Chарtеr 8: Нis Littlе Wife Is a Flattеrеr
Marriаge custоms in Ноng Коng аre quitе еlаbоrate, with mоre prospеrоus familiеs аdhеring tо striсter trаditiоns.
Аt five in the mоrning, Wаng Ya knоcked on thе doоr to wake Jiаng Li and hеlpеd hеr into the rеd dress that had bееn аltеred the night bеfоrе.
Нer snow-whitе shouldеrs and cоllarbonе were еxposеd, whilе thе red silk with ехcellent drаpе сlung to her slеnder figure, mаking her lооk likе a sрarkling strawbеrry sundaе—swееt and elegant.
Jiang Li sat drowsily in frоnt оf the vanity. In her dаzеd state, she rесalled the scene from her previous life when Ye Yuchen came to propose.
Since Ye Yuchen only had an elderly mother and no relatives to help with the wedding arrangements, Jiang Li noted how the Yuan family handled the betrothal gifts and hastily prepared a PowerPoint presentation to send to Ye Yuchen overnight.
Jiang Deming valued Ye Yuchen highly and hired a professional wedding team for him, so logically, nothing should have gone wrong.
But on the day of the betrothal, Ye Yuchen called to say he had hit a girl with his car. After taking her to the hospital, he went to the Jiang family to propose. By the time he arrived, it was already past noon.
Back then, Jiang Li didn’t think much of it and even asked if the girl was seriously injured and whether he might face legal trouble.
Ye Yuchen didn’t elaborate, only saying he had handled everything. As a self-made man with a ruthless streak, dealing with such an incident was a piece of cake for him, so Jiang Li didn’t press further.
Looking back now, Ye Yuchen’s car accident was a lie—the truth was he was held up by his white moonlight.
Arriving at the bride’s family home after noon to propose was an act of extreme disrespect. Ye Yuchen didn’t even bother to choose another day for the proposal.
His indifference and neglect weren’t deeply hidden; Jiang Li had simply thought too highly of him and overlooked these details.
Fortunately, in this life, she had escaped that misery and wouldn’t have to marry him again.
Wang Ya exclaimed, “What’s with these foundations? None are as fair and delicate as Miss Jiang’s natural skin. Skip the foundation—just do her eye makeup and lipstick.”
A team of top makeup artists surrounded Jiang Li, using cosmetics to highlight her best features. Her eyes looked pure and innocent, while her red lips were sweet and sensual. With just a smile, she could enchant even other women.
Having sat for too long, Jiang Li’s bottom felt a bit numb. She lifted her skirt and walked to the window. “It seems quiet outside.”
Wang Ya laughed heartily. “Miss Jiang is missing Mr. Yuan! Don’t worry, even if they arrive, you can’t go down yet. You have to wait until they’ve all gotten out of the cars and brought the betrothal gifts inside before you can see Mr. Yuan.”
“Look, a Rolls-Royce has stopped at the villa gate! Followed closely by a Cullinan, a Maybach, a Bentley… The betrothal procession is here! The Mr. Yuan Miss Jiang has been longing for has arrived too.”
Jiang Li and Yuan Hezhi had no feelings for each other, but Wang Ya’s teasing made her fair cheeks flush pink. She shot Wang Ya a charming, coquettish glare.
Wang Ya almost let out a sharp squeal—what a radiant bride-to-be! Mr. Yuan was truly fortunate.
The living room was already bustling with noise and laughter.
Someone knocked on the door, calling for Jiang Li to come downstairs and meet the guests.
Wang Ya winked mischievously. “Don’t forget our bet!”
Holding up her skirt and wearing high heels, Jiang Li slowly made her way downstairs.
The tall and handsome Yuan Hezhi was surrounded by layers of people. With his innate leadership aura, he naturally became the center of attention wherever he went.
Yuan Hezhi glanced at the little red velvet cake moving slowly in the stairwell. He knew she was delicate, but he hadn’t expected her to walk so delicately too.
If they went shopping or traveling together in the future, would he have to carry her?Yuan Hezhi let out a light scoff, but his body betrayed his true intentions as he walked to the stairway and extended his hand, clad in a black leather glove, toward her.
