Mrs. Jiang took a deep breath before explaining, "Yisen, none of this has happened yet, and I’ve checked Shi Zhao. Wasn’t it said that he gambles and uses drugs? There’s nothing of the sort. We can’t rely too much on her words, lest it causes us to lose some... basic judgment."
The faint smell of chocolate-flavored nicotine filled the air.
Jiang Yisen took a light puff and suddenly grinned, "But which of the things she said in her heart has not happened?"
"I’ve schemed a little and let Bao Yan’s relatives rush in for that piece of land in Yanshan District. They probably started construction without Bao Yan’s knowledge. The Cheng family has sought refuge with the Bao Family and cut ties with us; they might also know something, like the fate of the Jian Family’s downfall."
"It’s not just us who knows about fate. Do you think they would tell us? They can’t wait for the Jian Family to fall faster. The entire big family of over a hundred people depends on me to survive, Mother. I want you to be more clear-headed. I’d rather nip the danger in the bud than let it grow."
Under Jiang Yisen’s words, Mrs. Jiang’s face grew paler and paler.
She understood what her son meant.
And she also heard the anger in her eldest son.
No matter whether the Song Family had taken action or not, he would not let them off.
"But... that is your maternal family... Yisen, don’t be too ruthless."
The wisps of white smoke from his fingertips dispersed, madness lurking in Jiang Yisen’s phoenix eyes, and a hint of bloodthirst in his smile.
"Those who are not of our kind must have a different heart. I don’t trust them."
"Mother, don’t get involved in these muddy waters. You are not cut out for business and might be used by others. It will be difficult for me to keep you safe. I hope you understand that the interests of the Jian Family are paramount."
"And..." Jiang Yisen changed the subject: "Nannan hasn’t done anything wrong. I know you’re annoyed that she doesn’t listen to you enough. When Yiyi was around, you had a tall, controllable tool. Now it’s Nannan’s turn, she’s stubborn, and her methods are no worse than mine. Mother, don’t do something you’ll regret."
"But her soul isn’t the previous Nannan, right? Are we doing right by your deceased sister?" Mrs. Jiang couldn’t refrain from retorting.
Jiang Yisen chuckled, "Now you’re reminiscing about that person’s goodness again? I remember even you were ashamed to bring her to various banquets. If you truly cared for your biological daughter, gave her enough love, and confidence to hold her ground among the affluent elite, she probably wouldn’t have resorted to committing suicide by jumping into the river to force Lu Qingyan and our recognition."
"Comparing her and the current Nannan, I like my current sister much more. She makes me feel utterly comfortable. As for that stupid person..." he tilted his head slightly, "it’s better that she’s dead, don’t you think, Mother?"
Mrs. Jiang’s blood turned colder by the inch.
After she got out of the car, she watched as Jiang Yisen’s car drove away.
She had always been clear about the nature of her eldest son.
A wildly crazed lunatic.
Because his methods were sufficiently ruthless and cold-blooded.
That is why the Jiang Family was safe in his hands.
If this knife were turned towards her own blood relatives, Mrs. Jiang did not want to witness that scene.
For the entire lunch.
Jiang Nanshu was daydreaming.
How could anyone hear her inner thoughts?
She wasn’t foolish. The matter of Shi Zhao gambling and using drugs was probably only known to Madam Song of the Song Family.
As Shi Zhao’s mother, she could only cover up for him and clean up his messes. How could she possibly expose her own son?
While facing Mrs. Jiang, she criticized them in her mind, feeling they were foolish, watching them dig their own graves as an observer.
And ironically, Shi Zhao accused her of spreading rumors about him, and it was Mrs. Jiang who told him.
Some threads were becoming clearer.
Like Jiang Leyi suddenly severing ties with Xie Zimiao.
Like Jiang Yisen seizing the prime land in Nanshan District.
For instance, Jiang Jingcheng avoided the fate of being stabbed.
For instance, Jiang Zhouye’s throat suddenly healed, and he even signed with a new company; his career was now smooth sailing.
For instance, Jiang Yunchuan would rather die than go near Lin Yueyue again, cutting off the path to HIV infection.
And for instance... Lu Qingyan suddenly confessed his feelings and they got together.
Her family was treating her better and better.
Even though their disdain for her had been so unhidden before.
What if all this kindness was just built on using her?
Jiang Nanshu suddenly felt the irony of it.
She thought she was the one in control, but in reality, she was blatantly being used.
Her hand tightened around the fork she was holding, the sharp prongs digging deeply into her flesh.
Jiang Nanshu felt no pain.
"My God, Jiangjiang, what are you doing?" Xu Xi exclaimed in shock.
She hastily took Jiang Nanshu’s hand and examined the wound for her.
Jiang Nanshu unconsciously looked at Jiang Yunchuan, seeing his face filled with confusion, then belatedly panicked, "How did this happen? I’ll go buy you a bandage."
The look in Jiang Yunchuan’s eyes was only of confusion and incomprehension.
If it were possible for him to hear her inner thoughts, he should have been shocked at that moment.
She had just had a myriad of thoughts, and she didn’t believe he couldn’t hear her inner voice.
But there was indeed only confusion in his eyes.
Jiang Nanshu felt that this needed further confirmation.
For her, it was also quite dreamlike.
Yang Jiashu’s eyes showed concern, "Oh my, if I had known, I would have given you chopsticks instead; I thought forks would be more convenient for eating meat."
He sounded annoyed at himself.
Jiang Nanshu gave him a faint smile, "It’s not your fault, Jiashu brother; I’m the one to blame for being distracted while eating. It was my own carelessness."
Xu Xi tenderly wiped the blood clean, "Did your family give you trouble in the office again?"
"Jiangjiang, if you have any troubles, just tell us. We will always stand by your side, don’t be afraid."
Xu Xi’s eyes were sincere, and it was apparent she was genuinely upset about Jiang Nanshu’s injury.
Jiang Nanshu smiled back at Xu Xi, looking at the small wound she felt it was only a trivial hurt, not worth mentioning, but the feeling of being cared for was quite nice.
"I’m fine, they didn’t trouble me. In fact, we’re even going to have a reconciliatory dinner tonight. My big brother was really good to me; he spent tens of millions to settle everything for me."
Xu Xi breathed a sigh of relief.
"It’s good that your brother is so kind to you. Forget about your mother; what kind of mother treats her own daughter like that?" Xu Xi said, shaking her head and sighing.
Jiang Yunchuan returned quickly.
He bought a bandage with a bow on it, which Xu Xi applied to her hand.
"There, don’t get the wound wet. Let’s continue with the meal; you’ve hardly eaten anything. You’re not like your usual self."
Jiang Nanshu looked at Jiang Yunchuan, seeing his eyes filled with worry as he looked at her hand. She couldn’t help asking, "Nannan, I will talk to Mom for you, don’t be too heartbroken."
Jiang Nanshu’s lashes drooped, her expression forlorn, "Yeah, thank you, Fifth Brother. I don’t know why Mom doesn’t like me."