◎Either Fake or Desperate◎
Le Qing felt her heart tighten again just as it had begun to settle. One wrong answer, and she’d be branded suspicious—especially by someone like Jiang Suizhi.
Jiang Yu’s fate would be hers if she were exposed as the fake aunt of the children.
Besides, she had a selfish thought: if Jiang Suizhi really were the children’s father, she’d have no right to keep them. But he wasn’t.
So she allowed herself to be a little greedier.
Before arriving in this world, Le Qing had never planned to marry or have children. It wasn’t part of her life’s blueprint. Yet now, heaven had given her a new life, a new chance—even two children without marriage.
She wanted to keep them.
As long as her identity remained hidden.
After all, Jiang Suizhi had asked for her opinion before. Was it wrong to change her mind now?
As for how the original host had managed to bring the children back to the country under the noses of the powerful—since she didn’t know, she wouldn’t explain. Some things couldn’t be explained.
"I don’t want to talk about the past anymore," she murmured, lowering her eyes and summoning all the acting skills she’d learned on set. "Now that everything’s settled, let’s just live well from now on."
Anyone could imagine the hardships she must have endured—giving birth, then running around with the children right after.
Jiang Suizhi didn’t press further.
The children were still kneeling solemnly before the tombstone, kowtowing earnestly.
Though they didn’t know who this uncle was, the photo felt familiar and comforting.
Le Qing didn’t want to keep talking to Jiang Suizhi. Afraid of slipping up, she walked over to the children.
"Auntie, we can’t read," Little Le Jia looked up and asked. "What does it say here?"
He pointed at the tombstone.
"Jiang Yan," Le Qing said softly. "His name is Jiang Yan. He was..."
If she told them now that this was their father—meeting him for the first time only to learn he was already gone—she couldn’t bear to imagine their grief.
They understood the concept of parents. If they asked about their mother next, it would be a double blow.
"A very, very good person," Le Qing corrected herself. "And someone who loved you very much."
Though she’d never met Jiang Yan, judging by Jiang Suizhi’s devotion to his older brother, he must have been extraordinary.
"Loved us?"
The two little ones were puzzled. They’d never even met this uncle—how could he have loved them?
"Have we ever seen Uncle Jiang before?"
"He’s always been watching over you," Le Qing stroked their heads gently. "Now he’s a star in the sky, watching and protecting you every day. When you’re happy, he’s happy. When you’re sad, he’s sad too."
Children their age believed such tales without question.
They immediately looked up—only to find no stars or sun in the rainy sky.
Noticing their disappointment, Le Qing also tilted her head slightly and whispered, "Even if you can’t see the stars now, they’re always there. Tonight, I’ll tell you stories about the stars, okay?"
"Okay!"
Le Qing asked, "Do you have anything you’d like to say to Uncle in the sky? He can hear you."
The little ones thought seriously.
"Is this uncle... family too?" Little Le Jia asked.
"Yes," Le Qing nodded. "Very, very close family."
So Little Le Jia pushed the small bouquet he’d brought a little closer to the tombstone: "Uncle, I’ll grow stronger and taller. I’ll protect my sister. You just take care of yourself. When we can see the stars, we’ll talk to you."
Seeing this, Little Sister Treasure imitated her brother’s earnest tone: "Auntie says family who love us should live together. I can draw stars. I’ll draw Uncle and keep him at home."
The more they spoke, the more emotional they became, even planning out their future growth paths for their uncle to hear.
Jiang Suizhi stepped behind Le Qing. "Not telling them now?"
"Let them understand a little more first," Le Qing said. "They don’t grasp death yet—only separation, but they haven’t learned to accept it."
Just knowing they couldn’t stay with their aunt during kindergarten had made them want to quit school.
If they learned their father was gone forever, who knew how they’d react?
"They’re very insecure," Le Qing added.
"And you?" Jiang Suizhi chuckled. "Are you?"
Le Qing froze.
Luckily, he didn’t push. "You can come here anytime. I’ll inform the caretaker."
