Chapter 225: Whispers of Family and Secrets

“That’s well said,” Mother Jiang replied matter-of-factly.

“Mom has only you and Qian Qian as her treasures. From the day you were born, I’ve always kept you both in mind. It’s just that the company has been so busy lately that I haven’t had the time. Otherwise, I would have had someone look into Qian Qian’s crush by now.”

She looked at her eldest daughter and continued, “I heard you were checking it out, so I relaxed and didn’t interfere. So, what’s the boy’s name? What’s his family background and status?”

Jiang Jingshi glanced back at Jiang Qian standing in the distance.

Jiang Qian stared back with a cool, meaningful gaze.

Jiang Jingshi smiled slightly, covering for her sister and herself,

“This is tricky for me to say, and I’m not even sure if Qian Qian really likes him. From what I know, at the start of the school year, her grades weren’t as good as his, and he outshone her in sports too. So, she set out to beat him and started paying attention to him.”

“As for whether it’s actual liking, well, when I asked her recently, she said it wasn’t—just some interest. It might all be a misunderstanding.”

Mother Jiang’s eyes sharpened as she pondered, “Is that so?”

Jiang Jingshi nodded, “I’m telling the truth, not a single lie.”

She felt no guilt because that’s exactly what Jiang Qian had told her when asked about liking Lin Zheng Ran.

Mother Jiang nodded,

“Alright, I trust you. With Qian Qian’s personality, it’s hard to imagine her liking anyone anyway. So, let’s set that aside for now. The main thing is your situation with Lin Zheng Ran.”

“Once we confirm the date he’s coming to our house, your dad, Qian Qian, your grandfather, and I will all be there. We’ll have a family dinner together.”

“That formal?”

“Of course! It’s his first visit to our home—your dad and I have to treat it seriously!”

As they talked, Jiang Jingshi suddenly felt a wave of dizziness.

Mother Jiang quickly steadied her, “What’s wrong, Jingshi?”

Jiang Jingshi thought it must be that condition again; once steady, she awkwardly replied, “Nothing, probably just worn out from all the recent stress. I felt a bit faint.”

Mother Jiang said with concern, “You’re right, juggling everything is exhausting. Once Qian Qian takes over some of your work, you’ll have it easier.”

They chatted a bit more.

Mother Jiang and Jiang Jingshi returned to the doorway.

Father Jiang was already in the car. Mother Jiang turned to her daughters and the distant grandfather, “Jingshi, Qian Qian, and Dad, head back to your rooms. We’re leaving.”

The sisters said in unison, “Take care on the road, Mom and Dad.”

The driver closed the car doors for them and drove off into the distance.

In the car, Father Jiang asked softly, “How did it go?”

Mother Jiang sat beside her husband and smiled, “It seems it’s working out. From Jingshi’s tone, at least there’s a spark between them.”

“Just a spark?” Father Jiang frowned. “I’ve looked into that boy thoroughly—he’s a pure genius with incredible abilities. We can’t let a son-in-law like that slip away. Jingshi has to win him over. With him, the Jiang Family will be unstoppable.”

Mother Jiang clicked her tongue and lightly hit her husband,

“You say that so heartlessly. Business is business, but love is love. Even if Lin Zheng Ran is talented, it all comes down to Jingshi’s feelings. They need to actually like each other to make it work. If she doesn’t, no amount of talent justifies forcing them together.”

She shot him a disapproving glance, “You’re so opportunistic. Is that any way for a father to act?”

Father Jiang sighed, at a loss for words, “How am I opportunistic? I only say this because I know Jingshi likes him. Otherwise, why would I bring it up? I care most about our precious daughters. I’m leaving the whole business to them anyway.”

Mother Jiang huffed but admitted, “Well, you’re right about one thing—he’s young, talented, and anyone would envy that. Jingshi said he might come over for dinner soon, so we should make a good impression.”

“He’s coming as a guest? Great! I’ve been eager to meet this young man.”