Chapter 32: “Not in Vain All These Years…”

After finally pushing the man off him, Jiang Yao immediately used his phone’s front camera to check his neck. Sure enough, his pale skin showed a patch of purplish-red with visible blood vessels, like a mark.

He wanted to curse Duan Zhuxian for being like a dog, but catching a glimpse of the same bite mark on Duan Zhuxian’s Adam’s apple, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. After a long moment of frustration, he simply flipped Duan Zhuxian off as he walked away.

It was getting late. Jiang Yao stood at the doors of the two adjacent bedrooms, pondering for a while before finally stepping into Duan Zhuxian’s room.

Duan Zhuxian was still in the shower. Jiang Yao crawled under the covers and casually opened a few major social media platforms, checking the buzz around the new music app he had taken over, “Le Dong.”

Since Hua Yan had invested in Jiang Li, with several rounds of marketing channel expansions, recruiting musicians, and collaborations with short video platforms, Le Dong was no longer the obscure little platform it had been a few months ago.

Jiang Yao admired his work for a while, and feeling sleepy. Suddenly, the bed next to him sank a few centimeters, and a voice fell beside his ear: “Are you free next Saturday?”

Jiang Yao, with his eyes closed and half-asleep, murmured an affirmative.

Duan Zhuxian said, “Then give me your time.”

Jiang Yao replied, “It’s up to you.”

Someone probably just wanted to sleep with him again, pretending to seek his opinion according to their earlier agreement, making such a lowly act sound so dignified.

Duan Zhuxian chuckled, “I’m taking you to meet my grandfather(maternal) on Saturday.”

A few seconds later, Jiang Yao’s eyes snapped open, and he turned over, “Meet your grandfather?”

Duan Zhuxian nodded.

Recalling the chaotic time he met grandfather Duan before, Jiang Yao quickly came up with an excuse, “I just remembered I have plans with my brother on Saturday.”

Duan Zhuxian raised an eyebrow, “Your brother will be abroad for a company retreat next Saturday. How are you going to meet him?”

Jiang Yao: “?”

How did Duan Zhuxian know something he didn’t?

As if reading Jiang Yao’s confusion, Duan Zhuxian explained, “The last time your brother came over, we exchanged contact information. He’s hosting the retreat in the same state where I studied abroad and asked me to recommend some good places to visit.”

Jiang Yao was stunned.

They had gotten together behind his back!

And to think his brother had advised him to be wary of Duan Zhuxian the last time.

Jiang Yao felt a vague sense of betrayal and snorted indifferently, “You have some skills, managing to win over my brother, who’s usually so resistant.”

Duan Zhuxian replied, “Not really. I just happened to mention some things about your childhood, and he got interested and started talking.”

Jiang Yao immediately sat up, looking wary, “What did he say about me?”

If Jiang Chen dared to spread any lies about him, he’d be dead!

“Just some everyday stuff,” Duan Zhuxian said. “Like how, in high school, you had a target at the foot of your bed with my name on it. You’d poke it until it was unrecognizable, then replace it and keep poking.”

Jiang Yao defiantly lifted his chin, “You deserved it. You were so unbearable back then.”

Though you’re not much better now.

“Hmm,” Duan Zhuxian responded noncommittally, looking at Jiang Yao with a smile on his lips. “I was just thinking, you put me opposite your bed, so every morning when you open your eyes, the first person you think of is me. When you dress, you think of me. When you wash up, you’re thinking of me.”

Jiang Yao: “…”

Duan Zhuxian wasn’t wrong. When he was most resistant to Duan Zhuxian, the first thing he thought about each morning wasn’t breathing, but how to despise Duan Zhuxian that day.

But hearing it come from Duan Zhuxian’s mouth, why made it sound so awkward?

Duan Zhuxian stared at Jiang Yao’s slightly flushed ears, which he wasn’t even aware of, and asked him, “You don’t want to meet my grandfather?”

Jiang Yao answered honestly, “Not really.”

He had a natural aversion to Duan Zhuxian’s family, always feeling that their pretentious demeanor clashed severely with his own.

Duan Zhuxian said, “He’s different from my grandfather. You two should get along.”

After a long silence, Jiang Yao asked, “Is this another request from your grandfather?”

Duan Zhuxian replied, “He doesn’t force the younger generation to do anything. It’s me who wants him to meet you.”

Perhaps it was Duan Zhuxian’s earnest expression when he said the last part that left Jiang Yao momentarily stunned, missing the best chance to refuse again. Duan Zhuxian seized the opportunity to coax and provoke him a bit, and in the end, Jiang Yao reluctantly agreed.

Before going to sleep, Duan Zhuxian glanced at the man beside him, curled up in the blankets, habitually wrapping himself into a small mound, and softly said, “My grandfather has no business dealings with Hua Yan or Jiang Li. He’s one of the few people I consider true family.”

The small mound shifted slightly, wrapping itself even tighter.

