The stage play and musical were scheduled for the night before Mid-Autumn Festival.
After the performance ended, Jiang Li received many flowers. She held a bouquet of sunflowers herself, while the assistants helped carry the rest.
After removing her makeup, she returned from the theater to her apartment. Her phone kept buzzing with messages—most of them Mid-Autumn Festival greetings.
Just as she stepped onto the stairs outside the theater apartment, someone called her from behind.
“Jiang Jiang!” a clear girl’s voice rang out.
Jiang Li turned around. Shang Luo appeared in her view, bouncing happily toward her, followed by a handsome and refined man.
Su Tinglan came up and greeted her politely. “Miss Jiang, it’s been a long time. Do you still remember me?”
Jiang Li did remember him—Su Tinglan. He was a lawyer and a good friend of Shang Huizhou. She smiled and greeted him back.
“Hello, Lawyer Su.”
Shang Luo giggled. “Aiya, we’re all family. Why are you both being so formal?”
Su Tinglan gently patted Shang Luo’s head affectionately.
Shang Luo shook her head in protest and glared at him a little. Why was he still patting her head? She wasn’t a puppy.
“Why did you come here? Did Grandpa Shang go back already?” Jiang Li originally planned to greet Old Master Shang after the performance, but now he was nowhere to be seen.
Shang Luo huffed. “Our grandpa is really strange. He was clearly watching your stage play with us, but then he disappeared. Then he even called me and Brother Su to come pick you up. He said he’d wait for you himself, but instead made us do it.”
Jiang Li roughly understood—Grandpa Shang was avoiding her on purpose.
She felt a slight bitterness in her heart.
“He probably had something to do,” she said softly.
Shang Luo nodded. “That makes sense. The house is really lively tonight. The kitchen even made a super big mooncake—three layers! Grandpa said a few days ago that you should come over and, like before, we would cut the mooncake together.”
During the three years Jiang Li stayed with the Shang family, she and Shang Luo always cut the Mid-Autumn mooncake together.
Her lips curved downward slightly, feeling a little heavy in her chest.
Grandpa Shang had truly been very good to her.
She originally wanted to refuse, but in the end, she said nothing.
Shang Luo linked her arm and pulled her toward the car, talking nonstop.
“Jiang Jiang, your Zhen Mi was so beautiful! Your pipa and guzheng playing were amazing too. When you were dancing on stage, especially standing on the boat playing the pipa—it was like a painting! The ladies sitting next to me were all talking about you, saying your dancing is incredible and you’re really beautiful!”
“Some of them even said they wanted to ask around about you and introduce you to their relatives or sons. I clearly told them—you’re my third brother’s fiancée, already taken! Don’t even think about it.” Shang Luo looked both proud and annoyed.
“……”
Jiang Li rubbed her temples. She didn’t even know how Shang Luo found out about her and Shang Huizhou, and she didn’t know how to explain that she and his third brother weren’t actually engaged.
Su Tinglan politely opened the car door for them.
After getting in, Shang Luo leaned forward and handed Jiang Li a bouquet from the front seat.
“Jiang Jiang, congratulations on a perfect performance! This is for you!”
It was a bouquet made of small teddy bears. At a glance, it was clearly Shang Luo’s style.
“Thank you,” Jiang Li said.
Shang Luo smiled brightly. “No need to thank me! I bought the flowers, but my third brother paid for them—hehe. So if you want to thank someone, thank him!”
“……”
Shang Luo hugged one of the teddy bears and grinned mischievously. “Jiang Jiang, Third Brother might not be home tonight. If you want to thank him, you can just message him.”
“……He’s on a business trip. I won’t disturb him,” Jiang Li said. She remembered that Old Master Shang valued family reunion, and Shang family festivals were always lively. She didn’t expect Shang Huizhou to also be away.
While driving, Su Tinglan spoke up.
“Huizhou might be on a business trip… or maybe not. I remember he originally planned to go, but then he got a call saying something had been restored and he needed to pick it up. It seemed quite important.”
Jiang Li didn’t respond, and the topic ended there.
The drive took about an hour and a half, but it wasn’t boring at all—Shang Luo kept excitedly talking about Jiang Li’s performance on stage.
Soon, the car entered the Shang family old residence. After dropping them off, Su Tinglan left.
Old Zhang led them inside.
As soon as they entered, the Shang residence was lively. Aside from Shang Huizhou’s parents, most of the family had returned. However, the lively atmosphere was mixed with loud arguing.
