Chapter 294: Unexpected Family Gathering

Fang Meng bowed slightly: “Master and Madam have returned.”

Mother Jiang said: “I didn’t expect you all to arrive so early.”

Father Jiang extended his hand to shake Lin Zheng Ran’s, his manner formal.

He didn’t treat Lin Zheng Ran just as a young man.

“It’s an honor to finally meet you, young man. I’m Jiang Jingshi’s father. I’ve wanted to see you for a long time, and today I get my wish.”

Lin Zheng Ran shook his hand and sensed that the chairman of the Jiang Group truly had a commanding presence. His eyes seemed to probe into one’s thoughts, like an eagle’s gaze piercing straight to the heart. This veteran entrepreneur was indeed remarkable.

Though the other man’s status in Ziteng City was highly respected, Lin Zheng Ran felt no unease. He replied calmly:

“You’re too kind, Uncle. It’s actually your and Aunt’s reputations that I’ve long admired. Your names ring out in Ziteng City, and as a junior, I’ve always held you in high regard.”

After this simple exchange, Father Jiang’s lips curved into a smile. He could already see the young man’s potential.

Lin Zheng Ran showed no hesitation in front of his elders, his tone steady and his thoughts clear. While this might not impress seasoned veterans,

it was impressive for someone his age, even younger than Father Jiang’s eldest daughter, to carry such composure.

In all the young people Father Jiang had met over the years, this was a first.

And strangely, he found Lin Zheng Ran quite likable—a valuable trait for a businessman.

He was pleased.

Mother Jiang watched them shake hands and gave her husband a look, as if saying that Lin Zheng Ran had saved their daughter’s life, so he shouldn’t keep testing the young man’s potential today.

She smiled and said: “I’ll just call you Zheng Ran directly, alright?”

Lin Zheng Ran agreed: “Of course, Aunt. You can call me whatever you like.”

Mother Jiang continued: “Zheng Ran, thank you for saving my daughter Jiang Jingshi’s life. I don’t know how to thank you properly, so I brought some things along the way. You can take them when you leave after dinner.”

She added: “The other day, your uncle and I planned to visit you, but Jiang Jingshi said it might disturb you, so we didn’t go. I hope you don’t mind.”

Lin Zheng Ran smiled back: “Aunt and Uncle, you’re being too polite. How could I mind? I’ve known Jingshi for so long, and when she was sick, I couldn’t just ignore it. When I treated her, I wasn’t thinking about any favors in return.”

Father Jiang said seriously: “No matter what, your kindness to our Jiang Family is clear. If you don’t mind, feel free to visit us often. Your aunt and I would be glad to have you.”

“Thank you.”

Jiang Jingshi thought it was enough and interrupted: “Alright, Mom and Dad, let’s skip the formalities. I already told the kitchen to prepare the food. You two rest for a bit, and we’ll eat in half an hour.”

Mother Jiang nodded: “Okay, but what were you four doing on the second floor just now?”

“Oh, we were showing Zheng Ran around his room. We still need to show him the courtyard, so we’ll take him there now.”

Father Jiang and Mother Jiang caught the key point and exchanged a glance.

Mother Jiang smiled meaningfully: “Is that so? Alright, go ahead.”

Once approved, Jiang Jingshi led Lin Zheng Ran to the courtyard, but Fang Meng tried to follow until Second Miss Jiang Qian pulled her sleeve.

Fang Meng looked at Jiang Qian in confusion and noticed her dark expression.

“Qian Qian?”

Jiang Qian said coldly: “Fang Meng, come with me for a moment. Emergency meeting!”

She watched her sister and Lin Zheng Ran head to the courtyard, then pulled Fang Meng into the study.

After they left, Father Jiang and Mother Jiang suddenly burst out laughing.

Mother Jiang said: “Did you hear that? Did you catch what Jingshi called him?”

Father Jiang walked forward: “Of course. That close nickname makes their relationship pretty clear.”

Mother Jiang followed her husband: “What do you think of this young man?”

“What else is there to say?” He glanced back with confidence: “A son-in-law with such business sense is one I’ll definitely secure.”

Hearing this, Mother Jiang lightly elbowed him, catching him off guard. “What business sense? I mean, do you think he and Jingshi are a good match? Why is your mind always on business?”

With no one else around, Father Jiang dropped the act and grumbled: “Well, she’s calling him that fondly. As her father, what can I say? I just care about the business side.”

Mother Jiang chuckled: “Though we haven’t talked much, I think he’s a good young man. You can often tell someone’s presence right away. Our Jingshi has a reliable future ahead.”

He sat on the sofa and analyzed:

“It’s too soon to say that. He’s still young, and even if he wants to marry Jingshi someday, it’ll take years. Plus, the Jiang Group and Zheng Shi Company have some business conflicts lately;

we need to clear that up over dinner to avoid issues. Especially since the Jiang Group will go to Qian Qian,

and she’s not as gentle as her sister. Who knows if she’ll find a boyfriend like her sister’s? Good young men like him are rare—we should pave the way for Qian Qian too.”

Mother Jiang nodded but teased quietly: “Sister’s husband? They’re not even married yet, and you’re already calling him that?”

Father Jiang clicked his tongue: “Why do you always have to nitpick? You agree with it anyway. So much fuss.”

Mother Jiang elbowed him again.

“I like it that way! And you’re talking back?”

In the study, as the door locked shut,

Jiang Qian and Fang Meng faced each other.

“Fang Meng, did you hear that?” Jiang Qian asked with a dark, desperate tone.

Fang Meng hummed and sighed softly:

“Though you’re asking vaguely, I know what you mean. I heard it—Lin Zheng Ran calling the eldest miss Jingshi, and she calling him Zheng Ran.”

Jiang Qian said in disbelief: “Is that real? My ears aren’t playing tricks on me? No hallucinations?”

Fang Meng replied: “Unless mine are too, but that’s impossible. I check myself regularly, and I’ve always kept an eye on your health, Qian Qian.”

“I don’t get it—why are they calling each other that? Are they playing house or something?”

Fang Meng looked awkward: “I think the situation is more serious than we expected. The eldest miss and Lin Zheng Ran might actually like each other.”

At that, Jiang Qian stared at Fang Meng in fear, her eyes glazing over.

Fang Meng paused before saying: “The eldest miss and Lin Zheng Ran might have feelings for each other.”

Jiang Qian breathed a sigh of relief, glad it wasn’t the worst: “I hate to admit Lin Zheng Ran could be attracted to my sister, but…”

Fang Meng stayed silent. She had almost said they might be together, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it.

Because deep down, she didn’t want Lin Zheng Ran with anyone else either.

Jiang Qian clenched her fists: “We can’t just sit here! The brave win in a standoff. Tonight’s dinner is the perfect time to declare war!”

“Declare war? What are you planning, Qian Qian?”

“Break through and seize the moment!”