Chapter 37 Part 2

Actually, Jiang Yueming felt a bit awkward calling her by name. Since Ah Man was two years her senior, logically she should call her “Sister Man,” but because Ah Man had married her younger sister, Jiang Yueyi, she couldn’t use that title either. After thinking it over, just the name was most appropriate.

“Yueming, are Mom and Dad free tonight? I’d like to bring Jiangjiang home for a visit.”

Jiang Yueming nearly couldn’t maintain the smile on her face. No one would ever imagine that the usually stern and strict Ah Man would use such an intimate nickname.

“Y-yes, they are!” Oh no, my image of Sister Man has been completely shattered!

Jiang Yueming instantly realized that Ah Man must have already met Jiang Yueyi, otherwise Ah Man would absolutely never have said those words.

“Yiyi, she…” Jiang Yueming hesitated, unable to bring herself to ask where Jiang Yueyi was now. Mainly because Jiang Yueyi’s departure from the country without looking back left Jiang Yueming with a lingering, vague sense of guilt whenever facing Ah Man.

Ah Man perceived her unspoken question and explained, “Jiangjiang has been staying with me these past couple of days.”

Jiang Yueming laughed awkwardly. That girl Yiyi actually didn’t tell the family! Leading everyone to think she was off fooling around at some friend’s house again.

Ah Man didn’t continue talking about Jiang Yueyi at this point. Instead, she steered the conversation toward the silent Qiao Jinge beside them.

“Yueming, that Assistant of yours, she looks somewhat familiar to me.”

Jiang Yueming looked at Qiao Jinge and nodded in agreement with Ah Man, smiling. “When I first met her, I also thought she looked a bit familiar, but I couldn’t place who she reminded me of. I guess beautiful people just share similar features.”

Ah Man leaned back slightly, crossing her legs. She said languidly, “Don’t you think she resembles Qiao Shijian a little?”

Jiang Yueming wasn’t familiar with the Qiao Family, so it was normal not to recall Qiao Shijian immediately.

But Ah Man was different. She had just done business with Qiao Shijian recently, and besides, she was very familiar with the plot. So bringing up this point wouldn’t arouse any suspicion.

The smiling Qiao Jinge’s hands clenched involuntarily upon hearing Ah Man’s words. Her gaze turned icy, but in the blink of an eye, it reverted to her usual elegance.

“President Jiang must be referring to Qiao Shijian, President Qiao? I’ve seen President Qiao in magazines before. Even I think there’s some resemblance. But I’m just an ordinary employee; I can’t compare to President Qiao’s noble elegance.”

Jiang Yueming, now alerted by Ah Man’s observation, found Qiao Jinge looking more and more like Qiao Shijian. She couldn’t help but joke, “Speaking of which, it’s quite a coincidence. Not only do you two look alike, but you also share the surname Qiao.”

Qiao Jinge smiled stiffly, thinking she could maintain her smile, but Ah Man’s gaze was too deep and sharp, making it psychologically hard for Qiao Jinge to bear.

“Y-yes… quite a coincidence.”

Ah Man pushed up her glasses with her finger, withdrawing her gaze and concealing the mockery in her eyes.

She didn’t care what grudge Qiao Jinge had against the Qiao Family. She only cared whether Qiao Jinge would use the Jiang family. Therefore, Qiao Jinge had to leave Jiang Yueming’s side. As long as she could protect the Jiang family, she wouldn’t mind using some small measures.

Ah Man didn’t continue mentioning Qiao Shijian, as if her earlier remark was just an offhand curiosity, not specifically targeting Qiao Jinge.

The suspended stone in Qiao Jinge’s heart finally settled back in place. Afraid that Ah Man might target her again soon, she made an excuse to leave the room. Her footsteps were hurried, her high heels clicking with an irritated sound on the floor.

She fled to the Restroom and looked at her features in the mirror. She venomously wanted to tear them all off. For a long time now, Qiao Jinge had considered plastic surgery, but she couldn’t bear to, because she had other uses for this face.

Ah Man’s fingers tapped lightly on her knee, taking in Qiao Jinge’s hasty retreat. Her tolerance is so low. No wonder the only plan she could come up with was seducing Guan Jingsong — such a terrible idea.

