Chapter 295: Whispers of Family and Fortune

In the villa courtyard, summer days lingered long, keeping the sky bright even as dinnertime approached.

Jiang Jingshi walked with Lin Zheng Ran through much of the yard, pointing out the flowers, trees, and garage, before realizing her sister and Xiao Meng hadn’t followed.

Though she didn’t know what they were up to, being alone was a good thing.

She noticed Lin Zheng Ran pausing to stare at a striking, plump pine tree.

Jiang Jingshi said, “This tree was bought by my father when we sisters moved into this villa. It cost nearly a hundred thousand, and it’s thriving.”

“Even the cheaper ones go for around ten thousand, but it’s definitely eye-catching.”

“Zheng…”

“Hmm?” Lin Zheng Ran turned to look at Jiang Jingshi.

She hesitated for a moment, her face flushing, before slowly speaking: “Later, at dinner, I want to tell my parents about us being together. What do you think? Is it too sudden?”

“Not at all, it’s just the truth. If you want to say it, go ahead.”

Lin Zheng Ran never hesitated over facts. Even with many girlfriends, he always kept things open and honest.

Hearing Lin Zheng Ran’s straightforward agreement, Jiang Jingshi felt thrilled. Only couples truly committed would share such intimate details with family.

“As long as you’re okay with it. Also, seeing my parents earlier reminded me of something. Now that Qian Qian is set to inherit the Jiang Group, and we’re together, they might still be cautious about you, even though they like you.”

She explained, “Of course, it’s not that they don’t welcome you, but you should understand—they’re businesspeople. The Jiang Group is the result of their lifelong efforts, so family matters are top priority.”

Lin Zheng Ran smiled:

“I get what you mean, Jingshi. I bet at dinner, Uncle and Aunt might bring up ideas like partnering Zheng Shi Company with the Jiang Group or not interfering in each other’s business. Basically, they’re worried I’ll whisk you away.”

Talking with Lin Zheng Ran felt easier by the minute; he always caught on quickly.

It was like they shared a deep connection.

She nodded gently:

“Yes, on the surface, my sister and I don’t get along, but our parents know we’re close. Even with our separate companies, there are no real business conflicts. But if I follow you, I’ll be yours to lead, and I think that’s what worries them most.”

“Don’t worry.” Lin Zheng Ran promised: “Just like you told me years ago, Zheng Shi Company and the Jiang Group will never oppose each other—only cooperate. After all, we’ll be family.”

“Mm!” Jiang Jingshi stepped closer, leaning her head toward his shoulder:

“Honestly, if it were anyone else, my parents wouldn’t worry. But you’re exceptional, Zheng. After seeing your abilities, even I felt uneasy about how you might challenge the Jiang Group. I never imagined I’d end up with you.”

No sooner had he spoken than Jiang Qian’s voice called from afar: “Sister, why are you standing so close to Lin Zheng Ran?!”

Jiang Qian’s arrival stopped Jiang Jingshi from resting on his shoulder.

A hint of disappointment crossed her face, but curiosity won out: “What were you two doing? Why are you just getting here?”

Jiang Qian hurried over and stepped between them.

“Just discussing something with Xiao Meng. You two can talk, but don’t stand so close!”

Jiang Jingshi caught the jealous, watchful look in her sister’s eyes and didn’t respond. Instead, she turned to Lin Zheng Ran:

“Zheng, we’ve toured the yard. Let’s head back to the living room. I’ll pour you some tea—I have some great ones at home.”

Lin Zheng Ran agreed: “Sure.”

“Come on, Qian Qian and Xiao Meng, want to join us for tea?” she asked her sister deliberately.

Hearing Lin Zheng Ran’s response to her sister, Jiang Qian felt a pang.

“Fine, I’ll have some.”

“Really?” Jiang Jingshi covered her mouth in surprise: “Qian Qian, you usually don’t drink tea.”

Jiang Qian frowned: “I’m in the mood today—what’s it to you?”

Back in the living room at the tea table, Fang Meng brewed the tea. After serving the two misses, she started to pour for Lin Zheng Ran.

But Jiang Jingshi reached out to stop her: “I’ll do it, Xiao Meng.”

Both Fang Meng and Jiang Qian paused. She handed the teapot to the eldest miss: “Alright, Miss Jiang.”

So Jiang Qian and Fang Meng watched as the usually graceful Jiang Jingshi poured tea for Lin Zheng Ran.

Though Lin Zheng Ran politely declined a bit, it was clear this wasn’t their first time—she handled it with ease.

“Zheng, try this. A guest gave it to me; it’s top quality.”

Soon, dinner began.

Grandfather Jiang sat at the head, with Father Jiang, Mother Jiang, and the others taking their seats.

Under Fang Meng’s direction, the servants brought out the dishes in perfect order.

Father Jiang didn’t beat around the bush and dove straight into the topic of the two companies’ future in front of everyone.

“Zheng Ran, before we eat, let me say this. You saved Jingshi’s life, and now she’s starting a company with you. I see you as family.

No need for formalities—I’ll be direct! My daughters, Jingshi and Qian Qian, have long had their company inheritances set. Jingshi has shares in the Jiang Group, but Qian Qian will be the future general manager.

Qian Qian is young and talented, but I have to admit, compared to you, she’s not even half as capable. If you ever decided to oppose her and the Jiang Group, with your resources and Jingshi’s help, we might not stand a chance.”

Jiang Jingshi knew her father would bring this up, but not so bluntly.

“Dad, what are you saying? Zheng and I would never go against our family.”

Then Mother Jiang added seriously:

“Jingshi, your father says this because he truly sees Zheng Ran as family, no pretense.”

Mother Jiang looked at Lin Zheng Ran:

“Zheng Ran, to be clear in front of Jingshi, Qian Qian, and all of us, we hope you’ll promise not to make things hard for Qian Qian in business.”

She then turned to her younger daughter: “Qian Qian, we hope you’ll promise not to oppose your sister or Zheng Ran.”

Jiang Qian said flatly, without hesitation: “Don’t worry, I won’t go against my sister or Zheng Ran’s Zheng Shi Company. I swear it—we can even sign a contract after dinner.”

Lin Zheng Ran didn’t hesitate either; he liked this directness: “Same here, I won’t oppose the Group. We can sign whatever’s needed.”

Father Jiang and Mother Jiang both relaxed, and the silent grandfather chuckled.

Jiang Jingshi and Fang Meng smiled too.

Father Jiang raised his glass: “Perfect! Let’s all toast to smooth sailing ahead.”

Everyone lifted their glasses, and Jiang Jingshi said, “By the way, before we drink, I have something to share.”

Jiang Qian cut in: “Wait, I have something important to say too!”

The elders watched the two sisters speak at once, curious about what was coming.

Jiang Jingshi wasn’t rushed; she thought about what her sister might say and smiled: “Qian Qian, you have something too?”

Jiang Qian nodded, with everyone watching, and set down her glass without pause:

“Mom, Dad, Sister, Grandfather, I want to say I like Lin Zheng Ran. I have to be with him—he’s mine.”