Chapter 24

Chapter 24

A few steps away, Jin Jing remained oblivious to the fact that she had been spotted.

Having only seen Jiang Xuli in photographs, she fixed her gaze on the school gate, afraid of missing him.

Soon enough, she spotted two tall boys emerging from the school. One of them bore a striking resemblance to the young man in the photo!

Jiang Xuli usually walked home with Chen Xunliang, but today Chen Xunliang was heading to his grandmother’s house. No sooner had they parted ways than Jiang Xuli was stopped.

“Is that Little Li?”

The woman before him had a pale complexion and a slender, delicate frame. Her smile was gentle and harmless: “I’m Jin Ran’s older sister. By family terms… you’d be my nephew.”

With that reminder, Jiang Xuli finally remembered.

He had seen this woman at home before—she was said to be Jin Ran’s cousin.

However, the atmosphere between the two women had been anything but harmonious; it was even subtly confrontational.

Recalling this, the young man’s attitude turned chilly. “Get straight to the point. I’m in a hurry.”

The smile on Jin Jing’s face stiffened.

She had heard before that Jiang Mingsuo’s son was unruly and spent all his time with the Chen family’s troublemaker, but she never expected him to be so ill-mannered. Truly, a child raised without a mother.

Disgusted inwardly, she maintained a gentle tone: “…It’s nothing major. I was just passing by and thought I’d stop to see you.” She paused, as if carefully choosing her words. “It’s been a while since I last saw Ran Ran. I wonder how she’s been? My younger sister was pampered growing up—so delicate she can’t handle the slightest hardship. Since she got married, Grandpa and our aunt and uncle have been very worried about her.”

?

Jiang Xuli couldn’t connect the term “pampered” with the woman who “works out” on the lawn every morning.

If she counted as delicate, then there were no delicate people left in this world.

What’s more, due to his upbringing, he was especially sensitive to ill intent in others and easily detected the emotion hidden behind Jin Jing’s eyes.

His curiosity piqued, Jiang Xuli couldn’t help but ask: “So?”

“So, if she’s done anything inappropriate, I hope you’ll be understanding.”

Jin Jing put on the act of a caring older sister worried about her sibling. The reason she had come to find Jiang Xuli was entirely because, after being thrown out of the Jiang residence by Jin Ran last time, Jin Ran had not only blocked her contact but also had the residential property management ban her from entering!

Jin Jing, raised by Grandpa Jin, had never suffered such humiliation before and swore to make Jin Ran pay.

“You might not know this, but originally, I was the one who was supposed to marry your father. After Ran Ran found out, she cried and made a scene until she took the chance away. She’s always been like that since she was little—if she wants something, she has to have it, and no one can stop her…”

Jin Jing looked at Jiang Xuli with an apologetic and even slightly worried expression: “She only married your father to get back at me. I’m afraid she might… intentionally bully you.”

Not far away, Jin Ran’s face shifted from surprise to utter astonishment.

What did she mean by “snatched the marriage opportunity”?

Could it be that the original host’s marriage to Jiang Mingsuo wasn’t based on mutual affection? And if it could be “snatched,” it was most likely an arranged marriage of convenience.

Thinking back on her own behavior during this time, Jin Ran felt a look of complete despair wash over her face.

All the past mysteries were suddenly resolved. No wonder the couple in the novel treated each other with icy politeness. No wonder Jiang Mingsuo was always sounding her out. So, from beginning to end, it had all been the original host’s one-sided affair.

Then what had all her cautious behavior been for?

Jin Ran smiled bitterly, comforting herself: It’s fine, it’s fine. Even if my acting was poor, Jiang Mingsuo didn’t have me sliced up for examination, right?

As she spoke, Jin Jing observed the young man across from her.

She was confident she could persuade Jiang Xuli. Children this age were easily influenced. Having never met his biological mother and with his father suddenly marrying a young and beautiful stepmother, his heart must be filled with anger and anxiety.

If he were to learn that behind this seemingly perfect marriage lay a carefully planned act of revenge, what would he think?

Of course, he would—

Jiang Xuli looked Jin Jing up and down as if she were an idiot: “Do you think I’m stupid?”

Jin Jing: “?”

Jin Ran, eavesdropping not far away: “?”

Wait, why isn’t he following the usual script!

Jiang Xuli genuinely thought Jin Jing was an idiot.

Even in a marriage of convenience, a man like his father would never allow a woman to walk all over him—at the very least, he definitely wouldn’t sit calmly at the dining table discussing “stable positions” with her, nor would he drive Jin Ran to and from work every day just because it was “along the way.”

The incident with Zhang Ma last time had already irritated him greatly. He never expected someone would dare show up and try to drive a wedge between them.

Did he really seem that easy to manipulate?

A sudden, inexplicable rage rose in the young man’s heart. His eyebrows arched back, revealing a hint of youthful arrogance and defiance. Then, in a tone mixing extreme disdain with curiosity, he said: “Are you jealous of Jin Ran?”

Jin Jing: “?”

Jealous of Jin Ran? Jealous of what?

