Сhарter 14: Forсеd Кiss
Тhе Maybасh drove intо the Yuan fаmilу’s оld mаnsiоn. Аfter thе саr сame tо a stop, Yuan Неzhi steрреd оut first аnd, with gentlеmаnlу gracе, оpеned the cаr doоr for Jiang Li.
“Watсh yоur heаd.”
“Тhank yоu.”
Several раssing sеrvаnts walked slоwlу, thеir еyes fillеd with curiоsity as thеy loоked at Jiаng Li.
At first glancе, thе уoung mistrеss lоoked… so gеntle.
Тhеy had аlways thоught that а fiеrу, glamоrous womаn or a dесisivе, powerful businesswoman would be а bеtter match for thе еldest young mаstеr.
The soft-spoken young mistress probably wouldn’t be able to handle the eldest young master. If he so much as glared, she might burst into tears.
Jiang Li looked around, pretending it was her first time visiting the Yuan family’s old mansion.
“Your home is so big!”
“I thought your house would be very ancient, but it’s actually a blend of Chinese and Western architecture—deeply rooted in tradition yet full of artistic flair.”
“I wonder if it looks even better with the lights on at night. With so many courtyards and gates one after another, I might get lost in the dark.”
Was she trying to hold hands?
Yuan Hezhi’s gaze was cool and proud as he extended his hand toward her.
Jiang Li was taken aback for a moment before she took hold of the man’s large hand, clad in a black leather glove.
Yuan Hezhi: “The house is indeed quite large, but once you get familiar with it, you won’t get lost.”
Holding hands to keep her from getting lost—how thoughtful of the big boss!
Jiang Li smiled gently: “I don’t really like going out, so it might take me a while to get used to the old mansion. But if you accompany me, I could figure it all out in three months!”
Three months?
How long had she originally planned to take to get familiar with the house?
Yuan Hezhi was about to say something when he noticed Uncle Wang standing to the side, smiling.
The young mistress was lively and adorable, while the eldest young master was aloof and steady. The matchmaker these days really knew how to pair people up!
Yuan Hezhi said calmly: “No rush. You can take your time getting familiar with the house. I’m very busy with work and may not have time to accompany you around the gardens.”
Jiang Li wasn’t disappointed. Her eyes still sparkled as she whispered softly with her rosy lips: “Husband, you still prefer me in the room, don’t you~”
Yuan Hezhi suddenly tightened his grip on her hand.
Jiang Li immediately sealed her lips, not daring to tease him anymore.
She forgot he was impotent. Such provocative words shouldn’t be said… Ouch, she got a lesson.
Uncle Wang hadn’t expected the young mistress to be so bold. The smile in his eyes deepened.
The more he looked at them, the more he felt they were a perfect match.
The eldest young master was decisive and ruthless in the business world, yet at home, he was reserved and indifferent, rarely even smiling. Those who stood at the top often felt lonely.
Now that he had the young mistress, the eldest young master probably wouldn’t be lonely anymore.
Xuanhe Hall.
Old Madam held the red marriage certificate, looking at it over and over before instructing someone to put it away.
Jiang Li: ?
What Old Madam thought was: Finally, someone wanted to sleep with their family’s big iceberg. She couldn’t let Jiang Li run off with the marriage certificate.
Jiang Li noticed the painting hanging on the living room wall—the gift she had entrusted Yuan Hezhi to give to Old Madam.
“Grandma, thank you for liking my calligraphy and painting.”
Jiang Li looked gentle, her voice sweet, and her attitude gracious. Old Madam’s last trace of doubt vanished completely.
The old and the young chatted, moving from calligraphy and painting to food.
Yuan Hezhi remained silent, as if treating this as a formal court. His dignified and imposing presence felt oppressive.
Old Madam’s lips twitched as she asked Yuan Hezhi to bring over two plates of snacks.
Sometimes even she couldn’t stand her eldest grandson’s serious and cold demeanor. She was afraid that, over time, Jiang Li wouldn’t be able to handle him either.
Old Madam was overthinking it. Not only could Jiang Li handle it, she very much hoped her husband would turn into a block of wood.Having lived a second life, Jiang Li had engraved the four-word mantra “I’m the only one who matters” deep into her soul.
