"Hey, son-in-law, you okay?"
"Still hanging in there?"
Old Xu came closer, his mischievous grin paired with a wrinkled face. To Qin Jiang, it looked like a walking chrysanthemum flower.
"What do you think?"
Of course, he wasn't okay! He was actually in a pretty bad state. He felt like he couldn't go on, but his male pride kicked in with a strong willpower: Men Can't Admit They're Not Okay!!
Classic, right?
"I think... you might need some Kidney Boost."
"One bottle clears the mind!"
"Two bottles and you'll never feel tired again!"
"Three bottles and you'll..."
Live forever!
But before Old Xu could finish, Qin Jiang couldn't help but give him a knock on the head.
"Forget about the Kidney Boost."
"Butler Xu, you're so dedicated. Let me reward you with a good head knock!"
"Just the right amount of force—confused but no brain damage."
Qin Jiang couldn't help but laugh angrily. Even with his weak arms, he had to give him a good smack!
"Son-in-law, lunch is ready in the kitchen. It's all nourishing food. Your health is important—you really shouldn't push yourself too hard!"
Zhou Ning stepped in, noticing Old Xu rubbing a small bump on his head. He interrupted, guiding Qin Jiang toward the dining table.
"...Old Xu."
Young Miss! I need to report that Assistant Zhou is secretly...
Hmm, secretly bullying me! Boohoohoo.
Zhou Ning remained outwardly calm, but inside, he was laughing like crazy. Qin Jiang's health was, of course, important. After all, he's the energy source and spa for Miss Liang. You can't let him get worn out like that. Gotta take care of him.
Yan Liang came downstairs. Her long dark red hair flowed like a waterfall, highlighting her perfect profile. Her face was a blend of striking beauty and coolness, like a blood-red poppy blooming in the night or a snow lotus on a mountaintop, out of reach. Two opposing vibes somehow blended perfectly in her.
Normally, except for her occasional crazy fits, Yan Liang lived up to her name—cool and aloof like ice. Her eyes always had a distant, indifferent look, as if she had no connection to this world. Her work style was equally emotionless, like a cold data system, without a trace of human warmth.
Liangyue Manor was big and luxurious, but before Qin Jiang was dragged here and trapped, it was completely lifeless. Even Butler Xu had to stifle his true nature. As for Zhou Ning, according to Butler Xu, he used to be just as cold as Yan Liang—only spoke when necessary, and never wasted words.
Since Qin Jiang arrived, Liangyue Manor might have been chaotic every five days and loud every day, but at least there was a bit more life. Even the fearsome Yan Liang had become more lively because of Qin Jiang. At least, the old Yan Liang had no interest in personally disciplining young master Yan.
She was cold, sharp, and ruthless. That's how she treated her family too. Yan Zuo was the only one in the Yan family who wasn't afraid of her, but even he didn't dare get too close. The young master might say he's scared, but Butler Xu could see... he wanted to be close to his sister.
But Yan Liang never let anyone get close to her. Except Qin Jiang.
Yan Liang walked down the stairs in a sharp business suit, her usual coldness softened just a bit. Though she still gave off a distant vibe, there was a slight warmth in her today.
"Good afternoon, Miss!"
In the living room, the servants and bodyguards stood neatly and greeted her with respect.
Yan Liang glanced at them and gave a light "mm-hmm."
"...Servants and bodyguards: ???"
They all looked towards the floor-to-ceiling windows. Did the sun rise from the west today? The cold and aloof Miss actually... responded to them? But before they could pick their jaws up off the floor, they saw the high-and-mighty Miss heading to the kitchen herself.
Mama Wang quickly tried to stop her: "Miss, if you need anything, just tell us. The kitchen isn't a place for someone of your status. I can get whatever you need."
Yan Liang paused. It was true, she had never been in the kitchen. She was raised in luxury. Her parents always told her she was their most cherished little princess, and that she didn't need to cook for anyone.
At 13, she was sent into the organization, and never had a decent meal again. When she was starving, even rats, cockroaches, and bugs were considered delicacies...
"No need."
"This is for him, I want to do it myself."
Her tone was light, but there was an unintentional softness to it.
Mama Wang was stunned. She just watched as Yan Liang, under the shocked eyes of the servants and chefs, awkwardly served Qin Jiang a bowl of oyster porridge herself.
