235: Chapter 235: Be My Daughter-in-Law 235: Chapter 235: Be My Daughter-in-Law Su He replied to Nan Jia that same night.
Jiang Family Mansion.
When Jiang Zhongqian came out of the bathroom, he saw his wife, who normally did not fiddle much with her phone, now holding the device and looking at it very seriously.
He walked over and asked, “What are you looking at?”
Hearing his voice, Nan Jia looked up at him, her face breaking into a delighted smile as she said, “Susu agreed.”
Jiang Zhongqian gazed at her adoringly, actually having expected Su He to agree.
He raised his hand to touch her head and said gently, “Susu agreeing makes you this happy?
You’ve never gotten this excited before.”
After hearing this, Nan Jia said, “It’s different.
How can anyone compare to that girl Susu?
Before we spent much time together, I would always hear about her from our mother, Ache, and Xiao You, and I liked her very much already.
Now, after just a few days of being together, I like her even more.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if she were our daughter?”
Jiang Zhongqian joked, “Why don’t we swap Ache for that girl Susu then?”
Nan Jia almost did not hesitate to nod, “If that’s possible, I wouldn’t mind.”
Jiang Zhongqian smiled helplessly and said, “Our son would be heartbroken if he heard you say that.”
“His feelings don’t matter.” Nan Jia waved her hand dismissively.
“Alright, alright, he doesn’t matter, as long as you’re happy.”
Jiang Zhongqian knew she had always wanted to have a daughter, but sadly, their first child was a boy.
He had felt sorry for her because she suffered so much during pregnancy, and she had even had a severe hemorrhage giving birth to Ache.
Thinking back, he still feels frightened.
So after Nanche was born, he had no intention of having more children.
He could indulge her in everything but this, because he did not want her to risk passing through death’s door again, and he couldn’t take that gamble.
——
“Dr.
Su, my lady would like to see you:”
As Su He stepped into the hospital’s entrance, a black-clad bodyguard blocked her way.
Su He narrowed her beautiful eyes, her voice indifferent, “Who is your lady?”
She was not someone to just follow along just because she was asked.
The bodyguard, expressionless, said, “You will know once you go with me.”
Su He’s expression turned frosty as she tugged at the corner of her mouth, “If you won’t say, then step aside and don’t block me from going to work!”
The bodyguard was taken aback: “…”
Having said her piece, Su He prepared to bypass him and leave.
If she didn’t leave now, she would be late.
Seeing that she was about to leave, the bodyguard quickly said, “Dr.
Su, my lady is Ms.
Xi Mei.”
Su He paused for a moment, leaving behind a statement, “Sorry, tell your lady that I’m on my way to work now and I don’t have time to meet her.”
With that, she left.
The bodyguard did not dare to block her again.
Su He had a strong presence, and with many people around, if he caused any trouble, he would have a hard time explaining to his lady.
Returning to the car, he looked apologetically at the elegantly made-up woman in the back seat and said, “My lady, I apologize for not being able to bring the person.”
Xi Mei’s eyes held a glint of something different as she looked out the window, her voice cold, “Where is Zhou Yixing?”
The bodyguard replied, “Since the day after the old master’s surgery, the young master has not been seen again; I don’t know of the young master’s whereabouts.”
Xi Mei’s gaze darkened slightly.
Zhou Yixing cared so much about Zhou, it was impossible for him to neglect him, unless he already knew of Zhou’s condition.
However, when she went to the hospital yesterday afternoon, she was informed that the old master’s condition had not stabilized yet and he needed to be observed in the ICU for a few more days.
Moreover, during this period, no one was allowed to visit.
Immediately, Xi Mei took out her phone and dialed a number.
It was Xi Jue’s number.
For years, she had been hiding Xi Jue, precisely because she feared that Zhou Jiacheng would discover his existence.
One of the conditions that Zhou Jiacheng agreed to when he proposed to her was that he wouldn’t have any more children; he only wanted Zhou Yixing as his sole son for life.
What he didn’t know was that after that incident, she became pregnant.
At that time, he had just married Zhou Yixing’s mother, and she did not dare tell him the truth, so she secretly gave birth to the child.
It was quite late when Xi Jue answered the phone, and the moment the call connected, she heard that impatient voice come through.
“Spit it out, what do you want?”
She was well aware that Xi Jue didn’t feel much familial affection for her, and it was likely more resentment and complaints.
She knew she had wronged him, but she had never neglected him in life.
“Still won’t call me Mom, will you?”
Xi Jue on the other end of the phone fell silent, showing no intention of responding to her question.
As his mother, Xi Mei naturally understood him.
Ever since he came of age, it had been over a decade or two since he last called her that, growing increasingly cold.
“Juejue, I don’t ask for anything else from you.
Now, I’m only asking you to come back to the Zhou Family,” said Xi Mei.
Xi Jue issued a cold laugh on the other end: “You want me to go back and help you fight for the Zhou Family fortune?”
“Ms.
Xi, when I was young, I asked you who my father was.
You said he was dead.
But recently, you told me your current husband is my biological father.
Don’t you think that’s a bit of a joke?”
