Chapter 75

Chapter 75

When Jiang Yicen finished his meal at a Western restaurant and walked out, it was just before eight, still early.

Chen Zhicheng's family was indeed down on their luck; all the family cars were sold off to pay debts, leaving them with no personal vehicle and had to use public transit.

Jiang Yicen walked with him to the subway station. He was taking the subway home too. Usually, he traveled by family car, but occasionally he wanted a change of pace and to experience the life of ordinary people, as that could spark more innovative ideas in his work.

Since they were heading in different directions, they parted ways at the subway station and went home separately.

On the Line 6 train heading toward his home, there weren't many passengers, and he found a seat. It wasn't his first time on the subway, so he took it in stride, much like riding a streetcar in the old days, except the subway was much faster—he could reach home in less than half an hour.

He had talked quite a bit with Chen Zhicheng today, learning from him that Uncle Yuan was his great-great-grandfather, not just his great-grandfather. It turned out that so many generations had passed—Jiang Yuan's descendants were already in the fourth generation, and Chen Zhicheng was his great-great-grandson.

Chen Zhicheng told him that Uncle Yuan had passed away more than forty years ago. Chen Zhicheng's maternal grandmother was Uncle Yuan's granddaughter, and she was too young at the time to know much about the old man's death.

Jiang Yicen asked Chen Zhicheng why he remembered Uncle Yuan's name, since it's not easy to remember a great-great-grandfather's name. Chen Zhicheng replied that their family visits the grave every year during Tomb-Sweeping Day, and he had just gone this year. Moreover, they have a tradition: the elders tell the younger generation many stories related to their great-great-grandfather.

His great-great-grandfather was once a very famous red merchant during the War of Resistance against Japan, supporting the resistance through donations, supplies, and transporting materials.

However, his great-great-grandfather had originally worked for the wealthy Jiang family of that era. When the Jiang family's entire lineage perished, he couldn't stand to see their entire estate disappear, so he followed the example of the former family head and became a merchant. Through business negotiations, he provided considerable help and supplies to the communist-controlled areas, saying it was the master's dying wish.

Every Tomb-Sweeping Day, Chen Zhicheng pays respects to this heroic great-great-grandfather. What ordinary people see are historical figures, but his ancestor was a real historical figure, someone who fought tooth and nail in that era.

In fact, Jiang Yicen had always known that if Uncle Yuan hadn't been born into the Jiang family, he might have become a big figure himself. Fortunately, he did become someone important.

But he couldn't understand how the Chen family had fallen so far.

Chen Zhicheng delicately told him that his relatives were all diligent and honest people, with no black sheep among them. The most extravagant thing they did was study abroad, but the legacy their great-great-grandfather left was gradually diluted and shrunk. In the end, his family just didn't have the business acumen.

Jiang Yicen couldn't help but laugh. Uncle Yuan's descendants hadn't inherited his business mind.

Later, as they got more familiar, Jiang Yicen asked whether Jiang Yuan had ever mentioned the descendants of the wealthy Jiang family to his descendants.

Chen Zhicheng replied with some difficulty: "I really don't know about the Jiang family's descendants. Maybe I could ask my mother and the others when I get home. Perhaps they know. I only know that my great-great-grandfather mentioned that they went abroad to escape the war."

Jiang Yicen said, "Okay, if you find anything, let me know later."

Chen Zhicheng didn't ask why Jiang Yicen was looking for the original Jiang family members. Could it be that a fellow clan member was seeking relatives across the ocean?

Didn't his own family know?

Fourth Master Jiang had also been abroad before, hadn't he? Why didn't he search overseas?

Chen Zhicheng couldn't figure out the big connection, so he stopped thinking about it.

In fact, Jiang Yicen wasn't dead set on reconnecting with the Jiang family, since he wasn't that connected to their descendants now. His purpose was to confirm whether his sister-in-law, his nephews and nieces had fared well after going abroad. In the future, if possible, he could lend a hand to the Jiang family within his means.

Some things can't be rushed, especially when it comes to finding people. Nearly a century had passed. To investigate, one had to trace down generation after generation, asking around bit by bit.

As Jiang Yicen sat on the subway deep in thought, he didn't notice that two girls sitting across from him were stunned by his handsome features and cold, aristocratic bearing. They secretly took a photo of him holding his phone and typing.

Before he even got off the subway, one of the girls had already posted on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), and within moments, the post had hundreds of likes, saves, and comments.

"Encountered an absolutely stunning guy on Line 6 in Lincheng. Which entertainment company trainee is he? Note: No filter, no beauty filter on the phone—this is a completely natural face."

—I'm on Line 6! Where, where?

—I'm taking a flight to Lincheng right now to bump into him.

—Such a natural face! The skin is amazing, and his smile is even better.

—So elegant! Everyone around him is slouching, but he sits perfectly upright, like he just came from some banquet, totally out of place with the surroundings.

