As the night deepened, a vast canvas of deepening indigo, painted with the luminous brushstroke of a bright, clean moon. A cool evening breeze drifted through the quiet, rustling the bamboo leaves outside, their soft “shush” a whisper in the encroaching stillness.
Jiang Ci emerged from his bath, clad in black pajamas, and settled onto the edge of the bed. His gaze fell upon Su Yue, seated before the dressing table, her wrist gracefully lifted, the crimson jade bracelet gleaming under the bright light. The vibrant jewel seemed to ignite her skin, making it appear as pure and white as freshly fallen snow.
“You like it?” Jiang Ci’s voice, clear and resonant, sliced through the quiet.
Su Yue nodded, her eyes fixed on the bracelet. “I like it very much.” Even with a pastwhich is ladened with rich and exquisite, costly jewelry, she had to concede that this piece was more than priceless; it was breathtaking. A blood jadeite of such unblemished, pure color was a rarity, a treasure. But more than its inherent value, it carried the Old Madam’s heart, a tangible symbol of Grandma Song’s approval.
Jiang Ci’s lips twitched. So easily satisfied.
His gaze lingered on her delicate, snow-white face. He remembered his grandmother’s words from earlier, the questions about his prolonged stay in Xiaoyanglou, her subtle inquiries about Su Yue’s feelings. He had been blind, uncaring of his surroundings, but Su Yue was different—a delicate blossom, deserving of a greenhouse, not this simple abode. Living here, he realized, was a disservice to her.
“After a while, we’ll move out of here,” Jiang Ci announced suddenly, his dark eyes meeting Su Yue’s.
“What?” Su Yue froze, her hand, which had been idly turning the jade bracelet, stilled. Incredulity bloomed across her face. “You said you want to move out of here?”
“Yes,” Jiang Ci affirmed, raising an eyebrow. “Why, don’t you want to?”
“No,” Su Yue replied, her dark eyes wide and luminous. “It’s just… suddenly. Can we really move out?” Though she couldn’t fathom the sudden shift in his plans, a surge of pleasant surprise washed over her.
“Why not?” He’d stayed here before because of his blindness, believing it to be the safest place.
“Then where are we going to move?” Su Yue’s smile widened, her eyes moist and beautiful, alive with curiosity.
“You’ll know when the time comes.” Jiang Ci stifled a lazy yawn. “Come here, let me hold you. I’m sleepy.”
Su Yue was accustomed to Jiang Ci’s nightly ritual of holding her as he drifted off. “Wait a minute,” she murmured softly, “I’ll put the bracelet away first.” Such a precious gift deserved careful keeping.
The room’s bright lights dimmed, replaced by a soft, warm yellow glow.
Jiang Ci’s arm encircled Su Yue’s slender waist, drawing her close. He felt a profound satisfaction as his black pajamas brushed against her soft, pink nightdress. His fingertips traced the smooth, thin fabric, and his warm breath caressed her neck.
“When will your birthday be?” he murmured, a hint of impatience in his lazy tone.
Su Yue, whose eyes had already closed, opened them. She turned to face him. “Ao Ao, are you going to celebrate my birthday for me?”
Jiang Ci pinched her cheek. “Don’t be arrogant.” This woman was growing bolder, no longer showing the fear she once had of him.
“Oh.” Su Yue gave a delicate yawn and closed her eyes again. “Then I’ll be waiting for your gift. Good night, Ao Ao.”
A faint scoff escaped Jiang Ci. He watched Su Yue, peacefully asleep, then withdrew his fingertips. Who wanted to give her a gift? Childish! He simply wanted to hold her as he slept.
Meanwhile, Song Nianyue, having returned from the Song family estate, seethed with unspoken resentment. She couldn’t comprehend Jiang Ci’s fiercely protective stance towards Su Yue, how he refused to hold her accountable for an act as severe as pushing him into a pond, an act that could have cost him his life.
Even the notoriously difficult Old Madam Song had shown Su Yue such kindness, clearly doting on her as a favored junior. Su Yue, who in Song Nianyue’s eyes was destined to be a mere female cannon fodder, was inexplicably growing more beautiful, more cherished, more loved.
A terrifying thought, one she desperately tried to suppress, began to bloom in Song Nianyue’s mind: could Su Yue have somehow stolen the heroine’s script?
Impossible! Song Nianyue bit her lip, refusing to believe it. She was the one who had transmigrated, the one different from those around her. The heroine’s aura should be hers.
However, the following day, Song Nianyue realized that her terrifying premonition was, in fact, correct.
“Tell me what happened. Didn’t you go to the Song family yesterday?” Father Song, who had left for his company early, suddenly returned, his voice sharp as he confronted Song Nianyue in the living room.
“Yes,” Song Nianyue replied, momentarily stunned.
“I asked you to win over the Song family for our new project, not to offend them! What exactly did you do yesterday to anger Madam. Song?” Father Song’s voice rose, laced with fury. “Our company had a long-standing cooperation project with the Song family that was about to expire. We were planning to renew the contract, but today, the Song family informed us they won’t be renewing. Do you understand the massive losses our company will incur if they don’t renew? And if this news spreads, it will shatter our reputation. Many companies only cooperate with us because of our ties to the Song family.”
“How could this be?” Song Nianyue gasped, genuinely shocked.
