Chapter 21

Jiang Chen, accustomed to maintaining his authority at home, couldn’t bear the thought of losing face. He asked the housekeeper for his phone and then turned to Lin Mu, saying, “I want to see just how impressive this company is. Xiao Mu, what’s the name of the company he co-founded?”

Lin Mu provided the company’s name, and Jiang Chen, without even needing to look it up, was taken aback.

He had heard of this company. It was a relatively new but highly regarded player in the computer industry, known for its exceptional performance. Although it had only been around for a few years, it had established a strong reputation in the field. Many of his IT students aspired to work there, considering it a prestigious and promising workplace with excellent benefits.

Previously, Lin Mu had mentioned to Jiang Siyu that her brother was quite capable, but she had dismissed it. Now, hearing their conversation, she also looked up the company on her phone and was equally stunned.

Even Shen Qiuli took out her phone to check. When she saw the information, she was shocked.

Her son rarely talked about his work. She only knew that he had a job related to his major, with a decent salary and flexible hours. But she hadn’t realized that he had his own company and that it was doing so well.

Accustomed to her husband’s constant disparagement of their son, she had never thought he was particularly outstanding. Even when her parents said Xiao Zhe was a very smart child, she hadn’t paid much attention.

She stood there in a daze, holding her phone, and asked the housekeeper beside her, “Is this company really impressive?”

Aunt Song, the housekeeper, recognized the company immediately and said, “Very impressive. My son’s classmate joined this company right after graduating a couple of years ago. I hear his salary is in the tens of thousands now. If he continues to perform well, he can move up, and his salary will increase even more.”

Shen Qiuli was still processing this information.

In her mind, her son’s salary was nowhere near that high. She had no idea he was in a position to offer such high salaries to his employees.

She felt a pang of guilt. She had missed out on her son’s childhood and adolescence, and now she realized she didn’t know him well at all. If it weren’t for Jiang Yu speaking up, she might have remained ignorant of her son’s impressive achievements for a long time.

Jiang Yu, having stepped outside, immediately brightened up and cheerfully said, “Let’s go home.”

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, but Jiang Zhe was still worried. “Should we go to the hospital?” he asked.

Jiang Yu rolled her eyes at him and said, “Why would I go to the hospital? I’m fine.”

Still concerned, Jiang Zhe asked again, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Jiang Yu spun around in front of him and said, “I’m fine.”

Jiang Zhe quickly steadied her, his brow furrowed with worry. “Are you really sure you’re okay?” he asked.

Jiang Yu replied, “Do I look like something’s wrong? Let’s go home.”

“Okay,” Jiang Zhe agreed.

As they drove past a park, Jiang Yu noticed the beautiful lights and the crowd of people. She suggested, “Why don’t we go for a walk?”

Jiang Zhe found a parking spot and took her to the park. Just then, his phone buzzed with a message from his mother. Curious, Jiang Yu asked, “What did your mom say?”

Jiang Zhe handed her his phone, showing her the long message:

[Xiao Zhe, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how little I knew about you. If Jiang Yu hadn’t spoken up, I might have never known how truly impressive you are. I’m sorry we never gave you enough confidence or trust. Your father is used to belittling you, and I didn’t realize how much you’ve grown. I’m so proud of you…]

After reading the message, Jiang Yu asked, “How do you feel about this?”

Jiang Zhe, used to his mother’s apologies, felt indifferent. “I don’t have any particular feelings about it. I’m used to it,” he said.

Jiang Yu felt a pang of empathy for Jiang Zhe. While his mother’s apology was sincere, it seemed like Jiang Zhe had grown accustomed to such gestures without them making a significant impact on his life. She asked, “So, your mom is always apologizing?”

Jiang Zhe thought for a moment and said, “She doesn’t need to apologize. She’s done the best she could. At least she never let me worry about money.”

They found a bench, and Jiang Yu sat down, teasing Jiang Zhe, “Is that your way of finding a silver lining?”

Curious, Jiang Yu asked, “Can you tell me more about your parents and your childhood?”

Jiang Yu already knew parts of Jiang Zhe’s story, but she was particularly curious about why his much younger mother chose to marry his father. Given that his grandparents were teachers, they weren’t exactly poor. Jiang Zhe began to explain his parents’ history.

The story was straightforward. His mother had been captivated by her teacher’s charm and married him after graduating. Jiang Chen, in his forties, was quite distinguished among his peers, with good looks, many talents, and a charismatic personality. Many women admired him, not just his mother.

However, his flaws become apparent after marriage. His older sister was only three or four years younger than his mother. Despite family opposition, Jiang Zhe’s spoiled mother insisted on marrying him, and her family couldn’t change her mind.