—I think he's some rich young master out to experience real life. The watch on his wrist—if I'm not mistaken—should be seven figures.

—I wonder who he's chatting with on his phone, with such gentle eyes.

Jiang Yicen had no idea he was secretly photographed and suddenly went viral online. The post's likes and comments skyrocketed, and even some talent agencies saw it and wanted to contact him.

But that's a story for later.

Right now, he got off the subway and headed home.

Before boarding the subway, he had already texted Nan Shuyi to let him know he was on his way back. Nan Shuyi had originally wanted to pick him up, but Jiang Yicen refused, not wanting to put him through the trouble.

Just as he reached the entrance to their residential complex, he saw a tall figure standing by the gate from afar. As he approached, he recognized Nan Shuyi.

Jiang Yicen's heart jumped with joy as he walked up: "Why did you come downstairs?"

Nan Shuyi gave a light snort. He hadn't forgotten that Jiang Yicen had been followed before. The person involved might be easygoing, but he wasn't. He couldn't relax until the stalker was found.

Although there had been no signs of being followed recently, he couldn't let his guard down.

Nan Shuyi's sarcastic tone remained unchanged: "So you finally decided to come back?"

Jiang Yicen smiled: "I just had a meal."

Nan Shuyi: "What kind of meal was so last-minute that you couldn't schedule it another time?"

Jiang Yicen asked for his input: "Actually, I want to refer him to Zhou Yi's company. What do you think?"

Knowing he was very articulate, Nan Shuyi wasn't really angry—just purely worried. Seeing him home was enough.

He said, "No problem. Zhou Yi is in a good mood lately with all the good things happening to him. Whatever you say to him, he'll probably agree."

Jiang Yicen completely relaxed: "Great, then I can help someone out."

If it had been when they first met, Nan Shuyi would have called him a softie who's too nice, but now he didn't say much. Jiang Yicen always had his reasons for doing things. Besides, if Chen Zhicheng was sent to Zhou Yi's company and booked for shows and films every day, he'd have no time to take Jiang Yicen out to dinner.

Having made up his mind, Nan Shuyi felt much better. He kept this little plan to himself, careful not to let it show.

They lived in a residential complex with large green spaces. To justify the high prices, the developer had designed various beautiful flagstone paths and added ambient lighting, creating picture-perfect scenes under the lights.

Nan Shuyi reached out his hand toward Jiang Yicen.

After a moment's hesitation, Jiang Yicen placed his hand in his, letting him lead him home. Hardly any residents were out at night, so there was no risk of being seen.

It would take a while to walk back.

Even though they didn't say much, it didn't lessen their honeymoon-phase closeness.

Nan Shuyi squeezed his fingers and said, "I have a business trip tomorrow."

Jiang Yicen: "Where to?"

He knew that most of the Fuyu matters were handled by Assistant Tang, and Assistant Tang would handle any necessary business trips.

Nan Shuyi: "Going overseas with my dad."

Jiang Yicen: "Hmm? I hadn't heard about that before."

Nan Shuyi: "It was a last-minute thing too. Do you know where I'm going?"

Jiang Yicen shook his head: "No idea."

Nan Shuyi: "Actually, I have you to thank for this."

Jiang Yicen: "What do you mean?"

Nan Shuyi: "This time, high-level leaders are going to Country M for an official visit and will bring many prominent entrepreneurs. Originally, my dad wasn't on the list, but after the Twin Stars situation, he was added."

Initially, the entrepreneurs considered to accompany the leader to Country M were mostly from tech-related industries. Traditional industries were generally not considered, except for a very small number. After all, among the top 500 companies nationwide, the spots on the delegation were extremely limited.

Jiang Yicen felt happy for Nan Shuyi and his father. He spent half an hour every day reading the news, and Nan Shuyi also kept up with changes in national policies. Others might find news boring, but businessmen saw every news item as a key point and business opportunity. A seemingly insignificant policy could change a company's fate and future direction.

He raised his elegant eyebrows: "So, can I see you on the news?"

Nan Shuyi pinched his pinky finger and said, "Not necessarily. I'm just a minor member of the entourage."

Jiang Yicen: "That's still pretty impressive. It's the national leader we're talking about."

Nan Shuyi: "Actually, you should be the one going."

Jiang Yicen shook his head and smiled: "I'll pass. I'm shy around strangers."

Nan Shuyi: "Alright."

In fact, he had noticed, more or less, that Jiang Yicen preferred staying home and reading over going out. He could spend the whole day alone without feeling bored.

Jiang Yicen: "Do you want me to help you pack your luggage tonight?"

They would be abroad for at least several days. In his memory, traveling abroad by ship took more than half a month, and the round trip would be at least a month or two.

Nowadays, flying from home to Country M only took eleven or twelve hours, which was already very fast. Including their follow-up visits abroad, plus maybe two more stops, after all the math, the earliest they'd be back was five days.

