Ji Zhi Lan remained silent, knowing her mother was building momentum for her.
Jiang Cheng quickly chimed in, "Mom, don't worry. My mother will absolutely not reprimand Zhi Lan for these minor things anymore. In fact, my mother is very good to Zhi Lan usually. Whatever she wants to eat, my mother will personally cook it for her. You can ask Zhi Lan if you don't believe me."
Ji Zhi Lan reluctantly nodded, "It's alright, I guess."
Mother Ji understood, "Since you're here, stay for lunch before you go."
Jiang Cheng knew this was her way of softening, so he shamelessly went over and sat next to Ji Zhi Lan, "Thank you, Mom."
He then turned to Ji Zhi Lan, solicitously saying, "Wife, do you want a peach? I'll peel it for you." Without waiting for Ji Zhi Lan's reply, he picked up a nectarine from the fruit platter on the table and started peeling it. Ji Zhi Lan said nothing, letting him be.
Lunch was an agonizing affair for Jiang Cheng. His father-in-law treated him as if he were invisible, and he knew the Ji family looked down on him as a son-in-law from the bottom of their hearts. Furthermore, Ji Zhi Lan was still angry with him, so she naturally didn't speak.
The atmosphere at the dinner table was at times very tense, at least in his own estimation. He lowered his head, concealing the fleeting unwillingness in his eyes, and then looked up again with a beaming smile, scooping a spoonful of tremella into Ji Zhi Lan's bowl, "Here, wife, this is what you like to eat. Eat more."
Although Ji Zhi Lan was still upset, she didn't want to embarrass him. Seeing that Jiang Cheng still remembered what she liked to eat, her heart couldn't help but feel a little warmth.
After the meal, Jiang Cheng took Ji Zhi Lan back home. Before they left, Mother Ji exhorted Ji Zhi Lan to live well. Ji Zhi Lan nodded in agreement.
As they neared home, Ji Zhi Lan asked, "Why don't we sign your mom up for a senior university? That way she won't be bored at home, and she can get out and interact with society occasionally."
Fearing his disagreement, Ji Zhi Lan continued, "I'll pay for this. Consider it my filial piety to our mom."
Jiang Cheng pondered for a moment and nodded, "That's fine too. I'll tell Mom when we get back."
Mother Jiang was naturally resistant at first. She was already old, why would she attend a senior university? It would be a laughingstock.
But Jiang Cheng said the money was already paid and urged her to try it out, as the money couldn't be refunded. Mother Jiang reluctantly attended two classes, and to her surprise, it was quite effective. There, she met other seniors of similar age, and even some older than her.
Her life became rich and colorful, and happy Mother Jiang often forgot to go home. Ji Zhi Lan was very satisfied, feeling that her mother-in-law's idea was brilliant.
As long as Mother Jiang had something to do, she wouldn't be constantly scrutinizing Ji Zhi Lan. Enrolling in senior university seemed to be exactly what Mother Jiang wanted, and for a while, she was always cheerful, telling everyone what a good daughter-in-law she had found.
With harmonious mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relations, Jiang Cheng was also in a good mood. He became even more dedicated to Ji Zhi Lan.
Of course, he had brought Ji Zhi Lan back with a purpose. After two days of peace, Jiang Cheng found an opportunity to pull Ji Zhi Lan into the room.
Ji Zhi Lan shook off his hand and sat on the bed, "What is it, Jiang Cheng? So secretive."
Jiang Cheng stood in front of her, looking like he was confiding in her, "Wife, our child is about to be born, isn't it? And I don't have a job right now, do I? Don't I need to save some money for milk powder for the baby?"
"Just say what you want to say directly."
Jiang Cheng looked sincere, "A friend of mine has opened a company and wants me to invest as a shareholder. I wouldn't have to do anything, just sit back and collect dividends every year. What do you think?"
"What kind of friend is this? Is he reliable?" Ji Zhi Lan was suspicious.
"Oh, wife, don't worry, he's absolutely reliable. He's been my classmate since childhood. He hasn't offered this opportunity to anyone else, only to me. He just needs a million."
"This little bit of money is nothing for you to handle easily."
She was wealthy, but she didn't want to spend money carelessly. Moreover, her money was her mother's private savings. Ji Zhi Lan didn't refuse outright and looked up, "Let me think about it carefully."
...
Jiang Mian stayed at home for two days, and Little Fish Floss became clingy again. As usual, Ji Zhi Xiu postponed his affairs for two days. As Jiang Mian lay on the bed, cuddling Little Fish Floss, a ray of sunlight slanted through the window and fell on the man's face by the desk, as if it were gilded.
Beautiful and sacred, it commanded reverence.
Little Fish Floss tilted its head and purred. Jiang Mian absentmindedly stroked the cat and asked, "What kind of party are we attending tomorrow? You haven't told me yet."
Ji Zhi Xiu's gaze was fixed on the computer. Hearing her, he replied, "It's Mrs. Shen's birthday party."
Oh, the Shen family, so that was Shen Ting Yu's family.
Jiang Mian immediately pushed away the head of Little Fish Floss resting on her, got out of bed barefoot, and walked to the walk-in closet, "Then I need to pick out an outfit."
Ji Zhi Xiu's peripheral vision caught her movement. He frowned, "Wear shoes."
Jiang Mian pouted, "It's a blanket on the floor, what are you afraid of?"
Before, when she went barefoot, Ji Zhi Xiu always said the floor was cold, and the next day he had carpets installed throughout the house.
Consequently, Jiang Mian became even more carefree. Of course, if the man caught her, she would inevitably be lectured.
