The grand oak doors of the Song residence swung open, revealing the housekeeper’s welcoming smile. “Master Jiang Ci,” he announced, his gaze sweeping from Jiang Ci to Su Yue, “the Old Madam awaits inside.”
“Hm,” Jiang Ci grunted, a flicker of impatience crossing his face.
The housekeeper, undeterred, led the way. “Old Madam, Young Master Jiang Ci has arrived.”
Seated upon a sumptuously carved mahogany chair, the Old Madam Song slowly lifted her head. She set aside her delicate purple sand tea cup, her eyes fixing on her grandson—a figure cloaked in black, with a jagged, palm-sized scar marring his face. A smile, warm and genuine, blossomed on her lips. “Oh Ao Ao’s here,” she chuckled, her voice a gentle caress.
At the sound of the childhood nickname, a shadow deepened on Jiang Ci’s face. Yet, Mrs. Song appeared oblivious, or perhaps, simply unconcerned. Her smile remained, then shifted to a question, laced with mock seriousness. “Hurry, bring your daughter-in-law to sit. If I don’t send for you, you won’t visit Grandma? Grandma is old, half-buried in the ground . If you don’t come soon, Ao Ao, perhaps one day I…”
Jiang Ci cut her off, his voice laced with feigned exasperation. “The scourge lives a thousand years! You’ll live a hundred, your lucky stars shining bright.”
Mrs. Song’s carefully composed seriousness crumbled, replaced by unrestrained laughter. Her stern, upright features softened, truly embodying the image of a loving grandmother. “Always so unpleasing with your words,” she chided, her gaze drifting to Su Yue.
A momentary shake of her head, then Mrs. Song recalled her previous encounter with Su Yue: dark, plump, and rather unpleasant. Now, after barely half a year, she was transformed. Su Yue, radiating a fresh, vibrant glow, sat before her. Her features were exquisite, her skin fair and translucent. Even her fingers, demurely resting on her knees, were plump and rosy. And her eyes—black, limpid, clearer and purer than the finest Biluochun tea in the pot.
With a satisfied nod. Mrs. Song’s smile widened. “It’s been so long, child, you’ve changed so much. Grandma is old, and her eyes aren’t good enough to recognize you.”
“Grandma isn’t old at all,” Su Yue replied, a shy smile gracing her lips. She had braced herself for every possibility: trouble, disdain, a stern lecture. She never expected such warmth, such undisguised joy in the Old Madam’s eyes.
Listening to her grandson’s daughter-in-law, whose gentle, joyful voice was sweeter than any singer’s, Mrs. Song’s contentment grew. “I’m over seventy, how can I not be old?” she mused, her gaze lingering on Su Yue’s somewhat reserved posture. “Don’t be nervous,” she said, her voice slow and reassuring. “Grandma isn’t a tiger, she won’t eat you. Has Ao Ao not mentioned me?” This scoundrel of a boy, so thoughtless. If he had spoken of her, his granddaughter-in-law wouldn’t be so anxious.
“He mentioned you very often,” Su Yue admitted, too embarrassed to repeat Jiang Ci’s exact words from the car.
“Even if he did mention me , I’m sure Ao Ao had nothing nice to say,” Mrs. Song said, clearly familiar with Jiang Ci’s character.
Jiang Ci’s brow furrowed, his face darkening. “Stop calling me Ao Ao! I’m not a child anymore!”
Mrs. Song’s laughter rang out, even happier than before. “No matter how old you are, in Grandma’s eyes, you’re still a child.” She turned to Su Yue. “You didn’t know he had this nickname, did you?”
Su Yue shook her head. This was the first she’d heard of a nickname for Jiang Devil.
“I gave him this nickname,” Mrs. Song reminisced, a gentle smile playing on her lips. “When he was a child, he was different from other children. They were lively and active, clinging to adults, acting spoiled. But Ao Ao, whenever children gathered, he’d stay quietly in a corner, never making trouble, never playing. He didn’t like to be clingy or touched.”
Mrs. Song seemed lost in memory, the corners of her mouth turning up. “So, I named him Ao Ao, hoping he’d be more arrogant and lively.”
