji Xu'an thought that Xie Xiao had perhaps placed all her feelings for her own grandmother, all her longing, onto Old Madam Ji.
After hearing such a stream of "heartfelt words," Ji Xu'an could not remain completely unresponsive. She asked softly, "Xie Xiao, do you like me?"
Jiang Jiang did not answer. She stared at her for a long time before gently nodding. But immediately afterward, she shook her head again. "I…"
If she had directly said she didn't like her, Ji Xu'an might have grown suspicious. But seeing this hesitant expression instead, Ji Xu'an actually felt relieved.
Over these past days, Xie Xiao's odd behavior finally had an explanation.
Ji Xu'an knew her instincts had not been wrong. Xie Xiao had indeed been trying to please her, but that desire to please did not stem from romantic feelings—it was a kind of admiration and yearning for an older sister.
"A marriage without feelings won't be happy. The 'liking' you feel toward me is just the liking you feel toward an older sister, not the flutter of love toward a partner," Ji Xu'an coaxed patiently. "You want an older sister, don't you?"
Right now, there happened to be a very suitable candidate.
Jiang Jiang nodded honestly.
Ji Xu'an said, "I can promise to treat you and little Yuan equally, but there's a condition. Do you understand?"
Jiang Jiang kept nodding. She stopped crying and instead smiled foolishly at Ji Xu'an. "I'll try my best to persuade Grandma."
Her small expression carried seriousness. "This matter began because of me. I have the responsibility to resolve it."
Ji Xu'an was satisfied. "As long as you can keep your word, I will also honor my promise."
Jiang Jiang tightened her grip on Ji Xu'an's sleeve and murmured, "Then… does that mean I have an older sister now too? I won't have to envy others anymore?"
Ji Xu'an inclined her head. "Mm."
Having gained a younger sister, she did not feel any particularly strong emotions inside.
Jiang Jiang smiled until her eyes nearly curved into crescents. Her almond-shaped eyes were red and swollen from crying, yet the curve of her lips was one of pure contentment.
She asked Ji Xu'an, "Then can I call you 'Older Sister'?"
Ji Xu'an, unusually patient, replied, "You can."
It was just as well. The title "Older Sister" would also remind Xie Xiao not to forget what she had promised.
Jiang Jiang carefully moved her lips and called out very softly, "…Older Sister."
Ji Xu'an lowered her gaze to look at her, her eyes deep as ink.
A moment later, a very soft response sounded in the room.
"Mm."
—
Jiang Jiang slept very deeply. The aftereffects of last night's crying appeared—both her eyes were swollen like peaches. If she poked them with a finger, her eyelids would sink in softly, as though they had been soaked and swollen with tears.
Jiang Jiang yawned. After getting up and washing her face, she felt refreshed; last night's drunkenness had not left her dizzy or muddled.
Actually, she could hold her liquor quite well.
After tidying up, Jiang Jiang opened the door. Ji Xu'an was already sitting on the sofa, turned sideways toward her, focused intently on the tablet in her hands.
Hearing the sound, Ji Xu'an looked over. "Awake?"
"Mm." Jiang Jiang stood there and let herself be examined. With those red eyes, she inexplicably gave off a very easy-to-bully feeling.
Ji Xu'an put away the tablet. "How much do you remember about last night?"
"I didn't forget." Jiang Jiang seemed a little nervous but did not avert her gaze. "Thank you for comforting me. I'll work hard to live well and try not to think about the past."
A faint sense of gratification rose in Ji Xu'an's heart. Perhaps it was because she had rarely played the role of a spiritual mentor, and her "student" was obedient and had not wasted her guidance.
"Dwelling in the past will only keep you from moving forward. It's good that you've figured it out." Ji Xu'an added another word of advice. "Let's go. I'll take you to breakfast. We still have to go register at S University today."
She did not mention anything else, but Jiang Jiang could not pretend she didn't know.
"Okay." Jiang Jiang agreed first, then voiced her own request. "Before going to register at school, could we stop by the sanatorium?"