"Thank you."
"As for the Jiang family..." He paused. "I’ll make sure they don’t disturb you. You can decide the rest when you’re ready."
Relieved yet nervous, Le Qing asked, "What about you?"
"Me?"
Jiang Suizhi didn’t follow.
"Will you keep living across from us? As Mr. Xie?"
For some reason, he detected a hint of anticipation and unease in her eyes.
Did it matter to her whether he stayed?
"I will," Jiang Suizhi’s lips curved slightly. "We still have unfinished business. Besides, I never lived in the Jiang family estate anyway."
"Huh?"
Do all rich people prefer modest apartments over grand mansions?
"Surprised?" His tone was casual, almost lazy.
Le Qing felt he’d shed some restraint—even his glasses couldn’t hide the indolent pride in his gaze now. "If not for Jiang Yan, I wouldn’t have returned to the Jiang family."
As for the future, that could wait.
He never let himself expect anything from anyone—it made it easier to walk away.
His eyes drifted to the chattering children. "Besides, these two are far more interesting than those people."
Alarmed, Le Qing stiffened. "But I’m their legal guardian now."
Jiang Suizhi raised a brow. "You didn’t say that before."
Hadn’t she been prepared to send them back to the Jiang family? What changed?
"I’ve thought it over," Le Qing feigned composure. "Staying with you isn’t necessarily safer. At least ordinary people like us don’t deal with schemes and plots."
Being powerless had its perks—people tended to follow the law.
It definitely wasn’t because she couldn’t bear to part with the children.
"Mm," Jiang Suizhi unexpectedly agreed. "Being ordinary isn’t bad."
Le Qing gave him a strange look. "Say that in public, and you’ll get punched."
It was like a billionaire claiming they hated money.
She hadn’t meant to say it aloud, but instead of taking offense, he stared for a second—then suddenly laughed, low and unrestrained, his eyes bright with amusement.
Le Qing’s scalp prickled at the sound. "Is it that funny?"
Laughing like this at his brother’s grave—was that appropriate?
"Mm." Jiang Suizhi's smile became less overt as he spoke, merely curving the corners of his lips slightly, his tone lifting a fraction. "Or is it just my imagination?"
"What?"
Jiang Suizhi adjusted his glasses, studying her intently. "You seem different today."
Le Qing glanced down at her outfit—still the same ordinary style she’d bought online, nothing out of the ordinary.
"Never mind." Jiang Suizhi withdrew his gaze. "It’s fine."
Better than he’d expected, really. At least she hadn’t broken down crying here, leaving him at a loss.
Before coming, he’d imagined countless scenarios, even searching online for ways to comfort a distressed girl or child. Yet none of those assumptions had come to pass.
Not only had Le Qing soothed the children effortlessly, but she’d also secured Jiang Yan’s place in their hearts.
As for herself, ever since seeing Jiang Yan, she seemed to have relaxed entirely.
The old Le Qing had been cautious and measured, rarely revealing her emotions. Even when something absurd made her laugh, she’d rein it in immediately, her restraint almost uncomfortable to witness.
But now? She not only voiced her wishes clearly but even cracked a few teasing remarks.
"Did you untangle the knot in your heart?" he asked.
Untangle? Le Qing felt downright euphoric.
But she couldn’t let it show too much. Deflecting, she replied, "Are we interrupting your conversation with Jiang Yan?"
When they’d arrived, he’d been standing here with an umbrella, seemingly not in the best mood.
"Why would it be an interruption?" Jiang Suizhi scoffed. "There’s nothing to say between us."
"?"
Le Qing couldn’t help but look up. "Why lie to yourself?"
Was stubbornness a default trait for domineering CEOs?
"It’s always been like this," Jiang Suizhi said, turning slightly to gaze at the photo on the tombstone. "Most of the time, he was the one talking."
So if he were to get overly sentimental and ramble here, Jiang Yan might just pop out to check if he’d hit his head.
Hearing this, Le Qing could roughly picture how the two brothers had interacted.
