Chapter 214: Chapter 214: Because the Jiang Family Can Hear Her Inner Thoughts
Jiang Nanshu: “…”
“Why does he want bubble tea, and you’re the one buying it?”
Jiang Yisen was startled, and he murmured to himself with some confusion, “Yeah, why?”
“Damn it, if I didn’t need something from him, why would I grovel so low? It pisses me off. Just tell me what you want, my tea is almost done, and I still have to take it up to him.”
“…”
Jiang Nanshu’s expression was difficult to describe, “It’s nothing important… just wanted to have a detailed discussion with you about the Yan Mountain project that could make a fortune. Big brother, spare some time, please. Although I don’t know much about business, I still have a few heartfelt words to say to you.”
Jiang Yisen chuckled pleasantly, readily agreeing, “Sure, I’ll send you the address and time later, I’ll take you to see the world, got to hang up now.”
The dial tone came through the phone.
[Damn it, I have to persuade you to sell that piece of Nanshan land again.]
He had to admire Jiang Nanshu’s dedication—she had never given up on her determination to bring down the Jiang Family.
Jiang Nanshu was truly baffled.
Even if she did change some of the plot, it shouldn’t be completely unrecognizable.
The book clearly stated that the Nanshan project belonged to Bao Yan, so how could it end up in Jiang Yisen’s hands.
She suspected that something must have gone wrong on Bao Yan’s side, but she wasn’t familiar with him, so she thought of Xu Xingwan.
Her relationship with Xu Xingwan was average, but they were half-friends.
She figured she should probe from Xu Xingwan.
Luckily, she had saved her contact information a few days ago.
Jiang Nanshu called her directly, wanting to invite Xu Xingwan out for a shopping trip or something, but really, she intended to fish for information about Bao Yan, and if possible, she was willing to be Bao Yan’s spy planted within the Jian Family!
The phone rang for a few seconds before the other side answered.
“Hello?” Xu Xingwan’s voice was somewhat hoarse, along with a restrained panting.
“Xingwan, it’s me.”
“Nanshu? Um…” Her voice trembled a bit.
Jiang Nanshu: “???”
[What’s with the panting, is she exercising?]
Lu Qingyan was somewhat aware of Bao Yan’s situation.
The matter with Xu Xingwan was basically known to everyone in the circle, but it was kept under wraps and not openly discussed.
Lu Qingyan instantly understood the noises on the other end of the phone.
And Jiang Nanshu, still unaware of the situation, sounded a bit more concerned, “Are you feeling unwell?”
“Mhm… I, um, uncomfortable, must… hang up, don’t… don’t do it, ah.”
The next second the call was directly ended.
Jiang Nanshu stared at the phone for a full minute before she belatedly realized what was happening.
[Daytime debauchery! You two really don’t try to hide it at all, daring to take the call, what kind of twisted fetish! Am I part of your play too now?]
The whole carriage felt awkward.
Except for Shang Xu, who was drowsy and sleepy, the little kid knew nothing.
“Ha ha.” Jiang Nanshu laughed it off, “Xu Xingwan is running, it’s really exhausting.”
Lu Qingyan, unblinkingly indifferent, spoke with some aloofness, “Uh-huh, I heard.”
Jiang Nanshu: “…”
[No wonder the project was taken from you; turns out Bao Yan is living in a drunken stupor!]
[With such a passive attitude, how can he perform well and deal with the Jiang Family! No, I need to find time to wake him up.]
Lu Qingyan: “…”
The task of bringing down the Jiang Family seemed difficult.
Because the Jiang Family could hear all her internal monologues.
But Jiang Nanshu felt no affection for the Jiang Family, even as their attitude towards Jiang Nanshu improved later on, her heart remained unmoved.
Lu Qingyan didn’t know what Jiang Nanshu would think if she knew that everyone’s kindness was based on their ability to hear her inner thoughts, and what might await them then.
He didn’t dare let Jiang Nanshu know.
