Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Fu Yuze and Jiang Jining.

To each other, they were like a sudden arrival from the sky.

Bian Han was so thrilled that her kid had found an incredibly healthy relationship on his very first try that she felt like rushing to give thanks to the gods.

But after hearing about him navigating two different social scenes in one day, with Fu Yuze's admirable persona holding strong, once she calmed down, she felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over her.

If they get in too deep, will they be able to break up??

This is a bit of a disaster…

Jiang Jining’s identity is a major issue.

If he really has to return to where he came from, the two of them would be separated as if falling off a cliff.

Bian Han didn’t want to pour the same chilling reality over the still-growing tender cabbage, so she kept her phone on Do Not Disturb all day. Seeing the cabbage safely delivered back, she started worrying again.

“His family members are all very easy to get along with.”

Jiang Jining agreed and even proactively reported, “Sister-in-law invited me to meet her tomorrow.”

“What? What?” Bian Han quickly asked for the details.

She naturally recognized this Chairwoman Ji.

Yunzhi’s products are highly sought-after in domestic high-society circles.

Ji Huan herself is at the very top of the pyramid in Jingzhou’s elite circles. She dislikes useless socializing, prioritizes her career, and divides her limited remaining energy between the two at home—one older, one younger.

With Jiang Jining’s permission, Bian Han scrolled through the messages.

Ji Huan’s affectionate care. The favor so many tycoons and socialites desperately seek, Jiang Jining effortlessly received.

The more Bian Han looked, the heavier her thoughts grew, but the words stuck in her throat: “I might have been a bit inconsiderate before… Guai Guai, how can you ensure you’ll emerge unscathed from your relationship with Fu Yuze?”

“Why would I need to emerge…”

Jiang Jining asked instinctively.

Before Bian Han could explain, he understood on his own and blurted out, “Men and men here cannot form families or have children.”

Bian Han looked down, “But you’re not—”

“I wasn’t going to say.” Jiang Jining thought she had forgotten and gently repeated, “I don’t plan to tell him about the tide period either. That way, we won’t be accepted by society and will naturally separate.”

He made a conservative estimate: “By that time, I should be almost ready to go home.”

Bian Han was taken aback.

Her kid wasn’t the least bit love-struck. That’s good.

But isn’t this a bit too much?

Who plans their exit strategy right at the start of a relationship?

“Fu Yuze is dating for the first time, and intends it to be his only time.” While blaming herself for not vetting things earlier, Bian Han gave him a heads-up: “From what I understand, people in the Fu family are very good at managing intimate relationships and don’t start them lightly. They typically date no more than two people before getting married. He’s put so much effort into pursuing you… the possibility of him initiating a breakup is zero.”

Jiang Jining pondered this.

“He really likes children and will definitely want to start a family someday. I’ll talk to him properly about it.”

Bian Han thought he was naive, but then suddenly remembered Bian Jiacheng mentioning that Fu Yuze had caused some conflict within the family when he came out about his orientation.

Jiang Jining’s words weren’t without reason.

In a relationship, disagreements and conflicts are inevitable.

Add in a large family and a real legacy to inherit, there will always be a day when an excuse to separate arises.

Bian Han was actually somewhat convinced by his logic.

“Alright, then you must keep your secret well and treat him seriously. Don’t bring up leaving so easily.”

Jiang Jining nodded obediently.

He wouldn’t say it; it would make Fu Yuze very sad.

When he returned home, it would be like disappearing from this world, akin to death. Being parted forever would be too cruel. After parting, he could have Bian Han reveal that he had gone on a long journey, moved away from Jingzhou, and started a new life elsewhere.

Bian Han still felt conflicted.

The phrase “treat him well” wasn’t said to Fu Yuze; she only lectured Jiang Jining.

Fu Yuze is the one who really needs to calm down.

He’s dating a boyfriend who might vanish at any moment.

Hopefully, after Jiang Jining leaves, the “wish-granter” who brought him here will be powerful enough to erase all memories related to him.

Sincerity leads to miracles.

Bian Han was a firm believer in that now.

But looking at the lovely person before her, remembering his accidental arrival here with an uncertain trigger, she immediately stopped that train of thought.

How could she bear to forget?

At least, she didn’t want her own memories of him to be taken away.

…

The next morning.

Jiang Jining got up early to pet the cat.

