Chapter 27: As Long as One Does Well, Wives Are in the Gao Kao

Upon returning home, Jiang Mei eagerly began sorting through the local specialties she had brought back.

When she went to Haining, she had taken only a carry-on suitcase, but now she had added two large 32-inch suitcases, filling them to the brim as if she had moved Haining back with her.

Jiang Mei, having a warm heart, wanted everyone around her to try some treats, and she herself wanted to sneak a taste too.

It wasn’t until midnight, after packaging up goodies for colleagues, neighbors, and friends, that Jiang Mei finally cleaned up, washed up, and went to bed.

The next day, Jiang You woke up late, only to find chaos in the kitchen.

“Are you planning to make a Manchu Han Imperial Feast?” Jiang You exclaimed.

Jiang Mei replied to herself, “You’ve been living in the Fu family for so long, isn’t it time you show some appreciation?”

She had known Fu Qihai and his wife for many years. Although she wasn’t as close as her daughter with them, she still had a rough idea of their tastes. Combined with Jiang You’s inquiries, she wanted to cater to them and show her gratitude.

Of course, she had some ulterior motives.

With Jiang You nearing her internship, the jewelry design field was no walk in the park; without some background, it could be quite difficult. With the Fu family as a supporting tree, why not climb it?

Even though she wasn’t particularly materialistic, she didn’t hold herself to high ideals. She simply hoped for an easier path for her daughter.

The Fu family lacked nothing. Just by looking at the things Jiang You brought back, it was clear that money was no object—she would have to rely on time and effort instead.

Thus, she made some southern delicacies. She prepared pineapple buns and custard buns, steamed begonia cakes and plum blossom cakes, baked dozens of egg tarts, and even incorporated trendy new flavors by making chocolate tarts, matcha tarts, and cheese tarts…

Jiang You also heard Sister Ruan Guixia pouting a bit, feeling aggrieved.

Jiang Mei understood Ruan Guixia’s personality and wasn’t surprised, joining in the teasing.

“Your sisters prepared afternoon tea for you, but got delayed; don’t hold it against them!”

Just one simple phrase made Ruan Guixia’s face light up; this was indeed family!

Jiang You had long felt that her mother and Sister Ruan looked alike; they might truly be long-lost sisters.

In the living room, Jiang Mei and Ruan Guixia chatted about everything under the sun, from celebrity gossip to the cycles of the zodiac, while the neglected Fu Qihai had already retreated to his study to read. Jiang You accompanied Aunt Zhang in the kitchen, preparing food for the two.

As Jiang You walked into the living room, she noticed Ruan Guixia’s expression turning slightly cold. With widened eyes and a raised finger, she pointed at Jiang You.

“Little You, come here and apologize to Sister Guixia.”

Jiang You’s heart sank; she didn’t understand, “Huh? Apologize?”

Jiang Mei was flustered as well and hurried to ask, “What did this child do wrong?”

Ruan Guixia immediately pouted, turning to Jiang Mei like a spoiled child. “She doesn’t treat me like family!”

Ruan Guixia stood up, took a box from a shelf, and handed it to Jiang Mei.

“This is a gift I prepared for Little You, but who knew this girl would take everything except this! I was so angry last night that I couldn’t sleep, and now my face is all off!”

Jiang Mei looked at Jiang You, who had her head down, appearing obedient.

Opening the box revealed a necklace and a card with Jiang You’s handwriting.

“Sister Guixia, thank you for taking care of me during this time!”

Ruan Guixia’s expression turned pitiful. “What’s there to be embarrassed about? Doesn’t she treat me like family? If it had been something from you, would she have rejected it?”

Jiang Mei laughed, saying, “I would want to gift, but I simply lack the ability.”

Ruan Guixia took the jewelry box and called Jiang You over, pulling her hand. “Little You, Sister Guixia isn’t giving this for free; I’m hiring you!”

Jiang You’s eyes widened in shock: “Huh?”

“Now that you’re going to be interning soon, I’m hiring you as my designer; all the jewels I need for important occasions, you’ll take care of them for me!”

This completely startled Jiang You!

Who was Ruan Guixia? The young lady of the Ruan family in Beijing and the mistress of the Fu family in Beicheng. Hiring an unknown student like her as a designer?

The current jewelry designer was responsible for creating pieces for foreign leaders’ wives!

“No, no, no!” Jiang You waved her hands in fear. “Sister Guixia, I was just teasing; when it comes to real design, let’s skip it. I’m afraid of embarrassing you!”

Ruan Guixia raised an eyebrow, “Do I need someone else to elevate my status?”

That indeed seemed unnecessary…

“That settles it!” Ruan Guixia stuffed the items into Jiang You’s hands. “If you refuse again, I won’t talk to you!”

Jiang You looked miserably at Jiang Mei, who wore a pleased expression. “Just accept it; don’t let down Sister Guixia’s goodwill.”

Jiang You finally relented.

The mother and daughter had dinner at the Fu family and, upon Ruan Guixia’s enthusiastic invitation, went to the orchard to pick fruits.

When they reached the orchard gate, Jiang You saw the large tree and couldn’t help but smile, remembering what had happened that night.

Jiang Mei asked, “What made you laugh so happily, looking all sneaky?”

It felt like Jiang You had something to hide.

Pointing at the tree, she said, “It’s nothing, I just climbed that tree a couple of days ago.”

Jiang Mei looked for a few seconds: “That’s a little larch tree.”

“Larch?” Jiang You had never heard of it before.

“The larch flower represents women’s rights, symbolizing gender equality,” Jiang Mei explained.

This was indeed her first time learning this.

Ruan Guixia’s eyebrows raised, and she continued, “It’s the tree I had Brother Hai plant; there are several around the villa. The first day I married Brother Hai, I told him not to expect me to be small and coy. If he ever treats me poorly, I’d bring down the entire Fu family.”

Jiang You couldn’t help but clap in approval.

Sister Guixia was not only not being coy but was reversing the roles completely.

And indeed, Brother Hai had been entirely compliant.

“Ah, but it’s unfortunate,” Ruan Guixia suddenly sighed. “Little Jin doesn’t seem like a flirt; why doesn’t anyone like him!”

Jiang You’s eyes sparkled as she offered some encouragement: “Sister Guixia, Uncle Fu is still young. He can still hold out for a couple of years. Didn’t they say that as long as you do well, wives will be taking the Gao Kao?”

Ruan Guixia rolled her eyes in disdain: “Does he want to be an old cow eating tender grass?”

Jiang You ventured, “Actually… there’s nothing wrong with that…”

Seeing the direction of their conversation, Jiang Mei quickly interjected, “Let’s go pick fruits; we shouldn’t talk about this…”