Jiang Yi lived in a friend’s house, which was a bit old and had outdated furnishings. But for him, having a place to live was all that mattered, regardless of its condition.
It was late afternoon, around four or five o’clock, and sunlight streamed in through the balcony, brightening the room. Jiang Xiao sat beside Jiang Yi, her eyes slightly moist, while Zhou Xiulin sat a little farther away on the other side. Her throat felt constricted, and her voice sounded hoarse as she nervously introduced Zhou Xiulin to Jiang Yi.
The two men understood each other without saying a word, and everything felt like their first meeting.
Jiang Yi poured water for both of them and spoke in a deep voice, “I intended to contact you earlier, but I got delayed with some matters.”
Jiang Xiao stared at her father, her eyes filled with emotion. “Are those matters resolved now?”
Jiang Yi nodded, his gaze deep and inscrutable. He looked at Jiang Xiao’s protruding belly and couldn’t help but sigh.
Jiang Xiao felt nervous. “Dad, Zhou Xiulin and I have already registered our marriage. Due to work reasons, we haven’t announced it publicly for now.”
Jiang Yi fell silent for a moment, with a vague expression. Jiang Xiao anxiously looked at Zhou Xiulin, seeking his help.
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Hbsw Dkwzkd pxkzle zktbvzu yde prsjl nyzxzu, “Pye, clqsal Dkys Dkys yde R tsv xyaakle, ol bye ekpnwpple kv. Ebld vbl vkxl kp aktbv, ol okzz yddswdnl kv rwczknzu. Lsoyeyup, psnklvu kp ayrkezu elhlzsrkdt okvb vbl kdvladlv. Usdpkelakdt swa rakhynu yde swa elpkal vs rashkel y rlynlqwz ldhkasdxldv qsa swa nbkze’p wrcakdtkdt, ol bsrl usw nyd wdelapvyde.”
Kkydt Dkys dseele bwaaklezu, “Pye, vbyv’p bso kv kp. Rq Nkvvzl Jlyd Fraswv kp csad yde, cu ydu nbydnl, vbl ryryayggk lmrspl bkx, yde rlsrzl jdso vbyv bkp eye kp Hbsw Dkwzkd, vblu okzz nsdpvydvzu jllr yd lul sd bkx kd vbl qwvwal.”
Hbsw Dkwzkd’p caso pzktbvzu qwaasole. Tl pllxle vs byhl clld nywtbv kd vbl nasppqkal.
Kkydt Zk rwaple bkp zkrp, bkp qlyvwalp psqvldkdt pzktbvzu. “Tso xydu xsdvbp?”
Kkydt Dkys obkprlale, “Wkhl xsdvbp.”
Kkydt Zk zlv swv y pswde, yde bkp lmralppksd caklqzu clnyxl ekpvydv, yp kq bl bye clld zspv kd xlxsaklp. “Ebld uswa xsvbla oyp raltdydv okvb usw, bla qllv olal ps poszzld vbyv pbl nswzed’v qkv kdvs bla pbslp. Fbl oswze tlv zlt nayxrp yv dktbv. Rv oyp hlau ekqqknwzv…”
Kkydt Dkys’p byde kdhszwdvyakzu vktbvldle, yde pbl pvyale yv bla qyvbla okvbswv czkdjkdt, bla blyav rswdekdt.
Tla qyvbla ayalzu xldvksdle bla xsvbla kd qasdv sq bla. Vlabyrp vbkp vkxl, vbl xldvksd oyp vakttlale cu yd lxsvksdyz alprsdpl, zlyekdt bkx vs alnyzz rypv xlxsaklp.
“Dad…”
Jiang Yi’s chin tensed. “In the blink of an eye, you’re about to become a mother. Time flies so fast. Twenty-two years have passed in the blink of an eye. Zhou Xiulin, you will have to take good care of Xiao Xiao from now on. She will rely on you.”
“Dad, are you leaving again?” Jiang Xiao asked in confusion.
“I made plans to go to the northwest with a friend,” Jiang Yi squinted his eyes. The lines on his face were distinct, and these years of being constantly on the move had aged him beyond his actual age.