His words were laced with sarcasm, like waves of silver needles raining down on Xi Mei.
Over the years, she had gotten used to it.
Xi Mei’s eyes darkened, and her voice became indifferent and serious: “Xi Jue, no matter what you say or how unwilling you are, you must return to the Zhou Family.
This is not up for discussion!”
With that, she hung up the phone.
——
In the blink of an eye, the day of the charity dinner arrived.
Jiang Zhongqian and Nan Jia were renowned as a loving couple in the art world, not only for their talent and good looks but also for their brilliant creative flair.
Coupled with the couple’s character and talent, they had a broad network, which meant those attending the charity dinner were essentially influential figures from various industries, though ordinary people were present as well.
This charity dinner did not have an entry threshold; Mr.
and Mrs.
Jiang made no distinction in their treatment.
Anyone who enjoyed the art exhibit could participate.
The only requirement for entering the venue was real-name verification, followed by a thorough security check to ensure safety.
Both of their exhibitions had significant international impact, with paintings priced in the millions or even billions.
And the couple’s art styles varied greatly—Nan Jia was a master of traditional Chinese painting, while Jiang Zhongqian excelled in oil painting, representing two different worlds.
Yet, their works shared one thing in common: anyone who saw their paintings could glimpse a ray of dawn and the different artistic concepts they expressed.
Many art enthusiasts greatly admired and liked their works.
“We’ve attended quite a few charity dinners, but this is the first time I’m attending one that doesn’t involve auctioning any items,” someone remarked.
“So how does this charity dinner work?”
“It’s a voluntary donation format.
You can donate as much as you like.
Donors can give anonymously, to prevent some from feeling embarrassed if they think they donated too little.
Moreover, the donations will later be made in the donors’ names to children in all the impoverished mountain regions.”
“Plus, the actual amount donated will be made public by the end of tonight’s dinner, and Mr.
and Mrs.
Jiang won’t take a cent of it.”
“This is the only difference from other charity dinners—other philanthropists say out loud that all auction proceeds will go to impoverished mountain areas, but who knows if that’s really true behind closed doors.”
“Exactly; that’s why I never take part in the auctions when I attend these dinners.”
“In the past, the Lou Family held charity dinners often, but now when you compare it with Mr.
and Mrs.
Jiang, it’s like night and day.”
“…”
Tonight, Lou Ruozhi also came.
She had just arrived when she heard several people whispering in a huddle.
She was thinking about joining in when she caught the conversation about herself.
One of the distinguished ladies said, “Oh, let’s not even mention it.
Lou Ruozhi dares to call herself an artist, but compared to Mrs.
Jiang, they are worlds apart.
Mrs.
Jiang embodies a true scholarly family, while she is nothing but a fake.
She reeks of nouveau riche rather than any hint of a literary family legacy.”
Someone was about to continue but out of the corner of their eye, they spotted Lou Ruozhi standing there, so she warned, “Stop talking, the person in question is here.”
The group turned around and saw Lou Ruozhi standing behind them, looking at them with a frosty face.
Feeling guilty, they all left.
Lou Ruozhi’s expression was terrifyingly grim.
She used to be revered wherever she went, but now, no matter where she was, she could hear people gossiping about her.
All this started since the scandal of Lou Guohui’s infidelity came to light, followed by the Lou Family’s troubles.
Lou Guohui’s recovery from surgery had been going well recently, so she wanted to go out to clear her head and thus attended the banquet.
But upon arrival, she encountered nothing but cold shoulders.
Virtually no one approached her to say hello.
People would avoid her as though she carried the plague.
At this moment, Su He and Nan Jia came in arm in arm.
Nan Jia wore a dark green long-sleeved cheongsam, looking elegant and dignified, Su He was in a beige cheongsam with her hair neatly done up, exuding a fresh, cool beauty and noble charm.
As the pair made their entrance, all eyes were drawn to them.
Quite a striking pair of sisters.
As soon as Nan Jia walked in, people came up to greet her.
And she introduced Su He to everyone who approached.
Actually, there was no one in Yue City who didn’t know of Su He.
Lou Ruozhi watched the chatting pair, her eyes brimming with coldness.
Actually, Su He had spotted Lou Ruozhi as soon as she walked in.
She didn’t expect to see her here and felt vaguely uneasy, mainly because she didn’t trust that Lou Ruozhi would behave herself.
Nan Jia saw her too, she held Su He’s hand, patted the back of her hand, and whispered softly, “Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”
Nan Jia had also heard about her and Lou Ruozhi from Jiang You.
Even though she used to be sisters-in-law with Lou Ruozhi, they really didn’t interact much, mainly because Lou Ruozhi’s haughty demeanor made her difficult to get along with.
Soon after, Jiang Zhongqian and Jiang Yan also arrived, uncle and nephew came together.
Upon entering, they naturally stood next to their respective wives, like two knights guarding their princesses.
The banquet began as the all the principals had arrived.
After warming up the scene, Nan Jia took the stage to speak on behalf of everyone.
After some customary remarks, she began, “I believe everyone is aware, at each of our art exhibitions, we pick a ‘Angel Spokesperson’.