The auntie was ironing his clothes for going out when he received a call from Bian Jiacheng: “Have you had breakfast yet?”

Jiang Jining answered truthfully, “Not yet.”

After saying that, he added, “You woke up very early today.”

Bian Jiacheng said he’d long since developed good habits.

Bian Han, passing by, heard this. With her eyes closed, she slowly stimulated her scalp with a massage comb and casually remarked, “Bian Jiacheng? He’s chatting with you late at night?”

Bian Jiacheng on the phone: “…”

"Why is my sister awake so early too?"

Jiang Jining usually received calls in the afternoon, and asked, "Is there a time difference where he is?"

"Of course."

Bian Han paused to begin explaining.

On the other end, Bian Jiacheng said goodbye with a smile and gave up, hanging up.

Jiang Jining was usually too obedient. Unless he wasn't feeling well and put his phone on airplane mode ahead of time to avoid calls, he always answered and listened to Bian Jiacheng's constant daily pestering.

True.

As soon as one left, another arrived.

Jiang Jining glanced at Bian Han, who was rolling a soft-boiled egg before peeling it. It had been boiled for just over eight minutes and was still runny inside. She handed it to him, glanced at the video call, and said with a smile, "Answer it."

There was no helping it—her boy was just too popular.

Jiang Jining tapped to answer and took a bite of the egg.

His cheeks were stuffed with small pieces, making them full.

The camera angle was from below, a typically unflattering angle, but it made him look especially adorable, completely on display for the person on the other end.

"What are you eating?" Fu Yuze slowed the hand holding his teacup.

Jiang Jining's phone habits were just like a child's—he always paid no attention to the camera, with the ceiling taking up two-thirds of the screen and his face appearing only occasionally.

Hearing this,

Jiang Jining sat up straight, tapped twice on the camera screen, seemingly unsure what he was clicking, then turned and asked, "Why is it like this?"

Bian Han's laughter came from off-screen: "Do you want to zoom in on him?"

Jiang Jining: "Mm-hmm."

Bian Han: "Then just tap on him."

After she spoke, Jiang Jining leaned in, revealing his entire beautiful face, his delicate eyelashes distinct. Once it worked, his eyes lit up and crinkled into a smile for a moment. Remembering he hadn't answered Fu Yuze's question, he said softly, "I'm eating an egg."

Fu Yuze felt an indescribably wonderful feeling.

But since Bian Han was present, he couldn't be overly affectionate.

"I've already let my sister-in-law know. I'll pick you both up afterwards for a meal. My brother will be there too."

Jiang Jining made an agreeing sound and said okay.

Bian Han, without meaning to, listened attentively to the whole conversation. She stopped the housekeeper from disturbing the young couple and asked her to put the ironed clothes in Jiang Jining's bedroom.

Seeing he was done and had put down his phone,

Bian Han saw no need to be cryptic anymore. "Going to a family gathering with him at noon?"

"At Shishu." Jiang Jining felt her phrasing was off and corrected, "His older brother and sister-in-law will be there."

On the verge of saying something, Bian Han couldn't bring herself to dampen his spirits. She gently rubbed his cheek with her palm and said, "Have fun!"

Jiang Jining blinked and smiled.

After changing clothes, the driver sent by Ji Huan was already waiting at the door. Jiang Jining bid farewell to Bian Han, who was preparing for work, and got into the car.

The trip to Yunzhi headquarters went smoothly, and he was met by the secretary. Jiang Jining was worried he wouldn't understand anything, but fortunately, he only needed to follow along, observing this "embroidery workshop" that was even larger than he had imagined.

There were no ordinary tailors or embroiderers in sight.

But there was one beauty.

Ji Huan put down the soft measuring tape and pins in her hand. A strand of hair escaped from the bun she had tied up with a pen, swaying gracefully as she turned around.

"A Ning." Seeing he was wearing the finished garment, Ji Huan paused briefly, then smiled. "It looks even better than I imagined."

Jiang Jining finally had the chance to thank her in person.

As they spoke, an employee brought a sample for fitting. After changing, Ji Huan adjusted it for him. "When I received the order and saw you had chosen many floral embroidery designs, I thought it might be because they strongly recommended them and you couldn't refuse."

"I chose them myself," Jiang Jining admitted openly.