Su Yue turned to glance at Jiang Ci. She felt Grandma Song’s chosen name wasn’t wrong at all. Jiang Ci was indeed arrogant now—more than a little bit.
Mrs. Song, however, clearly disagreed. “Now that he’s grown, Ao Ao is even more introverted,” she sighed.
Su Yue’s lips twitched. This was the first time she’d heard anyone describe Jiang Ci as “introverted.” She seriously suspected Grandma Song had no idea what others thought of Jiang Ci. Grandmothers, it seemed, always found their children wronged.
Jiang Ci, leaning languidly against the back of the chair, cast a lazy glance at Su Yue, Who was trying to suppress a laugh, her eyes curved in amusement.
Seeing Su Yue’s interest in Jiang Ci’s childhood, Mrs. Song’s enthusiasm soared. Her expression softened further, and she gestured for Su Yue to sit beside her.
Upon closer look she found that this granddaughter-in-law was even more beautiful, delicate as a blooming flower. Mrs. Song carefully removed a bracelet from her left wrist and placed it on Su Yue’s slender hand.
“Grandma, no, I can’t take it . It’s too expensive,” Su Yue protested, the bracelet looking like a priceless treasure. She tried to pull her hand back, but Mrs. Song’s grip was firm, and the bracelet slipped onto her wrist.
“Grandma, this…” Su Yue attempted to remove it.
“I gave it to you, so you can’t give it back.” Mrs. Song raised Su Yue’s wrist, admiring the jade bracelet. Against her slender, snow-white skin, the vibrant red jade made her fairness even more dazzling. With a satisfied nod. Grandma Song said “Good. Such bright jewelry belongs on such a pretty little hand.”
She squeezed Su Yue’s hand, soft as boneless silk in her palm. Truly, she was a pampered and blessed one.
Su Yue cast a pleading glance at Jiang Ci, hoping he’d intervene and help her refuse. But the man simply raised an eyebrow, nonchalant. “Just accept what the old lady gives you. We’ll keep it for our daughter in the future. Foolish!”
Su Yue’s cheeks flushed, and she shot him a discreet glare. What was he saying?
At Jiang Ci’s words, Mrs. Song’s laughter bubbled up anew. “Yes, yes, listen to Ao Ao,” she said, then turned to Jiang Ci. “My great-granddaughter will recive even better things from me.”
Meanwhile, Song Nianyue, who had been sitting quietly and awkwardly, felt a surge of surprise from the moment Jiang Ci and Su Yue entered. Her elegant face was a tableau of astonishment. She had expected the usually serious and unsmiling Mrs. Song to be stern, yet here she was, radiating warmth and affection towards Jiang Ci. Her words, and that childhood nickname, spoke volumes of her deep love for him. This was the first time Song Nianyue had witnessed Mrs. Song laugh with such unbridled joy.
Even more shocking was the bracelet. Mrs. Song had given Su Yue a priceless treasure, a clear sign of her favor! Song Nianyue, who diligently sought to please the Old Madam, to alleviate her boredom, had never even received a smile, let alone a gift.
Song Nianyue’s hand, casually resting at her side, clenched, her fingertips digging into her palm. Wasn’t Mrs. Song supposed to be summoning Jiang Ci and Su Yue to address Su Yue’s pushing Jinag Ci into the pond? Shouldn’t she be holding Su Yue accountable, or at least expressing her displeasure?
Yet, it seemed nothing had happened. The Old Madam was kind to Su Yue, her usually sharp eyes now gentle and benevolent. Had old age dimmed her memory? Had she forgotten?
Song Nianyue straightened her back, her voice a warm, almost solicitous reminder. “Old Lady, you seem to have forgotten something very important. Don’t you have something to say?”
Her voice cut through Mrs. Song’s amiable chatter. The Old Madam’s wise eyes fixed on her. “Now that you remind me.”
The housekeeper, who hadn’t seen the Old Madam this happy in ages, felt a ripple of irritation. He didn’t know what “important thing” Miss Song referred to, but it was clear that Old Madam was enjoying a moment of family bliss just now ,but Miss Song intruppted her in the middle of it , so lacking in foresight, so different from her usual sensible and generous demeanor.