Ji Xu'an fell silent. Her probing gaze lingered on Jiang Jiang for quite a while before she finally responded softly, "Mm."
Breakfast was KFC. Ji Xu'an had little interest in it, but Jiang Jiang liked it very much.
"Last time little Yuan even treated me to that spicy water."
Ji Xu'an froze for several seconds before realizing. "Coke?"
"It should be. Black, and it bubbles."
Ji Xu'an raised a brow. "You've never had it before?"
Jiang Jiang shook her head. Her head drooped down uncertainly. "Little Yuan said I'm a bumpkin. Did I embarrass myself again?"
"She lied to you." Ji Xu'an's tone was calm. "There's nothing embarrassing about that. There are so many countries in the world. In Z Country alone, where we are, there are more than thirty provinces. Each province has many municipalities, and each city has its own unique cuisine. Could everyone possibly taste every regional specialty?"
"What others are used to might be something you've never even heard of. Likewise, something you're deeply familiar with may be something others have never encountered."
"This isn't embarrassing. Who doesn't have a first time?"
Jiang Jiang unconsciously lifted her head, her eyes shining as she looked at Ji Xu'an. "Older Sister, you're really so gentle."
This was the first time anyone had ever called Ji Xu'an gentle. She found it rather novel.
She thought to herself that Xie Xiao must have forgotten how afraid she used to be of her.
Seeing Ji Xu'an's lack of reaction, Jiang Jiang puffed her cheeks a little, somewhat unconvinced. "I'm not wrong. You understand so many principles, and you comfort me when I'm sad."
Ji Xu'an did not argue with her. "It's nothing."
If Xie Xiao was willing to listen, then her words were not entirely wasted; if Xie Xiao did not want to listen, then they were merely a bowl of chicken soup for the soul—forgotten as soon as it was swallowed.
Ji Xu'an did not wish to continue the topic. Crossing her legs and leaning back in her chair, she regarded Jiang Jiang in a relaxed posture. "You've gotten much bolder."
Jiang Jiang smiled shyly. "Maybe it's because the big stone in my heart has finally fallen."
Ji Xu'an neither confirmed nor denied it.
As they spoke, their order was ready. Jiang Jiang took the initiative to stand up and bring it over.
Ji Xu'an had little appetite and only ordered herself a cup of coffee, holding it and taking occasional sips.
By contrast, Jiang Jiang's was much more abundant.
She had ordered the children's set meal again.
This time the gift was not a book but a small toy—a rabbit with big ears.
Jiang Jiang held it in her hands and turned it over and over, her fondness clearly overflowing.
Ji Xu'an found it amusing. She really was still an ungrown little girl. Teasingly, she said, "You seem to like it quite a bit."
Jiang Jiang nodded vigorously. "It's very cute!"
She put away the little rabbit. By chance, she caught the fleeting smile on Ji Xu'an's face and froze in a daze.
Ji Xu'an frowned. "What is it?"
Jiang Jiang pointed to the corner of her own lips. "You smiled just now."
Ji Xu'an paused. Had she? She herself hadn't really noticed.
Jiang Jiang was very happy. She smiled until her brows curved and her eyes were completely overtaken by dazzling light. "Older Sister, actually I can feel that you're much more relaxed today than before."
Ji Xu'an said nothing.
Although she did not admit it, Jiang Jiang's words had indeed left faint traces in her heart.
Her patience today was the best proof.
If she had not been moved in some way, how would Ji Xu'an have agreed to eat KFC with Jiang Jiang and spoken those comforting words?
Setting down her coffee, Ji Xu'an thought that perhaps it was simply because Xie Xiao's appearance and personality suited her tastes, so subconsciously she also hoped to get along peacefully with her.
If Xie Xiao had been uglier, or more arrogant and domineering, Ji Xu'an would not only have refused to comfort her—she wouldn't even have let her finish speaking last night.
A scheming fiancée would make her feel displeased and difficult to trust. But if she were a younger sister, Ji Xu'an was willing to give her a bit more patience.
