Cai Wenqing asked Sister Zhang to bring out all the seafood, but Jiang Cheng said, “Just bring out some. In a few days, Yao Yao will be back, and she likes this too.”
Cai Wenqing, however, replied, “Yao Yao has been abroad all these years. Her tastes have probably changed; she might not even like it anymore. It’s not easy for Yiyan to come back—she loves it, so let’s leave it all for her.”
Speaking as she helped Jiang Cheng over to the sofa, she continued talking about Shu Yao.
“Yao Yao has been away for five years, not coming home even once. If I hadn’t gone on business trips and visited her a few times, I’d probably have forgotten what she even looks like now. This child… stubborn as ever, if she decides not to come back, she won’t, even ignoring her own parents.”
Jiang Cheng didn’t think much of it.
“She went abroad for her studies, so naturally her focus was on her education. And now, after finishing, isn’t she thinking of coming back to work first? Yao Yao really is excellent—mature, hardworking, ambitious. Look around, how many children of our circle even have the chance to pursue a PhD? Yao Yao really brings honor to the Jiang family.”
He was very satisfied with this adopted daughter.
Though not his biological child, her doctorate was fully supported by the Jiang family.
In the social and business circles, having such a daughter only added to his prestige.
Jiang Cheng took pride in it, and Cai Wenqing even more so.
She clearly knew that with her daughter returning from overseas with a PhD and being the Jiang family’s adopted daughter, her future would be secure.
“I video-called her a couple of days ago. From what she said, she doesn’t want to go into business. She wants to find a position at a university in the city,” Cai Wenqing said, picking up an apple from the coffee table and peeling it, “I told her I couldn’t decide something so important myself; I’d have to check with your father and brother.”
As she spoke, she deftly finished peeling the apple, handed it to him, and probed gently, “Acheng, do you think it’s better for Yao Yao to join the company, or to work at a university?”
Jiang Cheng had a son and was now semi-retired, with most company matters fully handled by his son.
Having an outstanding returnee like Yao Yao join the company would be good, but if she had her own plans, he wouldn’t interfere.
“She’s grown up. If she has her own ideas, we should let her decide.”
Cai Wenqing nodded, feeling relieved. “I was worried that after raising her so carefully, if she refused to help in the company, you and Xu would be upset. But… It is a pity. If she helped her brother, it would ease some of Xu’s burden. Lately, Xu has been coming home later and later—he must be having trouble at work. He looks thinner already.”
Jiang Cheng didn’t pity his son at all.
“Some hardships are nothing. Without these trials, he won’t be able to withstand the storms of life.”
Cai Wenqing sighed, “I understand you want to train him, to help him take over company matters sooner. But I’m a woman, I don’t understand business. I’ve watched Xu grow up, and I already treat him like my own child. I worry about him.”
Jiang Cheng smiled, “You’ve done well enough as a stepmother. Don’t pressure yourself.” He reached out, covering her hand with his, “All these years, I recognize you, Xu recognizes you, we’ve long been a family.”
Cai Wenqing hesitated, wanting to speak.
Jiang Cheng understood her thoughts and said directly, “With me here, Yiyan dares nothing, and I won’t let her. What happened five years ago is past; we won’t mention it. But rest assured, I will choose someone better for Yao Yao.”
Cai Wenqing felt her eyes fill with tears. She leaned into Jiang Cheng’s embrace, gratitude in her voice, “Meeting you in this life feels like a blessing I’ve earned over several lifetimes. How fortunate we mother and daughter are to encounter someone like you.”
She was content and satisfied with her current life, deeply grateful to Jiang Cheng and his son.
As long as they protected them, no matter how much Yiyan hated them, she had nothing to fear.
Around half-past ten, Xiao Chen’s car drove into the Jiang family’s villa courtyard.
The gatekeeper had already called to report the arrival, and Cai Wenqing immediately got up to greet them.
The Jiang family villa was outside the city, in an area where many wealthy families lived. The villas were spaced far apart, each with a large garden.
Even after entering the courtyard, it would take a few more minutes to reach the front door.
The surroundings were clearly superior, with fresh air and dense greenery, resembling a private estate.