And now let me introduce to you our QJ Charity Art Exhibition’s 188th spokesperson, Miss Su He Su.”
After a moment of surprise, thunderous applause followed, and Su He walked up to Nan Jia’s side.
“At the same time, today is also the twentieth anniversary of the QJ Charity Art Exhibition.
As we all know, according to our tradition, we always name an Angel Spokesperson for each charity art exhibition, but today I have an announcement to make.”
Everyone’s gaze converged on Nan Jia, including Su He’s.
“And that is, starting today, Su He will become the lifetime spokesperson for our QJ Charity Art Exhibition as well as the vice-chairwoman of the QJ Charity Art Exhibition Center, owning ten percent of the exhibition’s shares.”
As soon as Nan Jia finished her speech, Su He was stunned, as was Jiang Yan and everyone else present.
Jiang Yan glanced at Jiang Zhongqian standing next to him, “Uncle, what’s going on?”
Jiang Zhongqian replied with a calm smile, “Don’t look at me like that, this was your aunt’s idea, and of course, I agreed too.”
The people below started discussing among themselves.
“”
This is ten percent of the shares, not one percent.
As everyone knows, the QJ Charity Painting Exhibition Center is the largest charity foundation focusing on art exhibitions internationally, and the power and financial strength behind it are indeed enviable.
And Nan Jia, as the founder of the exhibition center, says he will give away ten percent of the shares if he wants, and that’s really generous.
Su He stood next to Nan Jia, completely stunned.
Earlier, her aunt had not mentioned this twist at all.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the ten percent of shares have now been transferred to Susu’s name.
I believe many people don’t understand, but there’s nothing incomprehensible.
Susu marrying into our Jiang Family is the best fortune for us, and as an elder, I naturally should spoil her.
Most importantly, she deserves all of this.
To tell you the truth, if our Ah Yan hadn’t acted early, I would have wanted that brat in my family to marry Susu and become my daughter-in-law.”
Nan Jia’s words caused Jiang Yan’s brows to furrow deeply at the table.
At the same time, Jiang You and Jiang Nanche happened to enter the venue, and Jiang Nanche just heard the last sentence of his mother, halting in his tracks in shock.
He swallowed hard, glanced at his mother who stood with a beaming smile and raised hand, thinking, Oh my God, please don’t talk nonsense, your son hasn’t lived enough yet!
“Wow, aunt is amazing, daring to say these words in front of my brother,” Jiang You said at the side, taking pleasure in the misfortune.
Nan Jia’s words also made Lou Ruozhi’s face become increasingly embarrassed and gloomy.
People standing behind her began to point fingers and whisper about her.
After all, Lou Ruozhi is Su He’s mother-in-law, and everyone in this circle knows that the two of them do not get along.
Lou Ruozhi does not like Su He, and naturally does not like her daughter-in-law.
Nonetheless, everyone also knows that regardless of her liking, she can’t interfere much; after all, Fifth Young Master Jiang does not acknowledge his birth mother.
“…”
After finishing her speech, Nan Jia announced the official start of the dinner.
And Su He had promised Nan Jia to perform a piano piece at the banquet.
After descending the stage, she walked towards a white piano to the side and then took her seat.
In no time, the intermingling of black and white keys gave birth to various beautiful notes that lingered in the banquet hall.
People turned their gazes towards the direction of the piano stand.
The piano music had the power to intoxicate, its charm irresistible.
Su He’s slender fingers danced methodically upon the black and white keys; the melody now bold, now gentle, now plaintive and delicate, sometimes passionate, it was simply enchanting, immersive, with one’s emotional highs and lows completely following the flow of the music.
What was even more mesmerizing was Su He herself, who at the moment, did not realize how dazzling she was, as if she were coated with a layer of gold that unconsciously attracted others.
It was the first time Jiang Yan saw her seated at the piano, playing a tune.
She was even more enticing in this state.
Had he known she could look like this while playing the piano, he wouldn’t have agreed to let her appear in public!
Watching those men at the scene, their eyes almost glued to her, he clenched his back teeth!
“Brother, what do you think?
My sister-in-law is amazing, right?” Jiang You spoke from beside him, without knowing when she had approached.
Jiang Yan did not respond.
Jiang You continued: “Bro, let me tell you, after my sister-in-law played at a restaurant one year, someone confessed to her on the spot.
This must be the first time you’ve seen her play the piano, right?
I tell you, not only does my sister-in-law play the piano well, but she also plays the violin and cello extremely well.”
This time, Jiang Yan reacted, he turned his head, and his narrow eyes slightly narrowed: “Have you seen her?”
“I have,” Jiang You said.
“And so has Jiang Nanche, we’ve all seen and heard.”
Now, Jiang Yan felt even more uncomfortable inside, a surge of bitterness rising.
When the last note fell, someone shouted “Bravo,” which was followed by a thunderous applause.
Su He’s piano performance was no less than those of the pianists, and those knowledgeable could tell she played very professionally.
Su He sighed in relief sitting before the piano.
It had been a long time since she last played.
At that moment, a shadow loomed over her.