Ji Zhi Xiu sighed, saying nothing more.
Jiang Mian rummaged through the walk-in closet, "What do you think I should wear tomorrow?"
Ji Zhi Xiu didn't look up, "Whatever you like."
Jiang Mian was displeased, "What do you mean, whatever I like?"
"It means whatever you like. It's just an ordinary birthday party."
Jiang Mian tilted her chin slightly. She was going to Shen Ting Yu's house tomorrow, and she was determined not to be outdone by that woman.
"What will you wear tomorrow?"
"I'll see," Ji Zhi Xiu replied.
Jiang Mian was excited, "Then I'll help you pick out an outfit."
Speaking of which, she had never personally helped Ji Zhi Xiu pick out clothes.
Her walk-in closet and Ji Zhi Xiu's were adjacent. Jiang Mian opened the door to Ji Zhi Xiu's closet and her fingers landed on a pink suit. Honestly, she had never seen Ji Zhi Xiu wear a suit of this color.
Ji Zhi Xiu usually wore dark, somber colors like black, gray, and white, which made him appear mature and steady. This pink, she imagined, would also suit him well.
She took down the pink suit and walked over to Ji Zhi Xiu, holding it up, "Will you wear this tomorrow?"
Ji Zhi Xiu glanced at it, "No."
Jiang Mian pouted and tugged at his sleeve, "Husband."
"It's no use."
"Ji Zhi Xiu!"
"I'm here."
Jiang Mian was slightly annoyed, "I don't care, I just want to see you in this."
"This color doesn't suit me."
"How do you know it doesn't suit you if you haven't worn it? If it doesn't suit you, why is it in your closet?"
"Fan Cheng gave it to me."
Jiang Mian straddled his lap, "Please, just wear it once? I want to see. I'll wear pink tomorrow too, so technically we'll be in couple's outfits."
Ji Zhi Xiu's resolve wavered slightly, but he enjoyed the little girl begging him. He suppressed a smile and raised an eyebrow, hardening his heart and refusing, "No."
Jiang Mian swayed in his arms, "Xi, husband!"
A moment later, she felt a heat beneath her. Her peach blossom eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushed, and she chided playfully, "Pervert!"
Ji Zhi Xiu's palm tightened around her slender waist, his voice husky and tinged with desire, his Adam's apple bobbing, "But only a pervert to you."
With that, he lowered his head and accurately captured Jiang Mian's lips, wantonly plundering her sweet breath.
Jiang Mian panted slightly, "You still haven't said if... you'll wear it... tomorrow..."
Ji Zhi Xiu's hand went behind her back and unbuttoned her, "Yes."
...
The party started in the afternoon.
This birthday banquet was personally hosted by Mr. Shen, so Ji Zhi Xiu had to give face.
Having promised Jiang Mian he would wear the pink suit, Ji Zhi Xiu naturally kept his word. He changed and walked out, and Jiang Mian, propping her chin on her hand, her eyes lit up.
Ji Zhi Xiu was tall and long-legged, with perfect features. Even in this flashy pink, he didn't look like a dandy or a playboy, but rather "gentle." The color softened his aloof demeanor.
Jiang Mian stood up and ran to him, "So handsome."
It was fortunate that Ji Zhi Xiu wasn't in the entertainment industry, otherwise, with that face alone, how many fangirls would he have?
The young girl's eyes were full of adoration. Ji Zhi Xiu felt greatly satisfied, but he reminded her verbally, "Couple's outfits."
Jiang Mian knew Ji Zhi Xiu was reminding her about the couple's outfits she had mentioned yesterday. She nodded, "I'll go change now."
She picked out a pink, fishtail-style satin dress, which flattered her figure without being overly formal or ostentatious. It was perfect for this kind of party.
Then, she slung on a latest-model limited edition handbag, quickly gathered her hair into a bun, and looked in the mirror. With exquisite makeup and a sweet smile, she was perfect.
Xiang Long was still driving.
The Shen family's villa and Ji Zhi Xiu's private villa were in completely opposite directions. They got stuck in traffic for a long time in the city center, so by the time Ji Zhi Xiu arrived, it would likely be dark.
Meanwhile, at the Shen residence. Shen Ting Yu was choosing a dress, "Mom, will Zhi Xiu be here tonight? Is it true?"
Mother Shen had dressed up meticulously today. As the birthday person, she had applied elegant and appropriate makeup, with pearl earrings adorning her earlobes, making her appear intellectual and gentle.
She wore a long dress that made her look extremely graceful, perfectly exposing the jade necklace around her neck. She watched her younger daughter dress, a smile in her eyes and brows, "Yes, he will be here. You've asked three times already."
Shen Ting Yu cupped her face, "I'm just a little hard to believe. Mom, what should I wear?"
It had been a long time since she had last seen this man, after being hung up on.
Mother Shen shook her head lovingly, "My darling, you have a sweetheart and have forgotten your mother. My daughter looks good in anything. Wear that lavender long dress you're holding."
Shen Ting Yu hesitated, "Will he like it? It's beautiful, but it's too simple. There are almost no extra embellishments on it."
"Simple and elegant is best. Remember, you wear the clothes, not the clothes wear you."
Shen Ting Yu suddenly understood, "Mom, you're right. I'll listen to you and wear this one."
Having decided on her outfit, Shen Ting Yu said, "Okay Mom, you should go out now. I need to do my makeup. He'll be here soon, and if I don't hurry, I'll be too late."
Mother Shen looked at her dotingly, "Alright, I'll wait for you outside. Don't rush, the guests haven't arrived yet, and Ji Zhi Xiu won't be here that quickly, I'm sure."