“Jealous that my dad likes her and not you, obviously. Otherwise, I really can’t understand why a cousin would spend every day obsessing over her cousin’s husband and child. Or maybe…” Jiang Xuli smirked maliciously, “You want to be my stepmom?”

It had to be said, he had hit the nail on the head. But Jin Jing refused to admit it. Her eyes reddened with anger: “Little Li, how could you think of me like that? I’m genuinely worried my sister might hurt you. You don’t know—she often complained to me about you before…”

No way, is this woman really trying to backfire her gossip?

Jin Ran, who had been quietly enjoying the drama, could no longer stay out of it. She had finally managed to build a good relationship with her math team leader—she couldn’t let some scheming woman scare him off.

Just as she prepared to step in and interrupt their conversation, she suddenly heard Jiang Xuli snort dismissively: “Listen, ma’am, you’re something else. If you’re jealous of her, go find her. What’s the point of yapping at me? But honestly, I don’t think your jealousy will do any good. You’re not as good-looking as she is, your breath stinks when you talk, and you’re miles behind her. My dad has high standards—he’d definitely never be interested in you.”

Ma…

Ma’am…

For a moment, Jin Jing’s eyes glazed over, her mind echoing only those two words.

Jin Ran was also stunned. That mouth of his was truly dipped in poison—and yet somehow sweet.

But why did it feel so satisfying?

Watching Jin Jing sway unsteadily from the blow, Jin Ran nearly burst out laughing in delight. However, afraid that the woman might try to set up Jiang Xuli, she decisively made her entrance: “Oh, Little Li, there you are! I’ve been looking all over for you. Oh? Cousin, what are you doing here too?”

Her artificially sweet voice immediately drew the attention of both people present.

Fortunately, most students had already left by then, and the group was standing off to the side, so no one had noticed the commotion yet.

“Hah... ha ha, I was nearby and just dropped by to see Little Li.”

Seeing the newcomer, Jin Jing clenched her fists, her fingertips turning slightly pale. She had come to the school specifically to avoid Jin Ran, only to run into her anyway.

Jin Ran, as if oblivious to her distress, swayed closer with cat-like steps: “Oh, right, from my side of the family, you’re Little Li’s aunt.”

She deliberately emphasized the word “aunt,” and sure enough, Jin Jing’s face turned livid again.

After indulging in a bit of malicious amusement, Jin Ran spoke again, unhurriedly: “Cousin, normally I should invite you home, but today is our family day—it really wouldn’t be appropriate to bring an outsider. You’re so understanding, I’m sure you can appreciate that, right?”

Then she turned to Jiang Xuli: “Hey, kid, didn’t we agree to go to the supermarket together? Why are you wasting time here?”

Hearing this, Jiang Xuli was stunned, and so was Jin Jing.

In just a few days, had they grown close enough to go shopping together?

A bitter, sour jealousy surged in Jin Jing’s heart, and for a moment, she lost control, digging her nails into her palms until they nearly drew blood.

Why? They were both from the Jin family—why were they so cold and distant toward her, yet accepting of a foolish and wicked woman like Jin Ran?

From a blind spot in her vision, Jin Ran winked at Jiang Xuli.

Jiang Xuli: "..."

He found it somewhat amusing, especially seeing how the other person was so enraged that her face flushed and her neck stiffened. It gave him the nervous thrill of pulling a prank with a friend as a child: “Oh, and you said you’d buy me the new TC game console.”

Jin Ran: This kid really knows how to push his luck.

But when it came to pushing luck, he was no match for her scheming mind.

“Alright, alright, it’s your dad paying for it anyway. Oh, and let’s hurry up—we shouldn’t keep your dad waiting. When I came to find you earlier, he didn’t even want me to come, saying he was worried my feet would hurt from walking.”

Even without looking in a mirror, Jin Ran could imagine how infuriating she must seem right now. She smiled bashfully: “I have to say, your dad is just too love-struck—he can’t bear to be apart from me. No wonder people say arranged marriages that turn into real love last longer than free love.”

Jiang Xuli: "..."

Jin Jing: "..."

Jiang Mingsuo, who had just stepped out of the car: "..."

His footsteps paused for a moment; for a second, he thought he had come to the wrong place.

Then he saw Jin Ran turn her head and ask him in an extremely strange voice, as if caught in a mousetrap, when they were going to the supermarket.

He: "..."

Confirmed—this was the right place.

Though he found it very odd and couldn’t figure out what game the woman was playing, as the CEO of a company, he had long mastered the art of hiding his emotions. He walked over as if nothing were wrong: “Sorry I’m late. Let’s go now.”

Beside him, Jin Jing stared in disbelief.

This was Jiang Mingsuo?

Wasn’t he just some thirty-something divorced man?!

Jin Jing had met many successful people in their circle. Those who achieved greatness young were rare; most who made it to CEO positions became greasy, pot-bellied men. The ones who were young and handsome usually lacked ability, which was why she had always preferred to stay single rather than settle.

But now, looking at the tall, handsome man before her and thinking about the marriage that should have been hers, the jealousy in her heart felt as if it had been doused in oil, burning even fiercer.

