Chapter 36

Jiang Yunjuan saw Jiang Muti’s car and walked directly over, personally opening the car door and helping his sister down.

And Jiang Muti, being so pretentious, still didn’t move even when the door was already opened for her. She waited for her brother to extend his hand before she placed hers in his, as if she were the empress descending from her palanquin.

When comparing the two, her casualness with her cousin made her behavior even more apparent. After all, not only did she not have anyone helping her out of the car, but she even opened the door herself.

Xuanxuan was a little irritated when she saw this, thinking Jiang Muti was being pretentious and putting on a show in front of the guests, allowing herself to be waited on without a care. She really had no shame.

However, she still smiled as she walked over, just in time to hear Jiang Muti ask, “How did you end up coming back with her?”

Jiang Yunjuan smiled lightly. “I had someone take Aunt and the others around today. It’s been many years since they’ve been back, and my cousin’s car passed by the company, so she just came up to take a look.”

Jiang Muti guessed as much and asked curiously, “What about Aunt? Didn’t they come together?”

Xuanxuan chuckled, “Mom and the others are shopping at the mall right now. I was getting tired of carrying her bags, so I left Dad and Haohao behind and sneaked away.”

Jiang Muti smiled. “Your cousin doesn’t like shopping? When my mom goes shopping, I’d be overjoyed to tag along—I’d get to swipe so many cards.”

“Oh, don’t joke. Why would you need Aunt to bring you along for shopping?” Xuanxuan teased.

“That’s true. Before each season even starts, my brother has someone deliver everything to me,” Jiang Muti pouted. “The problem is, he somehow finds consultants who pick things out that fit me perfectly, so whenever I want to go shopping, I find that everything I like is already in my wardrobe.”

She then shot Jiang Yunjuan a look. “He’s literally robbed me of a woman’s natural joy.”

Jiang Yunjuan chuckled and gently patted her head. “So, everything I do is wrong?”

Jiang Muti looked at him. “Don’t you think you should reflect on that?”

Jiang Yunjuan spread his hands. “Fine, next time I’ll make sure to find a way to satisfy my little princess’s material desires without completely stripping away the element of surprise.”

Xuanxuan had been reminding herself to stay calm when she saw Jiang Muti, as she had already witnessed her behavior the previous night.

But no matter how much she prepared herself, no one could maintain their balance in the face of her overbearing attitude.

Her cousin, who was such a wonderful brother—handsome, capable, and considerate—was always so busy with work but still had to serve his little princess, searching for jewels and regularly selecting jewelry and clothes for her.

Other girls’ brothers, even if they had just a tenth of what her cousin had, would think they were the happiest princesses in the world.

But Jiang Muti was so pretentious, and despite all his hard work and effort, she still never heard a single word of praise.

Xuanxuan took a deep breath, then smiled as if joking, “Muti, you’re so demanding on your cousin. Once he has a wife, she might not be too happy about it.”

It was almost as if she were openly implying that such a difficult and high-maintenance sister would definitely be disliked once he had his own family.

Jiang Muti, however, responded casually, “Wife? What’s that? Does my brother think he’s too tired of serving me and is looking to find someone to share the workload?”

“Hey, you—” Xuanxuan didn’t expect anyone to speak so shamelessly.

But Jiang Yunjuan’s response was even more unbelievable. “Not yet, but if that day ever comes, I’ll let you interview her first. After all, getting along with you is the most important thing.”

Xuanxuan was completely stunned. She had heard of women who were unable to judge people clearly, and after an unfortunate marriage, ended up as free maids in someone else’s family.

But she never imagined that the consideration for whether a future wife could properly serve a younger sister would be the top priority.

And to say it so matter-of-factly!

She had always thought that Jiang Muti’s character would make her an extremely unpleasant sister-in-law in the future, but seeing her calm cousin act this way too…

Xuanxuan only felt a bit uncomfortable, and then heard Jiang Muti reply to her brother, “I haven’t thought about anything else yet, but if we’re looking for a wife, the two must-haves are that she can’t mess with me and she can’t interrupt your work.”

“She can’t mess with me—that’s a must. Not interrupting your work, well, that’s because if you don’t work, where would I get such a comfortable life? You see, I only cause trouble at home and never disturb you when you’re working. A person should know where their things come from, otherwise, it’s just called being clueless—”

“Right? Cousin Xuan.”

Xuanxuan’s face immediately turned hot. She clenched her teeth and looked up, not expecting Jiang Muti to embarrass her so suddenly.

