Butler Xu closed his eyes and enjoyed the rich flavor of the pork bone soup. He stirred it with a ladle, searching carefully, but couldn't find any sign of seafood.
Could it be that Qin Jiang's skills had advanced to the point where he had just blended the seafood into the soup?
Even so, Butler Xu wasn't completely at ease. He waved over a maid who was also allergic to seafood and had her taste it with a fresh spoon.
Seeing that the maid didn't have any allergic reaction, he finally relaxed.
Yan Liang frowned, displeased with Old Xu's actions. That soup was prepared by Ah Jiang for her, and she hadn't even had the first sip yet. Was Ah Jiang upset?
But, was it really true that this time Ah Jiang hadn't tampered with the soup?
Yan Liang was somewhat surprised.
But she quickly realized that Qin Jiang was probably trying to make up for his actions to cover for Bai Chuchu by being extra nice to her.
"Old Xu, deduct 100,000 from the year-end bonus!"
Yan Liang wasn't happy and wanted to give a punishment.
Old Xu wanted to cry, but that amount was just a small fraction of his bonus, showing that the young lady still cared about him.
He comforted himself with the thought that at least he was still in her good books.
"Yes, Miss."
"This soup is fine to drink, but it's a bit hot. I'll have someone…"
Butler Xu, being a professional, took great care of Yan Liang's meals and daily needs.
However, just as he was about to take out a new spoon, a hand reached out to take it from him. Qin Jiang then scooped up a spoonful of soup, blowing on it to cool it down.
"No need to trouble others. I'll feed Yan Yan myself."
Qin Jiang's sudden action surprised everyone again.
Butler Xu couldn't help but wipe the cold sweat from his forehead, waiting for Qin Jiang to make a scene. This was unusual and something seemed off.
Could it be that Qin Jiang hadn't put seafood in the soup because he intended to burn the young lady with the hot soup?
Oh no! He'd have to call an ambulance for her again.
Everyone watched, feeling a bit sorry for the young lady. The scene seemed warm and cozy, but it was just the calm before the storm.
Qin Jiang ignored the wary looks from everyone. He admitted he had been harsh and hurt Yan Liang many times before when he was trying to leave Liangyue Manor.
But now, he was determined not to repeat that.
As Yan Liang's husband, it was his responsibility to care for and protect her.
And, of course, to love her.
He held the spoon, blew on it, and tested the temperature to make sure it wasn't too hot for Yan Liang before bringing it to her mouth, looking at her expectantly.
Yan Liang didn't hesitate and drank it all up, as if she would gladly accept whatever Qin Jiang gave her, even if it was poison.
Just because Qin Jiang smiled at her.
How long had it been since she received such a genuine smile from this man?
Maybe never.
But she still cherished it.
"Is it good?"
"You have a serious loss of appetite. You're so skinny now, you're almost just bones. How will you get better like this? Let me take care of your diet from now on."
"I'll make sure you're healthy and plump. Once you're better, we can have a child of our own!"
Qin Jiang spoke of a future Yan Liang had never dared to imagine.
Ah Jiang actually wanted a child with her?
Wasn't he disgusted by her? He had even considered sterilization to avoid making her pregnant…
Yan Liang looked up in disbelief, her clear eyes shining with emotion.
"..." Butler Xu was stunned: Here it comes! This scumbag is definitely trying to deceive the young lady with false promises again.
Our young lady is so easy to fool.
Of course, he knew Yan Liang was smart. She was just willing to believe in Qin Jiang.
"Yes, I'll eat well."
Yan Liang nodded seriously, her ears turning red from Qin Jiang's words, looking very obedient.
Without her usual fierce demeanor, she was just an ordinary girl hoping for love in front of Qin Jiang.
But Yan Liang only let her guard down in front of Qin Jiang.
She didn't trust anyone else in the world.
Song Jie, standing nearby, was completely stunned.
Not only did his brother land a top-notch job, but he had also hooked up with the most powerful and feared female CEO in Beijing.