Jiang Yao knew these were Duan Zhuxian’s words to comfort him, but after hearing them, he found it hard to fall asleep.

Late at night, Duan Zhuxian turned over and sensed a faint glow coming from Jiang Yao’s side. Silently opening his eyes, he saw Jiang Yao holding his phone with his back turned, typing a line in the search bar—

[What to wear when meeting the parents.]

After reading numerous responses, Jiang Yao opened his notes app and carefully jotted down keywords like “appropriate,” “simple,” and “well-behaved,” which were completely opposite to his usual style.

Suddenly, an arm wrapped tightly around his waist from behind, startling Jiang Yao. He quickly shoved his phone under the pillow.

Holding his breath and remaining still for a long time, he felt the arm was quite well-behaved. He turned over slowly and, under the dim night light, moved closer to observe Duan Zhuxian’s face until he confirmed that both his eyes were closed and his breathing was steady.

Luckily, he hadn’t been caught.

Jiang Yao breathed a sigh of relief and, facing Duan Zhuxian, fell asleep.

The man beside him, eyes closed, had a faint smile on his lips.

*

Saturday arrived quickly.

Early in the morning, Jiang Yao stood in front of the mirror, trying to tame his unruly hair. He used styling spray several times to finally get it under control, fuming inwardly as he cursed Duan Zhuxian.

He didn’t understand why Duan Zhuxian had this habit of grabbing his hair, especially the dyed tuft at the back, making it stick up like a turkey feather, which looked ridiculously silly.

Hearing movement behind him, Jiang Yao saw in the mirror the culprit himself, wearing a light gray tracksuit, leisurely walking towards him.

Receiving his glare, Duan Zhuxian raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Jiang Yao, with a stern face, said, “I’m adding another rule to the three agreements: No pulling my hair in the future.”

Duan Zhuxian paused and said, “I’ll try.”

He indeed had a fondness for Jiang Yao’s hair, especially when they were in certain positions. He liked seeing Jiang Yao tilt his head back under his pull, neck straight, Adam’s apple trembling, offering his neck.

In the mirror, the man’s eyes behind him gradually turned ambiguous, which Jiang Yao automatically interpreted as hiding malicious intent.

“I think you’re just jealous of my naturally thick hair and want to pull me bald,” Jiang Yao grumbled.

An hour later, Jiang Yao finally finished dressing and walked out of the walk-in closet.

Sitting on the sofa, Duan Zhuxian closed his laptop and paused when he looked up.

The man before him was dressed in a mustard yellow sweater and black casual pants, with a plain white shirt underneath, and no extra accessories. Even the rattlesnake silver chain he usually wore around his neck was gone. His outfit was even more subdued than the one he wore for their matchmaking meeting.

In his memory, Jiang Yao preferred bold and eye-catching styles, with half his wardrobe consisting of red-themed trendy brands. Today’s outfit was clearly new.

Duan Zhuxian rarely saw Jiang Yao dressed so obediently, and with his fair face, he looked fresh and almost pinchable.

Jiang Yao tugged at his collar and walked awkwardly towards Duan Zhuxian.

“Duan Zhuxian, maybe I should wear a hat?”

Duan Zhuxian replied, “No need, your hairstyle looks fine.”

Jiang Yao touched the back of his head. “I’m afraid my red hair will scare your grandfather.”

“My grandfather is a painter. He’s very open-minded,” Duan Zhuxian said as he stood up, patting Jiang Yao’s shoulder. “Relax, don’t be nervous.”

Jiang Yao abruptly shrugged off Duan Zhuxian’s arm, turned his face away, and said gruffly, “Who’s nervous…”

After some more hesitation, Jiang Yao ultimately decided not to wear a hat.

In fact, Duan Zhuxian wasn’t wrong—he had been nervous for a long time.

But it was different from the nervousness he felt when meeting Duan Zhuxian’s grandfather. At that time, he bore the heavy responsibility of a business marriage, fearing that Elder Duan would be dissatisfied with him, which could affect Jiang Li’s future. His role then was more like a cooperative partner seeking allegiance.

It’s all Duan Zhuxian’s fault for mentioning that his grandfather was one of the few people he considered true family…

Jiang Yao had never thought that someone as self-assured and independent as he was would ever worry about not being accepted by someone.

*

Duan Zhuxian’s grandfather’s residence was located on the outskirts of the city, near an artificial lake with beautiful scenery surrounded by green mountains and clear waters.

Upon arrival, the housekeeper warmly invited them in.

“The old man went fishing, but he should be back soon,” she said, looking at Jiang Yao. “This must be young master Jiang?”

Jiang Yao nodded.

Duan Zhuxian introduced her, “This is Aunt Wang.”

Jiang Yao greeted her.

Aunt Wang smiled warmly, “I’ve been here for over ten years.”

Jiang Yao asked, “So, you watched Duan Zhuxian grow up?”

Aunt Wang replied, “More or less. When I started here, Zhuxian was just over ten years old. He often came over to see his grandfather.”