She naturally noticed the "kidney-boosting" wellness meal carefully prepared in the kitchen. She didn't need to guess—it was obviously Zhou Ning's idea. He was always thorough.
Qin Jiang came to the dining table, and there was the usually pampered Miss Yan personally pushing a bowl of oyster porridge towards him.
"Uh?"
Qin Jiang was a bit taken aback. He swallowed nervously. No way... is she going to send him straight to the battlefield after this "refueling"?
"You don't like it?"
Yan Liang noticed his hesitation, clearly reluctant to drink the porridge.
So, deep down, does he still reject everything she prepares for him? Her thoughts spiraled, and a sense of uncontrollable self-destruction started to take over. The slight warmth on her face disappeared instantly.
She tried to cover it up, forcing herself to look calm and gentle. But the bulging veins on her pale hand betrayed her emotions.
She's essentially a villain, a snake-hearted monster! No wonder Qin Jiang would despise the porridge she made. Liangyue Manor suddenly felt like an ice pit. The servants were all frozen in place...
Oh my God, they just started getting along peacefully, and now there's going to be another big fight?
Butler Xu quickly stepped forward and skillfully removed the antique vase with flowers from the table. The other servants discreetly started moving the fragile and valuable items into storage.
Qin Jiang, once blinded by his hatred for Yan Liang, had never noticed the actions of the servants, but now, seeing everyone secretly stashing away jade and porcelain, he imagined a line of crows flying over his head.
But now wasn't the time to be amused. The real battlefield was right in front of him. Seeing that Yan Liang had misunderstood, Qin Jiang quickly explained, his voice gentle and comforting:
"If my wife brings me something herself, how could I not like it?"
"I'm just a little overwhelmed. This kind of task should be done by your man—let me serve you instead."
"You're my wife. Taking care of you is my duty and my honor."
As he spoke, he watched Yan Liang's expression. After his explanation, the anger in her eyes faded, replaced by a mix of shyness and uncertainty, like a little girl who had done something wrong but was completely reassured by a single kind word.
Just moments ago, Qin Jiang had been nervous, but now he felt a bit helpless. Yan Liang was too easy to calm down. As long as he stayed by her side, he was like her personal comfort blanket.
To ease her worries, Qin Jiang picked up the bowl and drank the entire porridge. Then he got up to serve another bowl. He found a ceramic spoon, carefully blew on the porridge to cool it down to the right temperature, and then held it to Yan Liang's mouth.
"Be good... Don't worry, I love everything you give me."
"Of course, my favorite is our Yan Yan."
Qin Jiang used to hate being around Yan Liang, this unstable, yandere monster. But lately, he realized that she just needed him to stay close, whisper sweet things, and she'd be as content as a child in a daycare. She just feared being abandoned, lacking a sense of security.
As long as he was kind to her, Yan Liang could be happy for a long, long time.
That noon, Yan Liang let Qin Jiang feed her two bowls of porridge, even though she has a small appetite and suffers from anorexia. This was already the second time she ate the most this month.
The last time was when Qin Jiang made soup for her.
As for Qin Jiang, he was exhausted.
He was practically ready to eat the whole table of sea cucumbers and drank two bowls of pigeon soup before finally stopping.
To make sure Yan Liang was happy, he had to be in good shape himself.
He glanced at the time and realized it was already afternoon.
Just then, his phone lit up with a barrage of messages from Song Jie:
[Dad! You're really my dad!
You couldn't make it to school on such a crucial day?
The school committee's decision is coming soon. One of my buddies printed the files himself, and the principal is going to announce your expulsion at 3 PM.
In the hundred-year history of Huajing University, no student has ever faced such severe punishment. Even those who damaged senior students' experiments didn't get expelled!
This is clearly Li Hao taking revenge on you.]
Qin Jiang read the messages and felt a pang of worry. He didn't want to end up as a disgrace in Huajing University's history like in his past life.
"Yan Liang, I need to go to the school this afternoon."
"Can you take me there?"
Qin Jiang asked, wanting to give her a sense of security through action. Keeping her informed was a way of showing trust. Inviting her to come with him was also meant to ease her anxieties.
Yan Liang saw the text message too. She could ensure Qin Jiang stayed at Huajing University with just a wave of her hand.
But... her selfish and malicious side wanted Qin Jiang to be expelled, so he would have no choice but to stay with her day and night.
She kept her emotions hidden, not letting Qin Jiang see her dark thoughts.
