But a marriage is valued for mutual understanding. If you hide things from each other and lack trust and consideration, what kind of marriage is that?
Jian Fan believed he could control the entire situation, keeping everything hidden, and proceeding down a path of no return.
By the time Jiang Yu Shuang discovers the truth, their loving marriage will surely crumble, becoming impossible to salvage.
Jiang Ling recalled that in the original story, Jian Fan chose to accompany Jiang Yu Shuang into the sea of flames, their true love transcending life and death. She did not want to see their relationship falter.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, she decided to give Jian Fan a stern warning, making him understand that he shouldn't treat others like fools. Constantly scheming would only lead to him trapping himself.
"You..." Jian Fan gritted his teeth in frustration. "What exactly do you want?"
"I don't want anything in particular. I just want you to owe me a favor. If I need your help in the future, you must assist me to the best of your ability."
Jiang Ling knew that Huohua Media would not let her off easily.
In the not-too-distant future, there would surely be a tough battle to fight, she just couldn't guess when it would happen.
Currently, she was alone and lacked the strength to contend with Huohua Media. If Jian Fan were to assist her, she would have nothing to fear.
"That's it?" Jian Fan sounded incredulous.
He had thought that since Jiang Ling had caught him in a bind, she would surely demand an exorbitant price.
He hadn't expected her to do all this simply to gain a favor.
He had thought he would have to pay a hefty sum to resolve the issue this time.
Jiang Ling nodded emphatically. "I don't want anything else, just your favor. Do you agree?"
"Alright, it was unavoidable to use you this time. It's not impossible to repay you with a favor, but you must promise me not to disclose this matter to Shuang'er, or I will never forgive you," Jian Fan warned.
"No problem. As an outsider, I have no interest in meddling in your marital affairs."
After settling the terms, Jiang Ling ended the video call and went for her afternoon nap.
Jian Fan had used her, and she, in turn, had gained a favor.
This transaction was neither a profit nor a loss.
Jian Fan, however, was furious.
In his entire life, this was the first time he had been tricked by a woman. It was a complete humiliation, a utter disgrace!
"Brother, what's wrong? Your expression is so grim?"
A young man with a fair complexion, yet agile and tall, walked in.
This person was none other than Jian Zhou, the second young master of the Jian family.
Compared to Jian Fan's renowned reputation, his younger brother Jian Zhou, who was nine years his junior, appeared quite low-key.
In fact, many people didn't even know that the wealthiest Jian family had a younger son.
"Don't bring it up. I was tricked by a woman."
Jian Fan pouted, his tone filled with helplessness.
"Ah?" Jian Zhou exclaimed in surprise. "Which woman is so formidable that she could make you, the 'Living Yama' of the business world, falter? Is it Sister-in-law?"
"No, this woman is as cunning as a fox and as treacherous as a ghost. She's more formidable than ten grown men. I was caught off guard and fell into her trap."
"Oh, she's quite impressive then!" Jian Zhou's eyes widened in astonishment. "What's this woman's name?"
"Why are you asking?" Jian Fan sounded somewhat impatient.
"Just curious!"
"Curiosity killed the cat. This woman is truly formidable. Even I can't handle her, let alone you, you simpleton. This kind of woman is a tiger; you must avoid her if you encounter her, otherwise, she'll leave you with nothing but bones."
Jian Fan's words were prophetic. He would never have imagined that his foolish brother would one day be completely captivated by someone.
Hearing Jian Fan speak so cautiously, Jian Zhou became even more curious about this woman's identity.