Chapter 21: The Jiang Family

In the afternoon, a luxurious car pulled up in front of the mall, attracting the attention of passersby.

Xu Chunian, holding Zhuzhu’s hand, pushed open the revolving door and stepped out. Zhuzhu had a cartoon helium balloon tied to her hand, and the setting sun’s rays cast a soft glow on her face. Xu Chunian instinctively raised a hand to shield her eyes, her other hand clutching a small pig toy.

Jiang Huaixu’s eyes flickered.

Opening the car door, Xu Chunian placed Zhuzhu in the child seat and fastened her seatbelt. Fortunately, the car was spacious enough, and the balloon fit perfectly next to Zhuzhu.

There was no movement from the front seat, and Xu Chunian subconsciously glanced up. In the rearview mirror, she could only see the man’s long, narrow phoenix eyes, which retreated from her gaze the moment she looked up.

The journey was silent.

Xu Chunian had known Jiang Huaixu since the second year of junior high. He had just transferred to their school, exuding an aura of rebelliousness. He excelled in his studies, was handsome, and had a reputation for being aloof and stoic.

But Xu Chunian knew that beneath the cold exterior, he had a warm heart.

She had heard some things about his family. His parents had divorced and formed their own families, leaving Jiang Huaixu feeling like an outsider in both. After his younger brother was born, Jiang Huaixu rarely returned home.

The car came to a smooth stop, but the person in the backseat seemed to be lost in thought.

“We’re here,” a cold, masculine voice pulled Xu Chunian back from her reverie.

She got out of the car and took Zhuzhu’s hand.

“Ding-dong.”

The door opened almost immediately.

A servant ushered them inside. Jiang Huaixu’s father was sitting on the sofa, watching the news.

Jiang Mingqian was refined and wore glasses. His face bore a six-point resemblance to Jiang Huaixu. He glanced at them over his glasses, and when his eyes fell on Xu Chunian, they narrowed slightly. He then put down his tablet and said, “You’re here. Have a seat.”

When Xu Chunian married Jiang Huaixu, Jiang Mingqian had been quite critical. He preferred a daughter-in-law who was from a good family and had achieved something, but Xu Chunian, who lacked any significant accomplishments, was not his ideal choice. However, Jiang Huaixu had always ignored his father’s opinions. Besides, Jiang Huaixu’s achievements had nothing to do with his father, so there wasn’t much he could say.

Xu Chunian greeted him, but he didn’t respond. He calmly looked at Zhuzhu, who couldn’t speak.

As they sat down, footsteps could be heard coming from upstairs.

It was Jiang Huaixu’s stepmother, Lan Yueying. She was twelve years younger than Jiang Mingqian and was rumored to have been his secretary before.

Lan Yueying was accompanied by a girl Xu Chunian recognized.

“Huaixu is back,” Lan Yueying’s gaze swept over them, and her reaction was more pronounced than Jiang Mingqian’s when she saw Xu Chunian. “Chunian.”

Xu Chunian smiled back, unsure of what to call her.

Jiang Mingqian’s eyes flashed with displeasure.

“Brother Huaixu , weren’t you on a business trip? When did you come back?” The girl sat down beside Jiang Huaixu, her tone familiar.

Jiang Huaixu seemed a little impatient and leaned back in his chair.

“Xin’er,” Lan Yueying gave her a faint look.

Lan Xin pouted. “Sister Chunian, long time no see.”

Xu Chunian forced a smile. “Yes, it’s been a long time.”

Lan Xin’s hostility towards her was palpable. Xu Chunian suddenly remembered something.

One afternoon in the second year of high school, she had seen Lan Xin clinging to Jiang Huaixu on her way back to school. Even though the boy was clearly annoyed, she continued to cling to him with a cheerful smile. The atmosphere was strange, and they seemed very close. For a long time after that, Lan Xin would wait for him at the school gate.

They said it was just a way for the young master and princess to cultivate their feelings for an arranged marriage.

Xu Chunian found it absurd. It wasn’t until Jiang Huaixu reached out to her and asked for something in her hand that she realized what was going on. Lan Xin had stuffed the item into Jiang Huaixu’s hand and left without a word. The boy stood there, holding the object, and Xu Chunian couldn’t see his expression.

From that day on, she rarely approached him again. It wasn’t until they were in university that they reconnected. In her second year, she confirmed that Jiang Huaixu didn’t have a girlfriend, and she finally mustered the courage to confess her feelings.