But now, Qin Jiang was asking her to accompany him, even if it was just to "send him off."
Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt a mix of surprise and excitement.
"Sure..."
She heard her own voice tremble a little.
"Mm, Yan Liang is so good, I love you."
Qin Jiang smiled, delighted, and affectionately ruffled Yan Liang's dark red hair.
He wouldn't have dared do this in his past life.
Yan Liang sat obediently, her face calm, but the faint blush on her ears betrayed her fluttering emotions.
He said he loved her.
Did he really love her? Could someone like her, a monster, really be worthy of love?
Qin Jiang found her serious demeanor amusing and leaned in closer.
"Wife, why are you staring blankly?"
"I said I love you."
"Don't I get a reward?"
His breath was warm and inviting, making Yan Liang's heart race.
But his words had her emotions on a roller coaster.
A reward?
Was this another way to make her leave?
However, Qin Jiang didn't give her a chance to overthink. He suddenly leaned in and kissed her, his lips capturing hers without hesitation.
The kiss was tentative at first, then deepened as he explored.
Yan Liang was stunned.
Her mind went blank.
It felt like something was collapsing and turning to dust...
The servants at Liang Yue Manor were shocked.
The skies seemed to darken, as if the heavens were showing their disapproval of Qin Jiang's bold kiss with the sickly princess?
The kiss was brief.
Qin Jiang didn't go further. He was a bit shy and awkward kissing in front of so many people.
But he needed to act to reassure Yan Liang.
The effect was immediate and intense.
Yan Liang cleared the room in under thirty seconds, leaving just the two of them.
Qin Jiang was confused. Were the servants able to teleport?
The servants: Speed is a kind of cowardice!
Then Yan Liang pushed him to the dining table and swept the food away.
Her kisses were everywhere—his forehead, eyes, nose—until her long-suppressed possessiveness broke through.
Just like before, she was forceful and direct.
Qin Jiang held her tightly, his warm hands gently soothing her back.
He tilted his head back to accept the passionate kiss from the princess.
Yan Liang kissed him fiercely, as if trying to merge him into herself, leaving no room for separation...
When Qin Jiang was about to pass out from the kiss, Yan Liang finally stopped, though she was still clearly eager.
"Did you mean that 'light kiss' was the reward?"
Her eyes sparkled, and her business attire, previously immaculate, was now disheveled from their passionate encounter.
Her sheer stockings brushed against Qin Jiang's pants...
At that moment, she was like a captivating temptress.
"Mm…"
Qin Jiang gasped, nodding. He thought he was in control.
But Yan Liang was actually the one in charge.
Fortunately, he was willing to let her be in control this time.
"But for me, this kiss is the real reward."
She referred to the almost suffocating, possessive kiss?
The sickly princess was indeed intense.
But... it had to be said, such a passionate kiss suited her character perfectly.
"Understood, my princess."
"Mm, good dog..."
This nickname wasn't new for Yan Liang. In his past life, it felt humiliating.
But now, it made Qin Jiang blush with a mix of embarrassment and pleasure.
"No... don't call me that."
Qin Jiang trembled all over.
He was close to losing his mind!
Yan Liang's actions showed Qin Jiang that winning her over could be easy or incredibly challenging.
...
Yan Liang personally drove Qin Jiang to the side gate of Huajing University.
It was his request.
Considering how well he behaved, she indulged him this time.
However, there's no such thing as a free lunch.
Before Qin Jiang got out of the car, he was given one last passionate kiss, leaving him feeling overwhelmed.
He then shuffled slowly into the school, feeling drained.
In the Rolls-Royce, Yan Liang answered a call from Butler Xu.
"Miss, the Third Young Master is causing a scene at the hospital, crying and shouting, even threatening to jump off the building."
"Maybe you should go check on him."
Butler Xu's voice grew softer, clearly feeling he had overstepped.
He just hoped Miss Yan Liang would accept her brother, who was one of the few relatives who hadn't harmed her.
"Let him jump."
"If he dies, just burn the body."
"Also, you're punished to take care of the 'General' in the back mountain!"
The General was the fierce, bloodthirsty white lion Yan Liang kept.
Butler Xu was terrified of it.
He always avoided it when it followed Miss Yan Liang around.
This punishment was serious. It was clear Miss Yan Liang was really angry.
Butler Xu sighed, accepting his fate with a heavy heart.
"Yes, Miss."