Chapter 20

Jiang Yu originally thought that given the past grievances between the original owner and them, maintaining a superficial relationship would be enough. But Jiang Siyu’s provocation made her realize it wasn’t going to be that simple. Although Jiang Yu didn’t have many talents, she was no slouch when it came to standing up for herself. Coldly, she replied, “Sister-in-law, calling you that is giving you face. Do you know what a loser your son is? He can’t even compare to Jiang Zhe’s little finger. Jiang Zhe is a thousand times better. I’d have to be blind to want to marry your son.”

Jiang Siyu knew Jiang Yu wasn’t simple, but this was the first time she faced her head-on. Hearing Jiang Yu belittle her son in favor of Jiang Zhe, she was furious, her expression twisting. “You insult him because you can’t have him. Women like you and Jiang Zhe deserve each other, both equally filthy.”

Jiang Yu: ?

You can insult me, but how dare you insult Jiang Zhe? What did he ever do to you?

Knowing some of Jiang Zhe’s painful past experiences, Jiang Yu naturally felt protective. The original owner’s memories of the Jiang family slowly surfaced as well. Jiang Zhe had always been the overlooked one in the family. Jiang Siyu, being the pampered child, naturally resented the sudden addition of a younger brother. In her twenties, with a haughty temper, she often bullied her much younger brother.

Knowing that Jiang Zhe had a difficult past and seeing him willing to endure mistreatment, the original owner bullied him even more.

Even though she bullied young Jiang Zhe, she still thought he was no good.

Jiang Yu was infuriated and laughed, “You think you’re a good person, bullying a little kid when you were in your twenties, cursing your brother behind his back, and your son, who’s a player with countless women, is good?”

In this novel, the male lead was indeed a scumbag. When he had conflicts with the female lead, he would get involved with other women, a typical ancient story’s jerk.

Jiang Siyu hadn’t expected Jiang Yu to know these things, and her face turned ugly. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

At this moment, Jiang Zhe’s mom noticed them and hurriedly called, “Xiao Yu, Siyu, why are you both standing there? Come wash your hands and get ready to eat.”

Jiang Yu touched her belly and said to Jiang Siyu, “Sister-in-law, I have Jiang Zhe’s child in me, and I’m very fragile. Just hearing about your son makes me angry. You’d better watch your words, or Jiang Zhe might stop being nice to you.”

Then she turned and left.

Jiang Siyu, who had encountered countless people in the business world, was stunned. She had never expected to be rendered speechless by a young woman. She wanted to get angry but didn’t know what to say.

She glared coldly at Jiang Yu’s retreating figure before returning to the sofa.

Soon, dinner was ready. Jiang Zhe, still wearing his apron, noticed Jiang Yu looking at him with sparkling eyes. A strand of hair had fallen by her ear, making her look playful and cute.

Jiang Zhe sat down next to her and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Yu asked, “What dishes did you make? I want to try them.”

Jiang Yu was used to men who either retreated to their rooms or lounged on the sofa when they got home. Seeing Jiang Zhe willingly helping in the kitchen made her feel comforted.

Although he didn’t like coming home, he was willing to help his mom as soon as he did. That was better than many men.

Looking into her exceptionally bright eyes, Jiang Zhe smiled and said, “I didn’t cook. Auntie did. I just helped a bit.”

Jiang Zhe’s father frowned and said, “You come home and immediately run to the kitchen. How unmanly.”

Jiang Yu: ?

You’re supposed to be a respected teacher? How can you say such things?

Jiang Zhe’s face darkened.

It wasn’t being scolded by his father that bothered him but hearing it in front of Jiang Yu.

He was used to being criticized and staying silent but didn’t want Jiang Yu to hear it.

Jiang Yu began to understand why Jiang Zhe didn’t like coming home. If it were her, she wouldn’t want to either.

Immediately, she defended Jiang Zhe, “What does helping in the kitchen have to do with being a man? My dad helps in the kitchen and has a great relationship with my mom.”

Jiang Cheng said, “That’s why your dad is a nobody.”

Jiang Yu, quick to respond, mentioned the original owner’s father, who was a good man who helped in the kitchen. She was infuriated and felt like rolling up her sleeves to fight.

Jiang Zhe noticed Jiang Yu’s growing anger and said, “Dad, you repeatedly called us to come home. If you keep nitpicking, we won’t stay for dinner.”

Jiang Zhe rarely showed such assertiveness at home. Jiang Cheng, seeing his son’s cold demeanor, furrowed his brows, sensing things were slipping out of control.

Seeing her son finally back, Shen Qiuli quickly intervened, “Alright, Xiao Zhe rarely brings Xiao Yu home. Let’s all just eat.”

Then she turned to Jiang Yu, “Xiao Yu, don’t mind them. This is just how they are.”

The fact that this was their normal dynamic only highlighted how Jiang Zhe was always criticized. How could this man still be a teacher?

Jiang Yu felt a deep disdain but stayed silent, reassured by Jiang Zhe’s mother. She patted Jiang Zhe’s hand to comfort him.