She was being overbearing even over such small matters. But her cousin, Jun, acted as though he hadn’t caught her implication.

Men really are slow when it comes to verbal sparring with women. She couldn’t expect him to notice, but seeing Jiang Muti so aggressive, she realized she had to yield in front of this princess, or else her shamelessness would escalate into a public scene at the dinner table.

So, Xuanxuan forced a smile. “Yes, of course, one shouldn’t interrupt work.”

After Jiang Muti had completely put her cousin in his place, Yun Duo finally spoke up, “Are you treating the young master like an old ox?”

Jiang Muti almost laughed when she heard this. She thought, is this girl really defending her young master, or is she taking a stab at me?

Jiang Yunjuan helplessly patted Yun Duo’s head. “It’s fine to learn anything, just don’t learn how to speak like your brother. Be good!”

But some people just can’t be left unsaid. The moment Jiang Yunjuan finished speaking, a car appeared in their line of sight and soon stopped right in front of them.

Yun Cheng was the first to get out of the car. Seeing the rows of people standing outside the gate, he grinned.

“Yo! You guys have a sharp nose, huh? You all knew I was bringing good stuff and stood here waiting for me?”

“What good stuff could you have?”

Yun Cheng motioned for them to extend their hands. Jiang Muti and Yun Duo exchanged looks, each extending one palm.

Then Yun Cheng placed something in their palms. To their surprise, it was a shovel beetle—similar in appearance to a stag beetle.

Although it was an insect, its smooth, hard shell made it look quite majestic and not scary at all.

Usually, even girls who are afraid of insects rarely fear these, like Jiang Muti. And Yun Duo, of course, wouldn’t be scared either.

The two Yun Cheng had brought back to show off were especially beautiful—one of the shells even shimmered with a greenish metallic sheen, while the other was quite rare, actually gold-colored.

Jiang Muti laughed. “Where did you get these? You could probably sell them for a good price online.”

Yun Cheng also grinned. “Saw them at school, probably hibernating.”

Before he could finish speaking, a sharp scream came from the side, startling Yun Cheng.

Everyone turned their heads to see Xuanxuan, who seemed to have just realized what was going on, quickly retreating and waving her hands. “Why play with bugs? Take it away, take it away!”

Yun Cheng immediately felt aggrieved. He took the beetle from Jiang Muti’s hand and moved it close to her. “What’s there to be scared of? It’s not a spider or a caterpillar, and it’s so beautiful.”

Xuanxuan, seeing him hold the insect right in front of her face, felt a chill down her spine. She shut her eyes and started screaming again.

Yun Cheng was yanked over by Jiang Yunjuan, who grabbed him by the neck, and then gave him a smack on the back of his head. “If you’re scared, then you’re scared. What’s the reason? Why act so clueless all the time?”

He was told to put the insect away, then Jiang Yunjuan turned to Xuanxuan. “Sorry, he didn’t mean any harm. He’s just a child at heart.”

Xuanxuan’s heart softened. Although she strongly suspected that this guy was doing it on purpose under Jiang Muti’s suggestion, at least her cousin was reasonable.

Jiang Muti observed her expression and then curled her lip. Her cousin seemed to have a natural hostility and a comparison complex towards her, but when it came to her brother, her standards were much more relaxed.

It was obvious that her brother was outwardly comforting her, but in reality, he was defending Yun Cheng, and here she was, getting touched by it. The double standard was just—

At this moment, she saw Ji Feishi, who had come to drop off Yun Cheng, getting out of the car and walking toward them.

Xuanxuan happened to turn her head at that exact moment. For a brief moment, the sky seemed a little brighter. His lips curved into a half-smile, and his steps were graceful and steady. Although they were the same age, his presence was as strong as her cousin’s, with a poise that made others admire him.

But the next second, a voice ruined it all.

“Sending Yun Cheng back again?” Jiang Muti said.

This simple sentence seemed to carry a deeper meaning in Xuanxuan’s ears.

The reply came, “Actually, if possible, I’d prefer for him to get off the car and follow behind. It’s too noisy in the car.”

Yun Cheng was not happy to hear this. “What’s wrong with me? Am I sick? Why would I follow your car all the way home? What’s the point of taking such a detour?”

Ji Feishi shrugged and looked at Jiang Muti. “You see, there’s nothing I can do.”

Jiang Muti laughed at his attempt to burn the bridge but not quite being able to. Recently, Ji Feishi had been dropping Yun Cheng off every day.

Although he had done so in the past, it was usually when training ran late and it was inconvenient for him to take a car.