Her mental image of Jiang Yan grew clearer—a gentle man, lacking Jiang Suizhi’s sharp edges, but likely a caring, talkative older brother to his family.
"True," she nodded. "Grief isn’t the only way to miss someone."
Jiang Suizhi: "..."
Hard to tell who that remark was aimed at.
As the rain threatened to pour heavier, Jiang Suizhi handed the umbrella to the two children, walking behind with Le Qing.
"I’ll be busy lately."
Jiang Yu was unmarried and childless, and the overseas assets needed to be settled gradually. He’d probably be flying abroad frequently.
"I’ve shortlisted a few kindergartens. You might need to check which one’s suitable. If we wait for me to return, it’ll be too late."
They’d miss the spring semester otherwise.
These were now Le Qing’s responsibilities. She felt she couldn’t trouble Jiang Suizhi further: "Focus on your work. I’ll handle everything else from now on. Thanks for your help."
The words gave Jiang Suizhi the odd sensation of being an intermediary—one about to be kicked out of the group chat the moment his role ended.
Was Le Qing really regretting letting him take the children back? Was she cutting ties with the Jiang family?
Logically, it made sense.
But it still felt... off.
"It’s fine," Jiang Suizhi said calmly, testing the waters. "I can still make it back before their semester starts."
Le Qing: "Little Sister Treasure and I, along with Aunt Wang, can manage."
"..."
So that was her plan.
Though he shouldn’t, Jiang Suizhi felt a flicker of regret for bringing her to see Jiang Yan.
But with no grounds to object, the domineering CEO could only silently sulk.
His legs were his own. He was the children’s rightful uncle. Of course he could visit whenever he wanted.
And the little ones clearly cared about him—their concern was proof.
At the parking lot, the two children dashed under the umbrella toward Jiang Heling, who stood smoking outside the car: "Granduncle, we’re here!"
The older sibling took family very seriously. To him, "family" was sacred, and children naturally felt closer to elders. Seeing Granduncle standing alone had upset him.
The umbrella, held unsteadily by the brother, tilted backward as he ran, covering Little Sister Treasure’s head entirely.
Propelled forward by her brother, Little Sister Treasure’s tiny feet worked overtime to keep up.
Jiang Heling, his mind in turmoil, watched a giant mushroom charge toward him. Frantically, he stubbed out his cigarette and tossed it in the trash.
Seeing how frantically Little Sister Treasure was running—if she kept this up, momentum would send her tumbling—he grabbed both children by their collars, lifting them midair.
"What’s the rush? It’s not like your dad’s chasing you."
The dangling children tilted their heads in confusion: "What dad?"
Jiang Heling frowned at the two adults behind them.
Had they still not told the kids Jiang Yan was their father?
Swallowing his frustration—he owed this family too much—he simply sighed.
Then he felt the children squirm in his grip: "Stinky."
They were sniffing his hands.
Jiang Heling, fresh off his cigarette: "..."
"Running this fast in this weather—you’ll slip. Don’t you know that?"
They knew. But: "But Granduncle’s here!"
Jiang Heling choked up.
This kid was nothing like his father!
No—nothing like any Jiang, really. Too sweet-tongued.
Jiangs didn’t do sweet talk.
It was genetics.
Setting the children down, he readjusted the umbrella over their heads, blocking their view again.
Finally, he turned to face his niece-in-law properly.
"I’m also at fault for what happened to Jiang Yan," he said heavily. "I owe you. If there’s anything you want in the future, just ask. I’ll make it happen."
Le Qing didn’t follow.
"What did you do?"
"I was the one who told him your family was overseas," Jiang Heling admitted bitterly. "I just wanted to earn some favor in his eyes. I never thought he’d..."
Understanding dawned, but Le Qing shook her head. "Don’t shoulder blame for others’ mistakes. If it hadn’t been you, someone else would’ve told him."
Beside her, Jiang Suizhi’s brow arched slightly.