“My grandparents prepared a dowry for my mother and planned to buy her a house, but she insisted on marrying my father, so they didn’t go through with it. After I graduated, they wanted to give the money to me, but I refused.”

“My parents were both busy with work when I was young, so they couldn’t take care of me. My mother didn’t notice my father’s oppressive personality until she had more free time. He only acknowledges people he approves of and belittles those he doesn’t.”

For example, he thought his first wife was refined, his eldest daughter and son-in-law were exemplary, and even his grandson was better than Jiang Zhe. But his mother, compared to his first wife, and Jiang Zhe, compared to other children, never measured up.

Jiang Yu felt relieved. “It’s a good thing you didn’t turn out like your father,” she said, though she still felt sorry for him.

Growing up with parents who were either absent or oppressive, Jiang Yu couldn’t imagine what that must have been like. She had a friend with a similar family situation, and every visit to her friend’s house felt stifling. Her friend developed severe psychological issues, and the impact of her childhood would take a lifetime to heal.

“I can’t imagine what your childhood was like,” Jiang Yu said. “If it were me, I might not hate anyone, but I certainly wouldn’t like this world very much.”

Despite life’s beauty, having unkind family members could make life unpleasant.

Jiang Yu couldn’t help but admire Jiang Zhe. “Jiang Zhe, I think you’re amazing. Despite all the hardships, you still shine brightly.”

Jiang Zhe didn’t particularly love the world, but now, he felt that he might be able to love it.

When Jiang Yu said he shone brightly, Jiang Zhe was a bit surprised. He didn’t realize she saw him that way.

He wanted to tell her he wasn’t as good as she thought, but he didn’t want to seem inadequate in her eyes either. He hoped she saw him as someone remarkable, though he felt this was somewhat vain.

Finally, he couldn’t help but quietly say, “I’m really not as good as you think.”

Jiang Yu found him too modest. “Growing up in that environment and still being so great—how could you not be good? I think you’re better than many men.”

Jiang Yu believed he’d make a great father in the future. Despite the unpleasant trip, she saw Jiang Zhe’s good qualities. Even though his relationship with his mother wasn’t great, he still showed her care and understanding, which many men couldn’t do.

“I think your father is wrong. Jiang Zhe, I believe it’s admirable for a man to be willing to cook. And you, growing strong despite family oppression, are really amazing.”

Jiang Zhe felt overwhelmed by her praise.

Noticing his slightly emotional expression, Jiang Yu asked, “Are you rarely complimented?”

Jiang Zhe denied it. “No, my teachers and classmates often praised me for being smart and capable.”

Even though he often kept a distance from his classmates and teachers, he had to admit he encountered many kind people.

Jiang Yu was relieved to hear that. “So I’m not the first to praise you.”

She smiled as she spoke, but Jiang Zhe misunderstood. He held her hand gently, with a tender look in his eyes. “It’s different.”

Recognition from someone close felt different from others.

He remembered Jiang Yu might not have eaten enough, so he said, “Let’s go to the market and buy some groceries. You probably didn’t eat enough tonight.”

Jiang Yu, a bit embarrassed, replied, “Actually, I did.”

While Jiang Zhe’s father and brother-in-law were chatting, she focused on eating. After all, she couldn’t leave with an empty stomach. She made sure to eat well before her turn to speak.

“The fridge might not have much food left, we should still buy some.”

Jiang Yu agreed. “Alright, let’s go.”

Jiang Zhe noticed they hadn’t finished their walk in the park. “Aren’t we walking anymore?”

Jiang Yu felt sitting and chatting was enough. “I just wanted to get some fresh air. Walking isn’t necessary.”

“Then let’s go to the market.”

“Okay.”

As they got into the car, Jiang Yu said to Jiang Zhe, “We should visit Grandma more often.”

Jiang Yu thought highly of his grandmother, who had treated him well during his neglected days.

Unfortunately, his grandfather had passed away too early.

“Alright.”

Though she thought she wouldn’t be hungry at night, Jiang Yu found herself hungry in the middle of the night.

As she got up to find food, she bumped into Jiang Zhe, who had just come out of his room, his hair a bit messy. Blushing, she said, “I seem to be a bit hungry.”

Jiang Zhe had anticipated this and smiled. “I’ll make something for you. Sit on the sofa.”

While she watched TV and ate an orange, Jiang Zhe quickly prepared a bowl of steaming noodles. The aroma made Jiang Yu’s already hungry stomach growl even more. She picked up the chopsticks and started eating immediately.

As she ate, Jiang Zhe asked, “Isn’t your birthday coming up soon?”