Jiang Yao understood; no wonder Aunt Wang looked at Duan Zhuxian like she was looking at her own child.

As they walked inside, Aunt Wang’s gaze kept darting between Jiang Yao and Duan Zhuxian, her expression growing more and more affectionate.

Jiang Yao knew he was quite popular with auntie-aged women because of his face, but her intense gaze still made him feel a bit puzzled.

He was about to ask Aunt Wang if she had something to say when she remarked, “Young Master Jiang, you truly are better seen than heard.”

“Better seen than heard?” Jiang Yao caught the key phrase, sensing the sentiment behind her words.

Aunt Wang was about to explain, but Duan Zhuxian interrupted, “Aunt Wang, you can go ahead with your tasks. I’ll show Jiang Yao around.”

Aunt Wang paused, then smiled knowingly and left.

Jiang Yao asked Duan Zhuxian, “What did Aunt Wang mean by ‘better seen than heard’? Had she heard of me before?”

Duan Zhuxian replied, “I don’t know. Maybe she’s just not good with words and used the phrase incorrectly.”

Jiang Yao narrowed his eyes, feeling that Duan Zhuxian was brushing him off.

Still pondering what “better seen than heard” could mean, Jiang Yao followed Duan Zhuxian into the living room. Suddenly, his eyes were drawn to a large portrait on the wall.

The painting depicted a European woman with slightly lowered eyes, reading a sketchbook in her hands. Her features bore some resemblance to Duan Zhuxian’s.

“That’s my grandmother. She passed away twenty years ago.”

Duan Zhuxian’s voice rang in his ears. Jiang Yao looked up and into those ocean-blue eyes, feeling his heart tremble.

The indescribable beauty of the woman in the painting would likely make any passerby pause in admiration. Even the delicate wrinkles at the corners of her eyes seemed to prove that the passage of time does not defeat beauty, like the folds on hibiscus petals, part of what made her so lovely.

Duan Zhuxian’s European heritage came from her.

This reminded Jiang Yao that he had never heard anything about Duan Zhuxian’s mother.

“Where’s your mother?”

While waiting for Duan Zhuxian’s grandfather on the sofa, Jiang Yao finally asked the question that had been on his mind for a long time.

Seeing Duan Zhuxian’s expression freeze slightly, Jiang Yao quickly waved his hand, “If you don’t want to talk about it, forget it. I was just asking casually. You can pretend I didn’t say anything.”

Duan Zhuxian said, “She’s in Australia, receiving treatment.”

Jiang Yao was startled and quickly asked, “What illness? Is it serious?”

Duan Zhuxian handed Jiang Yao a glass of water and said, “Kidney issues. It’s a chronic condition. There’s specialized research for her condition over there.”

Jiang Yao asked, “Does she know that you’re married?”

“She knows,” Duan Zhuxian paused for a moment, “But she couldn’t come back for the wedding, so she sent a video message, wishing us happiness and a long-lasting marriage.”

Jiang Yao frowned, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Upon hearing this, Duan Zhuxian’s gaze shifted, avoiding Jiang Yao’s eyes.

To him, those words seemed more like a cage for Jiang Yao rather than a blessing, binding Jiang Yao to him, his sworn enemy, forever.

But he simply said, “I forgot.”

Jiang Yao rolled his eyes dramatically and placed his teacup on the table with a loud clink, righteously declaring, “It’s a blessing for both of us. How could you keep it to yourself? Even selfishness should have its limits!”

A flash of surprise crossed Duan Zhuxian’s eyes, “You want to see it?”

Jiang Yao replied, “Of course.”

Duan Zhuxian took out his phone, opened a video, and handed it to Jiang Yao.

The video began with a view of the scenery outside, then shifted to a mixed-race woman.

Jiang Yao couldn’t help but silently marvel. Now he knew where Duan Zhuxian’s striking looks came from. With a celestial grandmother and mother, even if his father’s genes weren’t great, they could still be salvaged.

The video content was just as Duan Zhuxian had said—a blessing for their marriage, and she specifically mentioned Jiang Yao by name.

Duan’s mother’s voice was gentle and pleasant, though slightly weak, carrying a unique charm that made Jiang Yao certain she was a cultured and captivating woman. Unfortunately, due to the influence of the Duan family, she couldn’t be there for Duan Zhuxian’s upbringing.

If his mother had been by his side, would Duan Zhuxian have shed some of his aloofness and pretense?

“I’ve prepared a gift for you both, which will be delivered on your wedding day.”

At this point, she paused and smiled warmly.

“Xian, you know? When I heard you were marrying Xiao Jiang, I was genuinely happy for you. It wasn’t in vain all these years…”

Snap—

The screen went black, and the rest of her words were abruptly cut off by Duan Zhuxian.

Jiang Yao: ?

He looked up at Duan Zhuxian.

Then, in the unfathomable depths of Duan Zhuxian’s eyes, Jiang Yao caught a rare and suspicious flicker of panic.