That sounded familiar—he’d said the same during his argument with Jiang Hechang. It was why he’d never acted against Jiang Heling.
Funny how Le Qing’s thoughts mirrored his.
"Regardless," Jiang Heling said, "you’ve suffered these past years. I may not be influential, but I’ve got savings. Big Brother gave me some shares—I get dividends from the group every year. I’ll transfer them to you directly."
He truly didn’t care about wealth.
At his age, unmarried and childless, money meant little. Life was about enjoying the moment.
But he’d admit—he’d been biased against Jiang Suizhi when he first appeared.
Unlike Jiang Yan, whom he had watched grow up since childhood, Jiang Suizhi was distant from everyone, even cold toward his own father. With his eccentric personality, he rarely returned home throughout the year, making it impossible for Jiang Heling not to hold some prejudice against him.
Yet, surprisingly, the eldest brother was truly willing to step back completely. Jiang Heling wanted to see if this young nephew, who had risen from an ordinary background, could handle the responsibilities of the group. He also wanted this family to feel united, unlike other wealthy families where everything was divided clearly, filled with schemes and calculations.
In his heart, a family should share everything without distinction.
But this plan had been ruined.
Only when this incident occurred did he realize what Jiang Suizhi had been scheming all along—more cunning and patient than even Jiang Yan in the past.
So even if Jiang Suizhi now told him that the northwest market was just a setup, he would accept it.
He already had more money than he could spend. Handing over the group’s shares to Le Qing and the two children would be like returning them to their rightful owners.
Le Qing, suddenly faced with an unexpected windfall: "…?"
This sudden?
She couldn’t help but say, "Maybe you should take a smoke break and calm down?"
"I am calm," Jiang Heling said firmly.
But Le Qing absolutely couldn’t accept it. She wouldn’t take anything from the Jiang family.
"The children are still young," Le Qing said. "If you elders want to give them monthly allowances, I’ll agree to deposit the money into their accounts for their upbringing. Even if there’s extra, they can decide how to use it when they’re older."
"As for the shares, you can transfer them directly to the children’s names when they come of age. I don’t need them."
Jiang Heling stared at her in surprise. "You don’t want them?"
"Mm." Le Qing smiled lightly. "I have no ties to the Jiang family. This money isn’t mine to take."
Hearing this, Jiang Heling’s expression shifted several times before he finally cursed under his breath. "Damn that old-fashioned fool!"
What era was this, still clinging to the idea of paying someone off to leave? Now, the other party didn’t even want to be associated with the Jiang family.
Jiang Suizhi, standing nearby with his hands in his pockets, said, "What’s yours is yours. Keep it for your own retirement. As for theirs, I’ll make arrangements later."
Le Qing turned to glare at him. "Don’t you go making random plans either."
Strangely, being glared at like this lifted Jiang Suizhi’s mood. He chuckled. "Fine."
"Uncle, if you’re free, let’s head back together." Jiang Suizhi gestured to the car nearby. "There are still some loose ends to tie up so it won’t delay your trip to the northwest."
Jiang Heling was taken aback. "I can still go?"
"Why not?" Jiang Suizhi said lazily. "I’m not my father."
"Then…" Now wasn’t the best time for a reunion. He had left in such a hurry today that he hadn’t brought anything, not even cash. So he could only lift the black umbrellas shielding the two little ones’ heads. "I’ll visit you both in a few days, without that old fool knowing."
Let him regret it himself.
The little ones nodded vaguely. "Goodbye, Second Grandpa~"
"Goodbye." Jiang Heling then looked at Le Qing. "Even if you have your own plans, my offer still stands."
With that, he quickly got into the car.
Le Qing: "…"
Was this domineering CEO syndrome hereditary in this family?
"Let’s head back too." She folded the children’s umbrellas. "Say goodbye to Uncle Jiang."
"Uncle Jiang?"
"Mm. From now on, call him…" Le Qing paused. "Call him Little Uncle."
The little ones quickly made sense of the relationship—Dad’s younger brother was Little Uncle!