Of course, that was on the premise that Xie Xiao had not lied to her.
—
After finishing KFC, Jiang Jiang felt a little thirsty. Knowing she didn't like Coke, Ji Xu'an bought her a cup of milk tea.
Without exaggeration, the moment Jiang Jiang tasted it, she seemed to freeze entirely.
This sugary drink was sweet—she liked it so much!
Setting aside her previous prejudices, Ji Xu'an looked at Jiang Jiang objectively and found her rather interesting.
Her emotions were always plainly written on her face. When she liked something, her eyes would shine; when she disliked something, she would frown—one glance was enough to know what she was thinking.
If it wasn't an act, Ji Xu'an thought she would indeed enjoy being around such a person. At the very least, it would not feel exhausting.
Previously, however, Xie Xiao had been very restrained in front of her and had not shown this side.
Perhaps it was simply because she had never tried to understand Xie Xiao deeply before.
Ji Xu'an drove Jiang Jiang to the sanatorium. Old Madam Ji had already finished breakfast and was taking a walk by the lake.
From afar, when she saw Ji Xu'an and Jiang Jiang walking toward her, Old Madam Ji was visibly delighted. Jiang Jiang stopped in her tracks. "Older Sister, wait here for me first. I'll go speak to Grandma."
Ji Xu'an agreed but did not go too far—first, to prevent Xie Xiao from playing tricks; second, to respond conveniently if anything unexpected occurred.
With her back to Ji Xu'an, Jiang Jiang walked toward Old Madam Ji. When she reached her, her eyes were already visibly reddening.
Old Madam Ji keenly sensed something amiss. "What happened, Jiang Jiang?"
Jiang Jiang blinked, and tears rolled down. "Grandma, Xu'an Jie wants to break off the engagement with me."
Old Madam Ji's face immediately darkened. She opened her mouth to call Ji Xu'an over from not far away, but before she could speak, Jiang Jiang grabbed her hand. "Grandma, please listen to me first."
Old Madam Ji took a deep breath. "Go on."
"I…" Jiang Jiang's cheeks flushed, her face full of shyness. "I fell in love with Xu'an Jie at first sight. Although she looks cold and hard to approach, in truth she is the gentlest and most considerate person."
Old Madam Ji deeply agreed. Xu'an only looked fierce; in reality, she was soft-hearted.
Jiang Jiang hesitated. "But Xu'an Jie doesn't like me. I think… it's probably because she feels this marriage wasn't something she accepted willingly, so she resents my closeness."
No one knew better than Old Madam Ji how unwilling Ji Xu'an had been about this matter, so she did not refute Jiang Jiang's words.
Jiang Jiang's voice was low. "Grandma, I was thinking… could we do this…"
She quickly explained her plan.
Old Madam Ji showed hesitation. "Will that work? Xu'an is very smart. I'm afraid you won't be able to fool her."
Jiang Jiang bit her lip. Suddenly, her knees bent and she knelt heavily on the ground, choking with sobs as she pleaded, "Please, Grandma."
Old Madam Ji was startled and hurriedly reached out to help her up. "Get up quickly."
She closed her eyes briefly and compromised. "I agree."
—
Ji Xu'an was not too far away, but she could only see their movements, not hear their conversation.
Jiang Jiang's back was to her, so she could not see her expression. But she could see that Grandma's expression was extremely complex—first anger and confusion, then hesitation, and finally, after Jiang Jiang's sudden kneeling, compromise.
This series of expressions matched perfectly with how Ji Xu'an imagined Grandma would react upon hearing about the broken engagement. This initially proved that Xie Xiao had likely not lied to her.
To be honest, Ji Xu'an had not expected Jiang Jiang to kneel to Grandma. Her feelings were somewhat complicated—she could not quite name them—but overall, she felt relieved.
This marriage had never been what she wanted. It was good to dissolve it. She simply had not expected that it would be Xie Xiao who proposed it first.
