Chapter 133

Jiang Nian had no idea about the undercurrents between Xiao Zheng and the old lady. Right now, her thoughts were more focused on the Jiang family.

It had been nearly ten years since she arrived in this world.

When Xiao Zheng finally took full control over the Xiao family, her protagonist aura finally broke through and reached the passing mark of sixty points.

She had been stuck at fifty-eight for several years.

Unfortunately, after reaching sixty, the score seemed to freeze in place, which meant that this wasn’t the key event needed to advance further.

With that in mind, Jiang Nian naturally shifted her attention to the Jiang family.

In her previous life, the original Jiang Nian had met a swift end, but the suffering she endured from the moment Jiang Tao confined her until she was sent to the Yang family was very real.

Moreover, she had the kind of devastating beauty that could ruin nations—there was no way Yang Hai could have restrained himself from touching her.

Those days had been true hell for the original Jiang Nian.

After pondering for a while, Jiang Nian once again took out the files on Jiang Tao, Guo Xiuyu, and Yang Hai for review. In recent years, Jiang Tao and Yang Hai had maintained contact, collaborating on several business deals.

Some were losses, some were profits, but overall, they had gained more than they lost—otherwise, their partnership wouldn’t have lasted this long.

However, in the past two years, Jiang Tao’s business had not been as smooth. It was rumored that he had suffered significant losses recently, leading to a major dispute between him and Yang Hai.

If not for Guo Xiuyu mediating between them, their relationship might have already collapsed.

It was said that the two were planning another major project—a commercial housing development in a densely populated residential area in the northern part of the city.

The location was excellent, surrounded by schools, hospitals, and large shopping malls, and it was close to a subway station. There was no concern about sales, but before they could proceed, they needed to acquire the land.

Jiang Nian had previously suspected an affair between Guo Xiuyu and Yang Hai.

The two had known each other since childhood, and she had always wanted to catch them in a scandal.

However, despite years of surveillance, she had found no concrete evidence of an affair—though their private interactions were frequent.

Yang Hai had even helped Guo Xiuyu deal with a few women who had complicated ties to Jiang Tao.

These two were cautious.

From the original Jiang Nian’s memories, at least before her mother passed away, Jiang Tao could still be considered a father.

But a year after her mother’s death, Guo Xiuyu entered the Jiang family, and Jiang Tao’s true nature gradually surfaced.

Jiang Nian was sharp and didn’t need much thought to realize that Jiang Tao was not a good man.

She thoroughly investigated both Jiang Tao and Guo Xiuyu and discovered that the two had met after her mother had fallen ill.

Her mother’s illness had dragged on for two years.

At first, she could still recuperate at home, but in the last six months before her death, she had been confined to the hospital.

During this time, Jiang Tao, unable to endure loneliness, had already started an affair with Guo Xiuyu.

Before Jiang Tao, Guo Xiuyu had just recently divorced her previous husband.

When she married Jiang Tao, she brought along a ten-year-old daughter.

Jiang Nian had even considered whether her mother’s death was linked to Jiang Tao and Guo Xiuyu.

However, her mother had indeed died of a severe illness.

In the week before her death, the original Jiang Nian had not left the hospital even once, and nothing suspicious had occurred.

With that lead going nowhere, she had to approach things from another angle.

That day, Jiang Nian received a call from Jiang Tao, asking to meet.

After some thought, she finally agreed.

Jiang Tao was naturally overjoyed, and his recent dissatisfaction with Guo Xiuyu lessened slightly.

If not for Guo Xiuyu convincing him that the Xiao family was finished and that Jiang Nian was just a burden by staying there—better used elsewhere—he wouldn’t have lost his mind and agreed to marry her off to Yang Hai.

That decision had caused a major fallout between father and daughter, and their relationship had remained broken ever since.

But now that Jiang Nian had relented, it meant she was willing to return to the family.

The meeting wasn’t held at the Jiang family home but in a teahouse.