The loudest voice came from Shang Huizhou’s second aunt, surnamed Yang. Her son was studying abroad, and she usually stayed overseas to take care of him, rarely returning to the old house. Jiang Li had only met her once before and remembered her as very assertive.
Her voice was sharp and loud.
“Dad, even if you don’t handle company matters anymore, you’re still the respected head of the family. Huizhou dismissed Second Brother from his position without saying a word—what does that even mean?”
“Dad, please judge fairly! What is this? How can a junior be so arrogant? Second Brother has worked properly in the company for years—even if he didn’t make big contributions, he worked hard! Why should he be kicked out just like that? If he wants to push our branch out, he should just say it directly! Why go around doing things like this!”
Old Master Shang sat at the main seat without speaking, his face dark.
Second Uncle Shang looked at the old master’s expression, feeling like he might be kicked out of the house tonight. Then he looked at his wife, who was angrily arguing with hands on her hips, and felt extremely embarrassed. He tugged her wrist, trying to stop her.
But Madam Yang shook him off and snapped, “Why are you pulling me? You’re useless and too scared to speak—don’t stop me from talking!”
Shang Luo quickly changed her shoes and ran into the living room. Standing with her hands behind her back, she raised her chin at Madam Yang.
“Second Aunt, if you have something to say, go ask my third brother at the company! Ask him directly! His explanation will be clearer than Grandpa’s anyway. Why are you asking Grandpa? He doesn’t interfere in company matters—how would he know what really happened?”
The only person in this family who could somewhat keep Shang Huizhou in check was probably Old Master Shang.
Madam Yang looked at Shang Luo and scolded her. “You little kid, what do you understand? I’m discussing serious matters with Grandpa. Why are you butting in?”
After staying silent for a long time, Old Master Shang suddenly struck his walking stick on the ground and said sharply, “I think Luo Luo is completely right! If it’s company matters, go talk at the company. What kind of chaos are you causing at home? Even a child understands this logic, but you, a grown woman, don’t? I think you’ve wasted all these decades of your life. If you’re not happy, get out!”
Madam Yang was usually bold, but she still feared the Old Master. She didn’t dare say another word.
She had only wanted to vent in front of everyone and criticize Shang Huizhou.
She didn’t believe everyone was satisfied with him—people just didn’t dare say it.
But she definitely didn’t want to be kicked out of the Shang family.
Seeing that the Old Master had defended Shang Luo, Shang Luo proudly lifted her chin at Madam Yang.
Madam Yang turned her face away in anger and sat down. Then her eyes landed on Jiang Li.
She suddenly smiled. “You must be Jiang Li, right?”
The girl had been beautiful since childhood—easy to remember. After eight or nine years, she had become even more beautiful.
Jiang Li nodded politely, then greeted the Old Master.
“Grandpa Shang.”
“Good, you’re back. Come sit here,” the Old Master said warmly, his earlier anger disappearing instantly.
Madam Yang immediately stood up and pulled Jiang Li to sit beside her.
“Come, sit here with your aunt.”
Jiang Li felt a bit confused. She wasn’t familiar with this woman at all—they could barely even be called acquaintances.
But she still politely smiled.
Madam Yang held Jiang Li’s hand affectionately. “Jiang Li, Aunt isn’t an outsider. I just want to tell you a few things. Listen to me—Huizhou is a cold-blooded person. You don’t know this, but he even wants to push out his own elders. He just wants to take over the company for himself.”
Second Uncle Shang tugged at her sleeve, telling her to stop. But Madam Yang shook him off and continued holding Jiang Li’s hand.
“What’s more important is that some people are naturally heartless. They’ll do anything for profit. Jiang Li, as an elder, I advise you—you should stay away from him. Be careful when choosing someone.”
Jiang Li had been chosen as Shang Huizhou’s fiancée by Old Master Shang, and the Shang family had known about it for years. Madam Yang had been unhappy about it for a long time.
Although the Jiang family had declined after losing two sons, Old Master Jiang still held influence in the system. And with two martyrs in the family, people would still show respect.
If Jiang Li married her son, it would help his future career greatly.
She just couldn’t understand it—both were grandchildren of the Old Master, so why was Shang Huizhou always favored and given everything best?
Madam Yang leaned closer and whispered in Jiang Li’s ear, “Jiang Li, you don’t know this, but even his own mother didn’t want him. That alone tells you what kind of person he is—he’s cold by nature.”