Two identical plates of pastries were placed—one in front of his grandmother by Yuan Hezhi, and the other given to Jiang Li.
Old Madam gave a light hum, thinking there was still hope for him.
Jiang Li took a bite of the water chestnut cake. It was different from the ones she had eaten outside—smoother, more tender, and not overly sweet.
She ate five pieces and still didn’t stop.
Yuan Hezhi moved the plate of water chestnut cakes aside and said in a low voice, “Lunch is about to be served. Eating too many sweets will spoil your appetite.”
Old Madam and Uncle Wang, hearing the commotion, watched intently. Were they going to argue on the very first day of their marriage?
Young women nowadays were delicate and precious, cherished beyond measure. Who would want a controlling figure like a father after marriage?
Jiang Li gazed pitifully at the water chestnut cakes, her tone soft and sweet like honey, yet her words were clear as she cooed, “Can I have some after the meal? I’ll miss it tonight.”
“…” Yuan Hezhi replied, “Yes.”
Jiang Li smiled brightly. “Thank you. Now I won’t have to think about water chestnut cakes tonight—I can fill my mind with thoughts of you instead.”
Yuan Hezhi coughed awkwardly, ignoring his grandmother’s amused gaze, and advised his young wife in a husky voice, “Such words should only be said in private.”
Jiang Li replied, “Alright.”
After the two had lunch at Old Madam’s place, Yuan Si informed them that the young madam’s luggage had all been delivered.
Jiang Li felt she would be busy that afternoon.
Yuan Hezhi asked, “Do you need my help?”
Jiang Li shook her head. “These are all my things, and you wouldn’t know their uses. Go focus on your work.”
Yuan Hezhi left Uncle Wang to assist her.
Uncle Wang had already cleared out two rooms near the master bedroom for the young madam’s belongings.
Uncle Wang asked, “Are two rooms enough?”
Jiang Li replied, “I only brought the essentials. Some of my things are still at the Jiang family home, so one room is enough. Could the other room be used as my bedroom?”
Uncle Wang said, “I can’t make that decision.”
Since the young master hadn’t mentioned living separately, it meant he intended to share a room with the young madam.
Jiang Li had only asked casually. She spent several hours with two servants, filling the two empty rooms.
She didn’t have many clothes, but she had an abundance of small accessories and trinkets. Though not particularly valuable, each item had been carefully chosen.
In the middle of it all, Secretary Zhao from Yuan Hezhi’s office came by and asked if Jiang Li needed help. She mentioned she needed a place to store her calligraphy and paintings.
Secretary Zhao said, “Understood. I’ll report this to Mr. Yuan right away.”
Report?
Jiang Li didn’t think such a small matter needed to be reported to Yuan Hezhi—Uncle Wang could handle it. She looked at Uncle Wang.
Uncle Wang explained, “The young master values you greatly. It seems only he can find a suitable place for this. I’m afraid I can’t be of much help.”
Everyone seemed to respect—no, fear—Yuan Hezhi.
Of course, she was afraid too.
Jiang Li’s mind was too exhausted to think. She opened the box filled with calligraphy and paintings and felt like crying.
The sun set in the west.
A tall man stepped into the fading light, his black Oxford shoes gleaming. His refined and perfect features resembled those of a deity, though his gaze was overly cold.
He knocked on the door and then pushed it open.
Jiang Li was sitting on the carpet, leaning against a wooden box and dozing off. Hearing the sound, she turned drowsily toward Yuan Hezhi.
Her beautiful, fair face was completely unguarded as she gave him a soft, gentle smile. “I’m so hungry. Is it time for dinner?”Yuan Hezhi’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He removed his black gloves, his tall frame completely enveloping Jiang Li. Just as she caught sight of those pale, slender hands, her entire head was cradled by the man, and a sudden kiss landed on her lips.
Yuan Hezhi’s hands were strong, allowing no room for her to evade. His fingertips brushed against her fair, tender cheeks, as if searching for that little dimple.
His kissing technique was not skilled—clumsy, fervent, and filled with a desire for control. By the time Jiang Li finally managed to catch a breath of fresh air, her body had already gone limp on the carpet.
Yuan Hezhi’s eyes remained cool and detached, still carrying that lofty, immortal-like demeanor.
Unwilling to concede, Jiang Li bit down on his Adam’s apple.