—

This was probably the first time in years that Jiang Tao and Jiang Nian had sat peacefully at the same table, drinking tea together.

Jiang Tao couldn’t help feeling a little dazed.

He looked at the young woman before him and realized that she had long since shed her childishness.

The sharpness and desperation she once had when arguing with him were gone.

Back then, her eyes had been filled with pain and confusion, but now, as she gazed at him, there was only indifference.

“Sit down. What would you like to drink?”

“Iron Buddha tea.”

Jiang Tao smiled. “Nian Nian, I never expected you to be so capable, managing to hold up the Jiang family.”

Jiang Nian replied, “I studied finance in university.”

“As expected of my daughter—so accomplished! Why don’t you come home for a meal? You’ve been away for so long. Now that things are better, we should reconnect as father and daughter.”

Jiang Tao spoke with expectation, looking at Jiang Nian eagerly.

Jiang Nian sneered inwardly.

Did he really think she was the kind of person to forgive and forget? That she could just let go of everything that had happened?

She took a sip of tea and remained silent.

Jiang Tao frowned, seeming to understand her attitude.

He said, “I was wrong before. I shouldn’t have forced you. But the situation back then was difficult—I had no choice.”

Jiang Nian said, “That’s all? Yang Hai is barely younger than you.”

Jiang Tao defended himself, “Actually, it was your Aunt Guo. She consulted a master who said your fate was terrible—you were destined to be alone. The Xiao family was ruined because of you. Yang Hai’s birth chart was compatible with yours, and without him, your future would have been even worse. I had no other options.”

Jiang Nian chuckled.

“Really? I thought it was because you had a new son and decided to trade me away.”

Jiang Tao and Guo Xiuyu had a son who was now eight years old.

That was probably the key reason Guo Xiuyu had been able to persuade Jiang Tao.

When Jiang Tao only had one daughter, he wouldn’t have gone that far.

But after Guo Xiuyu bore him a son, Jiang Nian’s importance had diminished.

Jiang Nian suspected that Guo Xiuyu had convinced Jiang Tao that she was a curse—that she had ruined her husband’s family and would inevitably bring disaster to her own.

And the first to suffer would be Jiang Tao’s most vulnerable child—his only son.

Jiang Tao, weighing his options, had agreed.

Now that Jiang Nian had pointed it out, Jiang Tao felt somewhat embarrassed but concealed it well.

He simply tried to persuade her that he had been momentarily confused and urged her to let the past go.

“Nian Nian, I’m your only family. Let’s put everything behind us and be a family again.”

“I still care about what happened. If you truly want my forgiveness, have Guo Xiuyu apologize in person.”

Jiang Tao saw hope and immediately agreed.

After all, an apology was no big deal.

The meeting ended on a seemingly positive note.

Jiang Tao was pleased, and as he left, he even advised Jiang Nian, “You did so much for the Xiao family—you should make sure you get what’s yours. Xiao Zheng isn’t simple. Don’t let him deceive you.”

Jiang Nian replied, “I will keep a firm hold on what belongs to me—especially what my mother left behind.”

Jiang Tao’s expression stiffened briefly before forcing a smile.

“No rush, it’s all yours. I’ll keep it safe for you.”

Jiang Nian glanced at him with a faint smirk and responded with a simple “hmm.”

As Jiang Tao’s car disappeared into the distance, Jiang Nian stood by the window, watching coldly.

…No one knew what Jiang Tao had said to Guo Xiuyu, but on the third day, she called with a sincere tone, apologizing and admitting that she had acted thoughtlessly before, hoping Jiang Nian would forgive her.

Jiang Nian raised an eyebrow. “That’s not very sincere. Come to the Xiao family.”

Jiang Tao, who was watching as the call was made, immediately signaled Guo Xiuyu to go. Guo Xiuyu was indeed clever—she suppressed her discontent and said with grievance, “As long as you and Nian Nian can reconcile, anything I do is worth it.” She successfully appeased Jiang Tao.

