As the Lunar New Year approached, Jiang Ci’s schedule became increasingly frantic, while Su Yue and little Jiang Haoyan had already begun their winter break. Noticing the little guy had shot up recently—his pants now hovering awkwardly above his ankles—Su Yue decided it was time for a shopping trip.
The mall amidst festival season was a whirlwind of holiday energy, bustling with parents and children soaking in the festive atmosphere. Su Yue led Haoyan to the third floor, a sanctuary of high-end boutiques and designer labels.
And as they strolled diffrent store they heard “Xiao Xuan, your filming is nearly wrapped, isn’t it?” Song Xiaoqing asked, her voice echoing with a practiced elegance as she strolled beside Jiang Xuan.
The question made Jiang Xuan’s heart skip a beat. “We should finish just before the New Year,” she murmured, her eyes dimming.
“Good. Once this project is over, stay home where you belong. Be a proper shao nainai [少奶奶 – The ‘young mistress’ or daughter-in-law of a wealthy, prestigious family]. Stop running around in public making a spectacle of yourself.” Song Xiaoqing offered a thin, aristocratic smile in response. “Now pick out a dress for the company’s annual gala. As the President’s wife, you must project dignity and grace—not look like some common actress for people to gossip about.”
Jiang Xuan forced a faint smile, nodding obediently. “I understand, Mom.”
While Song Xiaoqing wasn’t entirely satisfied with this daughter-in-law, Jiang Xuan’s submissiveness was a refreshing contrast to Su Yue’s sharp tongue and defiant attitude. “Come, we’ll pick out some jewelry next. You’re dressed far too plainly for a woman of your status.”
“Thank you, Mom,” Jiang Xuan replied. Her gaze drifted, catching a slender, striking figure in the distance holding a child’s hand. “Mom, look—it’s Yueyue.”
Song Xiaoqing’s expression soured instantly. She was a woman who demanded absolute obedience; because Jiang Ci and Su Yue treated her words like wind past their ears, she poured all her affection into her younger son and Jiang Xuan.
On the other side, Jiang Haoyan was the first to notice them. He pointed a chubby finger toward them. “Mom, look! It’s Grandma!”
Seeing they had been spotted, Su Yue had no choice but to lead the boy over to offer a polite greeting.
“Grandma,” Haoyan chirped obediently.
“Mm,” Song Xiaoqing gave the child a brief smile before looking at Su Yue with forced politeness. “Since you’re here, shop with us.”
“No, thank you. I need to get Haohao some clothes, and I wouldn’t want to disturb your afternoon,” Su Yue declined smoothly. She had no desire to endure a shopping trip that would only leave her and the little guy feeling stifled.
“You certainly dote on that child,” Song Xiaoqing remarked, not pressing the issue after being rebuffed.
As they walked away, Jiang Xuan watched Su Yue and the boy laughing together. Was Su Yue’s affection for that kid genuine? She remembered what Jiang Muhang had whispered to her about the boy’s true identity. So Su Yue’s 180-degree change in attitude toward the kid made sense now—she likely knew Haoyan wasn’t Jiang Ci’s illegitimate son, but the sole heir to the powerful Sheng family.
Resentment now flickered in Jiang Xuan’s chest. She recalled Song Nianyue’s poisonous words: Every time you face Su Yue, you lose.
In her previous life, Jiang Ci had been a glacier to her, yet he doted on Su Yue. Now, even in the entertainment industry, Su Yue was the one receiving global endorsements, while Jiang Xuan was being pressured by her mother-in-law to quit.
She had been reborn to be a winner, not to be trampled by a “cannon fodder” character.
A dark warmth spread through her heart as she watched Su Yue’s back.
If Su Yue leaves the industry, then I can stay, right? As this thought came into her mind, she felt a bit of relief, thinking about the incident that was about to unfold soon.
