Jiang Yehan said, "Su Su, set your mind at ease. Youli isn't an ordinary girl—she has a strong will of her own. Since she made the decision to marry into the Qi Family's eldest son, it means she’s fully prepared to face whatever comes her way."
"Besides, didn’t you notice how Young Master Qi treated Youli tonight? That was an unprecedented level of gentleness and care. And didn’t Youli tell us before that she’s confident she can cure Young Master Qi’s legs? From every angle, this marriage is a favorable match."
Despite her husband’s reassurances, Zhang Susu’s worries didn’t completely fade. She sighed softly. "I’m just afraid Youli might be Young Master Qi’s second choice after his legs were crippled. What if he regrets it once he recovers? After all, human hearts are the hardest to predict..."
Jiang Yehan chuckled. "After tonight, you saw for yourself how outstanding Youli is. If Young Master Qi regrets it, he’ll be just like Second Brother’s family—gnawed by regret. I guarantee they’ll spend the whole night tossing and turning over their poor judgment."
Zhang Susu’s expression brightened, the furrow in her brow gradually smoothing as a relieved smile returned to her face. "You’re right. Youli is exceptional. If Young Master Qi An dares to mistreat her, he’ll be the one to regret it—just like that Duan Family boy. Now, it’s too late for regrets."
...
"Dad, what did you want to talk about?"
Jiang Xing followed his father, Jiang Yangxu, limping to the pavilion in the backyard before taking a seat.
Jiang Yangxu lowered his gaze, staring intently at his son’s right leg. "What happened to your leg?"
Jiang Xing avoided his father’s eyes, fabricating an excuse. "I... got ambushed at an abandoned factory. I haven’t found out who did it yet, but it must be an enemy."
"An enemy? In Jing City, very few would dare lay a hand on the eldest son of the Jiang Family." Jiang Yangxu sensed his son’s unease and pressed further.
Jiang Xing replied, "I’ll investigate and find out who it was."
Jiang Yangxu frowned, stepping closer. "Roll up your pant leg. Let me see."
Jiang Xing paled, finally admitting the truth. "Dad, there’s no need to look. My right leg isn’t just injured... it’s crippled."
Jiang Yangxu stiffened.
"Crippled?!"
His eldest son was saying his right leg was crippled!
A young master from a prominent family with a disability—how could he ever establish himself in Jing City?
No matter what achievements he made, people would whisper behind his back: What a pity, he’s just a cripple.
Even someone as illustrious as Qi Huan, once the pride of the city, now faced the same predicament.
Jiang Yangxu raised his voice sharply. "Tell me the truth! What really happened to your leg?"
Jiang Xing grimaced in pain. "Dad, don’t ask... I’ll handle this myself."
"How will you handle it? Can a ruined leg just magically heal?" Jiang Yangxu’s tone turned icy. "You’re my son, the future heir of the Jiang Family! Any flaw in you reflects on our family!"
Jiang Xing’s face grew paler. "...I know."
Jiang Yangxu said coldly, "I’ll contact the best prosthetic specialists abroad. We’ll fit you with an artificial limb—it won’t affect your daily life. But this must never be made public. We can’t afford the gossip."
Jiang Xing nodded. "Understood."
Jiang Yangxu clenched his fists, veins bulging on the back of his hand. "Whoever crippled your leg—once we find them, I’ll make sure they pay with their life!"
Jiang Xing’s lips trembled. He didn’t dare reveal the truth.
If his father knew it was Jiang Youli who did this... would he really kill her?
He couldn’t bear the thought.
He had no intention of letting Jiang Youli off, but he wasn’t cruel enough to want her dead.
"There’s one more thing. Starlight Entertainment hasn’t been performing well lately. Do you have a plan to turn things around?" This was the second matter weighing on Jiang Yangxu’s mind.
Jiang Xing explained his strategy. "I’ve got people negotiating for the rights to a bestselling author’s final novel. Every adaptation of her work has been a hit. At the end of the month, she’s holding a private meet-and-greet. I’ll attend personally. If I secure the rights, we’ll have another blockbuster."
Jiang Yangxu’s expression remained stern. "Good. As long as you have a plan. The Jiang Family’s situation is precarious now. You must prove yourself to your grandfather! You saw for yourself tonight—your half-sister isn’t someone to be trifled with. I’ve already asked your mother to mend relations with her. If she accepts our olive branch and returns to the family, all the better. But if she stubbornly refuses and insists on opposing us... we’ll have to prepare for the worst."
Jiang Xing asked, "What’s the worst-case scenario?"
Jiang Yangxu smirked coldly. "Your dear sister told your mother outright—she came back to destroy everything we’ve built. What do you think the worst-case scenario is?"
He paused before continuing, "If she’s foolish enough to try and seize the Jiang Family’s fortune from us, then we can’t let her stay and wreak havoc!"
So Jiang Youli had actually said such a thing?!
How audacious!
His father would never tolerate this!
After a moment of silence, Jiang Xing replied, "I understand, Dad."
...
"Thanks for helping me deliver the goods today, you three. Here’s a treat." After her bath, Jiang Youli took out freeze-dried spiders to feed her three pet snakes as a midnight snack.
The medicinal herbs she’d gifted Old Master Qi had been secretly transported by these three.
Once she’d fed them enough, Jiang Youli stretched out on her bed, luxuriating in the freedom to move.
Wearing that evening gown had been exhausting.
This was exactly why she disliked high-society events—all the pretentious comparisons over designer labels. Life in the village was simpler. She could dress however she pleased, prioritizing comfort over appearances.
After a satisfying stretch, she picked up her phone from the nightstand. Seeing no messages from Qi Huan, she assumed he was still on his way home and decided to text him first.
[Did you get home yet?]
...
At the Qi Family estate.
Qi Yu had been waiting at home, bored out of her mind. When Qi Tianxiang and Qi Yue finally returned, she rushed over to them.
"Dad! Brother! You’re finally back! I’ve been so lonely here by myself."
Qi Yu had originally been allowed to attend the welcome banquet—Qi Tianxiang had even agreed—but at the last moment, Qi Huan suggested to Old Master Qi that she shouldn’t go.
After all, Qi Yu was just an adopted daughter.
And the Jiang Family’s newly returned true heiress happened to despise their adopted daughter.
So, why let Qi Yu ruin Jiang Youli’s mood?
Old Master Qi agreed, leaving Qi Yu behind.
Furious, Qi Yu had spent the entire night cursing Old Master Qi and Qi Huan in her heart, wishing they’d both drop dead!
At the thought of this, she glared resentfully at Qi Huan, who was about to leave through the hall entrance, and sneered sarcastically, "Big Brother, you met the young lady the Jiang Family just brought back tonight, didn’t you? How is she? Worthy of you?"