Jiang Li felt as if something dull had struck her heart.
She didn’t know much about Shang Huizhou’s parents, only that they had a bad relationship and divorced when he was very young.
Even if that was true, this was not something Madam Yang should be saying—especially in such a harsh tone.
It made Jiang Li uncomfortable.
Old Master Shang’s expression also darkened. He slammed his cane again.
“Stop talking nonsense in front of the child!”
Madam Yang shrank her neck. “I’m just telling the truth…”
Before she could continue, the Old Master shot her a sharp look, and she finally fell silent.
Jiang Li smiled gently and said softly, “Aunt, I know what kind of person Huizhou is better than anyone. I trust my own judgment.”
Madam Yang’s smile stiffened.
Jiang Li continued calmly, still smiling.
“Speaking of judgment, I learned something today. Sometimes, when you’re not familiar with someone at all, just by listening to a few sentences, you can tell whether they are someone who stirs trouble or someone reasonable. Aunt, don’t you think so? It’s better not to misunderstand someone just because you don’t know the full story.”
Madam Yang was left speechless. She couldn’t argue back, but Jiang Li remained calm and gentle the whole time, even smiling softly.
So she had nowhere to release her anger—it just got stuck in her chest.
She hadn’t expected the seemingly gentle girl to be so sharp-tongued underneath.
Shang Luo covered her mouth and laughed, whispering something to the Old Master, who smiled in amusement.
Second Uncle Shang was so embarrassed he couldn’t stand it anymore and shouted at Madam Yang, “Enough! Can you stop talking? Do you want to embarrass yourself tonight?!”
Madam Yang, already frustrated, exploded at that.
“Shang Laosan! What do you mean I’m embarrassing myself? Your nephew did all this, and I can’t even say anything? Is there still justice?! First he pushed his own grandfather out of the company, and now his own uncle too—what kind of cold-blooded person is he?!”
Before she could continue, a clear, cold voice came from the entrance.
“Second Aunt, if you want justice, you can come directly to me. There’s no need to ask anyone else.”
The voice was calm, but carried strong pressure.
Madam Yang’s voice stopped instantly.
The entire room fell silent.
Everyone’s attention had been on Madam Yang, so no one even noticed when Shang Huizhou had returned.
Even Old Zhang, who was standing beside the Old Master, was stunned for a moment before quickly going to welcome him.
From Jiang Li’s seat, she could see part of the entrance.
Shang Huizhou walked in with a tall, straight posture. As soon as he entered, he could see the group sitting in the living room.
And his gaze landed on Jiang Li.
Jiang Li felt a little guilty. She didn’t know whether Shang Huizhou had heard what she had just said.
She had been talking nonsense earlier.
Nervously, she looked up without thinking—and happened to meet his eyes.
Their gazes collided briefly in the air. Shang Huizhou calmly withdrew his gaze from her, then stepped into the living room. Family elders, uncles, aunts, and cousins all greeted him.
He responded with a slight nod, then walked steadily toward the sofa area. Each of his steps felt like they were pressing directly on Madam Yang’s heart.
The bold, aggressive Madam Yang from earlier immediately became timid in front of him.
She straightened her back slightly, nervously clasping her hands together, forcing a smile.
“Huizhou, it’s nothing serious. I didn’t mean to trouble you. It’s just your second uncle’s matter—I asked him, but he wouldn’t explain, so I was worried and came to ask what’s going on.”
Shang Huizhou was tall, his handsome face completely expressionless.
From her angle, Madam Yang could only see his sharp, cold jawline. She felt a chill in her heart.
To avoid becoming a joke in front of everyone, she forced herself to continue speaking in a very low posture.
“Huizhou, you know your second uncle has always been honest and hardworking. No matter what, he shouldn’t be fired like that, right? This will make it hard for him to survive in the industry. Don’t you think that’s reasonable?”
Shang Huizhou didn’t respond. His eyes remained cold and unreadable.
Shang Luo happily bounced over and gave up her single sofa seat to Shang Huizhou, then squeezed beside Old Master Shang instead.
The single sofa Shang Huizhou sat in was right next to Jiang Li.
Jiang Li suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable. She didn’t look at him at all—not even from the corner of her eye.
“Is that so?”
Shang Huizhou lifted his eyelids slightly and looked at Madam Yang. A faint, cold smile appeared on his lips.