Things had gone too smoothly. Ji Xu'an always felt a faint sense of unease. Yet Xie Xiao truly did not seem to be playing her…
Their conversation did not take long. Soon, Ji Xu'an was called over, and Jiang Jiang waited at a distance instead.
Old Madam Ji's complexion was not good. She rubbed her brow tiredly. "Xu'an, Jiang Jiang already told me. You don't want to marry her, and she doesn't want to marry someone who doesn't love her."
Ji Xu'an remained silent. She had told Grandma these words long ago, yet Grandma had refused to listen, stubbornly forcing her to accept Xie Xiao.
"This was Grandma's fault. I shouldn't have forced you. I know you resent me…" Old Madam Ji let out a long sigh.
Ji Xu'an still did not speak. Seeing this, Old Madam Ji also understood that Jiang Jiang had been right—if things continued like this, Ji Xu'an would never truly accept her.
"I won't force you anymore. A forced melon indeed isn't sweet." She paused. "Jiang Jiang said she wants to be sisters with you. What do you think?"
Only then did Ji Xu'an speak. "Her grandmother was your longtime friend. She's all alone. Even just for that reason, I would treat her as my own younger sister and take care of her."
Old Madam Ji seemed to completely concede. She held Ji Xu'an's hand. "Do whatever you two want then. Xu'an, Grandma has only one request."
"Could you not announce that you've canceled the engagement?"
Ji Xu'an frowned again. "What do you mean?"
"Not many people knew about it to begin with. Whether you announce it or not won't affect you much. Besides, Grandma isn't asking you to pretend to be lovers, nor do you need to hold an engagement banquet. Privately, you'll still be sisters—just don't clarify it publicly."
"I still feel uneasy." As she spoke, Old Madam Ji's eyes gradually reddened. "I don't know how many more years I can accompany you. Xu'an, Grandma truly doesn't want you to end up alone in old age."
"I'm thinking… perhaps this way we can deceive fate? When, in the future, either you or Jiang Jiang finds someone you like, then you can clarify it. Neither of you will suffer any loss, right?"
Ji Xu'an found it highly inappropriate. Suppressing the anger in her heart, she said coldly, "Grandma, was this your idea, or was it Xie Xiao's?"
Old Madam Ji did not feel the slightest guilt. "I haven't told Jiang Jiang yet, but she's a good child. She'll definitely agree."
Ji Xu'an found it absurd. "I'll call Xie Xiao over and have her tell you herself."
When Jiang Jiang was called over, her face was full of confusion. After hearing Old Madam Ji's proposal, she instinctively looked at Ji Xu'an in disbelief.
"Pretend to be engaged with Older Sister?"
Old Madam Ji persuaded her, "You don't need to have any intimate behavior. Just don't deny it when others ask."
Jiang Jiang only hesitated briefly before agreeing. "I'll listen to you, Grandma. If it can help Older Sister, I'm willing."
She looked at Ji Xu'an openly. "I don't have anyone I like anyway. If Older Sister later finds someone she loves, I won't become an obstacle between them."
She paused, her face reddening again. "Of course, if I later find someone I like, could Older Sister also help me explain things clearly to them?"
Ji Xu'an did not respond. Her gaze was indifferent and cold, falling on Jiang Jiang like a blade. The probing scrutiny in her dark eyes was so cold it made it hard to breathe.
Jiang Jiang withstood the pressure. Her small face revealed no flaw.
After a long while, Ji Xu'an gave a slight nod. "Since Xie Xiao thinks it's fine, then I have no objections."
Old Madam Ji smiled, holding both their hands and repeatedly giving instructions. Jiang Jiang kept nodding. "Don't worry, Grandma."
In contrast, Ji Xu'an remained far more silent.
Ten minutes later, the two walked out of the sanatorium gates, Jiang Jiang still wearing a smile.
As they reached the car door, Ji Xu'an suddenly stopped. "Xie Xiao."
She turned around and stared straight at Jiang Jiang.
"You had Grandma say those words—what exactly do you mean by it?"
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