Beijing, Jiang Family
Tang Wan had stayed in Tang Yunxian’s room for a while, discussing nothing but the topic of her and Jiang Jinsang—it was almost time to return to Pingjiang after all.
"Are the two of you still getting along well? What do you think of Jiang Jinsang as a person? Can you commit to him for life?" Tang Yunxian asked bluntly.
"He’s pretty good." Unlike the thrilling love portrayed on TV, real relationships are mostly about the slow and steady trickle of mundane details. As a boyfriend, he’s quite up to the mark.
"Our family’s entire legacy, including the ancestral estate, is in Pingjiang, and your own studio is there too. Staying here temporarily because of your grandfather’s health isn’t a long-term plan; people will inevitably gossip. Your grandfather and I have discussed it. If there are no issues between you two, we’ll talk with the Jiang family about setting an engagement when we get back."
Tang Wan’s heart skipped a beat, an inexplicable tension seizing her.
"Still, it all depends on what you both think. Think it over when you go back."
Such an engagement would be a public announcement, a matter of considerable gravity for prominent families. Distracted by these thoughts, Tang Wan nearly collided with Jiang Chengsi, who was coming downstairs.
Although the year had brought a mild winter, Beijing’s temperature approached sub-zero during the day. Even with the heating on, everyone was wearing sweaters. Yet he wore only a slim-fitting white shirt, its collar neatly arranged, revealing a section of his clean neck, the sleeves rolled up to his wrists, his face the picture of fatigue and languor.
Whenever Tang Wan saw him, he was usually decked out in a very cool and handsome attire, but now, dressed as he was, added a touch of asceticism.
It must be said, the Jiang family members all possessed extraordinarily good looks.
"Fourth Master..." Tang Wan hadn’t expected his return, so she was naturally surprised to bump into him.
"Just call me Fourth Brother."
Before Tang Wan could speak, she heard the sound of footsteps coming quickly, "biubiubiu—" Jiangjiang ran over from a distance, brandishing a toy gun and pressing it directly against Jiang Chengsi’s backside.
"You’re under arrest, hands up!" Jiangjiang was clad in camouflage.
"Alright, I’ve been caught!" Jiang Chengsi frowned, "Can you move the gun somewhere else?"
"Second Aunt, do you think my clothes are nice? Uncle Xiaosi gave them to me." Jiangjiang did a twirl in front of her.
Jiang Jinsang also came down from upstairs, "Why is everyone gathered at the staircase?"
"I was just about to go downstairs to make some strong tea. I haven’t been sleeping well lately; I’m still jet-lagged and feel exhausted." Jiang Chengsi yawned.
"I’ll make it for you."
"Thank you, sister-in-law." Jiang Chengsi was anything but polite.
With new clothes and a new toy, Jiangjiang ran downstairs, showing off to anyone he found. Since Jiang Jinsang had messaged Tang Wan, she prepared the tea and went straight to the second-floor study, where Jiang Yanting was also present, and the three of them were discussing Shen Zhixian’s matter without any hesitation upon her entrance.
"I only know this much." Jiang Chengsi laughed as he took the tea from Tang Wan’s hands, "Thanks."
Tang Wan didn’t want to stay, but since Jiang Jinsang motioned her over, she obediently sat down beside him and listened quietly without interjecting.
"Are all the documents here?" Jiang Chengsi pulled out a plastic-sealed bag from behind him and passed it to Jiang Yanting.
Just as he was about to reach out and take it, someone twisted their wrist to avoid his touch.
"Big Bro, I’ve helped you so much, night and day, don’t you think you owe me something? What about the motorcycle you promised?"
"That’s just making a demand with extortion."
"I call it a fair claim for labor compensation."
Jiang Yanting stood up and took out a paper bag from a drawer that seemed to contain a key, "The motorcycle you’re talking about is too expensive. I’ve exchanged it for a more moderately priced one with higher safety features. Do you want it?"
With one hand trading the key and the other the documents, Jiang Yanting opened the envelope and casually flipped through it. Meanwhile, Jiang Chengsi caressed the paper bag for a long while without a move, "Where’s the car?"
"It’s in the basement garage. Go see for yourself."
The Jiang family had a dedicated basement garage, but they hardly used it, finding it too much trouble.
Jiang Chengsi left with the paper bag. Just a few minutes later, Jiang Yanting’s phone vibrated. He picked up without looking, "Hello—"
"Jiang Yanting, you son of a..."
Tang Wan couldn’t catch the rest of the words clearly, but she was certain that the person on the other end was Jiang Chengsi.
In just half a minute, Jiang Chengsi, phone in hand, stormed back into the study and flung the key onto the couch, "I asked for a motorcycle, what the hell did you get me?"
"I’m a professional racing motorcycle rider, and you damn bought me an electric bike!"