Before she knew it, she had stepped past Jin Ran, the rightful wife, and approached the man: “President Jiang, long time no see. Grandpa’s birthday is coming up soon. I originally wanted to invite you over to gather, but my messages were blocked, and I couldn’t reach you.”

Jiang Mingsuo glanced at her, somewhat puzzled: “You are?”

Jin Ran nearly burst out laughing. Weren’t they saying she had stolen the arranged marriage opportunity? It seemed now that the two weren’t all that familiar.

Jin Jing hurried to explain: “You’ve forgotten? When the two families arranged the marriage, you originally chose me.”

“Oh, Miss Jin,” Jiang Mingsuo nodded in acknowledgment. “I’ve received the invitation for your grandfather’s birthday. I’ll stop by if I have time. As for the arranged marriage...”

His tone was indifferent. “I originally chose you, but after meeting, I realized I didn’t care for you much, so I switched.”

"..."

Now even Jin Ran felt a twinge of pity for Jin Jing.

No wonder he was Jiang Xuli’s father—the father and son’s biting sarcasm was exactly the same.

Just look at how Jin Jing, who had been spouting tea-speak just moments ago, was now rendered speechless with frustration after that simple remark.

Clearly, Jiang Mingsuo had hit her where it hurt most. Jin Ran had sensed Jin Jing’s ulterior motives toward Jiang Mingsuo from their first meeting. She hadn’t known the full story then, but now she did.

Yet she felt no guilt.

For one, that was a transaction between the original Jin Ran and Jin Jing. Whatever the outcome, both parties must have reached an agreement at the time.

Secondly, the original Jin Ran was the original, and she was herself. She had never had the habit of sacrificing herself to benefit others.

Noticing Jiang Mingsuo’s glance, Jin Ran gave him a satisfied “you’ve done well” look.

Then she stepped forward, and in front of everyone, intimately linked arms with the man, ignoring his momentary stiffness, and said quickly: “Cousin, we’ll be going now. Let’s chat another time when we’re free.”

With a saccharine tone, she drew a perfect close to today’s one-sided crushing victory.

/

Today, Jiang Mingsuo wasn’t driving his familiar Porsche but another car from the garage—a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Just its luxurious color scheme and the sleek, streamlined lines were enough to make passing vehicles steer clear.

The family of three arrived at the car.

Without a second thought, Jiang Xuli pulled open the passenger door. One was his dad, the other his stepmom—sitting with either would be awkward.

Jin Ran and Jiang Mingsuo didn’t overthink it and naturally took the back seat.

As soon as she got in, Jin Ran felt the difference. If the Porsche was a comfortable sports car, this Rolls-Royce was on the level of a luxury yacht. She couldn’t help but ask curiously, “This car isn’t cheap, is it?”

Jiang Mingsuo nodded: “Probably eight figures.”

Eight figures? Tens of millions!

In an instant, Jin Ran was filled with awe—not just for the car, but for the person who owned it. Based on her career plans for herself, she probably wouldn’t be able to afford one in this lifetime. Her backside very honestly settled more firmly into the seat. Well, if she couldn’t buy it, she could at least enjoy the ride while she had the chance.

Jiang Mingsuo glanced sideways discreetly.

Jin Ran sat upright and proper, her beautiful hair tied into a low ponytail that swayed gently with the motion of the car, occasionally brushing against the curve of her neck.

His gaze unconsciously followed that movement—unlike the prominent Adam’s apple of a man, a woman’s neck was smooth and pale, like fine white jade, glowing softly in the dim interior of the car.

It was just truly baffling how she could make such a sound.

It wasn't until Jin Ran seemed to sense something and tilted her head that he averted his eyes, turning instead to look at the passing night scenery outside the window, as if his earlier stare had been nothing but an illusion.

Jin Ran had no idea.

Gazing at the unfamiliar scenery outside the car window, she wondered, “Where is this road leading?”

Jiang Mingsuo said calmly, “Didn’t you say we were going to the supermarket to buy some things? There's a large supermarket in Pingting with pretty much everything.”

Although he had arrived late, he had still heard most of what they said. When getting into the car, he had already instructed Xiao Sun to set the destination to the supermarket.

Hearing this, Jin Ran's eyes shifted.

Those words had been said to piss off Jin Jing, but she hadn't expected Jiang Mingsuo to take them seriously. Coincidentally, she hadn't been to a supermarket since arriving in this world and wondered if things would be different there. Still, she remarked, “Then you'll have to pay. Your son wants a TC game console.”

Jiang Xuli, suddenly called out: "..."

He very much wanted to say he didn't want it anymore. As a child, whenever he bought game consoles, his father would dismiss them as a waste of time. But before he could refuse, he heard Jiang Mingsuo nod and say, “Alright.”

“You said it yourself—it's important to balance work and leisure appropriately.”

Pressing his lips together, Jiang Xuli bit back his refusal, relaxed back into his seat, and leaned against the headrest.

Whatever, no use turning down a free offer.

In that moment, Jiang Xuli suddenly understood Jin Ran's philosophy of life.