Zhou Xiulin spoke up, “Dad, my parents have been wanting to meet you since they found out you’re back.”
Jiang Yi wasn’t very social, but for the sake of his daughter, he agreed. “Alright, you arrange it.”
Zhou Xiulin knew that Jiang Yi and Jiang Xiao hadn’t seen each other for a long time. After sitting together for over half an hour, he got up and said he was going downstairs to buy something, giving them some space.
Jiang Yi took a sip of the already cold tea. “Xiao Xiao, why do you still insist on going into the entertainment industry?”
Jiang Xiao had already anticipated that her father would ask this question. “I’m not becoming an artist,” she smiled slightly, a hint of cunning in her smile. During her freshman year, she almost entered the entertainment industry. After Jiang Yi found out about it, he specifically came back and was very firm. Jiang Xiao couldn’t enter the entertainment industry.
If she insisted on going into the entertainment industry, their father-daughter relationship would be severed.
Of course, it was something Jiang Yi had said in anger at the time.
“You,” Jiang Yi sighed helplessly, “Your personality is not suited for the entertainment industry.”
“I know what you want to say,” Jiang Xiao’s expression became resolute, “In these past few years, I’ve racked my brains to get in. From an unknown assistant to where I am now, I’m actually quite unwilling…”
Jiang Yi furrowed his brow, “Xiao Xiao–“
Jiang Xiao changed the topic, “But after having a child, I’ve come to understand some things. Dad, it’s possible that our Jiang family has a natural predisposition for obsession in our blood.”
Jiang Yi’s tightly furrowed brow suddenly relaxed, “Xiao Xiao, are you scolding me?”
Jiang Xiao laughed, “But now I’ve let go. After giving birth to the child, I will continue with my work, not for anything else, but simply to do a good job.” Her gaze was unusually determined, and in that moment, Jiang Yi understood.
His little girl had grown up, really grown up.
“Dad, the things you don’t want to talk about, I won’t ask,” Jiang Xiao said slowly, word by word. “I am your daughter, your daughter alone.” 1 she’s alluding to the fact that she doesn’t recognize her mom
Jiang Yi lifted his hand and hugged her tightly, filled with remorse. His eyes, once bleak, now brimmed with bitterness.
Since the accident in ninth grade, they had never been this intimate as father and daughter again.
“Xiao Xiao, that’s all I wanted,” Jiang Yi said.
Jiang Xiao smirked; she knew her father wouldn’t say anything more.
Jiang Yi’s fingers trembled. “Xiulin is a good person. I can rest assured now. Originally, I didn’t want you to find a partner like him.”
“Why?”
“Because he’s too outstanding. His identity, the people he interacts with, there are too many temptations. The entertainment industry is a place of fame and fortune, and it’s easy to lose oneself. Dad was afraid you would get hurt.”
“Dad, am I not outstanding?”
Jiang Yi chuckled lightly. “Then tell me, what did Zhou Xiulin see in you?”
Jiang Xiao thought seriously for a moment. “My looks, of course.”
Jiang Yi burst into laughter, seeing the mischievous smile on his daughter’s face, which was warmer than sunlight. This child was stronger than he had imagined. There were many things she didn’t say, did he really not understand? The unexpected pregnancy must not be as calm as it appears.
He was relieved as well. “I see.”
In the evening, Zhou Xiulin arranged a restaurant and the three of them had a meal together.
Jiang Yi subtly observed and saw that Zhou Xiulin was indeed very good to Jiang Xiao. It wasn’t an act. He drank his wine, feeling relieved.
Everyone has their own fate.
Xiao Xiao seemed simple-minded, but encountering Zhou Xiulin was also fate for the two of them.
On the way back in the evening, Jiang Xiao happily hummed a song.
Zhou Xiulin was also infected by her good mood. “Did Dad say anything about me?”
Jiang Xiao nodded. “He said you’re good and told me to cherish you.”
Zhou Xiulin asked, “What else?”
Jiang Xiao replied, “He was curious about how you fell for me.”