And the timing was always precise, always arriving at the gate just ahead or behind Jiang Muti and the others, leading people to suspect he was timing it.

Jiang Yunjuan had never known this. He usually came home later than the younger ones, and now he found out that this guy from the Ji family was coming over every day just to create opportunities for interaction.

He was suddenly not very happy. “Ah Cheng, why do you trouble him every day?”

Yun Cheng didn’t understand the hidden meaning behind his cousin’s words and cheerfully replied, “It’s not my fault, I’m just popular. I’ve made a few new friends at the training camp recently, so my buddies probably just don’t want me to forget them.”

Jiang Yunjuan and Ji Feishi both choked, realizing that speaking in front of a playful dog wasn’t a good idea. It only hurts yourself as much as it harms the enemy.

Jiang Yunjuan suppressed the urge to smack him and sighed. “Thanks for the trouble, I won’t keep you from going home. Thank you!”

But Ji Feishi replied, “No rush. It’s still early. Actually, I’d like to discuss some work-related matters with Mr. Jiang.”

“Like environmental pollution and ecological protection.”

Jiang Yunjuan’s pupils contracted slightly, his expression growing serious as he glanced at Ji Feishi. “Come in!”

Seeing the two of them turn and walk inside, Jiang Muti quickly grabbed Ji Feishi’s arm, who had fallen a step behind Jiang Yunjuan.

Her expression was equally not good, and she whispered, “How dare you?”

Ji Feishi turned back and gave a light laugh. “Don’t worry, it’s a good thing. I just don’t like being coldly treated by anyone other than you.”

To be honest, after a few interactions, Ji Feishi had come to understand what kind of older brother Jiang Yunjuan was.

He never liked to put himself at a disadvantage, and with Jiang Muti, there was nothing he could do—his heart just didn’t listen.

But with others, it was different. Of course, any advantage he had was something he fought for.

Jiang Muti thought this guy was really hopelessly arrogant, but the conversation between him and her brother was obviously much more useful than her own speculations from the sidelines.

Feeling irritated, she called Yun Cheng over. “Where’s your stag beetle? Let’s play with it.”

Yun Cheng quickly covered his beloved bug. “Are you a devil? It’s hibernating.”

The two of them bickered their way into the courtyard, and Xuanxuan, walking last, felt an uncomfortable feeling in her chest for some reason.

Something was nagging at her, and as she looked up, she saw Yun Duo holding a phone, playing a game while slowly walking inside.

Unable to hold back, she asked, “About Muti, is it always like this? You guys must be tired, huh?”

Yun Duo shrugged. “Nah, it’s pretty funny watching her act all high and mighty.”

Xuanxuan didn’t understand the way the Yun siblings spoke, when they said something was interesting, they truly meant it. She mistook it for Yun Duo being unable to tolerate Jiang Muti’s princess attitude, and that she was just watching as a spectator because there was nothing she could do.

She suddenly felt like she had found someone who understood her, and asked, “Who was that guy just now?”

“My brother’s classmate.”

“Wow, Muti must be really popular,” Xuanxuan said, feeling a little complicated.

She had never seen anyone her age as outstanding and eye-catching as that, and due to the teachings from the past, her standards for men leaned toward maturity and capability.

But seeing someone so dazzling, with everyone circling around Jiang Muti, left Xuanxuan feeling indescribably disappointed and frustrated. For a moment, she thought that maybe even a good man’s judgment of others wasn’t always so great. Then, she wondered, aside from good luck and a good family, what else did Jiang Muti have?

If she had benefited from such a family background—

Not long after they entered, her aunt and the others returned, the whole family carrying large and small bags, clearly having had a good shopping spree.

They even brought back a few small items for Jiang Muti, which, while not much compared to what Xuanxuan had, were still thoughtful.

Her little cousin tore open a new toy water gun, filled it with water, and ran around the yard spraying it. Everyone ignored him, and luckily someone was keeping an eye on him.

But when her aunt saw Xuanxuan, her expression became a bit displeased, especially after hearing that Xuanxuan had gone to her cousin’s company to hang out that afternoon.

She scolded, “You, really. I asked you to go shopping and get some things, but you said you were tired. If you’re tired, just come back and rest. Why go bother Ah Juan while he’s working? He’s so busy every day, and you, being a child, just don’t understand.”

Xuanxuan had just been scolded by Jiang Muti, and now hearing these words, she felt even more irritated. “I’m tired, I’m going back to my room.”

