Jiang Youli nodded, "I understand, Grandfather. I’m fully aware of my identity—I am the true heiress of the Jiang Family."
After hearing the recording of Jiang Yonghe’s words yesterday, Old Master Jiang had reflected deeply. He sighed, "It’s a shame that compared to Jiang Yonghe, you only studied up to middle school before dropping out. Now, even if we find a way to send you to a prestigious university, it’s pointless. We can’t have you starting high school at your age. So, what are your plans? What do you want to learn? Or rather, what are your life goals?"
He added, "Jiang Yonghe was groomed by your biological parents into a renowned prodigy in Jing City. That’s the real reason they refuse to let her go—all that talk about twenty years of emotional attachment is nonsense."
Jiang Youli grasped the underlying message: to prove her worth in the Jiang Family, she had to surpass Jiang Yonghe.
The truth was, she had dropped out after middle school because she realized she could master textbook content on her own—the pace of school was too slow for her.
She had someone procure advanced materials for her, and by the age of 16, she had already completed high school and university-level studies in fields that interested her. Beyond academics, she had also mastered every skill that caught her fancy.
Jiang Yonghe’s so-called expertise in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and five foreign languages was merely the least impressive of Jiang Youli’s talents.
"The world of wealthy families is ruthless. If you want respect, admiration, or even fear, you must prove your worth with real capability. This is the first lesson I must teach you as my true granddaughter," Old Master Jiang said solemnly, his gaze fixed on the determined young woman before him.
Jiang Youli smiled. "Grandfather, you worry too much. The environment I survived in before coming here was far harsher. I understand these rules perfectly."
After a pause, she continued, "What Jiang Yonghe excels in is ultimately about pleasing others. But what I’ve mastered are skills people beg me for."
"Oh? What can you do?"
"Grandfather, to be frank, I know many things—medicine, for one."
Old Master Jiang’s eyes held skepticism. His investigations had shown her as nothing more than a village apothecary, making a living by selling herbs and treating locals.
"So, you truly believe you’re not inferior to Jiang Yonghe?"
Since the old man was direct, Jiang Youli didn’t hold back. "Of course, Grandfather. My comparison isn’t just with Jiang Yonghe—but also Jiang Xing and Jiang Zhao. If I prove capable, would you consider entrusting me with the family’s pharmaceutical company and Starlight Media?"
Old Master Jiang was taken aback. How could she make such bold demands?
Could she truly have other hidden talents?
The Jiang Family was in decline, largely because his descendants lacked ambition or competence.
The eldest son had ability but no ambition, content with guarding his small corner.
The second son’s family had ambition but lacked skill, often failing spectacularly.
As for the grandsons, Jiang Xing and Jiang Zhao, they managed modest success but couldn’t elevate the Jiang Family further—hence the desperate alliance with the Qi Family through marriage.
A flicker of hope stirred in Old Master Jiang. "If you can truly surpass your uncle—Jiang Yangxu—and your cousin Jiang Xing, I’ll hand over the pharmaceutical company and Starlight Media to you!"
Jiang Youli grinned. "Good. I’ll hold you to your word, Grandfather."
Old Master Jiang replied gravely, "Of course. I won’t underestimate or restrict you just because you’re a woman. Remember this: to stand firm in the Jiang Family, prove yourself. If you’re truly the most capable, inheriting and leading the entire Jiang Family won’t be out of the question."
With a wave of his hand, he dismissed her. "Enough. It’s late. Go rest with your parents."
"Mm. You should rest early too, Grandfather." Jiang Youli offered the polite farewell before leaving the ancestral hall—without a single unnecessary word.
Old Master Jiang sighed, turning to the head steward. "This granddaughter of mine refuses to show even a hint of warmth."
The steward smiled faintly. "Indeed, the young miss is sharp-witted, but her judgments are absolute—she tolerates no flaws. Yet it’s understandable. A girl surviving alone for twenty years didn’t rely on kindness to make it."
Old Master Jiang’s gaze darkened.
Very well. Let’s see just how capable this granddaughter really is.
———
Though Old Master Jiang had dismissed them, Zhang Susu and Jiang Yehan waited anxiously in the pavilion outside the ancestral hall.
When Jiang Youli emerged, Zhang Susu hurried over. "Youli, what did your grandfather say to you?"
Jiang Youli smiled. "Nothing much. He just asked about my plans for skills to learn and my future goals."
"I see." Zhang Susu exhaled in relief. She’d worried the old man was pressuring Youli to reconcile with her biological parents. "And how did you answer?"
Jiang Youli replied, "I said if I prove more capable than Jiang Yangxu and his eldest son Jiang Xing, would he hand over the pharmaceutical company and Starlight Entertainment to me?"
Both Jiang Yehan and Zhang Susu were stunned.
Zhang Susu laughed helplessly. "I thought you’d want to learn music, chess, or languages like Jiang Yonghe."
"Mother, you underestimate me. Those skills are useless. I want all of the Jiang Family’s assets," Jiang Youli stated bluntly. "Didn’t Father say today that we won’t back down anymore? That we’ll reclaim what’s ours?"
Jiang Yehan nodded. "That’s my decision. Your mother and I never cared about the Jiang Family’s wealth before, but now that we have you, I’ll fight to secure your future."
Jiang Youli grinned. "Exactly. Only by taking control of the Jiang Family’s enterprises can we guarantee our future."
Jiang Yehan and Zhang Susu exchanged a glance. They’d underestimated their daughter—she hadn’t returned to the Jiang Family to be caged, but to soar.
———
Night had fully fallen.
"Where has Eldest Brother been, returning so late?" Qi Yue’s voice rang out as soon as Qi Huan arrived home. Qi Huan signaled his assistant, Cheng Jing, to turn his wheelchair around.
Approaching were Qi Yue and Qi Yu.
Qi Yu’s eyes held a trace of barely concealed schadenfreude as he looked at Qi Huan.
Ignoring the gleam in Qi Yu’s gaze, Qi Huan replied mildly, "Just went out for some air."
Qi Yue glanced at his legs, feigning concern. "Eldest Brother should go out less. What if another accident happens?"
Qi Yu also feigned remorse as she said, "It's all my fault. If it weren't for rescuing me, Brother, you wouldn’t have ended up paralyzed. And now, with the engagement announcement between you and Miss Jiang scheduled for next Saturday, I can’t help but worry whether the Jiang Family might back out after this incident."
She paused before adding, "After all, rumors are spreading that not only has Brother lost the use of his legs, but he’s also become infertile. The position of the Qi Family’s heir will surely have to be handed over to someone else now."