Zhou Xiulin raised an eyebrow. “How did you answer?”
Jiang Xiao stopped in her tracks and tilted her head slightly. “I said you were attracted to my looks.”
Zhou Xiulin chuckled. “Am I such a shallow person? But, you’re right, that’s at least one of the reasons.”
Jiang Xiao smiled playfully, like a blooming flower in an instant. When she was still an assistant, there were many people pursuing her. She still had that confidence.
Two days later, the Zhou family and Jiang Yi met, and the two families’ elders had an official meeting.
Jiang Yi’s artistic temperament left Mother Zhou at a loss for words, unsure of what to say. Fortunately, Father Zhou and Jiang Yi were able to engage in conversation.
Father Zhou heard that Jiang Yi had been to so many places around the world and couldn’t help but admire him. “No wonder Xiao Xiao is so independent. It turns out you set a good example through your actions and teachings. You’ve educated her well.”
Jiang Yi replied, “I can’t take credit for that. I didn’t really worry much; Xiao Xiao was raised in free-range.”
Father Zhou felt embarrassed. His child, who was raised with such care, didn’t achieve as much as a child who was given freedom. Wasn’t this a slap in the face? “You’re being modest. Xiao Xiao is quite skilled at playing Go.”
Jiang Yi said, “When she was young, she didn’t like playing with other children, so I taught her how to play Go. Later, when she learned, she played against herself.”
Father Zhou felt emotional. “If Yanyan could be half as obedient as Xiao Xiao…”
Jiang Yi said, “This time I came back, I realized that Xiao Xiao has matured a lot, thanks to Xiulin.”
Father Zhou waved his hand. “It’s not true.”
Jiang Yi continued, “Xiulin is young and promising. He’s impressive.”
Father Zhou smiled. “We’re all one family, so don’t keep praising him.”
Jiang Yi was an open person who said what was on his mind. “Xiao Xiao, please take care of her. Thank you.”
Mother Zhou said, “That’s not necessary to say. It’s something we should do.”
Jiang Yi said, “As a father, I haven’t done anything.”
Jiang Xiao was moved. “Dad, I’m already very happy that you’ve come back.”
Jiang Yi patted her hand. “Listen to your Zhou dad and Zhou mom from now on. If you and Xiulin are happy, then we can rest assured.”
Jiang Xiao licked her lips. “I know.”
Father Zhou also agreed. “That’s right. When the child is born, it’ll be lively. By then, you, as the grandfather, should come back often.”
A smile appeared on Jiang Yi’s face. Just by seeing Zhou Xiulin’s demeanor, he knew that Zhou’s family was good. Xiao Xiao had a blissful family, and his wish was fulfilled.
A few days later, Jiang Yi was about to depart for Dunhuang. Before leaving, he contacted Zhou Xiulin and met him once again.
“This is ‘Buddha at Dawn’.” Jiang Yi carefully took out the painting.
“Dad, what are you doing with this?” Zhou Xiulin was surprised.
“I originally intended to give it to Xiao Xiao.” Jiang Yi glanced at him. “Haven’t you always wanted this painting?”
Zhou Xiulin smiled lightly. “Dad, I already have the real-life version.”
Jiang Yi felt a rush of air trapped in his chest. Was he too easy to negotiate with as a father-in-law?
Zhou Xiulin said seriously, “Dad, you should keep this painting.”
Jiang Yi looked at him, his eyes flickering as if reminiscing about something. “Someone once offered 5 million to buy this painting, but I didn’t agree.”
Zhou Xiulin remained calm.
“Xiulin, I can tell that Xiao Xiao has changed a lot during this time, and I believe it’s because of you. I should thank you. I hope that in the future, no matter what happens, we can be open and honest with each other.”
“Don’t worry, I promise you, I will,” Zhou Xiulin assured him.
Jiang Yi gently caressed the painting. “Take this painting with you and cherish it.”
Zhou Xiulin paused for a moment and replied, “Okay.”
And then Jiang Yi left.
Jiang Xiao didn’t feel too sentimental about the parting.