“Second Aunt, why don’t you ask Second Uncle what exactly caused him to be forced out of the company?”
His calm, indifferent sentence made Second Uncle Shang, who had been keeping his head down, feel as if a blade was hanging over him.
He turned slightly and scolded his wife in a low voice.
“Stop talking! Let’s go home and settle this!”
But Madam Yang glanced around and saw everyone’s mocking or watching expressions. She knew she couldn’t back down now, or she would become a laughingstock in private discussions.
So she hardened her heart.
“Why shouldn’t I say it? Since Huizhou already put it like that, as elders we should at least get a clear explanation!”
Just as she finished speaking, a smiling voice came in.
Soft, charming, and clear.
“Second Brother, you didn’t tell Second Sister-in-law the reason?”
“It’s your family matter whether you say it or not. But the three billion you owe the company still needs to be paid back soon. Otherwise, I’ll have to take legal action. At that point, it might affect your entire branch.”
Shang Shiqing had come back with Shang Huizhou. She had answered a call outside and was delayed, and just walked in when she heard the commotion.
“Three… three billion? What do you mean? Shang Shiqing, explain yourself!”
Madam Yang was so shocked her voice started shaking.
Shang Shiqing didn’t answer her. She walked over in high heels, went around the back of the sofa where Second Uncle’s family was sitting, and sat on the armrest next to Jiang Li, placing her hands casually on Jiang Li’s shoulder.
Jiang Li turned her hand over and held hers back. They both smiled faintly at each other—one gentle, one charming.
Both were beautiful.
Shang Shiqing spoke casually.
“It’s simple. Second Brother embezzled 350 million yuan from the company. He repaid 50 million, so there are still three hundred million left.”
Three hundred million!
Madam Yang’s face turned completely pale. She almost fainted.
After a while, she forced out a shaky voice.
“Shiqing, you can’t joke about something like this. Y-you’re not mistaken, right?”
Shang Shiqing played with Jiang Li’s nails while replying softly, even admiring how nice they looked.
Jiang Li said she would help her paint them later. Shang Shiqing smiled and agreed.
Then she lifted her eyes, her beautiful gaze turning cold.
“Oh, I forgot one more thing.”
“Second Brother also leaked important data about the iSpace full-control technology to a competitor company. Although it wasn’t intentional, it caused half a year of hard work to be wasted.”
“Huizhou considered his reputation and suppressed the matter without making it public. He even kept his annual dividends for him. That’s already more than enough mercy.”
Shang Shiqing glanced at the other brothers.
“Third Brother and Fourth Brother both knew about this. I didn’t expect Second Sister-in-law didn’t know.”
“So Second Brother, that’s really your fault.”
Everyone knew?
Only she didn’t know?
She had even complained about it to the other wives, and none of them told her anything.
It was obvious they were just watching her make a fool of herself.
Madam Yang was so angry she could barely breathe.
Second Uncle Shang wished he could bury his head in the ground. He had only had a few drinks too many that time.
The other side’s secretary had kept pushing him to drink. He couldn’t refuse, got drunk, and accidentally revealed information.
After the chaos, the house finally became quiet again.
Shang Luo flopped down lazily beside Old Master Shang.
“Wow, that troublemaker finally left. The air feels so much fresher now.”
Old Master Shang gently scolded her, though clearly doting.
“Mind your manners. She is still your elder.”
Shang Luo stuck out her tongue playfully.
Jiang Li couldn’t help but smile at her cute expression—and just at that moment, her eyes accidentally met Shang Huizhou’s again.
She quickly looked away, but her heartbeat sped up uncontrollably.
Looking at the entire Shang family treating Shang Huizhou with respect and caution, Jiang Li realized for the first time—everyone was actually afraid of him.
In the third year Jiang Li stayed in the Shang family, Shang Huizhou had already taken over the company’s affairs.
She would often go to the company to bother him for various small things. Although he seemed unwilling, he still helped her solve every problem.
Back then, people said Shang Huizhou was mature beyond his years and had a strong, decisive style in business.
But Jiang Li never felt any pressure from him at all.
Tonight, however, she felt it clearly.
He didn’t even need to say anything—just his presence alone was enough to make the atmosphere feel heavy and tense.
At that moment, someone from the kitchen came over to remind them that the mooncake could be cut.
Shang Luo happily jumped up from the sofa.
“Third Brother! Third Brother! I’m giving you my cutting spot this year—you should cut the mooncake with Jiang Jiang!”