When his father went on business trips, his mother usually packed his clothes for him, never letting anyone else do it.

Nan Shuyi: "Of course. I need to think about what to wear on the day I'm on camera."

When they got home, Jiang Yicen was even more eager than Nan Shuyi to pack his things.

To him, accompanying a national leader on an official visit was the highest honor.

Nan Shuyi hadn't taken it very seriously at first, but seeing Jiang Yicen bustling around for him, he started taking it more seriously.

Jiang Yicen checked the travel notes and essential items that Assistant An had sent to Nan Shuyi, packing everything one by one.

He rummaged through the dressing room: "Shuyi, where is your passport?"

Nan Shuyi: "In the drawer, together with your passport."

Jiang Yicen found the passport and asked, "You should wear a more formal suit – which one? What about this navy blue one?"

Nan Shuyi picked one himself, and Jiang Yicen chose a dark green classic vintage tie for him.

The suits had dust covers, so they wouldn't get wrinkled in the suitcase. Besides, the five-star hotel they were staying at would offer ironing services, so there was no need to worry.

Apart from clothes and accessories, Jiang Yicen also selected three pairs of cufflinks and three bow ties in different styles, so he could mix and match different outfits each day.

Actually, Nan Shuyi had good taste in clothes, but he usually preferred casual wear and kept things simple. After all, he hadn't been interested in that sort of thing before marriage. But now it was different; he seemed to be gradually rising to higher levels.

Nan Shuyi watched as Jiang Yicen, afraid that Nan Shuyi might forget, wrote down which suit matched which tie, which cufflinks, and which shirt on sticky notes. In this aspect, he really couldn't compare to Jiang Yicen, who seemed to have his own opinion on what to wear for various occasions.

One outfit for the day, one for the evening banquet, and one for following the group.

Jiang Yicen looked around and found a sapphire-crystal pocket watch in the watch cabinet. He asked, "Should I bring the pocket watch?"

Nan Shuyi didn't even remember he had a pocket watch. It seemed to be a birthday gift from Zhou Yi.

He loved watching Jiang Yicen bustle around for him; it made him feel valued and cherished. The more he watched, the more he fell for him.

"You like this pocket watch?"

Jiang Yicen nodded: "Mm, it gives the outfit a vintage feel. You'll look great wearing it—definitely stand out in the crowd."

In formal settings, men's accessories should be refined rather than excessive. To him, a pocket watch was really more of a fashion piece. Back in his day, not everyone could own a pocket watch, but now it had become a vintage accessory.

Nan Shuyi watched him carefully take the watch out of the cabinet and said, "What if I steal the leader's thunder?"

Jiang Yicen had indeed considered that. Nan Shuyi's looks were undoubtedly outstanding, and he might be the youngest member of the delegation.

He hesitated, seriously considering the possibility Nan Shuyi had raised: "Then maybe we shouldn't bring it?"

Nan Shuyi happily kissed him on the cheek: "Which media would give me screen time? Don't worry, they won't."

Jiang Yicen realized this guy was always teasing him, but he liked it when Nan Shuyi wore the combinations he carefully picked. He hummed and was about to put the pocket watch in the suitcase.

However, Nan Shuyi took the watch from his hand and said, "No need to pack it. I'll wear it on the plane tomorrow morning. There will be a livestream, so you can look for me in the crowd."

Jiang Yicen: "Alright."

With both of them working together, it took them a while to pack the suitcase.

When Jiang Yicen looked up, he met Nan Shuyi's intense gaze.

Nan Shuyi gently caught his wrist: "I'm going on a business trip. We might not see each other for a whole week."

Jiang Yicen took a step back: "And what about it?"

Nan Shuyi showed how much he'd miss him over the next few days through his actions. He leaned forward, pressing his lips against Jiang Yicen's, not giving him a chance to speak.

Actually, the dressing room was a decent place, but they hadn't gone all the way yet.

Jiang Yicen thought Nan Shuyi was being very bold.

He pressed down on the hand sliding toward his abdomen. Without him realizing, the belt buckle had been undone. He flinched, realizing what Nan Shuyi wanted to do.

All he wanted was to escape: "No, not here..."

But Nan Shuyi pressed his lips against his earlobe, warm breath ghosting over his ear.

"No, right here."

The moment the words ended, Jiang Yicen was pushed against the cabinet door. He realized he was a complete rookie in this area, always being led by Nan Shuyi.

But this time, Jiang Yicen took a bit more initiative. He mustered the courage to push Nan Shuyi onto the sofa nearby.

Face reddening, he slowly knelt on one knee in front of Nan Shuyi, lifting his gaze slightly, and said, "Today, I take the lead."

Nan Shuyi's body tensed. Hearing such words from someone who was usually so proper, and seeing him take the lead, completely threw him off.

"Jiang Yicen, you..."

Jiang Yicen placed one hand on his thigh and said softly, "You're my husband. We can do anything."