Just like Mom’s younger sister was Little Aunt!
So this was Dad’s brother? That made him family too.
And just like Little Aunt, he was family.
Little Le Jia, who had initially found Uncle Xie intimidating, wasn’t scared at all now. Instead, he thought Little Uncle was tall and amazing, able to fight bad guys and kick down doors—just like a superhero.
"Little Uncle!" He took the umbrella from Little Aunt’s hand and handed it to Little Uncle. "Little Uncle, come home early."
Jiang Suizhi: "What?"
What home?
"We sleep with Little Aunt. Little Uncle sleeps alone," Little Le Jia explained. "But we saved a spot for you."
Le Qing: "…"
Jiang Suizhi: "…"
Jiang Heling, who had just rolled down the car window: "?"
He must have misheard.
Little Sister Treasure corrected her brother: "But Little Uncle needs someone to coax him to sleep."
"Then…" Little Le Jia was deeply conflicted.
He wanted to tell Little Aunt a bedtime story and tuck her in.
But System Uncle had said Little Uncle was sick and needed someone to coax him too.
After much deliberation, he arrived at the perfect solution: "Our bed is super big. Little Uncle, Little Aunt, Sister, and me—we can all sleep together."
Le Qing felt another crisis looming. She clapped a hand over each of their mouths and pulled them close. "I told you to say goodbye, not give a whole speech!"
The two little ones flailed their hands. "Mmmph mmmph!"
Can’t we care about Little Uncle?
Jiang Suizhi closed his eyes briefly. "Pick a kindergarten soon. I’ll make sure to come back in time to send them there."
What talking toys and rocking horses couldn’t teach, let others handle.
Le Qing’s face burned red as she hurriedly scooped up the children. "We’re leaving first. Drive safely."
Seeing her flustered state, Jiang Suizhi actually relaxed.
Not only had Le Qing lightened up, but he too felt more at ease than before.
Smirking, he turned to get into the car—only to freeze under an intense stare. Glancing back, he saw Jiang Heling in the back seat, his expression dark.
Used to such looks, Jiang Suizhi paid no mind and walked around to the other side.
But the moment he shut the car door, the window rolled up.
Before he could react, something hard smacked against his head. "Jiang Suizhi!"
Jiang Suizhi jerked upright instinctively, grabbing a financial magazine to block the next strike. His face paled. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Me? What are you doing?" Jiang Heling was furious, past formalities forgotten. Having made one mistake, he refused to repeat it, and his temper flared uncontrollably. He jabbed a finger at Jiang Suizhi over the magazine. "That’s Le Qing! Your sister-in-law! Who are you sleeping with?!"
Each word was punctuated with another whack.
"…" Jiang Suizhi suppressed his discomfort, exasperated and wronged. "You believe a child’s nonsense?"
"Then why did they tell you to come home early?!"
Jiang Suizhi tossed the magazine aside, opened the door, and moved to the front passenger seat. "I bought the apartment across from theirs."
"Why would you buy an apartment there?"
"Why do you think?" He took a sip of water to steady himself. "Jiang Yu would find out sooner or later."
Everything clicked into place.
Jiang Heling’s expression eased slightly, but seeing Jiang Suizhi’s ashen face, he frowned. He hadn’t hit that hard—this wasn’t just about pain.
"Now that things are settled, are you still going back? It’s not exactly close to the company."
Jiang Suizhi paused mid-sip. He almost answered but stopped himself. "You never asked where I lived before. Why start now?"
"I..." Jiang Heling's face darkened, caught off guard by the counter.
The car fell silent for a brief moment.
Suddenly, Jiang Heling spoke again: "I still think something's off."
He glanced at Jiang Suizhi's still-pale profile. "If it was nonsense, why were you smiling earlier?"
Jiang Suizhi: "?"
After this exchange, his uncle decided it was time to wise up—to read between the lines and broaden his perspective.
"I barely tapped you. Look at yourself in the mirror right now."
He frowned. "Either you're weak, or you're rattled."
"..."
