Jiang Ling said with a hint of a humblebrag, "Whether it's good or bad, life just goes on. In this industry, luck is also very important. My luck has been turning around these past two years, and I've only just managed to get by."
"Those who can pull themselves out of a slump, luck is important, but strength is fundamental. I truly didn't misjudge you; you are capable. It's a pity that young man doesn't know what he has. He mistook a pearl for a pebble, discarding a gem for a broken brick named An."
Old Mr. Shen sighed deeply, then paused before continuing, "A few days ago, I saw a news report saying you recently filmed a movie, and the male lead is a young man named Jian Zhou?"
Jiang Ling nodded. "Yes!"
"Do you know who this Jian Zhou is?"
"I do. He's my personal assistant. I heard he was a 'small-town mathlete' before, from a very poor family. He struggled for years before Director Chen noticed him. I reckon he'll turn his life around after 'Prince Becomes a Frog' is broadcast!"
Jiang Ling didn't understand why Old Mr. Shen was bringing up Jian Zhou, but she lied with her eyes open, deliberately pretending not to know Jian Zhou's identity.
Old Mr. Shen's mouth twitched.
If the second young master of the wealthiest family in the land was considered poor, then they might as well be beggars.
Yes, the Jian family was poor, so poor that all they had left was money.
"Grandpa Shen, why are you suddenly mentioning him?" Jiang Ling asked, blinking.
Old Mr. Shen obviously couldn't say that Jiang Ling had given up on his grandson, having been completely disappointed by him.
Seeing her appear so clueless, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly, thinking what a fortunate girl she was.
First, she met his eldest grandson, and after being abandoned, she not only managed to turn her life around through her own efforts but also encountered a wealthy young master like Jian Zhou.
Since she didn't know Jian Zhou's identity, it was best to let her remain in ignorance. Ignorance is bliss, after all.
Old Mr. Shen thought for a moment and then said, "I happened to see the news and felt that this young man's name suited you particularly well. I suppose it's fate, so I was curious and asked."
"Oh, I see!"
From the fleeting glint of shrewdness in Old Mr. Shen's cloudy eyes, Jiang Ling could tell he already knew Jian Zhou's true identity.
If he wanted to test her, she would play along and see who could pretend better.
Old Mr. Shen looked at her intently. "You know, all these years, I've considered you my future granddaughter-in-law, but alas..."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ling lowered her head and took a sip of tea. "Grandpa Shen, your grandson and I can't go back to how we were. I've grown a lot these past two years. I know feelings can't be forced. What's meant to be will be, and what's not, you can't force. Your grandson and I have fate but no destiny; we should have let go long ago."
Old Mr. Shen sighed sadly. "Yes, what's not meant to be, you can't force. You've let go, and I should too. But my Shen family always repays kindness. I won't forget your life-saving grace to my wife. If you ever feel wronged, you can tell Grandpa."
His tone was filled with regret and reluctance.
Such a good child, such a fortunate person! That Shen Mingjue fellow just didn't know how to cherish her!
"Thank you, Grandpa Shen!"
Jiang Ling nodded her agreement and then pushed a box toward Old Mr. Shen.
"This is what you gave me back then, intended for your grandson's wife. Your grandson and I are no longer possible, so please take this back."
Old Mr. Shen looked at it and shook his head. "Once something is given, there's no reason to take it back."