“Yueming, how long have you been using that Assistant by your side?”

Jiang Yueming’s brow furrowed delicately. Ah Man kept asking about Qiao Jinge, which made her think more deeply. “About half a month. This Assistant was just newly recruited. She wasn’t supposed to accompany me on this business trip, but my usual Assistant asked for a day off, so she’s temporarily filling in. Ah Man, do you have something specific to tell me?”

Ah Man removed her glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose. Her red lips parted slightly. “That Assistant’s attitude felt a little off when mentioning Qiao Shijian. I recall Qiao Shijian’s father is quite the philanderer, plus there’s a resemblance between her and Qiao Shijian. Yueming, the Qiao Family is your competitor. You should exercise more caution.”

Jiang Yueming hadn’t reached this position solely by being the Jiang Family’s Eldest Miss; she relied on her skills and wits.

She understood Ah Man’s implication and took her words to heart. “Ah Man, I will pay attention.”

Ah Man placed her glasses on the table. Her upward-slanting eye shape held the allure of Phoenix Eyes. “If you truly can’t feel at ease, dismissing her or transferring her elsewhere are both viable options.”

“Alright.”

Ah Man extended her hand to her. “Pleasure doing business.”

Jiang Yueming was invigorated by her words. Thinking about this collaboration, she knew Ah Man had used personal influence, making her even more determined not to disappoint Ah Man, nor to implicate her sister through any failure of her own. She said solemnly, “Ah Man, pleasure doing business.”

“Then I’ll call Mom and Dad later. Let’s have dinner together.”

Jiang Yueming, thinking of this matter, added the suggestion.

Ah Man nodded. “Fine.”

Now it was 7 PM. The appointment with the Jiang family was at 8 PM.

Ah Man leaned against the door and checked her wristwatch. Half an hour had already passed, and Jiang Yueyi still hadn’t found the right outfit. If she let her continue dawdling, they probably wouldn’t be out the door before 9 PM.

She knocked on the walk-in closet door and then said, “I’m coming in.”

“No, no! I’m not ready yet!”

Ah Man laughed. If she hadn’t said that, it would be fine. But saying it only made Ah Man want to push the door open and see even more.

She pressed her fingerprint and walked straight in.

The long walk-in closet was now a chaotic mess. Jackets and various accessories were scattered on the floor. Ah Man covered her face with her hand. She somewhat regretted buying so many things for Jiang Yueyi.

“How did you get in here!”

Jiang Yueyi complained, yanking the fluffy Artist Beret off her head and throwing it at Ah Man.

Ah Man caught the beret and laughed. “There’s still half an hour until eight. If I hadn’t come in, who knows how long you’d drag this out.”

Jiang Yueyi pouted and snorted arrogantly. She knew she was in the wrong and simply turned back towards the mirror.

Ah Man surveyed her outfit: a loose, coffee-colored knit sweater tucked into a black A-line woolen mini skirt, a dark brown belt cinching her slender waist, a pair of combat boots reaching her calves, revealing fair, long, and straight legs.

She was facing away from Ah Man, staring intently into the mirror.

Suddenly she turned around and saw Ah Man’s amused eyes. Only then did Jiang Yueyi realize that Ah Man had seen all her posturing in the mirror. This made her jump up and down in embarrassment on the spot.

“Why didn’t you make a sound!”

Ah Man touched her nose and explained, “You were too focused. You didn’t even notice whether I left or not.”

“Hah, woman! All twisted logic.”

“You’re a woman too.”

Jiang Yueyi glared at her fiercely and decided not to stoop to her level.

“Jiangjiang, you already look beautiful like this. Really.”

This nickname was something Jiang Yueyi had requested. No one had ever called her that before, so she felt this special privilege should be given to Ah Man.

It was just that every time Ah Man called her that, Jiang Yueyi couldn’t help her ears burning, as if these two ordinary words had suddenly become magical, making her whole body feel strange.

“I told you not to call me that anymore. Why do you still call me Jiangjiang?”

Ah Man walked over and placed the Artist Beret she was holding onto Jiang Yueyi’s hair, gently patting the hat — very lightly, not ruining her hairstyle.

Her eyes gentle, she smiled. “Weren’t you the one who asked me to call you that initially?”

