Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Jiang Yiyan's days were fulfilling yet busy, filled with endless design sketches. She would drive to the cheongsam shop about once a week to deliver the final drafts to Yu Wenlai and then receive her next assignment from him.

So engrossed in her work, she had less time to spend with her daughter, Meimei, let alone initiate daily video calls with the Jiang family as she used to.

When Jiang Yiyan was busy, this matter slipped her mind. However, someone else kept it close to heart.

Not having received any video calls from that side for several days, Cai Wenqing felt pleased but occasionally feigned concern and doubt when interacting with Jiang Cheng. She even suggested to Jiang Cheng that perhaps the child was just busy and had momentarily forgotten, advising him not to take it too seriously.

"Father and daughter don't hold grudges overnight. Yiyan must be busy; she might bring Meimei back in a couple of days," Cai Wenqing said, though her thoughts diverged from her words.

Due to not receiving his daughter's video calls recently, Jiang Cheng's spirits were low, and his mood soured. Yet, he was stubborn and obstinate, and their relationship hadn't fully thawed. Thus, he couldn't bring himself to make the first move and call his daughter.

He preferred to sulk alone rather than lose face by reaching out to his daughter.

Cai Wenqing's occasional reminders only deepened the impression of this matter in his mind, further fueling his annoyance and anger.

At one point, Cai Wenqing remarked, "Why prolong this standoff? Yiyan has already taken a step back. If you truly miss her and Meimei, why not call her yourself?" She then took matters into her own hands, saying, "If you won't call, I will." With that, she reached for the phone.

Jiang Cheng could no longer contain his frustration. "You're not allowed to call either!" His outburst was intimidating.

Despite knowing his temper and character after being with him for so many years, Cai Wenqing was startled by his sudden roar. Her phone nearly fell to the floor, and she felt momentarily at a loss and embarrassed.

However, she quickly regained her composure.

"Alright, I won't call. Don't be angry anymore," Cai Wenqing tossed the phone onto the sofa nearby.

Jiang Cheng abruptly stood up, saying nothing, and stormed upstairs in a huff.

Watching him leave in anger, a hint of a smug smile appeared on Cai Wenqing's calm face. But she didn't dare let it linger, quickly masking it with a false expression of helplessness and worry.

Shu Yao happened to return home at that moment and witnessed the scene. After Jiang Cheng left, she walked from the entrance hall into the living room.

"Mom," Shu Yao called out, sitting down beside Cai Wenqing.

"Why is Dad so upset? Why did he suddenly get so angry?" Shu Yao asked.

In the downstairs living room, where the family's nanny or housekeeper might appear at any moment, Cai Wenqing wouldn't adopt the same demeanor as when she spoke privately with her daughter behind closed doors. Instead, she shook her head in resignation and sighed, "It's because of Yiyan."

"Yiyan used to call every day, and your father got used to it. But lately, she suddenly stopped contacting us. It's been over a week since we last heard from her, and your father isn't happy about it."

"Oh, I see," Shu Yao responded indifferently, not appearing overly concerned. "Maybe Yiyan is just busy and forgot."

"Who knows," Cai Wenqing shook her head. "I told your father the same thing, but it only made him angrier. He refuses to call her himself, but when I offered to do it, he wouldn't allow it. Without calling, he still gets angry... Sigh, they really do have the same stubborn temper, father and daughter."

Sister Zhang brought over a fruit platter filled with fresh seasonal fruits. Seeing this, Cai Wenqing asked Sister Zhang to take a break and join them for some fruit.

Cai Wenqing was usually kind to the household's maids, so Sister Zhang didn't hesitate. When her employer asked her to sit, she joined them for the meal.

Cai Wenqing was still troubled: "Their father-daughter relationship had just started to thaw. It seemed like everything would be fine. But then this happened. What a pity." She put on a regretful expression. "Ah Cheng is getting older; he's not as young as he used to be. At his age, he should be resting and taking care of himself. If he keeps getting angry, I'm afraid it will take a toll on him."

Sister Zhang said, "Second Miss has always been like that, not as gentle and polite as First Miss. I thought she had changed, but it turns out it was just a passing fancy. Perhaps..." Sister Zhang had intended to suggest that Cai Wenqing and her daughter try to persuade Second Miss in private, but remembering how much they had suffered at Second Miss's hands over the years, she decided against it.

"Perhaps you could ask Young Master to talk to Second Miss," Sister Zhang suggested.

Young Master and Second Miss were siblings, but Young Master had a strong personality. He wouldn't back down when dealing with Second Miss.

Cai Wenqing smiled. "That's a good idea, Sister Zhang. Xu is Yiyan's older brother. She'll listen to him."

Cai Wenqing had her own plans. Instead of calling Jiang Xu herself, she took her daughter's phone, dialed the number, and handed it to her daughter to speak.

