Chapter 644: Mrs. Jiang Isn’t Married Yet

Night falls, the moon shining sparsely among stars, as the occasional sound of cars passes outside the window.

Yuan Youqin has already prepared dinner, instructing a few people to serve the dishes and even re-steaming the buns sent over by Third Grandma.

It’s been a while since Jiang Qin came home, and the homely meal is supremely comforting.

However, when he went for a walk after dinner, Jiang Qin was a bit puzzled as several old ladies outside asked him if he had chosen a date yet, specifically which day at the end of the year.

“?”

Feng Nanshu is utterly silent, walking stealthily as if it were none of her business.

Standing on the balcony, Yuan Youqin and Jiang Zhenghong watch the two below. ‘Little rich girl’ looks elegant and well-behaved leading the way. Jiang Qin trails behind like a clueless fool.

They speed up and slow down intermittently, sometimes Feng Nanshu turns back to find him and tries to hold hands.

Occasionally, Jiang Qin pinches her cheek and tousles her hair, hardly sitting still.

Finally, the two head into a dark corner at the end of the housing complex, exchanging glances before vanishing into it, up to some secretive business.

When they emerge, Jiang Qin deliberately chooses the darker path while Feng Nanshu sways a bit, as if intoxicated.

“Actually, the end of the year isn’t a bad time, right?”

“There are many good days towards year’s end.”

The couple whispers at the balcony window, unable to contain their excitement.

Truth be told, getting married so soon after coming of age is rather early, but since both are determined, there’s not much difference sooner or later.

After all, Nanshu is their treasure. Although their son often acts tough, it’s clear he can’t live without her…

Moreover, Aunt Li next door’s grandson has already begun kindergarten; watching him toddling downstairs with a tiny backpack each day strikes Yuan Youqin profoundly.

After a while, Jiang Qin returns home with Feng Nanshu, to find Jiang Zhenghong and Yuan Youqin sitting comfortably on the living room sofa, looking at them with relieved smiles.

Jiang Qin has only seen such a look from his father the day his exam results were released.

“What’s with them?”

“I don’t know.”

The little rich girl shakes her head, slightly tipsy from not having kissed in a while.

Unaware of his parents calculating the dates, Jiang Qin heads to Feng Nanshu’s bedroom and knocks on her door.

Usually, Gao Wenhui and Wang Haini would go shopping with Feng Nanshu, but today they stayed in her bedroom to give the couple some private time.

“Don’t forget to pack tonight. We’re heading back to Linchuan tomorrow.”

“Ah? That sudden?”

“I’m afraid you might eat me out of house and home.”

Gao Wenhui looks at Wang Haini, “But we’ve graduated. Where will we live upon returning?”

Jiang Qin thinks for a moment, “There are rental houses around Linchuan University. Or should I ask the headmaster to arrange a dorm for you?”

“No more dorms. Can’t even eat hotpot there, and there’s always some noise in the middle of the night.”

“Then rent a house. I’ll have it arranged.”

Wang Haini climbs out of bed, “Better yet, let Nanshu live with us. The three of us sisters can rent a three-bedroom.”

Jiang Qin yawns, “You sort it out among yourselves.”

July and August pass quietly. It’s almost the start of Feng Nanshu’s master’s program. Unsure if she’ll adjust to new social interactions, having them by her side should be good.

Jiang Qin ponders this then heads to the kitchen for a glass of water. He finds Yuan Youqin and Jiang Zhenghong discussing something seriously with Feng Nanshu, their expressions excited.

Hearing footsteps, the intent little rich girl suddenly turns around and sees Jiang Qin approaching, quickly behaving herself.

“?”

“What’s with the secrecy? It’s as if they’re plotting to sell me.”

Jiang Qin chuckles at his thought, but his smile fades slightly, a bad premonition rising.

Trouble. Could it be they find no use for a son now that they have a little rich girl? Really planning to sell me off?

After all, I haven’t been home in two months, yet they’re still fondly calling her their precious daughter.

Jiang, usually silent, for the first time picks up a broom and pretends to sweep the dining and entry area.

As the night deepens, Yuan Youqin yawns and returns to her room, and Feng Nanshu scampers to the restroom to wash up.

Jiang Zhenghong then brings a blanket to the sofa.

Leaning on his broom, Jiang Qin laughs, “What’s up, did you argue with mom? Punished to sleep on the sofa? It’s short, small, hard. You’ll be tired after a night on this.”