“I’m asking you now!” Father Song’s face was contorted with rage, blue veins throbbing on his forehead. “What on earth did you do yesterday?”
“I…” Song Nianyue bit her lip. She had only wanted to remind Mrs. Song and Jiang Ci of Su Yue’s true nature. Why were they not angry with Su Yue, but instead punishing her, venting their anger on her?
“I don’t care what method you use, you must appease Madam. Song,” Father Song declared, his eyes narrowing to slits. “Don’t forget everything you have now hinges on our company’s success. Otherwise, your cards will be frozen.”
Song Nianyue knew Father Song spoke the truth. If the company collapsed, she would also lose her lavish life.
In the days that followed, Song Nianyue attempted repeatedly to visit Madam. Song at the Song residence, only to be turned away by the housekeeper. Madam. Song was either out, or sleeping, or simply unavailable for guests. Song Nianyue’s heart burned with anxiety. Her once elegant face, usually serene and aloof, now betrayed a profound distress. She realized, with a chilling certainty, that she had completely lost the powerful backing of Madam. Song.
What Song Nianyue did not know was that these rejections were not Madam Song’s doing, but Jiang Ci’s. He hadn’t believed her words at all. Even if what she said was true, he wouldn’t have cared. As he had stated, Su Yue was his wife, and if she owed him a life, then she would repay it. As for Song Nianyue, whatever her intentions, Jiang Ci simply found such a persistently annoying “flea” irritating. He had simply, and decisively, put an end to its incessant jumping.
Su Yue had initially dismissed Jiang Ci’s casual remark about moving out of Xiaoyanglou. It wasn’t until today, when he asked her what she wanted to take with her, that the full weight of his seriousness hit her.
“Can we really move out? When?” Su Yue’s dark eyes shone with a mixture of surprise and delight.
“Today. Now,” Jiang Ci said, pinching her cheek. “Are you happy?”
“Yes,” Su Yue admitted freely, nodding. “It doesn’t feel like home here.”
“Home?” Jiang Ci raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased by the word.
“Are we leaving now?” Su Yue happily tugged at the hem of his clothes. “Then wait a minute, I’ll pack up first. I have to tell Xiao Haohao. I wonder if he’ll be happy.”
Jiang Haoyan, upon learning of the move to a new home, showed little reaction. As long as he was with his father, any place was fine.
Su Yue packed her luggage swiftly. Her belongings were already neatly organized, so it didn’t take long. Standing before three large suitcases, Su Yue adjusted her breathing. “Let’s go say hello to Grandpa, Father, and Mother,” she suggested. Otherwise, it would seem disrespectful, potentially causing dissatisfaction among the elders.
“Whatever you want,” Jiang Ci sneered.
In the study, Mr. Jiang stared at Jiang Ci and Su Yue. He slapped the table in shock. “What? You want to move out? Why?”
Su Yue glanced at Mr. Jiang, surprised by his strong reaction.
Jiang Ci scoffed, “Why? Do you really expect me to live in that dilapidated building for the rest of my life?”
“I told you to live there so you could rest,” Mr. Jiang sighed, his voice earnest. “Since you don’t like it, I’ll have someone clean it up later, and you can move back here.”Oh so can you also offer me my previous room Jiang Ci aslk with a visibly mocking snner on his lips .Hearing this Mr. Jiang’s face clouded. After all, it hadn’t been long since his eldest grandson, Jiang Ci, had moved into Xiaoyanglou when Song Xiaoqing decided to let Jiang Muhang move into Jiang Ci’s old bedroom. It was, after all, the best room in the villa, with excellent lighting and the largest area. It would be a waste to leave it empty.As Mr ‘Jiang was seriosly ponder about this .Jaing Ci lazily cut off his thoughts .
“No need . I don’t use things others have used,” Jiang Ci said lazily. “We’re moving out later.”
“No!” Mr. Jiang flatly denied Jiang Ci’s declaration.
“I’m just informing you, not asking for your permission. Anyway, I won’t be considering your opinion.” Jiang Ci, too lazy to argue further, put his arm around Su Yue’s waist. Reluctantly, he said, “Can , we go now.”
Su Yue raised her eyes, glancing at the fuming Old Man Jiang, and softly replied, “Okay.”
“I told you not to move out, Jiang Ci! Don’t you even listen to me?” Mr. Jiang slammed his hand on the table, making the books jump.
Jiang Ci sighed, then slowly said, “As if I’ve ever listened to anything you’ve said.”
“You…” Mr. Jiang choked on his anger, his face turning an even uglier shade. He spat harshly, “Don’t come back if you leave!”
Jiang Ci pondered for a moment, then his lips curved into a wry smile. “That’s exactly what I want.”
As they walked out of the study, Su Yue felt a pang of worry. “Will Grandpa be angry? After all, he’s old.” It wouldn’t be good for his health to be so upset.
“You mean, will he be angered to death ?” Jiang Ci countered.
Su Yue was glad they were now out of earshot of the study; otherwise, Mr. Jiang would surely erupt again at Jiang Ci’s words.
Jiang Ci dismissed her concern. “Don’t worry. The old man has a special medical team on standby 24 hours a day, and they check his body regularly. He’s sturdy as a horse and it’s very hard for him to angered to death .”