Ji Lingchen seemed to be deep in thought, but he did not say anything. Chairman Fang continued, “If the Fang family accepts these projects, in the eyes of the public, it would seem like we are selling women for glory. Thus, I didn’t accept them. Not only will I refuse now, I will refuse in the future too. I’m doing this to tell everyone that the Fang family will not rely on the Ji family, that we will only accept as many projects as we can. We would also like to convey to the Ji family that we will not use their reputation to receive any benefits. Please don’t think of this marriage as business, and treat Nuannuan as an equal.”
Ji Lingchen had never imagined that things would turn out this way. Mr. Fang’s words made him feel somewhat ashamed.
So, it turned out that the Fang family had not married off their daughter for the sake of glory and wealth. In fact, because they had agreed to let their daughter marry him, they had to deliberately avoid certain things.
“Dad, you love Nuannuan so much. Why did you agree to let Nuannuan marry me?” After hearing Mr. Fang’s words, Ji Lingchen no longer suspected that the Fang family had ulterior motives. The doubts in his heart grew even more pronounced. His instincts told him that this was not a simple arrangement.
After all, the two had never met before. The age difference was not insignificant, and they did not have a romantic foundation. In other words, Ji Lingchen understood why Old Master Ji would force him to marry Lin Rou.
Mr. Fang said, “Nuannuan hasn’t told you about this yet?”
Ji Lingchen shook his head. Just as Mr. Fang was about to speak, Fang Xiaonuan came over and shouted, “Dad, hubby, come and eat.”
…
After the meal, Ji Lingchen patiently waited for Fang Xiaonuan to finish chatting with her parents. It was not until the afternoon that he left with the reluctant Fang Xiaonuan.
When they left, Fang Xiaonuan sat in the passenger seat. She opened the window and looked at her parents as the car started moving. They gradually drove further and further away. Fang Xiaonuan’s eyes were moist and tears began to flow uncontrollably. Ji Lingchen sped up. He only slowed down when Fang Xiaonuan could no longer see the Fang family’s villa in the rearview mirror.
Fang Xiaonuan’s eyes were red. She did not say a word as she stared blankly out the window.
Ji Lingchen asked, “Do you usually talk that much when you’re at home?”
“No! This is your first time visiting. It’s also my parents’ first time meeting their son-in-law. I’m a wife and daughter now. I was afraid that if I didn’t make conversation, you and my parents would feel embarrassed,” Fang Xiaonuan said without hesitation.
This was the first time Ji Lingchen heard a girl call herself “wife.” It was like a child calling himself an adult. He found it very interesting.
On second thought, Fang Xiaonuan’s words were not wrong. She was indeed his wife.
“Ji Lingchen, thank you for today.” ‘Thank you for being willing to help me put on an act in front of my parents.’ Fang Xiaonuan said the last sentence in her heart. After being married for three days, this was the first time they had a peaceful conversation.
Today, Ji Lingchen was worthy of Fang Xiaonuan retracting her fangs and revealing her true colors.
“I will find out for myself.” It was not clear whether Ji Lingchen was saying this to Fang Xiaonuan or to himself. Today, his relationship with Fang Xiaonuan and the Fang family had completely changed.
They drove all the way to the Ji family’s residence. The husband and wife were quite cordial, but as soon as they entered, they saw someone who should not have been there — Lin Rou.
Fang Xiaonuan spoke just loud enough for Ji Lingchen to hear her. “Don’t worry. You’ve helped me so much today. I’ll definitely help you.”
Ji Lingchen cocked his head and looked down at Fang Xiaonuan. At this moment, Fang Xiaonuan was also looking up at him. She blinked. “Don’t worry. Watch me.”
Then, Fang Xiaonuan walked to Old Master Ji’s side with a smile and said, “Dad, we’re back.”
Old Master Ji instantly understood and pretended to yawn. “It just so happens that I’m also tired. Nuannuan, you’re the hostess of the house now. You should handle the guests!”
When Old Master Ji mentioned the word ‘hostess’, Lin Rou’s expression changed. She understood that Old Master Ji was saying these words so that she would hear them. He was trying to tell her that it was impossible for her to be with Lingchen.
“Got it, Dad. I’ll bring you upstairs first,” Fang Xiaonuan said with a nod.
“No need. I can walk on my own.” Old Master Ji went upstairs with the help of the housekeeper.
Fang Xiaonuan made no move to hide that she was sizing Lin Rou up. She was not bad looking, but she wore too much makeup. The branded bag she was carrying looked brand new, as if she had literally just bought it. The perfume she wore was a little too pungent.
Noticing Fang Xiaonuan sizing her up, Lin Rou got up angrily. “Fang Xiaonuan, Lingchen doesn’t love you.”
“I know!” They had not even met before they got married, so this was something Fang Xiaonuan already knew.