Jiang Zhenghong glances at him, “Silly boy… Really silly…”

“?”

Watching his father return to the bedroom, Jiang Qin realizes with a shock— as the guest room is occupied by Gao Wenhui and Wang Haini, and Feng Nanshu must be in the maid’s small bed, that only leaves himself for the sofa!

This is how a group-buy CEO is treated at home?

Feng Nanshu has finished washing up, putting her toothbrush and cup neatly, watching him with a lively gaze.

Jiang Qin looks at the little rich girl, “It’s all because of you, bringing Wang Haini and Gao Wenhui to our place. Now I have no room.”

“xxxx back at our home xxxx.”

Suddenly, Feng Nanshu appears quite pleased, her eyes sparkling.

Jiang Qin, unsure why she’s delighted, pinches her smooth cheek, then hurries her to bed.

After seeing the little rich girl crawl into the covers, he knocks on the guest room door, intending to get a pillow from the closet.

At this moment, Wang Haini is packing while Gao Wenhui furiously types on her laptop, apparently catching up on updates after a day of fun.

Peeking over, Jiang Qin remarks, “No, this isn’t right. Little rich girl isn’t that clever. She didn’t steal home on purpose; it was an accident.”

“?”

After completing his ‘guidance’ with a flourish, Jiang Qin looks ahead, immediately attracted by a gift box on the table.

This room was his before the little rich girl moved in, so he’s familiar with everything here, except this new gift box.

Jiang Qin reaches over, lifts the lid, and sees a photo frame inside.

“Who sent this?”

Gao Wenhui glances up, “Feng Nanshu’s dad. Didn’t you know?”

Jiang Qin shakes his head. “Nobody told me.”

“It’s a belated graduation gift, only arrived mid-last month. Oh, her dad also had dinner at your place.”

“Missed the graduation ceremony, then personally comes to Jizhou with a make-up gift? This move is truly baffling.”

After listening, Gao Wenhui closes her laptop, “Her dad is worthless, still hopes Feng Nanshu forgets past grievances and gets along with her stepmom. But why should she forgive? Who compensates for the pain she endured before?”

Jiang Qin looks at Gao Wenhui, “How do you know what’s on her father’s mind?”

“Nanshu said her dad talked a lot about family harmony before leaving, mentioned compensating her, and how blood is thicker than water. Clearly, he wants Nanshu to forgive that wretch. But why should she? Who heals the wounds she suffered?”

Wang Haini stands up, indignant, “A stepfather doesn’t necessarily mean a stepmother, but a stepmother certainly means a stepfather. And even if Feng Nanshu is the one hurt, her dad wouldn’t want to upset his new family. So, he expects Nanshu to be the bigger person.”

Frowning, Gao Wenhui blurts out, “Such useless men.”

After listening, Jiang Qin puts the frame back, “The nerve, to still dine at my place.”

“Exactly.”

“Time to sleep; we leave early tomorrow morning.”

“Oh.”

Jiang Qin turns and leaves, while Wang Haini can’t help but ask, “What if Jiang Qin wasn’t here to support Nanshu?”

Gao Wenhui pauses, “What do you mean?”

“With Jiang Qin backing Feng Nanshu, even her dad, company CEO, dares not act rashly. But without him, what if her dad actually pressures Nanshu to forgive her stepmom? Given her stepmom’s character, wouldn’t she become more abusive?”

“It’s okay; Feng Nanshu still has Aunt.”

Wang Haini shakes her head, “An aunt is still somewhat distant. You can’t win a lawsuit with that, but a husband is different, right?”

Gao Wenhui mulls, seeing the logic.

Besides, Feng Nanshu’s aunt also seems to have shifted her business focus by leveraging Jiang Qin’s investment in the real estate company, helping her own company break away from the Feng family business.

Without Jiang Qin, that move might never have been possible.

As they talk, they suddenly realize how crucial Jiang Qin really is to Feng Nanshu.

Some people are unreasonable and shameless. Fortunately, the world has even more unreasonable and shameless people to deal with them. Just as good people can’t always protect other good people, but bad people can.

Wang Haini closes her suitcase, “Enough, let’s sleep.”

Gao Wenhui checks her word count, “But I haven’t finished writing?”

“You write in the middle of the night, readers have to read in the middle of the night. How pitiful. Staying up isn’t good, it harms the body.”

“Fair point. I’ll skip updating today. Let my readers rest their eyes. I’m such a good writer!”

“……”