“I’m afraid your fans might curse Qiao Shu, saying she’s not good enough for you. Nowadays, fans can be so vicious with their words—they can really hurt people, even drive someone to depression.”
Jiang Tu’s hand tightened around the teacup. “I’ve thought about that too, and I’ve prepared for public relations.”
He added sarcastically, “Besides, she’s not unworthy of me. Aren’t the Jiang and Han families well-matched?”
“That’s true,” Grandma Han replied with an awkward smile. “So, when do you plan to have children?”
Jiang Tu’s expression remained calm. “Shu Shu and I are still young. We don’t plan to have children for now.”
Qiao Shu’s heart fluttered. This man actually called her “Shu Shu”—no one had ever used a doubled nickname for her before.
“It’s fine to wait a few years,” Han Xing said as he refilled Jiang Tu’s tea. “How are your parents lately?”
“They’re both doing well,” Jiang Tu replied calmly.
Han Xing laughed heartily. “Our families still haven’t met yet. We should find time to get together for a meal.”
“You’re right,” Jiang Tu agreed.
Jiang Tu thoughtfully poured tea for Qiao Shu and handed it to her, his voice gentle and low. “Be careful, it’s hot.”
Qiao Shu smiled as she took it. “Thank you, husband.”
Jiang Tu stiffened slightly. The girl’s voice was soft, and she only called him “husband” when they were acting.
Qiao Shu took a sip of tea. Their acting skills were getting better and better, reaching a level of perfection.
She thought to herself that she and Jiang Tu had quite the tacit understanding—they were putting on an extremely loving front in front of both families.
While responding to their questions, Jiang Tu played with Qiao Shu’s hand. Her hand was fair and slender, with neatly trimmed and well-maintained nails.
Qiao Shu let him play with her hand and glanced toward Han Lianmeng, who was glaring at her angrily.
Seeing this, Han Lianmeng was so furious her temples throbbed. Liu Lin patted her hand comfortingly.
Han Lianmeng curled her lips into a smile. “I didn’t expect Sister and Brother-in-law to be so loving. If I remember correctly, the day you registered your marriage was the first time you met, right?”
Jiang Tu glanced calmly at the woman across from him. “Yes, it was love at first sight.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
He really dared to say that.
Han Lianmeng was momentarily speechless. “I really envy Sister and Brother-in-law’s love. Why isn’t Sister wearing a ring?”
Jiang Tu gently touched Qiao Shu’s ring finger. “We didn’t wear them to avoid unnecessary trouble.”
Han Lianmeng opened her red lips, about to speak.
“Ahem.” Han Xing cleared his throat, giving Han Lianmeng a meaningful look. She glared back at him unwillingly.
A maid came over to announce that dinner was ready.
Everyone moved to the dining room.
Jiang Tu pulled out a chair for Qiao Shu like a gentleman, then sat down beside her.
Han Xing was in high spirits and poured a glass of baijiu for Jiang Tu. “A Tu, how about a toast between us?”
Jiang Tu’s deep, magnetic voice carried a hint of apology. “I’m afraid that won’t be convenient. I’ll need to drive later.”
“Ah, it’s fine,” Han Xing said with a wave of his hand. “You can stay here for the night.”
Liu Lin chimed in, “Exactly. Qiao Shu can drive. It’s rare for you to visit—have a drink with your father.”
Han Xing looked at Qiao Shu expectantly. “Shu’er, it’s been so long since you stayed at home. I have your room cleaned regularly—it’s very tidy.”
Qiao Shu paused for a moment before replying calmly, “Dad, we have filming tomorrow. It really isn’t convenient.”
“Alright.” Han Xing reluctantly placed the wine back in front of himself. It was rare for his daughter to ask him for something.
A flash of resentment crossed Han Lianmeng’s almond-shaped eyes. Perfect! As long as Qiao Shu was around, Han Xing would always revolve around her. All those comforting words he had said to her before were nothing but empty promises.
Liu Lin forced a bitter smile at the corner of her lips. After all these years, he still favored the daughter born to that woman the most.
Jiang Tu turned his head toward the girl beside him and placed a piece of spare ribs on her plate. “Your favorite.”
“Thank you, hubby,” Qiao Shu replied, picking up a piece of sauerkraut fish for Jiang Tu. “This fish has no bones.”
The corners of Jiang Tu’s lips lifted slightly. “Thank you, wifey.”