“Make sure you and Jiang Ci are on time for the annual gala,” Song Xiaoqing commanded, snapping Jiang Xuan back to reality.
“That depends on Jiang Ci,” Su Yue replied casually.
“You’re his wife! Why do you need his permission for everything?” Song Xiaoqing snapped.
“Mom, you know his temper,” Su Yue said, deftly passing the buck to her husband. “I only listen to him.”
Song Xiaoqing went silent. No one in the Jiang family could dictate terms to Jiang Ci. Frustrated, she turned and left with Jiang Xuan.
Su Yue led Haoyan into a boutique. The saleswoman’s eyes nearly popped out of her head; she was a massive fan of Su Yue and had to bite her tongue to keep from screaming in delight.
“Could you find some outfits for a four-year-old?” Su Yue asked.
Her voice is like silk! the fan thought, frantically trying to stay professional. She looked at the adorable boy. Is this her secret child? “Please, follow me!”
Su Yue picked out a khaki jacket with a bear-ear hood. “How about this, Haohao?”
“Yes!” The little guy preened in front of the mirror, looking like a literal cub. “Haohao is handsome! Haohao likes it!”
“We also have a new ‘parent-child’ series [Qin zi zhuang – 亲子装: Matching outfits for parents and children, very popular for family bonding],” the saleswoman added eagerly.
Su Yue’s eyes fell on a “Big Bad Wolf” jumpsuit—it was oversized, plush, and utterly ridiculous. Next to it was a “White Rabbit” dress for the mother, complete with floppy ears and fluffy wristbands.
“Mommy’s the rabbit, Daddy’s the wolf, and Haohao is the bear!” the boy shouted, bouncing on his heels. “Mommy, let’s wear them together!”
Su Yue pictured the cold, arrogant, lethal Jiang Ci stuffed into a plush wolf costume. The image was so hilarious she couldn’t resist. “Okay. Let’s make Daddy the ‘Powerful Big Bad Wolf.'”
That evening, Jiang Ci returned home. No matter how many millions were at stake, he was always back for dinner on time.
Haoyan, already dressed in his bear suit, ran toward him with a bouncy tug-tug sound. He stood at Jiang Ci’s feet, tilting his head back. “Daddy! Mommy bought you a Big Bad Wolf! And Mommy is a rabbit!” He tugged his own ears proudly. “I’m a powerful bear!”
Jiang Ci scooped up the “cub,” an eyebrow raised. “A wolf, you say?”
Su Yue came downstairs just then, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Aoao, you’re back. Dinner’s ready.”
“Right,” he murmured, his gaze lingering on her.
Later that night, as the snow piled high on the branches outside, the villa was silent and cozy. Su Yue pulled out the plush wolf outfit, her red lips pouting playfully.
“Aoao, I bought you something new. Want to try it on?”
Jiang Ci sat on the edge of the bed, lazily tracking the movement of the “ugly” garment in her hands. A slow, predatory smirk touched his lips. “You really want to see me in that?”
“Haohao says you’ll be a handsome wolf,” Su Yue suppressed a giggle. “I think he’s right. Won’t you try it for me?” She had expected him to sneer or refuse, and she was ready to coax him with sweet words.
“Fine,” he said simply.
Su Yue blinked. “Wait, really? You’re agreeing just like that?”
Jiang Ci’s dark eyes locked onto hers, burning with a sudden, heavy intensity. “If I’m the wolf, you have to be the bunny. Little Trouble mentioned you have a matching one.”
“Well, yes… it’s a family set.”
“Good,” Jiang Ci said, standing up and taking the plush suit from her. His smile turned decidedly less “plush” and more predatory. “Then let’s change together. I’ve always wanted to see what a little white rabbit looks like up close.”
🌸 Hey! Translating this story takes a LOT of time ⏰💦
If you liked it, leave a comment 📝💖 — it really makes my day!
Your support keeps the story alive and helps me deliver the next chapter faster! 🚀📖