“Hey, you!”

Just as she was about to scold her, her uncle quickly patted her, saying, “Forget it, why bring up all this in front of Muti and the others? You’ll scare the kids.”

Her aunt swallowed her words, her expression was complicated.

Jiang Muti didn’t want to get involved in the awkwardness of their family, so she grabbed an orange and went into the courtyard.

Seeing her little cousin still spraying water everywhere with the water gun, she had an idea and called out, “^[1]钟日天 (Zhōng Rìtiān) sounds like a humorous or exaggerated name, often used as a joke in Chinese internet culture. It gives off a bit of a grandiose or dramatic vibe, like “Heavenly Sun … Continue readingZhong Ritian, little friend.”

Her little cousin turned around, seeing her waving at him. “Come here, come here!”

“I’m not Zhong Ritian, cousin,” he pouted. “My sister said you weren’t happy with me being here, is that true?”

Jiang Muti thought to herself that her cousin really knew how to insert herself into a conversation. But after having dealt with children who couldn’t keep their mouths shut, she was not surprised. How could her cousin’s mother let her behave like this?

Still smiling, she asked her little cousin, “You want to stay here? Why?”

“The house is big and beautiful. Also, my sister said she can stay but I can’t.” His face turned red. “And my cousin also lives here.”

Great, her brother had apparently gained a little fan in less than a day.

But from her little cousin’s indirect words, it was clear that her cousin had already made up her mind about everything, without any hesitation.

In fact, before anything even happened, she was already starting to complain about how her younger brother was a burden.

Jiang Muti patted her little cousin on the head. “Cousin isn’t unhappy that you’re here. Next time, if your sister says something like that again, just tell her that if it’s a choice between you and her, I’d rather see you here than her.”

She patted his little chest. “Hold your head up high, of course you’re more adorable and popular.”

Her little cousin immediately straightened his back. “I told you, a lot of people in our community like me! My sister only has a few friends, and she still dares to say that about me.”

Jiang Muti stood up, and just as she turned around, she saw Ji Feishi walking out from inside, his expression not as relaxed as expected after the conversation.

He walked up to Jiang Muti and sighed, “No wonder Jiang Yunjuan is so talented, even my father speaks highly of him. If there’s a chance, I’d definitely want to collaborate with him in the future.”

Jiang Muti, feeling smug, popped a segment of orange into her mouth. “Of course, who’s his sister, after all?”

Ji Feishi raised an eyebrow. “Since he already has a perfect plan, I won’t meddle. But we’ll definitely cross paths eventually.”

Jiang Muti waved her hand. “Got it, got it. Hurry up and leave, don’t you want to stay for dinner?”

Ji Feishi was momentarily stunned, thinking this person really didn’t have a shred of conscience once she had no use for him.

But the citrus fragrance she was giving off right now made it impossible to stay angry.

In the end, Ji Feishi located the source of the smell and snatched the half-eaten orange from her hand.

“Not talking about dinner anymore? You can’t really be reluctant to part with half a fruit, can you?”

“Hey! I was still eating that—” She didn’t finish her sentence before he turned his back and waved the orange as he walked away.

Once he got into the car, Ji Feishi looked at the half orange in his hand. He took out a segment of the fruit, gently placed it in his mouth, and the sweet, full juice of the citrus immediately exploded in his mouth.

“It’s really sweet!” he muttered, his voice carrying a hint of grievance and frustration, but after a while, the corners of his mouth couldn’t help but curve upwards.

At dinner, cousin Xuanxuan didn’t come down, probably still furious from being put in her place by Jiang Muti earlier.

She felt like she was struggling here, her parents were unreliable, and Jiang Muti’s capricious and domineering nature was only catered to by those around her.

Every time Jiang Muti was upset, she could make someone lose face, but what had she even done yet?

With such an obstacle ahead, Xuan didn’t know what her aunt was thinking.

But this crushing situation was soon broken, because Mother Jiang came back.

Jiang Muti had been here almost a year, and it was the first time she saw her come back alone, not with Father Jiang.

To be honest, when she was with Father Jiang, Mother Jiang’s presence was much less noticeable. She seemed like just an ordinary woman with a small business.

But that was because Father Jiang’s aura was too strong. In fact, if you looked only at Mother Jiang, you’d realize she was a woman with strong opinions and a very efficient way of doing things.

When she came home, the first thing she did was reject the idea of her sister’s family moving out and quickly arranged cousin Xuanxuan’s enrollment.

Yes, that’s right—into Jiang Muti’s school.

