Jiang Youli said in an exaggerated tone, "Oh my, the dog is barking."
Jiang Zhao's face flushed red with anger. "Compared to Yonghe, you're truly vulgar and uncouth!"
Jiang Yangxu interjected, "Enough, Zhao. Leave her be. Let her cool off and think carefully about what she's doing."
With that, he cast a glance at his elder brother and sister-in-law before walking away.
"Youli, your behavior tonight has truly disappointed your father and brother," Qin Yulian said, giving Jiang Youli a disapproving look before following her husband, Jiang Yangxu, out of the room.
Jiang Youli watched their retreating figures and scoffed, once again confirming that her decision was wise—parents and a brother like these were hardly worth acknowledging!
Just then, someone gently took her hand.
Jiang Youli turned around and met Zhang Susu's concerned and sympathetic gaze.
"Youli, don’t be upset. From now on, we’ll be your family."
Jiang Yehan nodded. "Your mother is right."
Warmth blossomed in Jiang Youli’s heart as she looped her arm through Zhang Susu’s and said playfully, "Mom, I’m not sad. Having parents as wonderful as you is a dream come true. How could I possibly be upset?"
...
Back in her room, Jiang Youli quickly changed into comfortable pajamas and climbed onto the bed with the agility of a kitten. Softly, she called out, "Xiao Hei, Xiao Bai, Xiao Lü, come out for some fresh air!"
Almost immediately, three small snakes—each corresponding in color to their names—peeked their tiny heads out from the top of the wardrobe before slithering down happily and making their way to the bedside.
Just then, a crisp ringtone abruptly interrupted the cozy scene.
Jiang Youli picked up her phone and saw the name displayed on the screen—Qi Huan—recently re-saved in her contacts.
A faint smile curved her lips as she sprawled on the bed and answered the call.
A deep, magnetic voice came through the receiver. "Back at the Jiang Family?"
Jiang Youli hummed in response.
Qi Huan continued, "How does it feel?"
A glimmer of amusement flashed in Jiang Youli’s eyes. "The Jiang Family is quite... interesting."
A soft chuckle sounded from the other end, sending a feather-light flutter through Jiang Youli’s chest, stirring her emotions.
She had to admit—this man’s voice was incredibly pleasant. Just listening to him speak was a delight in itself.
"In that case, I don’t have to worry about you suffering any grievances there."
"Of course not. I’ve weathered nature’s trials and life’s hardships. Do you really think I’d let myself be wronged so easily?" Jiang Youli teased lightly.
"Good." His tone turned serious. "Next Saturday evening, our families will hold a banquet as planned—mainly to announce the alliance through marriage."
Jiang Youli instantly understood. With a smile, she replied, "Don’t worry, I’ll definitely agree to marry you. And I’ll do everything in my power to heal your legs."
After a brief pause, he responded with a gentle "Mm," before adding, "You’ve had a long day. Rest early. I look forward to seeing you again."
That last line—I look forward to seeing you again—somehow carried a hint of ambiguity.
"Alright."
After hanging up, Jiang Youli noticed a message from an unknown number.
[Jiang Youli! You actually blocked me! I gave you the chance to see the world in Jing City, but you chose to stay in the village as a peasant healer! When you regret this, don’t expect me to take you back!]
Her good mood instantly soured.
Jiang Youli typed back [Idiot] before blocking the number again.
...
After ending the call, Qi Huan lowered his phone, his gaze landing on the message he had just received.
It was from Jiang Yonghe.
[Qi Huan, there’s something I need to tell you. I’m not the Jiang Family’s real heiress—the true one has been brought back. Grandfather intends for her to marry you instead. What should we do? Qi Huan, I’ve always looked forward to our engagement. I never imagined something like this would happen... But don’t worry, even if I can’t marry you, I’ll find a way to heal your legs!]
A mocking smile tugged at Qi Huan’s lips. Had he not known about Jiang Yonghe and her adoptive parents’ schemes beforehand, he might have actually believed her seemingly heartfelt words.
He replied:
[Is that so? Well, it can’t be helped. Fate just wasn’t on our side.]
...
Fresh from her shower, Jiang Yonghe lay sideways on her bed, staring at Qi Huan’s message with conflicted emotions.
She truly wanted to marry him.
But why did he have to end up crippled in that accident!
The thought of Jiang Youli—that uncultured woman—reaping the benefits of this engagement filled her with resentment.
And that wild woman even claimed she could heal Qi Huan’s legs?
Impossible!
She had heard from Qi Yu, Qi Huan’s younger sister, that the Qi Family had consulted renowned doctors from all over the country after his accident, yet none could offer a cure.
There was no way a peasant healer like Jiang Youli could succeed where experts had failed!
Jiang Yonghe tossed her phone aside, refusing to dwell on it any longer.
Now that she was merely an adopted daughter of the Jiang Family, everything she had could be taken away at any moment. She didn’t dare gamble on whether Qi Huan’s legs would recover. Instead, she had to make the most of her current advantages to secure a more stable future for herself!
...
The next morning, Jiang Youli woke up leisurely, freshened up, and headed downstairs for breakfast.
At the table, Zhang Susu took a sip of coffee before broaching the shocking topic from last night—the marriage alliance with the Qi Family’s eldest son.
She said to Jiang Youli, "Youli, I didn’t mention this earlier, but next Saturday evening, our families will host an engagement banquet."
Jiang Youli nodded.
Zhang Susu continued, "The Qi Family is the foremost aristocratic family in Jing City—powerful, wealthy, and highly respected. Previously, Jiang Yonghe was engaged to Qi Huan, the eldest son of the Qi Family. So, the banquet was originally meant to discuss their wedding plans. But last night, you mentioned that your uncle and aunt’s real motive for bringing you back was to have you replace Jiang Yonghe in this marriage."
Jiang Youli replied calmly, "Yes, that’s exactly what Jiang Yonghe told me."
Zhang Susu frowned, her gaze fixed intently on Jiang Youli. "So, when you said last night that you were willing to marry Qi Huan, you weren’t joking?"
A small smile played on Jiang Youli’s lips as she nodded again. "Of course not. I meant it."
After a brief silence, Zhang Susu couldn’t help but ask, "May I know why? Marriage is no trivial matter."
Jiang Youli blinked. "Mom, didn’t you just say the Qi Family is the most prominent family in Jing City? Qi Huan is the eldest son and future heir. Wouldn’t marrying him be a good thing?"
And most importantly—he’s an absolute stunner!
Zhang Susu sighed, "If Qi Huan hadn't met with that accident and lost the use of his legs, it would have been a perfect marriage. And Jiang Yonghe would never have made you take her place in marrying him."
She then asked, "You said you could heal his legs—are you certain about that?"
