Chapter 34: Jiang Yixuan is back

Jiang Yan was sitting at her desk, poring over files when Ling Meili walked in with a stack of documents. "Jiang Yan, I have the latest updates on the Uncle Wu's project," Ling Meili said, placing the papers on the desk.

Jiang Yan looked up from her work and nodded, "Okay, tell me how's it going?"

Ling Meili replied, "The consignment arrived last night and Mr. Wu Changwei has already started working on it. We should expect the first set of samples in a week or two."

Jiang Yan smiled, "That's great news. Thank you, Ling Meili."

Just then, Jiang Yan's phone rang, and she picked it up to take the call. After a brief conversation, she hung up and turned to Ling Meili. "I could really use a coffee right now, Ling Meili. Do you mind getting me one?"

Ling Meili looked at Jiang Yan with concern, "You've been drinking too much coffee lately. It's not good for your health" She put the glass on Jiang Yan's desk, "Why don't you try this bubble tea instead?"

Jiang Yan sighed and looked at the bubble tea in front of her but smiled appreciatively, "Okay, you win. I'll try the bubble tea. Thanks for looking out for me, Ling Meili."

Ling Meili nodded, "It's my job to make sure you're taking care of yourself, Miss Jiang. You're the boss, but I'm responsible for your well-being as well."

Jiang Yan nodded thanking her.

"Miss Jiang, any news on your university applications?" she asked.

Jiang Yan looked up from her screen and sighed, "I'm supposed to hear back within the next two days. Fingers crossed."

Ling Meili leaned in closer and asked, "So, which university are you hoping for?"

Jiang Yan smiled, "I applied to Imperial University."

Ling Meili's eyes widened in surprise, "Wow, that's impressive. But, of course, you're a genius so getting into a top university like that is nothing for you. Congrats in advance!"

Jiang Yan grinned, but she still felt a bit uneasy. She remembered clearly that the previous year she had received an offer letter from Imperial University via email, but she had to leave the country due to the kidnapping. However, this time she was determined to join the university of her dreams.

***

Jiang Yixuan and her assistant, Qin Rui, stepped out of the airport, looking around for Madam Tian. Suddenly, she spotted her mother waiting outside and broke into a run towards her, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Mom!" she cried, throwing her arms around Madam Tian.

Madam Tian hugged her daughter tightly, tears forming in her eyes. "Oh, my baby girl! I've missed you so much," she said, her voice choked with emotion.

Jiang Yixuan laughed and said, "I missed you too, Mom. Why do you always have to make me cry?"

Madam Tian wiped her tears and took a good look at her daughter. "You've become so thin. Why did you lose so much weight?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Jiang Yixuan chuckled, "Mom, I had to lose weight for the movie. It's all part of the job."

Madam Tian's expression turned pained. "You don't have to do so much hard work, my dear. You can always join the company and stay home doing nothing," she suggested.

Jiang Yixuan shook her head, "Being an actress is my dream, Mom. I'm already very happy."

Madam Tian nodded, her expression softening. "Just take care of your health, okay? Don't lose any more weight," she said, giving her daughter a stern look.

Jiang Yixuan laughed, "I promise, Mom."

As they made their way to the car, Jiang Yixuan's phone rang. It was her father, Jiang Zhihao. "Sorry, Yixuan, I couldn't come to pick you up. I have a meeting to attend," he apologized.

Jiang Yixuan smiled gently, "It's okay, Dad. I know you're busy."

Jiang Zhihao laughed, "I've bought some gifts for you. Can't wait for you to see them."

Jiang Yixuan's face lit up with excitement. "Thank you, Dad! I can't wait either."

After ending the call, they got into the car, and Madam Tian talked with Jiang Yixuan all the way home, catching up on everything she had missed during her absence.

***

Jiang Yan sat in her room, as she waited the arrival of the person she had been waiting to meet for so long. She had been waiting to see this person again who was also the reason for her downfall. In her previous life she meet her after coming back from the abroad, at that time Jiang Yixuan had already become a legend. Suddenly, she heard a commotion downstairs, and her heart leaped.

Jiang Yan rushed out of her room and looked down the stairs. There, she saw Jiang Yixuan and her mother, Madam Tian, walking into the Jiang residence, laughing and talking. Aunt Chen, the housekeeper, welcomed them warmly and instructed the servants to take their luggage upstairs.

"Young Miss Jiang, my dear!" Aunt Chen exclaimed, her face beaming with happiness. "How lovely to see you again! Please sit down, and I'll have someone bring you some refreshments."

Jiang Yixuan smiled and sat down on a nearby sofa, while Madam Tian engaged in small talk with Aunt Chen. Jiang Yan watched from afar, feeling a mixture of envy and frustration.

Suddenly, Jiang Yixuan looked up and locked eyes with Jiang Yan. The two women gazed at each other intensely for a few seconds before Jiang Yan turned around and went back to her room. Madam Tian noticed the exchange and frowned.

"Jiang Yixuan, why are you looking at that person?" Madam Tian asked, gesturing towards Jiang Yan's room. "She is not part of the Jiang family, and you should not pay her any attention."

Jiang Yixuan nodded obediently, but her mind was already racing with thoughts. She knew that Jiang Yan was her half-sister, the illegitimate child of her father's affair. But she couldn't help feeling a sense of curiosity and fascination about her.

As they chatted and caught up, Jiang Yixuan's mind was already plotting her next move.

***