Jiang Zhe smiled at her and whispered, “If you feel uncomfortable, we can leave early.”

Jiang Yu replied, “I’m fine.”

She wanted to see what else they might say.

At this moment, Jiang Zhe’s brother-in-law, Lin Mu, spoke up, “Xiao Zhe isn’t without prospects. I heard he recently started a business with friends.”

Jiang Zhe’s father was surprised but skeptical, “It’s just a hobby. What can he achieve? He stays home all day, like a young lady.”

Lin Mu insisted, “Dad, Xiao Zhe is more capable than you think. Their company seems to be doing well. I’m thinking of getting involved and would like Xiao Zhe’s advice.”

Jiang Siyu, always looking down on Jiang Zhe, scoffed, “You could ask anyone else, they’d be better than him.”

Lin Mu, slightly annoyed, responded, “If I’m asking, it means Xiao Zhe has the skills.”

Fearing her husband, Jiang Siyu fell silent but still felt they were overpraising Jiang Zhe.

Jiang Zhe, confused, said, “I’m not sure I can help.”

Lin Mu smiled, “Xiao Zhe, you should have more confidence. I heard you’ve been staying home recently. Maybe get a nanny for your wife and don’t waste your talents. We have an opening in our company. You should give it a try.”

Jiang Cheng said, “Your brother-in-law offering you a job is a blessing. Why would you refuse?”

Jiang Zhe declined, “I have my own company. I don’t need to go to my brother-in-law’s company.”

Jiang Cheng was furious at his son’s rejection. He put down his chopsticks and began lecturing him, “Your brother-in-law is willing to take you under his wing, and you’re wasting this opportunity by staying home all day. What kind of life is that?”

Jiang Zhe responded, “I told you, I have my own job.”

Jiang Cheng scoffed, “Your little company won’t last a few years. What can you possibly learn there? Your brother-in-law has been in business longer than you. Do you think you’re better than him? Tomorrow, you’re going to work at his company. Stop fooling around with your own business.”

Jiang Yu felt that Jiang Zhe was doing quite well. He had money and could stay home with her. Now, his father was completely dismissing all his efforts.

She glanced at Lin Mu, who was smiling faintly, as if enjoying the show and waiting for the outcome he desired. It seemed he believed Jiang Cheng’s pressure would help him achieve his goal.

Jiang Cheng might not fully understand Jiang Zhe’s capabilities, but Lin Mu, being a businessman, likely knew very well. Perhaps he came back specifically to recruit Jiang Zhe.

Jiang Yu suddenly felt furious and said angrily, “Dad, whether Jiang Zhe’s company is good or not, you can check online. In his industry, it’s considered quite impressive. He’s still young. Was brother-in-law capable of starting a business from scratch at such a young age?”

Lin Mu was a rich second generation. At Jiang Zhe’s age, he was still playing around at home. It wasn’t until after his father passed away that he began managing the family business.

In the novel, the male lead’s father was described in more detail than Jiang Zhe, but it was useless. His business encountered problems early on, and it was the male lead who later saved it. He was a cunning businessman who tried to control the male lead, so the male lead eventually took over all the power in the company, causing him to have a stroke and sending him to a nursing home. In the original book, his role was less significant than Jiang Zhe’s uncle.

Jiang Yu spoke with a smile, but her words clearly offended Lin Mu. His face briefly showed displeasure, but he quickly adopted a humble demeanor. “Yes, when I was Xiao Zhe’s age, my father thought I was a hopeless playboy.”

Jiang Cheng said, “The Lin family has such a strong foundation. Your brother-in-law naturally learned a lot from a young age and is smarter than you.”

Isn’t that quite a stretch?

Jiang Zhe was about to ask if Jiang Yu was full so they could leave when he heard her speak with a smile, “I don’t know if brother-in-law is smart, but I think Jiang Zhe is quite clever. Not only is he smart, but he doesn’t have the attitude of lording it over others as soon as he has money. I think that’s great. Dad, you might be busy with work and unaware of what’s happening outside, but you can ask around to see how capable Jiang Zhe is. I used to think you knew your son’s abilities since he did well in school. But now, it seems Jiang Zhe isn’t as dear to you as your son-in-law. You’re so used to putting on airs and denying him that you can’t see his strengths. If you’re blind, the hospital can treat it. But how do you treat willful blindness?”

Prejudice can’t be eliminated, and Jiang Yu realized there was no point in arguing with them. She turned to Jiang Zhe and said coyly, “Jiang Zhe, I’m not feeling well. Let’s go home early.”

Jiang Zhe stood up, his face filled with concern. “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Yu clutched her stomach, “I feel a bit nauseous. It might be from hearing something unpleasant and smelling the foul stench from someone’s mouth. Let’s go.”

Jiang Zhe said, “Alright.”

Jiang Zhe’s mother saw them to the door. Behind them, Lin Mu, Jiang Cheng, and Jiang Siyu all looked displeased, but since Jiang Yu claimed she was feeling unwell, they couldn’t argue with a pregnant woman without appearing petty, so they had to swallow their anger.