At 18, she took over the Yan family business. By 19, she was firmly established, and for the past two years, she had ruled the Yan family. Any forces attempting to rebel had disappeared without a trace.
No one could challenge her authority.
Even her so-called older brother could only handle minor affairs from a wheelchair.
The real ruler of the Yan family business empire was Yan Liang!
She was the feared "crazy monster" heiress of Beijing!
And this fierce heiress was actually being tamed into a gentle kitten by Qin Jiang?
This… this doesn't make sense!
But Song Jie was genuinely happy for Qin Jiang to have this opportunity.
After all, Yan Liang was much more beautiful and wealthy than Bai Chuchu.
What's more important, she was kind and considerate toward Qin Jiang.
Whereas Bai Chuchu only exploited him.
Qin Jiang fed Yan Liang two bowls of soup before remembering to introduce his friend.
"Yan Yan, this is Song Jie, my childhood friend."
"He was my best friend before I returned to the Qin family and still is now."
Under the sudden attention, Song Jie felt a bit nervous.
Especially with Yan Liang, who seemed like a docile kitten in front of Qin Jiang but was now looking at him with a sharp, dominant gaze.
She gave Song Jie a once-over before instructing Butler Xu, "Give him a villa near Liangyue Manor and let him pick two cars from the garage."
Song Jie: ????
!!!!!!!
Thanks to his brother, he had just become insanely rich overnight?!
Qin Jiang was also stunned. He hadn't expected Yan Liang to be so generous just because he introduced his childhood friend.
"Uh, I… I don't want it!"
"I don't want to benefit without earning it. Even though Qin Jiang and I are friends, I won't do anything to betray him. Don't think you can bribe me!"
Song Jie gritted his teeth, knowing how much thought he put into rejecting this offer.
Liangyue Manor is in the heart of Beijing, and the surrounding villas are worth billions.
Not to mention the luxury cars in the manor's garage.
Each one is a top-of-the-line vehicle.
Just taking one of those cars would make him rich...
And he's getting two!!
Sob, son, do you know what I've given up for you?
Song Jie was on the verge of tears.
He stood straight, but inside he was overwhelmed with sadness.
"Yan Yan… Song Jie doesn't need it…"
Qin Jiang wasn't trying to make decisions for Song Jie but felt he wasn't in a position to accept such a large gift from Yan Liang. Anything given to Song Jie was essentially a gift from him, and he couldn't repay it.
"Ah Jiang, this is a welcome gift."
"I'm very happy. This is the first time you've introduced me to your friend."
Yan Liang was genuinely pleased.
Spending money was just a matter of course for her.
Qin Jiang pressed his lips together, unable to refuse further. He took Yan Liang's hand and spoke sincerely:
"Yan Yan, although I have nothing to offer you right now and my promises may seem hollow, I will work hard to be worthy of you in the future."
Yan Liang smiled happily.
No matter how sincere Qin Jiang's words were, she was completely enamored.
She knew the man she chose wasn't someone who would settle for mediocrity.
"Yes, I believe in you."
"Ah Jiang will definitely make it."
No matter what Qin Jiang said or did, Yan Liang was ready to support him unconditionally.
In the underground parking lot.
Song Jie looked at the garage full of top-tier luxury cars, his eyes were dazzled.
"Whoa! Brother Jiang, I thought 'let's not forget each other when rich' was just a nice dream we painted for each other, but you really made it happen! I'm so lucky to be your brother."
Song Jie's smile was wider than ever.
Qin Jiang patted his shoulder, then suddenly remembered something and said to Song Jie:
"Ah Jie, I hope you keep this confidential."
Song Jie was puzzled: "Should I keep it from Kexin too?"
Jiang Kexin was his childhood friend and girlfriend, and they shared everything.
He was planning to tell her immediately but his phone had run out of battery.
"Yes, keep it confidential from everyone."
"Sudden wealth can be risky. You're an outsider with no connections, and in a place like Huajin University where there are many rich kids, they might try to push you back down."