At that moment, Xuanxuan’s aunt looked a bit displeased. “Isn’t this a bit much? I could stay for ten or fifteen days, but no matter how big this place is, it’s not my home. I’m happy that you don’t treat me like an outsider, but what about your husband?”

Mother Jiang responded, “What can he think? Are you saying that after being abroad for more than ten years, coming back and living together for a while is a problem? Your husband’s not a petty person.”

“Besides, you don’t mind the trouble, but think about Xuan. She’s going to college in China, and time is precious now. If you move, with all the things to manage in the new house, how can she focus on studying?”

“Also, having Muti take her to school every day will help her meet more people, which will be good for her future.”

Mother Jiang was always firm between the two sisters, and seeing her younger sister’s hesitation, she decisively made a decision. “It’s settled then.”

She turned to Jiang Muti. “Muti, from now on, you and your cousin will go to and from school together. Take good care of her at school. You two are close cousins—our family has only you two girls. You’re as close as I am with your aunt, so you should take good care of your cousin.”

Jiang Muti smiled. “This—well, maybe not? When have I ever taken care of anyone? I’m still a baby myself. Mom, it’s one thing for you to spoil your niece, but you can’t just take over Aunt’s job. She’s the one who’s the mom and has her own plans. Why are you taking charge?”

Mother Jiang never expected her daughter would dare to challenge her openly, making her lose face. She was about to scold her.

At this moment, Xuan began to tear up. “Cousin, I know I’m not easy to like, and I don’t expect you to like me, but since I’ve come here, you’ve been subtly criticizing me in front of me and behind my back, and Haohao even said you don’t want to see me at all.”

“Aunt, maybe we should just move out. I originally stayed here to wait for you to come back, but people need to have some sense. I’m not blind, you know.”

When Mother Jiang heard this, she realized that while she had been away for work, her daughter had already offended the guests, both openly and subtly.

Seeing her sister about to lose her temper, Xuanxuan’s aunt hurriedly scolded her, “What are you saying? Where has Muti ever neglected us?”

She was about to pull her back when Mother Jiang pushed her back into her seat. “Sit down. Don’t think that just because they’re both children, you can play peacemaker.”

After scolding her younger sister, Mother Jiang was about to deal with her daughter, but then she saw her daughter reach for the soup bowl and gently lift it.

The entire bowl of soup poured over her niece’s head.

“You—” Mother Jiang gasped, as if she was meeting her daughter for the first time.

Jiang Muti took out a napkin, slowly wiped the corner of her mouth, and looked at Xuan, who was still in a disheveled and incredulous state. “First, I hate it when people cry at the dinner table. Do you think your tears make you look like a pitiful flower? All it does for me is make me think of snot and tears, which is so disgusting I can’t even eat.”

“Second, if you have ‘sense,’ shouldn’t you just pack up and leave without making a scene? Complaining and whining, is that what having ‘sense’ means?”

After speaking, she stood up and slowly walked over to Xuanxuan’s side. Seeing her face twisted in humiliation and anger, Jiang Muti lowered her head and whispered in her ear, “Did you think that because my mother is back, someone will be able to put me in my place and you’ll be able to do whatever you want here?”

“Are you dreaming? A foot-washer is still a foot-washer, no matter how much you think you have someone’s support. Haha! You really think that just because you have someone backing you, you can become a young lady? How stupid can a person be? Even if my mother agrees, the manners won’t!”

For a moment, Xuan felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over her, freezing her to the bone, as if the entire winter had descended upon her.

Those words were even worse than having the soup poured over her head.

Only then did Mother Jiang realize that her daughter was no longer the daughter who, although not impressive, at least brought peace of mind.

In just a short period of time, she had become so arrogant.

She stood up to scold her daughter, but Jiang Yunjuan stepped in front of her younger sister.

“Ah Juan? Step aside, where did she learn this behavior? It has to be corrected.”

Jiang Yunjuan said, “Mom, you two have been busy with work for years, and it’s only been the two of us at home. Whether she’s good or bad, it’s all up to me to teach her. If she’s bad, it’s because I didn’t teach her well.”

“So, you taught her to be rude and physically harm guests?” Mother Jiang questioned.

Jiang Yunjuan nodded, “Yes! I taught her that if anyone dares to speak ill of her to her face, she should slap their mouth off. Looks like she was a bit soft-hearted. After all, she’s my cousin, so family ties still matter.”

Mother Jiang was taken aback, staring at her adopted son as if she was meeting him for the first time.