Chapter 17: The Secrets

Zhou Xuanzhi was busy serving a group of chatty university students when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Song Peng, the restaurant owner, beckoning him to come aside.

"Xuanzhi, can you spare a moment?" Song Peng asked.

"Sure, Mr. Song," Zhou Xuanzhi replied, wiping his hands on his apron.

As they walked to a quieter corner of the restaurant, Song Peng continued. "Li Bo told me about your situation. I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties."

Zhou Xuanzhi looked at him in surprise. He had only mentioned his situation to Li Bo in passing, and had never expected the information to reach the owner.

"Thank you, Mr. Song, but it's nothing to worry about," Zhou Xuanzhi said quickly. "I'm managing just fine."

Song Peng nodded, but Zhou Xuanzhi could see the concern in his eyes. "I understand, but as your employer, I need to ensure that you're being compensated fairly for your work. You're doing an excellent job, and I'm impressed with the number of customers that have been coming in since you started working here."

Ever since Zhou Xuanzhi started working at the restaurant, many high school girls had been coming in just to catch a glimpse of him. A few even went so far as to ask him out, but he always politely declined.

Zhou Xuanzhi felt a warm flush of pride at the compliment. "Thank you, Mr. Song. I'm glad to be of help."

"And I'm glad to have you on my team," Song Peng said with a smile. "That's why I've decided to give you a raise."

Zhou Xuanzhi's eyes widened in surprise. "A raise? That's very generous of you, Mr. Song. Thank you so much."

Song Peng had learned about Zhou Xuanzhi's financial situation from Li Bo, one of his friend's younger cousins. While he sympathized with Zhou Xuanzhi's predicament, Song Peng wasn't one to dole out charity. However, seeing the profits of the restaurant steadily rise due to Zhou Xuanzhi's hard work and dedication, he made the decision to give him a well-deserved raise.

Song Peng waved a hand dismissively. "Don't mention it. You deserve it. Besides, with the way the profits have been rising lately with you working like this and you'll be worth your weight in gold to me."

Zhou Xuanzhi couldn't believe his luck. He had been worried sick about his finances, but now, with this raise, he knew he could breathe a little easier.

"I won't let you down, Mr. Song. I promise," he said, feeling a sense of renewed energy.

"I know you won't," Song Peng replied, clapping him on the back. "Now, back to work. We have customers waiting."

Zhou Xuanzhi nodded, feeling grateful and energized. As he went back to the dining area, he couldn't help but feel relaxed because his hard work was being recognized and rewarded.

***

Jiang Yan finally arrived at the Jiang Family residence and walked towards the front door. As she entered, she could see the grandeur and elegance of the place, which had always been a source of pride for her father, Jiang Zhihao. But now, as she looked around, she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of bitterness and resentment towards the man who had abandoned her.

Jiang Yan knew that her father was currently in his office, and even if he was at home, she had no intention of confronting him. In her previous life when she entered the Jiang Family first time, she had rehearsed the conversation in her head countless times, but everything was pointless. Jiang Zhihao had always been a selfish man, and he never took the responsibility for his actions. Even though he was the one who had an illegitimate relationship with the maid, he had never been willing to take on the responsibility of raising his daughter. And when they lost her at the age of three, her father hardly gave any effort to find her.

It was old master Jiang who had given his all to find, and get her back into the family. In the past one year, since Old Master Jiang had brought Jiang Yan back to the family, her father had avoided coming home. The most he had done for her was to send her money every month. But that wasn't enough. Jiang Yan had suffered greatly in her previous life, and her father had been a major part of that suffering. He had never stood up for her, and her stepmother, Madam Tian, had successfully chased her out of the house.

With no other option, Jiang Yan had been forced to leave the country and live abroad for five long years. She had worked hard to rebuild her life, but the pain and trauma of her past never left her. As she stood in the grand foyer of the Jiang Family residence, Jiang Yan's heart hardened, and all she could think about were the memories of the past.

She remembered the nights when she cried herself to sleep, the days when she had to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Jiang Yan knew that she couldn't change the past, but she refused to let her father's actions define her future. She had been given a second chance. Fortunately, after getting reborn, Jiang Yan has successfully ruined the kidnapping. For the time being Madam Tian will not be able to send her off abroad with the excuse of protecting the reputation of the Jiang family.

However she will have to stay alert. By changing her fate, she had changed her future, so it was uncertain how Madam Tian will bully her. Though, this time she was prepared. After all the was a ruthless business woman in her previous life, she can easily handle Madam Tian.

Madam Tian marched into the hall, where Jiang Yan was waiting with her luggage. She glared at her stepdaughter and barked, "You've stayed so long in the village. Did you forget thr route of this house?"

Jiang Yan remained silent and kept her gaze fixed on the ground, unwilling to engage in an argument with Madam Tian.

"What are you doing, standing there like a watchman? Can't you speak? You have no respect for me, your elder and your stepmother," Madam Tian continued, her voice rising with each word. "You should be ashamed of yourself."

Jiang Yan took a deep breath and turned to walk away with her luggage, determined not to let Madam Tian's taunts get to her. As she reached the staircase, Madam Tian's voice followed her, "Don't you dare walk away from me, Jiang Yan, you brat!"

Ignoring the angry woman's words, Jiang Yan continued up the stairs and headed towards her room. She had memorized the layout of the house even though it had been nearly ten years since she had lived there. Counting from her previous life, the total time she had spent in this residence was less then a year.

As Madam Tian kept on scolding, Jiang Yan slammed the door of her room shut in response. The sound echoed through the house, further infuriating Madam Tian. She declared that she wouldn't serve Jiang Yan any food as a punishment for disrespecting her.

"Chu Ran, don't serve any food to Jiang Yan today," ordered Madam Tian, "Let's see how long she will stay this haughty."

As Madam Tian declared her punishment, the cook, Chu Ran couldn't help but feel bad for Jiang Yan. She had seen the way Madam Tian treated her since her arrival, and it was clear that she wasn't going to make things easy for her.

Chu Ran's voice trembled slightly as she addressed Madam Tian. "Madam Tian, please reconsider. Young Miss Jiang has just arrived and she must be tired and hungry from her journey. It's not fair to deny her food."

Madam Tian's eyes narrowed in anger. "Young Miss Jiang? Who are you referring to as Young Miss Jiang? And did I give you permission to speak back to me? Do as I say or you can forget about your job."

"I apologize, Madam Tian," Chu Ran quickly interjected, knowing it was futile to argue further.

"Now, return to your work and don't ruin my mood any further," Madam Tian ordered before stomping off to her room.

As Chu Ran watched her leave, she couldn't help but worry about Jiang Yan's future in the Jiang household. It was clear that Madam Tian was going to make things difficult for her, and Chu Ran wasn't sure how much she could do to help.

Jiang Yan could clearly hear the entire conversation from her room. She sat on her bed, feeling angry and frustrated. She had returned to this house only because she had no other choice. She knew she had to endure Madam Tian's tantrums for the upcoming days. She has to make it through her time here before she could finally leave and begin her studies at the university.

Despite Madam Tian's annoying behaviour, Jiang Yan had no desire for revenge. She had bigger priorities to focus on, and Madam Tian was merely a small obstacle that she could handle without difficulty. At present, her top priority was to quickly strengthen her power. She couldn't risk being attacked again by her hidden enemies. Furthermore, there was this mysterious person who had tried to protect her before her untimely demise. Jiang Yan realized that she knew very little about her current situation, and things may not be as they appeared. She needed to rebuild her strength to unravel the secrets surrounding her.

***