Everyone else: “…”
Throughout the entire meal, Han Lianmeng couldn’t find an opportunity to speak with Jiang Tu. All she saw was him taking care of Qiao Shu during the meal, and that wretched Qiao Shu even deliberately provoked her.
Qiao Shu knew she had achieved her goal and was in a rather good mood. This trip was worth it.
The couple continued to serve each other dishes, putting on a loving display in front of the Han Family.
Grandma Han couldn’t bear to watch any longer. The deed was already done—what could she do to fight for Han Lianmeng now?
It was all the old man’s fault for arranging the childhood marriage pact with Qiao Shu. What use was Qiao Shu besides her good looks?
Why did Qiao Shu get to marry Jiang Tu?
Judging by Jiang Tu’s attitude, it seemed unlikely the two would ever divorce. She could only advise her poor granddaughter to give up.
After dinner, the night grew darker.
Jiang Tu held Qiao Shu’s hand. “Grandma, Dad, it’s getting late. Shu Shu and I should head back now.”
“Alright, drive safely.”
Han Xing stood up to see Qiao Shu and the others off, but Liu Lin grabbed his arm and glared at him angrily.
Frowning, Han Xing had no choice but to sit back down.
Han Lianmeng watched this scene unfold, her long nails digging into her palms. Did all her obedience and understanding amount to nothing compared to Qiao Shu’s single visit?
Han Xing’s attention was entirely focused on Qiao Shu.
In Jiang Tu’s car.
Qiao Shu turned to look at the man in the driver’s seat, her eyes curving slightly. “Jiang Tu, thank you for today.”
Jiang Tu’s hand on the steering wheel paused for a moment, his voice deep and magnetic. “It’s what I should do.”
Qiao Shu lowered her gaze. She had thoroughly enjoyed herself today.
Not only had she angered Han Lianmeng, but she had also gotten under Liu Lin’s skin. Jiang Tu had even stood up to Grandma Han.
He had given her all the face she needed.
He had thoughtfully poured her tea and served her dishes. With him by her side, she hadn’t needed to deal with the Han Family at all.
Qiao Shu lowered her gaze, her thoughts swirling.
Grandma Han had favored Liu Lin as her daughter-in-law, but Han Xing had defied her and married Qiao Lanshan.
Qiao Lanshan was her mother, Han Xing’s first love. Later, when Qiao Lanshan became pregnant, Grandma Han schemed with Liu Lin, and Liu Lin ended up in bed with Han Xing.
Han Xing had cheated on Qiao Lanshan during her pregnancy.
Not only did Han Xing cheat during Qiao Lanshan’s pregnancy, but he also continued his affairs during her breastfeeding period.
During the same breastfeeding period, Qiao Shu couldn’t fathom how Liu Lin managed to “serve” Han Xing. Later, the two frequently booked hotel rooms behind Qiao Lanshan’s back, carrying on their secret affair for years.
It wasn’t until five years later that Qiao Lanshan discovered Han Xing had cheated on her during her pregnancy—with Liu Lin, the woman Grandma Han had favored. Liu Lin also gave birth to a daughter, two months younger than Qiao Shu.
That daughter was Han Lianmeng.
Utterly disillusioned, Qiao Lanshan divorced Han Xing. Qiao Shu was granted custody to Han Xing, and not long after, Han Xing married Liu Lin. Han Lianmeng became the Han Family’s second young miss.
Grandma Han often said she wasn’t truly a child of the Han Family—all because she bore the surname Qiao, not Han.
She carried the surname Qiao, and it was all because of Han Xing.
Back then, Han Xing loved Qiao Lanshan deeply, so much so that when she gave birth to her, he didn’t hesitate to let her take Qiao Lanshan’s surname.
Qiao Lanshan, on the other hand, had rebuilt her family, giving birth to a lovely daughter and son.
And what about her?
All these years, she had been alone.
Jiang Tu glanced sideways at the passenger seat. The girl’s eyes were half-closed, lost in thought, her captivating fox-like gaze unfocused, her mind wandering far away.
“Qiao Shu?”
“Huh, what is it?” Qiao Shu snapped back to reality and looked at him.
“Where to?”
“Anywhere is fine.” Qiao Shu composed herself. It was better to return to the Jiang family. If she went back to the hotel, she was afraid of being caught by paparazzi.
If possible, she never wanted to go back to that place again, never wanted to engage in their hypocritical games.