A flicker of confusion passed through Jiang Li’s eyes as she took his hand and descended the final step.
What had happened to his hand? Even on such an important day, he insisted on wearing gloves.
Her four fingers were tightly clasped in the man’s grip, leaving only her thumb free to gently trace the back of his hand. She felt the faintly raised veins beneath her touch, with no sign of scars.
The little red velvet cake, wholly absorbed in exploring the unknown, remained completely unaware of the terrifyingly thick possessiveness brewing in the man’s eyes.
Those who witnessed the scene couldn’t help but break into knowing, indulgent smiles.
Yuan Hezhi exuded an innate air of noble dominance—a proud son nurtured by the centuries-old legacy of the Yuan family. Jiang Li, basking in his reflected glory, unexpectedly became the center of attention.
Jiang Song’er’s gaze was so intense that Jiang Li couldn’t help but meet her eyes. Was she regretting the marriage swap?
Suddenly, Jiang Li’s slender, soft fingers tightened around Yuan Hezhi’s hand, and she leaned her head against his firm, broad chest. Even through the black suit, she could clearly hear the powerful, steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
“Brother Hezhi, I want to see the marriage certificate.”
Jiang Li’s voice was clear and sweet, her enunciation soft and gentle. A less disciplined man might have pressed his ear right against her lips to listen, but the accomplished President Yuan would never stoop to such a thing—though he did lower his noble head slightly.
Yuan Hezhi was impotent, so she couldn’t appeal to his physical desires, but she could still tease his ears with her voice~ After all, ears could experience pleasure too~
Jiang Li was determined to master the art of whispering sweet nothings by his pillow. Hah, this lifetime, no one would stop her from living the leisurely life of a wealthy wife!
Betrothal gifts, the three golds, wedding tea, wine, cigarettes, and candies… filled more than half of the living room. The unfolded marriage certificate occupied the center stage, visible to anyone who passed by.
The moment Jiang Li saw the handwriting on the certificate, she froze. “Why is it in Slender Gold style…?”
In her previous life, Yuan Hezhi’s handwritten marriage certificate had been in regular script—square, upright, and exuding a spirited elegance, impossible to achieve without over a decade of practice.
Yuan Hezhi: “I’ve only practiced Slender Gold style. Does it look bad?”
Jiang Li’s clear, bright eyes widened as she replied with utmost sincerity, “How could it? It’s absolutely beautiful! My mentor, Mr. Liu, has a friend who has been writing in Slender Gold style for over forty years. I believe if you keep practicing, by the time you’re sixty, you’ll surpass him. If you sent it to an auction house, it would start at at least six million!”
The marriage certificate given to Jiang Song’er in her past life might not have been handwritten by Yuan Hezhi, but Jiang Li didn’t dwell on that. She didn’t crave Yuan Hezhi’s affection—only his respect.
Yuan Hezhi’s calm, steady eyes showed no ripple of emotion. His little wife was quite the flatterer, skilled at acting cute and sweet, like an addictive piece of candy.
He didn’t care for sweets, but this chattering little red velvet cake before him seemed special, niche, and tailor-made just for him.
Yuan Hezhi: “I won’t stoop to selling calligraphy to support you.”
“Brother Hezhi, I never imagined that in your heart, you’d still want to support me even if we were poor and destitute!”
A soft little dimple appeared on Jiang Li’s cheek as she poured on the sweet talk, lavishing Yuan Hezhi with flattery.
“I can’t even imagine how blissful it must be to be your wife. A man who cherishes his wife is the epitome of gentlemanly grace. Every man in the world should learn from you. If there were an Oscar for Best Husband Role Model, I’d be cheering for you like crazy!””Miss Jiang, that’s enough.” Yuan Hezhi’s words were stubborn, yet his palm was honest as it grasped the girl’s slender waist.
“Ow.”
Jiang Li hadn’t noticed—she had been ‘locked’ by Yuan Hezhi’s side for a long time, with no intention of setting her free. Strangely, she still thought he was restrained and steady…