Chapter 240: Come, Kiss Me (1)
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Gu Zhanqing knew that Jiang Yining was deliberately provoking him. He calmly said, “1 haven’t thought much about it. After all, you only remember the things that hurt you. That’s normal.”
He paused and added, “But regardless of how you feel about me, you can’t deny that I worked hard to raise both of you. I may not have done much, but I’ve had my share of hardships. Yining, you’re not the type to forget a debt of gratitude, are you?”
He said this while staring directly at Jiang Yining, his expressionless face exerting invisible pressure.
Jiang Yining met his gaze and didn’t back down, gripping her chopsticks tightly.
The air grew heavy, and the atmosphere became tense.
Just as Jiang Yining was about to lose her patience and throw her plate of food at Gu Zhanqing’s face, Lu Zhi reached out and held her hand. “Uncle is right.
We should repay kindness and settle grudges. We all remember your kindness towards Yining very clearly. You can rest assured that we will repay you. In the future, when you’re older, we will take care of you and see you through your old age.”
Despite Lu Zhi’s words, it was clear they were more about settling scores than repaying kindness.
Moreover, it was a subtle jab at Gu Zhanqing’s age, insinuating that he would eventually become too frail.
But no matter how critical it was, there was no obvious fault to be found.
Jiang Yining, smart as ever, played along with Lu Zhi’s words. “That’s right, when you grow old, I will take care of you just like you took care of me.”
Gu Zhanqing’s lips tightened, and he fell silent, emanating a chilling aura.
Lu Zhi and Jiang Yining paid no further attention to him and continued to enjoy their meal together.
Jiang Rou, watching Jiang Yining, felt a pang of guilt. She was aware of some of the things her uncle had done to Jiang Yining, but in her heart, her uncle was more important than Yining. That was why, for all these years, she had pretended not to know and turned a blind eye.
She turned her head and looked at Gu Zhanqing again.
Unable to contain herself, she held his hand and whispered, “Uncle, don’t be too upset. I know you have your reasons, and Yining will understand them sooner or later.”
Gu Zhanqing remained silent, continuing to eat his meal with his head down.
Jiang Yining heard what Jiang Rou said and couldn’t help but smirk with a hint of sarcasm.
It was ridiculous… What kind of reasons could justify Gu Zhanqing’s mistreatment of an innocent girl?
Clearly, she and Jiang Rou were supposed to be sisters. Still, Jiang Rou was closer to Gu Zhanqing. No matter what he did, she always stood by his side without considering Jiang Yining.
Sisters?
She couldn’t afford such a cheap sister!
If she had a choice, she would gladly choose Lin Yan or Ye Xiaoxi to be her sisters.
Jiang Yining lowered her gaze, suppressing all her resentment and bitterness.
After dinner, the four of them sat in the living room chatting. Most of the conversation was between the three of them, as Gu Zhanqing rarely spoke.
They chatted for a while until the housekeeper approached and said, “Young Mistress, the clothes and jewelry Sir ordered for you have all arrived. Where would you like them placed?”
Jiang Yining turned to see dozens of servants standing in formation, carrying numerous new-season fashion items.
She knew that Lu Zhi had intentionally arranged this for her. She calmly smiled and said, “Do as you see fit.”
“Yes.”
The housekeeper led the multitude of servants to arrange the items.
Jiang Yining pouted playfully at Lu Zhi and said, “Didn’t 1 tell you not to buy so much? How come you bought more? I can’t possibly wear all of these.”
“I never expected you to wear them all. As long as you like at least one piece, the money was well spent,” Lu Zhi replied with a smile. He then turned to Jiang Rou and said, “Sister, later you can pick out what you like. I’ll give them to you.”
“No need…” Jiang Rou wanted to decline.
Gu Zhanqing interjected, “Ah Ron’s clothes, I’ll buy for her. You don’t need to worry about it.”
“Well, if Uncle says so, then 1 won’t interfere,” Lu Zhi said as if he had never intended to give them to Jiang Rou in the first place.
In her heart, Jiang Yining gave him a mental thumbs-up. She hadn’t realized before that Lu Zhi was so skilled with words. Today, seeing him argue with Gu Zhanqing was incredibly satisfying!
Gu Zhanqing gave Lu Zhi a sharp, unfriendly look.
Jiang Rou quickly intervened and said, “Yining, I brought a gift for you. Let’s go to your room and have a private chat.”
“Okay,” Jiang Yining reluctantly agreed.
“Uncle, have a good chat with my brother-in-law. Yining and I will go ahead,”
Jiang Rou said, carrying her gift as she and Jiang Yining left together..