Just like the Jiang Family also didn’t want Jiang Nanshu to know.
As for whether it was to secure more benefits, or whether they were more upset about her situation, it was unknown.
Lu Qingyan thought a lot on the way until the car stopped on the wide road leading to the villa.
The road was flanked by greenery, and it was just the season when Hibiscus mutabilis blossomed in abundance, the stunning flowers decorating the entire road.
“Mommy! It’s my mommy!” Shang Xu saw the woman outside and cheered excitedly.
Jiang Nanshu followed Shang Xu’s gaze.
The woman outside was dressed in a long-sleeved black silk dress, her hair tied at the back of her head, very thin.
It was that unhealthy kind of thin, like skin and bones.
You could see the green veins on her skin showing through.
Even the makeup on her face couldn’t hide the exhaustion that pervaded her.
Lu Qingyan opened the car door, and Shang Xu got out and threw himself into the woman’s arms. She knelt down and kissed Shang Xu’s cheek.
And Shang Xu started chattering to the woman about the joys of their trip to Mingyue Town.
Lu Qingyan and Jiang Nanshu also got out of the car.
“Sister Qin.”
Hearing Lu Qingyan’s voice,
The woman stood up, holding Shang Xu’s little hand, and she smiled: “Qingyan, it’s been a long time.” Her gaze then turned to Jiang Nanshu, and her eyes warmed into a smile: “This must be your fiancée, right? She’s very pretty; you two are well-matched.”
Jiang Nanshu observed Lu Junqin.
The book didn’t elaborate much on the fate of these minor characters.
Like Shang Xu.
She also only later realized, he was the child who had died from a fall, glossed over in passing.
And Lu Junqin was described just as briefly.
“She’s the pitiful mother who followed her child in death after his accidental demise? It seems the waters in these wealthy families are very murky. One step in, and you’re covered in mud.”
Lu Qingyan’s eyes dimmed slightly as he looked around. A black luxury car was parked opposite them—no other vehicles.
He asked, “What about Shang Chi? Didn’t he come with you?”
Lu Junqin paused, her slender frame stiffened, then she looked up and smiled lightly: “Xiao Xu’s father is busy with business, couldn’t make it, so he asked me to pick him up and take him home. Qingyan, thank you for taking care of Xiao Xu recently. I should take him home now.”
Shang Xu shook Lu Junqin’s hand happily and said, “Mommy, does this mean Xuxu doesn’t have to stay locked up in the villa to study anymore? Can I go back to kindergarten? I want to play with other kids.”
Lu Junqin looked at Shang Xu with tender eyes and coaxed softly: “Yes, sweetie, come home with mommy, and when Xuxu is one year older, he can go to school, okay?”
Shang Xu frowned and pouted: “No, I want to go now, I’m already a big kid. Other kids go to kindergarten when they’re four, why can’t I?”
Shang Xu spoke clearly and made a good point.
“My baby can, too. Shall we go back and have daddy prepare your school admission certificate?”
Mentioning his father,
Shang Xu lowered his head and said quietly: “Mommy, can we not have daddy?”
Lu Junqin quickly covered Shang Xu’s mouth, scolding: “You mustn’t talk nonsense.”
Shang Xu’s mouth turned down in a pout.
“Well then, let’s go,” Lu Junqin said, ready to leave with Shang Xu.
Lu Qingyan looked at her and still made a point: “Sister Qin, if you have any troubles, you can always tell Grandfather. A Lu Family daughter, even if married off, has the support of her natal family.”
Lu Junqin’s back was to him.
It took her a moment to reply: “Thank you, Qingyan, I am fine.”
She bent over to pick up Shang Xu.
Because she moved briskly, the sleeve that covered her arm slid up a bit.
It revealed a portion of a bruise that was so dark it was almost black.
Even her walk seemed strange, as if she were forcing herself.
“Was Lu Qingyan’s cousin being abused?”