Madame Jiang's estate, once forbidden territory, now hosted Ling Wei.
The air was thick with tension.
Ling Wei's poised demeanor impressed Jiang Jian.
Madame Jiang's icy facade began to crack.
Polite conversation flowed.
Ling Wei's intelligence and wit shone.
Madame Jiang's gaze softened.
For the first time, she saw Ling Wei as a person.
Not just Jiang Jian's lover.
A glimmer of understanding sparked.
"Thank you for coming, Ling Wei," Madame Jiang said.
Ling Wei smiled.
"Thank you, Madame Jiang."
Jiang Jian's eyes warmed.
Hope flickered.
Maybe, just maybe.
His family could accept Ling Wei.
As they parted ways.
Madame Jiang turned to Jiang Jian.
"Take care of her, Jian."
Jiang Jian's heart swelled.
"Always, Mother."
Ling Wei's hand found his.
Their fingers intertwined.
A delicate truce formed.
Between Madame Jiang and Ling Wei.
A new beginning unfolded.
For Jiang Jian and his loved ones.
....
Madame Jiang's reluctant acceptance still lingered in Jiang Jian's mind.
He knew Ling Wei's presence would take time to get used to.
But he was determined.
To make it work.
After the meeting, Ling Wei sighed.
"That was...enlightening."
Jiang Jian chuckled.
"You handled yourself well."
Just then, his phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
"Wei, long time no see," a sultry voice purred.
Ling Wei's eyes narrowed.
"Who is it?" He mouthed.
Jiang Jian's expression darkened.
"Xia Yu."
A name from Ling Wei's past.
Ling Wei's face paled.
"What does she want?" Jiang Jian growled.
Xia Yu's laughter sent shivers.
"You'll find out soon."
The line went dead.
Jiang Jian's grip on Ling Wei's hand tightened.
"Who is Xia Yu to you?" he asked, his voice low.
Ling Wei's eyes evaded his.
"A ghost from my past."
Jiang Jian's eyes narrowed.
"One I'll confront."