Shu Yao glanced suspiciously at her mother but didn't think too much of it and took the phone.

Jiang Xu had lived independently for a long time, only returning to the villa when necessary or during holidays.

Jiang Xu was in his office when several executives prepared to update him on the company's recent developments. The sudden call from Shu Yao prompted him to halt one executive mid-report.

"I have something to attend to. Please step out for a moment. By the way, I have a general understanding of this project's progress. You don't need to report directly to me; discuss it with Vice President Wang instead."

After the department heads left, Jiang Xu eagerly answered the call.

The phone rang for a while, and Shu Yao assumed he was busy or in a meeting and was about to hang up when the call suddenly connected.

"Rao Rao, what's wrong?" Jiang Xu asked immediately, briefly explaining why he had taken so long to answer.

Shu Yao didn't make a big deal of it. She glanced at her mother and sat down on the sofa by the living room window.

"Yiyan hasn't contacted the family in a while, and Father is upset. He just got angry. So I was wondering... Could you reach out to Yiyan? Ask her to come home and see Father. You know, neither my mother nor I have much influence over her."

Jiang Xu hadn't been home recently, and everything at the company was running smoothly, so he had no reason to report to his father. As a result, he was unaware of his father's current state.

He already harbored dissatisfaction towards his sister, and learning that she had caused their father distress only fueled his anger.

In front of Shu Yao, he managed to suppress his temper.

"I understand. I'll contact her," Jiang Xu said.

"Hold on." Shu Yao didn't want any conflict with Jiang Yiyan and feared that her and her mother's interference might provoke Jiang Yiyan, further alienating her from them.

So, Shu Yao specifically reminded Jiang Xu: "Could you please not mention that it was me who asked? I'm worried that Yiyan..."

Jiang Xu understood her situation. Even if she didn't mention it, he wouldn't do such a thing.

Before Shu Yao could finish, Jiang Xu assured her: "Don't worry. This matter has nothing to do with you. If she dares to cause trouble for you and Aunt Cai, let me know."

"Okay." Shu Yao felt relieved. "Then, thank you." With that, Shu Yao hung up the call.

Listening to the beeps on the phone, Jiang Xu remained silent for nearly ten seconds before reluctantly hanging up.

Then, when dialing another number, his expression changed dramatically.

Jiang Yiyan was deeply engrossed in her work, having finally found some inspiration. Suddenly, her train of thought was interrupted by an unexpected phone call.

Already somewhat annoyed, upon seeing that it was Jiang Xu, the "plague god," she hung up without a second thought, seething with anger.

On the other side, Jiang Xu's face turned green with fury at the abrupt disconnection. Despite his irritation, he managed to compose himself and dialed again.

As expected, Jiang Yiyan promptly hung up once more.

What good could come from Jiang Xu seeking her out? To the Jiang Yiyan in her book—and indeed, to her as well—he was akin to a plague god. What was there to discuss with such a person? She had been busy lately and couldn't afford the time or energy to argue with him.

In the evening, after dinner, Jiang Yiyan suggested taking Meimei for a stroll around the neighborhood.

.

While busy, she knew the importance of balancing work and rest. Spending too much time cooped up indoors would eventually drain her creativity.

Thus, Jiang Yiyan decided to take an hour-long walk after dinner, both to clear her mind and gather fresh inspiration. It would also be a good opportunity to spend more quality time with Meimei, ensuring their mother-daughter bond remained strong.

Wen Mochuan had urgent work to attend to and couldn't join them, but he explained the situation to the two.

Meimei felt a little disappointed.

It was great that Mom could accompany her for a walk, but it would have been even better if Dad could join them too.

Squatting down in front of her daughter, Jiang Yiyan patiently explained, "Both Mom and Dad have our own things to do, so sometimes we can't be together with Meimei all the time or be there whenever you need us. But Meimei is a sensible child, right? You understand why Mom and Dad do this, don't you?"

"Uh-huh." Meimei nodded. "I understand."

Jiang Yiyan felt that her daughter was truly understanding and affectionately rubbed her smooth cheek.

"You're such a good girl." She assured her, "But when neither Mom nor Dad is busy, we'll definitely be together with you."

"Like the day we bought instant noodles?"

"Yes, exactly like that."

Feng Ma asked if she and Fang Fang should accompany them, but Jiang Yiyan declined.

"We're just walking around the neighborhood, not going far, and we'll be back soon." As she spoke, she led Meimei to the entrance, changing her own shoes and then helping her daughter change into hers.

The neighborhood was filled with trees, providing natural shade and cooling. With the sun already setting by six o'clock, the mother and daughter didn't feel the heat as they strolled hand in hand, enjoying the pleasant atmosphere.

If not for the sudden appearance of an unwelcome guest, Jiang Yiyan believed her good mood would have lasted until bedtime.

But the unexpected arrival of this guest...