Half-Shaded Green Mountain was a highly exclusive private club with a membership system. Anyone who could get in was sure to be prominent and powerful…
Jiang Jin, Ke Shaoyu, Pei Yanchuan, and Zhou Yan had been “brothers” since childhood. Their families’ ties went back to their fathers’ generation: they supported one another in business, and the four of them had grown up together, running around naked as little boys.
Their bond was deep, like aged wine—long-lasting and heady…
In the private room, Ke Shaoyu sipped Hennessy, his left arm around An Nuo, a top-tier model currently at the height of her fame. He looked entirely at ease.
Jiang Jin sat opposite him, leaning back against the sofa and smoking a cigar. His suit jacket hung open, lending him a languid, aristocratic air.
Ke Shaoyu narrowed his eyes at him.
“Old Jiang, I’ve been wondering: with a face like yours, how many women must throw themselves at you? You’re thirty, and you still don’t have a single woman by your side. I’m worried about Auntie on your behalf.”
Jiang Jin gave him a faint smile. “The emperor isn’t worried, but the eunuch is.”
As soon as he said it, he leaned aside to dodge a cushion flying at him. Ke Shaoyu flashed a mischievous grin and came over to sit on the sofa beside him, his eyes full of insinuation.
“We’re brothers, aren’t we? Want to find out whether I’m a eunuch or not? Hmm?”
Jiang Jin chuckled. He casually took the cigar from his mouth. Wisps of white smoke curled hazily around his cool, sharply defined features. Turning his face toward Ke Shaoyu, he said softly, “Get lost.”
“Hahaha… You really picked the wrong person to provoke. You’ve gone and provoked Jiang Jin, of all people. Haven’t you heard? The quietest person in a crowd is often the most ruthless.” Pei Yanchuan and Zhou Yan chimed in, shaking their heads with amused smiles.
“Fine! With that icy face of yours, my son will probably be in kindergarten before you even find a girlfriend.” Ke Shaoyu wasn’t offended. He sauntered back to his seat and pulled An Nuo into his arms.
“Old Jiang, there’s a plot of land in the East District up for tender lately. Have you heard about it?” Pei Yanchuan took a sip of his drink.
“I’ve been busy at the hospital lately and hardly go to the office. What, are you interested?” Jiang Jin held his cigar between his long fingers, its tip glowing red.
Pei Yanchuan stood and leaned over, pouring Hennessy from a bottle into the glass in front of Jiang Jin. “I am.”
Jiang Jin understood. He picked up his glass and lightly clinked it against the one in Pei Yanchuan’s hand. The crisp sound rang through the private room…
“Mrs. Song, over here!”
Jiang Yun waved toward the entrance. A woman in her fifties walked over, her face full and her bearing elegant. Even at her age, her skin was beautifully cared for.
“Miss Jiang, let’s go in and talk.” Song Zurong gestured for her to proceed, and they entered the private room together.
“You’re so young, Miss Jiang, and you’ve already designed so many wonderful pieces.”
Song Zurong picked up a Yixing teapot and poured the brewed Pu’er into a teacup before handing it over. “I’m honored you were able to meet with me today.”
Her voice was unhurried, and every movement radiated elegance and refinement.
“Mrs. Song, you’re too kind. I’m honored that jewelry I designed can be worn by an accomplished woman like you.” Jiang Yun took a sip of tea, warmth in her eyes.
“You’re very sweet, Miss Jiang.” Women were always pleased to receive compliments from other women, and Song Zurong was no exception.
“I’d like you to design a set of jewelry for me, so I can wear it at my fifty-fifth birthday banquet. There’s no limit on the budget.”
“Of course. If you have any particular styles or preferences, just let me know.” Jiang Yun readily agreed. She admired women like Mrs. Song…
Over a pot of clear tea, in a leisurely, tranquil atmosphere, the two women of different ages shared an unspoken rapport and trust amid the lingering fragrance of tea…
Jiang Yun walked Mrs. Song to the door. Just as she was about to say goodbye—
“Auntie, what are you doing here?” Zhou Yan came toward the entrance with the other three men from the private room.
“I asked Miss Jiang to design some jewelry for me.” Then Song Zurong introduced them. “This is Zhou Yan, my nephew.”
“Hello.” Jiang Yun nodded and smiled politely.
Zhou Yan nodded back. The woman before him had delicate features and wore light makeup. Her smile was sweet and gentle. She was dressed in a pale pink qipao that made her skin look even more luminous and fair. Her smooth hair was pinned up with a hairpin, and pearl earrings adorned her earlobes. Her waist was slender, her figure full above, and the fitted dress traced her curves perfectly…
His heart skipped a beat…
“Zhou Yan, what are you staring at?” Song Zurong patted his shoulder. “Come over to Auntie’s for a meal sometime.”
Zhou Yan came back to himself, unable to keep the corner of his mouth from lifting. “I’ll definitely come by Auntie’s often.”
From the moment they approached, Jiang Yun had spotted Jiang Jin. Seeing that he had no intention of acknowledging her, she thought, So he’s pretending not to know me? I can do that too.
“Miss Jiang, would you mind giving me your contact information? My mother is also very fond of jewelry. I wonder if I might have the good fortune to ask you to design something for her one day?”
As soon as Zhou Yan spoke, Song Zurong understood what he was up to. How could she not help her own nephew?
“My younger sister loves jewelry just as much as I do. I’m sure she’ll love your designs.”
When Song Zurong spoke up, Jiang Yun thought that having another client would be no bad thing. She didn’t refuse. She took a business card from her bag and handed it over.
“Mr. Zhou, here’s my card. If your mother needs anything, she can come to me for a design.”
Her gentle, soft voice rang through Half a Cup of Green Mountain…
Jiang Jin gave a derisive laugh as he looked at the woman before him. Honestly… Yesterday she’d been flirting with him in the car, and today she was pretending not to know him while smiling at another man…
“Are we leaving or not?” Jiang Jin interrupted coldly, his expression dark as he looked at Zhou Yan. He didn’t spare Jiang Yun a single glance.
He was usually so measured, but now his face had darkened, his thin lips pressed into a straight line.
The other three men had no idea what had made him angry. They had rarely seen him look so grim in the thirty years they’d known him; today was a first.
Zhou Yan assumed he had held them up, so he hurriedly offered a polite farewell.
“We have something to take care of, so we’ll be going. Auntie, I’ll come over for a meal another day.” He accepted the business card Jiang Yun had handed him with both hands, then said warmly and courteously, “Miss Jiang, until next time.”