Chapter 09.2

After arriving at the Jiang residence, Jiang Yao kicked off his shoes upon entering and said to the housekeeper, “Don’t let any idlers in.”

After speaking, he went straight to the living room’s island counter to drink several big gulps of water, and when he turned around, he found that someone had already been let in by the nanny, who was respectfully offering a cup of tea.

Jiang Yao frowned, “I said not to let people in willy-nilly.”

The nanny was taken aback, “Isn’t this gentleman the son-in-law?”

Jiang Yao was thunderstruck, showing an extremely uncomfortable expression, and glanced at Duan Zhuxian, “Son-in-law my foot, we haven’t even had the wedding yet.”

The nanny, clearly not expecting things to turn out this way, stood somewhat awkwardly between the two, and casted a pleading look at Duan Zhuxian.

Duan Zhuxian sat on the sofa, sipped his tea, and said calmly, “It doesn’t matter, since the future relationship is destined, this title will belong to me sooner or later.”

Jiang Yao was speechless, and was slightly shocked by Duan Zhuxian’s shamelessness.

Then, he remembered the moment outside their high school when Duan Zhuxian casually refused to give him the status of “friendship,” the embarrassment he felt was like he was choked by surprise, awkwardness, disappointment, and numerous other negative emotions.

“Yeah, you also know it’s the future.”

With a sudden desire for revenge, Jiang Yao’s face was taut as his gaze swept from the corner of his eyes towards the man on the sofa.

“So why should I give you the status ahead of time?”

Seeing Duan Zhuxian’s usually calm expression freeze slightly, Jiang Yao maintained his aloof demeanor and slowly left the living room.

After returning to his room, the noble coldness on Jiang Yao’s face instantly melted away, as he replayed Duan Zhuxian’s sudden change of expression in his mind.

He couldn’t help but curl his lips into a smile, put on boxing gloves, and punched the sandbag a few times, then raised his hands high.

“Jiang Yao, the fighter, K.O.!”

Then he struck a victor’s pose, circling half the room.

In fact, Jiang Yao has a big heart and is not one to hold grudges.

But Duan Zhuxian is an exception.

Over the years, he has beaten up Duan Zhuxian countless times in his mind, and now he finally has the chance for revenge.

It’s somewhat satisfying.

But not completely satisfying.

After all, what Duan Zhuxian truly values are business interests, and he wouldn’t be too interested in ‘status’.

Yet ten years ago, he sincerely wanted to gain Duan Zhuxian’s acceptance and recognition.

Jiang Yao slowly bit open his boxing gloves.

Somehow, the heart that had just been showing off felt a bit off again.

Before packing his bags, Jiang Yao called his parents, who were away on a business trip, to tell them about his cohabitation with Duan Zhuxian.

Yuan Li didn’t seem to know about this, and only said with a slight relief, “Seeing how well you two get along, I’m reassured.”

Jiang Yao, who had just had a fight with someone was choked by the word ‘get along’ and finally understood what ‘a mute eating bitter herbs’ feels like.

Yuan Li was very busy over there, she reminded him to take care of himself while living outside, and telling him that no matter what choices he makes, his family will support him unconditionally.

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Yao completely reined in his remaining rebellious spirit.

From childhood to adulthood, his parents never forced anything on him, always saying they ‘wouldn’t make decisions for his life’.

But the more open-minded they were, the less he wanted to disappoint them, it’s hard to say what kind of reverse psychology it was.

Half an hour later, Jiang Yao packed several pieces of clothing and daily necessities into his suitcase. Instead of going downstairs immediately, he sprawled on the bed, turned on the record player on the bedside table, planning to listen to a tune before leaving, and incidentally to cool off someone who knew how to anger him.

Unexpectedly, he fell asleep to the melodious sound of the guqin. When he woke up, an hour had passed, and no one had come to call him.

Duan Zhuxian should have left by now.

After all, it is rumored that President Duan’s time is billed by the second, and he would never use it to wait for a rival he dislikes.

Jiang Yao stretched lazily and wandered out of the bedroom, only to be surprised to see Duan Zhuxian sitting on the living room sofa.

He was still drinking tea, and his expression indescribably relaxed.

Tsk, someone really knows how to put on an act…

After being surprised for a moment, Jiang Yao thought to himself.

So he deliberately mocked, “I couldn’t tell, Mr. Duan is quite patient.”

Duan Zhuxian put down his teacup and spoke unhurriedly, “Just a bit more than you.”

Jiang Yao’s first reaction was that Duan Zhuxian was comparing their enduring feelings for Shen Tang. He raised his eyebrows slightly and curled his lips in sarcasm, “Then indeed, I can’t match Mr. Duan’s spirit of hitting the south wall.”

Duan Zhuxian: “Although your language skills are poor, I’ll still take that as a compliment.”

Jiang Yao: “…”

He punched into cotton, and he was also received a wave of mockery.

He grinded his molars, and secretly made up his mind—

One day, he must make that hypocritical face reveal an expression of losing control.

Together with the nanny and assistant Lin, Jiang Yao lifted four heavy suitcases into the car. He looked at the gradually retreating home through the car window. He always felt that something was amiss, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

It couldn’t be that Duan Zhuxian wanted to live with him, so he deliberately brought up Elder Duan, and rushed him to move out late at night, right?

Jiang Yao pinched between his eyebrows, almost amusing himself with the thought.

He stole a glance to the side.

A face hidden in the play of light and shadow was resting with eyes closed, and looked completely indifferent to the future.

It was as if his presence or absence would not have any impact on Duan Zhuxian’s private life.

[Author’s Note]

It’s not that there’s no impact, it’s just nights of revelry (messy talk version).