It’s coming. Song Nianyue fought to contain her impatience. She glanced at Jiang Ci. The scar on his face seemed smaller than before. Did this mean it would eventually disappear? A fresh wave of remorse washed over her. She shouldn’t have been put off by his temporary blindness, his grotesque scar. She should have embraced him then, when he was vulnerable, to earn his gratitude and favor.
But it wasn’t too late. Jiang Ci would soon learn of Su Yue’s actions. With his character, he would surely come to despise her.
Su Yue knew Song Nianyue frequented the Song residence, so her presence wasn’t surprising.
Mrs. Song released Su Yue’s hand, speaking slowly. “Nian Yue told me today she remembered when Ao Ao fell into the pond as a child.”
Jiang Ci, leaning back, his long legs casually crossed, merely lifted his eyes at his grandmother’s words. His posture remained utterly relaxed.
Song Nianyue’s heart pounded. Her eyes were fixed on Jiang Ci’s face, anticipating the moment his hatred for Su Yue would ignite.
Mrs. Song took a sip of tea, then glanced at Su Yue. “Nian Yue said she remembered a black and fat little girl pushed him into the pond.”
Su Yue froze. A black and fat little girl pushing Jiang Ci into a pond? A knot of unease tightened in her stomach. Why was this being brought up now, after so long?
Mrs. Song continued, “Nian Yue said that black and fat little girl is your daughter-in-law SuYue.”
Su Yue’s head snapped up. She stared at Song Nianyue in disbelief, then at Jiang Ci. “I don’t remember any of it ,” she gasped. The original owner’s memories didn’t extend that far back. “Miss Song, are you sure it was me who pushed Jiang Ci? Do you have any proof?” Su Yue quickly regained her composure.
“I’m sure. Just look at your childhood photos, and you’ll know,” Song Nianyue asserted. “At the time, I was the only one who saw it. Later, I jumped into the pond to save Aci. There was a lotus pot at the bottom, and Aci and I both hit it. We were both hurt.” The original owner, traumatized, remembered nothing, and the story of saving Jiang Ci was recounted by Father Song to teach her. Jiang Ci, on the other hand, suffered temporary amnesia from hitting his head.
“This matter is so important, it concerns Aci’s life,” Song Nianyue continued, her voice firm. “Why would I speak of it lightly, or joke about it? Miss Su, you were the one who pushed Aci into the pond then.”
“Ao Ao, is there anything you want to say?” Mrs. Song observed her eldest grandson’s sullen expression.
“What’s there to say? I don’t remember it,” Jiang Ci sneered, with a slight twist of his lips. “Besides, if Su Yue really pushed me—so, she married me as compensation for it. Can’t I forgive my wife?”
“You’re right, that’s how it should be,” Mrs. Song declared, her smile returning. “It seems you two were destined from a young age.”
Jiang Ci raised his eyes to meet Su Yue’s, his dark gaze deepening. is that really , fate?
How could this be? Did Jiang Ci truly not care? How could he dismiss such a serious matter with a casual mention of fate?
Song Nianyue was both shocked and dissatisfied. She suppressed the anxiety in her eyes, her voice warm. “Aci, when you fell into the pond, you almost died. If it wasn’t for me…”
“If it wasn’t for you, what would have happened to me?” Jiang Ci asked slowly. “I would drown right?”
“No, Su Yue pushed you, don’t you really mind? Aren’t you worried she’ll hurt you again in the future?” Song Nianyue blurted out her thoughts in her agitation. “I’m just concerned for your safety.”
Madam. Song subconsciously frowned.
“Hey!” Jiang Ci shot her a cold glare. “Did I need to belive Su Yue push me just because you said so? Besides, even if she did, she was young and ignorant. As a husband, I am broad-minded. I forgive her. You are so Frigid! Haven’t you learned enough lessons? Also, don’t call me Aci again!”
“Ah…” Song Nianyue bit her lip, her voice aggrieved. “I also have good intentions.”