After getting out, Jiang Yiyan glanced around before focusing on the middle-aged, well-maintained, slender woman smiling warmly at the gate—Cai Wenqing.
In Devoted Love, Cai Wenqing differed from her daughter Shu Yao, being entirely dependent on Jiang Cheng. Without him, she seemed unable to survive.
And Jiang Cheng, with his strong alpha tendencies, was exactly the type to favor someone like her.
Jiang Yiyan walked up politely and called out, “Aunt Cai.”
Cai Wenqing paused briefly, then smiled warmly, ushering Jiang Yiyan inside.
“You’ve grown taller since I last saw you, and Meimei too,” she greeted the older first, then acknowledged the younger.
Wen Meimei stood by her mother’s leg, looking up at the elder without speaking.
She knew this woman; usually, her father would have her call her grandmother, but her mother forbade it.
Today, with her father absent, she obediently followed her mother’s instructions.
Yet Jiang Yiyan said, “Meimei, greet her.”
Curious, Wen Meimei looked at her mother, who smiled and gently said, “Children should be polite. When meeting elders, you must greet them. Call her Grandmother Cai.”
Cai Wenqing’s smile froze for a moment, then returned to normal.
Meimei, thinking the adult world was confusing, scratched her head but followed her mother’s words.
“Grandmother Cai,” she said sweetly.
There could be many grandmothers, anyone older on the street could be called that. But a maternal grandmother is unique—always the child’s real mother.
“Where’s Dad?” she asked, holding her mother’s hand as they entered.
Cai Wenqing maintained her cheerful demeanor.
“Your father’s waiting for you. He heard you were coming back and didn’t go to the office this morning,” she said, calling out, “Acheng, Yiyan is back.”
Since Jiang Yiyan’s mother had passed, father and daughter hadn’t been close.
As a senior family member, Jiang Cheng wouldn’t lower himself to a junior.
The original Yiyan had resentment toward her father and was straightforward, so she wouldn’t have welcomed him warmly.
Occupying Yiyan’s body, Jiang Yiyan was more tactful, handling things more smoothly.
Once inside, Jiang Yiyan greeted her father, “Dad.”
Jiang Cheng responded stiffly but focused his warmth on his granddaughter, Wen Meimei.
The original Yiyan’s strained relationship with her father hadn’t prevented her daughter from bonding with him, so Meimei remained comfortable with her grandfather.
Wen Meimei was lively and got along well with anyone, so even after a long absence, she didn’t feel distant.
Cai Wenqing, aware not to disrupt the family scene, turned to the kitchen to help.
Jiang Yiyan had come mainly for a simple meal, also laying groundwork to improve family relations.
Lunch today was a seafood feast, with many dishes on the table.
Some were familiar to Jiang Yiyan, some she didn’t recognize, let alone taste.
Cai Wenqing said warmly, “These are all fresh, air-shipped from the sea a couple of days ago. Knowing you like them, your father specially had some set aside. Yiyan, try some.”
Her words, though casual, carried subtle meaning.
In wealthy circles, air-shipping seafood was normal, and the Jiang family had done this before.
Seafood is precious and perishable; it’s typically served immediately to family or friends.
The Jiang family had prepared these recently, not calling Yiyan just to eat.
Clearly, they were meant for Shu Yao.
Jiang Yiyan understood, yet didn’t point it out, smiling faintly.
“Remember, Shu Yao likes these too. She’ll be back soon, so let’s leave them for her.”
Jiang Yiyan wasn’t sure if Cai Wenqing’s words were intentional or accidental. If accidental, fine; if deliberate, her mind was too deep.
Regardless, she wasn’t the original Yiyan. She wouldn’t make a scene over food.
So her attitude remained calm.
Even generously, she said, “I married early, but stayed near the city and came home often over the past five years. Shu Yao is different. She’s been abroad five years; it’s rare to have a meal at home. These precious foods should be for her.”
Her daughter’s sudden thoughtfulness pleased Jiang Cheng.
If she had been this gracious earlier, father-daughter conflicts could have been avoided.
Cai Wenqing was deeply moved by Jiang Yiyan’s humility and generosity.
She remained polite, saying, “Yiyan, these were actually specially prepared by your father. If Shu Yao gets some, she’s also sharing in your fortune.”