Jiang Youli cut off Duan Jinghan's words: "No need to say any more. I never go back to past relationships, and don’t disturb me again in the future—my fiancé would be upset."
She didn’t think Duan Jinghan was pitiful, only that his behavior was childish.
If two people were together, they should communicate openly rather than bottle up their feelings and assume the worst of each other.
The voice on the other end of the call finally stopped pleading and shifted to anger: "Jiang Youli, I knew it—you never cared about me! For these past two years, you’ve just been treating me like a doormat! You’ll regret losing me! Soon enough, you’ll realize no one in this world will ever love you or treat you better than I did!"
With that, he hung up.
Jiang Youli: "..."
If this was Duan Jinghan’s idea of love, then his affection was indeed as fickle as it was repulsive.
Wasn’t genuine love supposed to be about respect and understanding?
Yet here he was, trying to force validation through belittlement?
And honestly, Jiang Youli felt wronged.
She had never treated Duan Jinghan like a doormat, nor had she ever asked him to act like one.
Everything he did for her had been his own choice—she never demanded it. So how had it suddenly become her fault that he felt used?
Some men were downright unreasonable when it came to playing the victim.
Qi Huan, noticing Jiang Youli’s bewildered expression, chuckled. "Alright, go home and take a good nap. Don’t overthink it."
Jiang Youli shrugged and slipped her phone back into her pocket. "Yeah, you too. Get some rest—it’ll help with your recovery. And don’t forget, you’re coming to my welcome banquet tonight. There’ll be quite the show, so make sure you’re well-rested for it."
Qi Huan grinned. "Looking forward to your counterattack."
...
Jiang Family, Western Villa Hall.
Jiang Yangxu and Qin Yulian, following the old patriarch’s orders, had already arrived at the banquet venue ahead of time to assist Jiang Yehan and Zhang Susu in receiving guests.
"Xiao He, I put in a lot of effort to get Sister Kitty to secure this evening gown for you," Jiang Zhao boasted proudly. "Auntie probably still thinks the one she got is the real deal. But once you and Jiang Youli stand side by side tonight, everyone will see who’s wearing the genuine article and who’s wearing a knockoff. Jiang Youli’s going to be humiliated!"
Jiang Yonghe admired her radiant reflection in the full-length mirror, twirled once, then turned to Jiang Zhao with a sweet smile. "Thank you, Second Brother."
Seeing his beloved younger sister’s smile, Jiang Zhao felt it was all worth it. "Xiao He, only you deserve the finest evening gowns in the world. Jiang Youli isn’t worthy."
Noticing that their eldest brother, Jiang Xing, had been silent on the sofa, lost in thought, Jiang Yonghe smoothed her skirt and approached him softly. "Big Brother, what’s wrong? Something on your mind?"
Jiang Zhao also turned his attention to their brother’s unusual demeanor.
Jiang Xing looked up, meeting Jiang Yonghe’s concerned gaze, and shook his head. "Nothing’s wrong." After a pause, he added, "You look beautiful tonight."
Jiang Yonghe hesitated before saying, "Secretary Little Yang mentioned you’ve been troubled about securing the rights to the final novel by the renowned author 'Lili Yuanshang'?"
She continued, "Maybe I can help. I know a writer from the same platform who’s acquainted with 'Lili Yuanshang.' I could ask them to arrange a private meeting between you two?"
Jiang Xing’s expression finally shifted.
"Really?"
Jiang Yonghe nodded. "If you’d like, I can reach out."
A glimmer of hope lit up Jiang Xing’s eyes. "Yes, Xiao He. I’d appreciate that."
Jiang Yonghe smiled. "Big Brother, there’s no need for formalities between us."
Jiang Xing returned the smile. Xiao He was so thoughtful and kind—how could she possibly be the scheming villain Jiang Youli had accused her of being?
This was clearly just another attempt to drive a wedge between him and his sister!
Jiang Zhao, standing nearby, couldn’t resist a sarcastic jab. "Big Brother, see how much Xiao He cares about you? Shouldn’t you stop worrying her?"
Jiang Xing knew exactly what Jiang Zhao was implying. He gave him a complicated look before replying, "There are... complications regarding my right leg. I can’t explain in detail yet."
Jiang Zhao scoffed. "What ‘complications’? It’s obviously Jiang Youli’s doing!"
Jiang Xing remained silent, which Jiang Zhao took as confirmation.
Exasperated, Jiang Zhao muttered, "I don’t know what hold she has over you, but if you’re too scared to retaliate after what she did to your leg, I’ll deal with her myself tonight!"
Jiang Xing frowned. "Don’t act recklessly without a solid plan. You might end up hurting yourself instead."
But Jiang Zhao was brimming with confidence. "Relax. I’ve learned my lesson after last time—I won’t make the same mistake twice. Tonight, I’ll make sure she’s utterly humiliated and that Grandfather loses all faith in her!"
A smug grin spread across his face.
...
7:00 PM.
Nearly all of Jing City’s elite families had sent representatives to attend the Jiang family’s grand welcome banquet for their long-lost heiress.
When Zhang Susu spotted Jiang Yonghe entering the venue, her face paled. She quickly tugged at her husband Jiang Yehan’s sleeve.
"Ah-Han, look—outside!"
Jiang Yehan followed her gaze and his expression darkened.
Because—
Jiang Yonghe was wearing an evening gown identical to the one Zhang Susu had prepared for Jiang Youli.
Zhang Susu’s voice trembled. "Ah-Han… did I accidentally get a counterfeit for Youli…?"
She had never once doubted the authenticity of the gown she’d secured, given her status.
But now, seeing Jiang Yonghe boldly wearing the same dress at the banquet, she feared she’d made a terrible mistake.
Jiang Yehan squeezed his wife’s hand reassuringly. "Susu, don’t panic."
Nearby, Qin Yulian noticed her son Jiang Zhao and adopted daughter Jiang Yonghe had arrived. She sauntered over to Zhang Susu with feigned concern. "Oh my, Sister-in-law, isn’t tonight supposed to be a joyous occasion for your daughter? Why do you look so upset?"
Zhang Susu’s gentle demeanor hardened into disgust. Through gritted teeth, she hissed, "Qin Yulian… you did this on purpose, didn’t you?"