His mother was skilled at embroidery and loved to embroider beautiful patterns on her children's clothes. Flowers were one category, ranging from fresh and elegant to bright and charming—always something good to pick. He had also worn more refined patterns like orchids and narcissus, looking every bit the elegant young gentleman.

"You look good in anything." Ji Huan manually noted the areas needing fine adjustments and took the opportunity to ask the ethereal beauty in the mirror, "So, can you do me a favor?"

Jiang Jining instinctively asked, "What?"

Ji Huan extended the invitation at the right moment: "Next week, my department is organizing a visit to a new factory in Nanshi. I also plan to visit several embroiderers. Do you have time to come with me?"

Jiang Jining asked uncertainly again, "Me?"

What could he do?

Since childhood, he had been waited on hand and foot, spending his days playing and having fun with his older sister. The two of them could only quiet down long enough to listen to their tutor read for half an hour. He had never even touched needle and thread, let alone done any handiwork.

If he had to try, it would be a joke.

"This is just my personal invitation."

Ji Huan looked at the sweet grapefruit juice the secretary had poured, without ice, and felt comfortable letting Jiang Jining drink it. "Nanshi is a lovely place. Several of Yunzhi's dyeing and fabric factories are there, and the natural scenery is beautiful too."

It suited Jiang Jining's temperament perfectly.

He seemed like a child raised in a place of clear waters and green mountains.

Unsure if this compliment was appropriate, Ji Huan didn't voice it, only saying, "Nanshi is quite far. It's okay if you'd rather not go."

Jiang Jining thought for a moment and said, "I'll ask my family."

Ji Huan understood completely: "Of course."

Jiang Jining looked very young.

It was perfectly normal to check in with parents before going out to play.

Within a minute, after sending a message, he asked, "When do we leave?"

"Next Monday." Ji Huan waited for his answer.

Jiang Jining had once lost something important, so before going out, Bian Han equipped him with a white lanyard to hang his phone. He picked it up and typed methodically, soon receiving a reply: "You can go if you want to~"

He set his phone down. "Okay."

"Talking to your mom?"

Ji Huan asked with a smile, replying to a private email.

Jiang Jining gave a noncommittal "Mhm," took a sip of the sweet fruit juice, and set the glass down. His gold bracelet clinked softly against the tabletop. He protected it with his hand and asked, "About the trip to Nanshi, did Fu Yuze know about it from the start?"

No wonder...

Fu Yuze had been sticking to him like glue ever since confessing.

"No, he didn't," Ji Huan said, tidying up the pattern files as she spoke. "Fu Yuze and his brother don't know. Of course, I asked you first."

They don't know?

Jiang Jining was confused again.

Ji Huan teased, "Do you really have to tell him? Besides him, don't you have anyone else to go out with?"

Bian Jiacheng and Bian Han were older, practically family elders.

Whether it's friends or a lover, Jiang Jining truly couldn't think of a second person, so he nodded.

Ji Huan gasped.

"You two..."

A cheerful ringtone interrupted.

"One moment," Ji Huan picked up her phone, glanced at it, and stood up, pushing off from the table as she answered. "What's up, A Sheng?"

"Are you with Xiao Ning in the office?" Fu Huaisheng was calling to give her a heads-up. "Fu Yuze couldn't wait a second longer. He's already on the elevator coming to get him. I still have some work to finish up. I'll wait for you in the garage."

Ji Huan smiled gently. "Got it."

The moment Jiang Jining heard the unfamiliar voice call his name, he looked up at Ji Huan, who responded so naturally.

They all...

already knew him?

They were people he hadn't even met face-to-face. Why did they have such spontaneous affection and kindness toward him?

Jiang Jining's thoughts automatically drifted to information about Fu Yuze's family. He couldn't recall all the details quickly and dismissed it as overthinking.

Unexpectedly, after sitting back down, Ji Huan asked delightedly, "A Ning, are you and Yuze officially together?"

Jiang Jining let his hands fall.

Even someone as slow on the uptake could sense it now.

A situation that deviated from his understanding, something that shouldn't have happened so logically, had appeared right before his eyes—Ji Huan and Fu Huaisheng, as the eldest brother and sister-in-law, showed no resistance at all. In fact, they seemed happy to accept his romantic relationship with Fu Yuze.

"...No."

Jiang Jining remembered he used to rarely lie.

Since coming to this world, he had somehow grown accustomed to it.

"We're not together."

Click—

Fu Yuze walked in just in time to hear the last sentence.