She understood his personality well—he needed someone to flatter and obey him to satisfy his arrogance and pride.

Guo Xiuyu had wanted to bring her son, Jiang Boxue, along, but Jiang Tao stopped her, saying that children shouldn’t be involved in such matters. Guo Xiuyu had originally planned to use her son as a shield, assuming Jiang Nian wouldn’t make things difficult with the child present. But since Jiang Tao refused, she had no choice but to give up.

When Jiang Tao and Guo Xiuyu arrived at the Xiao residence, the housekeeper led them to the living room, where they waited for about ten minutes. Assuming Jiang Nian was delayed by something, they asked the housekeeper, only to be told that it was currently Jiang Nian’s snack time, and they would need to wait a little longer.

“…”

Jiang Tao swallowed his frustration, suppressing his dissatisfaction. He decided to wait until Jiang Nian had calmed down before talking to her properly. How could a younger generation make their elders wait?

Guo Xiuyu lowered her head and secretly chuckled.

By the time Jiang Nian came out, another ten minutes had passed.

She wore a simple loungewear outfit—white top and long pants. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she had light makeup on. Given her already striking beauty, she was stunning enough to make it difficult to look away.

Surprisingly, Xiao Zheng came out with her. He was dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, his features refined and handsome. The silver-framed glasses on his nose added a scholarly elegance to him. His temperament was gentle, entirely different from the cold indifference he usually displayed toward outsiders.

He naturally walked behind Jiang Nian, staying close by her side. Their silent understanding exuded an unmistakable sense of intimacy and trust.

Jiang Nian sat down on the sofa, and Xiao Zheng took a seat beside her.

Leaning lazily against the armrest, Jiang Nian said, “Didn’t expect you to come so quickly.”

Jiang Tao smiled. “I also didn’t expect Ah Zheng to be home. After all these years, you’ve really grown up. I’ve heard from many old friends that you’re outstanding—far surpassing your predecessors…”

—Xiao Yi.

Xiao Zheng, who had maintained an indifferent demeanor, finally looked at Jiang Tao.

He didn’t say a word, but the coldness in his gaze made Jiang Tao shut his mouth immediately.

Awkwardly chuckling, he thought to himself, This kid used to do nothing but cry. Who knew he’d grow up to be so intimidating?

He signaled Guo Xiuyu with a glance.

Guo Xiuyu smiled gently. “Nian Nian, I came today to apologize for what happened before. I hope you can forgive my recklessness. I had no ill intentions—I was deceived by a fortune teller… Please don’t hold it against me and let this affect your relationship with your father.”

Jiang Nian said, “You really had the guts to introduce Yang Hai as my father. You locked me in that house, brainwashing me every day. If I hadn’t been strong-willed, I would have fallen for it—and I wouldn’t be sitting here today. Thinking back, it felt like being trapped in hell.

“Since you’ve come to ask for my forgiveness, then kneel to show your sincerity.”

Jiang Tao was stunned, staring at Jiang Nian. Even Guo Xiuyu jerked her head up to look at her in shock.

Xiao Zheng’s gaze instantly turned icy. Looking at Jiang Tao and Guo Xiuyu, his expression grew even colder. He had only heard about what Jiang Nian had gone through in the past from others, but hearing it directly from her made his heart clench. If she hadn’t escaped back then, wouldn’t she have been forced to marry that Yang Hai?

Guo Xiuyu and Jiang Tao felt a shiver down their spines, as if something ominous was watching them. Yet despite Jiang Nian demanding Guo Xiuyu to kneel, she showed no trace of malice, and Xiao Zheng remained indifferent.

Jiang Nian said, “Not kneeling? Looks like you’re not very sincere after all.”

Jiang Tao glanced at Guo Xiuyu and lifted his chin slightly.

Guo Xiuyu had never imagined that this seemingly composed Jiang Nian would demand her to kneel the moment she arrived!

Kneel? Impossible!