Qin Jiang was considering many factors.
He knew how some rich kids at Huajin University could be, and Kexin had already secretly started seeing a wealthy heir, Wu Yu.
He only heard rumors about why she committed suicide in the past, not the full truth.
For Song Jie's safety, it was better to be cautious.
"Alright, Brother Jiang, I'll follow your advice."
Song Jie agreed, understanding that Qin Jiang was right. As someone who suddenly became rich with no connections, he would likely face rejection and targeting from the other rich students.
But getting to ride on his brother's coattails was just too great!
—
After watching Qin Jiang drive away, Bai Chuchu ditched Yu Qian and called Qin Yun in a private spot:
"Ah Yun, something's happened!"
Qin Yun was in his exclusive hospital room at the Qin family house, getting an IV. Even after the medication, the slap marks from Qin Jiang still stung.
Bai Chuchu explained everything that had happened at Huajin University, paying special attention to the details about the rare Bugatti Chiron Qin Jiang drove.
"Ah Yun, you know I can't come up with 500,000. Qin Jiang is asking for way too much. What if he has Yan Liang's aunt come after me for revenge?"
Bai Chuchu was anxious, especially stressing about the 500,000 compensation.
Qin Yun frowned. He had the money, but giving away 500,000 without reason was too much. He couldn't be a fool just to please Bai Chuchu.
But he still needed Bai Chuchu to help him deal with Qin Jiang.
So he reassured her, "Chuchu, don't worry. I'll handle it."
After hanging up, Qin Yun lay on his bed, counting the time.
Sure enough, not long after, a stunning figure entered the room. It was Qin Yun's fourth sister, Qin Shuyun.
Among the Qin family, she was the closest to Qin Yun.
She entered the room, expertly adjusting his blanket and checking if the IV bottle needed changing, taking care of every small detail.
"Sis…"
Qin Yun lay on the bed, looking pale and weak, his hesitant expression making him look even more vulnerable.
"What's wrong, Ah Yun?"
"Did that disaster Qin Jiang bully you again? Tell me, and I'll deal with him!"
Qin Shuyun was furious. She had a starkly different attitude toward Qin Jiang compared to Qin Yun.
In her eyes, Qin Jiang was a bad seed with unchangeable low-class traits.
He could never compare to Qin Yun, who was raised as a refined heir of the Qin family.
Even with feathers, Qin Jiang couldn't become a phoenix; he was just a lowly chicken.
Seeing Qin Yun's hesitation made Qin Shuyun suspect something was wrong. She was sure Qin Jiang was up to something again.
Even after leaving the Qin family, Qin Jiang was still a source of trouble.
"Sis, can I borrow… sixty thousand?"
"Chuchu accidentally damaged Miss Yan Liang's car. Qin Jiang is demanding sixty thousand for depreciation. I've been sick and have spent a lot, so I haven't saved any money…"
Qin Yun awkwardly asked.
Seeing her beloved brother in such a state made Qin Shuyun even more heartbroken.
She was once a top actress and now a successful director and screenwriter, so she had saved quite a bit.
Of course, she was more than willing to help her brother.
But why should Qin Jiang get anything?
This was clearly an attempt to extort and retaliate against Ah Yun and Chuchu. She couldn't let Qin Jiang get away with this.
So she comforted Qin Yun, saying, "Don't worry, Ah Yun. I'll handle it."
"I'll transfer a million to you first. You need money while you're sick, don't you?"
"As for the compensation, don't worry about it. I'll go to Huajin University tomorrow to deal with Qin Jiang myself! Extorting from our own family? Has he gone crazy? This is outrageous!"
"I need to give him a proper lesson for our mother!"
Every child in the Qin family gets 300,000 a month for living expenses.
It's understandable that Ah Yun has no savings due to his illness.
But Qin Jiang? There's no way he's short on money.
Qin Shuyun's expression darkened with anger: Qin Jiang is clearly trying to pick a fight!