Chapter 291: Family Bonds and Secrets

Jiang Jingshi hadn’t expected her grandfather to arrive early and quickly greeted him, “Grandfather, you’re here ahead of schedule?”

Lin Zheng Ran recognized the figure as familiar; he’d seen him in the veteran photo album at his own grandfather’s house.

“Hello, Grandfather, I’m Lin Zheng Ran. I’m visiting today and hope I’m not intruding.”

“Finally, I get to meet you in person. You’re not intruding at all—you’re the one who saved my precious granddaughter Jiang Jingshi’s life, our family’s honored guest. We’re the ones who should be thanking you. You probably know your grandfather and I are old comrades, right?”

He slowly walked up to Lin Zheng Ran, studying the young man’s demeanor and speech.

He was even better than imagined—truly a standout among people, different from the ordinary at first glance.

Lin Zheng Ran smiled, “Yes, I know you’re old comrades with my grandfather. I’ve heard him mention you occasionally and seen your photos at his house. And the childhood engagement—was that something my grandfather arranged with you?”

Grandfather Jiang chuckled heartily:

“That’s right, your childhood engagement with Jingshi was set by your grandfather and me. Though years have passed, once it’s set, it stays set. I’ve always kept an eye on you.

I’ve learned a lot about you—accomplished at a young age, and now you’re the general manager of Zheng Shi Company. You and our Jingshi make a perfect match.”

Jiang Jingshi smiled shyly.

But Jiang Qian cut in coldly, “Grandfather, how are Sister and Lin Zheng Ran a match? They’re just working together, at most colleagues. Don’t get the wrong idea.”

Grandfather Jiang looked at his youngest granddaughter in confusion.

He thought to himself that lately, Qian Qian had been arguing with her sister more than usual, but she’d never been rude in front of outsiders before.

Grandfather Jiang gave an awkward laugh:

“Don’t mind her; the sisters are always like this. Qian Qian isn’t unwelcoming—she just enjoys teasing her sister. Right, Qian Qian?” His voice grew a bit stern, offering her a way out.

Grandfather Jiang had assumed Jiang Qian disliked Jingshi bringing outsiders home or didn’t like Lin Zheng Ran, especially since she hadn’t wanted the engagement three years ago and it had gone to her sister instead.

But as soon as he said it, he realized something was off—during the family meeting about Lin Zheng Ran saving Jingshi, his youngest granddaughter hadn’t seemed to dislike the young man. She wasn’t the type to hold a grudge against someone who saved her sister.

Jiang Qian nodded, “Of course, I welcome Lin Zheng Ran to our home. We’re quite familiar, but Sister and he just don’t match.”

Grandfather grew even more puzzled, wondering what she meant by that.

It sounded strangely off, like some kind of illusion.

Jiang Qian looked at her grandfather, “Since it’s Lin Zheng Ran’s first time here, Xiao Meng and I can show him around. It’s rude to keep a guest standing while we talk.”

Grandfather Jiang nodded, half understanding, “Sure, go ahead. He’ll be a regular visitor, so show him where you and Jingshi usually live.”

He turned to Lin Zheng Ran, “Make yourself at home here, like it’s your own place. After the tour, relax a bit and join us for a casual dinner tonight.”

Lin Zheng Ran smiled, “Thank you, Grandfather.”

Jiang Qian smiled and pulled Lin Zheng Ran along, with Fang Meng adding, “Let’s start over here. This is where Qian Qian and the Eldest Miss have their individual study rooms.”

With that, the three headed off into the distance.

Jiang Jingshi stood there, stunned and full of questions, her hand half raised.

Grandfather watched them go and asked, “I just realized—Qian Qian doesn’t dislike this Lin Zheng Ran after all?”

Jiang Jingshi watched the trio with a huff, but since Lin Zheng Ran was already hers, she felt confident.

She replied to her grandfather, “Grandfather, you’re just figuring that out? Qian Qian doesn’t just not dislike him—she’s crazy about him. They were desk mates in high school, and it’s pretty obvious, don’t you think?”

Grandfather Jiang looked at his youngest granddaughter’s expression and could see the joy on her face:

“Yes, it’s obvious, but that doesn’t make sense. If Qian Qian doesn’t dislike Lin Zheng Ran, why didn’t she go through with the matchmaking three years ago and let you take it instead? Did she dislike him back then and change her mind?”

Jiang Jingshi thought back to that night three years ago and said softly, “Because back then, Qian Qian didn’t know her matchmaking partner was Lin Zheng Ran. Otherwise, she never would have given it back to me.”

“Ah?” Grandfather Jiang was shocked; he hadn’t known this. “Wait, Jingshi, are you saying Qian Qian has feelings for Lin Zheng Ran?”

Jiang Jingshi sighed.

The idea of a little sister liking her brother-in-law sounded ridiculous.

But if she was going to marry Lin Zheng Ran, this was something she had to resolve. Qian Qian needed to genuinely wish her and him well.

“That’s how it is, but Grandfather, leave the young folks’ matters to us. I’ll go change clothes. You rest too.”

With that, Jiang Jingshi headed to her bedroom, eager to change and join Lin Zheng Ran on the tour. She didn’t want Qian Qian handling everything while she did nothing.

As Jiang Jingshi left, Grandfather stood alone, blinking in confusion.

He muttered to himself, “So both my granddaughters like this Lin family grandson? Then why did I bother pushing them into matchmaking? What a waste of effort. But now, things suddenly feel complicated.”

He turned to go to his room for clothes, thinking, “A little sister liking her sister’s husband, or a sister liking her sister’s fiancé—either way, it’s not easy to sort out.”

As he walked, Jiang Jingshi paused and called back gently, “Oh, and Grandfather, don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not competing with Qian Qian—I’ve already won.”

Grandfather stopped, “You’ve already won? Jingshi, do you mean you and Lin Zheng Ran are…”

“Yes, we’re together, but Qian Qian doesn’t know yet. I plan to tell her over dinner as a surprise.”

She went back to her room, leaving Grandfather sensing that tonight’s dinner might be anything but ordinary.

On the first floor, in various rooms, Fang Meng and Jiang Qian were showing Lin Zheng Ran around—the study rooms, collection room, printing storeroom, and kitchen.

Everything was spacious and set up far beyond a typical residence.

Lin Zheng Ran remarked, “Your place is impressively designed. You can do almost anything without stepping outside, and it’s got everything you need.”

Fang Meng said, “Even if you need to shop, it’s not far. Head west from here and there’s a large shopping area with all the daily essentials, just for residents like us.”

“A dedicated mall—definitely the perks of a villa district.”

The three reached the private kitchen, where Fang Meng explained:

“This is the Eldest Miss’s private kitchen. You might not know, but when she’s alone, she sometimes comes here to whip up a few dishes—it’s her unique way to unwind…”

Before she finished, Lin Zheng Ran interjected, “I know about that. She loves cooking, and she’s amazing at it. I’ve had her dishes plenty of times.”

His words left Fang Meng and Jiang Qian speechless.

Such a simple statement packed several key points.

Fang Meng said in surprise, “You know that? And she’s cooked just for you?”

“Yeah.”

Fang Meng added, “Not many people know she cooks, and even Qian Qian rarely gets to try it.”

Jiang Qian’s face turned cold, her fists clenching slightly.

Sister, do you really think these tricks will snatch Lin Zheng Ran from me?

“Forget this rundown kitchen—let’s check out my piano room on the second floor.”