“I’m withdrawing that permission now!”

Ah Man put her hands in her pockets and watched with interest. “Then what should I call you? Wife, Baby? Or something even cheesier?”

By now, Jiang Yueyi’s face was completely flushed. Frantically, she questioned, “Before, my friend said Jiang Man was an especially aloof, especially arrogant woman. Now see, they were all fooled by your acting! You’re just the worst.”

“Treating others versus treating you, can the attitude be the same?”

She was very direct and very frank, but it had to be said, these words made Jiang Yueyi utterly delighted.

Jiang Yueyi just loved this kind of differential treatment. She loved it, absolutely loved it.

So the smile on her face was exceptionally bright as she said proudly, “You do have a point. Who made me your girlfriend? Then in that case, I’ll allow you to call me Jiangjiang.”

Ah Man pointed at her own cheek and leaned her face closer. “No reward?”

Jiang Yueyi frowned with distaste. “Why are you always fixated on that?”

Ah Man sighed dejectedly. “I get it. You’re already starting to find this old woman annoying.”

“Not at all, you’re not old at all!” She declared emphatically. At the same time, her hands cupped Ah Man’s face, and she looked earnestly into her eyes. “Generally speaking, old things and antique objects are the ones worth good money.”

Ah Man gave her a deadpan look. “Why do I feel like you’re insulting me?”

Jiang Yueyi couldn’t hold back her laughter, leaning her head on Ah Man’s shoulder and laughing heartily. Her bright eyes held a hint of shyness. “Then I’ll reluctantly give this old thing a kiss.”

But Ah Man turned her head. The kiss meant for her cheek became lips touching lips.

Jiang Yueyi bounced out of Ah Man’s arms as if she had springs on her feet.

“You… you old thing, you’re not proper at all!”

Ah Man’s face lit up with a gentle smile, her gaze profound. “This is nothing. Do you want to see something even more inappropriate?”

“Goodbye!” She randomly grabbed a trench coat and bolted out. She had a gut feeling that if she stayed any longer, she really might get to see it.

Ah Man followed leisurely behind. Well, that got her out. Seems a little scare is still necessary.

“Wow, a limited edition supercar! President Jiang is so generous!”

Ah Man tossed her the car keys, lifting her chin. “A gift for you.”

Something this flashy, I really can’t drive it.

“Really?”

Ah Man narrowed her eyes and said sarcastically, “Do I look stingy to you?”

“Thank you, Older sister!”

“Got benefits, so I’m Older sister. No benefits, so I’m President Jiang.”

Jiang Yueyi hugged Ah Man’s arm, grinning broadly. She was in a good mood now, so she didn’t mind whatever Ah Man said. “Let me take you for a spin.”

“Start the car.”

Jiang Yueyi pulled Ah Man into the car. Inside, she took a deep breath and sighed, “So this is the temptation of money. Sister Jiang, I hope you can tempt me like this every day.”

The corners of Ah Man’s mouth curled upward. She took out her phone and tapped on it. When she put her phone back in her purse, Jiang Yueyi heard the sound of a text message notification.

She didn’t think much of it and casually picked it up to look. As a result, her eyes sparkled brightly. Jiang Yueyi happily and coquettishly called out to Ah Man, “Wifey, you’re the best~”

Jiang Yueyi wasn’t short on money, but when faced with Ah Man’s money power, even this pampered young Miss raised in wealth couldn’t escape her palm.

So that very day, Father Jiang and Mother Jiang saw a post on their WeChat Moments feed. And, of course, it included a photo of Jiang Yueyi and Ah Man together.

【Today, President Jiang is my personal Domineering CEO oh~ qvq】

“Old Jiang, Old Jiang! Come quick, is there something wrong with my phone?”

Father Jiang hurriedly put on his reading glasses, squinted at the phone, and slapped his thigh in shock. He shouted, “Yueming, Yueming, come look at this! Are your mother’s and my phones infected with a virus? How come we’re seeing a photo of Yiyi and Jiang Man?”

Jiang Yueming took a bite of her apple and said calmly, “Mom, Dad, have either of you considered that this might really be a WeChat Moment posted by Yiyi herself?”

So, little sister, please act normal. Look how you’ve scared Mom and Dad.