At this thought, Jiang Youli's lips curled into an involuntary smile.
All the Jiang Family industries controlled by Jiang Yangxu's family were now firmly within her grasp!
"Alright, Ye Ying, you've worked hard," she said to the voice on the other end of the phone.
After hanging up, a glint of amusement flashed in Jiang Youli's eyes.
What a coincidence, wasn't it?
Jiang Xing actually wanted to purchase the rights to her latest novel to produce a hit drama, hoping to elevate Starlight Entertainment even further.
Too bad he would never get the chance.
Humming a tune, Jiang Youli packed the remaining herbs into a wooden box.
Xiao Hei, Xiao Bai, and Xiao Lu wagged their tails nearby, helping out.
They had done this many times before and were already experts—in no time, all the herbs were neatly sorted.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Youli, are you in your room?" Zhang Susu's gentle voice called from outside.
"I'm here." Jiang Youli placed the wooden box back into the cabinet, then motioned for Xiao Hei, Xiao Bai, and Xiao Lu to hide before walking over to open the door.
The moment Zhang Susu saw Jiang Youli, her eyes sparkled with excitement. She eagerly took her hand and pulled her into the room. "Youli, the evening gown I ordered for you has arrived! Try it on and see if it fits!"
Two deliverymen followed carefully behind, carrying the gown into the room and laying it out neatly on the bed.
The dress was breathtaking.
Every detail reflected the craftsmanship and dedication of its makers. Under the light, the gown shimmered brilliantly, as if illuminating the entire room with its beauty.
"Alright." Jiang Youli nodded with a smile.
Once the deliverymen left, with Zhang Susu's enthusiastic assistance, she began trying on the gown.
"It fits perfectly. You look stunning." Zhang Susu adjusted the finer details of the dress, stepping back to admire her handiwork. Her gaze was filled with pride, as if beholding a rare treasure. "Tomorrow night, Youli, you will be the most dazzling princess. Everyone will know you are the true heiress of the Jiang Family."
Then, her voice softened with concern. "Are you nervous?"
Jiang Youli studied her reflection in the mirror and smiled leisurely. "Not at all."
This was nothing!
Her beautiful stepmother didn’t know that she had traveled far and wide, attended countless banquets around the world—many far grander than this homecoming celebration.
Zhang Susu admired her but couldn’t hide her worry. "Still, Jiang Yonghe was the one who suggested this banquet. After seeing her true colors, I’m afraid she and your uncle’s family might try to embarrass you tomorrow night in front of all the elite families. It could seriously damage your reputation."
Jiang Youli only chuckled dismissively. "Mom, don’t worry. Whatever they plan, I can handle it—and make sure they regret it."
Seeing her confidence, Zhang Susu relaxed slightly but still reminded her, "Alright, I trust you know what you’re doing. But remember, if things get too difficult, your father and I are always here to back you up."
Warmth blossomed in Jiang Youli’s chest. She smiled brightly and nodded. "I know."
Then, as she gazed at herself in the mirror, a playful glint flickered in her eyes.
She almost hoped Jiang Yangxu, Qin Yulian, and their adopted daughter Jiang Yonghe would make a move at her banquet—it would only make the night more entertaining.
---
That evening, Qi Huan had just returned to the Qi Family mansion when the butler summoned him to the main hall, saying his father, Qi Tianxiang, had urgent matters to discuss.
When Qi Huan arrived, he saw Qi Yu sitting beside Qi Tianxiang, clinging to his arm and pouting.
"Dad, you promised—you have to stand up for me today."
"Don’t worry. I won’t let you suffer unjustly."
Qi Tianxiang’s gaze was full of paternal affection as he looked at Qi Yu, while Qi Yue watched her with equal fondness.
Qi Huan’s eyes darkened at the sight.
His father had never shown him such warmth, yet here he was, doting on an adopted daughter like this.
Just then, Qi Yu noticed him at the door.
"Dad, big brother is back."
Qi Tianxiang’s smile vanished as he turned to Qi Huan, who was being wheeled in by Cheng Jing.
Qi Huan spoke first. "Dad, what did you want to discuss?"
"Huan’er, I received an invitation. The Jiang Family is hosting a homecoming banquet tomorrow night. It turns out Jiang Yonghe isn’t their real daughter—the true heiress was just brought home a few days ago." Qi Tianxiang studied his son carefully.
Qi Huan nodded. "Yes, I’ve heard."
Qi Tianxiang continued, "The Jiang Family patriarch came to see me today. He said your arranged marriage partner is no longer Jiang Yonghe, but the real Jiang Family heiress. Huan’er, what do you think? Will you marry her, or should we call off the engagement?"
Before Qi Huan could answer, Qi Yu cut in, "What a coincidence! Big brother’s legs were crippled just last month, and now the Jiang Family suddenly produces a ‘real heiress.’ Do you think Jiang Yonghe didn’t want to marry him, so they found a replacement? If that’s true, the Jiang Family is downright shameless! Just because big brother is disabled now, they think they can look down on him?"
Her words sounded righteous, but her eyes gleamed with barely concealed schadenfreude.
After Qi Huan had disciplined her last time, she was sure he wouldn’t dare retaliate in front of their father.
Qi Huan saw right through her. His fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of his wheelchair as his calm gaze swept over her poorly hidden smugness.
Qi Yue sighed dramatically. "Alright, Yu’er, no need to get so worked up."
Qi Yu pouted. "Second brother, I just can’t stand the Jiang Family insulting big brother like this! They’re clearly looking down on him. I say we just cancel the engagement!"
Qi Tianxiang turned back to Qi Huan. "Huan’er, what’s your decision?"
To everyone’s surprise, Qi Huan smiled faintly. "No need to cancel. I’ll marry the Jiang Family’s true heiress."
Qi Tianxiang was taken aback. "Are you sure?"
Qi Yu pretended to be shocked. "Big brother, I heard the Jiang Family’s real daughter is just some country herbalist. In every way, she’s far beneath Jiang Yonghe. Even if your legs are crippled now, you shouldn’t stoop so low as to marry someone like her."
She emphasized Qi Huan’s disability again, deliberately trying to provoke him.
Did he still think he was the untouchable prodigy he once was?
From now on, the Qi Family heir would only be her real brother, Qi Yue!
Qi Huan gave her a thoughtful look. "Yu’er, from what I hear, you’re not just insulting the Jiang Family’s heiress—you’re insulting me as well."
Qi Yu immediately feigned innocence. "Big brother, that’s not what I meant at all! You’ve just become so sensitive since your accident."