When Zhou Xiulin brought the painting back, she looked at it for a long time before they both carefully put it away.
Jiang Xiao said, “I don’t know why Dad seems to really like this painting.”
Zhou Xiulin responded, “Because it’s you.”
Jiang Xiao pondered for a moment. “I didn’t realize that Dad’s paintings are worth so much now.”
Zhou Xiulin tilted his head. “Your dad has gained some recognition in the art world.” Jiang Yi belonged to the type that achieved greatness later in life and had only been discovered and admired in recent years.
Jiang Xiao added, “Dad gave me a card with 5 million inside.”
Zhou Xiulin did a quick calculation and realized that Jiang’s father had given Jiang Xiao almost all the income from the paintings he had sold. He rubbed her hair and said, “Keep it, it’s a token of your father’s affection.”
“I didn’t know when Dad became so wealthy.” Their days when they were younger were not particularly affluent, and sometimes they relied on the help of their aunt.
Zhou Xiulin chuckled. “Mrs. Zhou, you’re surprised by this small amount of money? Don’t you know that your husband is very rich?”
Jiang Xiao muttered, “Mr. Zhou, I don’t love your money. What does your money have to do with me?”
Zhou Xiulin stared straight into her eyes, holding her wrist.
Jiang Xiao met his gaze and smiled lightly. Her smile was sweet. “Mr. Zhou, I find you more attractive than your money.”
Zhou Xiulin was slightly stunned, then lowered his head and kissed her lips.
In the later stages of pregnancy, Jiang Xiao’s belly suddenly expanded like a balloon. By the eighth month, as the Lunar New Year approached, companies were hosting year-end parties.
During that time, Zhou Xiulin had almost daily business dinners. Every morning, he went to work while Jiang Xiao was still asleep. Sometimes when he returned at night, Jiang Xiao was already asleep again. Their time for conversation became limited.
Jiang Xiao was accompanied by Aunt Qiao and Aunt Zhang, and she lived peacefully. She became more cautious, rarely going out except for walks in the community.
On this evening, Zhou Xiulin came home early, a rare occurrence.
Jiang Xiao supported her belly as she walked in the living room and heard the sound. She turned around slowly and said, “You’re back. How nice.” Her words were naturally warm.
Zhou Xiulin took off his jacket and threw it on the sofa before walking over to her. “Tired?”
Jiang Xiao asked, “Why are you home so early today?”
Zhou Xiulin supported her waist with one hand. “There are two more days until the holiday, and there’s not much going on.”
Jiang Xiao was quite interested in the year-end company activities. Since the establishment of Huaxia, they held an annual gala where artists and staff gathered to foster relationships.
But she hadn’t had the opportunity to attend yet.
Zhou Xiulin was always generous, and the year-end gifts prepared by the company were quite substantial.
“I heard that this year’s first prize is a 15-day trip to Europe,” she said with excitement in her voice.
Zhou Xiulin helped her sit on the sofa and fetched a cushion to support her back, casually responding, “I wonder who will be lucky enough? Ah… Next year, I must participate and win the grand prize.”
“What do you want?” he asked.
“What you buy for me and what I win myself are different,” she replied.
Zhou Xiulin’s lips curved with a playful smile. “Haven’t you already won the most luxurious prize from Huaxia?”
Jiang Xiao looked into his eyes, her expression puzzled. “What prize?”
Sansukini: So basically, Jiang Xiao’s dad was depressed because of Jiang Xiao’s mom and so when she’s old enough, he ran away from home and travelled around, and left her to her own devices. Remember in the past chapter, she mentioned that she lived in the dormitory in high school with her bff Lin Wu. Because Lin Wu is an ethnic minority from the mountain who got a scholarship in the city, and Jiang Xiao didn’t want to live with their relatives abroad. If you haven’t got clued in yet, her mom is not dead yet, but her dad and all the relatives told her that she died when she was a baby. Also, there’s no revenge tag in this novel, as you can see from her attitude and their daddy-daughter dialogue. Also, the little bean sprout is coming soon.
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