“Miss Song, I don’t know what you think of me, but I will never hurt Jiang Ci. Your guesses hold no truth for me. I hope you don’t take seriously what didn’t happen, and thus destroy the relationship between my husband and me.” Su Yue’s usually soft voice carried a distinct edge of anger. Song Nianyue’s intentions were now glaringly obvious. Su Yue was not blind; she saw the other party’s desire to belittle her, to alienate her from Jiang Ci, and to get closer to him.
Su Yue’s words struck Song Nianyue sharply. Her face paled, and she secretly fumed. Su Yue, a mere cannon fodder, where did she get the confidence to reprimand her?
Madam. Song was also a discerning woman. Having lived for so many years, with one foot in the grave, how could she not see through the charade? She spoke slowly, her tone towards Song Nianyue now noticeably more serious. “Since Ao Ao doesn’t care about this matter, let it be. It’s been so long, there’s no point in digging it up. The most important thing is that Ao Ao and his daughter-in-law are well. Everything else doesn’t matter. Today, it’s rare for Ao Ao to bring his daughter-in-law here, so just stay and accompany me to eat. Nian Yue, you can go back now.”
At this, Song Nianyue’s elegant face contorted with embarrassment and resentment. She swallowed the words she was about to utter, forcing a strained smile. “Okay, then I won’t disturb you, Old Lady. I’ll go back first, and see you another day.”
The housekeeper, who usually ushered Song Nianyue out, remained still. It was clear that this time, he too was highly displeased with her.
After dinner, it was past eight in the evening by the time they left the Song residence. At the dinner table, Mrs. Song had held Su Yue’s hand, regaling her with tales of Jiang Ci’s childhood. One was eager to listen, the other joyful in her recounting. The meal had been harmonious, even softening the usual sternness in Jiang Ci’s brows, a clear sign of his good mood. As they departed, Mrs. Song urged Su Yue and Jiang Ci to visit her more often.
The housekeeper, watching the Old Madam’s reluctant farewell, remarked, “The Old Lady is so reluctant to let Young Master Jiang Ci go. When you misses him again, just send someone to pick him up.”
Madam. Song shook her head, then a memory brought a fresh wave of joy to her face. “You’re right. Now Ao Ao is different from before.” He was not blind; his eyes were still sharp. She saw that Ao Ao’s eyes now held a vitality that they previously lacked.
On the way back, Su Yue was in high spirits. She had chatted extensively with Grandma Song, who, contrary to her expectations of a difficult old woman, proved to be approachable and deeply affectionate towards Jiang Ci. In fact, Su Yue felt she had benefited from Jiang Ci’s good standing with his grandmother.
“Why didn’t you tell me your grandmother loves you so much? Ao Ao!” Su Yue playfully adopted Grandma Song’s nickname for Jiang Ci.
Jiang Ci, who had been resting with his eyes closed, lazily lifted his eyelids. He met Su Yue’s dark, bright almond eyes. “What did you call me?”
“Ao Ao, that’s what your grandmother called you.” Wasn’t he Jiang Aojiao?
Jiang Ci pressed the partition to block out the driver. He frowned, a cold snort escaping him. “Don’t call me that!”
“Why?” Su Yue turned to face him.
“Childish!”
“Ao Ao, Ao Ao…” Su Yue chanted, finding the name endearing.
Jiang Ci narrowed his eyes. He reached out, his finger tracing Su Yue’s chin, a sneer on his lips. “Shout once, bite once. Go on, shout.”
Su Yue’s dark, watery eyes widened instantly.
His fingertips lingered on her delicate chin. Jiang Ci’s lips curved. “Su Yue, you owe me a life.”
Su Yue blinked blankly, not understanding.
“One life owed, for one life,” Jiang Ci’s dark eyes bore into hers. “Su Yue, I want my daughter. Will you give her to me?”
Her long eyelashes fluttered. Su Yue seemed to finally grasp his meaning. “You said you don’t remember the past!”
“Oh, I remember now,” Jiang Ci said calmly, a hint of roguishness in his tone.
Su Yue rolled her eyes. She cupped Jiang Ci’s cheeks with both hands. “You just said you had a big heart, and that I married you as compensation, so I don’t owe you anything anymore. It’s not good to be a rogue now.” She rubbed his face gently. “Jiang Ao Ao, am I right?” Then, she leaned in and kissed him.